Last spring I had the privilege of speaking at a conference for NFL players put on by Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO), a group which exists to unite a community of pro athletes and couples to grow as disciples of Jesus and positively impact their spheres of influence. They have a fantastic outreach to professional football and baseball athletes and their wives. I’ve seen firsthand the amazing difference they’re making. In the off-season I exchanged emails and texts with dozens of NFL players and cha..Continue reading→
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Thoughts
Motherhood Is a Marathon
I wanted to do great things for God. In the spring of my senior year of college, on the brink of embarking upon my own journey into adulthood, my future was undecided and that was simultaneously terrifying and thrilling. As a philosophy major, my path was narrower than I had realized, but I was sure it would take me on some grand and glorious adventure. I knew the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. “Glorify” sounds like such a grand term. It evokes images of battlefie..Continue reading→
1 Peter 5:7–8: How Not to Battle Anxiety
Anxieties attack our faith and torment our peace. The question with anxiety is not whether it will come, but rather, how can I fight it when it does? Watch NowContinue reading→
Is Love of Money Really the Root of All Evils?
Is the love of money the “root of all evils” or only the “root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10)? “All evils” is the formal English equivalent of the original Greek (pantōn tōn kakōn). It is remarkable that all older versions of the Bible translate 1 Timothy 6:10 in the more literal way: “The love of money is the root of all evils” (or all evil). This includes the Wycliffe Bible, Luther Bibel, Geneva Bible, King James Version, Douay-Rheims, Darby Bible, and Revised Standard Version. Bu..Continue reading→
Daily Wisdom
Romans 12:4-5
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”Continue reading→
Romans 8:25 (08-25-16)
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.— Romans 8:25 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... I'm not good at waiting. But, my hope in the Lord gives me patience that is beyond my human tendency. As much as the Lord has blessed me, I'm fully confident that I can't even imagine the good things he has in store for me. So while I wait, I try to stay busy; busy loving my Father in heaven and sharing his grace with others. My Prayer.....Continue reading→
Psalm 119:165
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”Continue reading→
John 8:24 (08-24-16)
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.— John 8:24 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... The crucial phrase, somewhat disguised by our translations, is this one: "Unless you believe that I AM, then you will die in your sins." As John so often does, he grabs a simple phrase, fills it full to the brim with meaning, and leads us to see Jesus in a dramatically fresh way. Jesus is I AM, God with us. How could ..Continue reading→
Church & Ministries
Bishop of Grantham: Conservative Christians who condemn me are still ‘brothers and sisters in Christ’
The Bishop of Grantham, Nicholas Chamberlain, was consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln, who knew he was gay and in a relationship. The Bishop of Grantham, who on Friday became the first Church of England bishop to reveal he is gay and in a same-sex relationship, has said he "understand[s]" the backlash he has already received from some conservative Christians. Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain told the Guardian on Sunday: "There has been direct response – I've had a lot of ema..Continue reading→
Pope Francis proclaims Teresa of Calcutta a saint
A general view of Saint Peter's Square as Pope Francis leads a mass for the canonisation of Mother Teresa of Calcutta at the Vatican September 4, 2016. Pope Francis proclaimed Mother Teresa of Calcutta a saint of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, 19 years after her death. Thousands of pilgrims in St Peter's Square applauded as the tiny nun known as the "saint of the gutters" in her lifetime was officially elevated to join the Church's more than 10,000 saints.Continue reading→
U.S. cardinal: Protecting life must be prioritised over other issues like immigration, environment
U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke says 'the fundamental question has to be the question of human life itself.' In our current world where there are so many complex problems like poverty, the racial divide and immigration issues to solve, which one should be prioritised? A Roman Catholic Church prelate from the United States recently provided an answer: The priority should always be the protection of life. In a recent teleconference hosted by Carmel Communications, U.S. Cardinal..Continue reading→
Mother Teresa’s mission lives on in Kolkata
On the eve of her canonization as a Roman Catholic saint, and 19 years after her death, the order founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta is going strong - even without her charismatic leadership. The Missionaries of Charity gained world renown, and Mother Teresa a Nobel peace prize, by caring for the dying, the homeless and orphans gathered from the teeming streets of the city in eastern India. They also drew criticism for propagating what one skeptic has called a cult of suffering; for failing ..Continue reading→
Hot Topics
Betsy DeVos, Trump’s Education Pick, Is A Billionaire With Deep Ties To The Christian Reformed Community
But in religious circles, the DeVos name is synonymous with key philanthropic efforts in Christian communities. DeVos, 58, graduated from Calvin College, a Christian Reformed Church school that is named after the famed Protestant reformer John Calvin, where the DeVos name is well-known. The DeVos family, heirs to the Amway Corp. fortune, are prolific donors in Michigan Republican and religious circles. President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday [Nov. 23] that he would nominate Betsy DeVos..Continue reading→
It’s Only Politics
If only we could treat politics like plumbing. But no. Politics has to be a high and holy calling. What we are seeing is the result of all that every-square inch argument. And it’s not helpful for the nation or — get this — for the church. But it does allow evangelical academics to feel pious. Matt Tuininga echoes the idea that politics is evidence of sanctification (integration of faith and life and all of that): Will Republican evangelicals who see their sisters and brothers – their politica..Continue reading→
Is The World Becoming Protestant?
