Russian News!
Hot off the press. Dr Chentsova is developing a business plan with all the trimmings and in accord with her great team of lay leaders. Why is this big news?
Under the Communist rule, no one, repeat; NO ONE was allowed to set goals, plan, develop a mission or vision. In fact, to show any initiative was an invitation to a free trip to Siberia and a prison term doing hard labor in a gulag.
Since 1991 I have been trying to help the Russians learn how to take initiative and develop plans to run their own ministry teams. This is basic in America but radical stuff in Russia for it has never, ever been done before. This is an illustration of why it is so difficult to get the Russians to develop healthy teams. Everything, including church ministry, was commanded by the top officials.
Lifeways Russia is doing nation building. Russia cannot succeed as a democracy without a Christian revival.
Pray for us and donate to the Russian fund generously.
Lifeways Russia
c/o LifeWay Ministries, Inc
11161 Kenwood Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Funny Video Art
Slate has a hilarious (and hilariously long) video outtake of John Edwards fussing with his hair. It's part of a collection assembled by comedian Harry Shearer, now on display at a Washington art gallery.
Slate's comment on the Edwards clip:
"For a guy who's been known derisively to the Bush crowd as the Breck girl," observes Shearer, vice presidential candidate John Edwards seems "way too interested in his hair." He tries to straighten it with his fingers. A makeup technician approaches with a comb, but the senator likes it just so and does the combing himself. He signals he's ready for hair spray by closing his eyes expectantly, like a child. Then Edwards and the technician straighten a little more with their fingers. Please don't tell me that thing in his hand is a compact. Oh, dear. It is.
Slate has a hilarious (and hilariously long) video outtake of John Edwards fussing with his hair. It's part of a collection assembled by comedian Harry Shearer, now on display at a Washington art gallery.
Slate's comment on the Edwards clip:
"For a guy who's been known derisively to the Bush crowd as the Breck girl," observes Shearer, vice presidential candidate John Edwards seems "way too interested in his hair." He tries to straighten it with his fingers. A makeup technician approaches with a comb, but the senator likes it just so and does the combing himself. He signals he's ready for hair spray by closing his eyes expectantly, like a child. Then Edwards and the technician straighten a little more with their fingers. Please don't tell me that thing in his hand is a compact. Oh, dear. It is.
Monday, October 18, 2004
We are on the Move
It was a bit over 15 years ago when LifeWay Hospital and Clinic opened its doors to provide Christ-centered therapy for hurting men and women. Our in-patient unit was located in a beautiful wing of the Emerson A. North Hospital in College Hill. It was owned by the Franciscan Sisters whose Mission Statement was, "To continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ."
We opened four other offices over the years and closed the hospital unit. I also launched a new ministry to pastors and churches called LifeWay Ministries that equips lay people around the world. We have seen many, many changes.
The LifeWay Counseling Center office and clinic was providentially located on Route 42 and I-275 midway between 71 and 75. There we have remained until this week when we move to Blue Ash. (See www.lifewaycenters.com for directions)
We have purchased a business condo that is better in many ways than our present location.
We will be open for business on Monday, October 25.
513-769-4600
513-789-0304 (Fax)
It was a bit over 15 years ago when LifeWay Hospital and Clinic opened its doors to provide Christ-centered therapy for hurting men and women. Our in-patient unit was located in a beautiful wing of the Emerson A. North Hospital in College Hill. It was owned by the Franciscan Sisters whose Mission Statement was, "To continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ."
We opened four other offices over the years and closed the hospital unit. I also launched a new ministry to pastors and churches called LifeWay Ministries that equips lay people around the world. We have seen many, many changes.
The LifeWay Counseling Center office and clinic was providentially located on Route 42 and I-275 midway between 71 and 75. There we have remained until this week when we move to Blue Ash. (See www.lifewaycenters.com for directions)
We have purchased a business condo that is better in many ways than our present location.
- We are more easily accessed from Ronald Reagan, 71 and 75.
- It is designed to be a counseling center.
- It is a quiet, secluded and peaceful area in Blue Ash.
- We are on the first floor with easy entry and surroundings.
- We have a special prayer/meditation room in the center of the facility.
- There is a conference/group room for teaching, meetings and ministry.
- The offices are soundproof, beautiful and warmly decorated.
We will be open for business on Monday, October 25.
513-769-4600
513-789-0304 (Fax)
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Political Debates
After watching and reading about the current presidential kerfuffle, I am struck by the reporters' aversion to plain speaking. The media consistently describes both Senator Jerry and President Bush as being "harsh, attacking, mean, bitter and cruel". I have several observations:
1. Political debates need to be hard hitting and truthful challenges based on ideas, facts and a search for truth. These things may hurt the other person's feelings.
