Halloween has come and that means Christmas Season is upon us. Have you noticed how we have skipped Thanksgiving and jump headlong in to the Christmas season? Well, at least some stores have the Christmas Season, others just the holiday season.
I am saddened that so many stores will benefit from the Christmas season with sales of products and gifts, but won't acknowledge the Christ in Christmas. How about you? How do you feel about it when some sales clerk says "Happy Holidays"? My first thought and most often comment is "Merry Christmas to you too!"
Don't let you Christmas spirit be stolen by the holiday tokenist! One family has developed a new holiday to counter stores lack of Christmas spirt. It's called Tossmas. Check out this short video explaining how to handle holiday spirit spreaders http://www.citizenlink.org/videofeatures/A000008654.cfm
Please counter every "happy holiday" with a "Merry Christmas to you too!"
Keep Christ in Christmas - remember, "Christ is the reason for the season".
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Book of the Month - When Your Mate is Emotionally Checked Out
Craig A. Miller's second self-help book on relationships, When Your Mate Has Emotionally Checked Out: Radical Steps to Transform Your Relationship was released May 30, 2006. Craig's first book, When Feelings Dont Come Easy - Overcoming the struggle to feel good about your life! was well received and many people thought his writing style was a little difficult. In his second book, Craig writes in a style easy to digest.
Enough about Craig. Now the book. When Your Mate Has Emotionally Checked Out, speaks to many American marriage relationships. This is what some readers have said.
“After putting some of Craig’s suggestions into practice, I have seen such an improvement in my marriage and am more hopeful than I have ever been.”
“When Your Mate Has Emotionally Checked Out” is for relationships where the lack of emotions, love, and affection continues despite the repeated unsuccessful efforts through complaining, loving, praying, waiting, and counseling. There is no other self-help book from a relationship perspective that candidly addresses how the lack of emotion destroys the ability to have heart-felt love in a relationship. And there is no other book such as this that gives radical solutions to bring the emotions, love, and respect back into the relationship through new insights, individual case examples, inspiring scriptures, and powerful steps to help the unemotional mate learn to emotionally relate.
If your relationship seems like two ships passing in the night, then Craig A. Miller's When Your Mate Has Emotionally Checked Out would be a good book to see how to get emotion and love back into your relationship.
Keywords: Books > Subjects > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > Relationships > Marriage
If you would like to buy a copy of Craig's books, you can find them at Christian-Books-Online.org or at Craig's own site FeelingsBook.com
Friday, March 24, 2006
Da Vinci Code Seminar
Dr. John Piippo, Senior Pastor at Redeemer Fellowship Church in Monroe Michigan, will be teaching the DA VINCI CODE SEMINAR. This seminar will begin Sunday, April 2, 6—7:30 p.m. at Redeemer.
Pastor John will evaluate the teachings of this book and present several point-by-point errors it makes in regard to the life of Jesus. If you are not able to attend, the message will be posted at RedeemerFellowship.net
Pastor John will evaluate the teachings of this book and present several point-by-point errors it makes in regard to the life of Jesus. If you are not able to attend, the message will be posted at RedeemerFellowship.net
Sunday, March 19, 2006
DaVinci Code - Fiction and Possibly Plagurized?
By AP
Read More...
NEW YORK -- Dan Brown's latest writing reveals his fascination with secrets and codes, his years as a struggling songwriter and novelist and his reaction to the explosive success of The Da Vinci Code.
It's a 69-page, unofficial memoir by an author who has rarely spoken to the media since his book became an international sensation. He wrote it not for general readers, but for the officials of a British courtroom.
Brown, who has been trying to complete his followup novel to The Da Vinci Code, has spent the last few days on a witness stand in London. Writers Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh are suing Brown's publisher, Random House, Inc., for copyright infringement, claiming the book "appropriated the architecture" of their 1982 non- fiction work The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail.
Read More...
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy
The whole title of a new treatise of relationships is Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy: Advances from Neurobiology and the Science of Intimate Relationships written by Brent J. Atkinson, Ph.D.The cover says "RECENT BRAIN FINDINGS point to new understandings about human motivation and interaction. Here the author applies these insights to couple therapy, showing how recent brain studies can help couples increase their chances of success in therapy. Presenting strategies that will lead to success, this book helps couples move from internal states that block change to states that are compatible with change."
Why did I find this book interesting? There are two reasons I have featured this book. First, I have been married 33 years and consider my relationship troubled at best. Second, I know the author, having taught him in Sunday school when he was a child. I am reading this book to see how it can help me.
