I was sitting at a little coffee shop in Oklahoma City and saw my buddy Michael Leehan. Mike has a crazy story of redemption and he shares an even crazier story of his life of darkness and God’s saving grace in his book, Ascent From Darkness.
The above video is a recent news story shares a glimpse of his story, all the way down to the details of his plans to kill LifeChurch.tv Pastor Craig Groeschel.
Check out the story and share your thoughts.
I remember having a conversation with a pastor friend of mine who happens to be a female. She was sharing the various unique things that women in the church struggle with and things they have confided in her. One of the things that she shared made me have one of those “hmm” moments. She stated that women that she’s talked w/ in various churches struggle with the fact that They Think Their Pastor’s Sexy! Not to be confused with the popular country music song “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Not only do they think their Pastor’s Sexy, but they struggle with their mind and eyes wandering into inappropriate places. It becomes a challenge because they will have these lustful thoughts as their pastor is speaking. The same can be true for men with a female pastors or lust in general.
Many pastors teach the concept out of the book Every Mans Battle called “Bouncing Your Eyes.” In other words, don’t keep your eyes focused on someone of the opposite sex for too long. Keeping your eyes moving can keep you out of trouble. This is something that is stereotypically geared towards guys… but what about the ladies? There is a book called Every Womans Battle, although I have not heard anything about the content.
After my conversation with my female pastor friend, it’s probably fair for me to make the assumption that there are women sitting in pews and seats of churches all around the country that may be struggling with the inability to “Bounce Their Eyes;” especially as their eyes are having to be fixated on their “Sexy Pastor,” who happens to be in front of them for relatively lengthy periods of time each and every week. The fact that their pastor is a man of God, tells great stories and seems to be rather put together only increases the the sexiness factor.
The thoughts running through their head might be something like this: He’s Hot, I like that suit, Are those True Religion Jeans, He’s so spiritual, I wish my husband treated me like that, He’s so Handsome, Nice Hair, He dresses so fly, I can tell he’s been working out, He’s so considerate, I know he’s married but, I would, I wonder if I can share that with him, I bet he… After thinking these thoughts, their mind wanders for a moment or two or three or four and unfortunately, this cycle can repeat itself on a weekly basis. The Bible says this: ”But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28 Ladies this passage applies to you as well, so please Stop Lusting After Your Pastor!
God created us with a unique ability to train and control our eyes, actions and mind. Exercise your ability and gain control.
Do women get a pass? Is this a problem? How does play into the overall adultery scheme of things? Share your thoughts.
Tim Tebow Leads Broncos To Another Victory and to the top of their division, while Tebow Haters Keep Getting #Tebowed. I have always been amazed by the Tebow haters and overall hatred that Tim Tebow has received over the life of his public athletic career. When he was at the University of Florida many people couldn’t stand him; and the fact that he proudly represented John 3:16 on his eye black, his famous speech “The Promise”, the incident with blood running down his face, and the list goes on and on. I always liked Tebow in college, simply because of how he represented himself, although I didn’t particularly like his coach or the Florida Gators.
Now that Tim Tebow is in the NFL this Love/Hate condition is even larger and on a more national level. In the City of Denver, Tebow gets ripped by Anti-Christian groups on a regular basis. Yet, he gets cheered on by thousands of fans that have made his Jersey one of the most purchased Jersey’s in the NFL. Tim Tebow is more than a quarterback for the Denver Broncos, he’s an iconic figure that represents Christian, courage, honor, good and wholesome.
Tebow appears to have gotten used to the criticism and has never once backed down from outwardly sharing his faith, and as a matter of fact he boldly ends every interview with “God Bless!” People in the media and NFL analysts are publicly concluding that the hatred of Tebow is primarily based upon his outward showing of his faith and religious beliefs. Inside the NFL host “JB” James Brown asked his co-host Chris Collinsworth a question regarding how Tim Tebow is treated, and Collinsworth was straightforward about his thoughts. Collinsworth said, “It’s unbelievable JB, that one of the best kids – pure kids that’s ever come into the NFL, is hated because of his faith, because of his mission work, because of the fact that he wears it on his sleeve…”
In Matthew 10 in the Bible, Jesus talks about people hating you because of Him. I think Tebow not only understands that but lives with the understanding of Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
It’s one thing to disagree with someone because of their views, however this hatred and dislike that comes from the Anti-Christian is superfluous. The harsh reality is The Tebow Haters Keep Getting #Tebowed. It appears as though in the Tebow situation the fans were right, while the analysts, experts and haters are being proven wrong every week Tebow takes the field.
