Capitol Hill lawmakers invoke 2 Chron. 7:14, call for prayer

Members of Congress are issuing a bipartisan appeal for non-stop prayer. The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation -- a group of lawmakers who meet weekly for prayer -- held a news conference this week and urged Americans to commit to pray for the nation and its leaders for five minutes a week.

Founded by Congressman Randy Forbes (R-Virginia) in 2005, the Prayer Caucus -- an official caucus of the U.S. House -- meets every week that Congress is in session. According to Forbes, members of the Caucus gather together in Room 219 of the Capitol and "lay aside party affiliations, political agendas, and individual schedules" to pray together, focusing on God's promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land."

With its membership now nearing ten percent of the House, the Caucus recently announced plans to spread "219 Prayer Groups" across the country, the objective being to establish "spiritual blocks" that will comprise a "wall of prayer" around America. A page on the Prayer Caucus website -- PrayerCaucus.org -- promotes the effort and permits individuals to commit to pray five minutes a week for the nation and its leaders.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

When Was It Shipped?

All the glory of the universe, in a single Flash app

CRAVE -- Every few months, I come across something on the web that completely blows my mind. This morning, a friend of mine sent me a link to Nikon's Universcale web app. It puts the entire universe into proportion, from the smallest particle to the largest measurements of space.

Read more of this story on Crave Blog.

Chocolate Jesus Show Canceled

A planned Holy Week exhibition of a nude, anatomically correct chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ was canceled Friday after Cardinal Edward Egan and other outraged Catholics complained.

The "My Sweet Lord" display was shut down by the hotel that houses the Lab Gallery in midtown Manhattan. Roger Smith Hotel president James Knowles cited the public outcry for his decision.

Read more of this story on NewsMax.

American Idol Parody

Click to Play!

French Architect Claims to Have Solved Pyramid Secret

ARIS — A French architect claimed Friday to have uncovered the mystery about how Egypt's Great Pyramid of Khufu was built — with use of a spiral ramp to hoist huge stone blocks into place.

The construction of the Great Pyramid 4,500 years ago by Khufu, a ruler also known as Cheops, has long befuddled scientists as to how its 3 million stone blocks weighing 2.5 tons each were lifted into place.

Ending eight years of study on the subject, architect Jean-Pierre Houdin released his findings and a computerized 3-D mockup showing how workers would have erected the pyramid at Giza outside Cairo.
Read more of this story on FOX News.

Teaching the Bible in Public Schools

At first glance, you might think the wrong magazine had landed on the rack in the grocery store check-out line next to Newsweek and People magazine. The cover features a picture of a black-and-yellow CliffsNotes version of the Bible. What is this, you think—the annual Easter-season bashing of Christians?

But then you read the title of this cover story: “Why We Should Teach the Bible in Public School.”

Even more amazing, this is Time magazine’s cover story. And the story reveals how popular Bible literacy classes have become—and why almost no one is complaining about them.

According to Time, the number of public schools offering classes on the Bible is rising rapidly. Two Bible curricula are now being studied in 460 school districts in thirty-seven states. Thousands of other districts have expressed interest in them.

Which leads to a question: How on earth are public schools getting away with teaching the Bible?

Read more of this commentary on The Christian Post.

Hair Counting Division

Destruction of Non-Muslim Worship Centers Riles Faith Minorities in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) - The cavernous pink Putra Mosque with its soaring minaret is one of the most commanding sights and popular tourist photo backdrops in the new city of Putrajaya.

A house of worship for thousands of Muslims in the 8-year-old administrative capital of Malaysia, it is a showcase of the nation's dominant faith — Islam.

But the mosque also highlights the fact that Putrajaya doesn't have a single church or temple — a fact that minority Buddhists, Hindus and Christians see as one example of the second-class treatment other faiths get in this Muslim-majority country

Religious minorities have long complained about obstacles in getting the government's permission to build places of worship in Malaysia. But their frustrations have grown amid recent accusations by religious rights activists that authorities are destroying non-Muslim shrines, heating up racial bitterness that has simmered for decades beneath a veneer of multicultural harmony.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

The Parrot And The Auctioneer

One day a man went to an auction. While there, he bid on a parrot. He really wanted this bird, so he got caught up in the bidding. He kept on bidding, but kept getting outbid, so he bid higher and higher and higher.

