Fall Feastival was a success!!!

We had a great Fall Feastival tonight!!!

Cudos to the small groups, life groups and other groups from the church who provided great food... chicken nuggets, wings, fruit, brauts, hotdogs, apples with carmel... plenty of awesome food!!  (I actually felt a little sick when I got home earlier...)  Plus all those who provided bags of candy for the kids. 

It was a great night!! Very fun.  The staff all joined in and dressed up in the same theme.  Which, if you can't figure it out, we're Toy Story. 

Good, fun night!!!

But man, I'm tired!

Looking forward to next year already!!

Jim


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Month of Wisdom - October 31

Today is the final day of the Month of Wisdom challenge...

Today is Proverbs 31... I think a longer quotation is needed!

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
 ¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.
 ¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.
 ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.
 ¹³ She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.
 ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.
 ¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.
 ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
 ¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.
 ¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.
 ¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
 ²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.
 ²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
 ²² She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
 ²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
 ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.
 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.
 ²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 ²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.
 ²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:
 ²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all."
 ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
 ³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.



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Month of Wisdom - October 30

It never ceases to amaze me... every day... that God has given us His Word.  We have the privilege and opportunity to read from His Word any time we want. 

As I study church history, there have been centuries of time in which the church did not have this opportunity.  The church didn't allow it.  The church members couldn't read Latin (which was the language of the Bible for 1,400 years).  The church couldn't just sit down, open the Scriptures for themselves and read. 

Today, we can. 

Yet, many of us don't. 

We don't open our Bibles (or scroll if you're using a techy version like YouVersion or iPhone/iPod/Android software) and read for ourselves.  How the church over the years longed to read their own Bible... in their own language... but couldn't!!! How the church around the globe currently longs for their own Bible in their own language (but doesn't have it) or can't have it (because it's illegal). 

And yet... ours' often sit on the shelf...

unused...

Solomon called the Word of God flawless...
Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)
 ⁵ "Every word of God is flawless;
       he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Have you picked up His shield today?
Jim

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Daily Read October 30, 2010

Matthew 22:34-40 (New International Version)

  ³⁴Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. ³⁵One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:  ³⁶"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" ³⁷Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."


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Fall Feastival tomorrow!!!

Tomorrow afternoon and early evening is the First ever Fall Feastival at North Terrace Church of Christ.

It is a blending of two previous events into one mega-event that will be sure to please everyone.  It is part tailgate party... complete with plenty of food and goodies for everyone to eat!!! (I am personally looking forward to that).  And it's is also part Trunk or Treat for the kids... complete with games, candy and a costume contest!!

The action gets rolling tomorrow afternoon at North Terrace Church of Christ at 4 pm.  We are hoping for outdoors... but that will be weather dependent.  The event is free and open to the whole family... children... students... parents... and everyone!!!

Come out and join in the fun!!!

Jim


P.S. edit: The staff are all dressing up... we'll all be wearing the same themed costumes!!! That will certainly be something to see!!!


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Month of Wisdom - October 29

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

 ²⁵ Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
       but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.


Who are you trusting in today? 

Jim

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Need a running montra... creepy...

I was reading one of my regular blogs on running...

And I stumbled on THIS!!! It's hilarious and creepy!!!  Thanks Mark Remy!


"It's official. We are now squarely in the middle of fall marathon season: Marine Corps is this Sunday, New York City is next weekend, then Richmond, then Philly, just to name a few.
And we all know that a mantra — a word or phrase that you can repeat to yourself to fend off tedium or weakness or pain — can be an invaluable tool while running a marathon.
Well, I happened to stumble across what may be the best mantra in the world, as I flipped through the Sunday paper last weekend. (Who says print is dead?)

Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I give you your mantra, guaranteed to get you through those rough patches:

Mollie the Most Incredibly Lifelike Orangutan Toddler Ever
Is Chasing Me…"

Now, go and check out the LINK.  You won't be sorry!

Jim

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Month of Wisdom - October 28

Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)
 ¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
       but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

con·ceal{kuhn-seel]

/kənˈsil/ Show Spel

–verb (used with object)

1. to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight.

Are you concealing something today?? From God??? From others???