If you want a technical explanation of why you react the way you do and want to possess the characteristics that make relationships work, you should read this book and follow the advice to change your unhealthy patterns.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Why Katrina?
When disasters like Hurrican Katrina happen, many people wonder why and question "God's motives". Dr. John Piippo of Theolobloggy answers this question very well. Check it out.
How do we understand something like this in light of our faith and belief in an all-loving, all-powerful God?
I believe that before responding to this question we must first seek God as to what we can do to help the victims in addition to praying for them. In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus talks about feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, and reaching out to the “least of these.” What Jesus says in Matthew 25 is radical and shocking in its expectations. We must apply His words as an ongoing lifestyle and not only (though there is good in this) in short-term immediate responses to crisis situations.
Only after that can we authentically ask the theological meta-question: why would God allow such a thing to happen? From a Christian theological standpoint here are my thoughts.
*The Bible presents us with a fallen world, a world in bondage to decay, a world that itself cries out for redemption. In such a fallen world natural disasters happen. They always have – both small scale and large scale. We are not promised that we will always be protected from them in this life. Romans 8:18-23 states: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."Romans 8:18 was probably the first verse in the Bible that I ever memorized. Again, it states: "I consider that the sufferings of this present life are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Why this verse, I now wonder? I am thinking that it spoke to me because, like everyone, I had experienced suffering. Unfortunately, for me in particular, a good deal of my suffering was brought on by my own bad choices. But it was clear to me that this life will contain suffering, struggle, hardship, and pain. And this clarity in no way caused me to doubt that there was a God who is loving, just, merciful, and powerful. All the sufferings I have personally seen and not seen have not changed my mind about this. I have no doubt that God is with me. I also have no doubt that there will be suffering in life. *I have never believed, on the basis of biblical teaching, that the ultimate purpose of this life is to live “a long, healthy life.” From my Christian standpoint the most important value is, while I am in this life, to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. This does not mean that, e.g., when we lose a loved one that we will not deeply grieve. Or that, when a loved one or even our own self is greatly suffering, we will not feel pain. But biblically we are not presented with a pain-free life. I believe that how we live and die is far more significant than the fact that people die. As a pastor I have been with many suffering persons and have seen God greatly glorified even in the midst of great suffering.
*Everyone dies. The specifics of how persons should die are not given. Some die peacefully. Others die violently. But we do not have, in the Bible, any idea of a “good death.” There are a lot of not-so-good deaths in Scripture. Take Jesus’ death on the cross for starters. Think of the suffering and dying Jesus as portrayed in "The Passion of the Christ."
*I believe that from a Christian paradigm it is not only possible but probable that God did save lives in the midst of all of this. There are indeed persons testifying that this is indeed the case. Such persons see and experience the saving activity of God in what happened to them. It would be presumptuous to devalue the testimonies of God's redemptive activity that are and will be coming forth out of this tragedy.*But of what value, then, are our prayers? Do our prayers move the heart and hand of God? I will be posting my response to this question soon.
*A FINAL NOTE: I have in my personal library many books that respond to the questions that arise in the midst of suffering and pain. One such book is Greg Boyd's Is God to Blame? We're selling his book now at our church because Greg is coming to be with us October 2-3-4 of 2005.
How do we understand something like this in light of our faith and belief in an all-loving, all-powerful God?
I believe that before responding to this question we must first seek God as to what we can do to help the victims in addition to praying for them. In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus talks about feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, and reaching out to the “least of these.” What Jesus says in Matthew 25 is radical and shocking in its expectations. We must apply His words as an ongoing lifestyle and not only (though there is good in this) in short-term immediate responses to crisis situations.
Only after that can we authentically ask the theological meta-question: why would God allow such a thing to happen? From a Christian theological standpoint here are my thoughts.
