Redeeming the Time... instead of waiting for voicemail...

I have a lot to do. I know you do too.

So I was thrilled to learn that most voicemail systems in businesses and most mobile phone carriers have ways to skip the prerecorded messages.

I didn't believe it, so I tested my own phone... it worked!

For most voicemail systems, try hitting #, 1, or *. That may enable you to dodge the message. 

For mobile carriers, try:

• 1 for Verizon (It works!).
• # for T-Mobile.
• 1 for sprint.
• 7 for Cingular and AT&T.

Try this if you are constantly leaving messages for the same person who has a two minute message telling you what you already know:

- they aren't there.

- leave a message.

- leave your number.

- they'll call back... (will they?)

Don't spend your precious time listening to recordings. Go do something to honor the Lord Jesus.

(BTW - I posted this so I can look it up later... and because it might help.)

Using Facebook Biblically [Wise Wednesday]

Theology moves so fast these days. I was interested to find this article with some helpful thoughts about thinking biblically about Facebook.

Nine things we should avoid:

1. The trend of using status updates to complain

2. Measuring your worth/identity by number of Facebook friends/Facebook interactions

3. Greater concern over forming Facebook (virtual) friends rather than real friends

4. Diminishment of face-to-face time with people/enjoying and working on real relationships

5. Dual identities (saying/doing things online you'd never do in person)

6. Hurting and excluding others (intentionally or unintentionally)

7. Facebook and online life can make you more distracted

8. Can tempt you away from your calling/work (celebrating the insignificant)

9. Thinking about yourself more than you already do.

I can think of a few other things that need to be avoided:

1. Judging others by the groups they join.

2. Feeling hurt by not being invited to 'this party' or 'that event.'

3. Checking people out to see if I am doing 'better' than them.

6 ways we can use facebook for Jesus:

1. Get back in touch with old, far-away friends in an easy way, showing them how you’ve been changed by Jesus

2. As an extension of face-to-face relationships/can be used to enhance time with people

3. To think about yourself less and others more (pray for people!)

4. To sharpen/discipline what you do with your time

5. To quickly announce/make great things happen

6. To influence other people for Jesus. Create a new culture with your status updates..

Paul instructs us to make the most of our time, because the days are evil. We're called to be redeemers, using what God has given us for Jesus. What other ways can you think of using new technologies for Jesus?

Internal Rot [Wise Wednesday]

Reading the Bible to my squirmy kids at dinner tonight we came across this passage:

Where there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.

But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.

- Proverbs 28:2

So... is it we the people who need to take a long hard look at ourselves? Or do we blame our leaders? Or... is it both?

Confident in the Face of Evil [Wise Wednesday]

Dr. Charles Young, while preaching in the chapel at CIU recently,  made this point about possible 'antichrists.'

Now... I don't think Barack Obama is the Antichrist. But there are some who do. And the some who do seem to be worried. They are worried and angry about the coming of the Antichrist.

Dr. Young's text was Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein...

He said that he's not worried about this president being the antichrist, "because I believe in the Bible. I am not disturbed by the antichrist. I'm looking for him. His arrival does not negate God's investment in this world." W

That's wisdom. Stop digging your bunker. Don't worry about the end of the world.

The earth is the Lord's. Honor the king, love your neighbor, preach the gospel.

Relax. God is in control.