Sound Bites
Month of February
Websites with Wisdom Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/relationship/features/28337-the-secret-sexual-revolution
This article written by Relevant Magazine presents information we probably already knew, but don’t want to acknowledge. Eighty percent of Christians between the ages of 18-29 have had sex before marriage according to a recent study. This article gives reasons why this is the case and what the message should be to the 80 percent as well as those who make up the minority of 20 percent. For more information on this topic read the blog I wrote a few years back: http://shoutitforlife.com/2010/02/07/why-the-tenacity-for-chastity/
Together Transforming Tomorrow Tuesday
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
In 2 days, on Thursday, February 23rd, 2000 prayer groups across the nation will be praying for every college campus in America for a spiritual awakening. A revival is desperately needed for the youth of our nation. Please join praying for the college students across America. You can sign up as well on their website to join in a group. We are in an hour of crisis.
http://www.collegiatedayofprayer.org/participate/will-you-pray.html
Music Made Monday
Monday, February 20, 2012
Hillsong United’s newest live album, “Live In Miami: Welcome to the Aftermath” is a worship experience that you can’t afford to miss! This album features 21 songs, a mix from their studio album, Aftermath, and some of their greatest hits. The presence of God is very evident throughout and the passionate cry of a generation crying out to Jesus in praise is captured brilliantly. The best of the group—”Aftermath”, ”With Everything”, “Yours Forever”, “Go”, and the last track, “Take Heart.” Here are a few of the songs for you to listen to below. Enjoy and hold nothing back in worshipping God with these songs!
Setting Sight on Scripture Sunday
Sunday, February 19, 2012
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Psalm 145:8
Although we don’t deserve God’s rich and incomprehensible love, He freely gives us grace and mercy despite our faults, failures, and fears that turn our attention away from Him. Thank Him today that for His patience shown to you and His loves that never changes and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. “For God demonstrates His own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:8)
Seeking the Savior Saturday
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Through My Eyes is an autobiography of NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and was published last year. It may seem premature to write an autobiography of yourself at his very young age, but this book was not written to boast his ego or make a profit. Instead it is heartwarming, inspirational read about fulfilling dreams, hard work, and faith in God that is a solid witnessing tool that proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you want a full picture of his life from his own words; this is worth your time. Stay tuned for his Profile, that’s set to be posted soon!
Following in His Footsteps Friday
Friday, February 17, 2012
http://blog.godreports.com/2012/02/jeremy-lin-the-tebow-of-basketball-shakes-up-new-york/
“Your talent and your ability to play basketball is a gift from God. You have to use that for God’s glory.” Jeremy Lin
“Linsanity” has quickly swept New York City, the NBA, and the nation’s attention. Jeremy Lin’s remarkable feel good story is told in this article. He is already being compared to Tim Tebow of the NFL and for good reason. He is a shining light of Christ for a sport league (NBA) and nation that’s surrounded in darkness. He is under strong consideration for the list of 2013 Profiles! Please read this encouraging article and pray for Jeremy Lin, athletes, and those in the spotlight, that they will be a beckon of hope for this lost generation.
Taking Time for Thanks Thursday
Thursday, February 16, 2012
http://intothelightjournal.blogspot.com/2011/09/praising-god-in-storms-of-life.html
Today I wanted to dig deeper in the subject of lament and praising God in the midst of our pains, trials, and storms. This blog, “Praising God in the Storms of Life” gives a very detailed and descriptive look in why God sends us in the desert. We are reminded with the assurance that God is always there with us even in our darkest days. A very encouraging read on God’s faithfulness and grace that He lavishes upon us!
Websites with Wisdom Wednesday
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
http://beckyhammon25.com/blog/
WNBA all-star athlete, Becky Hammon, recently wrote a short and interesting blog, “One Moment In Time”, on her take of Whitney Houston’s death, the lessons to take away from her passing, and how precious every day of our life is. Certainly worth the time reading this blog regards of your opinion of Whitney Houston.
Together Transforming Tomorrow Tuesday
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Romantically Challenged is one of “The Skit Guys” most hilarious and most popular videos that addresses what it means to show love to your wife/husband. The message is simple and often can be overlooked in the hoopla of the Valentine’s Day holiday–that we need to simply be there for our spouse and to ask the question: “How can I bless my wife or husband today?” In this video you’ll also be treated to a reference to the movie, “Dead Poets Society” too! Enjoy!
Music Made Monday
Monday, February 13, 2012
“Unaware – I have been unfair
I’ve been unfit for blessings from above
But even I can see
The sacrifice You made for me
To show that I have never been unloved
It’s because of you
And all that you went through
I know that I have never been unloved” Michael W. Smith
“Never Been Unloved” by Michael W. Smith is a thought-provoking song on God’s love for us. Although we are unworthy, unwilling, and unapproachable of God’s loves He still loves us unconditionally always the same yesterday, today, and forever. No matter where you are currently in life this Valentine’s Day season–remember that you have always been loved and you can share in this divine romance with your Creator. God shows us what true love looks like: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Setting Sight on Scripture Sunday
Sunday, February 12, 2012
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Our society easily confuses love with lust. Lust is directed inward towards ourselves–our desires and wants. Love is directed outward towards others. Lust is selfish, love is selfless. To practice this kind of love we read in the “love chapter” of the Bible we need to ask God to help us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others. Love needs to be our essence, our every breath, our being, and our sole pursuit in life.
