sound of a soft breath

Easter Sunday: Freedom from the Wrong Obsession

2012-04-08T09:22:00.002-04:00

I'm Obsessing about the Wrong Stuff! Easter is message of freedom for non-believers. A message of truth that liberates one's soul. A saving message that removes eternal doubt. The Resurrection of Christ can change everything. It can be a new start, a second start to LIFE for anyone, absolutely anyone. Jesus was dead, but now ALIVE! I am reminded this morning that Easter is also a message to every follower of Christ about the same things: Liberation and Freedom! It is not an old message already absorbed and fully lived out. It is a message that demands being lived out every year, every day, every moment. For me this morning these words from J.D. Greear have challenged me to live the Easter message out. I mean really live it out! Fully free, fully liberated! Jesus has given me the gift...

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Top 20 List of My Favorite Free Online Bible Reading and Study Tools

2012-01-01T21:34:00.000-05:00

Here we are at the start of a new year. More and more each year I find myself using the Internet to read and study the Bible. There are a lot of free online Bible reading and study tools that can be a great help in learning more about God's Word. Here is a list of my top 20 Bible reading and study online resources broken down by category. Bible Reading Here are some places online where you can read the Bible comfortably. Websites with a high readability and usability online or via a mobile device. YouVersion - Read Online or on a Mobile Device. Find me here on YouVersion. Bible Gateway - Read Online or on a Mobile Device ebible - Read Online Bible Study Here are some more websites where you can read the Bible with access to in depth footnotes and commentaries. Biblia - Online...

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The Essential Journey to Bethlehem Free eBook for Advent

2011-11-23T19:06:00.001-05:00

Scripture Union USA has a new free eBook that with 26 Bible readings that take you through Advent. Spend just a few minutes each day following the Bible’s story of Jesus’ birth. The Essential Journey to Bethlehem provides you with one short scripture reading each day followed by a reflection question or two designed to help you see how God promised the world a Savior and then kept that promise. "The Essential Journey to Bethlehem is the latest in SU’s Essential series, joining the popular Essential 100 (E100), and the Essential Jesus bible reading programs." (From Scripture Union's news post titled Take The Essential Journey to Bethlehem this Advent. The Essential Journey to Bethlehem is not only and eBook but also available in other popular digital formats like Facebook &...

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Francis Chan says You Could Die Today

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Francis Chan gave Chapter 2 of his "Crazy Love" book this title "You Might Not Finish this Chapter". I am currently reading the book and he begins this chapter writing "You could die before you finish reading this chapter". He goes on to point out that we to easily view each day as just another normal day. "On the average day, we don't consider God very much. On the average day, we forget that our life truly is a vapor. But there is nothing normal about today. Just think about everything that must function properly just for you to survive. For example your kidneys..."He reminds us what James wrote in his letter: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)It is quite remarkable to really think about our own physical existence...

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Dance Your Shoes Off On Resurrection Day

2011-04-23T09:06:00.000-04:00

Let the Easter Celebration Begin! Jesus has Risen! This video was inspired by one done in Budapest, Hungary on April 4, 2010. Check that video out on YouTube. Resurrection Sunday Dance Here is what was written on YouTube about the "Dance Your Shoes Off" video: More than 2,000 people from Second Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, gathered at Discovery Green in the heart of Houston to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The purpose of Dance Your Shoes Off! was to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a powerful and celebratory way. Most importantly, each participant left a new pair of shoes on the field for those in need. These shoes will be given to local mission agencies, including Star of Hope, individuals all across the world through our mission partners and mission trips.Let...

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Tim Keller Makes a Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

2011-04-13T16:03:00.002-04:00

Tim Keller Easter is coming and I have been thinking about the Resurrection of Christ.Here is an extended quote from an article Tim Keller wrote titled "A Case for the Resurrection" in the magazine Relevant. It was subtitled: "Author and pastor Tim Keller on why Christ's Resurrection is more than just a story." The resurrection was as inconceivable for the first disciples, as impossible for them to believe, as it is for many of us today. Granted, their reasons would have been different from ours. The Greeks did not believe in resurrection; in the Greek worldview, the afterlife was liberation of the soul from the body. For them, resurrection would never be part of life after death. As for the Jews, some of them believed in a future general resurrection when the entire world would be...

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Day 26: Merry Christmas -The Light has been Turned On!

2010-12-25T09:57:00.000-05:00

Today is Christmas and I am celebrating the birth of the Savior Jesus. This is the last day of Journey to Bethlehem. A free online Advent Bible reading guide provided by Scripture Union USA. Day 26 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Word Became Flesh. Read John 1:1–17 | (ESV) In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (John 1:4-9)This got me thinking about light. The definition of darkness is "the...

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Day 25: Give and Receive Christmas Gifts as A Reminder

2010-12-24T15:43:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 25 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled His Gift to Us. Read Ephesians 2:1–10 | (ESV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)At Christmas it is a custom to give gifts. A custom that has spiraled out of control in some parts of the world, including mine. In may ways the gifts we exchange during this incredible celebration have overshadowed the true gift given by God. The reality is that our gifts have only overshadowed God's gift in our own myopic up side down world. The reality is that from the big...

