dW 06.05.07

scripture

Romans 12:1 & 2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

quote

There were no bible schools in the New Testament. The only reason why we have bible schools is because we have bankrupt preaching. That’s why. Mister Spurgeon said 100 years ago that the bible suffers more from its exponents than it opponents. A witty American said not long ago, “Sure the bible is infallible. Otherwise how do you think it has survived so much bad preaching?” Oh brothers let’s get back and preach the book. Preach what God says about it, about sin, about redemption, about the Holy Ghost, about His coming, about war and tribulation. Why, this is the most exciting book in the whole world! – Leonard Ravenhill

pictures

dW 05.31.07 spoke of an experience I had in the Middle East a few years ago.

I had many that wanted to see the pictures that I spoke of. Here they are.

dW 05.11.07

scripture

Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus spoke saying, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

overseas experience

How do you find a mate in India? First of all, it is not your job but your parents’ job to find your mate. There is no such thing as dating in traditional Indian family practices. Here are the criteria that your parents would use:

A Age

B Beauty

C Career

D Dowry

E Education

F Family

thought

If I did not wear my NOTW (not of this world) hat or my cross necklace, would people still know that I am a Christian? If you were put before a court, would there be enough evidence to prove that you are a follower of Jesus Christ?

dW expands

I received a request to make it possible to post prayer requests. I did some brainstorming and came up with an idea. This will be our test run; there might be changes to how we interact with the site. Praises & Prayers is now available.

dW 05.07.07

scripture

Jonah 4:1-4

But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"

 

thought

Isn’t how Jonah describes God a complete oxymoron to how Jonah requests that God then take his life? Uncontrolled anger produces irrational thought and creates distance between us and God.  

 

quote

I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.

Charlotte Bronte

 

overseas experience

My wife and I went to the Middle East 3 years ago to visit an American friend of mine that was serving for a Christian mission organization. He introduced us to his Muslim friend Wil. Wil taught English at a local university to the Arabic students. While walking one day he and I were teaching each other our languages. He would ask me what an English word was or meant and then we’d say it in Arabic. We were laughing trying to pronounce the words and enjoying our new friendship. Then without hesitation he reached over and put his hand in my hand. I didn’t know what to do. I was freaking out inside. My head was racing, “I am walking down a street with another man that is holding my hand.” Behind us I could hear my American friend laughing.

Come to find out… In the Middle East men hug, hold hands, and greet each other with kisses on the cheek. In the West we have such a need for personal space. Overseas either the population size does not allow this space or the culture just does not require it like we do.

 

dW 05.04.07

scripture
Acts 19:18-20
Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas (approx $9,300). In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

quote
Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets.
Paul Tournier

overseas experiences
The term “squatty potty” is one that perhaps most westerners have not heard. Below is a picture of an eastern toilet. Where’s the seat? There isn’t one! You have to squat down.

This can take some practice. Tip: make sure your hamstrings are resting fully on your calves. This will ensure that you’ll be able to finish before your muscles fatigue. :)