Whatever one may say about Evangelical Protestantism, empirically it is a massive fact on the global religious landscape, likely to remain so, with significant consequences in every area of social life. How one relates to this fact will obviously depend on one’s religious and political positions….Staying within an empirical perspective (that is, without invoking divine providence), Evangelical Protestantism is one of the two biggest religious explosions in the contemporary world, along with resu..Continue reading→
Mom Sues To Regain Parental Rights Over Transgender Teen
A Minnesota mother has filed a lawsuit in federal court to re-establish her parental rights after a legal aid attorney declared her minor son emancipated from his parents last year. The suit contends the emancipation letter allowed her then-16-year-old son to receive public assistance, which he used to begin hormone treatments for gender-transition therapy. (WNS)–A Minnesota mother has filed a lawsuit in federal court to re-establish her parental rights after a legal aid attorney declared her m..Continue reading→
Life & Society
Gay Man ‘Horrified’ That Christian Bakers Are Being Forced To Surrender Their Beliefs
Daniel and Amy McArthur are seen walking outside Belfast County Court.The Christian Institute Not all members of the LGBT community enjoy watching Christians being persecuted for their religious beliefs. In fact, some of them are appalled that the government is now interfering with the faith practices of Christians and compelling them to bend to the demands of the gay community — such as bake a cake. Neil Midgley, a self-confessed gay man, wrote for The Telegraph about the case of Christian ba..Continue reading→
One Million Moms Accuses Kraft of Releasing ‘Tasteless’ Ads With Sexually Suggestive Scenes
This is one of the images in the ads for Kraft's Devour microwave meals that have come under fire from the Christian watchdog group One Million Moms.(Facebook/Devour Foods) The Christian watchdog group One Million Moms has had enough of the "tasteless" food advertisements of the Kraft Heinz company. In the two advertisements for their Devour microwave meals, One Million Moms noticed that the company featured "inappropriate" content filled with sexual innuendo and suggestive language. "Pa..Continue reading→
Activist Seeks Punishment of Air Force Commander for Stating Jesus ‘Affects His Decisions’ in Interview
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey — An activist that often works to separate God from the military is seeking the punishment of an Air Force commander who responded to a recent interview question that Jesus is his guide and influences his decisions. The Incirlik Air Base in Turkey published the interview last month on its website, which recently decided to feature new faces to the base as an introduction to others. On Sept. 15, the focus was on U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Kersten, who serves with ..Continue reading→
School Reverses Decision After Removing Club Sponsor’s ‘All About Jesus’ Slogan From Jerseys
FLOWER MOUND, Texas — A public high school in Texas has reversed its decision to remove a sponsor’s business slogan that it’s “all about Jesus” from the bass fishing club jerseys after receiving a letter from a nationally-recognized religious liberties organization. According to reports, Texas Flower Mound High School had put out the call for sponsors for its competitive bass fishing team earlier this year. For a donation of $200, sponsors would have their name and logo placed on both the team ..Continue reading→
Music
Christmastime by Jody McBrayer
Track Listing 01. Imagine This Christmas 02. Candlelight Carol 03. O Come All Ye Faithful 04. Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep/Silent Night (feat. Sarah Clayton-McBrayer) 05. What Child Is This? 06. Ave Maria/O Holy Night 07. Bring A Torch Janette Isabella 08. Last Christmas 09. Christmastime is Here 10. Have Yourself A Merry Little CContinue reading→
What God Wants to Hear by Jonathan Cain
Jonathan Cain, longtime keyboardist and rhythm guitarist in Journey, co-writer of the No. 1 digital catalog song in history, "Don't Stop Believin'," as well as writer of "Faithfully" and co-writer of "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms" and many more international hit songs, will release his solo album, What God Wants to Hear, Oct. 21 on Identity Records with The Fuel Music distribution. Cain, who continues to tour the world with Journey, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, crafted his new solo album from his personal faith-journey that started in Chicago when, at a young age,[...]Continue reading→
No Shadows by Eric Kneifel
No Shadows is Eric's debut worship album, and has been a dream of his since he began songwriting. This album began with over 50 songs that were narrowed down to a final 12 to be recorded on the album. The theme of the album reflects Eric's desire to see the church become filled the light of Christ to the point where it fills every void, leaving no room for fear, sin, or shame. As stated in the title track, "there's a light that will leave no shadows." The song selection includes congregational worship songs, as well as songs of personal reflection[...]Continue reading→
