http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/ Hear from our pastoral and ministry teams on life, events, teachings or something they just want to share. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:45:11 GMT en-us Copyright 2012 Grace Bible Church (CA) http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-rich/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-rich/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:45:09 GMT “We are wicked rich!”  Those were the words that burst from the lips of our preschooler moments after walking into the upper level of a giant A-framed “cabin” in Conway, N.H. for the first time.  The ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-the-message/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-the-message/ Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:56:59 GMT Fault a politician for all kinds of things, but you can’t fault them when they stay on their message.  For a number of months now, our President’s message has been that of “fair share.” Whether you like the ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-bigger-and-better/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-bigger-and-better/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:55:02 GMT So much of Christmas is geared to the promotion of “bigger and better.”  Home Depot’s repeated advertisement this season wants you to know that they are doing “bigger and better;” but of course – ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/whats-next-for-your-small-group/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/whats-next-for-your-small-group/ Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:05:34 GMT We have come to the end of Radical Together, and a few groups have asked me for ideas on what to do next. I thought I would take a few moments today and gather a list of suggestions. If your group already has a study in mind, feel free to use ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/punctuality/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/punctuality/ Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:55:17 GMT “What a way to run a railroad”. This was often said derisively when a train got off schedule and ran late. In the old days, trains were famous for running right on time, punctual that is! Today some people seem to lose all sense ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-lifes-non-negotiables/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-lifes-non-negotiables/ Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:03:33 GMT Last Monday a handful of cyclists cranked out Huasna Road, a ride we’ve done a dozen times. For the most part, the 23-mile trek is a gradual climb out and a fast ride back to the coffee shop.  However, there are a couple of ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-wrong-parts/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-wrong-parts/ Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:47:34 GMT A word about Wrong Parts… The first car that I bought was powered by a seasoned 225 slant-six engine. After a year of running it 35 miles each way to my seminary classes, it was using more oil than a deep-fat-fryer! It had become a ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/sensitivity/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/sensitivity/ Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:29:20 GMT Mimosa Pudica.  Before you think you are at the wrong address or have the wrong number, let me tell you (if you do not already know) what that term means. It is a green plant, and it’s distinctive characteristic is that when touched, ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-change/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-change/ Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:19:45 GMT Often, anticipated change comes with a joyful “Finally!”  Other change explodes into our lives with a jarring finality.  In churches, synagogues, civic centers and I’d like to think, even in some mosques; this Sunday ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-being-cleared/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-being-cleared/ Sat, 03 Sep 2011 06:53:54 GMT Erik was the youngest of three, when at five he began that elongated experience called, “school.” Our family still talks about asking this Scandinavian towhead, “Erik, are you ready for kindergarten?”  The ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/mens-fraternity-starting-in-september/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/mens-fraternity-starting-in-september/ Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:49:27 GMT Looking for a Men's Bible study? You should join a Men's Fraternity Group. Men’s Fraternity is a Men's Bible study by Robert Lewis that focuses on teaching men "how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ and ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/responsibility/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/responsibility/ Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:53:37 GMT “Liberty means responsibility—That is why most men dread it.” G.B.Shaw. Is this true? Do we naturally shy away from being responsible? In a New York Times survey which listed a long series of values, people were asked to rate ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-radical-together-seven-quotes-that-got-me-thinking/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-radical-together-seven-quotes-that-got-me-thinking/ Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:13:32 GMT This fall, our church will be reading and wrestling with David Platt’s challenging book Radical Together. To give us a picture of what the book is about and help us get ready for the study, I have gathered some of the most challenging, ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/leadership-gathering-kickoff/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/leadership-gathering-kickoff/ Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:03:57 GMT Leadership Gathering “Kick-off”In a couple of weeks ESPN will be singing, “Are you ready for some football?”  Well, today I’m singing, “Are you ready for some ministry?”  