Jim

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Daily Read October 28, 2010

Mark 10:42-45 (New International Version)

⁴²Jesus called them (His Disciples) together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ⁴³Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


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Daily Read October 27, 2010

Luke 17:11-19 (New International Version)

 ¹¹Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹²As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance ¹³and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"  ¹⁴When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.
 ¹⁵One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
 ¹⁷Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" ¹⁹Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."


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Month of Wisdom - October 26

We have to be careful about the phrase... "I was only joking."  Most of the time when we say this, we weren't really joking.  We just don't want to seem harsh or cruel.

We make fun of something or someone...
We say something we know we shouldn't...
We say something that we know will hurt...
We pretend we aren't trying to be mean...
We are trying to impress others standing around us...

Then we say... "I'm just kidding..." When we really aren't.  And we do it all the time.

Solomon puts it this way in Proverbs 26...

Proverbs 26:18-19 (NIV)
 ¹⁸ Like a madman shooting
       firebrands or deadly arrows
 ¹⁹ is a man who deceives his neighbor
       and says, "I was only joking!"


Something to think about the next time you're tempted to say something you shouldn't followed by "just kidding..."

Jim

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Daily Read October 26, 2010

Luke 17:5-6 (New International Version)

 ⁵The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
 ⁶He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.


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Who's on first? - Abbott and Costello

In honor of the World Series starting tomorrow night... I thought I'd put up this classic baseball bit from Abbott and Costello. Enjoy!!

Check it out HERE



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Weekend Wrap Up

Lately I've been checking out a few blogs that recap their students' weekend service.  Sometimes I get ideas from them... sometimes not.  But I got to thinking this morning that those of you who read here regularly... and are youth workers... might be interested in some ideas and where they came from. 

So... Here's our weekend in review:

• Showed a little Switchfoot this weekend... The Sound (which is currently the highest played song in my iTunes library... maybe even if your's... at 57 total plays since May)
• Played a quick random participant game at the beginning called "Bucket Ball"... got the idea from "Game On Volume 1" HERE ... Gave away 4 boxes of movie-theater candy!
• We're advertising a couple of upcoming events...
• Xtreme... Nov 5
• Car Rally... Nov 6
• Worship Team #1 (of 2) led... Set List:  I Am Free, One Way, His Name is Love, We Will Dance
• No videos this weekend... aside from Switchfoot music video countdown.
• This weekend was an in between week for us series-wise.  From time to time we have an off-series weekend that isn't part of what we are teaching through.  We do this in case our regular series gets bumped for some reason or we have a night off (unexpectedly) for another church event.  So rather than teach, we had a de-stress your life night.  We served up grilled cheese sandwiches, chips and sodas to everyone who was there and broke out some board games.  We encouraged our students to relax and have some fun in the midst of a busy sports and school time.  (I jumped in... but lost... in a mean game of Monopoly!)
• In two weekends (no Awake next weekend because of the All Church Fall Feastival), we'll start a three weekend series called "Friendship 101."

All in all, it was a great weekend.  Attendance was great!  Saw some new faces that we hadn't seen in a while. The band was rockin'! Folks grabbed a grilled cheese and a board game and relaxed.  Plus, it gave our table leaders a chance to interact with students they don't normally talk to because they don't normally sit at their table.

It was a great weekend!

Good stuff!

Jim

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Month of Wisdom - October 25

It never ceases to amaze me how powerful a kind word can be.  Pastor Bill talked yesterday about being intentional about how we use our tongues in adult worship.  The power of the tongue is incredible. 

• Power to heal...
• Power to hurt...
• Power to help...
• Power to harm...

And most of us don't think twice about what we are going to say before we say it. 

I'm no different than you.  There are times when I think things in my mind... they sound good/funny/applicable... until they are out of my mouth.  Then I stand there like an idiot wishing that I could suck them back into my mouth. 

Solomon has a good reminder from Proverbs 25 today:

Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)
 ¹¹ A word aptly spoken
       is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Today, slow down and think about what you're going to say. 
If you're thinking of something mean, cruel or nasty... follow mom's advice and keep it to yourself. 
If you're thinking of something kind, encouraging and insightful... follow Paul's advice and share it!