Finally, after he bid way more than he intended, he won the bid - the parrot was his at last!

As he was paying for the parrot, he said to the Auctioneer, "I sure hope this parrot can talk. I would hate to have paid this much for it, only to find out that he can't talk!"

"Don't worry." said the Auctioneer, "He can talk. Who do you think kept bidding against you?"

NIGERIA: MUSLIM EXTREMISTS SET CHURCH ON FIRE

GOMBE, Nigeria, March 29 (Compass Direct News) – Two days after the killing of a Christian teacher in this town in northern Nigeria, Muslim extremists set fire to a church building of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in the Chanchanya section.

The Rev. Rukun Gaius, 50, chairman of the Gombe district of the ECWA, told Compass that a large number of Muslim extremists went to the church on Friday night (March 23) and set it on fire, gutting the sanctuary.

“The Muslims came to the church premises at about 11 p.m. to set the church on fire,” Rev. Gaius said. “People around the area and some of our members who saw the church burning rushed there put it out, but by then much damage had already been done to the building.”

Read more of this story on Compass Direct News.

Christian Group Ordered to Stop Praying on Sidewalk

WASHINGTON, Mar. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Christian Defense Coalition was sponsoring a public celebration of The Stations of the Cross when they were ordered to leave a public sidewalk in front of the Library of Congress while they were kneeling in prayer.

The group had been granted a permit by the United States Capitol Police and they were not blocking pedestrian traffic on the public sidewalk.

Read more of this story on Christian Newswire.

Grounds For Legal Action

Ethiopian Evangelist Beaten to Death by Militant Muslims

WASHINGTON, Mar. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) has just learned that an Ethiopian evangelist named Tedase was beaten to death by militant Muslims on Monday, March 26th, as he and two young women were on a street evangelism assignment in Jimma, Ethiopia. This marks the second time in six months that Christians residing in Southeast Ethiopia have been attacked and killed by extremist (Wahabbi) Muslims.

Read more of this story on Christian Newswire.

Christian Favorite Cut from 'American Idol' Top 9

NEW YORK - One of the remaining Christian artists from the ten finalists of American Idol was booted Wednesday night, disappointing the residents of Greenville, S.C., and church-goers around the nation who were rooting for him.

Chris Sligh, who performs as part of the Seacoast Church praise band in Greenville, was eliminated from the singing contest after he received the fewest amount of votes among the other ten vocalists during this week’s poll results show. Among the nine remaining contestants, three Christian artists recognized by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) - Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, and Phil Stacey - are still keeping the faith alive.

Sligh, 28, was cut from the contest following his performance on Tuesday in which he sang “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by the Police, in accordance with this week’s pop theme.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Big Red Button

Have You Listened To This?

Evangelist Rick Coram, Jacksonville, Florida, is the special guest on the March 2007 Walking with the Giant Podcast. The program is now online and available for download.

Program Features:

• Ghana Update: Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi, JCEA Ministry Coordinator (e-mail), shares the Ghana, West Africa monthly ministry report. You'll hear Evangelist Ralph discuss his ministry opportunities and how Easter is celebrated in Ghana.
• Interview: Rick Coram of Rick Coram Ministries shares about being on the road as a vocational evangelist. The interview includes information about Brother Rick's ministries and a funny story or two. For more information about Rick Coram Ministries, visit their website or call the office at (904) 714-9621.
• Message: Martha, Martha (Part 1) by Evangelist James Croft is taken from Luke 10:38-42 in the Holy Bible.

Edition: Vol. 2, No. 1
File Size: 17.53 MB
Length: 38 min. 17 sec.

Program Links:

RSS Feed/Download Page

Program Information

iTunes Link

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with production costs by following these links:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

May God richly bless you for your prayerful and financial support!

Mercy Ships prepares to launch new hospital ship

Mercy Ships Ministries is preparing to expand its fleet of hospital ships -- an expansion the founder of the ministry says will permit Mercy Ships to have an even greater outreach to those in medical need around the globe.

