The Christian will be sure to make enemies. It will be one of his objects to make none; but if to do the right, and to believe the I true, should cause him to lose every earthly friend, he will count it but a small loss, since his great Friend in Heaven will be yet more friendly, and reveal Himself to him more graciously than ever. O ye who have taken up His cross, know ye not what your Master said? "I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother; and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household." Christ is the great Peacemaker; but before peace, He brings war.
Where the Light cometh, the darkness must retire. Where Truth is, the lie must flee; or, if it abideth, there must be a stern conflict, for the Truth cannot and will not lower its standard, and the lie must be trodden under foot. If you follow Christ, you shall have all the dogs of the world yelping at your heels. If you would live so as to stand the test of the last tribunal, depend upon it the world will not speak well of you. He who has the friendship of the world is an enemy to God; but if you are true and faithful to the Most High, men will resent your unflinching fidelity, since it is a testimony against their iniquities. Fearless of all consequences, you must do the right.
You will need the courage of a lion unhesitatingly to pursue a course which shall turn your best friend into your fiercest foe; but for the love of Jesus you must thus be courageous. For the Truth’s sake to hazard reputation and affection, is such a deed that to do it constantly you will need a degree of moral principle which only the Spirit of God can work in you; yet turn not your back like a coward, but play the man. Follow right manfully in your Master’s steps, for He has traversed this rough way before you. Better a brief warfare and eternal rest, than false peace and everlasting torment.
–Charles Spurgeon
Vision Baptist Church
Vision News
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Ronald Reagan Christmas address (12/23/81)
Merry Christmas from President Ronald Reagan
Merry Christmas from Vision Baptist Church and Vision News
Merry Christmas from Vision Baptist Church and Vision News
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Word made Flesh
It is a wonderful instance of divine grace that the Word should be made flesh and dwell among us, and reveal his glory to us. Apart from anything that springs out of the incarnation of Christ, that incarnation itself is a wondrous act of grace. There must be hope for men now that man is next akin to God through Jesus Christ. The angels were not mistaken when I they not only sang, "Glory to God in the highest," but also, "on earth peace, goodwill towards men," because in Bethlehem the Son of God was born of a virgin. God in our nature must mean God with gracious thoughts towards us. If the Lord had meant to destroy the race, he never would have espoused it and taken it into union with himself. There is fullness of grace in the fact of the Word made flesh tabernacling among us.
Charles Spurgeon
Vision Baptist Church
Vision News
Charles Spurgeon
Vision Baptist Church
Vision News
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Can A Child Be Born Again?
by Charles Hadden Spurgeon
It is interesting to take glimpses into the past to see what opinions and attitudes prevailed at certain times in history. In Spurgeon's day (1834-1892), it was a common opinion that children could not or should not be born again for various reasons. He addresses some of those attitudes in the following statements. Spurgeon had much to say on ministry to children. He himself had a dramatic conversion at the age of seventeen. These quotes come from a book entitled "Come Ye Children" by Pilgrim Publications, Pasadena, TX 77501. It is 160 pages of sermon excerpts all on training children in the truths of the gospel.
Can A Child Be Born Again?
"Talk not of a child's incapacity for repentance! I have known a child weep herself to sleep by the month together under a crushing sense of sin. If you would know a deep, and bitter, and awful fear of the wrath of God, let me tell you what I felt as a boy. If you would know joy in the Lord, many a child has been as full of it as his little heart could hold. If you want to know what faith in Jesus is, you must not look to those who have been bemuddled by the heretical jargon of the times, but to the dear children who have taken Jesus at His word, and believed in Him, and loved Him, and therefore know and are sure they are saved. Capacity for believing lies more in the child than in the man."
How Old Must a Child Be to Be Saved?
"I will not say at what age children are first capable of receiving the knowledge of Christ, but it is much earlier than some fancy; and we have seen and known children who have given abundant evidence that they have received Christ and have believed in Him at a very early age."
"Ay", say they," but if we should let the children come to Christ, and if He should bless them, they will soon forget it. No matter how loving His look and how spiritual His words, they will go back to their play, and their weak memories will preserve no trace of it at all." This objection we meet in the same manner as the others. Do not men forget? What a forgetful generation do most preachers address! ... Forgetfulness! Charge not children with it lest the accusation be proven against yourselves...The young children who heard our Lord's blessing would not forget it."
Unreal Expectations of Child Converts
"The seniors shook their heads at the idea of receiving children into the church. Some even ventured to speak of converts as "only a lot of boys and girls" : as if they were the worse for that. Many if they hear of a child-convert are very dubious, unless he dies very soon, and then they believe all about him. If a child lives they sharpen their axes to have a cut at him by way of examination. He must know all the doctrines, certainly, and he must be supernaturally grave. It is not every grown-up person who knows the higher doctrines of the Word, but if the young person should not know them he is set aside.
"Some people expect almost infinite wisdom in a child before they can believe him to be them subject of Divine grace. This is monstrous. Then, again, if a believing child should act like a child, some of the fathers of the last generation judged that he could not be converted, as if conversion to Christ added twenty years to our age. Of course, the young convert must not play anymore, nor talk in his own childish fashion, or the seniors would be shocked; for it was a sort of understood thing that as soon as ever a child was converted he was to turn into an old man. I never could see anything in Scripture to support this theory...At any rate, learn from the Master's words that you are not to try and make the child like yourself, but you are to be transformed till you yourself are like the child."
Let The Children Come
"Children need to learn the doctrine of the cross that they may find immediate salvation. I thank God that in our Sabbath-school we believe in the salvation of children as children. How very many has it been my joy to see of boys and girls who have come forward to confess their faith in Christ! And I again wish to say that the best converts, the clearest converts, the most intelligent converts we have ever had have been the young ones; and, instead of there being any deficiency in their knowledge of the Word of God, and the doctrines of grace, we have usually found them to have a very delightful acquaintance with the great cardinal truths of Christ. Many of these dear children have been able to speak of the things of God with great pleasure of heart and force of understanding. Go on, dear teachers, and believe that God will save your children."
Vision Baptist Church
Vision News
It is interesting to take glimpses into the past to see what opinions and attitudes prevailed at certain times in history. In Spurgeon's day (1834-1892), it was a common opinion that children could not or should not be born again for various reasons. He addresses some of those attitudes in the following statements. Spurgeon had much to say on ministry to children. He himself had a dramatic conversion at the age of seventeen. These quotes come from a book entitled "Come Ye Children" by Pilgrim Publications, Pasadena, TX 77501. It is 160 pages of sermon excerpts all on training children in the truths of the gospel.
Can A Child Be Born Again?
"Talk not of a child's incapacity for repentance! I have known a child weep herself to sleep by the month together under a crushing sense of sin. If you would know a deep, and bitter, and awful fear of the wrath of God, let me tell you what I felt as a boy. If you would know joy in the Lord, many a child has been as full of it as his little heart could hold. If you want to know what faith in Jesus is, you must not look to those who have been bemuddled by the heretical jargon of the times, but to the dear children who have taken Jesus at His word, and believed in Him, and loved Him, and therefore know and are sure they are saved. Capacity for believing lies more in the child than in the man."
How Old Must a Child Be to Be Saved?
"I will not say at what age children are first capable of receiving the knowledge of Christ, but it is much earlier than some fancy; and we have seen and known children who have given abundant evidence that they have received Christ and have believed in Him at a very early age."
"Ay", say they," but if we should let the children come to Christ, and if He should bless them, they will soon forget it. No matter how loving His look and how spiritual His words, they will go back to their play, and their weak memories will preserve no trace of it at all." This objection we meet in the same manner as the others. Do not men forget? What a forgetful generation do most preachers address! ... Forgetfulness! Charge not children with it lest the accusation be proven against yourselves...The young children who heard our Lord's blessing would not forget it."
Unreal Expectations of Child Converts
"The seniors shook their heads at the idea of receiving children into the church. Some even ventured to speak of converts as "only a lot of boys and girls" : as if they were the worse for that. Many if they hear of a child-convert are very dubious, unless he dies very soon, and then they believe all about him. If a child lives they sharpen their axes to have a cut at him by way of examination. He must know all the doctrines, certainly, and he must be supernaturally grave. It is not every grown-up person who knows the higher doctrines of the Word, but if the young person should not know them he is set aside.
"Some people expect almost infinite wisdom in a child before they can believe him to be them subject of Divine grace. This is monstrous. Then, again, if a believing child should act like a child, some of the fathers of the last generation judged that he could not be converted, as if conversion to Christ added twenty years to our age. Of course, the young convert must not play anymore, nor talk in his own childish fashion, or the seniors would be shocked; for it was a sort of understood thing that as soon as ever a child was converted he was to turn into an old man. I never could see anything in Scripture to support this theory...At any rate, learn from the Master's words that you are not to try and make the child like yourself, but you are to be transformed till you yourself are like the child."
Let The Children Come
"Children need to learn the doctrine of the cross that they may find immediate salvation. I thank God that in our Sabbath-school we believe in the salvation of children as children. How very many has it been my joy to see of boys and girls who have come forward to confess their faith in Christ! And I again wish to say that the best converts, the clearest converts, the most intelligent converts we have ever had have been the young ones; and, instead of there being any deficiency in their knowledge of the Word of God, and the doctrines of grace, we have usually found them to have a very delightful acquaintance with the great cardinal truths of Christ. Many of these dear children have been able to speak of the things of God with great pleasure of heart and force of understanding. Go on, dear teachers, and believe that God will save your children."
Vision Baptist Church
Vision News
Monday, December 17, 2007
What to Do After the Storm, Part 2
This is such a good article and I hope that each of you will read it and reread it several times.
by SharperIron at 1:00 am December 17, 2007.
Encouragement for Women Whose Husbands Have Fallen Into Pornography
Editor’s Note: The following article contains sensitive subject matter about sexuality. Some material may be inappropriate for children.
Read Part 1.
by Debi Pryde
How Could He Do Such a Thing?
Perhaps you are wondering, How do men or women get entrapped by something as vile and self-centered as pornography and masturbation or by any kind of sexual immorality, for that matter? How can a husband say he loves his wife and then engage in such raunchy behavior? Women who are faced with questions like these often feel deeply betrayed. As the impact of their husband’s sin presses on them, they usually vacillate between anger, insecurity, and sorrow. Trust is shattered, and fear quickly slides into its place. Because involvement with pornography isn’t usually understood or expected, women often struggle to grapple with the realities of such an enslaving habit. With good reason, it is a sin that causes a wife to feel strangely violated. Something or someone else has used what she believed was exclusively hers alone. To a woman who is reeling in the aftershock of discovering her husband’s vice, it seems senseless and incredibly stupid for him to risk loosing everything that is dear in order to gratify sexual urges that are so base. Yet responding with disgust and bewilderment is the way most of us respond when we hear about someone who is enslaved to some devastating sin. We are surprised because we do not fully comprehend the power of sin or believe every person is vulnerable to being controlled by it.
Women who are discouraged as they try to understand their husband’s slippery slide into moral failure should consider the sins they might be enslaved to—perhaps to sins that don’t have the same consequences or stigma that enslavement to pornography does. Is gossip a problem? Worry? Anger? Is there complete self-control with the things one buys? Is credit card debt a battle? How about time management, time in prayer, and Bible study? Do you have any difficulties there? No matter who we are or how well we have managed to keep ourselves from the clutches of sin, we all still need to be exhorted to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb. 12:1). Sin is incredibly deceptive, powerful, and tailor-made to easily exploit every person’s weakest link. One person’s besetting sin may not be another’s.
It’s easy to see sexual sins as heinous when they don’t tempt us. But what about our own besetting sins? Have we made up our mind to flee from them only to be entrapped when our pet passions got the best of us once again? Have we asked for forgiveness again and again and still failed? If we are not careful, we can become just like the Pharisee who self-righteously told the Lord (who let us know the Pharisee prayed with himself), “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess” (Luke 18:11-12). Whenever we, like the publican, derive our sense of being right with God from what we do or do not do, we become puffed up with pride, critical of others, unmerciful, and unforgiving. We can forget that God’s grace is no more grace if we deserve His forgiveness and righteousness. If we come to God in our own merit, we will find not approval but rejection.
It isn’t uncommon for a woman betrayed by her husband’s immorality to become so prideful and self-righteous that she prays, but God refuses to listen. The Scriptures teach us that “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5). At the same time, her husband, who sinned so grievously against her, might humbly acknowledge his sin and turn in repentance to God. He may discover that the Lord is ready to grant him full forgiveness and restoration of fellowship. What a strange twist—the betrayed wife behaves like the Pharisee while her husband acts like the publican, who ”standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The sinning husband can be forgiven and restored even while his wife, who was sinned against, can be estranged from God. What a sobering reminder that none of us deserves God’s mercy or forgiveness. None of us can be forgiven because we deserve to be. Humility elicits God’s compassion and grace, but pride elicits His opposition completely. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14). The truth is, all of us can be as enslaved to sin as the husband who is enslaved to pornography. And the path to victory for us is the same path of victory for him.
What We Need
In a nutshell, all sins that involve self-indulgence reflect the same spiritual lack of temperance or self-control. Scripture recognizes temperance as a byproduct or fruit of the Spirit, a characteristic of those who “walk in the Spirit.” One who exercises his own will and lives as he pleases is one who “walks after the flesh.” On the other hand, one who is able to restrain the sinful desires of his human nature and obediently chooses to do God’s will is one who “walks after the Spirit.” The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:16-17, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust [sinful desires] of the flesh [human nature]. For the flesh lusteth [wars] against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” If the ability to do right and to resist wrong depends on one thing—walking in the Spirit—then learning what “walking in the Spirit” is should be of utmost importance to every believer. Of all the Christian men (including many pastors) who have been enslaved by sexual sin and of all the Christian women who have been enslaved by bitterness and slander, none can honestly dispute the practical truth of this passage of Scripture. Those who daily walk in the Spirit find all the strength and grace they need to withstand temptation and to do what is right. Those who do not walk in the Spirit do not. The flesh can never be trusted. The Lord Jesus Christ can.
To “walk” refers to how we live and conduct our life. To “walk in the Spirit” is to depend upon and walk with the Lord in the same way God commanded Israel to walk with Him. “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deut. 10:12). The blessings and benefits to those who choose to learn and do God’s commandments are spelled out throughout both the Old and New Testament. “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein” (Hosea 14:9). David understood that the power and ability to walk with God begin first with a decision of the will but also depend on trusting in God’s enabling grace and strength to do so. God alone enables us to walk in His ways. “Teach me [dependence] thy way, O LORD; I will [the will exercised] walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Ps. 86:11).
