converse christian

My Resignation Letter

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:34:00 +0000

March 30, 2011
Nick Sholars, Senior Pastor
Don Muhlbach, Chair, Staff Parrish Relations Committee

Nick and Don:

It is with great regret that I write this letter to inform you of my resignation as Director of Student Ministries at First United Methodist Church, Lufkin, effective May 22, 2011. This role has changed my life over the past four years. My work with our young people could hardly be called work at all-they have gifted my life with purpose, challenge, humor, and feelings that no words can capture. We are fortunate to have such a terrific group of young people. The future of FUMC is assured-it will rest in capable hands.

I have prayed about this decision, and I truly believe it is the right thing to do. I will be assuming the role of Student Director at Northern Hills UMC in San Antonio.

I want to thank you for this opportunity to work with the young people at FUMC. They are our greatest assets, and I encourage everyone to continue to listen to them, talk to them, work with them, cheer for them, and-most of all-pray for them.

If I can be of assistance in hiring a replacement, please don't hesitate to ask. I am extremely interested in seeing that my successor is nothing short of magnificent. Our kids deserve nothing less. Thank you for your understanding and for the privilege of serving the young people of FUMC.

Sincerely,
David Runnels

Out of the Norm?

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:32:00 +0000

In Radical, David Platt looks at how Christianity in America has become far too comfortable. He suggests that Americans have become more interested in pursuing the "American dream" than in fulfilling their obligations to Christ. Platt mentions that many Christians will go so far as to twist the Word of God to mean what they desire it to mean. With this in mind, Platt challenges the reader to a year-long journey to make radical changes for the cause of Christ.

Radical is the no-excuse, no-holds-barred work of a pastor who is fed up with what Christianity has become in America. In his passionate way, David Platt shares his burden about a Christian religion that has strayed far from what it is supposed to be. His book teaches and convicts readers. His goal is to help Christians see what they're missing out on by holding back in their faith.

The book contains stories that will make you weep, as well as those that will shock you. It gives the readers a bold look at where Christians are failing in today's society and how to bring about a positive change. Platt speaks with no apologies, and his message will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows, especially among the "religious" crowd. However, I found his radical statements to be true and straight down the line of what the Bible teaches.

Say "goodbye" to watered-down theology and "feel good" messages. While Platt's message may not be popular, I believe it is God-sent.

David (not me...or maybe it is me) and Destiny

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:37:00 +0000

"When David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep." (Acts 13:36 NIV) Being David's namesake, I pay attention to scripture with double attention when It could literally be about me. Mark writes, "You possess a uniqueness that is soul deep. I call it your soulprint. It's not just who you are, present tense. It's who you are destined to become, future tense. It's not just who others see when they look at you from the outside in. It's who God has destined you to become from the inside out." And in the life of King David, despite his weaknesses and mistakes, he was able to embrace God's unique destiny for his life, and he died having fulfilled that purpose.
If you are striving step into what God is doing, let go of your agenda and work on God's agenda, I recommend this book.
In Batterson's usual, easy-to-read and comprehend style, he walks the reader through each step of this exciting journey of discovery, utilizing King David's life as the backdrop. We learn the importance of walking in holy confidence of God's ability to move mightily through us, and the importance of remembering the life symbols that mark each turn in the journey. Batterson also reminds us that David's experiences and memories weren't all that carried him through to fulfill his purpose - his character played an important role as well. Mark writes that "the goal is not accomplishing the dream God has given to you. The dream is secondary. The primary issue is who you become in the process." David's humility and his uninhibited love for God, formed a character in him that each of us should long to emulate. Even as Saul pursued him vigorously, David recognized that compromising his integrity was not an option - even if he was "justified" in the eyes of his men. And when God finally elevated David to his position as King, David was not afraid to worship him without abandon, even if it meant looking like of fool in the eyes of family and friends. Part of what holds us back from discovering and embracing God's destiny for our lives is NOT that we have forgotten how God has moved in our lives, but that we have allowed ourselves to cut corners in our character development, or we've allowed our fear of "what people will think" to impact our public (and even our private) worship of the God who is guiding and directing our every step. Are we satisfied living a mediocre life that is headed toward a mediocre finish, or is it time to finally, once-and-for-all, discover and embrace our God-ordained destiny. I choose the latter. I recieved this book as part of the publisher's "Blogging for Books" program.

