tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21258199309555288672011-07-07T19:32:07.623-07:00Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.comBlogger701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-46960070496103991112010-03-21T15:37:00.000-07:002010-03-21T15:44:36.166-07:00

Here is a list of books that I either have read or am reading.READING LISTCurrent ReadingsThe Web that has no Weaver; Understanding Chinese Medicine by Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.Execution; the discipline of getting things done by Larry Bossidy (Honywell Internatiional) and Ram Charan (author of Wht the CEO wants you to know)True for You, But Not For Me; Deflating the slogans that leave Christians

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-43753844009699944412010-02-16T11:10:00.000-08:002010-02-16T11:13:46.050-08:00

Continuing Practice of FaithHow do you apply faith in challenging situations?I certainly would not claim to be an expert. Like the medical field, I am still practicing. So here is what I am practicing. I have previously posted how helpful Isaiah 40:21-31 has been to me. Philippians 4:13 has also been helpful. (Philippians 4:13) I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Part of the

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-21476776769748711882009-12-05T12:08:00.000-08:002009-12-05T12:22:37.905-08:00

Those of you who know my technical interest will understand some of the directions I have been going to accomodate my reduced book library space. Since I no longer have the luxury of wall-to-wall book shelves in either an office or a house, I have been working to put books in digital form. I take a book, slice the spine using a special guillitine paper cutter, then scan the loose pages with my

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-58112197484411544452009-10-22T04:59:00.000-07:002009-10-22T05:25:34.025-07:00

My Pastor Blog over the next weeks will focus on temptation and as a backup to what Mark Crocco is covering in James. See his last two messages posted on Southwood’s web.ww.southwoodministries.org/messages/messages_current.htm This back-up is something I have done previously. See my blog posting for May 6, 2009, Faith Assignment No. 5Here is the relevant passage from James(James 1:2-18) {2}

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-24664883587101470122009-10-08T04:47:00.000-07:002009-10-08T05:00:27.586-07:00

Temptation usually comes in the form of short term gain and ignores long term consequences. James contrasts this as wisdom from above and below.(James 3:13-18) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. {14} But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-68725064964395767752009-10-06T19:35:00.000-07:002009-10-06T19:36:26.033-07:00

I am trying to take advantage of any spare time to read some books that have been on my reading list for awhile.Currently I am reading and about finished with Total Truth; Liberating Christianity from its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey. Excellent! As a coordinated project I am also working on organizing an endnote hyperlink file so that someone who wanted to follow the resources she has

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-47345095720635617532009-09-30T06:38:00.000-07:002009-09-30T07:03:24.877-07:00

How do you manage troubling thoughts? They can be anxious thoughts, worry, troubling thoughts about someone, toward someone, anxiety and worry about future events, health issues, a future obligation. Whatever it is, the thoughts don’t go away and continuing to dwell on them is not healthy. Let’s recap some of the passages that I have been using to hlp us manage healthy thoughts. Remember that it

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-54456797301909720572009-09-09T05:17:00.000-07:002009-09-09T05:18:47.445-07:00

I have been addressing several passages of Scripture that deal with managing our thought life so our emotions, attitudes, and behavior can be more Christ-like. Are you making progress? Take a look again at (2 Cor 10:3-6) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. {4} The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-56521527717252626792009-08-30T09:53:00.000-07:002009-08-30T09:55:30.332-07:00

As I have been writing about managing our thoughts and working off of Carolyn Leavy’s process; thoughts -> emotions - > attitudes -> behaviors, it is important to look at what happens when thoughts become entrenched and therefore, attitudes and behaviors also become entrenched. This is what Paul addresses in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5(2 Cor 10:3-5) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-30597858672151744592009-08-24T04:11:00.000-07:002009-08-24T04:14:21.367-07:00

The following is the text of a message by John Piper, entitled, "Christ and Cancer"Christ and Cancer | Desiring God linkBy John Piper August 17, 1980 Romans 8:18-28 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; 20 for the creation