No, seriously, ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/patience/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/patience/ Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:36:30 GMT Parents often say to the children, “You try my patience”. Shakespeare has Henry IV saying, “You tread upon my patience.” Everyone seems to agree that patience is a great virtue, and is often in short supply. We can go way ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-tickling-ears/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-tickling-ears/ Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:07:55 GMT Actually, it didn't tickle; but there is a two year old church tyke that loves to be picked up and lately, it seems, is captivated with twitching my ear lobe.   I'd be asking him a question or saying "look at this or that"- and all ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/orderliness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/orderliness/ Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:35:49 GMT The opposite of orderliness is confusion. And what an uncertain mess this can produce!  In a book written by Doug Lansky called Signspotting.com, he tells of taking pictures of odd signs. Like, "A white highway sign in PA that ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-living/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-living/ Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:19:49 GMT I saw my grandmother “laid to rest,” as is said.  I was eight. As recollection has it, it would be ten years later before I would again peer into an occupied casket. On a Sunday afternoon, I was making “special ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/obedience/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/obedience/ Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:24:29 GMT “There are two kinds of people: Those who say to the Lord, ‘thy will be done.’ And those to whom God says, ‘all right then, have it your way.’”  C. S. Lewis. We are always struggling to decide who is our ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/recent-news-from-the-elders/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/recent-news-from-the-elders/ Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:16:25 GMT Join the Elders in Praying for our Life in Christ at GBC… Praise: 1) For the encouraging and meaningful interactions experienced by our visiting missionaries and those who were able to participate in the activities of this year's ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-review-of-you-can-change/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-review-of-you-can-change/ Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:50:53 GMT Earlier this year I asked our small group leaders to consider reviewing a small group resource for other GBC small group leaders. Ron Miller wrote the first review, which can be found here: http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoug... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/joyfulness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/joyfulness/ Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:37:33 GMT The Bible overflows with this word and it covers many aspects of life. Joyfulness means “Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant circumstances.” Attitude! There’s a good word for you. Realtors constantly ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-fathers-day/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-fathers-day/ Sun, 19 Jun 2011 20:28:09 GMT Here’s a statistic for you.  There are now 43 million homes in America that have dogs in them and only 38 million with children.  I know, I know, “We’re going to the dogs.”  While there are serious ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/tolerance/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/tolerance/ Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:36:42 GMT Here is a word and trait that is constantly being shouted in our day. It is urged upon us, and we are threatened if we don’t practice it! It’s a perfectly legitimate and useful word. The dictionary tells us, in various forms, that ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/small-group-passover-seder/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/small-group-passover-seder/ Wed, 11 May 2011 18:37:39 GMT This Easter one of our small groups chose to celebrate in a unique way. As a small group, they had a Passover Seder, which is a traditional Jewish celebration. After hearing about it, I asked Bonnie Markoff, who led the Seder for her small ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/contentment/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/contentment/ Tue, 10 May 2011 17:01:24 GMT “Life is very sweet to me and there is no position of power or wealth that could tempt me from the throne God has given me.” Is this from a romantic novel? Is this from a dreamer or otherwise not a world-related person? How can ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-never-giving-up/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-never-giving-up/ Wed, 04 May 2011 20:39:21 GMT I felt like giving up.  I really did.  I was running the indoor track located in the basement of our high school complex; running in my black arch-less Converse “Chucks.”  In front of me were some upperclassmen clad in ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-what-if/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-what-if/ Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:48:36 GMT ”Everyone has played the “What if” game.  “What if I didn’t go to that school?” or, “What if I hadn’t met you?”   “What if Walt Hansen didn’t swim out and pull me out of ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-our-way-out-of-darkness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-our-way-out-of-darkness/ Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:39:33 GMT As representatives of Christ and by means of your Global Outreach investments, Bill and Sharon Hart, Jim Tahmisian, Charlotte and I spent a recent ten day period in Albania. As you may know, Albania is a mountainous Balkan state located on the ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/an-example-of-godly-contentment/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/an-example-of-godly-contentment/ Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:38:46 GMT In my sermon today I mentioned the story of Robertson and Muriel McQuilkin. Robertson was the president of Columbia Bible College and Graduate School until 1990, when he resigned to care for his beloved wife Muriel. If you would like to ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/forgiveness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/forgiveness/ Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:01:32 GMT Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel. Over and over again the Bible