Jim

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Daily Read October 25, 2010

John 10:11, 14-15 (New International Version)

 ¹¹"I (Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 
 ¹⁴"I (Jesus) am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

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Month of Wisdom - October 24

I love the word pictures that the Bible uses to describe it's truth... track meets, boxing, treasure in a field, an expensive pear, a journey...


And kissing!


Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)
 ²⁶ An honest answer
       is like a kiss on the lips. 


Jim
Who said the Bible isn't fun!!!???


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Daily Read October 24, 2010

John 10:10 (New International Version)

¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.


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Month of Wisdom - October 23

This weekend I'm going to shoot a video with our kids for Family Weekend.  Since I had never used the camera before, I retrieved it so we could spend some time getting to know each other. 

As we spent some time together, I noticed a small blinking icon on the screen that I couldn't identify.  No matter what I did... no matter what I tried... it continued to blink.  The camera would record.  It would play back.  It would do all things that it was supposed to do but the icon wouldn't go away.

Problem was: there was no instruction manual.  So I couldn't identify what the camera was trying to tell me. 

It's always amazing how many times I get a new piece of tech and I immediately begin to use it without spending any time with the instruction manual.  Not until something goes wrong, do I go back to the manual to see what's up.  Sometimes, I could have avoided a problem if I would have just read the manual first. 

Solomon's advice: Check out the instruction manual first...

Proverbs 23:12 (NIV)
 ¹² Apply your heart to instruction
       and your ears to words of knowledge.

Jim

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YouVersion sermon is back this weekend!!!

The sermon on YouVersion's Holy Bible is back this weekend for you iPhone, iPod Touch, Android and Blackberry users... along with anyone else who wants to use it live during the sermon!!!

Check it! (Under events and Zanesville's zip code)

Jim

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Daily Read October 23, 2010

John 8:31-32 (New International Version)

 ³¹To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³²Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

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Running... What's next???

So I've intentionally held off on making any plans public for running next year.  A couple of reasons for that... since I know you all have waiting on the edges of your seats... like my running is some incredible feat of athleticism. 

But I've held off.  One, I didn't want the excitement of completing my first half marathon to make me go off and predict that I could do something that I couldn't do.  Two, I wanted to confirm with a friend who may be joining me for one of these next year.  Three, I wanted to make sure that this was something that I wanted to do. 

And it is. 

I was standing at a local high school football game talking with a member of our church (and local doctor... who also runs marathons) about running last week (and actually last night too).  As we were talking, he said to me... "So do you think this running thing is going to stick?"  I said, without hesitation... "Yes." 

I have begun to really enjoy my time out.  Said doctor and I were talking last night about running and training and as I walked back to my car after the game, I found myself excited for my run today just because we had talked about it last night. 

So I have decided on two races for next year. 

The first will be the Flying Pig 1/2 Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio.  While it's got a funny name, there isn't anything funny about this race.  It has a serious reputation for some massive hills that test the runner.  So I'm already counting down the days (189 days and 20 hours) until this half on May 1st.  Why the half, you ask?  I am planning to tackle a full (see below), but I'm not going to push to run a full marathon early in the spring with the bulk of my training being during the temperamental winter months... it could be 30's and mild all winter or single digits and frigid all winter... you never know.  So, I'll save the full for a bit later... 

My second long race (not counting any little 5ks of 10ks over the course of the summer) will be the Air Force Full Marathon.  That's right folks... the whole 26.2 miles.  I thought this would be a fun run... it's on an Air Force base about 3 hours from here... and it will be mostly flat.  I will need to work hard to make the whole distance, I don't need some massive hills slowing me down.  So... I'm also counting the days here... (328 days and 21 hours)

So... that's my plan for 2011 running-wise.  I want to return, at some point in the future, and run the full marathon in Akron... since I ran the 1/2.  But next year might not be the year... my parents are having a big anniversary next year and we are talking about a whole family trip that would land on Akron weekend.

After next year... we'll have to see which of the rest of the 49 states to tackle a marathon in!

