The Kingdom Experiment at Sterling Naz

Voice of the Martyrs.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:00:54 +0000

The Voice of the Martyrs is a nonprofit group that strives to make the world aware of the persecution Christians suffer. Go to their Web site at www.be-a-voice.net. Become a part of the Be-A-Voice network, then find the profile of a persecuted Christian and make a commitment to write and pray for this person.

Text a Bible.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:00:30 +0000

1. Text the word Bible to 20222. Wait for a confirmation text message.

2. Send the word YES

3. That’s it. You just sent a Bible to a persecuted Christian. You will get a $5 charge on your billing statement.

The mission is through Open Doors. You can visit them at opendoorsusa.org.

Lots of bullies on the playground.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:00:17 +0000

More Christians have been persecuted in the last 100 years than in all of the previous 1900 years since the time of Christ. You might be surprised to know of persecution against Christians that happens close to home. Go to christianfreedom.org and search under United States, Mexico, or UK to inform yourself about persecution near to you.

You have 346,918 Facebook friends, give or take a few.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:00:11 +0000

But not everyone is a social whiz. In your church there are people who are lonely—outcasts either by intentional or unintentional exclusion. Find someone like this and become involved in his or her life. Take that person out to lunch. Invite him or her to be a part of your small group.

Find a friend?

The good. The badge. And the ugly.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:00:46 +0000

Consider people in your town who play active roles in peacemaking: officers, teachers, civil servants, pastors. Write them a letter of affirmation, make a donation, or prepare something special to show your appreciation.

Are you feeling it?

Bite your tongue.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:00:45 +0000

The Scriptures say it’s a pretty good idea to be “quick to listen and slow to speak” (James 1:19). But as reactionary creatures, this is hard for us. This week hold your tongue in arguments, even when you think you are in the right. Once you have listened, calmed down, and prayed about your response, then speak your mind. Be the active peacemaker in the conflict.

Did it hurt?

Zebras.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:00:22 +0000

Referees are the peacemakers on the field, but seldom do they receive anything but verbal assaults. Doesn’t matter if it was a ball or strike, foul or pick, first down or turnover. Keep your complaints to yourself, and personally thank the refs when the match has ended.

Bring the peace?

Bring peace to the chaos.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:00:04 +0000

Chaos is a word most people have added to their vocabulary after having children. While endearing, children aren’t known as the most peaceful of all beings. Create peace in someone’s life by offering to child-sit while they go out for the night. Another option is to volunteer in your children’s ministry on Sunday. Maybe some of the “regulars” would like to hear a sermon every once in a while.

Did you jump in?

I haven’t had time-out since I was five.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:00:57 +0000

Reflect on three of your most sacred spaces or places of retreat. Your car during a long drive. Your favorite park. That nook in your house. Visit each of these three places throughout the week to refocus on God when life gets hectic.

Good time-out?

I get by with a little help from my friends.

scottwhalen22 — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:00:50 +0000

If you don’t already have an accountability partner, seek out a trusted friend and set up times to meet regularly. Use these times to share joys, struggles, temptations, and everyday life. One of the main reasons why God created the body of Christ was so that we could encourage and support one another through this faith journey.

Find somebody to lean on?