speaks of the need for "repentance and the ensuing forgiveness." There are scores of illustrations that reveal the need of people forgiving other people. We will come to ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/generosity/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/generosity/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:01:14 GMT At Christmas we often sing, “ ’tis the season to be jolly.” Perhaps so, but more significantly, it’s the season to be generous. But not only during a season, but all the time. What does it mean to be generous? Is it ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-book-summary-for-small-group-leaders/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-book-summary-for-small-group-leaders/ Fri, 18 Mar 2011 23:16:34 GMT Ron Miller, one of our GBC small group leaders, has summarized and reviewed the book Simple Small Groups by Bill Search. http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/justice/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/justice/ Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:30:15 GMT I have often heard people say, "There ain't no justice!" It does appear that way sometimes. What is justice? We immediately think of the word "fairness", "honor",or "proper treatment." Everyone wants to be treated fairly or justly. We pass laws ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-murder/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-murder/ Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:13:53 GMT A word about Murder… Tom grew up in our previous church.  I always liked Tom… sort of.  I mean, I liked him because he was committed to the work of Christ, even as a teenager.  I liked him because eventually he ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/joyfulness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/joyfulness/ Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:56:33 GMT The Bible overflows with this word and it covers many aspects of life. Joyfulness means “Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant circumstances.” Attitude! There’s a good word for you. Realtors constantly ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-family--friends/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-family--friends/ Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:39:12 GMT Charlotte and I have spent the past few days in Arizona visiting with our Joe and Kristina and their “fabulous-five.”  What a family!  While we didn’t come for the reason of helping fix a few things around the house, ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/initiative/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/initiative/ Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:38:19 GMT How is your “Get-up-and Go”? Those words are one definition of Initiative. Sometimes it is described as the power, the ability to begin, or to follow through. Initiative is determination. Initiative is enterprise. Initiative ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/meekness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/meekness/ Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:38:47 GMT A long time ago I thought meekness and pusillanimous were synonyms. The dictionary defines pusillanimous as “faint-hearted, weak.” Isn’t that what meekness is like? I was wrong to think so and so are you if that’s your ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-our-god-talk/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-our-god-talk/ Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:36:24 GMT On a brisk July morning, along with my brothers-in-law, Gary and Paul, I wheeled south on New Hampshire’s Highway 16 to the village of Center Ossipee.  We had no trouble at all finding our way to the tourist-driven Indian Mound Golf ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/character/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/character/ Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:15:26 GMT Our faithful consultant, the dictionary, says that character is made up of the things that distinguish. Character is a combined moral and ethical structure. Character is the quality or disposition of a person. Here is a fine statement by a man ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-idols/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-idols/ Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:06:25 GMT One year, and to my dismay, only one year, while on our way home from Albania, Charlotte and I spent a week vacationing in the Brittany region of France making a “house call” on one of our church families who resides there for about ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/determination/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/determination/ Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:17:36 GMT William Lloyd Garrison, the famous English Abolitionist, gave many impassioned speeches on this topic, one of which was in Park Street Church in Boston. On one occasion he said, about his topic: “On this subject, I do not wish to think, or ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-sacred-horizons-/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-sacred-horizons-/ Sun, 30 Jan 2011 05:36:44 GMT Some of our neighbors have an “ocean view.”  We do not. Of those that do, most of them can see as much of the ocean as you can see in the above photo.  When I once served on the design committee for our 220 house ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/compassion/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/compassion/ Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:18:31 GMT “I feel sorry for you.” Is that compassion?  Well partly perhaps, but it’s more than that. The dictionary says that compassion is pity, or sympathy. It means to share the suffering of another person. “One day a ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-short-cuts/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-short-cuts/ Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:56:14 GMT Thinking about the most recent Nor’easter (blizzard-storm) that hit New England, caused me to consider a quote you will find on my study desk, right there under all of my books and papers. The caption says:  “Never take no ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-where-to-begin/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-where-to-begin/ Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:38:12 GMT Intro:  On Thursday, the opening day of the 112th US Congress, its members began by conducting a first-ever reading of the seven articles and twenty-seven amendments that comprise the Constitution of the United States.  