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-22851513395764768172009-08-21T05:07:00.000-07:002009-08-21T05:23:59.651-07:00

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 is another thought management passage. We started in Romans 12:2 and the inside-out process given by Carolyn Leavy in her book, Who Switched off my Brain.Thoughts -> emotions -> attitudes -> behaviors. If you want behavioral change, work on your thought life. In Romans 12:2, mind renewal is encouraged by yielding ourselves to the work of the Spirit of God. Then in Philippians

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-7730885693421057862009-08-18T03:24:00.000-07:002009-08-18T03:25:20.445-07:00

Over the last few weeks, I have been focused on how to manage our thought life. Thoughts stir emotions, which then develop attitudes and then lead to behaviors. This is an inside-out process as is all of spiritual formation directed in the Bible. Along the way, I have tried to give some practical applications for the development of the skill of managing our thoughts. How have you been doing

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-54883438251036788152009-08-14T05:43:00.000-07:002009-08-14T05:45:06.200-07:00

If you are someone who has put your trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you have a new heart, new potentialities to be all that God has desired you to be. His life transforming power in the person of the Holy Spirit indwells you. You are a child of God and have all of the new opportunities this new family relationship provides. You have not arrived at perfection. Perfection happens when you

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-39572508914180043932009-08-13T04:37:00.000-07:002009-08-13T05:05:14.875-07:00

I am very aware that one of the dangers of American Christianity is our ability to compartmentalize our faith. How are doing with my suggestions for managing your thoughts? Is this irrelevant activity or only for the seriously religious or religious employed? I hope not. I have just begun to listen to the audio of Ken Boa's series on the epistle of James. James leaves no area of our life

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-74385754909068685282009-08-12T05:42:00.000-07:002009-08-12T05:47:42.202-07:00

I finished listening and taking notes on Ken Boa’s series on Proverbs early this morning. I also received through Amazon in the mail yesterday, his workbook on Proverbs, Pursuing Wisdom by Kenneth Boa & Gail Burnett (NavPress). Ken Boa’s summary of Proverbs keys on two applications:1) Trusting God implicitly2) Guarding your hearts completelyIf you have been with me on this blog you can pick up

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-48733039370183200562009-08-11T04:10:00.000-07:002009-08-11T04:14:41.226-07:00

How have you been doing in yielding to the Spirit of God over this last day? Let’s combine yielding with the mind renewal principles that I have been communicating over the last few days. Remember, thoughts -> emotions -> attitudes -> behavior, so if I am going to change and manifest the fruit of the Spirit, it begins in the thought life. How has your thought life been for the last few days? What

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-6470689782362710942009-08-10T02:48:00.000-07:002009-08-10T03:01:30.660-07:00

Another great message yesterday [Southwood Current Messages] from Mark Crocco on yielding to God’s Spirit.Here are some key points:1. The Christian life is aChrist centered, Spirit empowered, faith driven life leading to Christlike transformation to the Glory of God.2. Living in the supernatural power of God's Spirit involves choosing to place our dependence in the power of the Spirit of God on a

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-71051323895092337542009-08-08T05:51:00.000-07:002009-08-08T05:54:24.630-07:00

I am keenly aware that most of us live fairly busy lives and thought lives consumed with the details and activities of the day. Those who have work and home responsibilities have enough to keep them busy from early morning to late evening. So, where do we fit in spiritual formation (the inner character development that shapes our thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors) to be more like the

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-4564236959253722332009-08-04T04:15:00.000-07:002009-08-04T04:18:10.424-07:00

I have been addressing for several weeks the issue of managing our thoughts from the stimulus I received from Carolyn Leaf’s book, Who Switched Off My Brain?Like you, my thought life is active. For that we can be thankful, sometimes, because it is an indication that we have a brain. But like you, I am not always pleased at the direction of my thoughts: anxious, irritated, impatient, angry, etc.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-59984048294405941392009-08-02T06:45:00.000-07:002009-08-02T06:56:45.263-07:00

