Gov. Mitch Daniels usually stays on top of his game.
He knows his numbers, keeps track of the facts and grasps the political implications of the issues before him.
But when the subject is gambling, he's letting the state amble into a serious case of addiction, presumably thinking he can control the bad habit somewhere down the road.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. James 3:7-10 NIV
This week Doug and Scott talk about the Private and Public Faces of Ministry. How they're the same. How they're different. And how to have discernment between the two.
As a project management professional instructor, I found myself reviewing the index for my courseware and pondering the difference between quality control and quality assurance. Our book The Values-Driven Family had detailed how project management principles meshed almost perfectly with the dynamics of parenting. However, very little emphasis was given to the concept of quality. (We hit on this point in our recent interview on “The Harvest Show.” You can view it at http://www.harvest-tv.com/video/VOD_GetShow.cfm?ShowID=89.)
Quality control is best described as inspecting the final product (deliverable) for problems. If there are defects, you implement corrective action. Quality assurance, on the other hand, is making sure that your production process is of sufficient quality standards so that the product is consistent. You see, one is pre-production (proactive) and one is post-production (reactive).
In the home, we have the same dynamics. We oftentimes find ourselves focused on the deliverable (our children’s behaviors) and addressing defects with corrective action. We become increasingly frustrated because whenever we correct one defect, two more emerge. In this way, we rarely achieve a quality product. Likewise, we find ourselves parading around the house with a switch in our hand or persistently nagging. If we, in turn, would simply address the process through quality assurance, we would have much greater odds at achieving a consistently high quality product.
In the home, the production process is really all about the parents. Most parenting books focus on the child. This is a big mistake, since the entire parenting process is parent-driven. If we would simply focus on our attitudes and behaviors, being consistent with our training, encouragement, and discipline, we would see encouraging trends. Therein lay the peace and joy that so easily become lost in the grind of reactive parenting.
So I urge you to take an introspective look at your personal quality methods. Are you in a quality assurance or a quality control mode? I encourage you to take a good look at your actions and words and see what you can personally do to facilitate a healthier atmosphere in your home. We have, and everyone in the home is better for it.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
It sometimes takes the wisdom of Solomon to do what Jesus would do.
And don't expect that everyone will agree the outcome. You can only hope they agree that you tried to do your best at lovingly applying biblical principles of both justice and mercy.
College Park, your reputation precedes you. You should be commended for always trying to do the right thing... even when unpopular among some.
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:32-34 NIV
The Hispanic Food pantry at Tienda Morelos located at 79th/Michigan Road was on Saturday, March 24th. FHL is now serving more than 100 families on a monthly basis. Hispanic Food Pantry was created to fill the needs in our community. This Pantry will be different than most Pantries since it will located at different places.
The next Food Pantry will at Iglesia Cristiana Monte de Sion located at 3305 Lowrey Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46222 on April 21, at 3pm. We are anticipating to serve more than 200 families. For information how to donate and to get involved, please contact info@fhlinternational.org
O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 43:1-5 NIV
Have you ever walked through a department store and passed the perfume area and smelled a wonderful and delightful smell...and that smell stayed with you all through the store and (at least in your mind) possibly out the door? It was wonderful, wasn’t it?
Have you ever been driving down the road in the middle of a hot August afternoon and smelled a rotten skunk smell even though the windows were up and the AC was on...and the smell stayed with you in the car even though you had past is quite a while back? It was disgusting, huh?
This same lasting effect is available to be supplied by us to those we speak with...we can either leave the person with the sweet smell of the graciousness of God, or the vile rotten smell of corrupt communications (speech).
