Text Recap
Nov 30, 2009 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
As we are wrapping up the Text Project for the year, I wanted to get everyone’s feedback. We are trying to decide whether or not to do this again. Watch this little video and then give me your feedback.
Thanks!
Friday Random Linkness
Nov 27, 2009 Friday Random Linkness
Friday Random Linkness Amazingly Short Edition Because I’m Taking The Day Off
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Check out this amazing stone forest in Madagascar.
This clock is amazing. Seriously.
Wow….some amazing feats of automotive infrastructure!
Amazing view of Earth’s weather.
Happy Thanksgiving
Nov 26, 2009 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
On this auspicious Turkey Day, I give you my favorite Thanksgiving verse:
Deuteronomy 8:10 When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.
Just a little reminder to stuff yourself, then pray. That’s the biblical order as far as I can tell. :)
Don’t Be Offended, Don’t Offend
Nov 24, 2009 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
The last few messages at Riv have definitely stirred the pot with a lot of people (in a good way). Many of the conversations I’ve had have reminded me of a small little phrase I learned a long time ago: Don’t be Offended, Don’t Offend.
I don’t remember where I first ran into this phrase, but it has been very helpful for many years. If you try to live these two things in your life, you will see a lot of unnecessary conflict dissolve away.
Don’t be Offended. People are going to do stuff that offends you. It’s just part of life. But instead of taking offense, take a step back and decide not to be offended. It’s not easy, but as you do it more and more it becomes habit. And it has great results, like the verse I blogged about a month or so ago says:
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
Don’t Offend. There will be times where people will be offended by you. The cross itself is offensive to some (Galatians 5:11), and so there is definitely a time to righteously offend others. But we should avoid unnecessarily offending. Weigh your words carefully; re-read your tweet or status update before clicking “post”, never blog angry, etc. Your offense should always be purposeful.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Nov 23, 2009 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
I am working on my message for next weekend and I would love your help. Just answer the following for me:
Does your family have any Thanksgiving traditions? If so, what are they?
Friday Random Linkess: Coffee Edition
Nov 20, 2009 Friday Random Linkness
If you are a Riv person, you know we love our coffee. This love inspired today’s Random Linkness!
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Interesting to see what the top search result is when you google “coffee.”
15 Things Worth Knowing about Coffee
10 Other Facts About Coffee
Coffee Art.
Coffee Talk.
Some people love Fair Trade coffee.
Some people hate Fair Trade coffee.
Some people think they’ve found a balance.
Speaking of balance, looks like Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin are going to have a cup of coffee together.
Apparently, Seattle Coffee thinks you need $40 of coffee a day.
How not to keep your job…
Nov 19, 2009 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
This video of an employee who hates her boss made me think of a few verses I shared last weekend at Riv.
Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you.
1 Peter 2:18 You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel.
What puts you in a G R E A T mood?
Nov 17, 2009 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
Last week, I was in San Diego hanging out with a bunch of pastors who are in a similar life-stage as me. They are all under 40ish years old and they all pastor large churches. It has become one of my favorite times of the year. The travel to San Diego and back was brutal, but the time there was awesome.
Friday, when I got back in the office after getting 4 hours of sleep, I was in a chipper mood. In fact, my assistant asked, “why are you in such a great mood?”
It was a good question. I had lots of reasons to be in a crummy mood (lack of sleep being the main one), but I was in a great mood.
As I reflected on it, I realized several things:
1) I love being with these guys. They sharpen and challenge me big time. As an extrovert, I love being with them 24/7 for several days.
2) I love being back home with the family after travel. In fact, my assistant’s question came just before I was ready to take off to have lunch with my wife and boys. I was all excited to see them.
3) I love being back at Riv. When I come back into the building, I feel at home.
4) I love teaching and I was ramping up to start a new series.
5) I hadn’t read work email for 4 days.
I think it was the combination of all these things that put me in such a great mood.
So here’s the question for you? When was the last time you were in a G R E A T mood? Can you figure out why? If so, make sure you do those things from time to time (assuming they are moral). It’s good for ya.
Submission in Marriage
Nov 16, 2009 Uncategorized Hodge Podge
This past weekend at Riv, I taught on the idea of Submitting like Jesus.
One of many areas I used as an illustration was marriage. I told you I would link to this message by Matt Chandler, which is one of the best I have ever heard on submission within marriage. Both husbands and wives need to listen to this one.
Tags: marriage, submission
Friday Random Linkness Jesus Edition
Nov 13, 2009 Friday Random Linkness
Today’s random linkness is all about Jesus…particularly the myriad of ways people in our culture see him, represent him, and occasionally worship him. It’s amazing to me how much Jesus has become a pop culture icon in our society. By posting these links, I intend no sacrilegiousness. Rather, I want us to think about our responsibility as Christ-followers to represent him well to a culture that sees him very differently than we do. Besides, it is Friday Random Linkness after all.
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This is my favorite Jesus movie of all time.
A new Jesus Film makes Jesus’ race the reason for his crucifixion.
Here are the 10 Worst Movies about Jesus.
Not sure what I think of the Star Wars Jesus Dress Up site but people keep sending it to me for some reason.
Classic Jesus Optical Illusion. My kids love this one.
Wow. There’s an official Jesus is my Homeboy site.
What do Jesus, Frankenstein, and Zombies have in common?