After weeks of “Tebow” chanting fans in Denver, the 3rd string QB finally got his start against the Miami Dolphins 6 weeks ago. Since that start, Tebow is 5 and 1 as a starting QB and knocked off Miami, Oakland, Kansas City, New York, San Diego and Minnesota.
Each and every week analysts and experts say that there is no way Tebow can keep winning with his stye of play, becuase NFL defenses will quickly adjust. I guess they forgot that Tim Tebow would also adjust, he leads the Broncos to a victory over the Vikings with his arm instead of his legs. Tebow was 10/15 for 202 with a 149.3 QB passer rating and only rushed for 13 yards. Not to mention he threw a perfect potential TD pass that was just off of the fingertips of his receiver in the 4th quarter. Tebow’s 149.3 QB rating was better than Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
For the Anti-Christians and those who hate Tebow exclusively because of his faith, I say get a grip. Instead of always focusing on what you are against, take a play out of Tim Tebow’s playbook and focus on what you are for. I’ll end this with a little wisdom and life perspective from a young NFL QB by the name of Tim Tebow who happens to be a man of faith, “If someone asks, I’ll always be willing to share His will because I also know that there are a lot more important things than football and that is one of them. That ultimately overrides football any day of the week.”
For the sports people, analysts and Monday morning quarterbacks that say Tebow’s unconventional style and running the ball being a key part of his arsenal won’t get it done long term, you’re fooling yourselves. Just because a person doesn’t meet the establishment’s guidelines doesn’t mean that they can’t be uber-successful. If you don’t believe me, ask Tebow.
When Tebow was asked about the naysayers earlier this year, Tebow responded “I don’t worry about the naysayers, I’ve had them since I was 7 years old. I just have to focus on what I can control.” It’s funny listening to the NFL analysts on the Post-Game show admitting that they are becoming believers in King Tebow’s game. Dan Marino even gave a church-like confession of Tebow’s game and said, “I’m a believer!” That’s cool and all, but Tebow’s desire is to see more people become believers in the King Of Kings.
Gotta Love It! I love that Tebow works hard, has the respect of his team and is the definition of a gamer. The fact that he has supernatural favor is a nice bonus.
#Tebowed – (verb) another word for #winning.
This is a post that I’m able to write each week with only a few minor adjustments. 
Share your thoughts on Tebow, His Game, The Haters and Success. Sound Off!
I have always been amazed by the hatred that Tim Tebow has received over the life of his public athletic career. When he was at the University of Florida many people couldn’t stand him and the fact that he proudly represented John 3:16 on his eye black, his famous speech “The Promise” the incident with blood running down his face and the list goes on and on. I always liked Tebow in college, simply because of how he represented himself, although I didn’t particularly like his coach or the Florida Gators.
Now that Tim Tebow is in the NFL this Love/Hate condition is even larger and on a more national level. In the City of Denver Tebow gets ripped by Anti-Christian groups on a regular basis. Yet, he gets cheered on by thousands of fans that have made his Jersey one of the most purchased Jersey’s in the NFL. Tim Tebow is more than a quarterback for the Denver Broncos, he’s an iconic figure that’s represents Christian, good and wholesome.
Tebow appears to have gotten used to the criticism and has never once backed down from outwardly sharing his faith, as matter of fact he boldly ends every interview with “God Bless!” People in the media and NFL analysts are publicly concluding that the hatred of Tebow is primarily based upon his outward showing of his faith and religious beliefs. Inside the NFL host “JB” James Brown asked his co-host Cris Collinsworth a question regarding how Time Tebow is treated and Collinsworth was straightforward about his thoughts. Collinsworth said, “It’s unbelievable JB, that one of the best kids – pure kids that’s ever come into the NFL, is hated because of his faith, because of his mission work, because of the fact that he wears it on his sleeve…”
In Matthew 10 in the Bible, Jesus talks about people hating you because of Him. I think Tebow not only understands that but lives with the understanding of Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
I recently experienced a similar Love/Hate relationship in regards to Chick-fil-A. I was doing some consulting with one of my clients and I was using an analogy of Chick-fil-a with this room full of department leaders. We had even discussed having lunch at Chick-fil-A, in order to observe and learn. One of the leaders in the room was adamant about the fact that he didn’t want to go to Chick-fil-A and that he didn’t like them, their leadership, their Christian views and what they stand for. It’s one thing to disagree with someone because of their views, however this hatred and dislike that comes from the Anti-Christian is superfluous.
