- Details
- Written by Keith
- Category: Blog
- Hits: 2997
It seems that there are so many voices - sometimes the heart of the church goes unheard.
Presently I return to the heart of the great commission and I seek to impress this on the souls of those whom I have been entrusted to shepherd. Last Sunday I wanted everyone to see what our heart really is - good or bad. At the conclusion of the service I asked them to join me in covering the walls with PostIt Notes - record a first name of someone they personally desired to come to Christ.
Hundreds of notes were quickly posted. It would be great to see our hearts develop under His leadership to a sacrificial level of evangelism.
- Details
- Written by Keith
- Category: Blog
- Hits: 2448
There has been a shift, in my opinion, in the rules of marriage.
It appears to me that generationally a view of marriage has completely changed. Marriage was seen by our parents and grandparents as a life goal. One of their greatest desires was to raise a family. Many weathered relationships that were less than desirable for the sake of the children. It really was 'till death do us part.'
An increase in divorce statistics would indicate that something has culturally occurred. While I have nothing empirical to support my theory, just the tenor of counseling points to a general outlook: Marriage has now become a vehicle for personal fulfillment and happiness. If the present relationship does not bring the desired promise of joy, then it is time to switch vehicles. Countless times someone struggling has voiced: Why would I stay if it doesn't make me happy?
While the issues are always complex, and acknowleding that separation is sometimes warranted, it does seem that a perspective that would rather switch than develop character - that heart perspective will be taken into a new relationship.
An interesting sidenote from an ABC News article on the seperation of Schwarzenegger and Shriver is a study done by German researchers:
One German study of 17,000 people found that 72 percent of couples who divorce show no change in life satisfaction. Only 9 percent say their lives are better, according to the study, which is soon to be published in the Journal of Individual Differences.
Just a thought: apparently thinking that the grass would be greener on the other side of the fence, doesn't always prove to be the case.
Three decades of ministry have brought appreciation of what Paul requoted: No one seeks after God. (Rom 3:11). Primarilly, people seek happiness, not holiness. Only when we seek God and His righteousness, will we ultimately find what we have sought all along.
- Details
- Written by Keith
- Category: Blog
- Hits: 2556
For those that wanted to download a video montage of Isaiah 53, here is the link:
- Details
- Written by Keith
- Category: Blog
- Hits: 2347
It seems that it has taken a long time to recoup from the seven week trip we took. The work that had piled up in my absence required a hands-on approach.
Ramping up for easter I came up with an idea for a video montage with the text of Isaiah 53. Locating a shepherd in the area took about four hours of frustrating driving, and then office staff localized a phone number for me (thanks! Couldn't have done it without you guys.)
Yesterday I spent three hours with a shepherd and his herd of sheep. Amazing. It was a real opportunity to see fleshed out, what Jesus described in John 10.
Herr Merkel was so kind to me, allowing me total access to his herd, his dogs and simply telling me his story.
The highlight of the afternoon was when he moved the herd. He told me: "The sheep know my voice. So I will just say: Come on. And they follow me." And they did.
Seems like I have read that somewhere before.
Once last thing. Sheep may be cute and curious, but I really did get the impression that sheep are really, really stupid. The shepherd and his dogs had a full time job keeping the sheep out of trouble.
Just sayin'.
- Details
- Written by Keith
- Category: Blog
- Hits: 2521
Before dinner together, Debbie and I went for a drive, which ended up as a walk on the beach. She is still the love of my life.
{gallery}photos/beach01,width=120,height=90{/gallery}
Page 39 of 52