The Africa Mercy is undergoing what is known as "sea trials" today, in preparation for service in the ministry's fleet of hospital ships. The ship is the largest non-governmental hospital ship and will double the medical capacity of all ships in the fleet. MercyShips.org says upon completion, Africa Mercy is tentatively for field assignment in Liberia.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Coke Machine

It was a really hot day and this blonde decided she would go buy a coke. So she went to the coke machine and put her money in, and a coke came out, so she kept putting money in it. Since it was a hot day a line had formed behind her.

Finally the man behind her said, "Will you hurry up we're all hot and thirsty!"

The blonde turned around and said, "No way. I'm still winning."

Good Cholesterol

How High Is Your Mountain?

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Note: Satan has a way of deceiving us and he makes it "look" so real.

Who Is Jesus?

Find out at Passion Of Christ.

Six-Foot Jesus Statue Made Entirely of Chocolate

NEW YORK - With Easter just around the corner, a world renowned artist has created a full replica statue of Christ with chocolate.

Artist Cosimo Cavallaro, known for imaginative art pieces such as covering an entire New York hotel room with cheese, will release his newest sculpture, “My Sweet Lord,” a anatomically correct six-foot statue of the Savior made entirely of milk chocolate.

The reactions to the piece have been mixed. Some see it as disrespectful, some as inspired, while others are just amused.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Howard Stern Invites 'Live Prayer' to His Studio

A live prayer show was featured on Howard Stern’s show Monday night when the controversial and famous “shock jock” invited the television host of a prayer program to his studio.

Bill Keller, nicknamed the “Dr. Phil of Prayer,” was invited to hold his daily program, Live Prayer with Bill Keller, on Stern’s Sirius Satellite Radio 101 network from 7-8 p.m. where he would answer calls from many of Stern’s difficult fans.

The special programming is a result of a debate Stern and Keller had on Mar. 1, where they quarreled with one another for about 20 minutes on topics ranging from homosexuality to adultery to pre-marital sex. The shock jock enjoyed it so much that he invited the prayer warrior for a full show.

Read the entire story on The Christian Post.

Legend Of Two Weevils

Two boll weevils grew up in South Carolina. One went to Hollywood and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in the cotton fields and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally, became known as the lesser of two weevils.

Street Evangelist Wins Right to Spread the Gospel

A street evangelist in Goldsboro, N.C., about 200 miles east of Charlotte, recently won a lawsuit solidifying his right to spread the gospel to anyone he chooses while he is in public.

Anthony Denham, a proud public evangelist in his local town, was given full permission on Tuesday to continue on his Christian work when his lawsuit against the city of Goldsboro passed. Previously, he had been told by a city police officer that he would need a permit to express his religious beliefs in public.

“No one should have to obtain a permit in order to talk about their beliefs in public,” said Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) Senior Counsel Nate Kellum in a statement. “The city is to be commended now for agreeing to correct this and no longer apply the law in a way which violates the First Amendment rights of its citizens.”

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

'Jesus wins' in LaHaye's 'Left Behind' finale

NEW YORK — If Tim LaHaye had his way, the title of his newest book, the final installment in the hugely successful "Left Behind" series, would be "Jesus Wins." But he grudgingly settled on "Kingdom Come," amid strong urging from his publisher.

"They told me it would be a better title for the book and what it's about, but the message is still the same," said LaHaye, whose newest evangelical thriller, co-authored with Jerry B. Jenkins, will be hitting bookstores on April 3. More than 300,000 copies of the 16th and final hardcover title in their series based on the Book of Revelation will flood into bookstores and other retailers.

Read more of this story on the L.A. Times.

Indian Church Closed Down for Singing Too Loudly

The US-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned of three attacks earlier this month on Christians in Kerala, generally considered a safe-haven for Christians because of the large Christian minority there.

These attacks, which all took place within a week, are especially alarming because they mark the first time a church has been shut down by the local government in Kerala. In addition, Hindu extremists vandalised a Christian prayer centre and invaded a Pentecostal church, physically assaulting several of the attendees.

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

'The Case for Christ's Resurrection' Airs April 4th on TBN

LOS ANGELES, Mar. 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- Officials for Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world's largest religious broadcaster and America's most-watched faith channel, announced that the network will air the world premiere of the inspirational and challenging documentary The Case for Christ's Resurrection April 4th at 5:30 p.m. (PST).

