I can recommend the new book by Mark Batterson, “Primal“. Primal presents itself as a search for the “lost soul of Christianity”, and in the book Batterson addresses foundational issues that will get any Christian thinking about their own faith.
My book review style is not to rehash what every chapter covers, but rather to give a few things that really spoke to me. By doing that, hopefully I will show you how impactful the book is. So here it goes:
page 9: “Does you heart break for the things that break the heart of God?” This really stopped me and got me thinking about the direction I am going. I think it’s a great question for any Christian.
page 28: “What is my God ordained passion?” Batterson introduces this question almost in passing in the chapter, but it hit me very hard in thinking about how God wants me to serve Him specifically.
These two questions are substantial enough to make the book worth the price, but it is full of more thought provoking information as well. It definitely got me thinking about where American Christianity is going, and where I am headed as well.
Again, I recommend this latest book from Batterson for anyone seeking to grow in their Christian walk.
Did I mention this book has an awesome size to it? Fits perfectly in a briefcase for traveling.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I have to admit this. In times past, children’s Christmas programs did not excite me very much. I don’t know why, I just honestly had little interest in watching.
That is, until I found this principle.
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?“ Matthew 21:16
Christ was referencing Psalm 8:2. The praise that little children have for Jesus, especially this time of year, is something very special. Their faith is refreshing – it is innocent and whole-hearted.
So when you attend the “Children’s Choir Christmas Musical Extravaganza Pageant Program Play” this year – don’t be bored or uninterested.
Study how much in love with Jesus they are in the simplicity of their faith.
Matthew 18:3: And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The real verb in the Great Commission is “make”(Matt 28:19). Technically, while “go” is a command, it is a participle in the Greek. It is not the main verb or thrust of the sentence.
Enough grammar.
The point is that as we are going (i.e. going through our day) we are to be involved in disciple making: teaching people to follow Jesus.
Tired of emailing stuff to yourself? Me too. That’s why I was extremely excited to learn about DropBox. I’m trying to avoid this blog post sounding like an informercial, but this service is really cool. If you have more than one PC (office, iPhone, etc) and find yourself emailing stuff to yourself all the time – this is the solution. It also eliminates the flash drive taking up room in your pocket (or purse….or….man purse….). The best part? It updates in real time. Drop something into the desktop application, and it is instantly available on your other PC, your phone, the web, and your dog’s microchip implant. Okay, so the implant thing is coming I hear, but the point is – you should get this software.
Try it out for a bit, then post your thoughts on it. I see alot of uses for business, school, ministry….
I spent yesterday on the phone with my bank trying to order checks for our ministry account. I ended up ordering from an online check printing service instead. Why? I was bounced to three different departments (all of them very nice, by the way), only to receive a message that said something along the lines of “we cannot process that request, please hang up and try your call again”. This was after 10 minutes of routing and re-routing through their system, explaining what I needed over and over. I’m not writing this to blow off steam – I wasn’t that upset. I’m not writing it to tell you I’m switching banks – I love my bank. But I am tired of not being able to contact people when I need too. I love technology – but not when it replaces people (side note: THAT is the issue with SOME online churches). Seth Godin (see blogroll) has an interesting article today about a similar thing – not being able to contact a company directly by email. That is ultimately frustrating as well. I have even encountered church websites that have forms going to office@thischurch.org instead of straight to the Pastor or whomever. If that doesn’t say “disconnected” and “leave us alone” I don’t know what does. The point: if you are going to use technology in your business (email, voice automated systems), then make it personable. What does your technology say to people?
I spent yesterday on the phone with my bank trying to order checks for our ministry account. I ended up ordering from an online check printing service instead. Why? I was bounced to three different departments (all of them very nice, by the way), only to receive a message that said something along the lines of “we cannot process that request, please hang up and try your call again”. This was after 10 minutes of routing and re-routing through their system, explaining what I needed over and over. I’m not writing this to blow off steam – I wasn’t that upset. I’m not writing it to tell you I’m switching banks – I love my bank. But I am tired of not being able to contact people when I need too. I love technology – but not when it replaces people (side note: THAT is the issue with SOME online churches). Seth Godin (see blogroll) has an