No matter how much people hate on Tebow or Chick-fil-A for that matter, the bottom line is they win. After weeks of “Tebow” chanting fans in Denver, the 3rd string QB finally got his start yesterday against the Miami Dolphins. He was back in Florida, somewhat of a homecoming and had both Miami and Denver fans cheering him on and his college coach Urban Meyer on the Miami sidelines. Tebow started slow; however in the 4th quarter he led a very improbable comeback that only puts more fuel on the Love/Hate Tebow fire. In his first start this year, Tebow rallied the Denver Broncos with two touchdown passes in the final 2:44 of the fourth quarter to force overtime, and Matt Prater ‘s 52-yard field goal gave them an 18-15 win Sunday over the stunned Miami Dolphins
For the Anti-Christian’s and those who hate Tebow exclusively because of his faith, I say get a grip. Instead of always focusing on what you are against, take a play out of Tim Tebow’s playbook and focus on what you are for. I’ll end this with a little wisdom and life perspective from a young NFL QB by the name of Tim Tebow who happens to be a man of faith, “If someone asks, I’ll always be willing to share His will because I also know that there are a lot more important things than football and that is one of them. That ultimately overrides football any day of the week.”
What do you think about the Love/Hate relationship with Tim Tebow and the Anti-Christian? Why are so many people willing to loudly share what they are against and not so willing to do the same about what they are for?
In this video Kevin Durant discusses the mild controversy that stirred up when he made comments about wanting OU to loose. I really think it’s no controversy at all, KD went to the University OF Texas and OU is their arch rival… No controversy, just rivalry.
KD also outlines the significance of all of his recent tattoos and the concerns people had about him sporting a Chicago Bulls hat. All of the stuff is really a lot to do about nothing. It’s cool to see him taking the time to at least address these concerns. As an OU Fan, Thunder Fan, City Of Oklahoma City Fan and Kevin Durant Fan — I’m proud to have KD represent the City Of Oklahoma City. He’s a great ambassador from the perspective of a professional athlete.
Although I’m a KD fan, I’ll be rooting for his Longhorns to take a big fat “L” next week in the Red River Shootout. The only good thing that has ever come from Texas is KD. Boomer Sooner!
KD is a great guy on and off of the court, below is a picture that he was kind enough to take with my boys at a Thunder Game. I actually led the invocation for the game that same night. Great Memories!
Share your thoughts on professional players sporting hats or gear of other teams, or playing professionally in a city that’s tied to their college rivalry. How should they handle these situations?
In case you missed it, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz cancelled his speaking engagement at Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit held at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. According to several reports this decision was precipitated by activist Asher Huey of Washington, D.C., criticizing Schultz for agreeing to appear at a church with a longstanding membership in Exodus International, a ministry that believes homosexual behavior is destructive and Christians can “grow into heterosexuality.” ”The church that is sponsoring the event has a long history of anti-gay persecution,” wrote Huey, who gathered more than 700 signatures at www.change.org.
In the video above video, Willow Creek Pastor Bill Hybels responds with wisdom, grace and candor the position of Willow Creek being Anti-Gay or Anti-Anybody.
What are your thoughts on Shultz Cancellation and Hybels’ response?
I have always been a fan of Eminem, it’s something about his story and authenticity that intrigues me. Am I a fan of everything about him and his lyrical content? Nope, but I pray for the guy.
Everyone has a story, this 13 minute segment from last nights 60 minute interview with Anderson Cooper highlights some of Eminem’s story. Story of a fatherless, bullied kid who repeated 9th grade 3 times, dropped out of high school, got high, abused drugs, got addicted to drugs, was 2hrs away from dying, father who is now 3+ years sober.
This dude has major Saul to Paul potential.
God is not through with Eminem’s story, My story or Your story.
Share your thoughts on this interview, Eminem’s comments and anything else about the controversial rapper that you would like to share.
I know the title of post may seem a little contradictory, but trust me it’s not. We have all seen the people walking around with the Beats By Dre Headphones. They are sleek red, white, black and come in many different styles. Not only do they come in different styles, but they appeal to one of the largest demographic groups I’ve seen when it comes to a set of headphones.
You will see everyone from young hip- hop kids, middle age pastors (like myself), professional athletes, to corporate businessmen sporting these headphones.
These headphones are a status symbol, a status symbol that comes with a price tag ranging from $189 for the in-ear, all the way up to $450 for the over the head Pro’s. Personally, I love the look, the brand and the symbol of the headphones. My wife and boys bought me some for Father’s Day, I think this was part my wanting and part my boys trying to keep their approaching 40-year-old father hip.
I owned the in ear Tour headphones (shown in above pic.) First, let me share the things that I liked about the headphones.
Although I liked the brand, I didn’t like the product. Below is what I didn’t like about Beats By Dre and in my opinion, what makes Beats By Dre Not A Great Product. Keep in mind, I only wore these for a couple of weeks and kept them in the case.