Produced by Grizzly Adams Productions with a team of veteran scientific researchers, historians, forensic scientists, botanists, theologians, and biblical archaeologists, the feature-length program analyzes historic records, an ancient burial shroud, current medical knowledge, and scripture to build a compelling case for the death and miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Read more of this story on Christian Newswire.

GMA Announces Picks for Best Radio Stations

Top picks for the best Christian radio stations from around the nation have just been announced by the Gospel Music Association (GMA), the largest network of artists and industry leaders that promote all genres of gospel music.

The finalists have been selected for the 2007 GMA/Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) Radio Station of the Year contest, where awards will be given to a group of stations in major, large, medium and small markets.

The awards are designed to give credit to stations that are offering positive and uplifting alternatives to mainstream music and having a large impact in their broadcast areas.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Burning Calories

Baseball All-Stars Speak at Faith-Filled Premiere

Three of the biggest names in Major League Baseball (MLB) came together this past Sunday night in Phoenix for the world premiere of their newest faith-focused venture based on America’s favorite pastime.

Among others, baseball all-stars Mike Piazza, Jeff Suppan, and Mike Sweeney all made appearances at the launching of the inspirational film Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition, which uses their sport as a metaphor for life. Each spoke about how their faith has shaped their careers.

The film, which will be available only on DVD, shows how faith plays a crucial part in even today’s greatest sports heroes, and humanizes them, showing the audience how God speaks to everyone in the same way.

“This is not just a sports film,” explained Piazza, current designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics and twelve-time all-star. “It’s a work of art.”

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

FBC Lake Butler Youth Service

I will be preaching the youth service tonight at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The service will begin at 6:30pm and the church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more information call the church office at (386) 496-3704.

Stop, Drop And Roll

NOTE: In my opinion, this cartoon is not only funny, but sends a great message! Do you know how to avoid hell?

Church Atmosphere

I found this interesting post titled "Church Atmosphere" on Sunday Night Blogball. It's one of those posts that can bring an array of reactions.

Contest Challenges Youth to Make Biblical Reality Flicks

Church youth groups from around the United States will have the opportunity to make figures like David, Saul, or Elijah into reality TV stars with a film competition that is now running.

Through the “Bible Is-Reel Competition” – part of the “As It Was” DVD series which reveals Scripture in eye-witness interview format - children and teens alongside their youth pastors will create reality-style TV productions to explain past biblical events and introduce historical figures in a creative way. The winner of the competition will receive a ten-day trip to the Holy Land via Israel Xtreme.

The competition is unique, allowing younger generations to learn and explore the Bible while at the same time have a first-hand experience with their scriptural stories.

Read the rest of this story on The Christian Post.

Jesus In Jerusalem

A Sunday school teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem.

A small child replied: "They couldn't get a baby sitter."

Resurrection to Appear on Silver Screen Again, Again, Again

Scores of movies have been made to represent the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, but a new film pitched this month will be one of the first to document the time after Jesus’ death up until the Pentecost.

Risen—The Story of the First Easter has been put into the works by Hyde Park Entertainment, and will focus on the Apostle Peter as he retells the events following the resurrection of Christ up until the Pentecost, 40 days after Easter.

The movie is just one of at least four upcoming films that will tackle the same period until Jesus’ ascension, revealing a growing interest in the previously unexplored timeframe after Jesus’ Passion Week. Others include FoxFaith’s The Inquiry, Canadian based-film The Sword of Peter, and “Left Behind” author Tim LaHaye’s The Resurrection.

Read the entire story on The Christian Post.

Unlikely Heroes

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Judges 2:7-19

The Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. —Judges 2:16

About this cover

The book of Judges is an account of God’s people descending into spiritual indifference and rebellion. After the death of Joshua and his peers, the next generation “forsook the Lord God of their fathers, . . . and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them” (Judg. 2:12).

This dismal record of wavering allegiance hardly seems the place to find spiritual heroes, yet four people from Judges—Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah (chs. 4–16)—are named in the New Testament book of Hebrews (11:32). Along with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and other notables, they are commended for their faith.

Judges, however, presents these men as flawed people who nevertheless responded to God’s call during a time of spiritual darkness in their culture. The Bible honors them for their faith, not for their perfection. They were recipients of God’s grace as surely as we are.

