One Word At A Time: Church

By MAD21

The word for this week's One Word at a Time blog carnival is: Church. The first thing most of us probably think of when hearing this word is probably a location or a building. But in reality, at least in God's eye, the church is... get this... US. The people are the church. Not a building.

Back in April, I wrote a short post on The Commercial Church. I had read an amazing article by Aaron Van Voorhis from Relevant Magazine about how it seems that with the decline in church attendance, church leaders feel they have to draw people in using all the latest gadgets and technology. Unfortunately, in some ways it's like church has forgotten that we are not coming to be entertained. We come together to worship our God and learn about how we are to live and serve others.

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Things To Pray For Our Children

By Kevin (Shooting the Breeze)

I am blessed to be the dad of three beautiful and wonderful girls. It is a huge privilege and responsibility being a parent. I love my girls dearly and I want what is best for them but I know that I can not raise my girls on my own. On my own I will fall short. Yes, God has blessed me with a great wife but even the two of us can't do it fully together. We need God's help and the best way to seek God's help is through prayer.

Here is what I regularly pray for my girls:

• They would know God's love for them and His desire to have a relationship with them.
• They would grow and mature in their relationship with God.
• They would be salt and light to those around them.
• God would protect them physically and spiritually.
• They would be leaders amongst their friends in doing what is right
• They wouldn't be followers of the crowd.
• They would be respectful and kind to all that they come in contact with.
• They would always do their best in whatever they are doing.

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Hot Or Cold ~ Your Choice!

By Chuck (Sharing Compassion)

"So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16, NIV)

This verse in the Bible pretty well lays it out as to how God feels about our actions. Think about it. God is pretty much saying that he would rather us be cold or hot toward him but not neutral. Being "on the fence" is repulsive to Him and he spits us out as if we were something untasty. I don't know about you but that graphic picture really makes me stop and think.

I know I am not "cold." I am a Christian and proud of it. Those that are cold probably do not even realize they are that way. They don't believe and really don't care about God. Even if they are believers they are too caught up in the world to make a difference. They go about their lives without thinking of the eternal consequences. On a lighter note we know that they certainly won't be cold in eternity. (I just had to throw that in).

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The Prayer

By MAD21

My all-time favorite prayer is the one our Father gave to us in Matthew 6:5-15. I prefer the King James version, but mostly because it's the version I memorized as a child. There is something about his kingdom and glory being Forever that gets me every time.

But one of the most beautiful prayers I have ever heard put to music is The Prayer sung by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church. The song was written by David Foster and Carol Bayer Sager for the movie Quest For Camelot. I leave the words here below for you as well as a video. I am so thankful for people who can write words and music, and sing so beautifully that you can almost feel God soaring through your soul. I pray it blesses you the same as it does me.

I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know

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Prescription for Hope, Part 2

By MAD21

A few weeks ago I posted Part 1 of my interview with Ashley Wagoner from Prescription for Hope, Samaritan's Purse. A wonderful organization that works with people all around the world to help those affected by and infected with AIDS/HIV. They bring them health care, educational programs, and the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. As promised, here is Part 2 of this series. Thanks again to Ashley and her team for taking the time to talk with us about their experiences.

Prescription For Hope

MAD21: In the communities around the world where PFH ministers to people who suffer from HIV/AIDS, what is the general view of life itself? What kind of value do they place on an individual’s life? Since so many of the people who are infected are outcast from their communities, does anyone care if they live or die?

Ashley: The outlook on life differs, and is dependent on each country where we work. We do come across all sorts of stigmas, mainly due to lack of knowledge about the disease. For example, in many areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a prevailing myth that AIDS is a curse from the ancestral gods. Those who have AIDS are then quarantined, and left to live out their lives in isolation, without true knowledge of the disease. Becoming HIV-positive in these societies can be a lot like receiving a death sentence.

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