I must say I’m baffled at the whole “Sanjaya” American Idol thing! I can’t believe I’m blogging about it, but someone needs to step up and help this guy!

What is going on? What’s up with the hair, dude? Last night was another level…I’m all for the underdog but come on! Somebody, let me know if you have any insight on this! I don’t think I can take much more.

This past weekend I wrapped up our latest series, Pure Sex. In the first two weeks of the series I shared that God has a big vision for our sex lives! God is pro-sex! God is not embarrassed…in fact, I don’t want to shock you but God came up with the whole concept. Scripture tells us there is an incredible blessing when we do sex Gods way.

What’s Gods way? God’s way is intimacy. A connection physically, spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. A life-uniting gift in a safe secure trusting relationship between a husband and wife.

As we concluded our series I talked about false intimacy: pornography. Did you know that the revenue for the Porn industry is more than professional baseball, basketball and baseball combined? Pornography is big business. I encourage you to check out last week’s message online.

The underlying message of our entire series was one of hope. That’s actually the entire message of the Bible…no matter what your going through, no matter what your struggling with, there is always hope with God! I shared with our church that I would provide more resources on this topic that provide hope and support. Here are some resources I recommend for reading and sites packed with information on this challenging subject:

Websites:

• Integrity Online – resources regarding filtered Internet
• Every Man’s Battle – sexual integrity resources for men
• Pure Online – a 30 Days to Purity program
• X3 Help at Home – a remote 12 week program
• Pure Life Ministries – leading people to victory over sexual sin
• XXXchurch.com – a comprehensive resource for men, women, parents and teens

Books:

• Every Man’s Battle – equipping men with the tools for sexual integrity
• Every Woman’s Battle – equipping women with the tools for sexual integrity
• Every Young Man’s Battle – strategies for victory in the real world of sexual temptation

Software:

• X3watch – download a free accountability software program
• Every Home Protected – Internet filters and Security Systems for $4-6 a month (click on Store > Every Home Protected Internet Filter)
• Integrity Online – the nation’s largest filtered solution provider

My blog has undergone an extreme makeover! You can check out pictures from my trip to Israel by clicking any of the pictures on the right. A Recent Comments feed has been added too. What do you think?

Today, my 11 year old daughter will be presenting her oral report on Australia. This is a project that the fifth grade class looks forward to all year long…â€?The Culture Fairâ€?. I think it’s pretty cool that they get to do this…from research, preparing brochures and presenting their project display board. It’s all the buzz!

She practiced and practiced and all I can say is her accent is quite convincing. I can’t wait to hear her today! G’day mates!

Last night I had a blast with hanging out with our VIPS! Who are VIPS you may ask? They are the Very Important People of Northway who SERVE! They are the hundreds and hundreds who serve selflessly to make Northway the special church that it is. They are the people who understand Vision Is Priority at Northway.

I’ve been in the ministry 19 years now, and I’ve never seen people who serve like this. Whatever the challenge, whatever it takes, whatever it is, (even if it is working countless hours around the clock for the construction of our latest location) Our VIPS……are “get er done” people! I guess you could call them whatever people!

Last night we laughed, talked, sang our hearts out and just had a blast hanging out! I left feeling like…..we’ve got to do this more! Thank you VIPS! All of you who serve in any capacity and partner with us to make a positive difference in the capital region with the life changing message of Jesus Christ! You are the best! And God’s best to you!

Wednesday, 4:00 pm, Mount of Olives

Enjoying the view and the far reaching history!

Wednesday, 11:30 am, Golgotha

Just saw Golgotha…the place where Jesus was crucified and visited the tomb. I’m speechless! All I can tell you now is…I’ve never felt like that before.

Wednesday, 10:30 am, en route to Jerusalem

I never even thought twice about how far Jesus and his disciples walked, or how far people walked to see and hear Jesus. Today, we are the on the road to Jerusalem from the Sea of Galilee. It’s about a 2 hour ride and I’m taken back by how the terrain changes. From lush Maui-like mountains to a desolate desert landscape. To say this would be challenging by foot is an understatement! I just found out some interesting factoids about this road…enjoy the view!

Wednesday, 10:47 am

I did a little investigating and got the real scoop on Oprah’s name.