The Whole World Is Watching
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35 NLT) We prove our faith in Christ, not by the rules we keep, but by the love we give. Notice Jesus didn’t say, “Love me,” as proof of our discipleship. He said, “Love one another, and that will show the world you belong to me.” One of the best things we can do to reach our community for Christ is to love each other – that is, to love other believers. Until the world sees the love of God modeled in Christian community, …
Live Interview With Recording Artist Rosie Thomas
I meet up with Rosie Thomas on an unusually cool summer day in Bushnell, Illinois, June 2007. We search for a spot far enough away from sound checks, seminars and live music for us to record a brief interview without background noise. There is no such place. We’re at Cornerstone Festival—if there’s an open space someone’s making noise on it. We end up on a grassy hillside near a small tent where the music is reasonably subdued. Rosie suggests we sit on the grass. She’s wearing a white sweater over a pink dress with a muted pattern. Her look may …
Off the Top Rope
Former professional wrestling champion, Chris Benoit, horrified the nation recently with the murder of his wife, son and himself. After the news broke, the internet quickly filled with statistics showing the untimely deaths of over 60 former professional wrestlers. After reading through the names of the deceased, I was saddened not only for the lives lost, but for the tainting of a once regal sport. Now, you may be one of those who still think that wrestling is fake but for the purist, it will always be “Rasslin’” and it will always be real. Don’t believe me? Comedian Andy Kaufman …
Free To Serve
“For you have been called to live in freedom – not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13) What will you use your freedom for?It’s an important question, since one of the greatest things about being born again is the freedom that comes from the Spirit of God. “And wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) In Christ we have been set free from the power and the penalty of sin, free from trying to earn God’s favor, free from the insatiable need to please …
Court TV and me
Lately I have been fascinated by a television channel I’ve discovered. It’s called “Court TV” and it’s about real life stuff that is caught on tape. From police chases to court room scenes to amazing accidents … it grabs my attention for a few minutes just about every night. On a recent episode I heard a judge make this comment while handing down his sentence to a young convicted criminal … “Because of your mean spirit I find much joy in sentencing you to the maximum number of years in our state prison.” This prompted me to wonder … exactly …
Looking for Signs of Rock Band Dust For Life
The music industry is a harsh mistress. Narrow is the way to lasting success and very few artists find it. Founding member of Dust For Life, Jason Hughes, has hiked that precarious path and made it farther than most. In the summer of 2000, DFL was opening up for Creed. That fall they were on tour with 3 Doors Down, Nickelback and Cold. They went on to do shows with Linkin Park, Lifehouse, Fuel, Stone Temple Pilots and Tenacious D. The band performed before as many as 30,000 and their debut CD ultimately sold nearly 150,000 copies. To put that …
It’s All About Jesus
“When I came to you … I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2 NIV) The Gospel message has gotten a little foggy these days with all the attention being paid to politics, family values, and culture wars, and a lot of folks have lost track of the fact that it’s all about Jesus. Ask the man on the street what a Christian is today and you’re likely to ask …
now ear this
I recently watched part of an interview with a man shopping on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. He was simply asked if he thought he would be in heaven when he died. Without hesitation the man said: “I think I will be in heaven, if I’m able to overcome with integrity all the obstacles I encounter throughout my lifetime.” Out loud I spoke back to him and my television screen. “Well, good luck … and let me know how that worked out for you on judgment day”. Jesus addressed the issue of how to overcome in Revelation chapters two and …
remember the Rock
As a high school science teacher for 31 years, a father for 37 years, and a grandfather for 7 years … I have had many encounters with parents. Through the years several have mentioned the value of spending quality time with their kids. A concept I heartily endorse. At the same time I have noticed a large percentage of parents that daily ignore opportunities to spend quality time with God. Sad that people who say they love God and appreciate His mercy, grace, and blessings spend little or no time with Him. We are all created with a purpose … …
Under New Ownership
“You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) What does it mean to not belong to myself? I can think of a few things. It means that I should probably do a lot of consulting with my new owner. There is more to consider than just me and what I want to do; there is God and what he wants me to do. If you’re anything like me, this makes sense until you begin to wonder over what he wants you to do in certain circumstances. It isn’t always clear. For …
