A Quiet Place

About eight years ago, I spoke at a pastors conference at Hume Lake (www.humelake.org), a Christian camp outside of Fresno, like few others I have visited. It is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at about 6,200 feet. There was autumn in the September air. The lake was alive with ducks and fish. The forest was full of bear, deer and other things you can hear, but cannot see. But above all, it was a quiet place. The forest road deadends in this beautiful spot ... and there is quiet. I think everyone — especially you, my colleague — needs a quiet place. Where is yours?

A quiet place? Yes, a spot where you can withdraw from the busyness of your assignment and recoup. A place where you can listen to music, if you wish, or just read or study ... somewhere — a place of your own — where the noises of the world are drowned out by the quiet of the Lord’s presence ... a stopping place.

Where is your quiet place? It need not be a distant destination point. It could be in a park near your home or the city library or a shady corner of your church property or a spot you have chosen on the coast or at a lake — somewhere free of distractions and interruptions where you just walk and talk with the Lord.

The psalmist talked of “still waters.” Jesus called his disciples to the other side of the lake. Peter went fishing.

I have not had many quiet places in my ministry. But this week, as I remembered my visit to a mountain retreat years ago, I was reminded how much I needed one. Where is your quiet place?

[by H.B. London]

Encourage Yourself First

Caterina S. Tudor, Ph.D. Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado, teaches the wellness of encouragement. She believes encouragement de-stresses and creates a positive atmosphere around the encourager. She says it is about “speaking life” to self and others. It starts with you and then cycles around to the next person and the next.

I submit that only when you know how to encourage yourself can you really encourage another.

To encourage yourself, act like a good parent or coach toward yourself. Identify your abilities and strong points. Acknowledge any progress you make. Remind yourself that mistakes are learning opportunities. Know how to nurture and rejuvenate yourself. It’s like a bank—the deposits and withdrawals have to balance each other.You can’t give away what’s not there.

It takes work, but it is worth it.

[from Howtoencourage by Kay the Encourager]

How Much Do We Owe?

Take a look at our national Debt Clock.

2020 Vision

President Says He Will NOT Secure U.S. Border

Barack Obama recently told a sitting United States Senator that he would NOT work to secure the US border unless he gets what he wants.

A few days ago, Arizona Senator John Kyl addressed a group of voters in Arizona and told them that in a recent one-on-one meeting with Obama in the White House, Obama told him that, “If we secure the border, then you all won’t have any reason to support comprehensive immigration reform.”

Simply put, the President wants to leverage the public’s desire for border security in order to get a “comprehensive” bill that would fast-track illegals to citizenship. In a word, AMNESTY.

Given that we have an estimated 20 MILLION illegal aliens, it would be the single biggest Democrat voter registration drive in history. And that’s why Obama won’t enforce the law until he gets what he wants.

To make matters worse, Obama is planning to have the federal government SUE ARIZONA for enforcing our nation's immigration laws.

And now Mexico is joining in. Mexico is suing Arizona in our own federal courts for enforcing our own laws.

Please Pray That Chaplains Be Allowed to Pray

Americans United, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and others are pushing to ban prayers in Jesus' name by our military chaplains.

It is an outrage - and if we don't stop it, it will affect all of us.

Support H.R. 268, sponsored by Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), specifying chaplains' right to pray according to their faith.

Call on President Obama to issue an Executive Order locking in our military chaplains' right to pray as they see fit.

We must preserve the right to pray in the military. Our own future freedom may depend on it.

Talent Is Never Enough

We are highly recommending John Maxwell's book, Talent Is Never Enough.

"One of the paradoxes of life is that the things that initially make you successful are rarely the things that keep you successful."

John Maxwell has a message for you, and for today's corporate culture fixated on talent above all else: TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH.

People everywhere are proving him right. Read the headlines, watch the highlights, or just step out your front door: Some talented people reach their full potential, while others self-destruct or remain trapped in mediocrity. What makes the difference? Maxwell insists that the choices people make - not merely the skills they inherit-propel them onto greatness. Among other truths, successful people know that:

• Belief lifts your talent.
• Initiative activates your talent.
• Focus directs your talent.
• Preparation positions your talent.
• Practice sharpens your talent.
• Perseverance sustains your talent.
• Character protects your talent.

It's what you add to your talent that makes the greatest difference. With authentic examples and time-tested wisdom, Maxwell shares thirteen attributes you need to maximize your potential and live the life of your dreams.

Get Your Copy Today!

Father's Day

As a father, can you honestly say the following?

