Passionate Preaching

I am a huge fan of the Passion movement, led by Louie Giglio. I love the preaching, the music by Tomlin, Crowder, Hall, Redman and many more. Most of all, I love their desire to reach college students with the message of Christ.

Last week, the first "bundle" from Passion 2006 was released on iTunes and of course, I purchased it the day it came out. I would suggest everyone get it. It's geared towards college kids, but applies to us adults as well. It had two songs and one of Louie's messages from the weekend. I've listened to the message a couple of times now, and it is built around Colossians 3:17:

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (NIV)

I love the simplicity of the message as he talks about how we, as Christians, should impact the world around us. He says we don't have to be preachers, or Sunday School teachers, or missionaries, etc. to impact our little universe that God has placed us in. We can be retailers, computer guys, fast food workers, CEOs, whatever - the point is that the light of Christ MUST shine through us - through our actions and through our speech - so that we can engage others when they ask us about why we're "different." And whatever you do...

Dealing with Disappointment

I read a post today from a Pastor in Knightstown, IN and it got me thinking. Hopefully it will get you thinking too. Here it comes...be ready for it:

How do you deal with disappointment?

Those of us in Indiana were bitterly disappointed on Sunday as the Colts valiant comeback came up short [actually, wide right] against the Steelers. Colts fans certainly had high hopes for the season: a potent offense, an improved defense, a 13-0 start, the #1 playoff seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, and New England losing the night before Sunday's game. This team had Super Bowl written all over it. Or so everyone thought...

Me personally, I was extremely disappointed in my favorite NFL team, the Detroit Lions, this year. There are more woes in that organization than there is room in this blog, I think.

How do you deal with disappointment?

Peyton pointed fingers. Vanderjagt kept his uniform on extra long. Dungy called the season a failure, in spite of all they accomplished this season, because they didn't get to the Big Game. The Super Bowl.

Me, I tend to dwell on disappointment. I let it eat at me for awhile, then I try to learn from it, then I move on. I don't know if that's the right way to deal with it or not. That's just me. I think I could stand to get to the "moving on" part a little faster...

So, what's your answer? How do you deal with disappointment?

For the Fans...

Alright, here he is. My little munchkin:

Happiness

Think about this statement: Our happiness and contentment are dependent on the expectations we bring to the experience.

Do you agree? Do you have anything you dread? A trip to the dentist? Your job? Going to see Great Aunt Mabel at Thanksgiving? The sermon at church? Does your expectation have any effect on you?

I believe that it does. As we begin 2006, I am focusing more on making 2006 a great year by having joy in my heart, regardless of circumstance. Already it has made a difference!

Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!"