Paul, the Apostle, points this out to us in Ephesians 4:29. The word “corrupt” literally means “rotten fruit” and is then applied to communications in the moral sense. We have the opportunity leave the hearer of our words with the moral rottenness of our lips (out of the mouth flow the abundance of the heart – Luke 6:45). Addressing Luke 6:45, we see our speech speaks to our character, our reputation, and our maturity in the faith. If our words are imparting corruption, we are but babes in Christ and need to be fed (again) the pure milk of the Word that somehow we might allow it to bring about the change that God so desires to do in all of us. But God desires none of this type of speech from us! In fact, looking down chapter 4 to the next two verses (Eph 4:30-31), we see that evil speaking causes the Holy Spirit to grieve. Consequently, every time a word is spoken in malice, bitterness or pride – every time we say anything bad about someone else (bad is defined as not edifying to the person we are speaking of or not edifying to the hearer – pulling them into the sewer with you) we grieve the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity – GOD.
From the positive perspective, our speech is our opportunity to minister to others – to serve them – to bring to them the grace of God and leave it with them. We are called to serve up only that which is edifying to the hearer and to speak it in love and with love that it may minister grace...
Edifying is, according to Thayer’s concordance, “the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness”. Does our speech promote growth in others – encouragement to walk in holiness bringing others closer to Jesus and imparting His wisdom? We have the unique opportunity, as Christians, to serve our Lord – our risen Savior who loves us enough to die for us -- with our every spoken word. How remarkable and what a privilege!
Pray with me that we do not sin through the fruit of our lips but minister God’s graciousness to all who hear us... ---------------------- Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4 NIV
Listen in this morning, as Jeremy hooks up with other CCDA folks in Indy, to present/discuss urban technologies to help change the world in the name of Christ
FHL’s simple history started with a passion to provide another option for people to get “plugged-in” in serving the community through loving God and others. FHL have stirred many hearts, and is now ready to take on the next challenge…mobilizing more than 100 Churches, 50 businesses and 5000 volunteers for FHL Week, July 22-28.
The Business Edition meeting in Carmel was attended by 30 people, including the Mayor of Carmel, Jim Brainard. FHL is challenging the businesses to form Business Area Coordinators (BAC) around the Metro Indy. The BAC will work with area businesses to mobilize their resources and to encourage their employees to serve during FHL Week on July 22-28.
The vision of FHL www.fhlinternational.org is to build communities of faith, hope and love around the world. FHL work with area churches and businesses to mobilize people to live out their faith through unconditional love and service. FHL make it simple for people to “plug into” organized outreach programs, using their God given talents and passions. The more churches, businesses and people that are involved, the more opportunities for service that are created… each making a positive impact in our community. A one week outreach program 2 years ago involving 7 churches and 200 volunteers has now evolved into a full calendar of outreach programs involving over 50 churches and thousands of volunteers. We simply need to keep the momentum going…honoring our God with our loving service to Him and our neighbors.
Funds received in excess of our modest overhead (which is approved by an independent Board of Directors), will be invested back into our community through grants to area ministries. An Advisory Board of Churches was formed to consider grant applications, and will decide on the distribution of available funds. Any and all churches are welcome to a seat on this Advisory Board. Please encourage your church to become a member and contact info@fhlinternational.org
FHL Initiatives
Annual FHL Week (Last full week of July) Annual Power in CommUNITY Conference (4-day, 7-event winter conference focused on major community issues; Focus Issue for 2007: Prevention of Youth Violence) Ongoing outreach programs and events throughout the year Youth Events Community Wide Mission Trips (National and International) FHL expansion to other cities and countries FHL Business Edition (expanded involvement of businesses and other community sectors) Volunteer Development Foundation Development (Grant source for area ministries)
Benefits
Businesses · Well organized outreach events for business and employee participation · Minimum effort to plug in employees · An opportunity to demonstrate God’s love · An opportunity to be a part of the transformation of our community
Churches · Well organized outreach programs · Minimum effort to plug in church members · A way to bring about unity in the Body of Christ · An opportunity to demonstrate God’s love · An opportunity to join with others in the transformation of our community
Individuals · Meet and connect with new friends of similar hearts from all over your community · Discover your spiritual purpose that truly makes life rich and rewarding · Adventure! Stir up your life with exciting possibilities! · Use your God-given talents and resources and live out your passion · Extend your love and concern for your neighbors in a non-intrusive way
The next FHL Business Edition meeting will be in Noblesville/Fishers, Indianapolis and Greenwood areas. Exact location will be posted soon. Contact info@fhlinternational for more info.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
[mostly cut/pasted from emails from Pastor Rich Johnston]
Mark your calendars... Tues, May 8th... for the upcoming Reformation Society luncheon.
