If I Were King

If I was the king of the world (hmmm, I hear Coldplay)...anyway, if I could I would mandate that every Christ-folower, especially those in vocational service, would read On Being A Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe. It is one of a handful of books that I read, reread, and get encouraged, clobbered, and exhorted with each reading.

His definition of ministry is worth several times the price of the book:  "Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God."

As I restarted the book this morning here at Crescent Lake Bible Camp in Rhinelander, Wi I reflected that I first spoke at this camp for a winter retreat probably in 1979. Yikes! And I again reflect on what a slow learner I am...and a book like this challenges, comforts, and kicks-in-the-butt in just the right way to bring about not simply conviction, but change.

If you are satisfied with your life and ministry, ignore the book. If you are open to a sanctified mixture of challenge, conviction, and confirmation, get the book!

And, yeah, you can provide me a few cents for my deputation account if you order off the link below:

Permissible Versus Beneficial

Here is great stuff from Mark Batterson:

"Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial."

Your future is found in I Corinthians 10:23. It reveals two options: permissible or beneficial. And your destiny will be determined by which option you choose.

Who we become is determined by whether we settle for what is permissible or strive for what is beneficial. It's so tempting to live down to what is required. It's so tempting to live in our comfort zone. It's so tempting to take the path of least resistance, but the path of least resistance never takes you where you really want to go!

What am I getting at? Well, are you setting for what is permissible? Or are you striving for what is beneficial? Are you giving God leftovers? Or are you seeking first the kingdom of God? Where are you compromising? Where have you become comfortable with what is permissible?

Don't let short-term comfort short-circuit God's long-terms plans for your life. Spiritual short-cuts always turn into detours! Take the hard way. Take the high road. Strive for what is beneficial.

"The Motions"-Matthew West

One of my favorite songs; made a bit nicer through a video collage

How Does This Impact Life? Ministry? Future?

Very well done documentation of the amazing, incredible, rise and continued rise of social sites etc...

Reading Without Obeying Dangerous

A. W. Tozer brings it home:

"To be entirely safe from the devil's snares the man of God must be completely obedient to the

Word of the Lord.

The driver on the highway is safe, not when he reads the signs

but when he obeys them."

That Incredible Christian, 51.

No Comment Necessary

A Genuine Bat Man!

Craziness