God doesn’t want your money…or does he? (Parts One and Two)
Posted on May 21st, 2009 
God doesn’t want your money…or does he? (Part One)
God doesn’t want your money…or does he? (Part Two)
Does God really want (or need) your money? This two-part series explores the concepts of stewardship, sowing and reaping, and supporting God’s work through tithes and offerings. God has a lot to say about money and the wise use of it. You can’t afford not to find out.
Review – In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day
Posted on May 7th, 2009 
A good read. The author gets right to the point – your biggest opportunities are usually what seem like your biggest problems at the time. God invites us to take risks, abandon fear, do the impossible (through his power and for his glory). When we fail to join his work, we miss out on the greatness (no, not for ourselves, but to be involved in great things).
In addition, the author adds a nice bulleted summary at the end of each chapter. And, this is a quick read (about two hours for me). This is something you can consume quickly and then spend days (weeks, months) digesting.
It has similar tones/themes to other books in the genre; it seems like many of these guys work in the same circles, i.e. new, young, trendy church leaders. But, I can’t find any reason not to recommend this book. In fact, I think it would be highly helpful/encouraging for anyone facing serious life decision.
Long shots
Posted on May 5th, 2009 A 50 to 1 shot won the Kentucky Derby Saturday. 50 to 1!!! For those of you not from Kentucky or that don’t give a hoot about horse raising, you’re probably asking, “Who cares?” But, think about it. It’d be one thing if the winner was the favorite, or had decent odds, say 5 to 1. But 50 to 1! That’s incredible.
What else in life pays 50 to 1. After the final tally, a two dollar bet paid over $100, not to mention the exactas or trifectas. Historically, this was the longest shot to ever win the derby since 1913, almost a hundred years.
That’s impressive. What can we learn? Long shots are long for a reason – 49 out of 50 times they won’t come in. But, that one time they do, watch out! Here come’s the payoff.
Kind of like Jesus. By all appearances, this Jesus of Nazareth was a long shot too. Not much pedigree. Not much schooling. Not much training. Not much to look at. (at least by the world’s standards). Yet, what he did on the Cross was so unexpected. And what he did three days later was so…”impossible” right? And what that means to each of us is so much more important than any horse race or sporting event.
I wonder what kind of odds the handicappers would’ve given Jesus?