As always, we will be studying the Word of God together... I Timothy 2:3-4 will be our text for the day as we provide "honest answers to difficult texts".
The luncheon will begin at NOON and end at 1:45 p.m.
We look forward to this time of fellowship in the Word as we strengthen our hands for the work of the ministry entrusted to each of us. This kind of Bible study Calvin, Knox and other Reformation leaders throughout Europe believed was an essential factor in the continuing work of reformation. The Holy Spirit working through godly men brings fresh understanding.
We will have lunch together and a presentation and discussion of I Timothy 2:3, 4 by Rev. Charlie Shields, Dr. Michael LeFebvre, and Rev. Larry Wilson.
Please invite a guest and RSVP for the luncheon by calling 255-7557 and leave your name and the number in your party.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:7-10 NIV
College students protest Playboy Magazine coming to their campus. Is it enough for christians to simply protest the things we don't like? Or can we be more proactive and creative in making change in the world around us?
For this and more; listen to the latest episode of The Chaotic Christians Podcast.
Faith Hope & Love's Business Edition Meeting Friday, 7:30am, Mar. 23,2007
11711 N. Meridian Main Conference Room Carmel, IN 46032
FHL Business Edition Everyone gets to play! COLLABORATION INSTEAD OF COMPETITION
What would happen to our neighborhoods if we ask, "How can I serve" instead of "What's in it for me"? Imagine CEO's, managers and employees working sideby side in serving the communities in practical ways. What's the yield? Team bonding, better neighborhoods, transformed lives andpositive impact on businesses and individuals.
Breakfast is available from Sunrise Café (order from menu at your own expense)
Btw, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard will be with us. Why? Read what he believes about FHL...
Mayor Jim Brainard
"What appeals to me most about FHL is that it includes other community organizations in carrying out its mission. FHL matches different organizations with volunteer opportunities according to the needs of the community. This eliminates any feelings of competition or resentment because everyone is invited to be a part of the Faith, Hope and Love activities."
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:8-12 NIV
CARMEL, Ind. -- Colts coach Tony Dungy said he knows some people would prefer him to steer clear of the gay marriage debate, but he used a speech Tuesday night to clearly stake out his position.
Dungy told more than 700 people at the Indiana Family Institute's banquet that he agrees with that organization's position supporting a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.
"I appreciate the stance they're taking, and I embrace that stance," Dungy said.
My point? Just for fun? No not really. More importantly, look under the hood. Why is social-networking becoming so successful -- just like the experts said it would be? And ask yourself if there's a correlation to successful churches. Oops, I mean 'the Church'.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
"Ann Coulter is a woman of many gifts and many right ideas. She can be an eloquent spokeswoman for conservative convictions and a prophetic critic of secular liberalism. Unfortunately, she can also be her own worst enemy."
*********************** [Thank you, Dr. Mohler. I couldn't have said it better, or thought it more. I recently saw her as she spoke at an otherwise-GREAT Christian conference. I'm sure the sponsoring ministry was as embarrassed as I was to hear some people laugh with her, or worse, clap for her biting 'wit'. Let's hope that all of us learned something about ourselves and our priorities in ministry & politics. Admittedly there is a tendency in all of us to fight fire with fire... and perhaps especially in political arenas. But then, Jesus could have done that too... could he not? For some reason though, He chose more wisely. And our goal should be to increasingly learn to be more like Him. Ann Coulter is young enough to learn a lot in the years ahead -- let's pray for her and challenge folks to think twice before emulating Rush & Ann at the expense of trying to emulate Christ.]