What both husband and wife need when faced with the aftermath of sexual sin is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, for He alone is the only means through which a husband will conquer his sexual sin or a wife will conquer the temptation to give up or become bitter. This is a time when both need to grasp the fact that one’s spouse never could and never will be able to provide the kind of emotional satisfaction and fulfillment that can come only from a wholehearted relationship with Christ. Even the best marriage relationship can be filled with disillusionment and disappointment if our first love is not our Savior with whom we are united forever.
What a miracle of God’s grace if your husband is experiencing true repentance and is grappling with the realities of his sin. True repentance always brings with it true sorrow for sin. But whether your husband repents or not, you, the betrayed wife, desperately need to learn the practical lessons of walking with God, daily trusting Him, communing with Him, listening to Him, and depending on Him. He alone will never betray you, disappoint you, leave you, or cease loving you. At a time in your life when your hopes and dreams seem to be crumbling all around you, you have the privilege to flee to the Lord and to find in Him everything you need to face the challenges of each new day.
Many saints will testify that some of the sweetest times with the Lord are when we are experiencing the depths of anguish and despair. But God does not leave us in the valley of sorrows. He walks beside us in the valley and sustains us through the darkest night, and then He leads us ever upward to sunny pastures, where we will once again delight in all of God’s loving provision. David testified of this blessing when he said, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Ps. 27:13-14).
Look up, dear sister, and don’t look within. Don’t focus your thoughts on your husband—look up, for that is from where your help and deliverance will come! David learned this same lesson and confidently told us,
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore (Ps. 121:1-8).
Debi Pryde has taught ladies’ Bible classes and spoken at retreats and seminars for the past 30 years. A certified biblical counselor, she is particularly burdened for women and for the problems they face in today’s world. She has published a variety of Bible studies and books, including Secrets of a Happy Heart, Happily Married, and Precept Upon Precept. She and her husband, Tom, are active members at Lighthouse Baptist Church (La Verne, CA). You can read more about Debi, about her ministry, and about her rose garden by visiting her website.
Visit Vision Baptist Church and keep up with what is going on through Vision News!
by SharperIron at 1:00 am December 17, 2007.
Encouragement for Women Whose Husbands Have Fallen Into Pornography
Editor’s Note: The following article contains sensitive subject matter about sexuality. Some material may be inappropriate for children.
Read Part 1.
by Debi Pryde
How Could He Do Such a Thing?
Perhaps you are wondering, How do men or women get entrapped by something as vile and self-centered as pornography and masturbation or by any kind of sexual immorality, for that matter? How can a husband say he loves his wife and then engage in such raunchy behavior? Women who are faced with questions like these often feel deeply betrayed. As the impact of their husband’s sin presses on them, they usually vacillate between anger, insecurity, and sorrow. Trust is shattered, and fear quickly slides into its place. Because involvement with pornography isn’t usually understood or expected, women often struggle to grapple with the realities of such an enslaving habit. With good reason, it is a sin that causes a wife to feel strangely violated. Something or someone else has used what she believed was exclusively hers alone. To a woman who is reeling in the aftershock of discovering her husband’s vice, it seems senseless and incredibly stupid for him to risk loosing everything that is dear in order to gratify sexual urges that are so base. Yet responding with disgust and bewilderment is the way most of us respond when we hear about someone who is enslaved to some devastating sin. We are surprised because we do not fully comprehend the power of sin or believe every person is vulnerable to being controlled by it.
Women who are discouraged as they try to understand their husband’s slippery slide into moral failure should consider the sins they might be enslaved to—perhaps to sins that don’t have the same consequences or stigma that enslavement to pornography does. Is gossip a problem? Worry? Anger? Is there complete self-control with the things one buys? Is credit card debt a battle? How about time management, time in prayer, and Bible study? Do you have any difficulties there? No matter who we are or how well we have managed to keep ourselves from the clutches of sin, we all still need to be exhorted to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb. 12:1). Sin is incredibly deceptive, powerful, and tailor-made to easily exploit every person’s weakest link. One person’s besetting sin may not be another’s.
It’s easy to see sexual sins as heinous when they don’t tempt us. But what about our own besetting sins? Have we made up our mind to flee from them only to be entrapped when our pet passions got the best of us once again? Have we asked for forgiveness again and again and still failed? If we are not careful, we can become just like the Pharisee who self-righteously told the Lord (who let us know the Pharisee prayed with himself), “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess” (Luke 18:11-12). Whenever we, like the publican, derive our sense of being right with God from what we do or do not do, we become puffed up with pride, critical of others, unmerciful, and unforgiving. We can forget that God’s grace is no more grace if we deserve His forgiveness and righteousness. If we come to God in our own merit, we will find not approval but rejection.
It isn’t uncommon for a woman betrayed by her husband’s immorality to become so prideful and self-righteous that she prays, but God refuses to listen. The Scriptures teach us that “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5). At the same time, her husband, who sinned so grievously against her, might humbly acknowledge his sin and turn in repentance to God. He may discover that the Lord is ready to grant him full forgiveness and restoration of fellowship. What a strange twist—the betrayed wife behaves like the Pharisee while her husband acts like the publican, who ”standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The sinning husband can be forgiven and restored even while his wife, who was sinned against, can be estranged from God. What a sobering reminder that none of us deserves God’s mercy or forgiveness. None of us can be forgiven because we deserve to be. Humility elicits God’s compassion and grace, but pride elicits His opposition completely. “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14). The truth is, all of us can be as enslaved to sin as the husband who is enslaved to pornography. And the path to victory for us is the same path of victory for him.
What We Need
In a nutshell, all sins that involve self-indulgence reflect the same spiritual lack of temperance or self-control. Scripture recognizes temperance as a byproduct or fruit of the Spirit, a characteristic of those who “walk in the Spirit.” One who exercises his own will and lives as he pleases is one who “walks after the flesh.” On the other hand, one who is able to restrain the sinful desires of his human nature and obediently chooses to do God’s will is one who “walks after the Spirit.” The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:16-17, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust [sinful desires] of the flesh [human nature]. For the flesh lusteth [wars] against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” If the ability to do right and to resist wrong depends on one thing—walking in the Spirit—then learning what “walking in the Spirit” is should be of utmost importance to every believer. Of all the Christian men (including many pastors) who have been enslaved by sexual sin and of all the Christian women who have been enslaved by bitterness and slander, none can honestly dispute the practical truth of this passage of Scripture. Those who daily walk in the Spirit find all the strength and grace they need to withstand temptation and to do what is right. Those who do not walk in the Spirit do not. The flesh can never be trusted. The Lord Jesus Christ can.
To “walk” refers to how we live and conduct our life. To “walk in the Spirit” is to depend upon and walk with the Lord in the same way God commanded Israel to walk with Him. “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deut. 10:12). The blessings and benefits to those who choose to learn and do God’s commandments are spelled out throughout both the Old and New Testament. “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein” (Hosea 14:9). David understood that the power and ability to walk with God begin first with a decision of the will but also depend on trusting in God’s enabling grace and strength to do so. God alone enables us to walk in His ways. “Teach me [dependence] thy way, O LORD; I will [the will exercised] walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Ps. 86:11).
What both husband and wife need when faced with the aftermath of sexual sin is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, for He alone is the only means through which a husband will conquer his sexual sin or a wife will conquer the temptation to give up or become bitter. This is a time when both need to grasp the fact that one’s spouse never could and never will be able to provide the kind of emotional satisfaction and fulfillment that can come only from a wholehearted relationship with Christ. Even the best marriage relationship can be filled with disillusionment and disappointment if our first love is not our Savior with whom we are united forever.
What a miracle of God’s grace if your husband is experiencing true repentance and is grappling with the realities of his sin. True repentance always brings with it true sorrow for sin. But whether your husband repents or not, you, the betrayed wife, desperately need to learn the practical lessons of walking with God, daily trusting Him, communing with Him, listening to Him, and depending on Him. He alone will never betray you, disappoint you, leave you, or cease loving you. At a time in your life when your hopes and dreams seem to be crumbling all around you, you have the privilege to flee to the Lord and to find in Him everything you need to face the challenges of each new day.
Many saints will testify that some of the sweetest times with the Lord are when we are experiencing the depths of anguish and despair. But God does not leave us in the valley of sorrows. He walks beside us in the valley and sustains us through the darkest night, and then He leads us ever upward to sunny pastures, where we will once again delight in all of God’s loving provision. David testified of this blessing when he said, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Ps. 27:13-14).
Look up, dear sister, and don’t look within. Don’t focus your thoughts on your husband—look up, for that is from where your help and deliverance will come! David learned this same lesson and confidently told us,
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore (Ps. 121:1-8).
Debi Pryde has taught ladies’ Bible classes and spoken at retreats and seminars for the past 30 years. A certified biblical counselor, she is particularly burdened for women and for the problems they face in today’s world. She has published a variety of Bible studies and books, including Secrets of a Happy Heart, Happily Married, and Precept Upon Precept. She and her husband, Tom, are active members at Lighthouse Baptist Church (La Verne, CA). You can read more about Debi, about her ministry, and about her rose garden by visiting her website.
Visit Vision Baptist Church and keep up with what is going on through Vision News!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
What to Do After the Storm, Part 1
Oh how this article is needed! I hope that each of you will read it and share it. This is a battle of utmost importance in our world today!
by SharperIron at 1:00 am December 14, 2007.
Encouragement for Women Whose Husbands Have Fallen Into Pornography
Editor’s Note: The following article contains sensitive subject matter about sexuality. Some material may be inappropriate for children.
by Debi Pryde
You’ve made it through the initial discovery. You’ve made the decision to stay in your marriage and fight for it. You know life will never be the same again, but life does goes on. The routines of everyday living continue—work, school, grocery shopping, housework, cooking, answering the phone. You are going through the motions, and you are giving your best. But discouragement and sorrow might still be your constant companions. Perhaps you are looking back instead of looking forward, and you are still mourning over what you might still see as total loss.
Remember, discouragement is always rooted in the way we think—the specific thoughts we center our attention on, the “what ifs” and “if onlys” that crowd out any hope or rays of light. Yes, you may know God’s promises, but they will bring no comfort if your heart refuses to be comforted. Your heart may continue to mourn as though sorrow will somehow soothe the deep wounds that are yet so tender and sore. Oh, dear sister, there is no comfort, no joy, no healing, and no hope in the deep abyss of morbid thoughts and fears.
Would you take a moment to read these gentle reminders that can lead you out of the valley and into the light of day? As we have often sung,
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
This truth doesn’t make sense to our human hearts, but the weapon that slays the enemy of discouragement is within our reach and within our power to pick up and use. We have the Holy Spirit Himself dwelling within us, and God wants us to be encouraged, comforted, and strengthened. The Bible assures us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5, KJV). Will you summon inner courage by praying right now and asking God to walk with us a moment and to strengthen you as we face some of those tormenting monsters together and conquer them with God’s sword?
Where in the World Did She Come from?
Many women have described their husband’s bondage to pornography as adultery with a woman they cannot speak to or confront; after all, she lives on the pages of a magazine or a website. She is a phantom who steals the attentions and affections of their husbands and entices them to follow her far away from real life at home in a real world. This perpetually naked woman, who is airbrushed to perfection, feels no concern for the home she destroys, for the hearts she breaks, or for the men she lures into her pernicious trap. She smiles provocatively and demands nothing—or so it seems to the men who are mesmerized by her. Little do they know that they are following this woman like a cow to the slaughterhouse (Prov. 7:22), where death and horror quietly await them.
This seemingly “harmless” fascination with a woman who never speaks or demands is, in reality, fascination with a woman who is leading a steady stream of men into a trap of the darkest and most sinister sort. While they are feasting on her delights, they are unaware that she is silently eroding their defenses and infiltrating every corner of their lives with only one intent—total destruction. A beautiful Trojan horse, she cares nothing for them and has no pity, though she destroys careers, marriages, homes, and—most precious of all—a man’s integrity, character, and relationship with God. Solomon warns about this woman. In Ecclesiastes 7:25, we read, “I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares [traps] and nets, and her hands as bands [prison]: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.”
Men who have been taken by the beauty of this licentious woman called “pornography” have far greater problems than a fascination with lewd photography. They have been hooked by the lure of illicit sexual arousal. Pornography has one goal—arousal and sexual release. Make no mistake about it—the pictures are the bait, not the hook. The hook that snares and entraps is the sexual high. It’s certainly enticing because it seems better than the euphoria of elicit drugs with none of the “side effects.” It’s perfectly legal, comes without exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, costs little, requires no self-sacrifice, and demands no emotional ties or investments of time. Apparently, no one is hurt, no one is physically violated, and no adultery is committed. The illusion is that this sexual high is the most perfect stress release and trouble-free recreation a man could engage in with so little cost and trouble. There’s only one problem—this sexual high completely ignores God.
Men entrapped by the ritualistic habits of masturbation (self-sex) live as though sexual gratification were a sport rather than a sacred gift from God reserved for the intimacies of marriage. Masturbation disregards the one-flesh relationship of marriage characterized by physical union and mutual enjoyment. It exchanges the long-lasting delights of true intimacy and love with one’s spouse for a self-centered shortcut to momentary gratification that incrementally destroys a man’s ability to enjoy sex with his wife and to interact with her. It utterly destroys the mysterious spiritual bond that is established between a man and a woman who have come together in sexual union, and it ultimately grieves the Holy Spirit and alienates a man from his God. In the end, masturbation reduces a sacred act to lurid debauchery and hardens a man’s heart until he no longer hears the cries of his own wife or children—let alone the still-small voice of the Holy Spirit. High on the throne of his heart is his own insatiable lust, which rules his life with an all-encompassing tyrannical control.
Lust does conquer and rule whoever lingers in its grasp. What may have begun with curiosity or an impulsive act during a time of stress quickly envelops and consumes a man until he no longer controls it—lust controls him. And sometimes lust goes beyond the pages of photographic images and morphs into a real woman who is willing to play the part and become a living fantasy. How in the world can this sin happen to a Christian man, and is there any hope for his rescue? Thankfully, God’s love, grace, and power can transform even men who have been corrupted by the utter blindness and deception of sexual vices. There is hope and more than that—hope for a better tomorrow.
