June 30, Indianapolis, Starfish Initiative -- Mentor Services Director Bob Goodrum will be plucked from terra firma and placed atop our newly-renovated headquarters on June 30, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. Bob will spend 48-hours exposed to the elements (and the good-natured taunts of co-workers) to raise Indianapolis’ awareness of the efficacy of mentorship as a means to increase high school graduation rates and, of course, to recruit mentors.
“Mentors have proven to be enormously successful in terms of helping students stay focused on studies and graduate high school – and enroll in higher education,” Goodrum says. “Our mentors and students – we call them Starfish Scholars – have worked very hard and we have a 100% success rate. Every one of our Scholars has graduated high school and enrolled in higher education of some sort.
“And being a mentor is easy,” Goodrum continues. “You don’t have to teach. You don’t have to instruct. All you have to do is believe in the student, be yourself, and let your Scholar know you’re there for her or him.”
In one-hour intervals, Goodrum will be joined on the roof by such local movers and shakers as Ike Randolph of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and...
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to A psalm of David. O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace
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IndyChristian is now running the 'Agent Abbey' series about some of the realities of being a Christian in China. Visit IndyChristian.TV daily. And here are the 'ShowNotes' for Agent Abbey... and more.
So, I'm walking through my last week as a pastor of a local congregation, preparing to transition to a new role as Director of Marketing for an international child sponsorship organization (www.childcareministries.org) that's based here in Indianapolis. I'm tying up some loose ends and taking care of some basic administrative matters while boxing up thousands of books and clearing clutter and anticipating new challenges that begin next Monday morning. It's an interesting juxtaposition of activities, thoughts and emotions.
On the one hand, I believe in the power and importance of local pastoral ministry--as much as ever. In this graced role, I have served as fully as I've been capable to this point in my life. Whatever else in the future I may do, contribute, accomplish, or wherever or however I serve, there will be nothing quite like serving as pastor to a local congregation rooted in a specific community setting. It offers sweet blessings and heart-rending disappointments--both sometimes flowing together. Of the congregations I've served, this is the only one that has not grown numerically during my time of service...and that has disappointed me. But I am satisfied that I have given myself fully to the work of ministry and I now pray that the next chapter of this congregation's life will flourish.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Washington Post, Dr. Thomas Ho, Tehran and Twitter
[ @DrThomasHo is well known among Indianapolis social-media activists...]
Washington Post (June 23) --
Twenty years ago this month, Thomas Ho was aboard Amtrak en route to Washington, pressing his pocket transistor radio to his left ear, sitting by the window to get better reception. A fourth-generation Chinese American, he couldn't stop listening to the latest news on the standoff at Tiananmen Square. The only thing he could do then, Ho recalled, "was listen."
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
Purpose-Driven Pastor Rick Warren To Speak At Indy's Islamic Convention
The Indiana-based Islamic Society of North America will be holding its annual convention -- the largest yearly gathering of Muslims on the continent -- in Washington, D.C. over the Fourth of July weekend.
1Sa 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
1Sa 2:17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
1Sa 2:27-30 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? 28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? 29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? 30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. ====
The Bible tells us that the sons of Eli were “sons of Belial” (or sons of the Devil) – in other words they were of the world (remember Satan is called the god of this world [2Cor 4:4]). Not only that, but they were placed into a position that caused those who wanted to serve the Lord (through making the appropriate sacrifices and offerings) to hate having to deal with the sons and thus hated coming to the altar of the Lord. God was none too happy about this situation and in 1Sam 2:29-30 He tells Eli (the priest at time and of whom these sons were) through a prophet that he had honored his sons above Him (God) and that because of it his sons will die and God will raise up another priest that will follow God's heart and mind and not his own.
There's a lesson in this for us today...what do we hold up in our lives that we honor above God? Think about this for a moment...take this seriously! God desires complete devotion to HIM FIRST, and to everything else second.
Eli allowed his devotion to his sons to bring compromise into his life. Do we let our children bring compromise into our lives? Do we lie to ourselves or to others to cover up our children's imperfections?
What about other areas of our lives? What do we honor above God? Our job, our family, our hobbies, our ??? Have our hearts become so calloused that we no longer see our compromise as sin? It appears that it may have happened to Eli! We are called by the Apostle Paul to examine ourselves and see if we're in the faith (2Cor 13:5). We are called to be salt and light to the world, ambassadors of the most high God, slaves to the Master whose yoke is easy and burden is light and to whom will bring rest unto our souls – JESUS!
God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness if we will simply agree with Him that our sin is sinful (1John 1:9) – if we've allowed these events into our own lives, the opportunity to repent and turn back to God is always there. He will always love us and continually desires a personal relationship with us as the elect of God. Ask Him today – seek Him with all of your heart and you shall find our great God and King anew.