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:23-25 NIV
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:28-30 NIV
It's amazing what you can learn with a short surf at Wikipedia.
Hmmm. What else might be learned there? What else is missing there?
And what might be the implications for our ministries?
Judging from the looks of the city according to Wikipedia, there seems to be little evidence of Bible-believing Christ-followers in the city. And if that's an inaccurate picture, what might some 'driven Christians' do to help remedy the situation?
But the larger question is, if that is NOT an inaccurate picture, what might some 'driven Christians' do to remedy THAT situation?
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 NIV
King Solomon, in giving his benediction to the people after the Temple was dedicated to God, prayed that the Lord God be with us and that He might incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all of His ways and to keep His commandments.
Do we see grace in this statement? Solomon is asking God to incline our hearts towards Him...that is always His job. We can never change our hearts – that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2) – we don’t change our faith...God does. He who began a good work (in us) will continue it until the end – again, it’s God’s work. This fact is how we can so easily rest in Him!
What is our part, you may ask? Solomon tells us that as well: verse 61 says, “LET your heart therefore...”. Our part, that onus which lies upon us and our lives...is to LET God do the work in us and through us (Heb 13:21). Our part is to yield to God and to allow the Holy Spirit to have His way with us (Rom 6:13) and to not “Lean on our own understanding” (Pro 3:5) rather to trust God for all aspects of our lives.
Trust is part of faith and faith is the hope of things not seen. We must trust God that He will work in us and through us for HIS GOOD PLEASURE...after all that is the purpose of our lives here on earth! Also, it is impossible to please God without faith(Heb 11:6) – do we want to please Him?
Test yourself as to how much you are allowing God to have His perfect way in your life...
1)Do you grumble and complain about anything in your life? You’re not trusting God for that area. You must think you know better than God.
2)Do you gossip or act/speak critically of others? You’re placing yourself as judge and not allowing God to be God.
3)Are there areas of your life in which you always say “I want”? What does God want? Who’s really in charge, anyway?
Maybe, we aren’t willing to trust God in all areas of our lives because we aren’t truly submitted to Him...does the pot know more than the potter? Does the creation know more than the creator? To be a true disciple of our Lord Jesus, God is looking for absolute surrender from us in all aspects of our lives...who our friends are, who we marry, where we work, how many children we have, where we live...
Pray with me that we allow God to incline our hearts towards Him...
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1 Kings 8:56-61 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 57 The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: 58 That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. 59 And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: 60 That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. 61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-11 NIV
Another good reason to go see 'Ultimate Gift'... the critics hated it.
[IndyChristian: After reading what 'the critics' say about The Ultimate Gift, it makes me want to go see it again & again.]
James Garner, Co-star, Ultimate Gift
"Reeking of self-righteousness and moral reprimand, Michael O. Sajbel's "Ultimate Gift" is a hairball of good-for-you filmmaking . . . . The movie's messages - pro-poverty, anti-abortion - are methodically hammered home," says New York Times reviewer Jeannette Catsoulis"
"There's an anti-abortion message jammed into one scene with all the subtlety of an avalanche. Just in case you miss it, it's repeated in the credits too. Some gift, eh?," wrote Chicago Tribune critic Lou Carlozo."
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. John 17:22-23
Os Hillman
Can a city be truly transformed for Jesus Christ? Does it seem like such a lofty goal that few will ever attain it? Well the reality is that today there are no fewer than 200 cities across the world that are in some form of transformation...
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV
Vineyard Community Church of Indianapolis is looking for a new full-time Children’s Pastor. Children's ministry at theVineyard includes infants through 6th graders with plenty of dedicated volunteers and resources. We are currently using 2:52 Curriculum from Northpoint Community Church which is integrated with our KidStuf Family Event which happens weekly on Sunday Mornings. We have two weekend services during which we minister to approximately 100 children. The successful candidate will be responsible for vision development, vision casting, staff management, ministry development, team building, and volunteer management and development among other general pastoral duties. The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Vineyard values and spiritual disciplines. The candidate will be a lifelong learner with excellent references and a strong work ethic. The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a heart for children of all ages. Calling to and experience in Children's Ministry is a must. The compensation package includes salary and full-benefits. Salary is based on qualifications and experience. For more information please submit your resume to molly_m@indyvineyard.org or contact Molly Mattocks at 317-841-3510.