Jim 

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Month of Wisdom - October 22

(Yay... Blogger got it's act together!!!)

I'm always amazed at the compromises that some folks will make.  Cheat to get a good grade (and yes, using someone else's homework is cheating...).  Go out with someone because you think they're cool when you know their reputation.  Steal to get what you want.  Lie to make yourself look better.  Put others down to push yourself up. 

If you are tempted to do that, today's reading from Proverbs 22 is for you. Check out the first verse:


Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
 ¹ A good name is more desirable than great riches;
       to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.


A good name... a good reputation... good standing is more important than getting ahead.  Why?  It's a good witness to our world as to who our God is.  What message does it give the world when we cheat, steal, lie and act dishonorably?  (Answer: They think we aren't any different than the world...)  We are different!!! At least, we're supposed to be!!!

Jim

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Daily Read October 22, 2010

John 8:12 (New International Version)

 ¹²When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

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Month of Wisdom - October 21

Proverbs 21:23 (NIV)
²³ He who guards his mouth and his tongue
       keeps himself from calamity.

This is just good advice!

Jim


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Daily Read October 21, 2010

Matthew 16:24-27 (New International Version)

 ²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. ²⁶What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ²⁷For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.


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Daily Read October 20, 2010

John 6:35 (New International Version)

 ³⁵Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.


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Month of Wisdom - October 20

Proverbs 20:9 (NIV)
 ⁹ Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
       I am clean and without sin"?

No one can.
That's part of the beauty of the good news of Jesus Christ.  We have all come up short of God's perfect standard.  We all have sin and uncleanliness in our hearts.  Jesus choose to come to earth to clean that all away. 

That's good news indeed!!!

Jim

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Daily Read October 19, 2010

Luke 9:20 (New International Version)

 ²⁰"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
      Peter answered, "The Christ of God."


Jesus asked this question of Peter and His Disciples... but we all have to answer it at some point.  


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Month of Wisdom - October 19

I need reminders.

I don't know how you organize, but I have a moleskine (which I have a couple of friends that will tell you that's it a fancy name for a journal...) that I keep just about everything that is currently important or might be important in the future.  I'm a list keeper.  I keep a list of projects.  I keep a list of current ideas.  I keep a to-do list for things that I have to get done this week... this month... and my current goals. 

Same is true about my running.  I have a schedule... list of my upcoming runs... so I don't have to worry about what to do next. 

Same is true with my office.  Things that get filed are often out of sight... therefore out of mind.  So I tend to leave current projects on my desk. 

I need to be reminded regularly. 

That's one of the reasons that I read my Bible regularly... I need to be reminded... I tend to forget... I need to continuously be putting instruction into my heart.  (And yes... I have a list of Bible readings too...)

Take a look at
Proverbs 19:27 (NIV)
" ²⁷ Stop listening to instruction, my son,
       and you will stray from the words of knowledge."

Those who quit listening to instruction... tend to stray... I want to stay on task today... how about you?

Jim

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David Crowder Band - SMS [Shine]

Sweet new video from the Crowder Band!!!

Super creative!!!

Check it out HERE.

Jim



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Daily Read October 18, 2010

Matthew 10:37-39 (New International Version)

 ³⁷"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; ³⁸and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.


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Daily Read October 17, 2010

Luke 11:9-13 (New International Version)

 ⁹"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
 ¹¹"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹²Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"


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Month of Wisdom - October 17

Most times it's better to say nothing all.

Proverbs 17:28 (NIV)
 ²⁸ Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
       and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Jim

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blogger's being stupid...

For some reason... Blogger won't load up images...
It's slowing down my blogging...
Come on Blogger!


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Daily Read October 16, 2010

Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version)

 ²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


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Month of Wisdom - October 16

When was the last time that you prayed about doing something BEFORE you did it?  Most of us likely do what I do... do something and then pray that God blesses what I just did.  It's amazing, though, when you take the time to pray to God about something before you do it how much more Spirit-guided it is.

Sometimes... when I pray about something that I want to do... and it's not Spirit-guided... I don't do it. 
Sometimes... when I pray about something that I want to do... and it's not Spirit-guided... it fails.
Sometimes... when I pray about something that I want to do... and it's not Spirit-guided... I do it anyway and I look stupid.