Church Camp in Liberia

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:50:00 +0000

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” --Luke 10:2 (NIV)

The understanding that we are called and that we are sent is at the foundation of our faith. The scriptures are full of stories of persons who responded to a call and were sent on mission for God. Jesus spent his ministry calling persons and sending them on God's mission. Putting our faith into action is at the very heart of our Christian calling. The New Testament instructs those who would be followers of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless, heal the sick, care for the widows, and nurture the children.

I can’t tell you how excited I am about what God is doing right now in my life. There’s too much to put into a letter, so I’ll just highlight one of the more significant opportunities I’ve been given recently.

I have the privilege to take a mission trip to Liberia, Africa this December. And I’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider supporting me as I venture out to share God’s Word on this trip with the people in Liberia. I know it will be life-changing for me.

I will be busy! We’ll be training adults and direct the first church camp ever held in the Gompa District of the United Methodist Church. This will include ministering to orphans, discipling and encouraging the pastors who are a part of our United Methodist family. Along with the District Superintendant of the Gompa District, Rev. James Labala and his wife, Anna plans have been made for one hundred, twelve through eighteen year olds to attend church camp in Ganta, Liberia.

Less than a decade ago this age group would have been carrying machetes in skirmishes and a “church camp” was a refugee camp where they may have been fortunate to find safety. The children coming to camp grew up in the savagery of civil war that tore apart the county.

Ganta is Liberia's second most-populated town and is located in the far north, near the border of Guinea in Nimba County. Ganta suffered heavy blows during both civil wars and much of Ganta United Methodist School was destroyed in 2003.

Here’s where YOU come in. I need to raise $4,200 for this Mission Trip. This will cover the expenses of ALL of the youth that attend camp and the cost of transportation 36 hour journey from Houston to Ganta.

I’m also in desperate need of a group of people who will pray for me…even now! Asking God to prepare me and equip me for this time overseas. I’m trusting God to do far more than I could ask for or imagine. Please join me in praying for the same thing.

Thanks again in advance for partnering with me. I simply cannot do this without your support!

If you have any questions about my trip you can either contact me directly (936-288-1698) or by e-mail drunnels@lufkinfirst.com.

10, 20. 30 years ago...music

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:42:00 +0000

What was I listening to 10, 20, 30 years ago this month? Here's a look at what i was really listening to and a bonus "what I wish I was cool enough to be listeing to."

October 2000

Listening to:

Stankonia- OutKast
America III: Solitary Man- Johnny Cash
All that You Can't Leave Behind- U2

Wish I would have already discovered:

PJ Harvey- Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea

October 1990

Listening to:

Paul Simon- The Rhythm of the Saints
Traveling Wilburys- Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3
Skinny Puppy- Too Dark Park

Wish I would have already discovered:

Hindu Love Gods- Hindu Love Gods

October 1980

Listening to:

Xanadu Soundtrack
Urban Cowboy Soundtrack

Wish I had already discovered:

U2- Boy
The Police- Zenyatta Mondatta

Can "cool" and Christianity coexist?

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:51:00 +0000

Hipsterdom is a significant cultural phenomenon with implications for all sorts of things. “Hipster” is just the latest, most consolidated iteration of the notion of being cool/elite/fashionable. As such, it serves as a convenient entry point for a crucial discussion of what all of this means for Christianity, which to outside observers probably seems about as far from “cool/hipster” as possible.

What does it mean that “hipster Christianity” exists? Should we be alarmed and unnerved by the marriage of seemingly competing aims: following Christ and being cool? Or are there good things “hipster” has done for Christianity?

Well, yes. [Editor’s note: Brett has much more to say about the good things hipster Christianity has brought to the Church. Check out the full article in the Sept/Oct issue of RELEVANT for the whole list.]

It makes the problem of individualism worse
At its core, hip is an individual pursuit. It’s about how I can set myself apart, how I can advance my standing in the world, turn heads toward me, be noticed, be envied, etc. It’s a way to announce oneself to the world, to assert one’s agency against the behemoth of abstracted culture. It’s a way to advertise one’s privileged knowledge about how to look and act in a fashionable way. And all of this is a thoroughly individualistic affair—meant to distance oneself (or at least distinguish oneself) from the pack.

