I’ve been really busy lately so life has kept me away from any form of writing lately, but Mark Driscoll posted this video on his blog this morning and I had to take a sec to post it here.
Interesting fact: It was banned from distribution at a ministry event in Florida recently, so the only place it’s available is online. You can read more of the behind the music on his blog: www.theresurgence.com
According to Don Feder (of USA Today fame), the persistence by the atheists to disprove God’s existence may be helping belief in God to thrive in modern / postmodern culture…
For 70-plus years, the Soviets tried everything imaginable to kill religion: show trials, mass murder of clerics, confiscations, indoctrination and even attempts to co-opt religious symbols and ceremonies. But belief survived, while scientific socialism is now defunct.
I received some great thoughts on the church with the latest e-newsletter from Scott Thomas. He’s the director at the Acts 29 Network (the church planting arm of churches like Mars Hill and others). The message was written in the context of church planting, but I think the concepts can apply to every person, organization or church trying to make a difference for God…
Some characteristics of church planting movements:
1. Only God can orchestrate a movement
God can use men to transform an area, but only He sovereignly decides where and when He pours out an abundance of His power and grace through a people group that is passionately seeking Him.2. A movement is too large to control
A movement is not meant to be controlled. It is a measure of God’s grace that cannot be prepared in advance. As we sense His movement, we respond in humility and allow Him to work through weak vessels.3. We don’t always recognize a movement of God because of man’s involvement
Men mobilize others toward a cause and inspire others to plant churches. God uses man’s efforts to have an effect on His will. A movement is not dependant on the skills of man. A movement is recognized as an outcome that can no longer be attributed to man.4. Movements include unusual gospel-driven partnerships
Movements of God do not only think outside of the box, they do not have a box. Partnerships with other gospel-driven church planting networks will be forged without effort.5. God gets ALL of the glory
Although man may plant churches, pray, preach the gospel, develop leaders and posture churches toward health, God is to get all of the glory. Garrison said, “Church Planting Movements multiply the glory of God…No other avenues so quickly and effectively multiplies the glory of God in the hearts of so many people.”
At work last week a guy sent out an email with some quotes from the DSM-IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) about how to tell if you or someone you know may have ADD or ADHD. My jaw dropped when I read through the list. I have symptoms from almost every single description!
This explains so many things…
As a side note, if you can relate to the items on the list, it doesn’t mean that you have ADD or ADHD, it just means that you are displaying the symptoms. Just like having a fever doesn’t necessarily mean you have a certain illness. But if you can relate to six or more of these, you should probably talk to a professional.
Either A or B:
A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:Inattention
- Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
- Often has trouble organizing activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
- Is often easily distracted.
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Hyperactivity
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
- Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
- Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
- Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
- Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
- Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Lucky for me I’m married to a brilliant, nationally-licensed, professional counselor that can walk me through the baby steps of recovery.