Pray with me that we humbly allow God to search our hearts and then respond to Him as He speaks to us...
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
ABC and the White House team up to push government run socialized health care Network throws its weight behind President Obama’s proposal to reform health care in America The White House and ABC News have teamed up to promote the socialized healthcare package being pushed by President Obama. This Wednesday, ABC World News will be anchored inside the White House. ABC News anchor Charlie Gibson will deliver World News from the Blue Room of the White House. A prime-time special, “Prescription for America” will originate from the East Room. Obama will then have a “town hall” meeting in the White House. For several days following the Wednesday evening programming, ABC will push Obama’s socialized medicine bill on Good Morning America, World News, Nightline and on ABC’s website. It is expected that NBC, CBS and CNN will give extensive positive coverage to Obama’s proposal. Individuals wanting another perspective on the President’s proposal will have to go to Fox News or to the Web.
For everything in the world-- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-- comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
On June 25, Right to Life of Indianapolis will be hosting a day long "Pro-Life Institute." Scott Klusendorf, President of Life Training Institute and presenter of the seminar "Making Abortion Unthinkable: the Act of Pro-Life Persuasion" will train you to defend your pro-life beliefs with logical and airtight arguments. In addition, Right to Life of Indianapolis will hold a series of breakout sessions covering such topics as post-abortion healing ministries and teen involvement designed to help you get your church motivated and engaged in the pro-life movement.
The Pro-Life Institute will be held at the Church of ACTS, 3740 S. Dearborn Street, on the Southside of Indianapolis. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with the first of four sessions with Scott Klusendorf beginning at 9:30 a.m. This day-long seminar will be finished by 5 p.m. Lunch is included and the cost to attend is $10.
[hat-tip... our global evangelism friend, @DaveHackett ]
June 22 ABC News -- Two million people look for God each day -- not in church, but in a search.
"The number is staggering," said Mark Weimer, a self-described techie evangelist whose ministry has tapped the Internet to capture those looking for spiritual answers.
Weimer is CEO of Global Media Outreach, the technology arm of Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI), which hosts 91 Web sites in 11 languages to spread the "good news."
Weimer, who previously ran his own Silicon Valley start-up, insists this is not virtual proselytizing.
"We are always up front about the fact that we are presenting the Christian message," he told ABCNews.com. "We don't want to deceive anyone.
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Christian Songwriters And Performers... Sat. June 27th
[from our friends at the Language & Culture Gallery...]
SaturdayJune 27th 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM – we host our next “big” event: The Central Indiana Christian Songwriter’s Association (CICSA). CICSA is a group of more than eighty Christian songwriters from central Indiana. Their members run the gamut from beginning writers to traveling professional performers. The Christian Songwriter's-in-the Round" offers just that. Two to four different Christian artists each month, who take turns performing their original songs - not always Christian songs - but it always has to be good music - non stop. You can expect 6-10 songs from each artist. In July the musicians will be Lloyd Shelby, Chris Calo, Steve Lambert, & Mike Winters. Join the Fun with new Friends, Food and Music. FREE Admission - Offering for the artists is appreciated!, but not required.
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Language and Culture International (LCi) began in 1993 to provide Language & Cultural Diversity training to business professionals, Faith Based and other Community Organizations, and to private citizens. Their goal is to help students learn a new language in a similar fashion as they learned their native language – by introducing functional, non-grammar based skills so that students can begin communicating - starting from the first day of class. “We teach Beginner Level Students who have little or no background in the language to near native speakers needing practice for accent reduction and to maintain their fluency” said Marvin Gainer, Gallery owner and principal Spanish instructor.
They also provide services in Cultural Coaching; Interpreters and Translators.
Marvin believes that, “the culture of the people of the languages that LCi teaches is a very necessary component of language learning.” Therefore, to enhance their students’ language acquisition, they provide relevant experiences in the culture of the people whose language their students are learning. Some examples are: Art; Cinema; Cuisine; Dance; Literature and Music.
All language instructors are native speakers, or near-native speakers who have either lived or studied in the country of the language(s) they teach. LCi hosts social events for the benefit of their International Friends – which also provides a great venue for language practice and cultural exchanges for their students.
The Gallery is also available for rent to small business meetings, conferences, receptions, recitals and other intimate venues.
As an upcoming Fine Arts Gallery, LCi has dedicated space where many of the very talented “un-shown” artists in Indianapolis can exhibit (and sell) their original work. A new artist is usually presented every 1st Friday of the month.
Judges 3:21-22 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: 22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
============
The Bible tells us the Word of God is sharper than any two edged sword...it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12). Here, in Judges chapter 3 we find a story about a man of God who kills an ungodly king who oppresses the Israelites with a sword. This story has a story in it for us today – the sin that so easily besets us must be dealt with by using the Word of God.