For a ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-identity/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-identity/ Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:04:00 GMT As I recall, the first time anyone called me “Pastor” was when, at the age of 28, we moved to an 8,000 population “city” in central Maine. “Pastor?” I was too young, too inexperienced, and probably too silly ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-crunch-time/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-crunch-time/ Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:14:26 GMT A Word about Crunch-time… One of the memorable sermons many of us have heard is Tony Campolo’s “It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming.”  Actually, Dr. Campolo was telling of an old black pastor who first ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-long-journeys/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-long-journeys/ Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:25:35 GMT Truthfully, I’ve only dabbled in the truly “long journeys” of life. Descending long crevasses into the belly of the Grand Canyon or traversing to the top of the infamous Half Dome seemed tough for a few hours. Long journey? Not ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/three-new-mens-groups/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/three-new-mens-groups/ Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:00:45 GMT Three new Men's groups are starting next week. These groups will last 5 weeks, and are designed to give you a chance to connect with other GBC men for fellowship, encouragement, accountability and prayer. Here are the details on each ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-trying/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-trying/ Mon, 11 Oct 2010 02:33:44 GMT I guess I read it as a boy. I know that I read it to our sons. It is the story of a train that was called upon to carry toys to the children over the mountain. It is the story of the American dream, of positive thinking. It is the story of ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-panic/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-panic/ Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:54:39 GMT I was born with panic in my soul. Not all middle children are that way, but the pressure of having to catch up with your older sibling and staying ahead of your younger can almost be debilitating at times. While I’m anything but proud of ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/another-word-about-work-/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/another-word-about-work-/ Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:29:25 GMT I was visiting our boys’ High School during soccer practice one fall day. They worked hard at the game. They really did! As we walked past the scattered cars in the student parking lot, I spotted this weary looking young man… it was ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/even-pastors-have-their-days/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/even-pastors-have-their-days/ Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:02:37 GMT In August of 1926, so the newspaper read, a “holiness meeting… broke up in a riot when… ‘Maine’s Billy Sunday’ challenged an accusation made by Evangelist Norburry of Pennsylvania.” The “wildest ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/hospitality/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/hospitality/ Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:20:10 GMT Here is a characteristic we all like!! Especially if we are on the receiving end. It’s good to be the recipient of warm and enjoyable hospitality. We don’t have to study word derivation and background history to know that hospitality ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/news-from-albania/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/news-from-albania/ Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:51:55 GMT As you may know, we currently have a team in Albania assisting Campus Crusade with English Camps. Brent Freeby, one of our GBC members, is leading the team. He is making frequent posts on his "Engrish Camp 2010"  blog. Here is the ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-the-deal-maker/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-the-deal-maker/ Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:04:33 GMT Late last week, a friend from the past with whom I reconnected earlier this year, picked up his Austin, Texas phone, called, and greeted me with “He Is Risen.” My first thought was, “Who is this, Rip Van Winkle? You’re ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/humility/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/humility/ Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:20:18 GMT In the Bible, pride is looked upon as the basic sin. And, humility is viewed as a basic virtue, along with self-abasement. Now, this is pretty far-removed from the average person’s thinking about life. Usually we say as that ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-pursuing-happiness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-pursuing-happiness/ Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:01:34 GMT For more than fifty years it has been called “the happiest place on earth.” I’ve read that almost sixteen million people visited Disneyland last year, most of whom also showed up there the other day as Charlotte and I tried to ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-what-is-the-greatest-gift-in-the-world-/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-what-is-the-greatest-gift-in-the-world-/ Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:56:48 GMT Note: This is module 5 in a series of 5 which has been guest-written by Al Provost, a member of Grace Bible Church. Al has a passion for Jesus Christ, and especially for answering challenges to the truthfulness of Christianity. Visit his ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/honor/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/honor/ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:20:45 GMT This little word certainly has a lot of meanings. The Dictionary immediately lists about 11 or 12 different suggestions. We can't look at them all, but basically the word suggests deference, respect, privilege. We use it to proclaim ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-did-jesus-live/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-did-jesus-live/ Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:05:15 GMT Note: This is module 4 in a series of 5 which has been guest-written by Al Provost, a member of Grace Bible Church. Al has a passion for Jesus Christ, and especially for answering challenges to the truthfulness of Christianity. Visit his ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-never-done/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-never-done/ Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:17:24 GMT Many tasks in life never are finished? Are you OK, with that? The other day I was removing branches from one of our “ornamental pear trees,” something I am constantly doing - or so it seems. It also seems like branches grow ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answerering-questions-is-the-bible-reliable/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answerering-questions-is-the-bible-reliable/ Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:22:44 GMT #3  Is the Bible Reliable?  Allow me to change directions and discuss the Bible for a moment.  The Bible is a compilation of 66 books.  It was written by many different authors over a period of about 1600 years.  Yet ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-what-is-not/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-what-is-not/ Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:38:08 GMT “Faster than a speeding bullet; more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound; it’s a bird, it’s a plane – It’s Superman!” That is how George Reeves was described when I was ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-were-we-created/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-were-we-created/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:40:42 GMT Note: This is module 2 in a series of 5 which has been guest-written by Al Provost, a member of Grace Bible Church. Al has a passion for Jesus Christ, and especially for answering challenges to the truthfulness of Christianity. Visit his website ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-getting-it-right/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-getting-it-right/ Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:27:03 GMT The OSH assistant that recently attended our church said, “Pastor, you’ll have no problem,” as he handed me a GFCI receptacle, a new box to hold it and a few other of what I’ll call “doodads,” all of which I ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-what-can-jesus-do-for-you/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/answering-questions-what-can-jesus-do-for-you/ Thu, 27 May 2010 22:57:30 GMT note: This series of articles is guest-written by Al Provost, a member of Grace Bible Church. Al has a passion for Jesus Christ, and especially for answering challenges to the truthfulness of Christianity. He has a website called ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-forgiveness/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-forgiveness/ Fri, 14 May 2010 02:00:43 GMT “Sorry” is a game. “Forgiveness” is not. As a boy, the Parker Brothers had me hooked. Had I the opportunity, I would play “Sorry”, the “game of sweet revenge” for hours; at least until I won. I ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-parenting/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-parenting/ Fri, 07 May 2010 02:36:43 GMT Have you ever heard a parent say something like this about their ankle-biters: “I just want to give them the opportunities I never had”? Do you think for even a minute that is what they want? I can just hear them: “Hey mom, ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-old-friends/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-old-friends/ Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:43:59 GMT The inter-office phone rang and I listened as my assistant, Maggie, informed me; “There’s a man who says he’s an old friend on the phone; line one.” “Hmm,” I pondered, “old friend, wonder who that could ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-a-c21-church/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-a-c21-church/ Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:21:50 GMT The church was dying. It was stuck in a wearisome rut of routine. It was going nowhere – slowly! One day, an observant soul came up with a brilliant idea. She suggested that what the church needed was for someone to come along and lead ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-crowds/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-crowds/ Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:06:17 GMT I almost always write about something that I’ve done; someplace I’ve been. Here’s something I’ve never done. I’ve never stood at 1A Rockefeller Plaza on a cold NY morning to freak out over Tom Cruise, or for that ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-upset/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-upset/ Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:16:33 GMT As is the case on most flights these days, if you are not privileged to board with Zone 2 (the first of the “commoners” boarding group), finding a place for your crammed-full carry-on, is like finding a parking spot on Higuera Street ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-galatians-through-2-thessalonians--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-9/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-galatians-through-2-thessalonians--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-9/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:11:42 GMT This week (March 8-14) we continue our Together Through the New Testament reading group with the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians. These books are short, so plan on reading one each day. This ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-words/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-words/ Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:55:31 GMT How good are you with words? With both my grandfathers and my dad being great communicators, during my high school years, it began to dawn on me that I should work at “words” as well. So during my sophomore year I dropped into the ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-winning/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-winning/ Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:32:29 GMT Is your marriage a contest? Who’s winning? Floors vacuumed – check; Laundry done (including the clothes worn on my last trip) –check; Dishes clean and put away – check; Furniture dusted – don’t push it! ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-respect/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-respect/ Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:47:01 GMT Please forgive me… but during the week between returning from studying in Europe and being wedded to my Charlotte, I missed the brutal brunt of a little meeting that took place in Chicago. It seems, at that precise time, I had other ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-acts--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--weeks-5--6/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-acts--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--weeks-5--6/ Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:23:02 GMT Finding Comfort in the Words of God note: This week (February 15-21) we continue reading through the New Testament in the Book of Acts, with chapters 17-28. You will need to read about two chapters each day. If you would like to download a copy ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-prayer-needs/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-prayer-needs/ Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:50:25 GMT A word about the need for prayer from and about Macedonia… I find myself today in a land far colder to the gospel than the freezing weather outdoors. This evening I met with a man my age that, through a vision as well as the witness of ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-john--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-4/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-john--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-4/ Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:13:00 GMT Still reading? We are 3 weeks into this and I am sure that keeping up has become a challenge for some of us. Here is my confession...I only made it halfway through Luke. If you got a little behind (like me), can I make a few suggestions? 1. ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-straight/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-straight/ Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:11:47 GMT Most of us, I suspect, can hear Johnny Cash’s deep and weathered voice singing at least one phrase of his 1956 hit, “I’ll walk the line.” (Actually, I’m not sure if the voice in my head isn’t that of our own ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/-reading-luke--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-3/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/-reading-luke--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-3/ Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:09:58 GMT The Gospel of Luke begins with these words: "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-visible-joy/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-visible-joy/ Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:06:26 GMT How would you portray joyous faith? Here’s my take. On a lake near Donner Pass, I “clicked” one of our grandsons having the time-of-his-life; it was a ball! “Again,” was all Isaac would say as his dad landed him ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/another-word-about-praying/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/another-word-about-praying/ Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:54:15 GMT Do you wonder what God was thinking or doing when the 7.3- earthquake literally tossed and turned the capital of Haiti this week? Forty-thousand lives have been snuffed out and countless buildings destroyed. Was He really thinking, as one ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/-reading-mark--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-2/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/-reading-mark--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-2/ Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:04:57 GMT So today (or tomorrow), many of us will begin reading the Gospel of Mark. If you want to read every day, you will need to read about Two chapters of Mark each day. Wondering what to look for in Mark? Here are a few things I expect to see as I ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-matthew--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-1/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/reading-matthew--together-through-the-new-testament-2010--week-1/ Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:21:34 GMT Note: the "comments" feature of this blog is not working correctly, so it is difficult (or impossible) to comment right now. We will fix them soon. The first week of our "Together Through the New Testament 2010" reading project is here. This ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-being-radical/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-being-radical/ Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:21:58 GMT Alan Morse was radical! He really was. He was also my roommate our sophomore year at Gordon College. How was he radical? Well, for one, he never rebelled against the campus standards. Remember, he was my roommate; I knew these things. Not ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/introduction--together-through-the-new-testament-2010/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/introduction--together-through-the-new-testament-2010/ Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:20 GMT This week we start our three month “Together Through the New Testament” reading project. http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-prayer/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-prayer/ Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:57:15 GMT As a boy, December 31st was the day that we went to church and “prayed in the new year.” A few of you remember those classic experiences. The not-so-well attended evening began at 9:00 with a double-reel Christian movie followed by ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-christmas/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-christmas/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:02:37 GMT It is Christmas Eve, and by the time you read this, it may have already passed. But if not... Little Cheyanne and her mother stopped by yesterday to give a wonderful Christmas gift to Charlotte and me. It was carefully wrapped in a red and ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-timing/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-timing/ Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:03:27 