I saw this week that a few truly misguided students at UT-San Antonio are offering to give out porn in exchange for Bibles on campus.  Their "reasoning" is that they are trading "smut for smut" (their words). 

As you close the first month of reading the Bible through this year, I hope you've noticed something truly fascinating and thrilling about reading it.  You especially notice this as you read multiple passages as we're doing.  It's one of the most convincing proofs that the Bible is written by God, not merely men and women trying to compose a book of good thoughts.

Pat Robertson brought a lot of response when he stated he believed the recent earthquake and 70,000 deaths on Haiti were the result of God's judgement for entering into a "pact with the devil" in the 1700's.  Is that what Christians should believe?  I don't think so, Pat.

The easy answers to other people's problems are rarely the Godly ones.  There are and have always been a lot of God's people in Haiti.  Judging the character of all when few are known isn't God's way (and shouldn't be ours). (see Matthew 7:12 for a guide)

Today's reading includes a passage from Matthew 5:13-20 where Jesus encourages us that His reason for coming is to fulfill what God has said and inspire us toward the future.  I love the way The Message translates one verse, "Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God's law will be alive and working." 

Yes.  That's what I believe and is why I think the best course is following His word without regard to the ways of others.

Acts 5:15 - Peter's shadow is enough to bring people into His presence.  What is my influence?

Psalm 8:4 - It is amazing that God is "mindful" of me (and you) - even though I can't think of a "worthy reason", He is (and will be!).

Genesis 23:6 - Abraham's life leads those around him to respect his wishes, even those who are not believers - what will be my influence when I need it the most?

Had a reminder this morning how "out of style" I am.  (No surprise to you, I'm sure.)

As I drove to work in 23 degree weather, I passed a young guy on the sidewalk in flip-flops!  Not homeless, just his choice for today - WoW!

Man, that's suffering for your art!

God made our toes, but I think He wants us to consider taking dominion over them!

Kevin

The schedule for Reading the Bible Through Together will be up asap on this site.  Until then you can check this blog for the schedule.

Worship text for this week of Sunday, January 10 is Exodus 20:3 - the first commandment.  The Proverbs chapter is chapter 5 - verse 21 is my favorite.

Plan I - one chapter a day - through the New Testament - is Mark 5.

Plan II - through the entire Bible this year - asks that you read Psalm 3, Genesis 5-6, Matthew 2:1-12, and Acts 2:1-21.

Hope you're tracking - we'll have the web site window\link up soon!

Kevin

I'm looking forward to this Sunday and the new schedule that will give us a chance to provide room to grow in the months ahead, as well as have everyone on campus at the same time each week.  I'm sure we'll be "tweaking" it in the weeks ahead as we adjust to the best for everyone involved, so be sure to give us helpful feedback as we try to put people before programs and plans.  (Notice I said helpful!) 

I have to confess that I feel like an aggie I heard about who stood behind his wife's car to tell her whether her turn signal was working or not.  "Yes, it is.  No, it's not.

What an exceptional experience I had this weekend through our Worship ministry!  The entire performances (2 of them) of the music and message were just what I believe are most useful to the Lord during this season of the year.  Our entire sanctuary became a special place for families and children of all ages to see clearly the story of God's love.

Somewhere between Happy and Merry is where we find ourselves this week - between Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, that is!  It's a good place to be, but one that can feel like "limbo" at times.

We enjyed Thanksgiving and shared it with many others - the church services and seasons of service alone were worth doing!  We're also excited about Christmas and look forward to celebrating and singing the songs of Christ Jesus all month long.

I'd like to say that giving thanks comes naturally for me, but I think the natural response for me has been to enjoy the "getting" a little too much.  I doubt that surprises you, unless you think ministers are born with clerical collars.  I'm a little too selfish if left to myself.  That's why this time of year is so important to me.  It's a learned behavior and an acquired taste, but a preferred result, to say the least.