• I often discuss things with my child.
• I praise my children for things they do well.
• I know what encourages my child.
• I am a good example to my children.
• I try not to vary much in the way I deal with my children.
• I read the scriptures with my children often.
• I express affection to my children.
• My child and I often do things together.
• I know what motivates my child.
• My children know what to expect from me.
• I pray with my children.
• I tell my children they are special to me.
• We have a family worship time in the home.
• I teach my children skills.
• I talk about spiritual things with my children.
• My child and I have fun together.
• I tell my children I am proud of them.

[National Center for Fathering]

10 Hard Questions

Too many times we believe that being busy is equal to being godly … when the Bible says quite the opposite.

Psalm 46:10 SLAYS me every time I read it … CONVICTED!

David said in Psalm 23 that the Lord makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him beside still waters.

The LONGEST, most detailed command in the 10 commandments is the one on rest.

Yet, all of us … especially those in the ministry … wrestle with this. One of our MAIN temptations is being busy … here are a few questions we can wrestle through to see how busy those of us in ministry are …

#1 – How many times a day do you check your email? Is there really any reason to check it as often as we do?

#2 – How many times a day do you check twitter?

#3 – How many times a day do you check your facebook page?

#4 – When you go home to do spend time with your family … or merely “tweet” about how you are spending time with your family?

#5 – Do you tell your kids you are too busy to go to their game … but then go to the game of the church members kid so you don’t get into hot water with them? (BTW … good luck explaining that one to your kids in 20 years!)

#6 – Do you have a time during the day when you turn off your cell phone so that you can uninterrupted study time, prayer time and time with your spouse?

#7 – Do you always have to have noise around you … such as do you always have to have the radio on in the car OR the TV on at home, even if you are not listening to/watching it?

#8 – How much time do you spend commenting on blogs and social media sites? (honestly, don’t know too many certified blog commenters that are actually changing the world!)

#9 – Are you accessible at any time of the day by anyone who needs you? (LOTS of pastors LOVE to make this claim … usually at the expense of their family and their own walk with God. If you want to walk with Jesus you can’t do it by always having a crowd around … you’ve got to have some time set aside.)

#10 – Are you willing to make the adjustments that you need to make based on the nine questions above? If not then you are most likely addicted to noise and being busy … which looks good to others but absolutely destroys our walk with God.

PSALM 46:10!

[Perry Noble]

Leadership To Go

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To celebrate the launch of The Leadership App, we're giving away the brand new Lunch & Learn based on John Maxwell's book "Today Matters." ($19 value). Download the app by Sunday, June 20, 2010, and use the code provided in the app to download your free copy!

Reports say Obama admitted he's a Muslim

Two media reports are serving to fuel speculation about Barack Obama's religious beliefs.

Since before he was elected, controversy has stirred over the extent of President Obama's ties to Islam. During the campaign, he spoke openly of both his Muslim upbringing and his adult conversion to Christianity. But now two major Middle East media outlets -- Nile TV International and Israel Today Magazine -- are reporting that the president has admitted in recent months that he is a Muslim.

Those outlets say that Obama, in a one-on-one meeting earlier this year with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, told Gheit that he was still a Muslim, the son of a Muslim father, and the step-son of a Muslim step-father; that his half brothers in Kenya are Muslims; and that he was sympathetic towards the Muslim agenda.

Pamela Geller, publisher of AtlasShrugs.com and author of the new book, The Post-American Presidency: The Obama Administration's War on America, says this most recent comment by Obama has been ignored by the mainstream media and should be of great concern to U.S. citizens.

"[In] this latest report ... Foreign Prime Minister Gheit on Nile Television ... said that, in confidence, Obama told him that he was a Muslim," says Geller, "and that after he straightened out domestic issues would show the Muslim world how to handle Israel."

Geller also says that while this topic is nothing new, it is further evidence of Obama's sympathetic tendencies towards those who mean harm to the U.S. and his intent to reshape America's religious foundation.

"If you look at the man's record, it's shocking," she laments. "[Especially] when you review how he declared an end to the -- quote, unquote -- 'war on terror' ... how he floated the idea that he would talk to the violent, genocidal Hamas, that he insisted and recruited for Muslims in his administration and created an actual new department that reported to Hillary Clinton for the Muslim 'ummah' [the whole Arab world]."

Geller goes on to say that Obama's embrace of Islam shows his hatred toward Israel and effectively abandons the Holy Land, surrounded by its enemies, to fight its own battles.

[Russ Jones - OneNewsNow]

Bryant Wright Named New SBC President

Atlanta-area pastor Bryant Wright was elected Tuesday to serve as the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the country.

Pastor of Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Wright has a strong missions emphasis. His church has sponsored seven mission churches in Cobb County and north Atlanta and co-sponsored five church plants over the past few years.

Also, more than 1,500 members from his congregation went on 70 mission trips to 27 nations last year.