In terms of Christianity, this is a problem. Contemporary evangelicalism has drifted away from the corporate tradition of Christianity and adopted a more malleable “spirituality” that traffics in phrases like “do-it-yourself,” “self-help” and “your best life now!” That is, we’ve moved from a Christianity that was primarily about living out the Gospel collectively to one that is now almost entirely about “that’s how I like it,” ice cream parlor personal preference. As a result, something so wholeheartedly individualistic and self-serving as “hip” has become commonplace and even virtuous. But I’m convinced it is actually a hindrance.

“Hip” says we can and should rely on our own devices in terms of how we define ourselves. It calls us to be different and unique and not bound by the norms and standardizations of group culture.

It alienates people
Being fashionable is alienating. Some will argue it is attractive, to which I say yes, but it’s attractive mostly in an invidious way. Being fashionable might gain you friends, but more often than not these “friends” are attracted to the image of fashionable association with you more than they are attracted to your personhood or spirit. Chances are they actually can’t stand you.

This is cynical, yes, but unfortunately true. “Cool” is ultimately a lonely world because it makes people fear you. It signifies elitism. It makes uncool people really uncomfortable. It makes it hard for cool people and not-so-cool people to mix and enjoy each other’s company.

This bodes ill for our churches, which are supposed to be welcoming for all people—both cool and uncool.

It fosters pride and vanity
Being a hipster does not help one’s ego. Quite the opposite. The whole notion of “cool” is that we are better than the majority—that we are a minority with privileged knowledge and narrow access to whatever is “in” at the moment. Cool advertises the notion that we have everything together and can execute a style or fashion better than just about anyone. It’s an expression of self-aggrandizement and provides coals for the fires of our pride and arrogance. To be hip is to be haughty and elitist, scorning those “less-thans” and “have-nots” who can’t compete with our fashionable aesthetic—in movies, in clothes, in books, in music ... even in food.

It’s too much about rebellion
The central logic of hip is rebellion. It’s about asserting one’s own personal agency against the forces that be. Every incarnation of hip is a rebellion against something. Trendy fashion is a rebellion against convention. Jazz is a rebellion against strict meter. Riding a fixed-gear bike is a rebellion against gasoline, etc. ... The point is: to be a hipster is to be a rebel. If you want to keep the rules and abide by established conventions, you can only be so cool.

Rebellion itself is not a bad thing, of course. It’s sometimes called for and frequently productive. Jesus was a rebel. He was God incarnate; how could He not be? But His purpose was higher than just subverting the norms and standards for rebellion’s sake. Hipster culture today elevates rebellion as an end unto itself, and this is problematic. Being “cool” requires we bend the rules or break them, because rules are oppressive and systems of control are highly dubious.

As a result, the hipster existence is frequently rife with vices. If hipsters can’t completely overthrow the structures that bind them, they can at least destabilize and unnerve those structures by engaging in hedonistic, naughty behavior. It’s about freedom, partying and transgression. If you aren’t willing to engage in at least some vices, it will be hard for you to maintain any sort of hipster credibility.

This is one of the most important and common sources of tension for the Christian hipster. This is where the inherent dissonance in cool Christianity creates the most ruptures. I’ve known many young Christians (myself included) who have engaged in these “vices” to an unhealthy extent—in the name of “fun” and “cool,” but chiefly “rebellion.” All these things were forbidden and unfairly demonized in evangelicalism for so long, and now the pendulum is swinging. Christian hipsters are rebelling against that old legalism and proclaiming their “freedom in Christ.”

But the life of a Christian is about putting to death our earthly desires, right? (Colossians 3:5) It’s about meditating on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable (Philippians 4:8), not flirting with darkness and the corrupt, right? If so, how can we justify living into the patterns of hipster hedonism and rebellion, which esteems vice and shuns the alternative as prudish legalism?

At the end of the day, the moral of this story is that appearances do matter. Many young, fashionable Christians would like to think that looking and being “cool” should not affect or be affected by being a Christian. Why should being Christian spoil all the fun of being a hipster? “Can’t I continue to smoke cloves, dress like a thrift store bohemian, look down on people for liking Daughtry and also be a Christian?”