“What?” Paul asks incredulously, “know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication [any sexual immorality]. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:16-18). Adultery is much more than physical intercourse between two living, breathing people. To understand why adulterous behavior by a spouse wreaks such internal havoc, one must understand that it is more than a simple physical act. Adultery includes any act that robs a marriage of intimacy that rightfully belongs to one’s marriage partner alone. God designed marriage, which is the intertwining of two people’s lives both physically and emotionally, to produce an exclusive and delightful bond of companionship.
The sexual union is something God created for our enjoyment. Animals procreate to satisfy sexual urges, but people automatically engage their minds when they engage in sexual union. People are designed in such a way that they develop an emotional attachment to the object of their love and physical attachment. Emotional intimacy and physical intimacy cannot be separated—the two complement and feed each other. If someone sets his (or her) love on the delights of a harlot, he will become inextricably attached to the harlot. If one sets his love on the delights of his spouse, he will become attached to his spouse. If one sets his love on himself, he will become attached to his own self and be enveloped in self-gratification. When human beings violate the built-in plan God set in motion, they will always suffer excruciating consequences.
A satisfying marriage relationship in which both partners are emotionally attached to each other can be compared to a glass of water that is completely filled. There’s no room for more water from another source—the glass is full. But when one or both partners begin investing their emotional and physical efforts in a third object of sexual attraction, the full glass of water begins slowly draining into another glass. Eventually, the once-full glass becomes a partially full glass of water and ultimately nothing more than a dry glass with nothing in it. Men and women in such a marriage sense that something is wrong with their marriage relationship. It is no longer satisfying or warm. They often wrongly conclude that they no longer love their spouse, or they believe all hope for the marriage is gone. What they do not recognize is that they themselves have stopped refilling the glass. They have poured themselves into another glass until their marriage glass has become empty. When both partners begin pouring themselves into each other and begin investing their attention and nurture into their own relationship, the “outside glass” becomes empty, and the marriage is once again full and satisfied.
With this illustration fresh in your mind, go back to the beginning of this article and reread the description of a man entrapped in pornography. Then be sure to read Part Two on Monday.
Debi Pryde has taught ladies’ Bible classes and spoken at retreats and seminars for the past 30 years. A certified biblical counselor, she is particularly burdened for women and for the problems they face in today’s world. She has published a variety of Bible studies and books, including Secrets of a Happy Heart, Happily Married, and Precept Upon Precept. She and her husband, Tom, are active members at Lighthouse Baptist Church (La Verne, CA). You can read more about Debi, about her ministry, and about her rose garden by visiting her website.
by SharperIron at 1:00 am December 14, 2007.
Encouragement for Women Whose Husbands Have Fallen Into Pornography
Editor’s Note: The following article contains sensitive subject matter about sexuality. Some material may be inappropriate for children.
by Debi Pryde
You’ve made it through the initial discovery. You’ve made the decision to stay in your marriage and fight for it. You know life will never be the same again, but life does goes on. The routines of everyday living continue—work, school, grocery shopping, housework, cooking, answering the phone. You are going through the motions, and you are giving your best. But discouragement and sorrow might still be your constant companions. Perhaps you are looking back instead of looking forward, and you are still mourning over what you might still see as total loss.
Remember, discouragement is always rooted in the way we think—the specific thoughts we center our attention on, the “what ifs” and “if onlys” that crowd out any hope or rays of light. Yes, you may know God’s promises, but they will bring no comfort if your heart refuses to be comforted. Your heart may continue to mourn as though sorrow will somehow soothe the deep wounds that are yet so tender and sore. Oh, dear sister, there is no comfort, no joy, no healing, and no hope in the deep abyss of morbid thoughts and fears.
Would you take a moment to read these gentle reminders that can lead you out of the valley and into the light of day? As we have often sung,
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
This truth doesn’t make sense to our human hearts, but the weapon that slays the enemy of discouragement is within our reach and within our power to pick up and use. We have the Holy Spirit Himself dwelling within us, and God wants us to be encouraged, comforted, and strengthened. The Bible assures us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5, KJV). Will you summon inner courage by praying right now and asking God to walk with us a moment and to strengthen you as we face some of those tormenting monsters together and conquer them with God’s sword?
Where in the World Did She Come from?
Many women have described their husband’s bondage to pornography as adultery with a woman they cannot speak to or confront; after all, she lives on the pages of a magazine or a website. She is a phantom who steals the attentions and affections of their husbands and entices them to follow her far away from real life at home in a real world. This perpetually naked woman, who is airbrushed to perfection, feels no concern for the home she destroys, for the hearts she breaks, or for the men she lures into her pernicious trap. She smiles provocatively and demands nothing—or so it seems to the men who are mesmerized by her. Little do they know that they are following this woman like a cow to the slaughterhouse (Prov. 7:22), where death and horror quietly await them.
This seemingly “harmless” fascination with a woman who never speaks or demands is, in reality, fascination with a woman who is leading a steady stream of men into a trap of the darkest and most sinister sort. While they are feasting on her delights, they are unaware that she is silently eroding their defenses and infiltrating every corner of their lives with only one intent—total destruction. A beautiful Trojan horse, she cares nothing for them and has no pity, though she destroys careers, marriages, homes, and—most precious of all—a man’s integrity, character, and relationship with God. Solomon warns about this woman. In Ecclesiastes 7:25, we read, “I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares [traps] and nets, and her hands as bands [prison]: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.”
Men who have been taken by the beauty of this licentious woman called “pornography” have far greater problems than a fascination with lewd photography. They have been hooked by the lure of illicit sexual arousal. Pornography has one goal—arousal and sexual release. Make no mistake about it—the pictures are the bait, not the hook. The hook that snares and entraps is the sexual high. It’s certainly enticing because it seems better than the euphoria of elicit drugs with none of the “side effects.” It’s perfectly legal, comes without exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, costs little, requires no self-sacrifice, and demands no emotional ties or investments of time. Apparently, no one is hurt, no one is physically violated, and no adultery is committed. The illusion is that this sexual high is the most perfect stress release and trouble-free recreation a man could engage in with so little cost and trouble. There’s only one problem—this sexual high completely ignores God.
Men entrapped by the ritualistic habits of masturbation (self-sex) live as though sexual gratification were a sport rather than a sacred gift from God reserved for the intimacies of marriage. Masturbation disregards the one-flesh relationship of marriage characterized by physical union and mutual enjoyment. It exchanges the long-lasting delights of true intimacy and love with one’s spouse for a self-centered shortcut to momentary gratification that incrementally destroys a man’s ability to enjoy sex with his wife and to interact with her. It utterly destroys the mysterious spiritual bond that is established between a man and a woman who have come together in sexual union, and it ultimately grieves the Holy Spirit and alienates a man from his God. In the end, masturbation reduces a sacred act to lurid debauchery and hardens a man’s heart until he no longer hears the cries of his own wife or children—let alone the still-small voice of the Holy Spirit. High on the throne of his heart is his own insatiable lust, which rules his life with an all-encompassing tyrannical control.
Lust does conquer and rule whoever lingers in its grasp. What may have begun with curiosity or an impulsive act during a time of stress quickly envelops and consumes a man until he no longer controls it—lust controls him. And sometimes lust goes beyond the pages of photographic images and morphs into a real woman who is willing to play the part and become a living fantasy. How in the world can this sin happen to a Christian man, and is there any hope for his rescue? Thankfully, God’s love, grace, and power can transform even men who have been corrupted by the utter blindness and deception of sexual vices. There is hope and more than that—hope for a better tomorrow.
“What?” Paul asks incredulously, “know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication [any sexual immorality]. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:16-18). Adultery is much more than physical intercourse between two living, breathing people. To understand why adulterous behavior by a spouse wreaks such internal havoc, one must understand that it is more than a simple physical act. Adultery includes any act that robs a marriage of intimacy that rightfully belongs to one’s marriage partner alone. God designed marriage, which is the intertwining of two people’s lives both physically and emotionally, to produce an exclusive and delightful bond of companionship.
The sexual union is something God created for our enjoyment. Animals procreate to satisfy sexual urges, but people automatically engage their minds when they engage in sexual union. People are designed in such a way that they develop an emotional attachment to the object of their love and physical attachment. Emotional intimacy and physical intimacy cannot be separated—the two complement and feed each other. If someone sets his (or her) love on the delights of a harlot, he will become inextricably attached to the harlot. If one sets his love on the delights of his spouse, he will become attached to his spouse. If one sets his love on himself, he will become attached to his own self and be enveloped in self-gratification. When human beings violate the built-in plan God set in motion, they will always suffer excruciating consequences.
A satisfying marriage relationship in which both partners are emotionally attached to each other can be compared to a glass of water that is completely filled. There’s no room for more water from another source—the glass is full. But when one or both partners begin investing their emotional and physical efforts in a third object of sexual attraction, the full glass of water begins slowly draining into another glass. Eventually, the once-full glass becomes a partially full glass of water and ultimately nothing more than a dry glass with nothing in it. Men and women in such a marriage sense that something is wrong with their marriage relationship. It is no longer satisfying or warm. They often wrongly conclude that they no longer love their spouse, or they believe all hope for the marriage is gone. What they do not recognize is that they themselves have stopped refilling the glass. They have poured themselves into another glass until their marriage glass has become empty. When both partners begin pouring themselves into each other and begin investing their attention and nurture into their own relationship, the “outside glass” becomes empty, and the marriage is once again full and satisfied.
With this illustration fresh in your mind, go back to the beginning of this article and reread the description of a man entrapped in pornography. Then be sure to read Part Two on Monday.
Debi Pryde has taught ladies’ Bible classes and spoken at retreats and seminars for the past 30 years. A certified biblical counselor, she is particularly burdened for women and for the problems they face in today’s world. She has published a variety of Bible studies and books, including Secrets of a Happy Heart, Happily Married, and Precept Upon Precept. She and her husband, Tom, are active members at Lighthouse Baptist Church (La Verne, CA). You can read more about Debi, about her ministry, and about her rose garden by visiting her website.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Kids and parents agree: 18- to 25-year-olds aren't adults
The following article is very interesting when you consider that we are in the ministry of training men and women to be leaders for the cause of Christ. What do you think? Are they adults or not? Were you? How does this affect the way we should work with them?
By Marilyn Elias, USA TODAY
Once upon a time, 18- to 25-year-olds were considered adults.
That's a fairy tale now, say most parents of college students, and their kids agree in a new study that confirms "growing up" comes later.
READERS: At what age did you become an adult and how did you know?
Only 16% of mothers and 19% of fathers say their children this age have reached adulthood. And their kids don't dispute it: Just 16% consider themselves grown up in the online survey of 392 college students and their 590 parents.
The study, reported in the December issue of Journal of Family Psychology, involved students on five diverse campuses.
Most kids agreed with parents that one must take responsibility for one's actions and have good emotional control to be considered an adult. But parents were far more likely than students to see not becoming drunk and driving safely as vital to adulthood.
"Possibly, this is leftover adolescent stuff," says family life researcher Larry Nelson of Brigham Young University, the study leader. Many kids are no more responsible about drinking or driving than they were in high school, he says. A lot of binge drinking and experimenting goes on in college.
"They're out of the home, and that's more conducive," he says.
Longer life spans have encouraged a more leisurely pace of growing up, says Maryse Richards, an expert in adolescent psychology at Loyola University in Chicago. "This group is different than adolescents, but not yet adults."
The term "emerging adults" was coined by psychologist Jeffrey Arnett of Clark University about 10 years ago when he began to study this phase.
Arnett says his studies gave young people another answer option besides "adult" or "not adult": "in some ways yes, in some ways no." About two-thirds chose this last option. He found that most young people the same age but not in college also didn't feel grown up.
"We have a new life stage we didn't have a few decades ago," says Arnett, author of Emerging Adulthood: The Winding Road From the Late Teens Through the Twenties.
More education with years off between degrees, later marriages, having fewer children and more couples living together before marriage have delayed "settling down," he says.
"Emerging adults do things, such as travel and trying out different kinds of jobs, that they couldn't have done as adolescents and won't be able to do as adults," Arnett says.
Nelson's study is one of the very few on this age group that has parents' views, he says. In Arnett's research, young people reported that their relationships with their parents were good.
Some young adults, however, flounder and "have conflicts with parents over areas of disagreement," Nelson says. Although parenting books abound, "there is little out there to help parents with their kids at this stage."
By Marilyn Elias, USA TODAY
Once upon a time, 18- to 25-year-olds were considered adults.
That's a fairy tale now, say most parents of college students, and their kids agree in a new study that confirms "growing up" comes later.
READERS: At what age did you become an adult and how did you know?
Only 16% of mothers and 19% of fathers say their children this age have reached adulthood. And their kids don't dispute it: Just 16% consider themselves grown up in the online survey of 392 college students and their 590 parents.
The study, reported in the December issue of Journal of Family Psychology, involved students on five diverse campuses.
Most kids agreed with parents that one must take responsibility for one's actions and have good emotional control to be considered an adult. But parents were far more likely than students to see not becoming drunk and driving safely as vital to adulthood.
"Possibly, this is leftover adolescent stuff," says family life researcher Larry Nelson of Brigham Young University, the study leader. Many kids are no more responsible about drinking or driving than they were in high school, he says. A lot of binge drinking and experimenting goes on in college.
"They're out of the home, and that's more conducive," he says.
Longer life spans have encouraged a more leisurely pace of growing up, says Maryse Richards, an expert in adolescent psychology at Loyola University in Chicago. "This group is different than adolescents, but not yet adults."
The term "emerging adults" was coined by psychologist Jeffrey Arnett of Clark University about 10 years ago when he began to study this phase.
Arnett says his studies gave young people another answer option besides "adult" or "not adult": "in some ways yes, in some ways no." About two-thirds chose this last option. He found that most young people the same age but not in college also didn't feel grown up.
"We have a new life stage we didn't have a few decades ago," says Arnett, author of Emerging Adulthood: The Winding Road From the Late Teens Through the Twenties.
More education with years off between degrees, later marriages, having fewer children and more couples living together before marriage have delayed "settling down," he says.
"Emerging adults do things, such as travel and trying out different kinds of jobs, that they couldn't have done as adolescents and won't be able to do as adults," Arnett says.
Nelson's study is one of the very few on this age group that has parents' views, he says. In Arnett's research, young people reported that their relationships with their parents were good.
Some young adults, however, flounder and "have conflicts with parents over areas of disagreement," Nelson says. Although parenting books abound, "there is little out there to help parents with their kids at this stage."