Lecrae Releases New Single Can’t Stop Me Now (Destination)
The wait for new music from Lecrae is over, with a new single heralding a new era for the legendary Christian rapper. Lecrae has been hinting on social media for the past few months that new music was brewing as snapshots of him in and out of the studio appeared. The appetizer has finally arrived as he released a new single on Friday titled "Can't Stop Me Now (Destination)," produced by Reach Records' own Alex Medina. You can stream the new track on either Apple Music or Spotify. The ..Continue reading→
Jered Sanders’ Third Release Set For December
Hype has begun to build for Jered Sanders' third release, Nobody Famous. An all-star roster of features will be included such as Eshon Burgundy, KiShon Furlow, Dee Black and Dre Murray among others. Production from Illien Rosewell, Talen Ted and others will fill the background. Eshon Burgandy shared a tweet previewing what's to come, saying "we've got a lot to talk about, y'all. In February of this year, Jered Sanders claimed hip-hop's version of the Rookie of the Yea..Continue reading→
Unto Us: A Christmas Collection by Matthew West
Track Listing 01. Unto Us 02. The First Noel 03. Silent Night 04. A Christmas to Believe In 05. Join the Angels 06. Come On, Christmas 07. Jingle Bells 08. The Heart of Christmas 09. O Holy Night 10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Continue reading→
These Christmas Lights by Matt Redman
Debuting the first Christmas album of his career, 2X GRAMMY® winner Matt Redman will unveil These Christmas Lights on October 21. Filled with powerful and diverse collaborations, featured artists on the album include longtime friends Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Tomlin and Tasha Cobbs. These Christmas Lights finds Redman sharing his interpretation on quintessential holiday songs, along with creating new, originals including "His Name Shall Be," "Help from Heaven," the title track and more. "I don't want to just tell a story, I want to make sure that we put ourselves in the story too. To help with the songwriting on this record,[...]Continue reading→
The Best Christmas Ever by NewSong
Track Listing 01. The Best Christmas Ever (Ft. Jody King) 02. Sweet Little Jesus Boy 03. This Christmas 04. My Heart's With You (Ft. Bethany Cruz) 05. The King Is Born 06. The Christmas Shoes (Live Anniversary Edition) 07. White As Snow 08. The Song Of Christmas 09. The Little Drummer Boy 10. Go Tell It On The Mountain 11. The Christmas Hope 12. O Holy Night 13. What A Wonderful World 14. Sing Noel 15. Christmas Time Is Here/ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Continue reading→
A Canton Christmas by Canton Junction
Celebrate the Christmas season with A Canton Christmas, the first Christmas project from Dove award-winning southern gospel quartet Canton Junction. On their newest release, steel guitars and fiddles set the scene as Canton Junction's timeless harmonies paint the wintry pictures celebrating the season of our Savior's birth. From the soothing sounds of "Silent Night" to the creative arrangements of "Hark the Herald," Canton Junction delivers eternal Christmas favorites wrapped in a country-tinged style that is sure to be a gift to enjoy year round.[...]Continue reading→
American
Feel the Bern? Here’s the Next Step
Daniel Strauss: The revolution is back in business. Supporters of Bernie Sanders’ failed presidential bid are seizing on Democratic disarray at the national level to launch a wave of challenges to Democratic Party leaders in the states. The goal is to replace party officials in states where Sanders defeated Hillary Clinton during the acrimonious Democratic primary with more progressive leadership. But the challenges also represent a reckoning for state party leaders who, in many cases, tacitly s..
Trump rebukes alleged racism among supporters
Copyright (c) 2016 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/47889/trump-rebukes-alleged-racism-among-supporters Trump rebukes alleged racism among supporters Screen capture from CBS NewsScreen capture from CBS NewsWASHINGTON (BP) -- In his first major interview since Election Day, President-elect Donald Trump said he is "saddened" by reported incidents of r..
Bill Hunke, former Alaska exec & historian, dies
Copyright (c) 2016 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/47888/bill-hunke-former-alaska-exec-and-historian-dies Bill Hunke, former Alaska exec & historian, dies E.W. "Bill" Hunke Jr. E.W. "Bill" Hunke Jr. SUN LAKES, Ariz. (BP) -- E.W. "Bill" Hunke Jr., executive director of the Alaska Baptist Convention from 1966-71 and prolific chronicler of Southern Ba..
Cloyd Sullins, Alaska exec from 1995-2000, dies
Copyright (c) 2016 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/47887/cloyd-sullins-alaska-exec-from-19952000-dies Cloyd Sullins, Alaska exec from 1995-2000, dies Cloyd Sullins Cloyd Sullins MOORE, Okla. (BP) -- Cloyd Sullins, who led the Alaska Baptist Convention from its 50th anniversary year in 1995 until his retirement in 2000, died Nov. 7 in Moore, Okla. ..