Thursday, January 30, 2020

Unshakable Faith


“Be patient, don’t cry, don’t worry. But thank God for everything.”  These are the words of Lawan Andimi, who was executed by Boko Haram in Nigeria last week.   Nigeria is said to be the second most dangerous country in the world for Christians to live.  Boko Haram is the jihadist terrorist group in Western Africa responsible for Andimi's execution.  Boko Haram was founded in 2002 and was mostly non-violent in the beginning.  With the goal of purifying Islam in northern Nigeria, their motives turned to violence in 2009 when they started an armed rebellion against the government of Nigeria.  Since then, they have killed tens of thousands and displaced 2.3 million people from their homes.  The pain and devastation caused by this group is heartbreaking, and it sickens me to know that they are doing it in the name of their god.  I am thankful for Mr. Andimi whose faith was strong even during his abduction.   His video has been an inspiration to tens of thousands of others.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Rescue

Several months ago, I posted Lauren Daigle's song, "You Say" at this site.  It was just announced that this is now the most listened to Christian song of all time.  I take full credit for my help in making this happen for her through my shameless promotion.  I'm kidding of course, but I am very excited to be going to see her in person in May at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.  I have high expectations that this will be so much more than a concert.  If you are in need of a Daigle fix, her song "Rescue" is written from God's perspective, and speaks of His unflinching desire to rescue us from whatever is keeping us from Him.  If you follow the link, take some time to read the comments below.  Lauren's work is making a difference for a lot of people.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Wise Beyond Years


Caroline and I have two amazing kids that have provided unending joy for us over the years.   Now they have blessed us with six grandchildren that are providing a whole new kind of joy.  I don't know Kyle Martin personally, but I was introduced to him, along with 6.5 million others, when his speech as valedictorian of his high school went viral.  If you haven't seen this yet, click here, and take 8 minutes to be inspired.  I would love to know about all of the forces in his life that taught him such valuable life lessons at such a young age.  I know his parents must be proud, too.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Conspiracy theory

The conspiracy theory was once an idea that began with one person and slowly worked its way through dimly lit offices behind closed doors, making its way from one room to another, from the lips of one, to the ear of another.  At some point, if it gathered enough steam, it might make it to the editorial page of a newspaper, and from there, other media sources might pick up on it weeks or months later.  Today, thousands of conspiracy theories can hatch every day, with those that are the most sensational, spreading like a virus in minutes.  Users are anxiously waiting to see what will surface to determine whether they want to get on board or not.   It seems that many times truth is being trumped by folly in an effort to draw attention to ourselves or to feel part of a group.  Religion has its own share of conspiracy theories, one of which I believe to be true.  "The Kingdom has come and is still coming in the ordinary lives of overlooked people in our communities."  Watch and listen.  Dru Johnson wrote this article published in Christianity Today which made me start thinking about this today.  Give it a read and let me know what you think.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Dream Weaver

Ravi was 17 and an atheist when he lay in a hospital bed recovering after attempting suicide.  A hospital worker brought his mom a bible and asked her to read to him from John 14.  That pivotal moment changed Ravi's life, and Ravi Zacharias is now a pastor, speaker and author of multiple bestselling books.  Our ConnectGroup from church will be reading Ravi's book, The Grand Weaver.   Let me know if you would like to join us in person or read along with us from home.