In every generation, God raises up people who are true to Him and to His Word. The measure of their lives and of ours is not the absence of failure but the presence of God’s gracious forgiveness and the faith to obey His call. All of God’s champions are unlikely heroes. —David C. McCasland

Heaven’s heroes never carve their name
On marbled columns built for earthly fame;
They build instead a legacy that springs
Out of a life lived for the King of kings. —Gustafson

Faith in Christ can make extraordinary heroes out of ordinary people.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Salvation > Grace

Billy Graham Library to Open in June

The much anticipated Billy Graham Library is slated to open its cross entrance to the public mid-June.

Nearly two years in the making, the barn-shaped library in Charlotte, N.C., is getting its finishing touches, including a re-recording of a talking mechanical cow.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Monster Toad Captured In Australia

Note: Now here's an interesting story for you to share with your friends and neighbors. 8-)

DARWIN, Australia — A "monster" cane toad the size of a small dog has been captured by an environmental group dedicated to wiping out the toxic amphibian, which has killed countless animals since being introduced to Australia in the 1930s.

The volunteer-run organization, Frogwatch, picked up the 15-inch-long cane toad during a raid on a pond outside the northern city of Darwin late Monday.

With a body the size of a football and weighing nearly 2 pounds, the "monster toad" is among the largest specimens ever captured in Australia, according to Frogwatch coordinator Graeme Sawyer.

"It's huge, to put it mildly," he said. "The biggest toads are usually females but this one was a rampant male ... I would hate to meet his big sister."

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Investment Strategy

Do You Have The Time?

Make time for Jesus, He made time for you!

Held Over In Lake Asbury

I was scheduled to preach the morning worship service at Lake Asbury Baptist Church in Lake Asbury, Florida yesterday, but ended up preaching the evening service too. After the morning service, Pastor Troy Grant asked if I would mind staying around to preach the evening service and I was delighted to do so. There is a "sweet spirit" at the church. I appreciate the pastor giving me the opportunity to share with his congregation.

I would also like to thank Minister of Music/Youth Jason Weathersby and his family for the afternoon of fellowship.

Alabamians Beat Nation in Biblical Knowledge

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Most Alabama residents say they have a religious faith, and a majority in a new poll showed they have a basic knowledge of the Bible.

For example, nearly 70 percent of respondents to last week’s Press-/sRegister/University of South Alabama survey correctly named all four Gospels.

“They don’t call it the Bible Belt for nothing," said Keith Nicholls, a political scientist and director of the USA Polling Group, which conducted the poll.

The poll showed that Alabama residents know more about the Bible than other Americans.

Read more about this poll on The Christian Post.

Christian Teacher Murdered By Muslim Students In Nigeria

Nigeria (AHN) - A Christian teacher was attacked and killed after some high school students in Gombe, northeastern Nigeria, accused her of desecrating the Koran Wednesday, a police official said.

Oluwatoyin Olushekan was murdered by her students while conducting an Islamic Religious Knowledge exam. Authorities said the students accused her of tearing a portion of the Koran she seized from a female student during the exam.

The angry students also burned her car and set three blocks of classrooms ablaze.

Read more of this story on All Headline News.

Cross off Starke's water tower

The City of Starke (Florida) is prohibited from placing a Christian cross on its municipal water tower, a federal judge in Jacksonville has ruled.

In a decision this week, Senior U.S. District Judge John H. Moore II said the lighted cross, which had been on top of the structure since the 1970s, violated the federal and Florida constitutions by endorsing religion.

Read more of this story on Jacksonville.com.

Note: We should be in prayer for the man that initiated this action, that he would be saved, but we should also pray for those that claim to be Christians and yet make verbal and physical threats.

Grip On Reality

Major League Baseball Stars Put Faith in the Spotlight

Some of the nation’s top athletes from Major League Baseball (MLB) are sharing and revealing their faith in an upcoming film that premieres today in Phoenix.

All-stars such as catcher Mike Piazza, pitcher Tom Glavine, National League Championship MVP Jeff Suppan, Royals Captain Mike Sweeney, and many more will star in Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition, where each player will discuss how their relationship with Christ has shaped their careers within professional baseball.

According to a preview, “these superstars of America's favorite pastime speak frankly about family, faith, sacrifice, leadership, humility and the many virtues and spiritual lessons they have learned from the game.”