See my family blog on Awake and Rejoicing.(Psa 118:24) This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.Why not direct your thoughts in a direction that is encouraging? Who is telling you that you do not have the freedom and capability to think encouraging thoughts? If you want to continue to thinks thoughts of discouragment, maybe you have identified a root issue. Do you

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-38174179751733856692009-07-31T03:57:00.000-07:002009-07-31T04:01:04.170-07:00

If you belong to organizations that send you a yearly ballot allowing you to nominate someone to vote in your place, don’t you wish you could do the same spiritually? Fortunately, God has not designed life to be lived by proxy. You must live your own life. But that means that, not only the suffering must be yours but also the resulting joy. Note the following verse that Dotttie and I have

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-4136249503517170592009-07-27T04:06:00.000-07:002009-07-27T04:08:46.593-07:00

In medicine, finding the root cause of the disease can lead to a permanent solution. We all would like to see the end of a disease and enjoy freedom, remission, or relief. So it is in behavioral issues. As we have been learning, the root of behavioral issues is in our thought life. Our thought life is what the Bible frequently refers to as our heart.(Proverbs 4:23) Above all else, guard your

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-29310480412694047312009-07-23T04:21:00.000-07:002009-07-23T04:36:49.418-07:00

My blog yesterday on transformation vs more information came home to roost over the last few days when I realized I needed to revisit my blog on giving a gentle answer. God has great ways to keep us on track in pursuing Christlikeness. Hopefully you realize I am a fellow traveler on this journey of spiritual transformation. I reviewed some details on the word ‘gentle’ in Proverbs 15:1. I can’t

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-70139830854685355622009-07-22T05:46:00.000-07:002009-07-22T05:47:08.507-07:00

Yesterday I encouraged us to slow down and take time to absorb what God might be teaching us in managing our thoughts. I know how hard this is. My brain doesn’t slow down easily. But I am realizing that if I want to clearly hear what God is trying to teach me, I must slow down long enough to listen. When do you and I take the time during each day, just to listen? How do I do that? If we are going

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-75536806616620841872009-07-21T05:56:00.000-07:002009-07-22T05:16:48.702-07:00

Yesterday I posted the first of my articles on managing your thought life. I gave you some application steps as a faith assignment. I am tempted to press on to the two other passages that address managing our thought life (Philippians 4:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Before I expound on those verses, how are you doing with renewing your mind from yesterday’s blog? One of the dangers in the

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-38336180452115503572009-07-20T06:17:00.000-07:002009-07-20T06:18:41.715-07:00

This is the first of my blog articles on managing our thought life. According to Caroline Leaf (Who Switched off My Brain), thoughts lead to emotions, out of which attitudes develop which lead to behavior development. “An attitude is a state of mind that produces a reaction in the body and a resultant behavior” (Leaf, p. 20).(Romans 12:1-2) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-92107303111352019412009-07-19T04:53:00.000-07:002009-07-19T05:14:37.194-07:00

Do you have people close to you that you find irritating? Do they say things that provoke you to respond with curt, “leave-me-alone” type replies?A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.(Proverbs 15:1)How do you turn harsh responses into gentle ones?It starts with commitment and desire. You recognize that a gentle answer is God’s way of handling relationships. Because

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-42706489787492308782009-07-15T02:02:00.000-07:002009-07-15T02:06:02.007-07:00

My journeyJuly 15, 2009Thank you, radiation team, for your excellent skills and kind treatment. It has made this process much easier because of your professional and personable attention to my treatment. I will not miss the trips across the river and into the city but you will be missed.My situation started with two driving incidents in August of 2008. I lost cognitive awareness of where I was. A

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-61948605442285905272009-07-09T03:59:00.000-07:002009-07-09T04:00:49.406-07:00

