Persecution of Christians

There have been numerous stories from around the world recently about Christians being persecuted and killed simply because they follow Jesus Christ. American Christians are largely unaware of the tragedies and commitment to Christ being lived out in other parts of the world. These stories seldom make our evening news. It would be time well spent to visit The Voice of the Martyrs website. You can also subscribe to receive periodic prayer updates regarding persecution of believers around the world.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

Last Sunday we talked about discipleship and what following after Jesus looks like. I shared this piece titled "The Fellowship of the Unshamed" and wanted to make it available.

The Fellowship Of The Unashamed

(Dr. Bob Moorehead, from his book “Words Aptly Spoken”)

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I am part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed.”

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.

The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Christ Jesus.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future secure.

I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees,

colorless dreams, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough,

my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the fact of sacrifice,

hesitate in the presence of adversity,

negotiate at the table of the enemy,

ponder at the pool of popularity,

or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Christ Jesus.

I must give until I drop and preach until all know.

And when my time is up, He will have no problem recognizing me.

My colors will be clear."

Church Names in America

Church Names in the US - Here are some interesting facts about churches in the US, including which names are most common. As I mentioned in our church services Sunday - our church name is the least original in America. Now I have proof.

It's a Cruel, Cruel World

Newsweek says that Simon Cowell is to blame for a whole culture of nastiness that has cropped up since he began judging on American Idol. "None of his nasty critiques seem so shocking now, of course. We are a culture that thrives on meanness--mean blogs, mean political campaigns, mean girls. We are so accustomed to mean outbursts, we barely blink when a congressman yells 'You lie!' at the president during a speech. Cowell helped take us there."

IKEA Play Report

WIRED shares a few results from a recent study from Ikea. Here's a good conclusion: "Children overwhelmingly prefer playing with their friends and parents over watching TV. When children across the world were asked to choose between watching TV or playing with friends or parents, they overwhelmingly choose to play with friends (89%) and parents (73%) with TV a very poor substitute for social interaction at only 11%."

50 Worst Inventions

I've come up with my share of bad ideas and find this list encouraging. TIME has a round-up of the 50 worst inventions. Not surprisingly, sub-prime mortgages made the list. The list includes such jewels as New Coke and the Snuggy for dogs.

Simplifiying Life

If I can find a way to simplify my life - I'm all for it. In this brief article, Dave Kraft, offers seven good suggestions based on what he has done to simplify his life.