2. Many reporters do not want truth and factual debates but a harmonious love fest that obscures reality.
3. Christians have guidance on this issue from scripture. It tells us that by "Speaking the truth in love we can grow up in every way... (Eph 4:15) This is the very best approach to a good debate for it balances facts and reality with compassion and unselfishness.
The biblical standard is not easy but we can, with the Holy Spirit, get close. In Matthew, Jesus discusses in detail how we are to handle difficult issues that can cause anger, bitterness and revenge.
5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin.
But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
The Great Teacher lays out a well defined, three step approach to public and private disputes.
Step One, anger is dangerous, so be careful. However, it can also be helpful if it energizes us enough to clean up a relationship and speak the truth in love with a personal COMPLAINT that goes something like this: "I do not agree with my opponent's position on abortion. Here is my position and why."
Step Two, if we don't handle anger it will get worse, enter the yellow zone and turn into accusations and personal attacks. At step two Jesus uses the term; Raca, stupid, dumb or mentally deficient and will lead us to be judged ourselves. "My opponent is just ignorant about abortion and is not smart enough to understand its outcomes."
Step Three the red hot zone of a character assassination that leads to hell either figuratively or actually. "My opponent loves to punish women by denying them abortion rights for he is a racist woman hater." Or, "My opponent enjoys killing babies and is a racist who is trying to eliminate African Americans."
As you watch the debates and listen to the candidates, learn to distinguish among these three approaches. Sometimes the challenge is a Complaint that says, "I disagree with ___." That is legitimate even when reporters do not like it. However, when pols say things like, "He is a liar, a cheat, a coward, a malcontent or a deserter" they have stepped over the line.
23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
One of the highlights in the current election came when President Bush was asked about Senator Kerry's war record. The President answered by saying, "Mr. Kerry was more courageous than I. He served honorably and put himself in harm's way and I never did." A low time came when VP Cheney cursed out a member of the Congress.
Comments on this or any article?
After watching and reading about the current presidential kerfuffle, I am struck by the reporters' aversion to plain speaking. The media consistently describes both Senator Jerry and President Bush as being "harsh, attacking, mean, bitter and cruel". I have several observations:
1. Political debates need to be hard hitting and truthful challenges based on ideas, facts and a search for truth. These things may hurt the other person's feelings.
2. Many reporters do not want truth and factual debates but a harmonious love fest that obscures reality.
3. Christians have guidance on this issue from scripture. It tells us that by "Speaking the truth in love we can grow up in every way... (Eph 4:15) This is the very best approach to a good debate for it balances facts and reality with compassion and unselfishness.
The biblical standard is not easy but we can, with the Holy Spirit, get close. In Matthew, Jesus discusses in detail how we are to handle difficult issues that can cause anger, bitterness and revenge.
5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin.
But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
The Great Teacher lays out a well defined, three step approach to public and private disputes.
Step One, anger is dangerous, so be careful. However, it can also be helpful if it energizes us enough to clean up a relationship and speak the truth in love with a personal COMPLAINT that goes something like this: "I do not agree with my opponent's position on abortion. Here is my position and why."
Step Two, if we don't handle anger it will get worse, enter the yellow zone and turn into accusations and personal attacks. At step two Jesus uses the term; Raca, stupid, dumb or mentally deficient and will lead us to be judged ourselves. "My opponent is just ignorant about abortion and is not smart enough to understand its outcomes."
Step Three the red hot zone of a character assassination that leads to hell either figuratively or actually. "My opponent loves to punish women by denying them abortion rights for he is a racist woman hater." Or, "My opponent enjoys killing babies and is a racist who is trying to eliminate African Americans."
As you watch the debates and listen to the candidates, learn to distinguish among these three approaches. Sometimes the challenge is a Complaint that says, "I disagree with ___." That is legitimate even when reporters do not like it. However, when pols say things like, "He is a liar, a cheat, a coward, a malcontent or a deserter" they have stepped over the line.
23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
One of the highlights in the current election came when President Bush was asked about Senator Kerry's war record. The President answered by saying, "Mr. Kerry was more courageous than I. He served honorably and put himself in harm's way and I never did." A low time came when VP Cheney cursed out a member of the Congress.
Comments on this or any article?
Sunday, October 10, 2004
The Web of Life
Two smash hit children/s movies released in the past few years are The Lion King and Finding Nemo. I like each of them a lot for they teach some great lessons about respect for life and the Webb of life.