Seeking the Savior Saturday
Saturday, February 11, 2012 
What does it mean to worship God in the midst of our grief, pain, confusion, and heartbreak? Is it possible to praise God in the midst of our greatest storms? Does God have a purpose for lament worship? In Michael Card’s book, A Sacred Sorrow, this questions are answered in depth. You’ll also see Biblical examples of men and women who experienced grief and sorrow in life and their stories can be applied to your own life. This is a challenging read, no doubt, but will certainly help you grow considerably in your walk with Christ in a more intimate way. A Sacred Sorrow will be examined more closely in the coming months in the Reckless Abandon Worship (RAW) ministry.
Following in His Footsteps Friday
Friday, February 10, 2012
“Eucharist [thanksgiving] is the state of the perfect man. Eucharist is the life of paradise. Eucharist is the only full and real response of man to God’s creation, redemption, and gift of heaven.” Alexander Schmemann
“Thanksgiving–giving thanks in everything–prepares the way that God might show us His fullest salvation in Christ.” Ann Voskamp
Take these quotes and this video to heart this weekend and remember that life is to savored—not rushed through. We can never experience life to the fullest without eucharisteo(thanksgiving) towards God. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: How many moments of my life have my eyes been wide open? It is through the lens of gratitude towards God that we can truly live life to the fullest that Christ came to give us (John 10:10) and taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)
Taking Time for Thanks Thursday
Thursday, February 9, 2012
This video by Francis Chan is breathtaking in scope and is something I could watch over and over again. The magnificence of God’s creation is something we should never take for granted or lose wonder for. Make it a habit to learn, study, watch, listen to, partake in, and simply enjoy creation. Because by taking delight in creation, we are taking delight in the Creator. What a privilege this truly is!
Websites with Wisdom Wednesday
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
This article gives a list of 29 creative different ways you can express your love to someone. Not just on Valentine’s Day but throughout the entire month of February and beyond. Become an ambassador of appreciation today!
Tomorrow Transforming Tomorrow Tuesday
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
“Attention Everybody! We are in the presence of a true wordsman! Allow his words to be the wings on which your cards fly! I want what he’s having!”
This is a hilarious and heartwarming video by the Skit Guys on the simplicity and power of the words, “I Love You” can have in the context of marriage. We should never stop declaring our love to our spouse as well as our family, friends, and loved ones. Don’t assume they already know of your love for them. Tell them in your words along with your actions that you love them and appreciate who they are and what they’ve done in your life this Valentine’s Day. You’ll be amazed at the power these three simple words really have on a person’s life!
Music Made Monday
Monday, February 6, 2012
Another outstanding worship song by the David Crowder Band is “After All (Holy)” on their final album just released last month. Listen to these words, mediate on the majesty and wonder of our God, and lift Him up in praise with humble adoration on who He is!
“I can’t comprehend Your infinitely beautiful and perfect love
Oh I’ve dreamed dreams of majesty as brilliant as a billion stars
But they’re never bright enough after all
You are Holy
Oh Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy
I will sing a song for You my God with everything I have in me
But it’s never loud enough after all
You are Holy
Oh Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy” David Crowder Band
Setting Sight on Scripture Sunday
Sunday, February 5, 2012
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (Revelation 3:15-18)
Lukewarm water is not a pleasant drink to taste. The church in Laodicea had become lukewarm not taking a stand for anything, becoming indifferent, and consumed with their wealth. By neglecting their first love, the church has come hardened and self-satisfied comfortable with their current status. Sadly, the church of Laodicea mirrors much of the American church today. A truth we have forgotten is that our true riches can be found in Christ not in our luxurious buildings and fancy entertainment programs. A revival in the church is needed for us to see again what the body of Christ was meant to be and how to regain it’s vital role in a dying and desperate world.
Seeking the Savior Saturday
Saturday, February 4, 2012
One of the key books we’ll be referencing a lot in the current Weekly Blog series over the next few months is, “Fresh Encounter” by Henry and Richard Blackaby. A 2nd edition was written recently in 2009 from the original 1996 version. This book is a solid overall of what a revival is, why revivals seem to tarry, the Biblical record of revival, the role of prayers in revival, many references of revivals and the impact they had, and how to maintain revival. I strongly would recommend this book if you want to get a in-depth look at the specifics of revival.
Following in His Footsteps Friday
Friday, February 3, 2012
This is an outstanding video of Francis Chan giving an illustration on how important our decisions are in the present and the impact they have on our eternal destiny. He uses a rope to show us how absurd it is to waste our time and not store up our treasures in Heaven. A huge struggle we have today is wanting what’s comfortable and easy in our lives compared to what God desires from us. As Francis Chan states, “that’s so crazy” to live for now instead of eternity!
Taking Time for Thanks Thursday
Thursday, February 2, 2012
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” (Philippians 2:14-16)
There’s a world of difference between a complainer and a cheerful person. It’s so easy in our busy lives in today’s society to focus on our problems, listen to the negative voices, and give into our fears. We hold fast to the Word of life, Christ, we have nothing to fear or worry about. He has already solved our biggest problem giving us life through His sacrifice on the cross. God call us to be good listeners, cheerful, and humbly ready to help others. Blazing bright stars in a world of darkness. May we walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
Websites with Wisdom Wednesday
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/features/27595-why-young-adults-are-leaving-the-church
This is a short article in Relevant Magazine on why young adults are leaving the church. It is estimated that 40 to 50% percent of young adults either leave church or their faith altogether. We’ll be looking at this crisis and many more in the next weekly blog that addresses the church’s need for a revival.
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