29 Friday Nov 2019
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Like this guy, let’s practice what we preach! We don’t need to take it SO literally, but there are some places in the word of God where we as Christians ought to take Jesus at his word, and don’t.
28 Thursday Nov 2019
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If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
Nelson Mandela
There are so many great language learning resources out there these days, specifically through the internet. If you are thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, it may be to a place where English is not the local language and not even commonly used!
Of course, because of English’s wide usage, and the by the Spirit’s guiding, you can still be used. However, learning the local language can go a long ways in being effective and simply navigating the daily ins and outs!
Chinese: https://www.chinesezerotohero.com/ ……….. https://mandarincorner.org/ ………. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSDFz1DafnE ………..
Brazil (Portuguese): http://www.easyportuguese.com/ ……… https://www.fluentin3months.com/free-online-portuguese-language-…….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjq5eJn530Y ……….
Spanish: http://index-of.es/Varios-2/Spanish%20Essentials%20For%20Dummies.pdf ………. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7-nb1wlnyA……
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it can give you an idea of learning techniques and resources. Learning a new language will certainly enrich your perspective in life. And there is no better way than living in the country that speaks that language!
If you are thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, the gospel comes first. Learning a language can be a bonus but also a benefit to the mission!
27 Wednesday Nov 2019
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From Stan Rodda’s article “Our Apologetics Must Surrender to the Transformative Power of Jesus Christ!”
If you’re thinking about taking the One Year Challenge and being on mission for God, you are thinking of how you can lead people to Christ, let this man’s insight and experience enter the discussion!
Tyler (not his real name) is an environmentalist, evolution believing, democrat voting, self-identified “none.” He and I started having faith conversations around six months ago. As he explored, he immediately jumped to the common questions. “Well, if I talk to you about this, am I going to have to change my beliefs about evolution? And what about how I vote? I have deep convictions about voting to save the environment from climate change.”
What I heard was, “If you tell me that following Jesus means I have to vote Republican and suddenly believe the earth is 6000 years old, I’m out.”
Where would you begin with a person like Tyler? Likely with some sort of argument beginning to break down evolution. And if you went after how he votes first thing, you’re probably going to lose the opportunity to share Jesus. I don’t know anyone saved who was argued out of how they prefer to vote. Even a guy with no current framework for religion or faith in his life, was expecting our conversations to be somewhat confrontational and to debate these deeply held convictions and beliefs.
I think my response to Tyler took him by surprise. My first response was, “Tyler, I believe that someday you will stand before God. And when you do, He won’t ask you how old the earth is. He also won’t ask you how you voted. He will ask you what you did with Jesus. Are you open to discovering Jesus with me?” He said, “Yes.”
Read the full article HERE.
26 Tuesday Nov 2019
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From Thomas Brook’s classic, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices”
“…solemnly to consider, That the spiritual riches of the poorest saints infinitely transcend the temporal riches of all the wicked men in the world; their spiritual riches satisfy them; they can sit down satisfied with the riches of grace that are in Christ, without earthly honors or riches.“
You can buy the book here (extremely cheap!) and likely find it online in pdf form for free. WELL WORTH THE READ! Especially if you are considering taking the One Year Challenge. Satan will certainly oppose any who who would attempt great things for God in going on mission, it is our job to put on the armor that God has provided!
“in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
2 Corinthians 2:11
25 Monday Nov 2019
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22 Friday Nov 2019
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A few bright moments from a dark time.
21 Thursday Nov 2019
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The 72 hour rule: https://renew.org/demo-post-03-copy/
7 Strategies for time management: https://www.liquidplanner.com/blog/7-essential-time-management-strategies/
Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets only a week’s value out of a year while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week.
- Charles Richards
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
Colossians 4:5 (NIV)
This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
“making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:16 (NIV)
21 Thursday Nov 2019
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“Spiritual leadership is using God’s methods to get his people where he wants them in reliance on his power.”
Read John Piper’s article on this subject, there are some terrific examples and clear points to help Christians develop in this area.
You can view the full article here.
19 Tuesday Nov 2019
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This week we draw again from Thomas Brook’s classic, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices”
“in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
2 Corinthians 2:11
“First, You must know that every man cannot be excellent, yet every man may be useful. An iron key may unlock the door with a golden treasure behind it; yes, iron can do some things that gold cannot.”
“remember this, that your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all!”
You can buy the book here (extremely cheap!) and likely find it online in pdf form for free. WELL WORTH THE READ! Especially if you are considering taking the One Year Challenge. Satan will certainly oppose any who who would attempt great things for God in going on mission, it is our job to put on the armor that God has provided!
18 Monday Nov 2019
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Sarai & Beuna Vida, with roots in Mexico and California, this group does great covers and original songs. Check them out! And check out what site we have in California on the OYC website!