To my Southwood Church family,As last Tuesday, June 30, officially completed my senior pastor position at Southwood since 1987, where do we go from here? Dottie and I plan to continue in our fellowship with you as health allows. If we are gone for a Sunday it is because of a need for additional rest or catching other friends before we leave the area. We have no definite future time line other

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-82463044470075164182009-06-27T09:58:00.000-07:002009-06-27T10:03:57.930-07:00

How do you prepare yourself for dealing with a life threatening brain tumor and the many associated consequences, effects, the emotional, mental, relational trials? In many ways there is no way to forsee the impact on your life. Who can know this path until you have been there? Fortunately for those of us who have chosen to make Jesus Christ Savior, Lord of our life, and lover of our soul, we

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-34527971528334526702009-05-06T06:13:00.001-07:002009-05-06T06:13:47.991-07:00

Piggy backing on MarkOn Sunday May 4, Mark Crocco delivered a wonderful message on our union with Christ. This such a key topic for all of us as Christians to reflect upon regularly and ensure that our lives are being lived in conformity to this reality. So, how do you do that? I would recommend taking his notes, reading his key points at the beginning of each day and at the end of each day. I

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-37802260875801894632009-05-01T12:23:00.000-07:002009-05-01T12:24:56.615-07:00

This Sunday, most of us will join with others in our church family to celebrate a most wonderful reminder of what it means to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and what He has done to make this relationship possible. When I revisit the original refocusing of the Passover meal, I am both unnerved and comforted. Over the last seven months I have had more than one occasion to ask the

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-74737024736630654042009-04-17T06:38:00.000-07:002009-04-17T06:43:02.975-07:00

I can’t thank you enough for your support through this time of my surgery and medical needs. I would be understating things if I didn’t acknowledge that this has been one of my most challenging hours. But through this have also been some very encouraging and deepening times with the Lord and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to convey some of those to you and enourage you likewise.It seems

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-15391495272702644802009-04-05T07:31:00.000-07:002009-04-05T07:37:42.901-07:00

Good Friday and Easter bring to us a reminder of what God accomplished in Jesus’ death on the cross. For any of us (who contemplate a right relationship with God in His terms) are interested in how God wants us to come into a relationship with Him that is free from guilt and punishment. The good news is that God has taken care of everything for us. This is often hard news because we all live in

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-70946360299690915742009-03-03T12:49:00.000-08:002009-03-03T12:50:55.446-08:00

A frequent question I get asked is, are you going to be okay, pastor? I wish I could give you, my family, and even myself the assurance that yes, my cancer is definitely in remission and I have full assurance that the cancer is not going to come back. But I don’t have that assurance ... at least not yet. It would seem that a lot of us are facing uncertain times. No longer does one go to work for

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-84526855593048864742009-02-26T08:13:00.000-08:002009-02-26T08:14:36.595-08:00

Facing TemptationTemptation is something with which we can all identify. No one is excluded unless we are living in the unreality of perfected holiness. Scripture is clear that we will face temptation until we are saved from the presence of sin on the day we depart this earth and dwell in heaven (Romans 8:18-25. Are we victims of temptation with no way to resist? Some might think so when they lay

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-44115863065071147952009-02-21T13:11:00.000-08:002009-02-21T14:40:18.062-08:00

What am I reading these days. Here's a brief list of what I have read over the last several months or have still to read. You can see there is some history, some cultural reflection, some classic enriching reading plus anything else that I can get my hands on or find time to read.Augustine to Freud, Dr. Ken Boa: along with my listing of many of his lectures which you can find at his web site:

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-58262770114321954772009-02-20T06:37:00.000-08:002009-02-20T07:55:04.572-08:00

I have another faith assignment for you. Review the definition of faith and work on this application of faith. We all face moral challenges each day, especially when your see a moral challenge as anything that is contrary to the character and will of God. Remember the Pharisees? They adjusted sin so that it met their criteria. Jesus nailed them in the Sermon on the Mount by describing sin in