Ok, Indy... we won the Super Bowl... But what's the score in the LARGER contest?
The Baseball Box Score... innovated... sharpened... and helped baseball rapidly develop into the 'national sport'. Key statistics continue to sharpen the sport... In fact, they have now driven the innovation we call "Fantasy Baseball"... ie, fictional teams, games, and whole seasons of fun enjoyed by millions of baseball enthusiasts across the country.
Henry Chadwick, often called the Father of Baseball, innovated the sport and helped it blossom by the use of statistics... the Batting Average, Earned Run Average... and the publishing of the little 'Box Score' that quickly summarized the game.
What's to be learned about this innovation... and how we might deploy the wisdom contained therein?
Or how similar is it, to Jesus telling the parables of...
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: "They will all be taught by God". Everyonewho listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. John 6:44-45 NIV
****************************** [Congratulations to Pastor Marc Monte and his congregation hosting this neat event. I greatly enjoyed attending last night's session... seeing and hearing from one person after another and whole families whose lives were transformed in Christ as a result of someone caring enough about them to simply go into their neighborhood and invite them to ride the bus to Sunday School.]
[Note: While you and I know that the truly-ultimate giver was God giving Himself on our behalf, this PG movie enjoyably demonstrates the value of self-sacrificial giving. Hat-tip to the co-producers, both from Indy... Paul & Katherine Brooks]
"Thanks to your intense passion, generosity and support, the "Weekend Of Giving" has now been extended throughout the entire theatrical release of The Ultimate Gift. This means that your charitable cause - along with nearly other 1,000 nonprofit organizations - will be able to receive a $1.00 donation for every single ticket purchased through http://www.foxfilmfund.com/ for the entire run of The Ultimate Gift. Spread the news to those who have yet to see this movie so that your Gift Of Gratitude can be felt in even greater ways! On behalf of all of these meaningful organizations, we are grateful for your gifts!"
************************************** [Btw, it's great seeing movies validating the truth that a 'giving spirit' exists in many people. It begs the question: "If evolution's survival of the fittest is the dominant rule of life, how has altruism survived all these billions & billions of years?".]
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." Hebrews 10:35-38 NIV
"State and national gay rights groups are questioning Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy's decision to appear at a fundraising banquet this month for a conservative Christian group backing a proposed state ban on same-sex marriage.
The Indiana Family Institute plans to honor Dungy on March 20th with its "Friend of the Family" award. The institute has been a leading supporter of a proposed state constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between one man and one woman."
******************************** [IndyChristian Commentary: While the Fox28 article asserts that Dungy is in trouble with state & national groups, they only city one named individual and no 'groups'. So it's hard to say just how accurate their story is. But in any event, we all know that winning the Super Bowl, great as it was, was only one contest. The greater contest for all of us is the 'Indy 400'.]
Two Indianapolis school districts are considering adopting policies to give lesbian and gay employees rights and protections similar to those enjoyed by racial minorities and women...
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 NIV
Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. Psalms 39:4-6 NIV
Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:61-62 NIV
The 2007 Reclaiming America for Christ (RAC) conference took place this past weekend, motivating and equipping Christians to fulfill Christ’s call to be salt and light in their everyday lives.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4 NIV
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4-5 NIV
"The descriptor, 'intelligent design' has been taken, by some, to describe a train of thought that the universe itself speaks to an intelligent designer without dealing with whom that might be. The Biblical worldview clearly identifies the God of the Bible as the intelligent designer. Moreover, I believe it offers a more rational, logical explanation of observed phenomena than do the alternatives. " -- Ray Childers, Ph.D., Chemist, Indianapolis
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:4-7 NIV
Is Your Baby Gay? What If You Could Do Something About It?