Christian hipsters tend to find refuge in this sort of dualism, refusing to believe there might be anything implicitly unChristian in the hipster way of life. But lurking beneath this belief is a sort of gnostic assumption that “being a Christian” is mostly a spiritual thing rather than a physical, embodied thing. Christianity, they might think, mostly has to do with believing things and loving people, and has little if anything to do with the clothes we wear, or whether we smoke or get tattoos. But it seems much more likely that these things do matter, at least somewhat.

There are good things that hipsterdom has done for Christianity. Hipsters have helped the Church become more aware of the need for social justice, more attuned to the appreciation of creation and created goods, and hipsterdom has certainly made the Church more culturally engaged. But Christianity is always an embodied thing, and plays out in the material, cultural, socioeconomic world. And this means we have to think about how Christ is seen through our lives in a holistic way.

This article is adapted from a longer piece that appears in the Sept/Oct issue of RELEVANT. Brett McCracken is the author of Hipster Christianity (Baker, 2010), out now. Check out his website to see more about the book and to see if you're a Christian hipster yourself.

A good reminder

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:25:00 +0000

This arrived in my e-mail a few minutes ago. It was a good reminder:

soulCARE: reconnect your relationships

Doug Fields & Matt McGill

Ministry is tough work, as time wears on, it takes a toll. Each of us desperately needs a safe place to share personal successes, doubts, and failures. We need cheerleaders, counselors and coaches for encouragement, support, and correction.
God created us for community and we are better when we’re together with refreshing people. As youth workers, we know this, we work hard to help our students experience community, but sometimes we can forget the importance of community for ourselves. Here are a few ideas for connecting with the important people in your life when you need to care for your soul.

WATCH YOUR WARNING LIGHTS
Both of us are mechanical idiots, but even we know the importance of paying attention to our car’s “check engine light”. A decayed spiritual life doesn’t just appear... it decays slowly. The changes are subtle, but they’re not too difficult to detect when we are aware of the warning lights. Soul decay looks a little different for everyone, but here are a few signs that it’s time to get back on track:

Maybe it’s time to take your focus off of teenagers.

..| We spend less time alone with God. We do this guided by the faulty logic: we can get more ministry done if we spend more time doing ministry.
..| We grow short on patience with problems. We become a little more critical and less forgiving of the mistakes of others.
..| We have shallow conversations with others. The busyness of life, and a weaker connection with God, keeps us from engaging with others.

MAKE THE TIME
Reconnecting with a friend won’t get a “to do” item checked off of your project list. However, if you don’t do it soon, you’ll have something much worse to handle than a bloated project list. Stop making excuses and set aside some relational time to reconnect with those who refresh you.
TALK TO THE RIGHT FRIEND
Revitalizing your soul takes conversations with the right friend. Here are some qualities of that friend that we think are important:

Maybe it’s time to take your focus off of teenagers.

..| safe: someone you can trust to respond in love and confidence.
..| admirable: someone you respect as a mature believer to offer solid perspective.
..| positive: someone you know to be encouraging and uplifting (a negative friend is draining and not what you need to be refreshed).

GET REAL
When you connect, talk about stuff that matters. Accountability is only as good as your honesty. Without integrity, accountability is powerless. Be open. Share like a child who has no concern for the consequence of what he just said. Fear of consequence is a killer of meaningful conversations.

What are some of your warning lights that let you know you need to reconnect with the important people in your life?

"America, you know I'm crazy!"

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:07:00 +0000

NCV Dad's Bible

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:08:00 +0000

I'm not a big fan of the "let's add a little content to a Bible and see how many we can sell". I reluctantly ordered the NCV Dad's Bible thinking I could pass it along a gift some time. THe book over came my cynicism.

First, the New Century Version translation offers simplicity without sacrificing accuracy. For first-time reader of the Word the NCV is an ideal Bible. The NCV manages to maintain the integrity of the biblical text without complex theological vocabulary.

Next, the Dad's Bible itself has great supplmentary content. Sections include:
Walking in authority. Godly Character, Passing it on, Dad's in the Bible, Building your children, Insights, question and answer resource and topical index. This is a great gift for a new dad or encouragemnet for a father wanting to more invovled in reading the Word. Each a helpful and easy to read sections. I'm impressed with the calibre of the NCV Dad' Bible.

