tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196250652024-03-21T07:48:13.900-07:00Love MugShan Smith's BlogShan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-7550734624014801452014-12-08T10:31:00.001-08:002014-12-08T10:33:09.046-08:00LIGHTS<iframe allowtransparency="true" class="wistia_embed" frameborder="0" height="298" name="wistia_embed" scrolling="no" src="http://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/fsqvd8zk57" width="425"></iframe>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-72802139783225601052013-05-17T12:08:00.002-07:002013-05-17T12:08:56.260-07:002012 Pastor's Aprreciation Breakfast w/Chip Ingram<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/0b1mefnu.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true"></script><p><a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0B1MEFNU">2012 Pastors Appreciation Breakfast</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/am880wrfd">am880wrfd</a> on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.</p>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-45126204459942921702013-05-13T19:45:00.002-07:002013-05-13T19:45:23.408-07:00Intentional Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9lV4m_oRYwmjfIqWEinyXLzect3n41BS339tOLWa9M-UNxyx2wLo8u0klhPal_6NF3_vDeRFo-Qo2ofdzopwek_-bMUTesikyKbHfUZYJ7V3DpKmER02MX_DawyTS6420aHZ/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9lV4m_oRYwmjfIqWEinyXLzect3n41BS339tOLWa9M-UNxyx2wLo8u0klhPal_6NF3_vDeRFo-Qo2ofdzopwek_-bMUTesikyKbHfUZYJ7V3DpKmER02MX_DawyTS6420aHZ/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you intentionally spending time with the Father in prayer? Do you have a special place and a special time to meet with the Sovereign, Transcendent God of the Universe... The One true God? <br /><br />Prayer is multi-faceted. It offers so much to the health of our life and our soul when we exercise it intentionally, genuinely, passionately, and frequently. <br /><br />Mark Batterson, author of The Circle Maker, says, "If you establish a prayer routine, your life will be anything but routine... When we pray to God regularly, irregular things happen on a regular basis."<br /><br />He says, "When we give more of ourselves to God, God will give more of Himself to us."<br /><br />God invented prayer for you and me to cultivate a connection and an intimate relationship with Him... to reward us with a personal relationship like no other. He invented prayer so we can worship Him... The Creator of the Universe; and, so He can bless us with the things we need in the relationship. <br /><br />Intentional prayer paves the way for intimacy and a relationship that we can only strive for with others on earth.<br /><br />However, prayer can sometimes become selfish, one-sided conversations, where we make a list of request to receive the things we want and the healing we need; or the healing we desire for others. Often we decide prayer is just one big flip of a coin. <br /><br />It is this thinking and this action that leads to a disconnect. We can talk to God the rest of our lives and never feel connected to Him, if everything is based upon our wants, our will, and a quick request thrown up in the random passing of our day!<br /><br />How is your prayer life? Is it based on your requests, or a relationship? Are you genuinely connected with the Father on a daily basis? <br /><br />Do you intentionally spend time adoring Him, confessing sin and short comings, thanking Him for your daily breath, bread, provision, and presence before asking for a long list of your personal wants, desires, or preferences?<br /><br />Connect with Him today and everyday!Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-73518042492057487112013-04-22T05:20:00.001-07:002013-04-22T05:20:20.935-07:00Salvation: More than Hope for a Distant Future<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">When was the last time you thought about your salvation experience? When was the last time had a conversation about your personal salvation? Did the conversation center around what you were saved from... Did it center around eternity, deliverance, Heaven, or Hell?</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Did you discuss what you were saved to? Did you discuss what your were saved for? What have you been saved for?</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Often times our discussions only revolve around a distant future and eternal consequences. What if salvation is more than our present discussions? What if salvation is more than sins forgiven in the future? What if it means forgiveness today?</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Salvation isn't just about being saved from an eternity we don't want. Salvation is being saved for something that matters right now. It's not just hope for a distant future but hope for today... Salvation from sin, yes...but salvation from the struggles we are experiencing today... in the present life!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