In Lion King all life has worth. When the evil uncle kills his brother, The Lion King, and blames it on his nephew, he is clearly shown as an evil villain. In many places there are songs and teachings on the importance of the Webb of life and the importance of every living animal in that Webb.
Sometimes it gets a bit too much of the New Age in style but the current culture of death in America today needs a strong dose of childrens' resources to turn the tide.
Nemo has an opening scene that is very pro life. Nemo's father and mother are excitedly anticipating the arrival of new babies after mommy plants all her eggs just outside their cave home. Unfortunately, a big, strong fish swoops down and eats momma and all the eggs but one. That one egg becomes Nemo and the rest of the movie depicts Marlin frantically trying to save him from all kinds of dangers. He learns to be resiient and to keep trying despite the odds against him.
Movies are powerful communicators of values and ideas. Find those that teach your kids about the importance of love, life and respect. It is not too late to prevent them from killing us when we are old.
Two smash hit children/s movies released in the past few years are The Lion King and Finding Nemo. I like each of them a lot for they teach some great lessons about respect for life and the Webb of life.
In Lion King all life has worth. When the evil uncle kills his brother, The Lion King, and blames it on his nephew, he is clearly shown as an evil villain. In many places there are songs and teachings on the importance of the Webb of life and the importance of every living animal in that Webb.
Sometimes it gets a bit too much of the New Age in style but the current culture of death in America today needs a strong dose of childrens' resources to turn the tide.
Nemo has an opening scene that is very pro life. Nemo's father and mother are excitedly anticipating the arrival of new babies after mommy plants all her eggs just outside their cave home. Unfortunately, a big, strong fish swoops down and eats momma and all the eggs but one. That one egg becomes Nemo and the rest of the movie depicts Marlin frantically trying to save him from all kinds of dangers. He learns to be resiient and to keep trying despite the odds against him.
Movies are powerful communicators of values and ideas. Find those that teach your kids about the importance of love, life and respect. It is not too late to prevent them from killing us when we are old.
Reverence for Life or Culture for Death?
Every time I try to watch Chris Matthews on Hard Ball I get frustrated. His shoot from the hip arrogance on issues he obviously knows little about is irritating. He is the poster boy for "Often wrong but never in doubt."
Tonight, Sunday, October 10, one of the panel members noted that Kerry's response at the last debate about abortion was "wishy washy" or something similar. Chris interrupted, of course, and proceeded to correct the guy. He then lectured us on how social issues about the sanctity of life should be kept out of politics. He went on to quote the Bible, "Give unto Caesar..."
The right to life is protected by the Constitution and the Constitution was founded on the Bible. However, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are not only for Jews and Christians.
Why do we say Hitler was wrong for killing millions? He had no reverence for life.
Does Chris mean that any politician that reverences life is crossing the church-state barrier? Almost all our laws come from our Judeo-Christian heritage. Civil rights come from scripture certainly not evolution. We Christians protect the weak and vulnerable while evolution promotes survival only of the fittest. That legal protection comes straight from scripture not from science.
Why did John Kerry think killing in Viet Nam was wrong? Was it based on evolution or Catholic moral reasoning? Roman Catholic teaching found in scripture.
Perhaps Chris is better at knowing scripture than Howard Dean. Dean placed his favorite book of the Bible, Jonah, in the New Testament and written by two different people. That is amazing scholarship! I just got out an old, dusty Bible and, voila, Jonah is still in the Old Testament.
Chris, why not follow the moral teachings of your church and admit that taking innocent life is wrong? All current Protestants who support the protection of innocent life do so as the result of reading Roman Catholic scholars. Are we Protestants more consistent with the Catholic teachings than you and Kerry?
The Lord says, "I set before you death or life. Therefore, choose life."
How should this nation be remembered? As a place where the lonely, sick and weakest of our citizens could find refuge or where the strong can take the lives of the weak for any reason whatsoever? The two candidates make the choice very clear.
Every time I try to watch Chris Matthews on Hard Ball I get frustrated. His shoot from the hip arrogance on issues he obviously knows little about is irritating. He is the poster boy for "Often wrong but never in doubt."
Tonight, Sunday, October 10, one of the panel members noted that Kerry's response at the last debate about abortion was "wishy washy" or something similar. Chris interrupted, of course, and proceeded to correct the guy. He then lectured us on how social issues about the sanctity of life should be kept out of politics. He went on to quote the Bible, "Give unto Caesar..."