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-42977265720653715212009-02-12T05:15:00.000-08:002009-02-12T05:22:41.600-08:00

How does someone who lives by faith overcome anger? This is my first application of the Faith Assignment, my congregation, that I handed out last Sunday. Rehearse the faith definition. Hopefully by now you have it somewhere convenient (3 x 5 card, printed off); copied someway so that you have regular access to it.Faith is believing God and His Word regardless of my feelings or circumstances. In

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-90888134605604795282009-02-08T07:01:00.000-08:002009-02-08T07:05:05.673-08:00

(This is being handed out to my congregation this morning)From: Pastor JoelTo: My Southwood FamilyFebruary 8, 2009I have a faith assignment for you. It is a step that will help you shape your heart in harmony with the heart of God. The first step is to memorize (or write on a 3 x 5 card), the following definition of faith. Faith is believing God and His Word regardless of my feelings or

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-7288189585647876612009-01-24T09:47:00.000-08:002009-01-24T11:25:36.833-08:00

I highly recommend the purchase of Ken Boa’s book, Conformed to His Image; Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation [Amazon] [Christian Book Discount]. You can listen to Dr. Boa teach on this aspect of this book at Bible.org. [For other articles and audio by Ken Boa seach under articles by author; you can also access more at his web site, www.kenboa.org] Beginning on page 55, he

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-6359505577386106582009-01-19T07:39:00.000-08:002009-01-19T07:42:26.331-08:00

Yesterday, in the passage for my message, Philippians 2:12-18, My eyes focused on Paul’s statement in verse 17, But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. Am I ready to be poured out like a drink offering? It is easy to think so if things turn out ok, the cancer in my brain is restrained or

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-18437878233093966602009-01-11T16:33:00.000-08:002009-01-11T17:49:24.644-08:00

This morning I shared an illustration from book, How Starbucks Saved My Life, by Michael Gates Gill. This is a touching and impressive story of a man who was born to privilege learned humility. The subtitle is, "Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else." [Amazon copy] For those of you in my local south Jersey area, I found several copies in our local libraries. [Google Books copy] This

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-48987377467310254572008-11-28T05:36:00.000-08:002008-11-28T05:52:06.337-08:00

In my current journey, I am appreciating my college training in long distance running. My coach, at Oregon State University, Berny Wagner, told me, “You’re not fast but you can run for a long time.” Right now, I need to run for a long time. Eugene Peterson addresses this concept in his book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society. He draws upon Psalms 120-130,

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-56127381560839657102008-11-18T03:46:00.000-08:002008-11-18T03:50:41.717-08:00

In the wake of two years of political mud-slingin’ comes a story of a politician of integrity. Chuck Colson, in his Breakpoint Commentary highlights the life of Quie, former farmer, naval aviator, state senator, congressman, and governor of Minnesota. His story is told in a recently released book by Mitch Pearlstein, Riding into the Sunrise. [See at Amazon]. A man of integrity, his character was

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-24129011468901410132008-10-31T05:47:00.000-07:002008-10-31T05:56:53.180-07:00

Emotions are a new area for me, especially since my brain tumor surgery. Some attribute this to having anesthesia before surgery. I still have suspicions that my daughters convinced the neurosurgeon to flip an emotional switch in my head. Regardless, I am enjoying exploring this area of emotional makeup in a new way. I grew up in a fairly unemotional home. Neither my father nor mother

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-48822569148831243832008-10-08T08:29:00.000-07:002008-10-08T08:33:44.943-07:00

I wrote the following article for our church newsletter before my seizure and surgery. I'll leave it as is but in hindsight it definitely has some new dimensions. I continue to be intrigued by what God is doing. Check the family blog for more.God’s DetourI have been on some interesting detours but none like the one I am on currently. I came back from vacation in August all charged and geared up

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-77985849579377472042008-09-26T03:47:00.000-07:002008-09-26T04:28:35.354-07:00