Sometimes... when I pray about something I feel God is leading me to do... and it is Spirit-guided... God makes it HUGE!  Check out what Solomon says in Proverbs 16...

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
 ³ "Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
       and your plans will succeed."


Jim

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Daily Read October 15, 2010

Matthew 9:35-38 (New International Version)

 ³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

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Daily Read October 14, 2010

Matthew 7:7-11 (New International Version)

 ⁷"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  ⁹"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

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Month of Wisdom - October 14

You have to be cautious of who you hang around with.  We tend to become like the people that we spend time with.  If you want to become an athlete, hang around with athletes.  If you want to become musical, hang around with musicians.  If you want to become a stylish person, hang around with people who have style.  If you want to become foolish (not sure why you would), hang around with foolish people.  

Why?  You'll become foolish because there is no wisdom or knowledge on their lips.  In fact, Solomon even goes so far as to warn us to stay away from... avoid... foolish people. 

Proverbs 14 (New International Version)

 ⁷ Stay away from a foolish man,
       for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

Wisdom for you today might mean... staying away from some people that are foolish... especially if you're shooting for wisdom!

Jim

(BTW: For some reason, Blogger won't let me upload the "wisdom sign"... sorry.  And my apologies for missing yesterday... just didn't get a chance to get it done!)


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Daily Read October 13, 2010

Matthew 6:31-34 (New International Version)

³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


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Month of Wisdom - October 12

Stupid is a pretty harsh word. 

In fact, I have heard of several parents banning the word "stupid" from their homes.  (If you are one of those homes and I just introduced the word back into your house, my apologies.)

Many of us would be shocked to find out that the Bible uses the word "stupid".  It's right here in Proverbs 12:1...

Proverbs 12 (New International Version)

 ¹ Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
       but he who hates correction is stupid.

The definition for stupid is, according to Dictionary.com, "lacking common sense."  Seems simple enough.  If I drive down the road and ignore the correction of the speed limit signs and get pulled over, that was stupid... I didn't heed the correction and knowledge of the signs.  If I ignore the law that I should put on my seat belt when I drive and then get into an accident and get hurt because I didn't wear it, that was stupid. 

Most of us don't like the word "stupid" because it sounds harsh and mean.  God's Word says, however, that those who hate correction... especially the correction, knowledge and wisdom that come from God's Word are stupid...

Jim
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Daily Read October 12, 2010

Matthew 6:19-24 (New International Version)

 ¹⁹"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  ²²"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
 ²⁴"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.


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The Mp3 Experiment Seven

This has got some serious youth ministry potential... we've gotta try this out!!

Read more about it HERE!
HERE'S the vid!



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Evidence that I should hide my markers...

An unlocked door...
Available markers...
Encouragement from a certain wife...


I should hide my markers...

:-)

Jim

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Month of Wisdom - October 11

We all like to think we know the answers. 

I used to love to take tests in middle school and high school.  For the most part, a lot of the tests were fill in the blanks tests or matching tests... those essay tests are from the devil... and I had way too many of them in college.  But I loved to take those tests especially when I knew the answers.  I could fly down the page filling them in and finished in 20 minutes. 

Sometimes we don't know the answers.  What happens then?  When you don't know an answer, who do you go to?  Who gives you advice?  Do you go to anyone at all???

You might want to check out the words of Solomon...

Proverbs 11:14 (New International Version)

 ¹⁴ For lack of guidance a nation falls,
       but many advisers make victory sure.

Jim


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Daily Read October 11, 2010

Matthew 5:13-16 (New International Version)

 ¹³"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  ¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.


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Daily Read October 10, 2010

Luke 6:46-49 (New International Version)

 ⁴⁶"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? ⁴⁷I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. ⁴⁸He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ⁴⁹But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

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Month of Wisdom - October 10

I love to run. 

Most of you that know me or at least follow me on my blog, Twitter or Facebook know that.  One thing about my running that you may not know is that I hate to run after dark.  If the sun isn't up (or at least coming up soon) yet or it's about to go down (before half of my run is over), I'm not going to go. 

