Are You Thinking About Getting A Divorce? « Mark’s Blog

27 03 2012

Are You Thinking About Getting A Divorce? « Mark’s Blog.

There’s some good stuff on this link for those considering divorce. Some power is missing in it though. It’s the Gospel. The reason we stay together in marriage is because of Jesus. Jesus stuck it out for us. We can stick it out for him. When we give up hope, we also sacrifice our ultimate joy. Enduring all trouble for Jesus is worth it even though it may feel like a nightmare at the time.

Check out the link if you need some study-based motivation on how traumatic divorce really is, but also how beneficial it is when we stay together.





World Water Day — Celebrate With Amos Batungura

22 03 2012

World Water Day — Celebrate With Amos Batungura.

Consider your role in easing the suffering of so many (especially children) without clean water…in Jesus’ name.





Foreign Policy: Invisible Children responds « Invisible Children Blog

19 03 2012

Foreign Policy: Invisible Children responds « Invisible Children Blog.

You may have heard of Invisible Children or #kony2012 or Jason Russell by now. Before quickly blowing them off or becoming cynical to yet another crisis in the world consider what you have done to demonstrate God’s justice in the world.

Show compassion

Seek justice

Serve people

Stand up for the least of these.

Do these things even when it seems hopeless or when you’re not sure how to accomplish it. Sometimes you just have to try even when your strategy isn’t ironed out yet. The linked article discusses some of the work IC is up to and addresses some of the criticism.





How are your Children Handling the Sexualization of Our Culture? | A Stepping Stone on the Road to Recovery from Pornography Addiction

2 03 2012

How are your Children Handling the Sexualization of Our Culture? | A Stepping Stone on the Road to Recovery from Pornography Addiction.

This link will increase your awareness of the great trap of sexualized kids. My friend Andy Lundy has brought this to our attention and we should carefully consider this. There is also a link to a CBC documentary called “Sext Up Kids.” Parents, are you talking about this appropriately with your kids? Are you being their defender and protector?





Ironman champ: Train your brain, then your body – CNN.com

22 02 2012

Ironman champ: Train your brain, then your body – CNN.com.

I love training motifs. This article caught my attention and I see strong parallels with Hebrews 12. I’ve summarized the article and compared Chrissie Wellington’s insights with Scripture.

Visualization: The race set before you (v.1). Imagine each step of the way.

Mental Images: Look to Jesus (v.2), the throne of God (v.2), consider him who endured (v.3). Get the summit/the goal in your mind’s eye.

Manageable Segments: Lay aside every weight (v.1). Pick ‘em off one at a time.

Learning to Hurt: Run with endurance (v.1), resist to the point of shedding blood (v.4). The Christian race is all about perseverance.

Support and Inspirational People: Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (v.1). Be inspired by the examples of those who have gone before.

Big Cause: The joy set before you (v.2). You can endure anything when you embrace the mission of the Gospel.





The Gospel Project (Curriculum)

21 02 2012

The Gospel Project.

The Gospel Project is a new kids church curriculum I’m looking into. Looks sound as well as creative in approach.





Kids Feel What Parents Expressively Feel – Desiring God

17 02 2012

Kids Feel What Parents Expressively Feel – Desiring God.

Watch this little video from John Piper and help your children get caught up in the wonder of God.

I LOVE reading stories to my children. The most moving ones for me are Bible stories. There are times when I step into the story so strongly that waves of emotion wash over me. Sometimes tears even begin to well up as I consider the greatness of God’s love. I read the story of Elijah from Manga Messengers (Tyndale) the other night and I felt fear, anger, Elijah’s mocking ridicule and such a sense of awe that can’t really be explained. Your children will see that and feel it too. (This is a powerful principle for telling stories in children’s ministry settings as well).








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