In these days of my brain tumor journey, I am very sensitive to keeping myself healthy: spiritually, physically, and mentally. I really value some of the podcasts that are available. I'll try to give you my list with links to sign up in iTunes. I listen to Chuck Colson's Breakpoint regularly. He's on the radio with a 3 minute commentary Monday through Friday but setting up iTunes to automatically

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-17739158673859806852008-09-11T02:30:00.000-07:002008-09-11T02:43:17.086-07:00

As I continue to be intrigued at God's timing in allowing this 2 inch mass to press against my brain, I raised a question to Dr. Aubrey Malphurs. I met Dr. Malphurs at Dallas Seminary while we were vacationing in Texas. I have several of his books and know that he devotes a lot of time addressing how churches can strategize to be more missional in their purpose as a church. I met with him at the

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-83627501721952605102008-09-10T11:06:00.000-07:002008-09-10T11:08:29.820-07:00

If anyone is interested in my medical updates, check out my family blog which we will be updating as much as possible.http://joelmacdonaldfamily.blogspot.com/We appreciate everyone's support and prayer.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-41292307462353049552008-08-23T08:28:00.000-07:002008-08-23T08:39:58.875-07:00

If any of you caught the Saddleback Civic Summit broadcast on both MSNBC and CNN last Saturday night, August 16, you should check out the rebroadcast of an interview by Krista Tippet on her "Speaking of Faith" podcast. She interviewed Rick and Kay Warren in 2007. This is a rebroadcast. You will find both audio and video versions of the interview. Video of the Summit can be found by going to

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-91406491163606508652008-08-23T08:01:00.000-07:002008-08-23T08:27:45.445-07:00

I have really been enjoying Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine. They offer some great insights to all stages of amily and marriage. Their recent broadcasts dealt with teens developing a solid personal faith. You can find their recent broadcasts and others at: www.familylifetoday.com.1. Three Biggest Dangers to Growing Up a Church Kid2. Teaching Your Children to Think Biblically3.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-850739334176923802008-07-31T08:34:00.001-07:002008-07-31T13:31:16.829-07:00

I am currently on vacation visiting our kids and grandaughter in Allen, Texas. You can see some great photos of our most beautiful grandaughter on our family blog.This extended time away has given me some time to be refreshed physically and spiritually. I am getting a chance to do a lot of reading and visiting other churches to see what is going on. Here's a sample list of some of the reading I

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-5854479839671384322008-06-12T05:40:00.000-07:002008-06-12T05:43:20.849-07:00

Jr. and Senior High youth group spent the night at Chic-Fil-A, Tuesday night June 10. Lot's of Southwood people came to show support for the Costa Rica Missions Team. I even got to hug the cow.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-17566187638556506902008-06-03T05:26:00.000-07:002008-06-03T07:39:28.024-07:00

Last Sunday in my "brief" message on Senior Sunday, I mentioned a group at Harvard called the True Love Revolution. Here's the link to the True Love Revolution page at Harvard College's website. Visit the True Love Revolution homepage. This reference came from an article at Chuck Colson's Breakpoint. You can subscribe to his audio podcast commentary on iTunes. In the article he mentions the

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-68586224009151596402008-05-19T13:10:00.000-07:002008-05-19T13:59:13.881-07:00

Someone asked me, after Sunday morning's message (May 18), what happens to a believer's bodies in the rapture (the taking into heaven of believers prior to the Tribulation). These are questions that are not often explicitly addressed in Scripture but are answered often by inference. The best passage on this questions is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.(1 Th 4:13-18 NASB) But we do not want you to be

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-86047905364371587192008-04-04T09:26:00.000-07:002008-04-05T08:52:06.608-07:00

This morning, 9:35am ET, our new granddaughter was born to James and Kristin Del Mul in Allen, Texas. Say hello to Renae Joelle Del Mul, 8# 9oz, 21 3/4 in.; healthy and a delight already to Dad and Mom. We can't wait to hold her.Check out further photos and video at:www.joelmacdonaldfamily.blogspot.com