I have had bad ankles in the past and I'm intentional about making sure that I don't do something to hurt my ankles... which can happen when it's dark.  A twisted, hurt or broken ankle sidelines a runner fast.  I've got running goals to accomplish and don't want to be sidelined for an extended period of time.

So if I'm not sure about my footing when I run, I don't run.  I want to be able to run securely... so I stay off of dark roads and crooked paths... Check out Proverbs 10.  Good advice, not just for running, but for life. 

Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)
 ⁹ The man of integrity walks securely,
       but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Jim
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Daily Read October 9, 2010

John 4:34-38 (New International Version)

 ³⁴"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ³⁵Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. ³⁶Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. ³⁷Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. ³⁸I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."


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Month of Wisdom - October 9

I like to read.  I won't really say that I love to read... given equal opportunities, I might choose to do other things (like going for a run... hanging out on Facebook or playing XBox (although I haven't played much XBox lately).  But for the most part, I like to read. 

Because I like to gain new knowledge.  I don't have it all together.  I don't know everything (yet... although I'm getting closer).  I know that there are things that I don't know and can learn from others. 


For instance, right now I'm reading John Maxwell's leadership classic "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership."  Here is an individual who knows far more about leadership than I will ever know.  And I have a few moments every day where I get to learn a bit from him and his experience.  When you think about it, that's a great opportunity. 

Learning truly is a privilege.  One that many don't take.  Solomon valued wisdom and learning and reminded us that wise folks learn and gain in wisdom...

Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)
 ⁹ Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
       teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

What do you need to read today in order to learn???

Jim

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Daily Read October 8, 2010

John 4:23-24 (New International Version)

²³Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ²⁴God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."


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Month of Wisdom - October 8

There have been times when I've done stupid stuff... I know... hard to believe but true.  There have been times when I thought I knew what I was doing.  There have been times when I thought I knew where I was going.  But in reality, I didn't.

A couple of weeks ago I drove up with Jackie to visit Ashland Seminary, where she is taking a few classes.  In my mind, I knew for the most part where I was going.  I also had a GPS in the car that was giving me directions.  I, however, decided that I knew better which direction to go and assumed that the GPS would just play along and eventually realize that I was going the "best" way. 

Come to find out, I didn't know where I was going.  And I had to take some less than ideal dirt roads in order to get where I wanted to go and almost made us late for an appointment. 

See I thought I knew... but I really didn't.  Wisdom said, "Follow the GPS... It has a better perspective and more knowledge than you do."  Foolishness said, "I know where I'm going... This will be okay."  Wisdom would have saved me some time, dirty looks from my wife and dirt on the car.

Maybe you need to hear the word of Proverbs 8 today... especially verse where the foolish gain understanding from wisdom. 

Proverbs 8:5 (NIV)
 ⁵ You who are simple, gain prudence;
       you who are foolish, gain understanding.

Jim

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Daily Read October 7, 2010

John 3:16-17 (New International Version)

 ¹⁶"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.


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Month of Wisdom - October 7

I eat an apple almost everyday. 

A couple of years ago, Jackie and I began a diet habit that has carried over... it's a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack.  Around 10:30, I have a morning snack and around 3 pm, I have an afternoon snack. 

Almost everyday, that mid-morning snack is an apple.  Right now is a great time to eat apples because they are all fresh and tasty.  (As a sidenote, we got a great box of apples for about $10 and they are awesome... just thought I'd share.)  I always look forward to that apple for snack. 

We should have a similar response to the wisdom found in God's word.  Check out Proverbs 7:2:

"² Keep my commands and you will live;
       guard my teachings as the apple of your eye."

As the old saying goes, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away..."  A bite from God's Word brings life.


Jim


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Daily Read October 6, 2010

Luke 5:29-32 (New International Version)

 ²⁹Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. ³⁰But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
 ³¹Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ³²I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."