Let me say Monster has done an excellent job of creating a tribe, a brand and a following with Beats Headphones. Every time you turn on the TV you see people wearing them, even the American Idol contestants wore them as they were in the studio. The branding is masterful. Similar to Apple, their branding is masterful; you want an iPad, MacBook, IPhone or iSomething just to be a part of the tribe and associated with the brand. That’s why Apple unassumingly moved from 3% to has 21% of the U.S. market share.
The difference between Apple and Beats by Dre is the simple fact that Apple is a Great Brand that has great products. For the record, I can’t speak for any of the headphones other than the in ear Tour’s that I owned. They scored an A+ for Look and Feel and a D- for Quality and Performance. My son’s Skullcandy Kevin Durant Headphones sound and appear to be made better than Beats By Dre.
The silver lining and irony of the story… Apple gladly returned the headphones and gave me a full refund.
Share your thoughts on Beats By Dre, Apple or any other great brands and or not so great products.
Should Christians watch or read Harry Potter is one of those questions that keeps popping up and popping up and well… popping up. With the release of the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows – Part II at midnight tonight, the question will continue to be asked and the subject debated. As a matter of fact there are thousands of Christians that will be lined up at the strike of midnight to be the first to check out the movie. so
I thought it would be a good time to take this discussion to the people, that’s right the people of BigIsTheNewSmall.com and the online community in general. Not long ago, I was able to listen to, engage in and play devils advocate during a Harry Potter Debate amongst Christians and ministry staff.
According to an on-line Bible ministry that answers questions through a Biblical framework, they said this about Harry Potter and the debate: ”Harry Potter books and films are full of stereotypical magic. Witchcraft and wizardry are central themes, and the lead roles are played by wizards, witches, and other magical creatures. Although the characters practice casting spells, reading crystal balls, etc., they do not communicate with spiritual (supernatural) forces. While this may be considered a positive, one definite negative is that there is no higher power to answer to at all.”
I’m not sure exactly what all of that means from a contextual perspective, because I have not seen any Harry Potter Movie or read any Harry Potter Book. I have not made the choice “to see or not to see” because of any specific reason, thought or belief. I simply have never watched it. I used to watch this cartoon called Hip Hop Harry with my youngest son, but I think that may be a different show.
The scripture that those arguing against indulging in Potter is Deuteronomy 18:10-12 “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.”
Those on the other side of the argument, say “Why stop there the list could go on and on about the types of movies you should and should not watch.”
What do you think?
Should Christians Watch or Read Harry Potter? Is it different for adults and children? Are you going to see Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part II? Share your reasons for or against. Ready, Set, Go!
My wife and I arrived late last night from our trip to Colorado Springs. We had just finished watching the Oklahoma City Thunder get eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Western Conference Finals. When we got home my sister-in-law who had been house sitting and taking care of our sons was watching the Oprah Show.
I decided to tune in and asked her to record it from the beginning. I know there are tons of thoughts about Oprah, good, bad and ugly. I have always appreciated the empire that she has assembled and her commitment to fight and bring awareness to issues that are dear to her heart. I have always heard and maybe even watched a youtube video or so about her lack of belief in Jesus as the only way and that she embraces the “many paths” philosophy.
I don’t know enough to emphatically comment on her beliefs; however I was really impressed with her final show. It was just Oprah on the stage without any guests. Oprah addressed her fans, payed repsect where respect was due and in my opinion had a great message about the importance of belief and validation.
Oprah reflected on the 25 year history of the show and her experience interviewing over 30,000 guests. She stated that those 30,000 people all had something in common. The one thing they had in common was the need for validation.
3 Questions Everyone Needs Answered:
3 Ways To Validate Others: (Family, Friends, Spouse, Children, Employees, Boss…)
I thought the overall tone of the show was great and Oprah had a great spirit. Oprah seemed to take extra time and pay special attention to giving honor to God. She talked about listening to the inner voice or inner spirit and she mentioned that she attributes the success of the Oprah show to, “Her team and Jesus.” Yes she said “Jesus” and she made reference to the Alpha and Omega, the Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnipresence of God.
I don’t know enough about Oprah’s beliefs; however I do know that on her last show with probably the highest ratings ever she made a special point to have this internal and external dialogue about God. It appeared as though there was something there, something just seemed different. Oprah Finds Jesus? I’m not sure, that’s between Oprah and Jesus.
There are many of us who have been lost with a history of jacked up thoughts and lives until we found Jesus. Personally, I don’t like it when people talk about Oprah as though she can’t change and can’t find Jesus. That’s unfortunately a terrible form of arrogance.
Oprah signs off her show finale with, “To God Be The Glory!”
Share your thoughts on Oprah’s thoughts about validation and her three questions. Below is a low quality youtube video recording of some of Oprah’s comments about God, Jesus and Life.
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