The right to life is protected by the Constitution and the Constitution was founded on the Bible. However, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are not only for Jews and Christians.
Why do we say Hitler was wrong for killing millions? He had no reverence for life.
Does Chris mean that any politician that reverences life is crossing the church-state barrier? Almost all our laws come from our Judeo-Christian heritage. Civil rights come from scripture certainly not evolution. We Christians protect the weak and vulnerable while evolution promotes survival only of the fittest. That legal protection comes straight from scripture not from science.
Why did John Kerry think killing in Viet Nam was wrong? Was it based on evolution or Catholic moral reasoning? Roman Catholic teaching found in scripture.
Perhaps Chris is better at knowing scripture than Howard Dean. Dean placed his favorite book of the Bible, Jonah, in the New Testament and written by two different people. That is amazing scholarship! I just got out an old, dusty Bible and, voila, Jonah is still in the Old Testament.
Chris, why not follow the moral teachings of your church and admit that taking innocent life is wrong? All current Protestants who support the protection of innocent life do so as the result of reading Roman Catholic scholars. Are we Protestants more consistent with the Catholic teachings than you and Kerry?
The Lord says, "I set before you death or life. Therefore, choose life."
How should this nation be remembered? As a place where the lonely, sick and weakest of our citizens could find refuge or where the strong can take the lives of the weak for any reason whatsoever? The two candidates make the choice very clear.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Local Christian Resources
Pastor Russ Smith of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the oldest Protestant church in Cincinnati, has placed a web link to the Cincinnati Art Museum Exhibit about Petra:Lost City of Stone. Check it out on the resources page of www.covfirstchurch.org
Tell your friends about it and let Russ know what you think. He wants to create more cultural resources if it works well.
Now that the Freedom Museum is open is would be good totake a tour of it. The Freedom Train was built and run by Christians.
Pastor Russ Smith of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the oldest Protestant church in Cincinnati, has placed a web link to the Cincinnati Art Museum Exhibit about Petra:Lost City of Stone. Check it out on the resources page of www.covfirstchurch.org
Tell your friends about it and let Russ know what you think. He wants to create more cultural resources if it works well.
Now that the Freedom Museum is open is would be good totake a tour of it. The Freedom Train was built and run by Christians.
Faith Based Health
Almost everyone agrees that attending the church of your choice is healthy. The more we attend, the healthier we get. But, healthiness is not limited to less disease. It also leads to healthier behavior. Research recently published online says:
Involvement in faith-based programs, school clubs, and sports positively influences youth not to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Students who are involved in faith-based programs, school clubs, or sports are more than 50% less likely to use substances than students not involved in these activities.
Data reported are from the third iteration of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati's Student Personal Drug Use Survey, which is conducted every two years.
The 2004 survey included over 64,000 students from 186 public and private schools in 10 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
To access the entire dataset, please visit http://www.oasis.uc.edu/. For more information, please contact Rhonda Ramsey-Molina, President of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati.
I recently heard NPR attack President George Bush for promoting faith-based support groups. The reporter clearly failed to share the numerous research studies about faith and healthy behavior as well as recovery. It is up to us to get the word out. Despite having research facilities that can dig these things out NPR failed to do so.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have been writing about the command of Jesus to "Go as lambs among wolves" and "bless people with peace/shalom." Now we can see why. Jesus wants everyone to have the chance to experience shalom or health, prosperity, wholeness, salvation, eternal life and safety.
Drugs, alcohol abuse, sexualy promiscuity, violence are modern wolves in sheeps clothing. Getting kids involved in Christian activities will defeat those wolves.
What should we do about NPR? Bless them with shalom.
Almost everyone agrees that attending the church of your choice is healthy. The more we attend, the healthier we get. But, healthiness is not limited to less disease. It also leads to healthier behavior. Research recently published online says:
Involvement in faith-based programs, school clubs, and sports positively influences youth not to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Students who are involved in faith-based programs, school clubs, or sports are more than 50% less likely to use substances than students not involved in these activities.
Data reported are from the third iteration of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati's Student Personal Drug Use Survey, which is conducted every two years.
The 2004 survey included over 64,000 students from 186 public and private schools in 10 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
To access the entire dataset, please visit http://www.oasis.uc.edu/. For more information, please contact Rhonda Ramsey-Molina, President of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati.
I recently heard NPR attack President George Bush for promoting faith-based support groups. The reporter clearly failed to share the numerous research studies about faith and healthy behavior as well as recovery. It is up to us to get the word out. Despite having research facilities that can dig these things out NPR failed to do so.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have been writing about the command of Jesus to "Go as lambs among wolves" and "bless people with peace/shalom." Now we can see why. Jesus wants everyone to have the chance to experience shalom or health, prosperity, wholeness, salvation, eternal life and safety.
