Draw from the Well

Global Share the Bible Day

 

YouVersion wants to spread the word about THE WORD. 

They have declared Saturday, December 25 as "Global Share the Bible Day."

The plan is simple - on December 25, all day, take every opportunity to share anything you love about the Bible.

• Use your technology tools like Twitter, Facebook, and your blog. 
• Talk to people face to face - share with your family, friends, neighbors.
• Share your favorite verse, what God has done, the Christmas story, anything about the Bible!

Why?  Because the Bible is the story of God's love for us.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus who was the WORD MADE FLESH!

I'm sharing this with you because:

1) I really do love the Bible!

2) I love the vision and mission of YouVersion to get God's Word out to people for free!

3) Their reading plans make it easy and accessible to read scripture EVERY day!

4) I'd secretly love to win an Ipad!

 

Don't know about YouVersion?

Go here and get everything you need!

Go here and get a Bible app!

So, this Christmas day, spread the good news of God's love!

remember to use the #Bible hashtag for tweets!

 

The Roots of Wickedness

Last Friday I was treated by a friend to a viewing of the musical Wicked.  It was truly amazing.  Fortunately, a different friend briefed me on the storyline before hand so I could take in the nuances of the show (the lights distract me so!)  All musicals overwhelm me a bit...from the stage, to the lyrical ability to sing a story and make sense, to the costumes and dancing.  If you get the chance, see it.

I've wasaware of Wicked long before it was a musical due to the book by Gregory Maguire.  Ifind his writing to be dark, but his retelling to be brilliant.  Want the back story on everything from the green skin, to the hat, to the hatred of Dorothy and her little dog, too? He provides it. Simply brilliant.

I won't give away details in case you want to find out for yourself, but the storyline got me thinking...how often do we miss someone's back story?

Who was that homeless person before she was homeless (I remember in college talking with a homeless person who had a PHD and being shocked!)?  The chronically late-to-church person - is it character or circumstances (realized that bus schedules don't follow our service times well!)? Are there people who have only become the labels we've applied to them moving them beyond redemption: divorced, adulterer, bankrupt, addict, sinner...?

I'm not talking about excuses, but more about understanding. 

Whom do you have preconceived notions about that if you knew the back story you might change your mind?

Rick Warren Needs My Help!

Whatever you think about Rick Warren, I am continually impressed by his vision, passion, and scope of influence.  From purpose driven to peace plans, Rick Warren is all over the world.  Again, say what you will, but there's something of Jesus in what he's doing.

The latest thing that Warren is up to (besides being on the cover of Time) is the Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency.  This is not a debate, but discussion moderated by Warren with each candidate going one at a time (Obama goes first.)  Why is Warren (and Saddleback) doing this?  A statement on the website reads: "Although Rick Warren’s primary calling is to proclaim the Gospel Truth of salvation in Jesus Christ, he created the Civil Forums to further three additional life goals: helping people accept responsibility, helping the Church regain credibility, and encouraging our society to return to civility."

Hmmm.  The church smack dab in the middle of politics.  Yet not in a weird, judgmental way.  That sounds like Jesus.

I received an email (as a pastor and church leader...or rather someone who subscribes to Warren's Ministry Toolbox) from Warren asking for possible questions (applicable to both presumed candidates) and for prayer.  (That's why he needs my "help".)  Again, I appreciate Warren's humility, networking, and use of media to communicate his vision. 

Here's a line from the email:

"We’re in this together.  I also ask you to pray I’ll have the necessary wisdom. This will be an historic event. Never have the two candidates been interviewed by a pastor in a church. It will be a great day for all churches, showing the importance of the local church being at the civil table."

The Forum will be Saturday, August 16 from 5 - 7 pm.  You can watch it via the web here.

How Does Your Generation Use Technology?

Let's keep the generational theme and talk about technology use.  Barna just came out with a study on Social Networking, etc.  Very interesting stuff. 

Here are some highlights:

4 out of 5 American computer users sent an email last week (78%).  This medium is used by all ages of computer users.

1/3 of American computer users used IM or sent a text message.  The age of these users is much younger.

25% of computer users have a personal networking page (Facebook, MySpace, etc.) while only 10% have a personal blog.  [Yes, it feels good to be in that 10%!]

Watching online videos and downloading music are common applications from the computer.

Interestingly, among Christians "matters of faith played very little role in differentiating people’s technological habits", with the exception of podcasting...Christians are more likely to listen to a podcast than a non-Christian (roughly 30% versus 15%.)

To read the whole article, go here.

David Kinnaman, president of Barna, gave this insight:

"Church leaders have to strike the delicate balance between the spiritual and cultural potential of tech tools without surrendering to the false promise of these tools. Having the means of reaching the masses - for instance, through podcasting - is a good thing. Yet, nothing matches the potency of life-on-life discipleship. In this respect, social networking and blogs can be effective tools to intimately connect with a small, natural network of relationships. The key is using the technology in a way that is consistent with your calling and purpose, not just an addictive self-indulgence."   

Why I Can't Watch the American Idol Finale

Because I will be HERE! 

I'm so excited.  Another item on my must-experience-at-least-once-in-my-life list.

More Shouting to the Lord on Idol

Hello?  There's a lot of talk that the name of Jesus was removed, but are people catching this?  More proof that the world is has problems with the church, but not with God.  Interesting.

Our Tivo actually cut off the last part, so thanks to Josh for the heads up.

America's Favorite Book

My intern Lee emailed me the link to this article about a poll about America's favorite book.  In a survey of 2,513 people, the Bible was each demographic groups first choice.

Interesting. 

Especially considering the following assertation that most people in America are religously illiterate.  Can you pass the religious literacy test?  Take it here.

Not confident about other religions?  Here's a Biblical literacy test for you to take.