*The Bible presents us with a fallen world, a world in bondage to decay, a world that itself cries out for redemption. In such a fallen world natural disasters happen. They always have – both small scale and large scale. We are not promised that we will always be protected from them in this life. Romans 8:18-23 states: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."Romans 8:18 was probably the first verse in the Bible that I ever memorized. Again, it states: "I consider that the sufferings of this present life are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Why this verse, I now wonder? I am thinking that it spoke to me because, like everyone, I had experienced suffering. Unfortunately, for me in particular, a good deal of my suffering was brought on by my own bad choices. But it was clear to me that this life will contain suffering, struggle, hardship, and pain. And this clarity in no way caused me to doubt that there was a God who is loving, just, merciful, and powerful. All the sufferings I have personally seen and not seen have not changed my mind about this. I have no doubt that God is with me. I also have no doubt that there will be suffering in life. *I have never believed, on the basis of biblical teaching, that the ultimate purpose of this life is to live “a long, healthy life.” From my Christian standpoint the most important value is, while I am in this life, to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. This does not mean that, e.g., when we lose a loved one that we will not deeply grieve. Or that, when a loved one or even our own self is greatly suffering, we will not feel pain. But biblically we are not presented with a pain-free life. I believe that how we live and die is far more significant than the fact that people die. As a pastor I have been with many suffering persons and have seen God greatly glorified even in the midst of great suffering.
*Everyone dies. The specifics of how persons should die are not given. Some die peacefully. Others die violently. But we do not have, in the Bible, any idea of a “good death.” There are a lot of not-so-good deaths in Scripture. Take Jesus’ death on the cross for starters. Think of the suffering and dying Jesus as portrayed in "The Passion of the Christ."
*I believe that from a Christian paradigm it is not only possible but probable that God did save lives in the midst of all of this. There are indeed persons testifying that this is indeed the case. Such persons see and experience the saving activity of God in what happened to them. It would be presumptuous to devalue the testimonies of God's redemptive activity that are and will be coming forth out of this tragedy.*But of what value, then, are our prayers? Do our prayers move the heart and hand of God? I will be posting my response to this question soon.
*A FINAL NOTE: I have in my personal library many books that respond to the questions that arise in the midst of suffering and pain. One such book is Greg Boyd's Is God to Blame? We're selling his book now at our church because Greg is coming to be with us October 2-3-4 of 2005.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Daily Devotional - From the Inside Out
by Robert E. Reccord
8/3/2005
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place
PSALM 51:6
A man in Long Beach, California, went into a fast-food chicken fran-chise to buy lunch for himself and the woman with him. He took their orders, and they drove to a nearby park for a picnic. When he opened the box, he was surprised to see money instead of chicken. Apparently the manager kept the earnings in a chicken box to prevent robbery until the armored truck arrived. He had inadvertently handed the wrong box to the unsuspecting customer.
The man quickly returned his picnic basket of cash to the store manager. Elated, the manager said to him, “Stick around! I want to have the newspaper take your picture. You are the most honest guy in town!” The man refused. When the manager asked him why he wanted to avoid publicity, the man said, “Well, I am a married man, and the woman I am with is not my wife.”
Integrity is much more than superficial honesty. It’s a commitment of inward character that directs every area of our lives. It’s at the core of what God’s church is all about because it’s where Christians hold one another accountable. The Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Simply put, Christians need one another to ensure the growth and continued strength of inner character.
Often believers fail spiritually because they try to handle weak areas of their lives alone. An accountability partner will help you grow from the inside out.
SPREAD THE WORD THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Integrity is a vital character quality for the believer, and we can build it through accountability with fellow believers.
Robert E. Reccord
This devotional and others is available at Spread the Word Ministries
Robert E. Reccord's book Made to Count is available at Christian Books Online
8/3/2005
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place
PSALM 51:6
A man in Long Beach, California, went into a fast-food chicken fran-chise to buy lunch for himself and the woman with him. He took their orders, and they drove to a nearby park for a picnic. When he opened the box, he was surprised to see money instead of chicken. Apparently the manager kept the earnings in a chicken box to prevent robbery until the armored truck arrived. He had inadvertently handed the wrong box to the unsuspecting customer.
The man quickly returned his picnic basket of cash to the store manager. Elated, the manager said to him, “Stick around! I want to have the newspaper take your picture. You are the most honest guy in town!” The man refused. When the manager asked him why he wanted to avoid publicity, the man said, “Well, I am a married man, and the woman I am with is not my wife.”
Integrity is much more than superficial honesty. It’s a commitment of inward character that directs every area of our lives. It’s at the core of what God’s church is all about because it’s where Christians hold one another accountable. The Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Simply put, Christians need one another to ensure the growth and continued strength of inner character.
Often believers fail spiritually because they try to handle weak areas of their lives alone. An accountability partner will help you grow from the inside out.
SPREAD THE WORD THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Integrity is a vital character quality for the believer, and we can build it through accountability with fellow believers.
Robert E. Reccord
This devotional and others is available at Spread the Word Ministries
Robert E. Reccord's book Made to Count is available at Christian Books Online
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