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Month of Wisdom - October 6

Proverbs 6:6-11 (NIV)

" ⁶ Go to the ant, you sluggard;
       consider its ways and be wise!
 ⁷ It has no commander,
       no overseer or ruler,
 ⁸ yet it stores its provisions in summer
       and gathers its food at harvest.
 ⁹ How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
       When will you get up from your sleep?
 ¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber,
       a little folding of the hands to rest-
 ¹¹ and poverty will come on you like a bandit
       and scarcity like an armed man."
I am by nature a procrastinator.  Friday afternoons are super busy for me because there are projects and tasks that have to be done by the weekend and many times on Tuesday they don't seem particularly pressing.  But they are very pressing by Friday. 

Solomon uses a simple analogy to illustrate that we should be diligent in our work.  Ants don't have a boss or a supervisor... yet they get all their work done in a timely manner.  They have enough food to survive the winter. 

We should model the ants in how we work... diligent and effectively.  Many times, however, we work in just the opposite fashion.  Today, consider how you work and if that method should change.

Jim

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Welcome "Awake"

A couple of weeks ago, officially changed the name of our Sunday night program from Kardia to Ignition. 

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been some concern that the name is too close to another area youth ministry's name "Ignite."  There were also some that speculated that someone may have overloaded the voting before others could vote. 

So... Sunday night we put to another vote and set it up so that no one could overload the software with votes.

Therefore, Kardia was Ignition and is now: Awake!!!

"Awake" is the new name for the Sunday night event for students at North Terrace Church of Christ. 

Jim


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Daily Read October 5, 2010

Luke 5:17-26 (New International Version)

 ¹⁷One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. ¹⁸Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. ¹⁹When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.  ²⁰When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
 ²¹The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
 ²²Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? ²³Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? ²⁴But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." ²⁵Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. ²⁶Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."


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Month of Wisdom - October 5

Proverbs 5:21 (NIV)

 ²¹ For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

How often we forget that God sees all.  There are days when I forget the simple truth that Proverbs 5:21 shares with us.  We go through our life... work... friends... hobbies... socializing... hanging out online... and we forget that everything we say and do is in full view of God.  He knows where we go, what we do, what we think or feel and how we express ourselves when someone runs a red light or cuts us off on Maple Avenue. 

Something to think about today!

Jim

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Daily Read October 4, 2010

Matthew 4:18-22 (New International Version)

 ¹⁸As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ²⁰At once they left their nets and followed him.  ²¹Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²²and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.


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Month of Wisdom - October 4

This month, Pastor Bill has challenged the congregation of North Terrace to spend some time in the book of Proverbs (check out the sermon from October 3rd HERE) as he teaches us through Proverbs between now and Thanksgiving.  He has encouraged us to read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month that it is... today is the 4th of October, therefore read Proverbs 4. 

So I'm going to start a line of devotional blog posts that correspond with my reading through Proverbs this month.  I used to read Proverbs regularly like this... but stopped in the past couple of years... not sure why.  I'm kinda excited about getting back into this habit.  The hope is that it encourages you.

Proverbs 4:10-13 (NIV)

 ¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say,
       and the years of your life will be many.
 ¹¹ I guide you in the way of wisdom
       and lead you along straight paths.
 ¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
       when you run, you will not stumble.
 ¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
       guard it well, for it is your life.

When I started running a couple of years ago, I had no idea what I was doing.  The first time, I put on my shoes and headed outside.  But I had tons of questions.  What kind of shoes to get?  What kind of clothes to buy?  How much to run?  How hard to train?  How to handle specific issues that I was facing (like blisters, etc)?  What time during the day should I run?  How far was a mile?  But I had no idea what I was doing... since I had never done it before.

Thankfully, I found several good friends surrounding me who were regular runners.  They possessed the wisdom that I desired.  In order to achieve the answers that I needed, all I needed to do was ask.  I could have continued to try to figure it out on my own... Or I could just ask someone. 

That's wisdom.  Asking someone who's been there and done that.  One of the greatest helps to my running was getting a monthly subscription to "Runner's World Magazine."  Every month it comes packed with great advice, tips and ideas about running from folks who learned the hard way. 

Why go through life learning the hard way?  Why not go to the source of wisdom (God's Word) and dig into His wisdom (Proverbs...)? 

Jim
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