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Day 24: Freedom That Changes Everything

2010-12-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 24 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled His Offering for Sin. Read Romans 8:1–4 | (ESV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature...

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Day 23: Set Aside Your Status, Like Jesus Did

2010-12-23T08:59:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 23 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled He Humbled Himself. Read Philippians 2:5–11 | (ESV) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:5-7)Probably the biggest challenge for me in God's word is here in this passage. God is reminding me this morning: Brad, have the same mindset as Jesus. Set aside your status, your accomplishments, your pride, and make yourself nothing, like...

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Day 22: Jesus You are Superior. Period.

2010-12-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 22 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled His Superiority. Read Hebrews 1:1–4 | (ESV) In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name...

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Day 21: By, Through, and For Jesus

2010-12-21T09:23:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 21 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled His Divine Being. Read Colossians 1:15–20 | (ESV) For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16, ESV)Absolutely everything, things we can see and those we can't, were created by, through, and for Jesus. BY, THROUGH, and FOR Jesus. Everything! Wow! Everything started with Jesus and everything happens through Jesus and everything is completed with Jesus. For me the only way Scripture makes...

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Day 20: Faith is Not Academic

2010-12-20T09:39:00.001-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 20 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Father’s House. Read Luke 2:41–52 | (ESV) "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. (Luke 2:49-50)Come on, why didn't Jesus' parents understand? They had been raising him for 12 years now, they had received the news about who he was from angles of the Lord, then the shepherds, and the Magi. As I think about what they did and didn't know at this point I am reminded of the impact the cross, death, and resurrection has on my...

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Day 19: The Pieces Are Falling Into Place

2010-12-19T08:28:00.001-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 19 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Return to Nazareth. Read Matthew 2:19–23 | (ESV) After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived...

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Day 18: You, God, are Beyond Time

2010-12-18T12:18:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 18 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Flight to Egypt. Read Matthew 2:13–18 | (ESV) When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son." (Matthew 2:13-15)The prophet Hosea quoting God said:...

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Day 17: Worship in the Presence of Jesus

2010-12-17T09:54:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 17 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Magi’s Worship. Read Matthew 2:7–12 | (ESV) On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)Much of my worship of Jesus comes from my knowledge of his life here on earth. Much of it comes from what I know Jesus did. How He acted. What He said. His love. His sacrifice at the cross to take away my sin. His resurrection from the dead. This knowledge brings me to worship. My worship...

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Day 16: Disturbed at the News of the Birth of Jesus

2010-12-16T09:42:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day. Day 16 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Magi’s Search. Read Matthew 2:1–6 | (ESV) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.(Matthew 2:1-3)I see easily why Herod was disturbed and troubled at the news of the birth of a new King. I could see how a king who brutally ruled over the Jews would feel threatened by a new King....

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Day 15: Jesus Makes You Think

2010-12-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. This is day 15 of the 26 day journey. Day 15 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Child’s Future. Read Luke 2:33–40 | (ESV) The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:33-35)As Simeon held the child Jesus and spoke to his parents he predicts both the turmoil and joy Jesus will bring to Israel. I suspect He thought he was speaking only...

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Day 14: Blessed in Absorbing and Processing the Truth

2010-12-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. This is day 14 of the 26 day journey. Day 14 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Child in the Temple. Read Luke 2:21–32 | (ESV) Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:27-32)How incredible, exciting, and reaffirming this time...

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Day 13: Wonderment to Belief to Salvation

2010-12-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. This is day 13 of the 26 day journey. Day 13 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Shepherds Find Him. Read Luke 2:15–20 | (ESV) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart....

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Day 12: Awesome and Very Personal Announcement

2010-12-12T10:20:00.001-05:00

Preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. This is day 12 of the 26 day journey. Join me. Day 12 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Angel’s Good News. Read Luke 2:8–14 | (ESV) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a...

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Day 11: Boldness from Trusting

2010-12-11T11:02:00.004-05:00

Preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. This is day 11 of the 26 day journey. Join me. Day 11 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Birth of Jesus. Read Luke 2:1–7 | (ESV) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the...

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Day 10: The Holy Spirit, Unspeakable Joy, and Worship

2010-12-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. Come join me on this Journey, it is not to late to start. Day 10 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled With Great Rejoicing!. Read Luke 1:39–45 | (ESV) At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb...

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Day 9: Accepted & Approved By God

2010-12-09T08:41:00.000-05:00

Preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. Come join me on this Journey, it is not to late to start. Day 9 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled Announced by the Angel. Read Luke 1:26–38 | (ESV) Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. (Luke 1:29-31) ... "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)This announcement made to Mary was the beginning of a new era. The era of FAVOR. A time period marked by...

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Day 8: Fathers, Turn Your Hearts to Your Children

2010-12-08T08:17:00.000-05:00

Scripture Union USA is providing a free online Bible reading guide for Advent called Journey to Bethlehem. Come join me on this Journey and let us prepare for the celebration of Christmas together. Day 8 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled Preceded by John. Read Luke 1:5-17 | (ESV) And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."(Luke 1:17)"Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children". These words are resonating with my soul this morning. It does NOT say "turn the hearts of the children to their fathers." Wow! This got me thinking. This suggests to me this morning a certain kind of sensitivity and...

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