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Pastoring NASCAR Style?

Parents banned from school's homosexual seminar

A Massachusetts pro-family activist is angered that parents were barred from observing a homosexual indoctrination seminar at a high school his child currently attends.

Newton North High School in Newton recently hosted "ToBGLAD," an acronym for "Transgender Bisexual Gay and Lesbian Awareness Day." Brian Camenker of the group MassResistance says he was told by the school's principal that no parents were allowed to attend the all-day lectures and workshops facilitated by homosexual activists.

Camenker, who currently has a child attending the school, calls the event "ghastly," noting students were told that homosexual acts are natural and were encouraged to get involved in homosexual student clubs.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Who Says What's Right?

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Romans 2:12-16

Gentiles, who do not have the law, . . . show the work of the law written in their hearts. —Romans 2:14-15

About this cover

People who reject absolute standards of right and wrong are often inconsistent. When they think they are being treated unfairly, they appeal to a standard of justice that they expect everyone to adhere to.

A philosophy professor began each new term by asking his class, “Do you believe it can be shown that there are absolute values like justice?” The free-thinking students all argued that everything is relative and no single law can be applied universally. Before the end of the semester, the professor devoted one class period to debate the issue. At the end, he concluded, “Regardless of what you think, I want you to know that absolute values can be demonstrated. And if you don’t accept what I say, I’ll flunk you!” One angry student got up and insisted, “That’s not fair!” “You’ve just proved my point,” replied the professor. “You’ve appealed to a higher standard of fairness.”

God has given everyone a conscience to tell right from wrong (Rom. 2:14-15), and His moral standards are written in the Bible. Every time we use the words good and bad, we imply a standard by which we make such judgments. Biblical values are true for any age, because they originate with an eternal, unchanging God. —Dennis J. De Haan

God has not left us in the dark
About what’s wrong or right,
For through His works and in His Word
His Spirit gives us light. —D. De Haan

Only God has the right to define what’s wrong.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Bible/Scripture > Truth vs. Error

Over 250,000 Indiana Drivers Sport 'In God We Trust' Plates

Indiana’s newest faith-friendly license plates are doing well in purchases, allowing thousands of state drivers to express their relationship with God.

Since the plates were first released in January, the “In God We Trust” plates have been given to more than 250,000 drivers, according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Interesting Diet

Fermented whine

One News Now -- We humans like to complain. If you don't believe me, then go to a high school basketball game, sit on press row, and just listen to the constant stream of whining cascading from the bleachers.

The object of fans' disdain is, 99 percent of the time, the officials. These are the men or women who are charged with keeping order and enforcing the rules of the game. Most of them, you hope, are well-trained. They're on the court, in the midst of the action, closely watching each player, each move.

It's a hard job, but a lot of fans apparently don't think so. They think they can do it a lot better from their seats, whether they're 20 feet or 200 feet from the court. And those fans are eager to let the officials know what a poor job they're doing out there.

Will the fans yell at their own players or coaches? Not usually, because the offended fan reasons that any borderline call -- and even some obvious calls -- an official makes is a bad call if and only if it goes against his team.

I find this want to complain a curious human condition, and yet its manifestation in a basketball setting makes perfect sense. I'm a firm believer that sports cannot only shape one's character, but reveal it. That's as true for the fans as for the athletes.

Read more of this editorial on One News Now.

God At Work

By Lauren Green

"Is God a concept for you, or a living reality?”

Not long ago, I heard this question posed by Dr. Tim Keller, during a sermon at the Redeemer Presbyterian Church, here in New York City. Now, that probing question is present whenever I cover religion stories.

Dr. Keller’s point is if God is a concept for you, then he’s more like a self-help book or a friend you ask to listen to your wonders and woes. But if God is a living reality, then that transforms you. It changes you and colors every aspect of your life.

Hence, my inspiration for this week’s blog — God At Work.

Read more of this article on FOX News.

For Her

Our Daily Bread

READ: Ephesians 5:22-33

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. —Ephesians 5:25

About this cover

When my wife had dental surgery, she was out of commission for the weekend. While she was recuperating, I had the daunting task of taking care of her and the kids. I cooked, washed dishes, made special trips to the store for her, and bathed the kids. When I saw all I had done, I thought to myself, I deserve extra credit and reciprocal service when she gets better. Before I gave myself too many pats on the back, however, the Holy Spirit reminded me that what I was doing was my privilege and duty as a Christian husband.