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-67504980948545315472007-08-06T11:51:00.001-07:002007-08-06T12:09:57.249-07:00

Jott From Joel MacDonald Outreach depends on Context:You try to walk into a bar where a bunch of bikers have gathered and offer to pray. See how quickly you are out on your ear. But if just minutes before you have been across the street providing comfort and compassion to one of them who's wife has

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-46846357603837800142007-08-03T08:54:00.001-07:002007-08-03T08:56:30.174-07:00

This is a treasured photo, a picture I look forward to enjoying for years to come. I am sure Nathan must be waving hello to me!

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-50986435057959400282007-08-03T06:15:00.001-07:002007-08-03T06:15:26.902-07:00

Jott From Joel MacDonald Hey, just letting all my tech friends know that I found this neat new service called Jott.com that allows you to record notes to your e-mail account or post to your blog site using your cell phone. Just call into it and it sends it.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-59323613452965975272007-08-01T08:38:00.000-07:002007-08-01T08:40:36.495-07:00

Ear Surgery went well. We arrived a Dr. Greenbaum's office in Philly at about 7:15 am and were headed home at about 10:30 am. He only did one surgical removal to remove the carcinoma. I go back in 2 weeks for removal of the stitches.See our family site for photo.http://joelmacdonaldfamily.blogspot.com/

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-9460052714329651082007-07-03T15:23:00.001-07:002007-07-09T12:13:26.729-07:00

Check out the new grandson, Nathan Chase DoyleOther photos posted at: joelmacdonaldfamily.blogspot.com

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-16978711876027061932007-06-30T06:04:00.000-07:002007-06-30T06:33:48.718-07:00

Last day of Southwood's VBS with 155 in attendance.Raised over $700 for a ministry in Watts, LA Rabbi Joel and youth pastor Brian ThompsonBrian as AndrewBethany, Tribe Team LeaderDottie in Kitchen

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-17079276385171021422007-06-26T10:33:00.001-07:002007-06-30T06:07:34.803-07:00

Rabbi Yo-el praying in the Southwood Synagogue

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-22639047777129915112007-06-26T10:31:00.000-07:002007-06-26T10:32:38.054-07:00

Rabbi Yo-el consulting with 3 wisemen

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-23248716440579113022007-06-25T11:11:00.001-07:002007-06-25T11:16:39.945-07:00

Lot's of Dads and Moms came to check out how much fun their kids were having.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-5012769982102655612007-06-25T11:04:00.001-07:002007-06-30T06:04:13.197-07:00

A great first day in the Jewish markeplace. 133 kids in attendance. A great time was had by all as we learned about this strange new rabbi in town, Jesus.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-21749594823710751802007-06-24T18:04:00.000-07:002007-06-24T21:02:39.115-07:00

John 17:1-12, "The Real Lord's Prayer - Part 1"Message preached can be found at:www.southwoodministry.org in the Current Messages linkNotes and Powerpoint are posted; audio should be up after MondayYou can subscribe to the audio feed via iTunes.

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-25655665652005608662007-06-23T15:13:00.001-07:002007-06-23T15:15:31.162-07:00

Dottie is the love of my life, my partner for life, loyal confidant, greatest encourager, and soon to become a grandmother (amazing, since she looks so young!).

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2125819930955528867.post-46459913484395732742007-06-23T15:03:00.000-07:002007-06-23T15:07:19.614-07:00

Welcome to my new blog. I have set this up primarily for my Southwood Church family. I hope it will be a strong encouragement for your walk with the Lord as you experience His grace each day and grow in your enraptured worship of His magnificence.Stay tuned for insights and updates. I plan this to be:1. Devotionally honest, practical encouragement of what it means to walk in the presence of God.2

Pastor Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647161909399768667noreply@blogger.com0