Odd Facts Known By Few

Dust from the Sahara desert in Africa has been carried by the wind as far as Chicago, IL.

Odd Facts Known By Few

Every time you lick a stamp, you consume 1/10th of a calorie.

Odd Facts Known By Few

Shaggy's real name is Norville Rogers.

International Skeptics Day

I'm not really sure that I believe in skepticism...what do you think, Mr. Cowell?

One of "Them"...

You don't need any special tools to spot them. It's not hard to pick them out of a crowd. They are all around you all day long. You bump into them shuffling through your cafeteria line and sit behind them on the bus. Maybe you ARE one of them. Well, are you?

In case you are lost, "they" are the die-hard fans of the world. "Fans of what?," you may ask. The answer could be virtually anything. Maybe "they" are crazy for a certain sports team like the guys in the picture, willing to lay aside all pride and paint themselves up for the big game to show their team spirit. "They" could be passionate about a certain book series, hobby, or music group. "They" talk about it, read about it, even dream about it. Whatever "they" get excited about, it is obvious from just a few minutes around them; you can't help but notice the evidence everywhere.

Read 1 John 2:3-6, then go back and read verse 6 over again.

1. John explicitly tells us what the evidence of knowing God is in verse 3. What is it?
2. What are the commandments of the Lord? Is it limited to just the Ten we find in Exodus 20?
3. What should we expect to receive as we stay faithful to the Lord and keep the commandments He has given us? (Check out verse 5 for a hint...)
4. Verse 6 is the key to today's passage. What does it mean to "walk" as Jesus did? What would it look like in your life?
5. The evidence of a relationship with God is living by the rules He has made. If someone were to evaluate your life, what evidence is there that shows you know God?

John's purpose in writing this passage is to show that our relationship with the Lord will be evidenced in whether we keep the laws He has given. These are not only the Ten Commandments that He gave to Moses on those stone tablets. It's His complete Word that is to be followed as we seek to grow in Him. As we learn to walk as Jesus walked, remember that we cannot reach perfection this side of Heaven; however, it is to always be the goal for which we aim. Our Christian faith should stand out and be evident because we are to be known as those who love God and follow His will. "They" should be us!

Odd Facts Known By Few

NERF stands for "Non-Expanding Recreational Foam"

On This Date in History...

Samuel Morse first demonstrated his invention, the telegraph machine, in 1838 by sending the first telegram over 2 miles of wire in New Jersey. Using a systematic series of dots and dashes sent electrically, the telegraph opened up an entire new world of communication throughout much of the US.

*** BONUS POINTS: What was the message in the telegram that Morse sent on January 6, 1838?

WinterJam Promo Video

January Newsletter

Exercise more. Spend more time with family and friends. Get out of debt. Become more organized. These are just four of the top ten resolutions that will be made come New Years Day on January 1, 2010. Unfortunately, one goal noticeably missing from that list is to grow in the relationship we have in the Lord. No matter how long or short your journey with Him has been, we can all use this coming year as a time to cultivate a deeper walk with the Heavenly Father. If you have let yourself slide a bit in this area, why not make it a priority to rededicate your life and begin your relationship with the Lord anew.

It seems that so many New Years resolutions fade from memory within the first few weeks of the year. Two reasons stick out to me why this is the case. The first is that we set incredibly broad goals with no steps as to how to achieve them. If you desire to get closer to God in 2010, it can’t happen by just thinking, “I’m going to do better this year.” Steps have to be set so that you can know you are on the right track and see the progress you are making. Time alone in prayer and Bible reading, consistent church attendance, and sharing your faith are good benchmarks to set as you move forward in your walk with Christ.

Other resolutions fizzle out because they are seen as not worth the effort required to see them through to completion. It may very well be that a huge sacrifice must be made for you to have a few minutes in solitude with the Lord each day. But never fail to remember that your relationship God is to be the most important thing about you. We always make time for the things that are most important to us. Though it may require much effort and sacrifice, the Lord has promised that the reward for it all will be great.

The prophet Isaiah exhorts his readers in Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” Now is your chance! No matter how many times you’ve started out trying to be a more committed believer, make this time the one that sticks. Make 2010 your greatest year following the plan and purpose that God has for you.