The Right to Lead, John Maxwell

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:16:00 +0000

John Maxwell's, "The Right to Lead" is a small but powerful book. The book is ideal if you need a reminder of the core values and keys to leadership or want to make a gift to someone to encourage and grow them.

With deficits in leadership in our churches, homes and corporate world, we need to focus on developing true leadership learned through character and courage. It is unlike me to post full excerpts from a book, however below you will fin the preface from "The Right to Lead". I how you feel its impact as I did.

WHAT GIVES A MAN OR WOMAN THE RIGHT TO LEAD?

It certainly isn't gained by election or appointment. Having position, title, rank, or degrees doesn't qualify anyone to lead other people. And the ability doesn't come automatically from age or experience, either. No, it would be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead. The right to lead can only be earned. And that takes time.

The Kind of Leader Others Want to Follow

The key to becoming an effective leader is not to focus on making other people follow, but on making yourself the kind of person they want to follow. You must become someone others can trust to take them where they want to go. As you prepare yourself to become a better leader, use the following guidelines to help you grow:

Let go of your ego.

The truly great leaders are not in leadership for personal gain. They lead in order to serve other people. Perhaps that is why Lawrence D. Bell remarked, "Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things, and I'll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things."

Become a good follower first.

Rare is the effective leader who didn't learn to become a good follower first. That is why a leadership institution such as the United States Military Academy teaches its officers to become effective followers first - and why West Point has produced more leaders than the Harvard Business School.

Build positive relationships.

Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. That means it is by nature relational. Today's generation of leaders seem particularly aware of this because title and position mean so little to them. They know intuitively that people go along with people they get along with.

Work with excellence.

No one respects and follows mediocrity. Leaders who earn the right to lead give their all to what they do. They bring into play not only their skills and talents, but also great passion and hard work. They perform on the highest level of which they are capable.

Rely on discipline, not emotion.

Leadership is often easy during the good times. It's when everything seems to be against you - when you're out of energy, and you don't want to lead - that you earn your place as a leader. During every season of life, leaders face crucial moments when they must choose between gearing up or giving up. To make it through those times, rely on the rock of discipline, not the shifting sand of emotion.

Make adding value your goal.

When you look at the leaders whose names are revered long after they have finished leading, you find that they were men and women who helped people to live better lives and reach their potential. That is the highest calling of leadership - and its highest value.

Give your power away.

One of the ironies of leadership is that you become a better leader by sharing whatever power you have, not by saving it all for yourself. You're meant to be a river, not a reservoir. If you use your power to empower others, your leadership will extend far beyond your grasp.

In The Right to Lead, you will hear from and read about people who have done these same things and earned the right to lead others. Because of the courage they found and the character they displayed, other people recognized their admirable qualities and felt compelled to follow them.

The followers who looked to these leaders learned from them, and so can we. As you explore their worlds and words, remember that it takes time to become worthy of followers. Leadership isn't learned or earned in a moment.

-John Maxwell

Puppets gone Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:21:00 +0000

There are good puppets and there are bad puppets. This young man has obviously found some of the bad...

"I love this candy"

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:44:00 +0000

The Noticer - Andy Andrews

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:21:00 +0000

"Come here son…come into the light”

I am notoriously bad at moving out of the present and looking into the future at the next outcome I am working towards. Every once in a while I need a reminder. I often live a life without the right perspective. I see only the things that I want to see without noticing more about the people around. After reading the Noticer, I felt like my eyes had been opened again to the people before me.

In The Noticer, Andy Andrews, paints a picture of an old man, Jones, who wanders in and out of a small, southern, beach town. The story begins with Jones meeting Andy, an orphaned twenty-three year old that is homeless, living under a local pier. Jones shares words with Andy about perspective that changes the course of Andy’s life forever. That begins one tale of many of how Jones changes his perspective for many people. Jones helps busienss people, married couples, young people and everyone in between.

This encouraging book brings home the importance of every moment of life, small things, big things, and everything in between. Jones crafts stories that bring great life. Jones is kind, gentle, tells the truth and isn’t afraid of stepping into peoples lives.