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
How to Win When You're in Competition with a Gorilla
I thought the following article made some very good points. We are not in competition nor are we meant to be in competition with other churches. We need to be who God made us to be and to do the ministry that God made us to be.
This affects the way we do the ministry. Imitating them and being like them we will never win. We know what our ministry is supposed to be. Let's do the ministry.
I think the key point was the following: At the end of the day, no one is remarkable by being like someone else (unless you're a comedian/impersonator).
How to Win When You're in Competition with a Gorilla (England and the 2012 Olympics)
If you're in a market space where there are one, two or three dominant players and you're not one of them, what should you do? Sadly, too many companies and organizations try to compete head on. They go on strategy retreats and come home with vision statements about being the "premier" or "dominant" or "number one," player in their market space (even though the giant does, let's say $500 million or $5 billion in revenue and they only do around $5 million). It's almost comical when you observe this.
A better approach would be to do what England has chosen to do with the 2012 Olympics, which they'll be hosting. Up front they've decided that their goal for the 2012 Olympics is to finish FOURTH in the gold medal standings. Yes, you read that correctly, the stated goal is to come in fourth--which I think is brilliant.
Why? Because they're not going to outrun the United States, Russia or China. In the 2004 games in Athens, England only won nine gold medals, which placed them in 10th place. If they can double that or more (18-20 gold medals), they should have a real shot at placing fourth--which would be huge. But how can they do that?
Answer: by choosing to go after the more obscure sports. In other words, instead of trying to win lots of medals in the main sports of track and field, swimming and gymnastics (which the big three dominate), they're going after "less competitive" sports like flatwater canoeing, women's sprint kayaking, and team handball. After all, a gold medal is a gold medal (just as a dollar is a dollar or a member is a member).
Moreover, to implement this new strategy, they've created a number of initiatives like "Sporting Giants" where they're recruiting tall men and women in England for sports like rowing and volleyball. Or "Project Swap Shop" where they're getting athletes to switch their sport (like a gymnast becoming a diver). In other words, they haven't just established a goal and a strategy, they're actually executing their strategy (what a novel concept). From my perspective, it's going to be interesting to see if they actually accomplish it.
But for you, what is your market space like? Is their a giant (or two or three) that are so dominant that you'll just never catch them? If so, would it make sense for you and your company or organization to acknowledge it and then compete in a different arena (like Enterprise renting cars outside of airports or Cirque du Soleil creating a circus for adults or Southwest flying to second tier cities point-to-point).
At the end of the day, no one is remarkable by being like someone else (unless you're a comedian/impersonator). Being a "me too!" company or organization (or church) just isn't remarkable. So if you're in a market with a dominate player, don't compete head-to-head. Admit that you won't catch up to them by being like them. Instead, become something different. Compete on a different field of battle. And watch how you can accelerate your growth because now you'll be the innovative and dominant player in a different field.
We want Vision Baptist Church to be different. Our motto is Discover the Difference. There are other churches. They are good churches but God has given us some very unique aspects to our ministry and I want to see God honored through them.
We are a missionary training agency. We are a community of high commitment believers. I hope you will go to Vision News and keep up with what God is doing!
This affects the way we do the ministry. Imitating them and being like them we will never win. We know what our ministry is supposed to be. Let's do the ministry.
I think the key point was the following: At the end of the day, no one is remarkable by being like someone else (unless you're a comedian/impersonator).
How to Win When You're in Competition with a Gorilla (England and the 2012 Olympics)
If you're in a market space where there are one, two or three dominant players and you're not one of them, what should you do? Sadly, too many companies and organizations try to compete head on. They go on strategy retreats and come home with vision statements about being the "premier" or "dominant" or "number one," player in their market space (even though the giant does, let's say $500 million or $5 billion in revenue and they only do around $5 million). It's almost comical when you observe this.
A better approach would be to do what England has chosen to do with the 2012 Olympics, which they'll be hosting. Up front they've decided that their goal for the 2012 Olympics is to finish FOURTH in the gold medal standings. Yes, you read that correctly, the stated goal is to come in fourth--which I think is brilliant.
Why? Because they're not going to outrun the United States, Russia or China. In the 2004 games in Athens, England only won nine gold medals, which placed them in 10th place. If they can double that or more (18-20 gold medals), they should have a real shot at placing fourth--which would be huge. But how can they do that?
Answer: by choosing to go after the more obscure sports. In other words, instead of trying to win lots of medals in the main sports of track and field, swimming and gymnastics (which the big three dominate), they're going after "less competitive" sports like flatwater canoeing, women's sprint kayaking, and team handball. After all, a gold medal is a gold medal (just as a dollar is a dollar or a member is a member).
Moreover, to implement this new strategy, they've created a number of initiatives like "Sporting Giants" where they're recruiting tall men and women in England for sports like rowing and volleyball. Or "Project Swap Shop" where they're getting athletes to switch their sport (like a gymnast becoming a diver). In other words, they haven't just established a goal and a strategy, they're actually executing their strategy (what a novel concept). From my perspective, it's going to be interesting to see if they actually accomplish it.
But for you, what is your market space like? Is their a giant (or two or three) that are so dominant that you'll just never catch them? If so, would it make sense for you and your company or organization to acknowledge it and then compete in a different arena (like Enterprise renting cars outside of airports or Cirque du Soleil creating a circus for adults or Southwest flying to second tier cities point-to-point).
At the end of the day, no one is remarkable by being like someone else (unless you're a comedian/impersonator). Being a "me too!" company or organization (or church) just isn't remarkable. So if you're in a market with a dominate player, don't compete head-to-head. Admit that you won't catch up to them by being like them. Instead, become something different. Compete on a different field of battle. And watch how you can accelerate your growth because now you'll be the innovative and dominant player in a different field.
We want Vision Baptist Church to be different. Our motto is Discover the Difference. There are other churches. They are good churches but God has given us some very unique aspects to our ministry and I want to see God honored through them.
We are a missionary training agency. We are a community of high commitment believers. I hope you will go to Vision News and keep up with what God is doing!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Should Christians have Christmas Trees?
by John MacArthur
Christians and Christmas Trees
As the Christmas Season approaches, questions like this sometimes arise. Like everything in life, it is important to approach these issues with biblical discernment.
In this case, we see nothing wrong with the traditional Christmas tree. However, some have taught that it’s wrong for anyone to have a Christmas tree in their home. But are their reasons valid? We don’t think so. Let’s look at the two most common objections people make against having a Christmas tree.
First, some object on the basis that Christmas trees have pagan origins. It is believed that Boniface, English missionary to Germany in the eighth century, instituted the first Christmas tree. He supposedly replaced sacrifices to the god Odin’s sacred oak with a fir tree adorned in tribute to Christ. But certain other accounts claim that Martin Luther introduced the Christmas tree lighted with candles. Based on that information you could say the Christmas tree has a distinguished Christian pedigree.
However, even if a pagan background were clearly established, that wouldn’t necessarily mean we could not enjoy the use of a Christmas tree. Perhaps the following analogy will help.
During World War II the American military used some remote South Pacific islands for temporary landing strips and supply depots. Prior to that time the indigenous tribal people had never seen modern technology up close. Large cargo planes swooped in filled with an array of material goods, and for the first time the islanders saw cigarette lighters (which they deemed to be miraculous), jeeps, refrigerators, radios, power tools, and many varieties of food.
When the war was over, the islanders concluded that the men who brought cargo were gods, so they began building shrines to the cargo gods. They hoped the cargo gods would return with more goods.
Most people do not even know about this religious superstition. Similarly, few know anything about the worship of trees. When a child pulls a large present out from under the Christmas tree and unwraps a large model cargo plane, no one views that object as an idol. Nor do we view the Christmas tree to be some kind of gift god. We understand the difference between a toy and an idol just as clearly as we understand the difference between an idol and a Christmas tree. We see no valid reason to make any connection between Christmas trees and wooden idols or the worship of trees. Those who insist on making such associations should take note of the warnings in Scripture against judging one another in doubtful things (see Romans 14 & 1 Corinthians 10:23-33).
Christians and Christmas Trees
Another common objection is the claim that Christmas trees are prohibited in Scripture. Jeremiah 10 is commonly used to support this viewpoint. But a closer look at the passage will show that it has nothing to do with Christmas trees and everything to do with idol worship. Verse eight says, “A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine.”
Idol worship was a clear violation of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:3-6 says, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
There is no connection between the worship of idols and the use of Christmas trees. We should not be anxious about baseless arguments against Christmas decorations. Rather, we should be focused on the Christ of Christmas and giving all diligence to remembering the real reason for the season.
Vision Baptist Church invites you to come celebrate Christmas with us this year. We have many things planned for this year and something very special will be taking place during Christmas on the Northside. Stay tuned to Vision News for the latest up to date news on our Christmas plans.
Christians and Christmas Trees
As the Christmas Season approaches, questions like this sometimes arise. Like everything in life, it is important to approach these issues with biblical discernment.
In this case, we see nothing wrong with the traditional Christmas tree. However, some have taught that it’s wrong for anyone to have a Christmas tree in their home. But are their reasons valid? We don’t think so. Let’s look at the two most common objections people make against having a Christmas tree.
First, some object on the basis that Christmas trees have pagan origins. It is believed that Boniface, English missionary to Germany in the eighth century, instituted the first Christmas tree. He supposedly replaced sacrifices to the god Odin’s sacred oak with a fir tree adorned in tribute to Christ. But certain other accounts claim that Martin Luther introduced the Christmas tree lighted with candles. Based on that information you could say the Christmas tree has a distinguished Christian pedigree.
However, even if a pagan background were clearly established, that wouldn’t necessarily mean we could not enjoy the use of a Christmas tree. Perhaps the following analogy will help.
During World War II the American military used some remote South Pacific islands for temporary landing strips and supply depots. Prior to that time the indigenous tribal people had never seen modern technology up close. Large cargo planes swooped in filled with an array of material goods, and for the first time the islanders saw cigarette lighters (which they deemed to be miraculous), jeeps, refrigerators, radios, power tools, and many varieties of food.
When the war was over, the islanders concluded that the men who brought cargo were gods, so they began building shrines to the cargo gods. They hoped the cargo gods would return with more goods.
Most people do not even know about this religious superstition. Similarly, few know anything about the worship of trees. When a child pulls a large present out from under the Christmas tree and unwraps a large model cargo plane, no one views that object as an idol. Nor do we view the Christmas tree to be some kind of gift god. We understand the difference between a toy and an idol just as clearly as we understand the difference between an idol and a Christmas tree. We see no valid reason to make any connection between Christmas trees and wooden idols or the worship of trees. Those who insist on making such associations should take note of the warnings in Scripture against judging one another in doubtful things (see Romans 14 & 1 Corinthians 10:23-33).
Christians and Christmas Trees
Another common objection is the claim that Christmas trees are prohibited in Scripture. Jeremiah 10 is commonly used to support this viewpoint. But a closer look at the passage will show that it has nothing to do with Christmas trees and everything to do with idol worship. Verse eight says, “A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine.”
Idol worship was a clear violation of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:3-6 says, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
There is no connection between the worship of idols and the use of Christmas trees. We should not be anxious about baseless arguments against Christmas decorations. Rather, we should be focused on the Christ of Christmas and giving all diligence to remembering the real reason for the season.
Vision Baptist Church invites you to come celebrate Christmas with us this year. We have many things planned for this year and something very special will be taking place during Christmas on the Northside. Stay tuned to Vision News for the latest up to date news on our Christmas plans.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Believe
Come to Vision Baptist Church to learn more from the word of God about faith and trusting God. Vision News is the way to keep up with what God is doing in our church.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Keys to Spotting a Flawed CEO -- Before It's Too Late
I got the following article from Phil Cooke's blog. I thought that it was really good and though as Phil says it might not deal with the spiritual side of things it does deal with many traps that I could fall into.
By TERRY LEAP - December 1, 2007
It's easy to spot a bad chief executive once the damage is done -- a plunge in company earnings, a failed product line, a corruption scandal. But how do you spot the flaws before it's too late, before that person is given the job of leading the company?
Here are some warning signs that board members and search committees can look for in a prospective CEO's character, and measures they can take to reduce the likelihood of hiring a dysfunctional CEO.
The Warning Signs
• An overt zeal for prestige, power and wealth. A manager's tendency to put his or her own success ahead of the company's often is evident long before that person is ready to assume the CEO post.
• A reputation for shameless self-promotion. Executives who constantly seek publicity, are always looking for a better job or trumpet their successes while quickly distancing themselves from setbacks are sending strong signals that their egotistical ways may eventually cause major problems.
• A proclivity for developing grandiose strategies with little thought toward their implementation. These executives may assume that others at lower levels will magically turn strategy into reality.
• A fondness for rules and numbers that overshadows or ignores a broader vision. This is the flip side of the preceding problem.
• A reputation for implementing major strategic changes unilaterally or for forcing programs down the throats of reluctant managers. CEOs have to be consensus builders.
• An impulsive, flippant decision-making style. CEOs who approach decision-making with clever one-liners rather than with balanced, thoughtful and informed analyses can expect to encounter difficulty.
• A penchant for inconsiderate acts. Individuals who exhibit rude behavior are apt to alienate the wrong person at the wrong time.
• A love of monologues coupled with poor listening skills. Bad listeners rarely profit from the wisdom of their associates.
• A tendency to display contempt for the ideas of others. Hypercritical executives often have few stellar accomplishments of their own.
• A history of emphasizing activity, like hours worked or meetings attended, over accomplishment. Energy without objective rarely leads to improved organizational performance.
• A career marked by numerous misunderstandings. There are two sides to every story, but frequent interpersonal problems shouldn't be overlooked.
• A superb ability to compartmentalize and/or rationalize. Some executives have learned to separate, in their own minds, their bad behavior from their better qualities, so that their misdeeds don't diminish their opinions of themselves. An important internal check is missing. Others are always ready to cite a higher purpose to justify their bad decisions.
Hiring Tips
• Don't assume that past success is a predictor of future success. As CEO, an executive will face a whole new set of personalities and conditions, especially when switching companies.
• Investigate a candidate's integrity and interpersonal skills as part of a thorough background check. Conduct extensive and confidential discussions with former associates.
• In interviews, ask candidates how they have handled setbacks and challenges in the past, as well as personal interactions. Let them know that the search committee will check the veracity of their answers.
