Social Networking and the Christian

I was recently listening to a preacher go off on Facebook, Myspace ect...I actually found myself in some respects agreeing with him on some of the issues he was bringing up. The problem I encountered was: There was no scripture used which disqualifies it as preaching and makes it motivational speaking at best. The second thing that I noticed was an extreme position instead of a balanced one. The third thing that cracked me up hit me yesterday as I was lurking around twitter for a bit, I came across many of his staff and church on the site. Now to me, that is funny. We wonder why we lose so many teenagers, college students ect... Well let me just tell you from experience, that, when we overstate issues, get on emotional rants, then publicly engage in a similar act to what we were screaming about...Teenagers and college students (who don't just parrot everything they hear and can actually think for themselves) do not buy into it (i realize some do and always will)!!! I am thankful that I have a Pastor who preaches the WORD, teaches the WORD, focus's on the Word. When the Bible speaks he speaks, where the Bible is silent he is silent. Thank the Lord for a Pastor that is not a dictatorial control freak, but a loving shepherd pointing people away from himself, his opinions, but to the FATHER.

Here is a great approach to social networking and the Christian (or any area of life):

1. Does it Glorify God? 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. Could Christ be a partner? Matthew 28:20
3. Does it Grieve the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:30
4. Will it cause stumbling? Romans 14:13
5. Does it appear evil? 1 Thessalonians 5:22
6. Have I asked God for wisdom? James 1:5 and about 50 other verses in Proverbs

These are questions we should ask ourselves, our kids, and our ministries and evaluate the decision being made by them. I believe if we do that the in all areas of life we will find ourselves living more abundant lives and living in favor of the spirit rather than the flesh.

I do right not because some man rants and raves about it (Gal. 1:10). I do right because I want to please the Lord (His love constrains us). When I please HIM everyone who needs to be pleased is. There is also a GREAT article on this subject found at http://www.paulchappell.com/

First night with Turk a success

-- Post From My iPhone

read these today AWESOME STUFF

Deuteronomy 4 (selected verses from there)

4But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.

9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;

24For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

29But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

31(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

35Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.

39Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

Caffine Update

Pray for me...I am in bondage...:)

getting out of your comfort zone

when is the last time you did something where you felt challenged. When is the last time that God HAD to come through for you?

So often I see so many in this place of contentment. This place where one finds themselves happy with where they are and who they are. Whether it is the comfort zone of contentment with the class you teach or the ministry you oversee, I want to challenge you not to get comfortable. Not to get used to the same 20 people or being in the same room or same place you are next year right now. Possibly its the contentment you have with where you are spiritually. Let me say that is a dangerous place to find yourself. I hope you will decide to push forward. To read more. To pray more. To worship more. I hope you will decide to get out of your chair or your pew and talk to that new person, to that new family. Question for today: Are you Comfortable. Revelation 3 says: "15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

Caffine Update

This week has been tough! A few headaches...But I think I am going to make it!!!!