the art of community development

Do you think these lines from (he Art of War by Sun Tzu apply to our community like they did to his army?
"We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors."
If it's true of us are you excited about the possibility or does it discourage you?

The genius of and

Worry and deeds is motivation.  Worry without motivation is worry.

Faith and deeds is belief.  Faith without deeds is faith.

More prayer and relationship is life.  More prayer without relationship is more prayer.

Change without changing is change.  Change and changing is transformation.

Being interesting without being interested isn't very interesting.

Love without power is sentiment.

Power without love is death.

Compassion without action is pity.

Charity without innovation and release of energies of people is taking care of people.

Charity and giving people a chance to fulfill their potential is people who are responsible for taking care of one another.

The problem is...

I recently spoke about a comment I heard about the "problem with men in the church today" is that they don't know enough scripture.  My friend challenged me in my lack of priority for scriptural understanding on behalf of our men.  I shared that in my opinion the problem isn't that men don't know enough scripture.  The problem I see is that men who are passionate and have experienced the power of scripture either are incapable or don't have clear access to sharing that with other men.

To me, that is the problem.  Not just about scripture, but with a lack of sharing in experience, reason, and tradition of our faith.

The solution?

A vibrant community of men who identify and activate their gifts, passion, and relationship in order to connect with one another in growing is discipleship of Christ.

The scripture problem, the reason problem, the experience problem and the tradition  problem with work itself out if we address the identifying and activating problem.

Questions to ponder for May 15

James 2: 1-8

1.  What makes us show favoritism?  Have you ever seen favoritism shown in little league sports, youth trips, neighborhood events?  It's not just work?

2.  Verses 5-6 mention the rich and the poor.  Is it just referring to economic status?

3.  How does showing favoritism tarnish the message of the Gospel?

4.  Would a poor person feel accepted in our church?

James 2: 9-13

1.  What does it mean that to act like one who is going to be judged by the law that gives freedom?

2.  How does mercy triumph over judgement?  How does one's commitment/loyalty, etc.  change when they have experienced mercy?

Questions to ponder for May 8

James 1: 19-21

1. How does one be quick to listen?

2.  Are there exceptions to when we should be slow to speak or slow to become angry?  Why or why not?

3.  Is anger wrong?  Where does anger seem to come from?

4.  What is the "word" that can save us?

5.  Have you ever known anyone who doesn't get angry?

James 1:22-25

1.  What are some examples of how we apply scripture?

2.  What is the "one' thing that usually keeps you from applying scripture?

3.  How can God's law bring freedom?  And what does it provide freedom from?

James 1:26-27

1.  What have you done in your life to keep a tight reign on your tongue?  Is it easier to do this at work than outside work?

2.  What are some ways for us to protect ourselves from being "polluted by the world"?