• In examining the course of a candidate's promotions, pay close attention to how the candidate reacted when given new responsibilities that significantly increased his or her power.
• Determine how much of an executive's career success has been based on favorable economic and industry conditions and the support of colleagues, and how much has been based on the executive's individual efforts. Pay close attention to how candidates performed when industry conditions were bad, when controversies arose or when difficult decisions had to be made.
• Each finalist for the CEO position should be provided with a detailed job preview. The preview should highlight the differences between the candidate's current position and the CEO position.
• Be clear about ethics. Provide as much information as possible to finalists about how the board expects shareholders, prospective investors, customers, employees, financial institutions, auditors, regulators, political figures and other stakeholders to be treated.
• Offer the new CEO a reasonable, but not extravagant, compensation package. Once the CEO has demonstrated a high level of competency and integrity, the compensation package can be improved.
--Dr. Leap is a professor of management at Clemson University. He can be reached at reports@wsj.com7.
URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119620217240705721.html
Vision News is the online blogging voice of Vision Baptist Church. Vision is a church with a heart to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Vision is located just north of Atlanta off of 400 North at exit 12. Vision is easily and quickly accessible from Roswell, Cumming, Alpharetta, Milton, John's Creek, Duluth, and many other cities on the Northside. We are a Bible preaching church with a heart for you and your family.
By TERRY LEAP - December 1, 2007
It's easy to spot a bad chief executive once the damage is done -- a plunge in company earnings, a failed product line, a corruption scandal. But how do you spot the flaws before it's too late, before that person is given the job of leading the company?
Here are some warning signs that board members and search committees can look for in a prospective CEO's character, and measures they can take to reduce the likelihood of hiring a dysfunctional CEO.
The Warning Signs
• An overt zeal for prestige, power and wealth. A manager's tendency to put his or her own success ahead of the company's often is evident long before that person is ready to assume the CEO post.
• A reputation for shameless self-promotion. Executives who constantly seek publicity, are always looking for a better job or trumpet their successes while quickly distancing themselves from setbacks are sending strong signals that their egotistical ways may eventually cause major problems.
• A proclivity for developing grandiose strategies with little thought toward their implementation. These executives may assume that others at lower levels will magically turn strategy into reality.
• A fondness for rules and numbers that overshadows or ignores a broader vision. This is the flip side of the preceding problem.
• A reputation for implementing major strategic changes unilaterally or for forcing programs down the throats of reluctant managers. CEOs have to be consensus builders.
• An impulsive, flippant decision-making style. CEOs who approach decision-making with clever one-liners rather than with balanced, thoughtful and informed analyses can expect to encounter difficulty.
• A penchant for inconsiderate acts. Individuals who exhibit rude behavior are apt to alienate the wrong person at the wrong time.
• A love of monologues coupled with poor listening skills. Bad listeners rarely profit from the wisdom of their associates.
• A tendency to display contempt for the ideas of others. Hypercritical executives often have few stellar accomplishments of their own.
• A history of emphasizing activity, like hours worked or meetings attended, over accomplishment. Energy without objective rarely leads to improved organizational performance.
• A career marked by numerous misunderstandings. There are two sides to every story, but frequent interpersonal problems shouldn't be overlooked.
• A superb ability to compartmentalize and/or rationalize. Some executives have learned to separate, in their own minds, their bad behavior from their better qualities, so that their misdeeds don't diminish their opinions of themselves. An important internal check is missing. Others are always ready to cite a higher purpose to justify their bad decisions.
Hiring Tips
• Don't assume that past success is a predictor of future success. As CEO, an executive will face a whole new set of personalities and conditions, especially when switching companies.
• Investigate a candidate's integrity and interpersonal skills as part of a thorough background check. Conduct extensive and confidential discussions with former associates.
• In interviews, ask candidates how they have handled setbacks and challenges in the past, as well as personal interactions. Let them know that the search committee will check the veracity of their answers.
• In examining the course of a candidate's promotions, pay close attention to how the candidate reacted when given new responsibilities that significantly increased his or her power.
• Determine how much of an executive's career success has been based on favorable economic and industry conditions and the support of colleagues, and how much has been based on the executive's individual efforts. Pay close attention to how candidates performed when industry conditions were bad, when controversies arose or when difficult decisions had to be made.
• Each finalist for the CEO position should be provided with a detailed job preview. The preview should highlight the differences between the candidate's current position and the CEO position.
• Be clear about ethics. Provide as much information as possible to finalists about how the board expects shareholders, prospective investors, customers, employees, financial institutions, auditors, regulators, political figures and other stakeholders to be treated.
• Offer the new CEO a reasonable, but not extravagant, compensation package. Once the CEO has demonstrated a high level of competency and integrity, the compensation package can be improved.
--Dr. Leap is a professor of management at Clemson University. He can be reached at reports@wsj.com7.
URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119620217240705721.html
Vision News is the online blogging voice of Vision Baptist Church. Vision is a church with a heart to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Vision is located just north of Atlanta off of 400 North at exit 12. Vision is easily and quickly accessible from Roswell, Cumming, Alpharetta, Milton, John's Creek, Duluth, and many other cities on the Northside. We are a Bible preaching church with a heart for you and your family.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Get these messages
I really enjoy expository preaching and the more I visit the mission field and see people who have no idea about truth the more that I am reminded of the need to just teach people the Bible. God's Word has all the answers.
I have listened to the messages from the Expositors Conference in Alabama. I really wanted to go and just couldn't justify the time and money on the budget that I currently live on then I saw that they had posted the messages free for down load./
I really believe that you will enjoy them
Click here to go to the messages. Let me know what you think.
I want those that live in the Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell, John's Creek, Milton, Duluth, Suwanee area to know that there is a church that preaches the Bible verse by verse and believes its every word.
Vision News
Vision Baptist Church
I have listened to the messages from the Expositors Conference in Alabama. I really wanted to go and just couldn't justify the time and money on the budget that I currently live on then I saw that they had posted the messages free for down load./
I really believe that you will enjoy them
Click here to go to the messages. Let me know what you think.
I want those that live in the Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell, John's Creek, Milton, Duluth, Suwanee area to know that there is a church that preaches the Bible verse by verse and believes its every word.
Vision News
Vision Baptist Church
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Spurgeon's fellow workers
"All my church officers are in a very real sense my brethren in Christ. In talking to or about one another, we have no stately modes of address. I am called 'the Governor'--I suppose, because I do not attempt to govern; and the deacons are known among us as 'Brother William,' 'Uncle Tom,' 'Dear Old Joe,' 'Prince Charlie,' 'Son of Ali' and so on. These brethren are some of them esquires who ought also to be M. P.'s but we love them too well to dignify them. One day, I spoke rather sharply to one of them, and I think he deserved the rebuke I gave him, but he said to me, 'Well, that may be so, but I tell you what, sir, I would die for you any day.' 'Oh' I replied, 'bless your heart, I am sorry I was so sharp, but, still, you did deserve it, did you not?' He smiled, and said he thought he die, and there the matter ended." page 70
"On going into the Tabernacle, one day, I gave directions about some minor alterations that I wished to have made, not knowing at the time that I was canceling the orders given by the deacon who had the main care of the building resting upon him. When he arrived, in the evening, he saw what had been done, and at once asked who had interfered with his instructions. The reply was, 'The Governor, sir'. The spirit of unquestioning loyalty at once asserted itself over any temporary annoyance he may have felt, and he said, 'Quite right; there must be only one captain in a ship;' and for a long while, that saying became one of our most familiar watchwords. I have often been amazed at the devotion of our brethren; I have told them many a time that, if they would follow a broomstick as they have followed me, the work must succeed, To which William Olney, as the spokesman for the rest, has answered, 'Yes, dear Pastor; but it is because we have such absolute confidence in your leadership that we are ready to follow you anywhere. You have never misled us yet, and we do not believe you ever will do so." page 71
Vision News
Vision Baptist Church
"On going into the Tabernacle, one day, I gave directions about some minor alterations that I wished to have made, not knowing at the time that I was canceling the orders given by the deacon who had the main care of the building resting upon him. When he arrived, in the evening, he saw what had been done, and at once asked who had interfered with his instructions. The reply was, 'The Governor, sir'. The spirit of unquestioning loyalty at once asserted itself over any temporary annoyance he may have felt, and he said, 'Quite right; there must be only one captain in a ship;' and for a long while, that saying became one of our most familiar watchwords. I have often been amazed at the devotion of our brethren; I have told them many a time that, if they would follow a broomstick as they have followed me, the work must succeed, To which William Olney, as the spokesman for the rest, has answered, 'Yes, dear Pastor; but it is because we have such absolute confidence in your leadership that we are ready to follow you anywhere. You have never misled us yet, and we do not believe you ever will do so." page 71
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Vision Baptist Church
Spurgeon volume 2 page 11
"Spurgeon said. "I never answer any slanders against myself, and very seldom answer any questions about what I mean to do. I am obliged to be a self-contained man, just going on my own way, and letting other people go in their own way. If I am wrong, I will be accountable to my own Master, but to no flesh living; and if I am right, the day will declare it. God knows how sincere are my intentions even when I may have acted unwisely."
Vision News
Vision Baptist Church
Vision News
Vision Baptist Church
The Full Harvest, C H Spurgeon 2
In the Autobiography of Charles Spurgeon there are quotes that just really make me realize that I must work differently than I am currently working. Think on this one for a while:
"As long as there is breath in our bodies, let us serve Christ; as long as we can think, as long as we can speak, as long as we can work, let us serve him, let us even serve him with our last gasp; and, if it be possible, let us try to set some work going that will glorify him when we are dead and gone. Let us scatter some seed that may spring up when we are sleeping beneath the hillock in the cemetery."
"As for myself, I am compelled to say with solemn truthfulness that I am not content with anything I have ever done. I have half wished to live my life over again, but now I regret that my proud heart allowed me so to wish, since the probabilities are that I should do worse the second time. Whatever grace has done for me I acknowledge with deep gratitude; but so far as I have done anything myself I beg pardon for it. I pray God to forgive my prayers, for they have all been full of fault; I beseech him to forgive even this confession, for it is not as humble as it ought to be; I beseech him to wash my tears and purge my devotions and to baptize me into a true burial with my Saviour, that I may be quite forgotten in myself, and only remembered in him.
What thoughts for you and me. We must leave something to glorify God with after our death.
I also am impressed that even Spurgeon could not or was not satisfied with his own service. But we are taught to realize that we would probably mess it up just as bad the second time.
Vision News
Vision Baptist Church
"As long as there is breath in our bodies, let us serve Christ; as long as we can think, as long as we can speak, as long as we can work, let us serve him, let us even serve him with our last gasp; and, if it be possible, let us try to set some work going that will glorify him when we are dead and gone. Let us scatter some seed that may spring up when we are sleeping beneath the hillock in the cemetery."
"As for myself, I am compelled to say with solemn truthfulness that I am not content with anything I have ever done. I have half wished to live my life over again, but now I regret that my proud heart allowed me so to wish, since the probabilities are that I should do worse the second time. Whatever grace has done for me I acknowledge with deep gratitude; but so far as I have done anything myself I beg pardon for it. I pray God to forgive my prayers, for they have all been full of fault; I beseech him to forgive even this confession, for it is not as humble as it ought to be; I beseech him to wash my tears and purge my devotions and to baptize me into a true burial with my Saviour, that I may be quite forgotten in myself, and only remembered in him.
What thoughts for you and me. We must leave something to glorify God with after our death.
I also am impressed that even Spurgeon could not or was not satisfied with his own service. But we are taught to realize that we would probably mess it up just as bad the second time.
Vision News
Vision Baptist Church
Friday, November 16, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Good video from Jason Holt
I really think that this is a good video from Jason Holt. It shows us some of the traditions of Chile as well as calling us to remember our great responsibility of getting the gospel to the world while there is still time.
I also think that Jason is using the video for a really good purpose of getting the message to all of us. You might consider doing something like this.
Vision News
I also think that Jason is using the video for a really good purpose of getting the message to all of us. You might consider doing something like this.
Vision News
Accountability
Everyone wants to be a leader. However, few are prepared to accept the accountability that goes with it. But you can't have one without the other. They are two sides of the same coin.
But what does accountability look like? First and foremost, it means that you accept responsibility for the outcomes expected of you—both good and bad. You don’t blame others. And you don’t blame the external environment. There are always things you could have done—or still can do—to change the outcome.
Until you take responsibility, you are a victim. And being a victim is the exact opposite of being a leader. Victims are passive. They are acted upon. Leaders are active. They take initiative to influence the outcome.
From here! Read the rest of the article.
Vision News
But what does accountability look like? First and foremost, it means that you accept responsibility for the outcomes expected of you—both good and bad. You don’t blame others. And you don’t blame the external environment. There are always things you could have done—or still can do—to change the outcome.
Until you take responsibility, you are a victim. And being a victim is the exact opposite of being a leader. Victims are passive. They are acted upon. Leaders are active. They take initiative to influence the outcome.
From here! Read the rest of the article.
Vision News
quote
“The work we do is a reflection of who we are. If we’re sloppy at it, it’s because we’re sloppy inside. If we’re late at it, it’s because we’re late inside. If we’re bored by it, it’s because we’re bored inside, with ourselves, not with the work. The most menial work can be a piece of art when done by an artist. So the job here is not outside of ourselves, but inside of ourselves. How we do our work becomes a mirror of how we are inside.”
The E-Myth Revisited
Vision News
The E-Myth Revisited
Vision News
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I love the USA
I know that this blog is usually about my readings but I also share videos etc that I come across. To tell the truth I can't help but love things about the flag and patriotism.
Vision News
Vision News
Monday, November 12, 2007
Control or Accountability
I just noticed on Travis Snode's blog that he mentioned an article on Control Freaks. I immediately went to read the article to check myself out. I never fare as well as I want but always need to be thinking about it. I enjoyed the article and invite you to go and read the article.
Notice that this idea of control keeps our churches to about 200 in attendance. I do not want that for my ministry and I know that you do not also. Read and let's learn so that we can continue to grow.
Vision News
Notice that this idea of control keeps our churches to about 200 in attendance. I do not want that for my ministry and I know that you do not also. Read and let's learn so that we can continue to grow.
Vision News
Youth Ministry
Check this out
At last June's Founder's Conference, Roy Hargrave delivered a powerful message that got me thinking about why so many churches lose their young people. (That wasn't the theme of Dr. Hargrave's message, but he brought up the subject in one of the points he made.)
