Movie Review: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince

I find it hard to believe anymore that there can be a “twist” or “secret” that hasn’t been revealed on the internet regarding “Harry Potter” but apparently that was the buzz leading up to this film’s release. The book series has eclipsed anything I’ve ever grown up with as far as sales and interest from kids, and it’s certainly shaped a generation the way that, say, “Star Wars” did from the late 70’s to mid-late 80’s–and in some ways, still shapes generations today. But with Harry Potter, it’s the books that have done the good; the movies have merely profited …

Prayer – as posted in our forums

For the last few years I have been thinking/learning/sharing the “Lord’s Prayer” as not just a prayer that Jesus taught us but as a blue print of how to pray. A few weeks ago I had a length talk with a friend about it and that today I heard a sermon about it again. I feel that God just wants me to share this message with others.
1. Make prayer a priority. Praying is to your spirit as breathing is to your body. For your spirit to be healthy, to grow you must pray.
2. Pray alone. Make time for the Lord. …

Lets Stand For Nothing

I just read AP sports writer’s Teresa M. Walker’s article on McNair’s pastor and close friend cautioning against judging the ex-NFL quarterback, reminding people who gathered for his memorial not to cast the first stone.
Tolerance is going to be the death of the US. As the everyday Christian’s values are daily under attack and repressed the so called leaders of the kingdom of God have become weak and compromised.
First it was Micheal Jackson now McNair’s sexual exploits are being over looked due to lifetime achievements. There are ways to comfort a family in loss but please don’t cheapen the Gospel …

Thinking About A Tragedy

By now everyone is likely well aware of the events of July 4th in Nashville, TN, when former NFL star Steve McNair and his 20 year old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, died in what appears to be a shocking and tragic murder-suicide. Below are some thoughts.
It’s a tragedy …

… that two lives have ended so senselessly
… that the ultimate price was paid – and for what?
… that the circumstances surrounding these deaths are so dark and twisted
… that a grieving wife is left to pick up the shattered pieces of a lifelong commitment
… that a broken-hearted woman is now a single …

Got your 100 pts?

A man dies and goes to heaven. St Peter meets him at the gates of heaven.
“Here’s how it works”, says St Peter. “You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.
“Okay”, the man says, “I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, not even in my heart.”
“That’s wonderful”, says St Peter. “That’s worth 3 points.”
“Only three points?” the …

Oh Reverend Where Art Thou ?

Mad dog reporters are frantically seeking interviews with all who knew the late Michael Jackson, with the hope of shedding light on the mysteries behind his passing.
One famous reporter … known for his prime-time television interviews with celebrities and “fresh news personalities” … asked two “Reverends” several questions about the life and death of Jackson. These two “ministers” spoke of his accomplishments and talents as an entertainer and humanitarian … but mentioned nothing about Jackson’s spiritual connection with GOD. With a national audience listening these men of the church never spoke the name of our only eternal hope. …

If We Live It, They Will Ask

There was a popular movie several years ago that revolved around a man who heard a voice that told him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. A statement from that movie is as well-known as the movie; “If you build it, they will come.” A pastor friend of mine has his own version of this sentence with regard to getting Christians to come to an event; “If you feed them, they will come.”
As you read through 1 Peter and come upon chapter three verse fifteen, it would seem that Peter had the same idea in mind. This verse …

you're not invited

Have you ever heard about the upcoming wedding and banquet of a good friend and then realized you have NOT been invited ? The thoughts that run through your mind may sound something like:
“Did I do something wrong ?” … “I thought they liked me ?” … “Am I not important ?”
As proclaimers of Jesus our lives should be a constant invitation welcoming the people we encounter to join us for the biggest wedding and banquet ever planned. Christ uses these symbolic words to His followers in Matthew 22:8 and 9:
“The wedding banquet is ready … Go … and invite …

the Sinatra syndrome

Singer-actor Frank Sinatra can still be seen and heard on TV and the radio. One of his most played songs seems to be “My Way” … and I actually heard it this morning at 5:40am while driving to the gym. Hit song … stupid theme.
I spoke with a young man this week who had this to say about seeking God and His direction :
“I’m OK with God, I don’t need a Savior, besides he knows my heart.” … followed by …
“Its my life and on top of that I’m not nearly as bad as many other guys …

Psalm 23

I have seen this in my email a few times. I thought I’d share it this time. Pretty cool how it points out the ways God provides. Amazing, what a great reminder.
The Lord is my Shepherd -Relationship
I shall not want – Supply
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – Rest
He leadeth me beside the still waters – Refreshment
He restoreth my soul – Healing
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness – Guidance
For His name sake – Purpose
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death – Testing
I will fear no evil – Protection
For Thou art …