Here is David Crowder bringing one of the finest Easter hymns I know:
Because He Lives
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Monthly Archives: March 2013
Saturday Six-Pack (33)
After a week away, we return with our Easter edition of the Six-Pack.
So find a seat and a few minutes. It may be that one of these ministry-minded or faith-focused articles is just what you need today. If not, I’ve attempted to include enough who-knows-what to fill the gaps.
If a half-dozen options paralyzes you, begin with my two *Picks of the Week*, and move from there.
For a steady stream of such links, follow me on Twitter ( @JasonBandura ) to the right of this post. Sharp quotes and solid articles are tweeted 3-4 times daily.
Today’s edition:
1) Twelve Ways to Keep Your Church Small
If you are looking for fresh ways to limit the attendance or participation in your church, Don Nations offers a dozens ways you may not thought of before.
2) Failure as Necessity (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
In this video, Seth Godin is interviewed on why he sees failure as such a powerful experience. One of his lines: “If I fail more than you, I win.” If you like the idea of “winning”, this interview is worth a listen/watch.
3) Ten Reasons Why We Struggle with Creativity (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
Some great insights (via Psychology Today) await any who wish creativity flowed more freely.
4) 9 Things You Should Know about Duck Dynasty
I confess I have never watched an episode of this show. But I have numerous friends who love it. For those who wish they knew more about the show and its bearded wonders, the Gospel Coalition provides this nine-course meal.
5) Everyday Idolatry: Amused Apathy
What is expressed in our addiction to entertainment and our fear of boredom? Jonathan Storment tackles that one here.
6) Are Leaders Made or Born?
Forbes Magazine offered this piece, addressing one of the most common leadership questions they receive. If you think you are a leader or you wish you were a leader, it’s a quick and useful read.
Blessings on you, my friends. May your weekend be refreshing in rest, play, and worship.
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The Road to Blessing
In the middle of Luke 11, there is an “amen” story.
Preacher Jesus was rocking.
A prayer lesson had just ended, and he had moved on to how demons are defeated. Caught up in provocative power of Jesus’ teachings, a lady listener shouted out. It wasn’t as “classic” a response as “amen” or even “preach it”. But the sentiment was the same… mostly.
27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Mentions of female anatomy don’t usually accompany the praises of preaching, yet here we have a woman (likely a mother herself) essentially exclaiming, “Your mom is so lucky.”
Said another way: “How fortunate was your mother to birth someone of your substance and quality.”
Or another way: “Hearing your message and seeing your works, it is clear that your mom was pulled into a magnificent life when she conceived and birthed you.”
Yet Jesus sidesteps the remark, countering that the real blessing awaits all who respond obediently to God’s leading and teaching. In other words, the blessing of God is available to all. It is not pre-portioned and dished out to selected favourites; it is not limited to those in preferential position. Nor is God’s blessing random, as if He were firing blindly into a crowd. Certainly, servants like Mary were approached with unique calls upon them, but the larger point is this: Blessing awaits all who obey.
So to you: Tune your ears today.
Lean in and listen.
The Lord’s word will arrive in some yet unknown tone. It may carry courage or conviction, but it will demand obedience.
And blessing will await all who respond.
A Week on a Tiny Island
Over the past two years, I have been part of the Arrow Leadership program. Briefly put, the program has involved a class of 23 people, under the age of 41, who are employed in non-profit organizations. I have nothing but the highest praise for the program–first-rate in all its work. If you are the least bit intrigued, contact me; I would happily share more!
I type this post from my local airport, awaiting my flight toward Vancouver. Every six months back to September 2011, our class has gathered at the Vancouver airport, where we have been bussed and boated to beautiful Barnabas on Keats Island. The location and hospitality leave nothing to be desired, and a powerful sense of community has been created over three separate weeks spent there together. Today marks the start of our forth and final residential.
So for good reason, I will break briefly from regular blogging. A week from now, the Canadian prairies will welcome me home, and at that point, I will meet you right back here for further Wandering & Wondering.
For today, may this Irish blessing be indicative of what God is doing in your life on this fine day:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Meet St. Patrick
There’s more than you think to “Mr. March 17”.
If you can get past the leprechauns and shamrocks and your nearly-not-friend who insists on pinching you if you don’t wear green today, there is a great man of history to discover behind this day.
This piece, by Mark Driscoll, will give you a hero of faith to be inspired by.
And that’s a fair bit more than the green beer being offered at most places.