Here's a really brief summary of some of my thoughts on the matter:
The very strategies many churches adopt to try to keep their young people involved in the church are the main reasons they lose so many of them. The dominant philosophies of youth ministry today are spiritually lame or worse—and almost completely counterproductive.
Specifically, it's time we faced the fact that systematically dumbing down the teaching ministry and ramping up the party atmosphere while isolating our young people from the rest of the body is not a very good strategy for increasing the rate of retention among our youth.
Think about it: Youth ministries (not all of them, of course, but the vast majority of squidgy evangelical ones) deliberately shield their young people from the hard truths and strong demands of Jesus. They tailor their worship so worldly youth can feel as comfortable in the church environment as possible. They squander the best opportunities of those formative student years by minimizing spiritual instruction while emphasizing fun and games. They let their teens live with the false notions that believing in Christ is easy, sanctification is optional, and religion is supposed to be fun and always suited to our liking. They fail to equip their high school students for the rigorous defense of the faith they will need in college. They neglect to integrate them as young adults into the adult community of the church.
And then they wonder why so many young people abandon the church about the same time they leave home.
How hard can it really be to understand why the "Youth Specialties" approach to student ministry has been such an enormous failure?
Vision News
At last June's Founder's Conference, Roy Hargrave delivered a powerful message that got me thinking about why so many churches lose their young people. (That wasn't the theme of Dr. Hargrave's message, but he brought up the subject in one of the points he made.)
Here's a really brief summary of some of my thoughts on the matter:
The very strategies many churches adopt to try to keep their young people involved in the church are the main reasons they lose so many of them. The dominant philosophies of youth ministry today are spiritually lame or worse—and almost completely counterproductive.
Specifically, it's time we faced the fact that systematically dumbing down the teaching ministry and ramping up the party atmosphere while isolating our young people from the rest of the body is not a very good strategy for increasing the rate of retention among our youth.
Think about it: Youth ministries (not all of them, of course, but the vast majority of squidgy evangelical ones) deliberately shield their young people from the hard truths and strong demands of Jesus. They tailor their worship so worldly youth can feel as comfortable in the church environment as possible. They squander the best opportunities of those formative student years by minimizing spiritual instruction while emphasizing fun and games. They let their teens live with the false notions that believing in Christ is easy, sanctification is optional, and religion is supposed to be fun and always suited to our liking. They fail to equip their high school students for the rigorous defense of the faith they will need in college. They neglect to integrate them as young adults into the adult community of the church.
And then they wonder why so many young people abandon the church about the same time they leave home.
How hard can it really be to understand why the "Youth Specialties" approach to student ministry has been such an enormous failure?
Vision News
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
Adoniram to his wife
"January 1, 1811. Tuesday Morning
It is with the utmost sincerity, and with my whole heart, that I wish you, my love, a happy new year. May it be a year in which your walk will be close with God; your frame calm and serene; and the road that leads you to the Lamb marked with purer light. May it be a year in which you will have more largely the spirit of Christ, be raised above sublunary things, and be willing to be disposed of in this world just as God shall please. As every moment of the year will bring you nearer the end of your pilgrimage, may it bring you nearer to God, and find you more prepared to hail the messenger of death as a deliverer and a friend. And now, since I have begun to wish, I will go on. May this be the year in which you will change your name; in which you will take a final leave of your relatives and native land; in which you will cross the wide ocean, and dwell on the other side of the world, among a heathen people. What a great change will this year probably effect in our lives! How very different will be our situation and employment! If our lives are preserved and our attempt prospered, we shall next new year's day be in India, and perhaps wish each other a happy new year in the uncouth dialect of Hindostan or Burmah. We shall no more see our kind friends around us, or enjoy the conveniences of civilized life, or go to the house of God with those that keep holy day; but swarthy countenances will everywhere meet our eye, the jargon of an unknown tongue will assail our ears, and we shall witness the assembling of the heathen to celebrate the worship of idol gods. We shall be weary of the world, and wish for wings like a dove, that we may fly away and be at rest. We shall probably experience seasons when we shall be 'exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. We shall see many dreary, disconsolate hours, and feel a sinking of spirits, anguish of mind, of which now we can form little conception. O, we shall wish to lie down and die. And that time may soon come. One of us may be unable to sustain the heat of the climate and the change of habits; and the other may say, with literal truth, over the grave--
'By foreign hands thy dying eyes were closed;
By foreign hands thy decent limbs composed;
By foreign hands thy humble grave adorned;'
but whether we shall be honored and mourned by strangers, God only knows. At least, either of us will be certain of one mourner. In view of such scenes shall we not pray with earnestness 'O for an overcoming faith,' etc.?"
Vision News
It is with the utmost sincerity, and with my whole heart, that I wish you, my love, a happy new year. May it be a year in which your walk will be close with God; your frame calm and serene; and the road that leads you to the Lamb marked with purer light. May it be a year in which you will have more largely the spirit of Christ, be raised above sublunary things, and be willing to be disposed of in this world just as God shall please. As every moment of the year will bring you nearer the end of your pilgrimage, may it bring you nearer to God, and find you more prepared to hail the messenger of death as a deliverer and a friend. And now, since I have begun to wish, I will go on. May this be the year in which you will change your name; in which you will take a final leave of your relatives and native land; in which you will cross the wide ocean, and dwell on the other side of the world, among a heathen people. What a great change will this year probably effect in our lives! How very different will be our situation and employment! If our lives are preserved and our attempt prospered, we shall next new year's day be in India, and perhaps wish each other a happy new year in the uncouth dialect of Hindostan or Burmah. We shall no more see our kind friends around us, or enjoy the conveniences of civilized life, or go to the house of God with those that keep holy day; but swarthy countenances will everywhere meet our eye, the jargon of an unknown tongue will assail our ears, and we shall witness the assembling of the heathen to celebrate the worship of idol gods. We shall be weary of the world, and wish for wings like a dove, that we may fly away and be at rest. We shall probably experience seasons when we shall be 'exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. We shall see many dreary, disconsolate hours, and feel a sinking of spirits, anguish of mind, of which now we can form little conception. O, we shall wish to lie down and die. And that time may soon come. One of us may be unable to sustain the heat of the climate and the change of habits; and the other may say, with literal truth, over the grave--
'By foreign hands thy dying eyes were closed;
By foreign hands thy decent limbs composed;
By foreign hands thy humble grave adorned;'
but whether we shall be honored and mourned by strangers, God only knows. At least, either of us will be certain of one mourner. In view of such scenes shall we not pray with earnestness 'O for an overcoming faith,' etc.?"
Vision News
Mr Judson asks for his wife's hand in marriage
I have now to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world ? whether you can consent to her departure to a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life? whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death? Can you consent to all this, for the sake of Him who left His heavenly home and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness brightened by the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Saviour from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?
Vision News
Vision News
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Death of a podcast
source
Tony Morgan, over at his blog, discussed the end of Yahoo! podcasts a while back. The service shut down, and it begs the question: Is podcast listenership in decline? He lists a few barriers to the success of podcasts:
You can't scan through a podcast to find the good stuff.
It's tough to carve out time to listen to podcasts.
Other things like videos and reading sound more fun than listening to someone talk.
Podcast quality often stinks.
They don't lend themselves to viral distribution.
Why in the heck does this matter to church marketing, you might ask. Well, podcasts for weekly sermons are integral parts of many churches. Some churches even podcast more than just weekly messages. We have to ask ourselves if this form of media is something we should continue to pursue, and if so, how should we improve the state of the podcast?
I see two potential "Save The Podcasts" schools of thought here. Firstly, you might think that podcasts are fine how they are. They were all the rage for awhile as people were testing them out, and now they're settling down to only those looking for serious depth and theological meat through technology. Secondly, you might think that podcasts just need a little makeover. The most popular podcasts sit around ten minutes in length and are well-produced. Let's look at these two briefly.
Podcasts are fine how they are.
In a world of blogs, bits, slogans, phrases and quips, they are a defender of the theological and the deep. The workhorses of the technological industry. There's obviously a market for deeply satisfying podcast material. I've met folks who like to run to the sound of solid exegesis or like to be spiritually satisfied on their long drive to work. This can give your church appeal beyond just the community and can be so important for edification of believers. Maybe if you don't think podcasts are worth your breath, you should at least consider these people.
Podcasts just need a little makeover.
In a world of blogs, bits, slogans, phrases and quips, they are the the technology that showed up to the race without shoes. Churches ought to podcast straight and to the point--maybe sermon highlights, inspirational thoughts or news and updates from the staff. There's people out there who get a little squeamish at the idea of a 45-minute sermon (cheers to you, Kevin), and we need to give these individuals a gateway to our churches. Let's not forget about these people, either.
So maybe one or the other podcast is especially effective for your audience. Maybe both would be best. Or heck, maybe podcasts are dead and neither one is worth a second look. Either way, as podcasts get older (relatively speaking, of course), it's time to ask ourselves again how we'll be using this technology.
Vision News
Tony Morgan, over at his blog, discussed the end of Yahoo! podcasts a while back. The service shut down, and it begs the question: Is podcast listenership in decline? He lists a few barriers to the success of podcasts:
You can't scan through a podcast to find the good stuff.
It's tough to carve out time to listen to podcasts.
Other things like videos and reading sound more fun than listening to someone talk.
Podcast quality often stinks.
They don't lend themselves to viral distribution.
Why in the heck does this matter to church marketing, you might ask. Well, podcasts for weekly sermons are integral parts of many churches. Some churches even podcast more than just weekly messages. We have to ask ourselves if this form of media is something we should continue to pursue, and if so, how should we improve the state of the podcast?
I see two potential "Save The Podcasts" schools of thought here. Firstly, you might think that podcasts are fine how they are. They were all the rage for awhile as people were testing them out, and now they're settling down to only those looking for serious depth and theological meat through technology. Secondly, you might think that podcasts just need a little makeover. The most popular podcasts sit around ten minutes in length and are well-produced. Let's look at these two briefly.
Podcasts are fine how they are.
In a world of blogs, bits, slogans, phrases and quips, they are a defender of the theological and the deep. The workhorses of the technological industry. There's obviously a market for deeply satisfying podcast material. I've met folks who like to run to the sound of solid exegesis or like to be spiritually satisfied on their long drive to work. This can give your church appeal beyond just the community and can be so important for edification of believers. Maybe if you don't think podcasts are worth your breath, you should at least consider these people.
Podcasts just need a little makeover.
In a world of blogs, bits, slogans, phrases and quips, they are the the technology that showed up to the race without shoes. Churches ought to podcast straight and to the point--maybe sermon highlights, inspirational thoughts or news and updates from the staff. There's people out there who get a little squeamish at the idea of a 45-minute sermon (cheers to you, Kevin), and we need to give these individuals a gateway to our churches. Let's not forget about these people, either.
So maybe one or the other podcast is especially effective for your audience. Maybe both would be best. Or heck, maybe podcasts are dead and neither one is worth a second look. Either way, as podcasts get older (relatively speaking, of course), it's time to ask ourselves again how we'll be using this technology.
Vision News
Missions as Church Planting
by SharperIron at 1:00 am November 6, 2007. 209 views. Filed under: In The Nick of Time, Missions
by Kevin T. Bauder
Historic Baptists agree that the work of missions is the work of planting churches. They derive this conviction from the uniform pattern of the New Testament. When the churches of the New Testament commissioned and sent out a member, it was invariably either to plant churches or to assist someone who was planting churches.
If the New Testament pattern holds, then a missionary’s work is not primarily to educate the ignorant, to feed the hungry, to heal the sick, to seek justice for the oppressed, or to engage in other works of mercy. These works are incidental to missions. While such works may be useful in facilitating church planting, and while they may be performed as fruits of the individual missionary’s Christian compassion, they are not properly the work of missions, and they should never be allowed to displace the work of missions.
Who, then, is a missionary? Properly speaking, a missionary is a church planter. The missionary’s responsibility is to preach the gospel, baptize those who profess the gospel, train believers in the faith, and organize them into New Testament churches. If Timothy and Titus may be used as examples (there are some differences), the missionary’s responsibility is not complete until the churches are fully ordered and self-perpetuating.
The work of the missionary involves a much broader range of responsibility than the work of the local pastor. As church planters, missionaries must master the same biblical and theological content that a pastor has to know, but they also must excel as witnesses for Jesus Christ. They must be able, with minimal resources, to organize a functional church. In the case of foreign missionaries, they must normally be able to communicate well across cultural and linguistic barriers. The work of missions has an exponentially higher level of difficulty than the work of a pastor at home—though this in no way demeans the work of the pastor!
If a man cannot pastor a church at home, is he really qualified to be sent as a church planter? And how does anyone know whether he can pastor a church at home unless he has actually done it? Clearly, Barnabas and Saul had significant experience in local church leadership before they were sent out on their first missionary journey. Why should the modern missionary be less qualified?
American churches have typically taken the attitude that men who cannot function in ministry at home can be sent to the mission field. The formula has been simple. On the one hand, the most qualified men are called to the most prestigious churches at home. On the other hand, the least qualified men are sent into places where their commissioning churches only have to see them every four years.
Within the Lord’s vineyard, no work is more challenging than the work of missions. If it is as important as everyone says, then shouldn’t the best and brightest be encouraged toward the mission field? More specifically, shouldn’t the bulk of missionaries be drawn from men who have proven themselves in the work of the pastorate?
This suggestion raises a question about current missionary practices. Is it compatible with the “missionary call” about which so many make so much?
The answer to this question is that the New Testament does not seem to teach such a thing as a distinctive and lifelong call to missions per se. One can make an argument (though this is not the place to make it) that the New Testament does imply a calling to what is sometimes referred to as “vocational ministry.” In order to justify the notion of a lifelong call to a specific area of service, however, a biblical interpreter must engage in considerably more theological gymnastics. In fact, the New Testament undermines such a notion, for it shows men moving not only from one specific ministry to another but also from one kind of ministry to another.
When modern Christians refer to “vocational Christian service,” they include several different areas of ministry. They include New Testament ministries such as pastors, missionaries (church planters), and itinerant preacher-teachers. They also include certain responsibilities that support these New Testament ministries, such as theological teachers and coordinators of infrastructural organizations. These supporting ministries grow out of particular functions of New Testament pastors or missionaries, and are generally regarded as “vocational ministry” even though they are not biblical offices. For example, a theological professor or a coordinator of a mission agency is usually said to be “in the ministry.”