Romans chapter 12 tells us to allow our minds to be “renewed” and thus transform our lives...how do we do this? The Word of God. In John 15:3 Jesus tells us we are made clean by the Words that He has spoken. Psalm 119:9 tells us that a young man cleanses his way by taking heed according to God’s Word.
Here in Judges we see that when we apply the sword (all the way) in our lives and to our hearts the “dirt” is let out. Isn’t that our desire? To do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before our Lord (Mal 6:8)? How do we apply the Word? First we must read it and then apply what we read. Remember, faith comes by hearing the Word of God! In fact, there is an old Navigator’s saying that we should hear the Word, read the Word, study the Word, memorize the Word and meditate on the Word. We are called, as Christians, to know our Lord and we do that through His Word (why? ...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us John 1:14). As the Word goes in...the dirt comes out.
Pray with me that we respond humbly to the Word of God and allow it to reign in our lives...
Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years. Genesis 6:1-3NIV NIV
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer-- may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
...making new friends, enjoying pancakes (and whatever your favorite breakfast), and learning from each other.
Indeed, it's not just 'what' you know that counts, but more importantly WHO you know -- because we can hope to quickly develop relationships... and thus benefit from what someone else knows.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalms 1:1-6 NIV
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
"I was wondering if you know anyone who is looking to give away or sell church furniture/equipment? I'm starting a new church and need everything. Also, if you know of any space that would be available for a new plant of about 25 people, let me know."
Missionaries from around the world will gather at Taylor University for a time of fellowship and shared learning with a focus on using technology to further the kingdom of Christ.
The 20th International Conference on Computing and Mission (ICCM), scheduled June 12 - June 16, is an annual informal gathering of women and men who have a common interest in computers and mission.
Each year, ICCM offers multiple conference tracks which focus on different aspects of technology. The workshops focus on topics ranging from understanding the basics to expanding technological expertise to leadership. Additionally, there is a "Sandbox Lab," open for experimentation and installation of various operating systems and applications.
One thing that is different every year is the topical track. Each ICCM conference has its own theme with a corresponding track. This year, the theme is "Horizons" - focusing on how future technology will impact missions-related technology positions.
A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
The information on this website shows recordings of everyday people as they share about their hard times and how they overcame. D.J. age 12
"I Am Second" is a website that can lift your spirit and help remind you to put Christ first in everything you do. It helps you realize that just no matter what man says about you it is not always true. Also, it helps you remember you are SECOND to God. Shanelle age 15
When people go to I Am Second they will learn more about God. They will see what other people think about God. Trachelle age 13
The website is information about people's life and how they accepted God into their lives and how he changed their life for the better. Darius age 15
Look to God for everything. Some situations we find ourselves in that are difficult are because we did not pay attention to what was being taught to us. Aijaye age 16
New Era Youth Leadership Academy is a Leadership training for youth ages 12-16. Students also translate what they learn in various areas of multi media outlets.Stay tune for our daily blog newerayouthleadershipacademy@blogspot.com
Americans are in a new age of exploration, deploying new approaches to marriage, communications, sexuality, education, and more. According the results from a new nationwide survey by The Barna Group, the “and more” includes how people pursue their faith and how they choose to relate to God and other people of faith.
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
IndyChristian Ed. Note... It seemed like a good day to present a couple of contrasting points-of-view. What do YOU think? #Twurch or No #Twurch? That is to say, at what point does technology impede, not accelerate, the gospel and its loving impact?
[First... this item found by our friends at EverydayChristian.com...]
Peter Elliott, Editor EverydayChristian.com
So what would it look like if you texted the Ten Commandments?
Well, the technology magazine Fast Company tried it out.
What did it look like?
Well, not to spoil the entire list, but for the Third Commandment of not using the Lord’s name in vain came across as “no omg’s.“
As frivolous of an exercise as this may seem, it’s another example of something that has become an absolute necessity: harnessing technology to spread the Christian message...
Evangelical editor picks a quarrel with his cohorts
For starters, he's put off by what he calls the sterile look of modern evangelical churches.
“You see PowerPoint presentations, projection systems. You've got to spend an hour looking in the cubbies to find a cross or an altar,” he said. “We have, in the space of 20 years, almost completely discarded the historic symbols of Christianity.”
Smith is also no fan of the latest practice in some churches: Twittering. Typing a mini-message into your BlackBerry may give the pastor feedback on his sermon, Smith said, but it also turns the congregation into an audience. He'd prefer his fellow evangelicals join in the recitation of the Apostles Creed or extend a handshake of peace to a pew-mate.
“The liturgy understands that humans need to actively participate and not be spectators."
"A
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)
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