GOD IS INDESCRIBABLE

JD Blom who visited my EVANGELISM TODAY blog posted this excellent video. You also want to visit his blog A DEVOTED LIFE

ALL IS WELL

As we celebrate Christmas 2012, may you experience the peace, the wholeness that Jesus Christ brings. – STEVE

A GUTSY MOVE

I have been a baseball player, a manager, a third base coach and, yes, an UMPIRE.  I have never been an organist – in church or otherwise, but THIS organist has a lot of guts.

THIS IS THE SOURCE OF A LIFE THAT MATTERS

THE FUN THEORY

Maurilio Amorim writes a blog that I really like. Today he posted a great one. – STEVE

 The Fun Theory

Intuitively we know that the more fun we inject in activities, the more likely people are to respond positively to them. When my boys were small I used to play let’s-see-how-fast-we-can-put-up-the toys game. They would clean the room in a matter of minutes as opposed to the whining and gnashing of their teeth that would be manifest during other chores.

This video is another reminder that people will choose even a more difficult path if we make it fun.

FEETWASHING

I come from the stream of Christianity that continues to practice the service of Feetwashing. This video explains in part why I believe it is a good expression of what Christianity is all about.

QUARTERBACK HUMBLED, GOD GLORIFIED

 Collin Hansen writes for THE GOSPEL COALITION Blog. He shares this post regarding Colt McCoy, the much-maligned quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Thought this was worth sharing. – STEVE

The Story: Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy recently talked with Austin Stone Community Church pastor of preaching and vision Matt Carter about the most disappointing game of his football career. His University of Texas Longhorns lost the 2009 BCS National Championship Game to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide after McCoy suffered a game-ending injury in the first half at the Rose Bowl.

The Background: During his senior year at Texas, McCoy finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting. McCoy led Texas to a quick start against Alabama and believed a solid game plan would lead the Longhorns to victory. But a crushing hit from Alabama defender Marcell Dareus, later taken in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, knocked McCoy out of the game. Dareus later returned an interception by McCoy’s replacement for a touchdown and was named defensive Most Valuable Player in the game. McCoy, visibly distraught by the injury that prevented him from fulfilling a lifelong dream, nevertheless gave all glory to God in post-game interviews.

“I always give God the glory,” McCoy said. “I never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life. And I know that if nothing else I am standing on the Rock.”

Why It Matters: We exalt our athletic heroes when they’re winning and giving thanks to God. Linsanity and Tebowmania fill us with pride as we pray for God to protect the integrity of their witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. But sports humble even the most accomplished athletes, let alone the suddenly successful. Lin’s New York Knicks have lost five straight. Tebow’s general manager is recruiting a future Hall of Fame quarterback to take his starting job. McCoy’s employer recently tried to trade up and draft his replacement. Injuries and age catch up with everyone. So what does Christian witness look like amid inevitable failure? McCoy’s testimony to God’s goodness even when your hopes have been dashed sends a powerfully counterintuitive message to a culture obsessed with building up and then tearing down celebrities. McCoy has wisely learned from the Lord’s message to the apostle Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Collin Hansen serves as editorial director for The Gospel Coalition. He is the co-author of A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories That Stretch and Stir. You can follow him on Twitter.

MONDAY MORNING REFLECTIONS – THANK YOU, JOSH, FOR YOUR HONESTY

Josh Hamilton is a Christian athlete that many of us have come to admire. A whole lot has been of his relapse as an alcoholic. I, for one, appreciate his candor in the aftermath. Instead of covering it up or running away, he humbly admitted it. I understand he did this without prompting and later kept a speaking engagement commitment at a church where he shared even more. Listen to part of his public statement. Thank you, Josh, for your honesty. I hope this humble honesty itself is a witness to many of us in our lives – Christian or not.

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

These kids have amazing will power.  Delayed gratification is not inherent in our fallen nature.  In fact, quite the reverse.  Perhaps every person should be submitted to this test before they receive their first credit card.  Might not be too bad a test before we elect our next Congressman.

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IF JOSEPH AND MARY HAD BEEN ON FACEBOOK

Buying a copy of this video for my church from Igniter Media.  Just a week until we celebrate this birth.