Individuals are often led from one responsibility to another during the pursuit of their ministries. The same person may be a pastor at one time, a missionary at another, and a seminary professor at still another. A missionary may move between fields, and a pastor may move from one church to another. Nothing in the New Testament indicates that a person who moves between areas of service is somehow betraying the call of God upon his life. If anything, the New Testament pattern favors such moves.
Theologically, no reason exists for not insisting that men be tried and proven before they are sent to the mission field. Practically, many factors should motivate churches and mission agencies to ask candidates to prove themselves in ministry before going to the field. Among these are the years of travel that candidates will spend in deputation, the high price of establishing a new missionary on the field, and the heavy toll that first-term ministry takes on new missionaries and their families.
The work of missions is one of the most vital aspects of New Testament Christianity. Churches that do not plant churches are failures as churches. Missions is too important to do in a shoddy or slipshod way. It is a work for the best and brightest of those who are called to minister.
Vision News
by Kevin T. Bauder
Historic Baptists agree that the work of missions is the work of planting churches. They derive this conviction from the uniform pattern of the New Testament. When the churches of the New Testament commissioned and sent out a member, it was invariably either to plant churches or to assist someone who was planting churches.
If the New Testament pattern holds, then a missionary’s work is not primarily to educate the ignorant, to feed the hungry, to heal the sick, to seek justice for the oppressed, or to engage in other works of mercy. These works are incidental to missions. While such works may be useful in facilitating church planting, and while they may be performed as fruits of the individual missionary’s Christian compassion, they are not properly the work of missions, and they should never be allowed to displace the work of missions.
Who, then, is a missionary? Properly speaking, a missionary is a church planter. The missionary’s responsibility is to preach the gospel, baptize those who profess the gospel, train believers in the faith, and organize them into New Testament churches. If Timothy and Titus may be used as examples (there are some differences), the missionary’s responsibility is not complete until the churches are fully ordered and self-perpetuating.
The work of the missionary involves a much broader range of responsibility than the work of the local pastor. As church planters, missionaries must master the same biblical and theological content that a pastor has to know, but they also must excel as witnesses for Jesus Christ. They must be able, with minimal resources, to organize a functional church. In the case of foreign missionaries, they must normally be able to communicate well across cultural and linguistic barriers. The work of missions has an exponentially higher level of difficulty than the work of a pastor at home—though this in no way demeans the work of the pastor!
If a man cannot pastor a church at home, is he really qualified to be sent as a church planter? And how does anyone know whether he can pastor a church at home unless he has actually done it? Clearly, Barnabas and Saul had significant experience in local church leadership before they were sent out on their first missionary journey. Why should the modern missionary be less qualified?
American churches have typically taken the attitude that men who cannot function in ministry at home can be sent to the mission field. The formula has been simple. On the one hand, the most qualified men are called to the most prestigious churches at home. On the other hand, the least qualified men are sent into places where their commissioning churches only have to see them every four years.
Within the Lord’s vineyard, no work is more challenging than the work of missions. If it is as important as everyone says, then shouldn’t the best and brightest be encouraged toward the mission field? More specifically, shouldn’t the bulk of missionaries be drawn from men who have proven themselves in the work of the pastorate?
This suggestion raises a question about current missionary practices. Is it compatible with the “missionary call” about which so many make so much?
The answer to this question is that the New Testament does not seem to teach such a thing as a distinctive and lifelong call to missions per se. One can make an argument (though this is not the place to make it) that the New Testament does imply a calling to what is sometimes referred to as “vocational ministry.” In order to justify the notion of a lifelong call to a specific area of service, however, a biblical interpreter must engage in considerably more theological gymnastics. In fact, the New Testament undermines such a notion, for it shows men moving not only from one specific ministry to another but also from one kind of ministry to another.
When modern Christians refer to “vocational Christian service,” they include several different areas of ministry. They include New Testament ministries such as pastors, missionaries (church planters), and itinerant preacher-teachers. They also include certain responsibilities that support these New Testament ministries, such as theological teachers and coordinators of infrastructural organizations. These supporting ministries grow out of particular functions of New Testament pastors or missionaries, and are generally regarded as “vocational ministry” even though they are not biblical offices. For example, a theological professor or a coordinator of a mission agency is usually said to be “in the ministry.”
Individuals are often led from one responsibility to another during the pursuit of their ministries. The same person may be a pastor at one time, a missionary at another, and a seminary professor at still another. A missionary may move between fields, and a pastor may move from one church to another. Nothing in the New Testament indicates that a person who moves between areas of service is somehow betraying the call of God upon his life. If anything, the New Testament pattern favors such moves.
Theologically, no reason exists for not insisting that men be tried and proven before they are sent to the mission field. Practically, many factors should motivate churches and mission agencies to ask candidates to prove themselves in ministry before going to the field. Among these are the years of travel that candidates will spend in deputation, the high price of establishing a new missionary on the field, and the heavy toll that first-term ministry takes on new missionaries and their families.
The work of missions is one of the most vital aspects of New Testament Christianity. Churches that do not plant churches are failures as churches. Missions is too important to do in a shoddy or slipshod way. It is a work for the best and brightest of those who are called to minister.
Vision News
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Who are you
I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made.
I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure.
I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded.
I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power. My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven.
My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.
I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary.
I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus!
I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"
Vision News
I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure.
I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded.
I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power. My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven.
My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.
I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary.
I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus!
I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"
Vision News
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Media Habits of 12-24 Year-Olds vs. 25-54 Year-Olds -- Key to Shaping Your Nonprofit Marketing Agenda
Go read this article by Nancy Schwartz at the Getting Attention Blog
There is a tremendous amount of good information for those of us who have a message to communicate.
Vision News
There is a tremendous amount of good information for those of us who have a message to communicate.
Vision News
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Words and definitions
As I read or listen I often need to know what words mean. I am sure that you know these words but sometimes I have to look them up:
Hedonism-= Pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, especially to the pleasures of the senses, Philosophy. The ethical doctrine holding that only what is pleasant or has pleasant consequences is intrinsically good, Psychology. The doctrine holding that behavior is motivated by the desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
Pelagians The theological doctrine propounded by Pelagius, a British monk, and condemned as heresy by the Roman Catholic Church in A.D. 416. It denied original sin and affirmed the ability of humans to be righteous by the exercise of free will
Pelagianism is the teaching that man has the capacity to seek God in and of himself apart from any movement of God or the Holy Spirit. According to semi-Pelagianism, man doesn’t have such an unrestrained capacity, but man and God could cooperate to a certain degree in this salvation effort: man can (unaided by grace) make the first move toward God, and God then completes the salvation process. This teaching is distinct from the traditional patristic doctrine of synergeia, that the process of salvation is cooperation between God and man from start to finish.
Semi-Pelagians a Christian theological understanding about salvation; that is, how humanity and God are restored to a right relationship. The Semi-Pelagian teaching is derived from the earlier Pelagian teaching about salvation (see below), and teaches that it is necessary for humans to make the first step toward God and then God will complete salvation.
Vision News
Hedonism-= Pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, especially to the pleasures of the senses, Philosophy. The ethical doctrine holding that only what is pleasant or has pleasant consequences is intrinsically good, Psychology. The doctrine holding that behavior is motivated by the desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
Pelagians The theological doctrine propounded by Pelagius, a British monk, and condemned as heresy by the Roman Catholic Church in A.D. 416. It denied original sin and affirmed the ability of humans to be righteous by the exercise of free will
Pelagianism is the teaching that man has the capacity to seek God in and of himself apart from any movement of God or the Holy Spirit. According to semi-Pelagianism, man doesn’t have such an unrestrained capacity, but man and God could cooperate to a certain degree in this salvation effort: man can (unaided by grace) make the first move toward God, and God then completes the salvation process. This teaching is distinct from the traditional patristic doctrine of synergeia, that the process of salvation is cooperation between God and man from start to finish.
Semi-Pelagians a Christian theological understanding about salvation; that is, how humanity and God are restored to a right relationship. The Semi-Pelagian teaching is derived from the earlier Pelagian teaching about salvation (see below), and teaches that it is necessary for humans to make the first step toward God and then God will complete salvation.
Vision News
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Bible Maps
Something that I enjoy using while I am studying is an online program of Bible Maps. You simply plug in the chapter and verse and you will see a map of the locations that are mentioned in the passage of Scripture. I hope you will check it out and that it will be the blessing to you that has been to me.
Vision News
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Radically scary
When you do not want to offend anyone and also you do not have the Word of God as your anchor it is amazing what you will allow yourself to believe. We must be students of the Bible. We must get into God's word. It is not a matter of pleasing people or being nice. It is a matter of being true to the perfect Word of God and saying what God says.
Vision News
Vision News
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Betty's article
I just came across this article that Betty wrote. I do not remember who she wrote it for but it has to to with us returning to the US and I thought it was interesting enough to hold on to.
As I sit here pondering how wonderful my Lord has been to me over the years, I don’t know why I sometimes doubt His guidance and plan for my life. I then have Scriptures such as Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 6:33 come to mind. I have to remember that I am to do my part. I am commanded to trust Him with ALL of my heart and not to trust in my own reasoning or understanding. I am to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first and He will reward me with the things that I need. So many times I want to hold on or be in control of just a small part of my heart and life.
Recently I have had a tremendous change in my life that has literally turned MY PLANS upside down! For the past twenty years my husband and I have served with Macedonia World Baptist Missions in the country of Peru in South America. Our four children grew up there and two of the four, along with their families, are serving there now. Our youngest son is on deputation and will be heading back with his wife sometime in 2007. We have one daughter living in east Georgia that works alongside her husband in the printing ministry out of their church. During the many years that we were in Peru, we developed friendships with so many of the people that the Lord so mercifully saved. Marriages were mended and families were brought back together. We watched them grow in His love and grace. What a thrill! In other words my life, my heart and my all were in Peru.
In October of this past year, it became very obvious that the Lord was leading us to leave Peru and start a church with a training center for missionaries in Alpharetta, Georgia. My heart broke just to think of leaving the country, the people and the life that I had known for the past 18 years. I began to doubt the Lord’s wisdom in this matter and look for any excuse to be able to stay in Peru. Funny thing, 20 years earlier I was looking for excuses to stay in the states, when He was calling us to go to Peru. It just goes to show that no matter where we are, if we are in the center of God’s will, He will give us a peace and happiness that humanly we can not understand but which is so sweet (Philippians 4:7).
We are now here in the “good ole US of A,” working, praying hard and waiting to see what our God is going to do. My husband says, “At 51 years old I should be going through mid life crisis, wanting a red sports car, a girl friend and unbuttoning my shirt down to my belly button. Instead I am starting a church!” And as his wife I surely am glad that he has chosen the latter of the above mentioned list. I am scared to death yet at the same time excited to see what my God has for me this time around. I know that He only wants the very best for me. He has blessed me with innumerable blessings so undeserved. I pray that I will never forget all that the Lord has done for me and that I will always put into practice my life’s verse: I Samuel 12:24, “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. “
Vision News
As I sit here pondering how wonderful my Lord has been to me over the years, I don’t know why I sometimes doubt His guidance and plan for my life. I then have Scriptures such as Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 6:33 come to mind. I have to remember that I am to do my part. I am commanded to trust Him with ALL of my heart and not to trust in my own reasoning or understanding. I am to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first and He will reward me with the things that I need. So many times I want to hold on or be in control of just a small part of my heart and life.
Recently I have had a tremendous change in my life that has literally turned MY PLANS upside down! For the past twenty years my husband and I have served with Macedonia World Baptist Missions in the country of Peru in South America. Our four children grew up there and two of the four, along with their families, are serving there now. Our youngest son is on deputation and will be heading back with his wife sometime in 2007. We have one daughter living in east Georgia that works alongside her husband in the printing ministry out of their church. During the many years that we were in Peru, we developed friendships with so many of the people that the Lord so mercifully saved. Marriages were mended and families were brought back together. We watched them grow in His love and grace. What a thrill! In other words my life, my heart and my all were in Peru.
In October of this past year, it became very obvious that the Lord was leading us to leave Peru and start a church with a training center for missionaries in Alpharetta, Georgia. My heart broke just to think of leaving the country, the people and the life that I had known for the past 18 years. I began to doubt the Lord’s wisdom in this matter and look for any excuse to be able to stay in Peru. Funny thing, 20 years earlier I was looking for excuses to stay in the states, when He was calling us to go to Peru. It just goes to show that no matter where we are, if we are in the center of God’s will, He will give us a peace and happiness that humanly we can not understand but which is so sweet (Philippians 4:7).
We are now here in the “good ole US of A,” working, praying hard and waiting to see what our God is going to do. My husband says, “At 51 years old I should be going through mid life crisis, wanting a red sports car, a girl friend and unbuttoning my shirt down to my belly button. Instead I am starting a church!” And as his wife I surely am glad that he has chosen the latter of the above mentioned list. I am scared to death yet at the same time excited to see what my God has for me this time around. I know that He only wants the very best for me. He has blessed me with innumerable blessings so undeserved. I pray that I will never forget all that the Lord has done for me and that I will always put into practice my life’s verse: I Samuel 12:24, “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. “
Vision News
Good Questionnaires
I was just going through some old files and came across this old web page. It is very good as an idea of the type of questionnaire that is good for missionaries. Some are just plain ridiculous and only being used to weed out missionaries. This is one sent out as an attempt to be a blessing to their missionaries.
