Quote of the Day 03/16/12

“No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life." – Albert Einstein

Quote of the Day 03/13/12

Ask any police officer (or watch any reality Cops show) and you'll see just how creatively we humans can string together a list of excuses for any and every deviant behavior. From the inner-city streets to the therapist's couch we have become experts in rationalizing why we do what we do, and why what we do really isn't "blame-worthy" because it really isn't our fault. Open the Bible and you'll find no sympathy for that kind of thinking. Excuses are never received kindly in the pages of Scripture. What God is looking for are people who will admit their transgressions and accept full responsibility for their sins. Biblical wisdom instructs: "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). God is a merciful God, but his mercy and grace are not granted to those who do not accept ownership for their behavior. There may be many reasons for our sins, but there are ultimately no excuses. May we all experience the extravagant grace of God as we consistently practice brutal honesty concerning ourselves, our words and our actions. - Pastor Mike Fabarez

Quote of the day 03/09/12

“Something I learned early in college (is) to not worry about what I can’t control…But what I can control is my attitude, my effort, my focus every single day and that’s what I’m trying to worry about.” 

 – Tim Tebow

I applaud Tim Tebow for maintaining his faith in such a media driven and ego boosting profession.  Not unlike the entertainment industry, football players and anyone in the spotlight, get bombarded by money, girls and fame.  All these things cater to our sinful desires and if we are weak, we give in.  Don’t get me wrong, we are all human, but by admitting that we are human also means that we are sinful, self serving and prideful.  This is why it is so important that we root ourselves in the teaching of the Bible.  As I read and study the Bible it becomes more and more apparent that God provided guidance for all situations.  Yes, even for the modern day man.

Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, ⁷ having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Quote for the Day 2/02/12

“There is a great need for dedicated Christian groups committed to one another, committed to a vision of justice, committed to Christ; groups that will pray together, think together, formulate policies together, and get to work together in the community.” - John Stott

Quote of the Day - 01/11/12

“I think that best way to honor Christ is to be extraordinary at what you do.” – *Phil Cooke

This is probably the best motivation a Christ follower could have to succeed in whatever you pursue.  We are called to honor Christ in everything we do, say and think.  While we can go crazy in our pursuit of excellence we should always strive to me more Christ like in how we live our lives.  Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” - John 8:31-32. 

What an awesome opportunity to live in this day for Christ.  I see it as a personal challenge to be winsome in my witness to those who openly oppose Christ today.  To try and live out WWJD in every situation becomes increasingly difficult if you are not grounded in the faith and continually studying, mediating, praying and involved in fellowship with other believers.

1 John 2:4-6

The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

*Phil Cooke is a director, producer, author and speaker.  Phil, along with his wife Kathleen, founded Cooke Pictures in 1991.  He has a lot of insight on the topic of Christian media because he sees it first hand.  You can check out his web page at http://philcooke.com/.  Please pick up his book Jolt.  It is a must for those looking to get their career moving and stay motivated.

Please read my interview with Phil Cooke in the interview section of the blog.
http://cafe-fellowship.blogspot.com/p/interviews.html

Quote of the Day 12/23/11

Quote of the Day - 12/22/11

“Christmas is a time when people of all religions come together to worship Jesus Christ.” - Bart Simpson

OK, so this is funny because it’s the cartoon character Bart Simpson talking.  Unfortunately many people (who are not cartoon characters) believe that there are many ways to Heaven; that Jesus is not the only way to God.  The popular belief is that we all can be right and to not be excepting of other faiths is intolerant.  The truth is that if you believe what Jesus said in any part of the Bible, you must believe that He is who He said He is.  And, if you believe that Jesus is who He said He is, you must believe that by believing in Jesus, and only Jesus, you will go to Heaven.  There is no grey area here.

As Christians we come together at Christmas time not to worship a myth, we come to worship the birth of our Savior.  Jesus is the only hope we have of ever being reconciled to God.  Without Jesus, we would be lost in sin and forever separated from God.

So Christmas is a time to celebrate the sacrifice that our Heavenly Father gave in order that His creation could once again stand in His presence.  Christmas is about Jesus.  To celebrate Christmas with Jesus is like having a birthday party for someone and not inviting them to their party.  Invite Jesus into your heart this Christmas.  He is the most precious gift you will ever receive.

1 John 5:11

And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.