[hat-tip, Justin Taylor, "Between Two Worlds".... "Al Mohler has a very important blog post here regarding new developments concerning a possible genetic cause to homosexuality and the future possibility that such an inclination could be identified and changed while babies are still in the womb. I encourage you to read the whole post. Mohler rightly notes: "This question involves both abortion and gay rights -- the perfect moral storm of our times."He concludes with 10 principles for "Christians who are committed to think in genuinely Christian terms" Is Your Baby Gay? What If You Could Know? What If You Could Do Something About It? by Al Mohler, President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"What if you could know that your unborn baby boy is likely to be sexually attracted to other boys? Beyond that, what if hormonal treatments could change the baby's orientation to heterosexual? Would you do it? Some scientists believe that such developments are just around the corner... "
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8 NIV
Thousands of people attended the 4-day, 7-event Power in commUNITY on Feb 21-24. The events were just tools to help transform the hearts of people. Transformed communities are result of transformed hearts. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, at least 30 people accepted Jesus as their Savior and numerous people rededicated their lives to Jesus. Shofars were blown at 3 events including at the Hispanic Concert which was attended by more than 1000 people.
There is a round-the-clock prayer going on and I would like to encourage you to support this effort by signing up to the Yahoogroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Indy24x7Prayer/
Faith, Hope and Love would like to bring cross-over bands such as U2 or Switchfoot this coming summer. Please contact info@fhlinternational.org if you have any suggestions.
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, July 24 Mission Indy: "ONE DAY, ONE PLACE...TOGETHER". This is a mission day (mission trip without leaving home) during FHL week dedicated to serve the urban Indy. If your church is part of FHL, please contact your Church FHL coordinator to sign up for this day. Of course, you can sign up for the entire week of July 22 to be a local community missionary ($10/day). Please contact info@fhlinternational for any questions.
FHL is launching the FHL-Business Edition. Collaboration, instead of Competition. What would happen to our neighborhoods if we ask, "How can I serve" instead of "What's in it for me"? Imagine CEO's, managers and employees working shoulder to shoulder serving the community in practical ways.
What's the yield? Team unity, better neighborhoods, transformed lives and positive impact on businesses, employees and our city.
This concept is similar to church edition; the targeted missionaries are employees. Last year, more than 1200 missionaries joined FHL to serve our city, most of them are part of a church. This time, we will mobilize the employees to serve at least one day during the FHL week.
Bottom line: experience the faith, hope and love that the Bible taught us.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or abo ut your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:25-26 NIV
"One of the day's biggest draws was a familiar face in this city. The crowd went wild chanting, "Tony! Tony! Tony!" The man of the moment: Tony Dungy, who just won the Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach agreed a year ago to be the festival's honorary chairman. He received the keys to the city from Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who declared it Tony Dungy Day. Dungy, alongside his wife, Lauren, said, "Winning the Super Bowl was a goal of ours, but it wasn't my purpose. You can be No. 1, but most important is doing it the Lord's way. God's way."
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalms 51:15-17 NIV
What a blessing yesterday, as one of our key connectors from Aberdeen, South Dakota sent us this link via prayer warriors in their sister city in Aberdeen Scotland.
You'll enjoy the video there. It'll warm the cockles of yer heart, laddie. Praise God.
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6 NIV
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:10-12 NIV
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centralized media site for Greater Indianapolis Christians. We connect & communicate among 'Driven-Christians in the Racing Capital of
the World' to accelerate the Great Commission!"
"If
you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from
his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one
in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but
in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not
only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." (Philippians
2)
'Indy Timeline' of Upcoming Events 
here are some behind-the-scenes notes at CrossroadsConnection.com.
CARMEL, Ind. -- Colts coach Tony Dungy said he knows some people would prefer him to steer clear of the gay marriage debate, but he used a speech Tuesday night to clearly stake out his position.
WGNR 97.9
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