********* Baptist Church
Men’s Missionary Questionnaire
1. List all types of books that you enjoy reading
2. Do you have any favorite authors?
3. Are there any specific titles of books that you would like?
4. What titles and types of magazines to you enjoy?
5. What is your favorite aftershave or cologne scent(s)?
6. What type of socks do you like? (Color and size)
7. What are your favorite coffee flavors? Regular or decaf?
8. What types of candies do you like?
9. Do you collect anything? (Ex: Paperweights, baseball memorabilia, model cars, etc.)
10. What are some desk/computer supplies that you need?
11. What are your hobbies or interests? What supplies do you need?
12. Are you in need of any particular tools?
13. What kind of ties do you like?
************** Baptist Church
Women’s Missionary Questionnaire
1. List all types of books that you enjoy reading.
2. Do you have any favorite authors?
3. Are there any specific titles of books that you would like?
4. What titles and types of magazines do you enjoy?
5. What is your favorite perfume scent(s)?
6. What scents of lotions and soaps do you like? (Such as Bath and Body products)
7. What type of decorated stationary or note cards do you like? (flowers, animals, Americana, etc.)
8. What type of hosiery do you prefer? (Color and size)
9. What are your favorite coffee flavors? Regular or decaf?
10. What are you favorite tea flavors? Regular or herbal?
11. What types of candies do you like?
12. Do you collect anything? (Ex: bird houses, candle holders, etc.)
13. What are your hobbies? What supplies do you need?
14. What kind of scarves do you like? What designs and colors?
*************** Baptist Church
Children’s Missionary Questionnaire
1. What kind of music do you like to listen to? CD’s or tapes?
2. List the types of books you like to read.
3. Do you like to write? (Journal, notes, stationary)
4. What are your favorite snacks?
5. What kind of movies do you like?
6. What is your favorite candy or gum?
7. What are your hobbies?
8. What are your favorite colors?
9. Do you need any articles of clothing? Shoes? (sizes)
10. What types of bath and body products do you like? (girls) What type of cologne do you like? (guys)
11. If you could wish for one thing, what would it be?
Follow up Questions and Preparation
1. We ask that your wife and children plan to attend the conference with you. Will your wife and children be attending? Please list the names and ages of your children.
2. We also ask that you stay for the whole conference. Do you plan to arrive on Saturday afternoon, October 20th? Do you plan to stay through Friday morning, October 26th?
3. Do you plan to drive or fly to the conference?
4. If flying, when do you arrive? What is your flight number and airline? Do you need transportation from the airport?
5. Will you need any special audio visual equipment for you presentation?
6. On Monday you'll have the opportunity to play golf or go fishing. Which do you prefer?
7. Will you need equipment for golf? If so, what? Clubs?(left or right handed) Shoes? (Size)
8. If you have an electronic picture of you and your family please email it to me.
Vision News
********* Baptist Church
Men’s Missionary Questionnaire
1. List all types of books that you enjoy reading
2. Do you have any favorite authors?
3. Are there any specific titles of books that you would like?
4. What titles and types of magazines to you enjoy?
5. What is your favorite aftershave or cologne scent(s)?
6. What type of socks do you like? (Color and size)
7. What are your favorite coffee flavors? Regular or decaf?
8. What types of candies do you like?
9. Do you collect anything? (Ex: Paperweights, baseball memorabilia, model cars, etc.)
10. What are some desk/computer supplies that you need?
11. What are your hobbies or interests? What supplies do you need?
12. Are you in need of any particular tools?
13. What kind of ties do you like?
************** Baptist Church
Women’s Missionary Questionnaire
1. List all types of books that you enjoy reading.
2. Do you have any favorite authors?
3. Are there any specific titles of books that you would like?
4. What titles and types of magazines do you enjoy?
5. What is your favorite perfume scent(s)?
6. What scents of lotions and soaps do you like? (Such as Bath and Body products)
7. What type of decorated stationary or note cards do you like? (flowers, animals, Americana, etc.)
8. What type of hosiery do you prefer? (Color and size)
9. What are your favorite coffee flavors? Regular or decaf?
10. What are you favorite tea flavors? Regular or herbal?
11. What types of candies do you like?
12. Do you collect anything? (Ex: bird houses, candle holders, etc.)
13. What are your hobbies? What supplies do you need?
14. What kind of scarves do you like? What designs and colors?
*************** Baptist Church
Children’s Missionary Questionnaire
1. What kind of music do you like to listen to? CD’s or tapes?
2. List the types of books you like to read.
3. Do you like to write? (Journal, notes, stationary)
4. What are your favorite snacks?
5. What kind of movies do you like?
6. What is your favorite candy or gum?
7. What are your hobbies?
8. What are your favorite colors?
9. Do you need any articles of clothing? Shoes? (sizes)
10. What types of bath and body products do you like? (girls) What type of cologne do you like? (guys)
11. If you could wish for one thing, what would it be?
Follow up Questions and Preparation
1. We ask that your wife and children plan to attend the conference with you. Will your wife and children be attending? Please list the names and ages of your children.
2. We also ask that you stay for the whole conference. Do you plan to arrive on Saturday afternoon, October 20th? Do you plan to stay through Friday morning, October 26th?
3. Do you plan to drive or fly to the conference?
4. If flying, when do you arrive? What is your flight number and airline? Do you need transportation from the airport?
5. Will you need any special audio visual equipment for you presentation?
6. On Monday you'll have the opportunity to play golf or go fishing. Which do you prefer?
7. Will you need equipment for golf? If so, what? Clubs?(left or right handed) Shoes? (Size)
8. If you have an electronic picture of you and your family please email it to me.
Vision News
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Heart work!
by Charles Spurgeon
Our work, when earnestly undertaken, lays us open to attacks in the direction of depression. Who can bear the weight of souls without sometimes sinking to the dust? Passionate longings after men’s conversion, if not fully satisfied (and when are they?), consume the soul with anxiety and disappointment. To see the hopeful turn aside, the godly grow cold, professors abusing their privileges, and sinners waxing more bold in sin are not these sights enough to crush us to the earth? The kingdom comes not as we would, the reverend name is not hallowed as we desire, and for this we must weep. How can we be otherwise than sorrowful, while men believe not our report, and the divine arm is not revealed? All mental work tends to weary and to depress, for much study is a weariness of the flesh; but ours is more than mental work — it is heart work, the labor of our inmost soul. How often, on Lord’s-day evenings, do we feel as if life were completely washed out of us! After pouring out our souls over our congregations, we feel like empty earthen pitchers which a child might break. Probably, if we were more like Paul, and watched for souls at a nobler rate, we should know more of what it is to be eaten up by the zeal of the Lord’s house. It is our duty and our privilege to exhaust our lives for Jesus. We are not to be living specimens of men in fine preservation, but living sacrifices, whose lot is to be consumed; we are to spend and to be spent, not to lay ourselves up in lavender, and nurse our flesh. Such soul travail as that of a faithful minister will bring on occasional seasons of exhaustion, when heart and flesh will fail. Moses’ hands grew heavy in intercession, and Paul cried out, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Even John the Baptist is thought to have had his fainting fits, and the apostles were once amazed, and were sore afraid.
Vision News
Our work, when earnestly undertaken, lays us open to attacks in the direction of depression. Who can bear the weight of souls without sometimes sinking to the dust? Passionate longings after men’s conversion, if not fully satisfied (and when are they?), consume the soul with anxiety and disappointment. To see the hopeful turn aside, the godly grow cold, professors abusing their privileges, and sinners waxing more bold in sin are not these sights enough to crush us to the earth? The kingdom comes not as we would, the reverend name is not hallowed as we desire, and for this we must weep. How can we be otherwise than sorrowful, while men believe not our report, and the divine arm is not revealed? All mental work tends to weary and to depress, for much study is a weariness of the flesh; but ours is more than mental work — it is heart work, the labor of our inmost soul. How often, on Lord’s-day evenings, do we feel as if life were completely washed out of us! After pouring out our souls over our congregations, we feel like empty earthen pitchers which a child might break. Probably, if we were more like Paul, and watched for souls at a nobler rate, we should know more of what it is to be eaten up by the zeal of the Lord’s house. It is our duty and our privilege to exhaust our lives for Jesus. We are not to be living specimens of men in fine preservation, but living sacrifices, whose lot is to be consumed; we are to spend and to be spent, not to lay ourselves up in lavender, and nurse our flesh. Such soul travail as that of a faithful minister will bring on occasional seasons of exhaustion, when heart and flesh will fail. Moses’ hands grew heavy in intercession, and Paul cried out, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Even John the Baptist is thought to have had his fainting fits, and the apostles were once amazed, and were sore afraid.
Vision News
Losing your zeal!
by Charles Spurgeon
We shall often find ourselves in danger of being deteriorated in zeal by the cold Christian people with whom we come in contact. What terrible wet blankets some professors are! Their remarks after a sermon are enough to stagger you. You think that surely you have moved the very stones to feeling, but you painfully learn that these people are utterly unaffected. You have been burning and they are freezing; you have been pleading as for life or death and they have been calculating how many seconds the sermon occupied, and grudging you the odd five minutes beyond the usual hour, width your earnestness compelled you to occupy in pleading with men’s souls. If these frost-bitten men should happen to be the others of the church, from whom you naturally expect the warmest sympathy, the result is chilling to the last degree, and all the more so if you are young and inexperienced: it is as though an angel were confined in an iceberg.
Frequently the audience itself, as a whole, will dampen your zeal. You can see by their very look and manner that the people are not appreciating your warm hearted endeavors, and you feel discouraged. Those empty benches also are a serious trial, and if the place be large, and the congregation small, the influence is seriously depressing: it is not every man who can bear to be “a voice crying in the wilderness.” Disorder in the congregation also sadly afflicts sensitive speakers. The walking up the aisle of a woman with a pair of pattens, the squeak of a pair of new boots, the frequent fall of umbrellas and walking-sticks, the crying of infants, and especially the consistent lateness of half the assembly ; — all these tend to irritate the mind, take it off from its object, and diminish its ardor. We hardly like to confess that our hearts are so readily affected by such trifles, but it is so, and not at all to be wondered at. As pots of the most precious ointment are more often spoilt by dead flies than by dead camels, so Insignificant matters will destroy earnestness more readily than greater annoyances. Under a great discouragement a man pulls himself together, and then throws himself upon his God, and receives divine strength but under lesser depressions he may possibly worry, and the trifle will irritate and fester till serious consequences follow.
Vision News
We shall often find ourselves in danger of being deteriorated in zeal by the cold Christian people with whom we come in contact. What terrible wet blankets some professors are! Their remarks after a sermon are enough to stagger you. You think that surely you have moved the very stones to feeling, but you painfully learn that these people are utterly unaffected. You have been burning and they are freezing; you have been pleading as for life or death and they have been calculating how many seconds the sermon occupied, and grudging you the odd five minutes beyond the usual hour, width your earnestness compelled you to occupy in pleading with men’s souls. If these frost-bitten men should happen to be the others of the church, from whom you naturally expect the warmest sympathy, the result is chilling to the last degree, and all the more so if you are young and inexperienced: it is as though an angel were confined in an iceberg.
Frequently the audience itself, as a whole, will dampen your zeal. You can see by their very look and manner that the people are not appreciating your warm hearted endeavors, and you feel discouraged. Those empty benches also are a serious trial, and if the place be large, and the congregation small, the influence is seriously depressing: it is not every man who can bear to be “a voice crying in the wilderness.” Disorder in the congregation also sadly afflicts sensitive speakers. The walking up the aisle of a woman with a pair of pattens, the squeak of a pair of new boots, the frequent fall of umbrellas and walking-sticks, the crying of infants, and especially the consistent lateness of half the assembly ; — all these tend to irritate the mind, take it off from its object, and diminish its ardor. We hardly like to confess that our hearts are so readily affected by such trifles, but it is so, and not at all to be wondered at. As pots of the most precious ointment are more often spoilt by dead flies than by dead camels, so Insignificant matters will destroy earnestness more readily than greater annoyances. Under a great discouragement a man pulls himself together, and then throws himself upon his God, and receives divine strength but under lesser depressions he may possibly worry, and the trifle will irritate and fester till serious consequences follow.
Vision News
Saturday, October 20, 2007
TWENTY CAUSES FOR PERSONAL FAILURE
By Curtis Hudson
1. Drifting through life without a definite goal.
2. Overly curious about other people's affairs.
3. Inadequate education or inadequate information on your subject
4. Lack of self-discipline
5. Lack of ambition to aim high
6. Lack of persistence in carrying through that which you have begun
7. A negative mental attitude in general
8. Lack of emotional control
9. The desire to get something for nothing
10. Failure to reach decisions promptly and definitely when all of the facts necessary for a decision are at hand
11. Fear of failure
12. Indiscriminate spending of time and/or money
13. Lack of control over the tongue
14. Having a closed mind; that is, unwilling to take advice from others
15. Lack of loyalty where loyalty is due
16. Lack of vision and imagination
17. Egotism and vanity without control
18. Having wrong motives
19. A desire for revenge for real or imaginary grievances
20. Unwilling to go the "extra mile"
"The person who succeeds is the one who does more than enough
and keeps on doing it."
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all that is written therein: for
then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and thou shalt have
good success."
Vision News
1. Drifting through life without a definite goal.
2. Overly curious about other people's affairs.
3. Inadequate education or inadequate information on your subject
4. Lack of self-discipline
5. Lack of ambition to aim high
6. Lack of persistence in carrying through that which you have begun
7. A negative mental attitude in general
8. Lack of emotional control
9. The desire to get something for nothing
10. Failure to reach decisions promptly and definitely when all of the facts necessary for a decision are at hand
11. Fear of failure
12. Indiscriminate spending of time and/or money
13. Lack of control over the tongue
14. Having a closed mind; that is, unwilling to take advice from others
15. Lack of loyalty where loyalty is due
16. Lack of vision and imagination
17. Egotism and vanity without control
18. Having wrong motives
19. A desire for revenge for real or imaginary grievances
20. Unwilling to go the "extra mile"
"The person who succeeds is the one who does more than enough
and keeps on doing it."
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all that is written therein: for
then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and thou shalt have
good success."
Vision News
Enjoy the moment!
Boy do I need this one. I was just going through files that I had on my computer and came across this story. I am so guilty of living for tomorrow or always waiting on that next thing.
My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. "This," he said, "is not a slip. This is lingerie." He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached. "Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least 8 or 9 years ago. She never wore it.
She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion." He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me. "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion.
I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sister's family lives. I thought about all the things that she hadn't seen or heard or done. I thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they were special.
I'm still thinking about his words, and they've changed my life. I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savor, not endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event-such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market if I like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries without wincing. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my party-going friends.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what my sister would've done had she known that she wouldn't be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food. I'm guessing -I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good friends whom I was going to get in touch with someday. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write - one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband often enough how much I truly love him. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
Vision News
My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. "This," he said, "is not a slip. This is lingerie." He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached. "Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least 8 or 9 years ago. She never wore it.
She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion." He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me. "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion.
I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sister's family lives. I thought about all the things that she hadn't seen or heard or done. I thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they were special.
I'm still thinking about his words, and they've changed my life. I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savor, not endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event-such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market if I like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries without wincing. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my party-going friends.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what my sister would've done had she known that she wouldn't be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food. I'm guessing -I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good friends whom I was going to get in touch with someday. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write - one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband often enough how much I truly love him. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
Vision News
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