In Paul’s time, many believed the husband’s needs dominated the household, and the wife existed to fulfill his needs and to serve him. The Christian view was quite different, however. Women were seen as persons of equal worth. The wife was transformed from an accessory to a person of intrinsic value, becoming the focus of her husband’s concern. Instead of demanding that she live for him, he was to serve her!

Ephesians 5:25 portrays Christ as loving the church and giving Himself for her. And verse 29 indicates that Jesus nourishes and cares for her. As husbands pursue Christlikeness, they have the privilege and duty to sacrifice, nurture, and care for their wives. —Marvin Williams

Despite the faults that spouses have,
Their marriage still can thrive;
But both must look to God for help—
He’ll keep their love alive. —Branon

If you think it’s possible to love your wife too much, you probably haven’t loved her enough.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Marriage > Husband/Wife

Faith-Filled Coaches Emerge from March Madness

March Madness, one of the yearly highlights for sports fans, is now in full swing, but according to some of the coaches, the greatest satisfaction won’t be from coming out of the college basketball tournament with the championship.

Coaches on BeyondtheUltimate.org are sharing their personal stories about “faith that offers a satisfaction greater than any championship win can provide.”

"Points. That's all I cared about growing up," said Lorenzo Romar, coach of the Huskies at the University of Washington, in a statement. "Now, I'm thankful to know that whether I experience failure or success, God always has my back.”

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Dressing while keeping sexuality 'sacred'

A fashion consultant and author says teaching about the secrets of personal style -- including the message of valuing sexual identity that your clothes should send -- is the best way to deal with a world in which young girls are dressing in the revealing styles of celebrities like Paris Hilton.

Mary Warren, editor-in-chief of Family Circle magazine, says too many girls are dressing too provocatively and need their mother's help to bring their clothing styles back in balance. That's why Warren, a mother of five and founder of two organizations that provide fashion advice to women, has written It's So You! Fitting Fashion to Your Life.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Sleeping Computer

Was It Something I Said?

NOTE: This is a follow-up to a couple of previous stories that have been posted on this site. It is a very long article, but filled with much information for Christians and those identifying themselves as homosexuals. I believe, we need to know the Word of God and stand by it. The previous posts links are listed below.

Continuing to Think About Homosexuality

By R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Christian Post Guest Columnist

Well, never doubt the power of the media. My recent article on homosexuality ignited a firestorm in the public square. Why? We may never know – but the controversy represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

I must admit much frustration about the way many in the media have handled the issue. Headlines proclaimed "Seminary President Says Babies Born Gay" – something I neither believe nor said. Other articles and reports claimed that I suggested that homosexuality may be genetic in origin and that genetic therapies should be used to create customized and corrected babies. I never even mentioned genetic therapies or germ-line experiments, and I am adamantly opposed to genetic therapies of such a sort – real or hypothetical. Reading these reports and headlines was a painful and exasperating experience. If I believed those things attributed to me, I would not agree with myself and would condemn myself.

I am even more frustrated with many conservative Christians who read the secular headlines without even bothering to read my article. They jumped to conclusions that I do not hold and castigated me for advocating things I have opposed all my life. I have received a great deal of hate mail from those identifying themselves as homosexuals outraged that I believe homosexual acts to be unconditionally sinful. But I also received mail that can only be described as hateful from those who identified themselves as Christians – people who clearly had never read my article and simply jumped to conclusions or accepted misrepresentations. Furthermore, some who identified themselves as Christians spoke of homosexuality and homosexuals with hate-filled language that literally made me shudder. Do we really love sinners? Do we not understand ourselves to be sinners saved by grace?

Read the entire opinion on The Christian Post.

Related posts:

Ex-Gay Backs Mohler: Homosexuality is a Sin

Evangelical Leader Responds to Attacks on Gay Baby Article

Lake Asbury Baptist On Sunday

I will be preaching the 11 a.m. morning worship service at Lake Asbury Baptist Church this Sunday, March 25, 2007. For more information call Pastor Troy Grant at (904) 282-7079. Lake Asbury Baptist Church is located at 2674 Henley Road in Lake Asbury, Florida. Please be in prayer for this service.