For any work I ask my self so what when I am done reading it. As I finished reading The Noticer, I was encouraged to do three things:

1. Make sure the people that I care about in life know it.
2. Make sure I am noticing the people in the world around me.
3. Encourage the people whose live I have influence in to care about those in their lives.

My only caution would be great ready to read for a while. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down again.

I'm going to hell...

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:38:00 +0000

Okay, I'm not going to go to hell for laughing at this video. You won't either.

Thanks to Matthew Paul Turner for pointing it out after it had been point out to him.
Matthew is worth following on Twitter @jesusneedsnewpr

Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:52:00 +0000

I've had the Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3s for months and listened a couple of times. I've attempted to use them with my youth. What I've learned is that my youth still respond to the authoritative rich booming voice. I'd hope that this would be a connetion for kids to give them some new insight to the Word of God, shatter the God sounds like James Earl Jones sterotype. Instead I've passed the copy our Children's Director, who is using it successfully!

There is some great voice talent on the discs. The dramatization is excellent as well, waves lapping, fire crackling and a host of other sound enhancements. So where would I use this? If I were leading children's church or I had young children of my own. In those settings it would be a no-brain purchase.

Repost from justinromack.com

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:31:00 +0000

My Friend, David Runnels
April 27th, 2009 by Romack

Last summer, I went to UMARMY with my good friends David and Karen Runnels - which was an absolute blast. While I was on the trip, I ran out of one of the most essential items packed in my travel bag - Electrashave. You see, friends - I have sensitive skin. If you ever see me walking around, or even going to church, with scruff on my face, it’s not because I don’t know how to shave, didn’t want to shave, or don’t know how to shave - it’s because it’s incredibly painful to shave. David was making a Wal-Mart run and asked if I needed anything. I asked him to pick up a bottle for me…and he came back with one - and even picked up the tab on it.

…and now, almost a year later, I have a little bit left in this bottle. I shave about three times a week, so it’s a pretty good bargain. I say all this to say - David Runnels is a true friend. He has warmed my heart and soothed my skin.

LOST/Star Trek

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:42:00 +0000

uh-oh

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:04:00 +0000

I am now a Rhapsody suscriber. Over the past couple of weeks, I've seen mislabeled music. But this is the best database/coding error yet! I wish I would have been smart enough to think this up...

You are looking at the soundtrck for the movie Gridlock'd. You are also looking at Sesame Street albums. Little did you know the premise of the Gridlock'd move was absed on the adventures of Burt and Ernie on Sesame Street. That's one tough 'hood.

Corky and the Juice Pigs

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:18:00 +0000

How I miss the novelty music of Corky and the Juice Pigs. Here's a a little something for my fellow REM lovin' peeps.

To the Only God

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:43:00 +0000

Shane & Shane, Mac Powell and David Nasser talking about and singing "To The Only God". Written by Chris Tomlin. Recorded on "Glory Revealed" by David Crowder and Shane & Shane.

little help please...

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:36:00 +0000

I asked my Twitter friends to suggest a song for a "go to" CD for my car. I often forget my ipod or I'm not in the mood for radio. This cherished, tweep produced, CD will live in my CD player. The songs are in the order suggested.

Here it is:

Song, Album, Artist, Suggested By

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles, suggested by friarbuck

Le Disko, Le Disko, Shiny Toy Guns, suggested by chuckazooloo

Deadly Sinners, Advance and Vanquish, 3 Inches Of Blood, suggested by thattalldude

Wonderful World, Undiscovered, James Morrison, suggested by itsdavey

Section 9 Light & Day / Reach For The Sun, The Beginning Stages Of..., The Polyphonic Spree, suggested by adrie518

Hangin Around, Desert Life, Counting Crows, suggested by angelaromack

Fly, Ancient Skies, Michael Gungor Band, suggested by markjaffrey

Beautiful Day, All That You Can't Leave Behind, U2, suggested by pastor_robbie

I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide, Degüello, ZZ Top, suggested by olderbutnotup

