God's Daytimer | Online Bible Studies

Mark 8:35

stephenlawes — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:24:23 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
Mark 8:35 (NIV)
35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Let’s read the verse in context:
Mark 8:31-38 (NIV)
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Today’s Quiet Time with God

The Christian walk is fascinating. I was thinking about today’s verse and I was trying to figure out how to explain it to someone who didn’t know Jesus. Apart from knowing Him, the verse makes no sense at all. It is only after we begin our relationship with Him, that these upside down statements begin to make sense. Real life will never be found in living life the way our culture and society promote. Life is found in Christ, and joy is found in living for Him. God has hard wired the world so that the more like Him we become (giving, generous, compassionate, etc.) the more life and joy we experience. Follow hard after Jesus today, you will be blessed as you do!

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1 Corinthians 1:18

stephenlawes — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:42:15 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Let’s read the verse in context:
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (NIV)
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Today’s Quiet Time with God

AS I read today’s verse I am reminded of how often people who believe in Christ are considered “foolish” by the “intelligent and sophisticated” parts of our society. People are often amazed that anyone living in the 21st century could still believe in something that they have reduced to “myths, fairy tales, and childrens stories”. And yet, we are called to somehow present the Good News to these same people who mock and make fun of us. How do reach them? It will happen as we demonstrate the amazing love of God to them. All of us should be looking and praying for opportunities to love people well, so that they can see past their hardened hearts and discover the love of God themselves. Be Blessed!

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Matthew 13:45-46

stephenlawes — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:57:39 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV)
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Let’s read the verse in context:
Matthew 13:44-58 (NIV)
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. 47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. 52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” 53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Today’s Quiet Time with God

In Matthew chapter 13 Jesus begins teaching in parables. His parable teach us what the Kingdom of God is like. Today’s verses contain two of my favorite parables. A treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great price. These parables teach us about the value of Jesus. He is the treasure hidden in the field and He is the pearl of great price and there is nothing more valuable in life than a relationship with Him. But something happens after you figure out that Jesus is the treasure and the pearl and that He is worth everything. The amazing thing is that to Jesus, YOU are the treasure and YOU are the pearl and He gave everything that He might have relationship with YOU. Isn’t that cool! Be blessed!

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If you would like to learn how to create a blog of your own then this would be a good site for you.

John 1:1

stephenlawes — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:40:51 +0000

I am still hanging out in John 1 today. This is such a rich chapter of scripture. Check out John 1:1

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Here it is in context:

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.

6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]

10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The gospel of John makes more references to the diety of Christ than the other gospels. Here in the opening verse, the connection of Christ to the Godhead is made known. The Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus is the Word who becomes flesh. Just thinking about it causes me to get excited about the love that God has for us. What lengths He has gone to for relationship with us. Take some time to hang out with Him and to thank Him for His amazing love today! You will be blessed as you do.

Pastor Steve
God’s Daytimer

A Quick Apology

stephenlawes — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:05:21 +0000

I wanted to apologize for the lack of posts over the last week and a half. I was away for most of the first week putting up a fence on some property near Ocala. I had chosen October as the time to undertake the project because I thought the weather would be nice and cool. Can you say Heat Wave? I was so tired at the end of every day that I couldn’t even turn the computer on. I have been busy with several situations since I got back, so I am only now able to get back to God’s Daytimer.

I am preparing for a Bible Study through the book of John which you will be able to watch or listen to on Internet Pastor Online in the weeks ahead. As I was studying today, I was really captivated by John 1:14.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[a] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

How amazing is it, that the Word, the One through whom everything was created, became flesh and dwelt among us? How amazing, that His life and death and resurrection demonstrate His grace and truth. I felt truly blessed as I contemplated this powerful verse today and I hope that you will as well.

Psalm 136:1-3

stephenlawes — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:41:41 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
Psalms 136:1-3 (NIV)
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

Let’s read the verse in context:
Psalms 136:1-26 (NIV)
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights– His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. 10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. 11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. 12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. 13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. 14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. 15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. 16 to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever. 17 who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. 18 and killed mighty kings– His love endures forever. 19 Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. 20 and Og king of Bashan– His love endures forever. 21 and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. 22 an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever. 23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. 24 and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever. 25 and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Today’s Quiet Time with God

When you read today’s verses, do you think the Psalmist is trying to make a point? We are encouraged to be thankful as we are reminded verse after verse of the love of God. In the King James version the verses are translated “His mercy endureth forever”. The word that is being translated is the Hebrew word “ḥesed”. It could actually be translated “His loving-kindness endures forever”. I really like the sound of that. The amazing, unconditional loving-kindness of God endures forever. We should give thanks to God because His loving-kindness endures forever! Remember to thank God because His loving-kindness endures forever! Take some time today to thank God, for His loving-kindness endures forever! You get the idea. Be blessed!