Homosexual Practice Trumps Religious Belief

Note: PLEASE take a few moments to read the following editorial and then to pray.

You may think the day would never come when preaching the Gospel would be illegal in a Western country—when governments would restrict what Christians can teach.

You would be wrong. The persecution against the Church has taken a decisive turn in the cradle of civil liberty—the United Kingdom (UK). And it will happen in America, also, if we do not wake up to the danger.

In London last month, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights recommended regulations that would make it illegal for private, religious schools to teach that homosexual conduct is immoral. The committee claimed the regulations are needed to combat discrimination against homosexuals.

Read more of this opinion on The Christian Post.

Podcasting Audience Up 18% Since Last Year

Podcasting News -- The audience for podcasts has grown 18% in the last year, according to an upcoming report from Edison Media Research. Awareness of podcasting has grown even more, jumping from 22% in 2006 to 37% in 2007.

At the Corporate Podcasting Summit, held March 19-20 in London, Edison Media Research VP Tom Webster gave a preview of their latest research on podcasting. Webster’s statistics suggest that podcasting, like other Internet media, is growing rapidly, drawing attention away from other media.

Read more of this story on Podcasting News.

Note: This ministry produces a monthly podcast called Walking with the Giant. For more information visit the following links:

Program Links:

RSS Feed/Download Page

Program Information

iTunes Link

Nothing To Say

NOTE: Some might say this is the way my sermons go. 8-)

NC city council votes to continue prayer

A city council in North Carolina has decided to adopt a new policy governing public invocations at their meetings, despite a previous threat of legal action from the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Thomasville council voted 6-1 this week to approve a prayer policy drafted by the Alliance Defense Fund, which contends the policy is in compliance with the U.S. Constitution. Senior legal counsel Mike Johnson says approval of the policy a great development. "I think a lot of city officials have said they are just not willing to bow to these radical secularist demands of the ACLU any longer," says the attorney.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Changing

1. How many women with PMS does it take to change a light bulb?
“Three!”
“Why three?”
“It just does, that’s why!”

2. How many scriptwriters does it take to change light bulb?
Why do we have to change it?

3. How many actresses does it take to change a light bulb?
Just one. They don’t like to share the spotlight.

4. How many sound men does it take to change a light bulb?
One, two, three. One two, three.

Christian Favorites Break Into 'American Idol' Top Ten

NEW YORK – Christian artists were able to breathe easy this week as they all moved into the top 10 following the American Idol poll results show that aired Wednesday.

Stephanie Edwards, who was a surprise cut according to many, was the next person booted from the show, leaving Christian-backed contenders Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Sligh, and Phil Stacey to sing another week among the remaining contestants.

For the thousands of Christians supporting their favorites on the show, it is a relief to see the four all selected as quality choices.

Read the rest of this story on The Christian Post.

Apple Warning

JCFaith.com Announces the Launch of the Campaign 2008 Channel

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Mar. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- JCFaith.com (Christian Myspace Alternative) announces the launch of the Campaign 2008 Channel, a political group designed to empower the 2008 presidential politicians the ability to connect with JCFaith users around the world. The Campaign 2008 Channel will house a voter registration tool, links to all official candidate profiles, videos, and up to date news content. The launch of the Campaign 2008 Channel kicks-off a series of online and offline political programming continuing through the 2008 presidential elections.

Read more of this story on Christian Newswire.

CD Music Sales Down 20%

A lot of people are talking about the fact that CD sales are down by 20% from a year ago. While the music industry blames it on pirated music, there are more important reasons that CD sales are down:

• The compact disc is 25-year old technology;
• Mainstream music has stagnated;
• People are spending their entertainment dollars on other media, like DVDs and video games;
• You can buy spend $2 on a couple of singles and get the songs that you want from a CD, instead of buying the whole CD;
• The music industry jacked up prices when CDs were introduced, and many people think CD prices are too high;
• Unlike used records, used CDs sound great, which means that the market for releases of older music is getting saturated; and
• The compact disc is 25-year old technology.

The biggest reason that sales are declining, though, is that you can get great free MP3s legally.

Read more of this story on Podcasting News.