After his election, he said he wants to see every Southern Baptist pastor and church take at least one mission trip and experience what it's like to be in another culture, sharing the Gospel, according to Florida Baptist Witness.

Wright supported adopting recommendations brought by the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force to move the denomination toward fulfilling the Great Commission more faithfully and more effectively. The task force report, which was approved Tuesday, enhances and shifts more funding toward reaching the lost in North America and around the world where some 6 billion of the 6.8 billion people in the world are without Christ.

"The task force leadership has led the convention in taking a very courageous step, but it is really just a beginning," he commented after his election, as reported by Florida Baptist Witness.

Wright succeeds Georgia pastor Johnny Hunt, who served two one-year terms.

[By Audrey Barrick|Christian Post Reporter]

Lee University Acquires Baptist Property

Lee University has announced the acquisition of the adjacent First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN property.

First Baptist, one of the largest and most historic congregations in Cleveland, Tennessee, is in the latter stages of Phase One of a multi-million dollar property relocation approximately five miles to the north on Stuart Road in Cleveland.

In an e-mail to the faculty and staff on Sunday, Lee president Dr. Paul Conn said the university has, “purchased all the downtown Cleveland property of First Baptist Church. The purchase was approved by our Board of Directors in a unanimous vote on Friday (June 11), and announced to the First Baptist congregation by Pastor Allan Lockerman in this morning’s worship services.”

Conn went on to say that two years ago, First Baptist began construction of a new facility and during that process the two parties have engaged in conversations which culminated in this weekend’s final outcome. The church is scheduled to move from its downtown location to its new building in September.

The property purchased includes the main sanctuary, which seats approximately 1,000, and a large education building which together total more than 95,000 square feet. The purchase also includes parking lots, a one story 35,000 square foot block of former commercial property on Ocoee Street which years ago housed a JC Penney store, and 13 parcels in the neighborhood between the church and the Lee campus. As part of the agreement, First Baptist will maintain its offices in the commercial building during the next two years while the Stuart Road facilities are expanded.

“Our decision to buy the First Baptist property is an expression of our confidence in the Lord’s plans for our future,” Conn said. “The opportunities which it will create are exciting to consider.”

The relationship between Lee University and First Baptist was characterized by Conn as one of “wonderful neighbors for many years ... we will miss their presence on our southern border, as they move from the downtown community. We have enjoyed sharing the neighborhood with them. But as the Lord leads them to their new home, we believe it is natural and fitting that we should utilize this key piece of property in ways that continue to serve the Kingdom of God.”

[Faith News Network]

Church Microphones Prohibited

Under a new FCC rule, anyone who uses a wireless microphone (or similar device) that operates in the 700 MHz Band must stop operating their wireless microphone (or similar device) no later than June 12, 2010.

All users of 700 MHz Band wireless microphones (and similar devices) - including theaters, churches, schools, conference centers, theme parks, and musicians - will need to retune or replace, if necessary, their equipment no later than June 12, 2010. Wireless Microphones that operate outside of the 700 MHz Band are not affected.

For more information, CLICK HERE for the FCC web site.

Church of God of Prophecy Reopens Communications Department

The Church of God of Prophecy International Offices announced the reopening of its Communications Department, a move intended to streamline and unite all divisions of its communications (print, media and online) into one centralized department.

As part of the restructuring, Shaun McKinley, was named director of communications, a position he will assume while continuing to serve as administrative liaison to the general overseer.

McKinley, a communications graduate of Montana State University, brings over a decade of experience to the department having worked in both the religious and nonprofit sectors in the areas of marketing and development.

DeWayne Hamby was also named publications coordinator and in August will assume the position of managing editor for the White Wing Messenger, the denomination’s magazine now in its 86th year of printing.

Hamby, a graduate of Lee University, recently returned to the International Offices after serving as assistant editor of Christian Retailing magazine for Strang Communications in Lake Mary, Fla.

As publications coordinator, Hamby will supervise the production and editing of the multiple versions of the denominations magazines, as well as the International Offices Art Department.

Kirk Rising was named media coordinator, overseeing the video production needs of the International Offices and providing assistance with the web design needs of the organization and its various ministries.

“We are excited to finally bring all of our communications efforts under one umbrella,” said McKinley. “In doing so, we are presented with greater opportunities for collaboration among our most creative minds and believe this will add greater impact to all of our communications efforts.

“This move will streamline all of our communications channels, from our printed magazine to our website, to our connections through social networking and blogging, so that what’s being communicated is consistent to our various audiences. It’s an exciting time in our world and we intend to use every resource available to communicate our message to the members and friends of the Church of God of Prophecy.”

[The Cleveland Daily Banner]