We all need saved from the future consequences of an unrepentant, sinful life separated from God; but we need saved from loneliness, depression, hopelessness, fear, disobedience, pride, attitudes, gossip, and ourselves today. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
We need saved "from our future" eternity... and "for our future" eternity today... Right now! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Salvation is more than deliverance for tomorrow, it's healing for today; a salve for today; a healing ointment that restores to wholeness. Salvation is derived from the word salve... To heal a brokenness!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Have you experienced this kind of salvation by placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone? Do you need saved today? Do you need to experience the healing salve that God offers through His Son Jesus and His shed blood? </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Surrender to His saving grace today... for today... for something better, and for the future!</div>
Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-85007323221653387862013-04-16T08:16:00.001-07:002013-04-16T08:22:35.918-07:00Evil in the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4POeZY6iBBlM6lAJlH2iX5TJ6K8w1voaolIDkPIMTaJ5t8kPHI9TDEmS_wsIesydf-ilhk2FrfrQYK-pHZOf2qLdZsx98PKxKLgKIwGquLzmzzQQxSFQNhNMgDU_8DbZ2klCz/s1600/boston-marathon-explosion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4POeZY6iBBlM6lAJlH2iX5TJ6K8w1voaolIDkPIMTaJ5t8kPHI9TDEmS_wsIesydf-ilhk2FrfrQYK-pHZOf2qLdZsx98PKxKLgKIwGquLzmzzQQxSFQNhNMgDU_8DbZ2klCz/s320/boston-marathon-explosion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As the media covers the devastation at the Boston Marathon, I get the sense that they, as most people, are appalled, angry, and even fearful. <br />
<br />
Everyone seems to be taken totally by surprise. But, should we be surprised?<br />
<br />
We live in a world where sin is not only visible but becoming more prevalent. Evil exists and abounds throughout our world. We are taken back every time we see such tragedies because what we are longing for in others is righteousness in their behavior... We desire justice to to be achieved by systems, courts, and government. <br />
<br />
However, righteousness... Rightness... And a universal restoration to the way God intended and Created is only achieved when the human heart and soul is aligned with God's heart. It's through a right heart... A heart in tune with a Sovereign, Triune God that true righteousness and justice is achieved. <br />
<br />
It's through the heart of one seeking after God and His righteousness that changes the world. The world is only made right when it seeks God!<br />
<br />
Are you seeking after the heart of God today? Change the world around you by living with a heart after Him in His Strength!<br />
<br />
Pic by <a href="http://www.fox4kc.com%20/">fox4kc.com </a>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-28912806392080496292013-04-08T09:22:00.001-07:002013-04-08T09:24:21.230-07:00Belief: Facts or Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-ITBE_4jiRRkI0yqoZHEaiz6HvMtq27zX7bNrtD-qXS5rq69wNBK2OdTfO6J1ws-tyETwfGVtulsa09xM1sXuxvcLTSzQNXaLRGphMTeaB8NlgFYf_dCyt4H4ufRzepx8uFX/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-ITBE_4jiRRkI0yqoZHEaiz6HvMtq27zX7bNrtD-qXS5rq69wNBK2OdTfO6J1ws-tyETwfGVtulsa09xM1sXuxvcLTSzQNXaLRGphMTeaB8NlgFYf_dCyt4H4ufRzepx8uFX/s1600/images.jpeg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is your faith based on statements, fact, ideals or experience; rules or a relationship? Do you know about Jesus or do you really know Him personally?</div>
<br />
If all you know of Jesus is what other people tell you or preach at you, then you simply know some facts; you just believe in a set of rules, ideas, or statements; you do not know the real Jesus... There is no personal relationship, and therefore, there has been no real life change.<br />
<br />
