It happened to me recently. I got an alert on my iPhone that I had received a friend request on Facebook. I pulled up that person's profile only to find I didn't recognize the person's name or profile photo in the slightest. Faced with only two options (Confirm or Delete), I created a third option - I did nothing. I left their request sitting there. My wife and I talk about friendship in a "Facebook world" all the time. She lovingly calls me a "friend whore." According to her, I will accept friend requests from "anyone" (over … [Read more...]
It’s All About New Life
If you've taken any type of Biology class, you’ve likely studied DNA. Generally, DNA is the blueprint for life: It stores the genetic code for all living organisms. Virtually every cell in your body contains the exact same DNA code — and no two people have the same code. Even the tiniest parts of your cells contain the hardwiring for your existence. Spiritually, we’re also programmed with a kind of DNA. Just as we inherited a physical generic blueprint from our ancestors, we’ve also inherited their sin. It permeates every part of … [Read more...]
It’s official. Spring Break is here!
It's March. For our Threads team, that means one thing—Beach Reach is in full swing! Beach Reach is a collegiate mission trip experience from March 7-20 where servant evangelism takes the form of free van rides and pancakes. Thousands visit Panama City during spring break and many are hurting and searching for meaning. College students provide simple acts of service that open the door to life-changing conversations about the hope and love of Jesus Christ. So, how can you be a part? We're glad you asked. 1. Pray. Thousands of … [Read more...]
How Can We Help Collegiates & Young Adults Who Are Overcommitted?
Jobs. Classes. Friends. Intramural Sports. Small Group Bible Study. Internship. Volunteer at Big Brothers/Big Sisters. College students and young adults have a lot on their plate. Some of these commitments are necessary (it’s expensive to go to college!), some of these commitments reflect personal priorities, and others are just fun. Then, there are those commitments that are made simply because it's hard to say "no". Within our ministries we all have students that are way overcommitted and have nominal participation within the … [Read more...]
Are You Distracted? (Part 2)
Editors note: This is part 2 of a series. Read Part 1 here. Are you distracted? I recently wrote an article in which I said, "If I could pick one word that I think best describes this generation it would be the word, distracted." So, how about you? Is your focus easily pulled from one thing to another? If so, you're not alone. And, distraction is more problematic than you may initially think. Distraction is doing a lot more than just keeping us from being able to hear God speak. Distraction is keeping us from effectively … [Read more...]
Share the Love
Loving your neighbor who bakes you cookies and leaves you sweet notes on your door is a breeze. But loving your neighbor who plays loud music all night and leaves his trash out so bugs show up — now that's a different story. Here are some practical ways to show your neighbors love, even the not-so-nice ones. 1. LOVE is spelled T.I.M.E. Make time to spend with those around you. Grab coffee, go on a walk with the girls, or block out time for a road trip. People know they are loved when you make time for them. 2. Think practically. … [Read more...]
Are you distracted?
If I could pick one word that I think best describes this generation it would be the word distracted. I debated whether or not I really needed to take the time to argue my case, so instead of me writing about it, just look up at the people around you. What are they doing? Where are they looking (or not looking)? The next time you're at a restaurant, watch the people at the tables around you. The next time you're in class, at work, at home, or at the airport, take a minute to notice what the people around you are doing. Between … [Read more...]
Do Something
We live in a word-saturated world. We don't have to look far to find opinions; they find us. Glance through a blog, read a wall-post, scroll through your tweets, or flip through a textbook and you'll hear hundreds of voices clamoring to persuade you. Friends, professors, authors, coworkers, and the media argue controversial issues. Don't misunderstand; communication is great—we're wired for it. But something powerful happens when we replace talk with action, debating with doing, and speaking with serving. So, how do we do this? … [Read more...]
Advent: A Season of Long-Suffering
"Long suffering”—one of the fruits of the spirit—is a phrase that strikes the modern ear as more than a little odd. Today in North America, “to suffer” calls for immediate intervention: a financial stimulus, a pill, a new job, a new relationship. Anything to relieve our pain (however great or small). In fact, most of us wonder how suffering could ever be good, especially over a long period of time. Yet in Scripture, things happen on a different timetable, and terms take on new meanings. With God, a rapid response might take decades … [Read more...]
Lord, Have Mercy!
Éleos is Greek for “mercy” as it is defined by loyalty to God’s covenant; pity; compassion. God’s éleos is stunning, and the Book of Nehemiah highlights it along with our need for a Savior and the lengths He goes to prove His love and mercy to us. In Nehemiah 9:6, the people begin praising the Lord, rehearsing all the wonderful things He did from Abram to the present, beautifully recounting the mercy of the Lord. Then in verse 16, their prayer takes a turn. “But our ancestors acted arrogantly; they became stiff-necked and did … [Read more...]
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