Drugs, alcohol abuse, sexualy promiscuity, violence are modern wolves in sheeps clothing. Getting kids involved in Christian activities will defeat those wolves.
What should we do about NPR? Bless them with shalom.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Peace or Shalom?
While visiting Israel many years ago I discovered that the term Shalom can be used both as a greeting and a salutation. I thought shalom simply meant peace but it has far stronger implications.
Peace implies a lack of conflict in English, and that is a very good thing. However, shalom means that plus much, much more.
Prosperity
Health
Wholeness of life
Abundance
Vigor
Resilience
Forgiveness of sin and guilt
Mercy
Grace
So, when Jesus sent out the 72 as lambs among wolves what did He mean when He said for them to bless the homes and businesses with shalom?
Was the focus on a cessation of conflict or more than that?
Did He really expect the wolves to receive forgiveness, mercy, grace, prosperity and all the good things of God? Is that reasonable?
Did the strategy work? (A hint: read on and see what happened.)
While visiting Israel many years ago I discovered that the term Shalom can be used both as a greeting and a salutation. I thought shalom simply meant peace but it has far stronger implications.
Peace implies a lack of conflict in English, and that is a very good thing. However, shalom means that plus much, much more.
Prosperity
Health
Wholeness of life
Abundance
Vigor
Resilience
Forgiveness of sin and guilt
Mercy
Grace
So, when Jesus sent out the 72 as lambs among wolves what did He mean when He said for them to bless the homes and businesses with shalom?
Was the focus on a cessation of conflict or more than that?
Did He really expect the wolves to receive forgiveness, mercy, grace, prosperity and all the good things of God? Is that reasonable?
Did the strategy work? (A hint: read on and see what happened.)
Multiplying Peace and Prosperity
In Luke 10 Jesus sent 72 of His closest Disciples out to bring good news to the surrounding neighborhoods. In the prior chapter he had sent out the 12 Apostles and they came back with great insights and wonderful learning experiences. Now it was time for those 12 to supervise three pairs so the circle of love could be expanded.
This is the Grand Strategy of the Great Teacher and it may be worthwhile for us to follow today.
What would happen if we followed the lead of Jesus and learned how to multiply ourselves in service, blessing and love every few months or even every few years? Would it make a difference in the world?
I have written about the devastation left in Russia and the Eastern Bloc by 70 years of ruinous rule by Socialists. By ordinary means it will take many generations to bring healing, emotional and spiritual vitality and economic strength to the people scarred by hate. Can the rate of change be sped up?
What is the best way to spread peace, prosperity and personal security is such places?
Read Luke 9 and 10 and you will discover the answer that God gave His Son. Jesus chose 12 and trained them for three years how to bless others. Then He taught them the principle of being world changers. Each one was to reproduce himself by training and sending six others.
12 x 6 = 72
72 x 6 = 432
432 x 6 = 2592
etc
Will exponential rather than additive growth make changing a culture, a nation or the world easier or faster?
Was Jesus naive when He failed to build a huge auditorium and draw thousands to His meetings?
In Luke 10 Jesus sent 72 of His closest Disciples out to bring good news to the surrounding neighborhoods. In the prior chapter he had sent out the 12 Apostles and they came back with great insights and wonderful learning experiences. Now it was time for those 12 to supervise three pairs so the circle of love could be expanded.
This is the Grand Strategy of the Great Teacher and it may be worthwhile for us to follow today.
What would happen if we followed the lead of Jesus and learned how to multiply ourselves in service, blessing and love every few months or even every few years? Would it make a difference in the world?
I have written about the devastation left in Russia and the Eastern Bloc by 70 years of ruinous rule by Socialists. By ordinary means it will take many generations to bring healing, emotional and spiritual vitality and economic strength to the people scarred by hate. Can the rate of change be sped up?
What is the best way to spread peace, prosperity and personal security is such places?
Read Luke 9 and 10 and you will discover the answer that God gave His Son. Jesus chose 12 and trained them for three years how to bless others. Then He taught them the principle of being world changers. Each one was to reproduce himself by training and sending six others.
12 x 6 = 72
72 x 6 = 432
432 x 6 = 2592
etc
Will exponential rather than additive growth make changing a culture, a nation or the world easier or faster?
Was Jesus naive when He failed to build a huge auditorium and draw thousands to His meetings?
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