Home Group Sheet for Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”

I know this is a bit choppy, but I made it for my personal use and it might not be reader-friendly. This is a condensed commentary on Matthew 5:4 for the homegroup I am leading right now. We are going through the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they [...]

A Christian’s life…

…is not guaranteed protection from hardships, trials, & pains in this life.  In fact, we are warned about it, that it WILL come, and when it does, to ENDURE.   1Pe 1:6  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
1Pe 1:7  so that the tested [...]

Missionaries, their courageous faith & devotion to the great commission

We recently had the priviledge to attend a dedication of a new plane that MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) http://www.maf.org/, a local training hub for missionaries old, new & to be.  They train families in vast & various ways for their venture into areas of the country they will soon discover is alien to them.  There [...]

My Condolscences to Angels & Adenhart Family…Relevance of Easter

I am a huge Angels fan, just ask anyone that knows me. I am a former season ticket holder and once covered the Angels as a primary blogger for the Most Valuable Network (link). This entry isn’t about me, but gives you some background into my interest into the sport of baseball and the Angels [...]

Book Review of Max Lucado’s “For These Tough Times”

I have never read a Max Lucado book before and must admit that I thought it would be a waste of time. I was pleasantly surprised  by most of what Lucado had to say.
For one, Lucado adresses the issue of tragedy and pain by beginning with God. He doesn’t even emphasize God’s imminence,nearness, or the [...]

Husband loses children, wife, and mother to F-18…doesn’t Curse God

      
A F-18 jet crashed into a home, killing 2 very young children, their mother, and grandmother. The 37 year old husband, a Korean immigrant, who was away came home to the destruction. His response was not to curse God, but to instead pray for the pilot that he might not endure guilt over what [...]

“Cancer’s Unexpected Blessings” by Tony Snow

I know this is dated a bit but I wanted to post it anyways. This testimony was shared at the request of Christianity Today and can be found here. His wise words inspire us all to life life on the precipice of eternity. He also teaches us not to lament our suffering, but to embrace [...]

Apologies to the Obama’s “potential” grandchildren

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Obama,
I want to express to you that my child is NOT a “punishment” to me.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzmly28Bmg
Let me give you a little background, if I may.  In my junior year in high school, I made a mistake.  The mistake was having premarital sex.  Well, as a result (or consequence of doing something I [...]

China’s Two Faces

I have been gripped by Olympic fever and have even let out a shout or two in viewing the festivities…especially the US swimming relay upset victory over the trash-talking French (nothing against France). Anyhow, while I am pleased with what I see and proudly root for Team USA, and am also teaching my 4 year [...]

Common Wealth…moving towards a Global Consciousness, good or bad?

    

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1720049,00.html

Time magazine listed 10 of the most influential ideas at work in changing the world. The #1 idea was “Common Wealth” , and the article by Jeffrey D. Sachs essentially highlights the need for all people to transcend certain differences for the common good to eradicate poverty, starvation, climate change, etc.

I appreciate much of [...]

“I want a real chaplain who believes in a real God and a real hell!”

No Jesus is mentioned. Only Jesus’ work on the cross can secure salvation and the sweet assurance that proceeds from such.
When I visited my dying grandpa, I was in the role of a chaplain of sorts. It was incredibly awkward…this is the grandpa who modeled for me stability, love, and strength. [...]

Thank You, Thomas Dorsey, for Gospel Music & “Precious Lord, Take my Hand”

 
As I was planning my Sunday Morning sermon this week, which will be on Psalm 73, I was meditating on God’s goodness in spite of tragedy. There have been many saints who have undergone deep affliction and persisted in their love of God because they had the big picture, which Asaph is [...]