GMT I’m not much at cooking, as most of you have heard and some of you know. I do put together a simple breakfast for Charlotte and me on a daily basis. So, I am thinking, “I do prepare one-third of our meals.” Not bad. But then ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-hope/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-hope/ Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:47:35 GMT Years ago, I hoped to make the college soccer team. To that point in life, my experience had been corralled into high school gym classes. Talk about a wannabe athlete! But I had met the team’s coach the previous April, and he encouraged ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-peace/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-peace/ Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:54:19 GMT The undersized tin footlocker was unloaded, the new plaid blanket tucked around the metal-framed bed, and I had been introduced to my roommate. College life had begun! That evening, Gordon College’s class of “68” headed down ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-builders/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-builders/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:50:16 GMT It was the late in the afternoon on Monday, the 19th of August, 1991, when our vacationing family found themselves hunkered down in Charlotte’s parent’s family room in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It had rained most of the day. It ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-getting-there/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-getting-there/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:46:13 GMT From Coy Pond, located on the campus of my Cap Ann, Massachusetts Alma Mater, it was a wooded half-mile walk to Round Pond, where into its southern tip, I dragged the one-man Sunfish. I had read up on this thing called “sailing.” I ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-judging/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-judging/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:30:08 GMT Standing in front of our son at the airline’s premier-status line was a fellow in well-worn jeans and a t-shirt. His beard was long, gray and his hair poorly groomed, or so it seemed. Most notably, however, was theinattentive treatment ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-worry/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-worry/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:01:01 GMT She is barely a one year old. But, apparently, little Charlotte already has the worry bug. You see, at this point, our granddaughter’s only two words are a sing-song “Hi,” and a more serious, “Shoes” Oh, maybe ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-applause/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-applause/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:05:46 GMT You may be an “Apple” person, but you can’t help but feel good about Microsoft’s Bill and Malinda Gates, who through their foundation have given, literally, billions of dollars to provide immunizations to the poorest of ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/tis-the-season-to-be-generous/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/tis-the-season-to-be-generous/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:45:00 GMT At Christmas we often sing, “ ’tis the season to be jolly.” Perhaps so, but more significantly, it’s the season to be generous. But not only during a season, but all the time. What does it mean to be generous? Is it ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-revenge/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-revenge/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:37:56 GMT Leke Dukagjini, known as the “angel prince,” was a 15th century ruler of Albania who gave his life to guarantee the continuity of his country’s identity. Most notably are the laws he initiated and enforced. One in particular, ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-do-overs/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-do-overs/ Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:26:48 GMT If you got to do it all over again, what would you do differently? At the end of his wonderful book, “Life is Mostly Edges,” preaching sage, Calvin Miller, tells this story. “Could I pass this way again I would take seriously ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-morality/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-morality/ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:10:36 GMT Asked to define morality and often times we end up with a list of do’s and don’ts. But whose list should we use and why? Born again Christians in their twenties, according to the book UnChristian are three times more likely to have ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-murder/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-murder/ Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:44:03 GMT If it were up to Jesus, could you get sent to Alcatraz? Along with our church chairman and his wife, last week, Charlotte and I visited this amazing inescapable (no matter what Clint Eastwood says) maximum-security prison. While it has been ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-salt-and-light/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-salt-and-light/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:53:39 GMT I wonder what kind of a TSA officer Barney Fife would have made. At times I’ve thought America’s Security folk took their lessons from lawman-Barney. I confess, in real life, these protectors of the peace haven’t been on my ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-blueprint-for-living/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-blueprint-for-living/ Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:44:14 GMT Pastor Joe is on vacation, so I am writing his weekly email. This week we start a new sermon series called "Blueprint For Living". It will focus on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7. On Sunday, we will start the series by ... http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-friends/ http://www.gracevine.com/blog-thoughts/a-word-about-friends/ Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:16:14 GMT Gerry was my best friend in college. I think you would have liked him too. For most of three years we did all kinds of things together; nighttime “sub-runs” to Lena’s on Bridge Street, traveling with a music group, riding in ...