Waitin' On A Woman, Time Well Wasted, Brad Paisley, suggested by 1OldFart

Stand Up Comedy, No Line On The Horizon, U2, suggested by pattigibbons

True Love, Cannons, Phil Wickham, suggested by ChadLemke

My Only Offer, Re-Arrange Us, Mates of State, suggested by joshcook83

Unfailing Love, Unfailing Love, Russell Martin, suggested by rgmmusic

Stories (Down To The Bottom), Beauty From Pain, Superchic[k], suggested by AlexisRae

Elias, Silent Steeples, Dispatch, suggested by MichaelJames05

Big Casino, Chase This Light, Jimmy Eat World, suggested by justinromack

Glass of Water, Prospekt’s March, Coldplay, suggested by InRhythm

The Funeral, Everything All The Time, Band Of Horses, suggested by corystaylor

Thanks for your input! Aren't tweeps great?

Fire at will

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:13:00 +0000

I got tagged. Decided to play.
"Your iPod says alot about you..."
1. Put your iPod (or media player) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN, NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy this quiz as well as the person you got the note from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OK?" YOU SAY?
Polar Bears and Shark Fins
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Drive In Saturday
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Dead and Gone
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Better than Wine
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
This, Here and Now, With You
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Breathe
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
People C’mon
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Always
WHAT IS 2+2?
Loaded Gun
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Burn Out Bright
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Close Your Eyes
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
We Won’t Be Quite
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Aqua Boogie (A Pyschoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Redneck Rampage
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
The Eyes of My Heart
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Everything You Are
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Bang the Doldrums
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Everybody Wants the Same Thing
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Something So Strong
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Good World Gone Bad
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Here
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Shot Down in Flames
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Just Like Me
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Entertaining Thoughts
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Tears of the Saints
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Star Me Kitten
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Family (I really dislike this Todd Agnew song, but I’m so glad it’s in iTunes for this very reason!)
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Runaway Train
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Wait and See
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Fire at Will

The Jesus You Never Knew

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:46:00 +0000

I get that Jesus looked nothing like our modern-framed-hanging-on-the-wall-white-church-Jesus depictions. I'm good with that. But if Jesus returns in a spaceship, dressed in some funky sequined jumpsuit/bib; I've got a problem.

REVIEW: Christianity in Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:04:00 +0000

REVIEW: Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century by Ken Hanegraaff

A reworking of the book released 20 years ago, Author Ken Hanegraaff makes it clear his view that the “Word of Faith” movement is a dangerous departure from solid Biblical tenets and cancer growing within Christianity. Hanegraaff, an Evangelical Christian, lays out his argument by painting the “Word of Faith” movement with a broad brush, developing caricatures of the increasing popular leaders of movement and ultimately using these to support his claim that movement and its leaders are not charismatic, they are cultic.

Hanegraaff takes great care to not label everyone involved in the movement. He admits that there are good, committed Christians involved with “Word of Faith” churches. However, he writes them off as new or misinformed Christians.

Principle to his arguments are the three steps: Ask, Believe and Receive. Stating that whatever one states, positive or negative, is spoken into one’s lives. Hanegraaff believes these ideas deify man and Satan and demote God and Jesus. The author also deals with issues of the atonement, wealth and sickness.

Hanegraaff does offer five chapters that lay out a course of action to steer a reader to a balanced view of the Christian faith. He focuses on the primary issues in which Christians should find common ground and leaves the secondary issues that often divide to be debated beyond the book.

While Hanegraaff’s work is full of scholarship and Biblical reference his arguments early on appear to be strawmen. The author returns time and time again to a Biblical model of faith and repeating his belief that the up and coming almost “rock stars” of the Faith movement are a danger to Christianity centered in Christ.

My analysis is “Christianity in Crisis” will be well received by evangelicals, spurned by those active in Word of Faith churches and a launching pad for discussion for those main stream Christians wishing to bridge idealistic chasms and dialogue about our stories and the richness of faith.

Sunday night

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:41:00 +0000

I love (there's that word) this idea. This week has been filled with gross capitalization of "love". This is the most divisive holiday on the books (maybe not, Texas has Conferate Heroes Day that coincides with MLK Jr. Day). So were putting it in context.

Let me share some of the ideas I've already heard tossed around as potential gifts at the exchange:
- Pig's heart
- Positive pregnancy test
- Free guest membership to a gym
-Weight loss pills

Care to add to the list?