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Philippians 4:4-7

stephenlawes — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:39:58 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Let’s read the verse in context:
Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Today’s Quiet Time with God

I wonder if any of you remember the song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands”. Some of you probably just started singing it in your heads. I was reminded of the song as I was reading our verse today. The Lord is near. No matter what we are going through on any given day, even when we are faced with situations we would rather avoid, we can rest in the “peace” of God which transcends understanding. He is right here with us and we can talk to Him about our situation. Rather than get anxious and worried we can pray, and our hearts and minds find rest. I am glad that He has me in His hands. He’s got you, too! Be blessed.

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If you would like to learn how to create a blog of your own then this would be a good site for you.

1 Kings 19:5

stephenlawes — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:04:55 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
1 Kings 19:5 (NIV)
5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”

Let’s read the verse in context:
1 Kings 19:1-18 (NIV)
1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 15 The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel–all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”

Today’s Quiet Time with God

In preparing for the message this weekend I decided to talk about one of my favorite pet ideas that is found in 1st Kings. I call it my “Snack and a Nap” theology. Let me tell you how it works. In Chapter 18 of 1st Kings we see that Elijah stands up to the false prophets of the land and God shows up in a mighty way. The false prophets are soundly defeated and Elijah is vindicated in a very public way. Coming off a mighty victory, Elijah hears that Jezebel is going to kill him, and he turns and runs away. After a lengthy run: “He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Do you think he might be having a little pity party? Do you know what happens next? He takes a nap and then he has a snack and everything starts to look a little different. Sometimes the very best thing you can do when life seems completely out of control, is to take a snack and a nap. Once you have rested and eaten, you are often in a much better place to hear from God. That’s what happened to Elijah. God speaks to him in a gentle whisper (a still small voice) tells him that he is not alone, and sets him back on the right path. IF you are stressed today, lay down and rest and then get up and eat, and listen for the still small voice of God. You will be blessed as you do!

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If you would like to learn how to create a blog of your own then this would be a good site for you.

Jude 1:21

stephenlawes — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:18:38 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
Jude 1:21 (NIV)
21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Let’s read the verse in context:
Jude 1:1-25 (NIV)
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. 3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. 4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. 5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home–these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. 8 In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals–these are the very things that destroy them. 11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. 12 These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm–shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted–twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear–hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. 24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Today’s Quiet Time with God

I like today’s verse. Keep yourself in God’s love as we wait for His mercy to bring us in to eternal life. That is great advice. Life is so much better when we keep ourselves in God’s love. Jude gives us some practical advice about what a life of love looks like. He gives us these seven things to do:

1. contend for the faith (v. 3).
2. Remember the teaching and warnings of the apostles (v. 17).
3. Build yourselves up in the most holy faith (v. 20).
4. Pray in the Holy Spirit (v. 20).
5. Keep yourselves in the love of God (v. 21).
6. Look for the mercy of the Lord to bring you to eternal life (v. 21).
7. Show mercy to Christians who are doubting, snatch unbelievers from the fire, and cautiously show mercy to the corrupt (vv. 22-23).

As we wait for His mercy to bring us to eternal life, let’s do all we can to live lives of extravagant love. You will be blessed as you do!

Check out Fifteen Minutes With God

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Internet Pastor Online is an interesting site where you can find answers to questions about the Bible and some advice for Christian living.

Check out Church Growth Consulting

Church Growth Consulting is a site for Pastors and Ministry Leaders about ways to advance the Kingdom of God and help to grow the Church.

Check out My Newbie Blog

If you would like to learn how to create a blog of your own then this would be a good site for you.

2 Corinthians 4:7

stephenlawes — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:34:54 +0000

Welcome to Online Bible Studies

Today’s Bible verse is
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Let’s read the verse in context:
2 Corinthians 4:1-12 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

Today’s Quiet Time with God

Today’s verse is one to really stop and consider. The treasure in this verse is the light of God shining in our hearts. The amazing thing is that this treasure is in us. That is what I would encourage you to think about today. As we live out this life in our daily walk with God, we somehow display this light into the darkness. When people see it, they know it is not from us, because we are jars of clay. But God uses us, to help people see who He is. It is an amazing ministry that we are all called to. So, let the light shine, you will be blessed as you do!

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Check out the Christian Book Club

Check out Internet Pastor Online

Internet Pastor Online is an interesting site where you can find answers to questions about the Bible and some advice for Christian living.

Check out Church Growth Consulting

Church Growth Consulting is a site for Pastors and Ministry Leaders about ways to advance the Kingdom of God and help to grow the Church.

Check out My Newbie Blog

If you would like to learn how to create a blog of your own then this would be a good site for you.