There is much in the news about migrants into Southern Europe these days.
Yesterday morning there was an article that tells the story of an amazing journey. It is a harrowing depiction of some Syrian refugees. CLICK HERE to read the story and see some amazing photographs.
As I read, there were many places that are very familiar to me in my travels. It’s worth the 15 minutes or so to learn about the story that tens of thousands are experiencing.
Pax Romana it ain’t.
Filed under crisis of refugees
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;
God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
God chose what is low and despised in the world,
even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God,
righteousness
and sanctification
and redemption, so that,
as it is written,
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
(1 Corinthians 1:27-31 ESV)
Filed under disciple making, seeking understanding
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:1-14 ESV)
Filed under disciple making, seeking understanding
not walking with a fellow disciple and then having to go to a leader / pastor only in crisis is like going to the emergency room with a heart attack instead of daily excercise
Filed under disciple making
Any “discipleship program” that emphasizes the reading of books more than a growing love for Scripture and a deepening of one’s prayer may actually be just a really good book club.
Be careful that you are a learner (disciple) of Jesus, not just of another human.
Filed under disciple making
Usually at this time of year, I’m busy “getting the word out” about our end of ministry-year budget need. This year I don’t have to write that post and link it to Twitter and Facebook and www.ceokids.org/giving. God has already used our financial partners to meet that need. For that I am truly grateful. Actually I hadn’t even thought about it until I went to a ministry website and there it was: “help us reach our financial goal by June 30th!” So, when I saw that I thought, “oh yeah, I don’t have to do that this year!” Thanks be to God.
Well, I would say that anyway – Thanks be to God – even if we were squeezing every dime we could and cutting the budget to finish the year “in the black.” Indeed, it is then that I better mean it – thanks be to God. For you see, it is in hardness and struggle that I learn and claim Romans 5 where Paul takes us from suffering to hope. But today, I am simply grateful and I’m looking forward to the next season.
So, if you pray for CEO and our team and our work – thank you. If you give financially to support us – thank you. God has used you ahead of time this year. Thanks be to God
Filed under leadership
kingdom travelin' 