We need to understand Christianity is based on beliefs, trust, confidence in the person of Jesus Christ... who He is, and what He did to turn this world's ideologies upside down.<br />
<br />
Belief is less about confidence in a set of facts, statements, rules, ideas, principles, and preferences, and more about a personal experience and relationship with the person of Jesus.<br />
<br />
What do you base your belief on? Who do you say Jesus is? <br />
<br />
Pic from <a href="http://churchonline.lifechurch.tv/invite-someone-for-easter/">http://churchonline.lifechurch.tv/invite-someone-for-easter/</a>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-56197571519783761482013-04-05T12:09:00.000-07:002013-04-05T12:11:00.682-07:00ONLY JESUS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_9le2P0aSyGF15ATquRfQu-fN1kgMySQbmy7xFaeXbDtGei-fNxpXA_tii36MCo205X0a3J78mDnO1px1rpwd-S7rp1JXsN8TBdohsOG6g5mBhk5rDo8uQRBzl_e1Dhsp8bh/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_9le2P0aSyGF15ATquRfQu-fN1kgMySQbmy7xFaeXbDtGei-fNxpXA_tii36MCo205X0a3J78mDnO1px1rpwd-S7rp1JXsN8TBdohsOG6g5mBhk5rDo8uQRBzl_e1Dhsp8bh/s200/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Do you compartmentalize your faith, or live dual lives as a Christian?<br />
<br />
Jesus is not asking to be an addition to your life... part of your life; He's asking to be your life! <br />
<br />
Scripture says,"You can not serve two masters!" (Luke 16:13)...that means more than just in the financial/materialistic context in which it is used.<br />
<br />
Many Christians have spent their lives saying with their mouths that "I do believe Jesus is the Son of God. I do believe that He suffered, died, and rose from the dead to save my life for eternity;" but often their lives don't reflect a difference... Their lives aren't any different!<br />
<br />
How about you? Does your life reflect the belief and faith you claim? Do others recognize and desire to follow Christ because of the joy you express, the hope you possess, and by the sanctified life you exhibit. <br />
<br />
Do you put more energy and commitment into living the life He has called you to... by serving Him and others... than you do your schedule, job, sports, selfish desires or ambitions? <br />
<br />
What are you willing to lay down or surrender, in order to totally live the life He has called you... To make Him the center of your life... To eliminate the compartmentalism... To make Him your life?<br />
<br />Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-35621874859117105072013-01-01T19:32:00.003-08:002013-01-01T19:34:46.703-08:00One Small Step<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5shiyGm1qno" width="420"></iframe></h2>
Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-25297952084751400992012-04-26T18:10:00.001-07:002012-04-26T18:11:51.440-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Duck Commander Shares the Gospel</b></span></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DApqTMJYGMU" width="420"></iframe>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-1723993523026701642012-03-12T19:05:00.002-07:002012-03-12T19:09:15.787-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">6 Must Haves as a Leader Right Now</span></span><br />from <a href="http://www.catalystspace.com/catablog">CatalystSpace | Catablog</a><br /></div><br />1. Leaders must have courage- the ability to risk and actually make a decision and do something. Quick to action.<br /><br />2. Leaders must have conviction- a strong and compelling vision, and passion to pursue it.<br /><br />3. Leaders must have a clear calling- understand how God has wired you.<br /><br />4. Leaders must have authenticity- honest, humble and sincere. Willing to sacrifice. Willing to protect their teammates and take the fall.<br /><br />5. Leaders must be willing to learn- leaders are readers. and have an insatiable desire to know more.<br /><br />6. Leaders must be in touch with reality- ability to understand the context of our day. Plan for the future while leading in the present. Informed enough to make the tough decision.<br /><br /><br />This is a guest post from Brad Lomenick, the director of Catalyst. See more of his thoughts on leadership & innovation @ <a href="http://www.bradlomenick.com/">BradLomenick.com</a>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-14135869579683555442012-02-10T09:18:00.000-08:002012-02-10T09:21:20.944-08:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Love Costs Everything<br /></span></div><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BXJZhNN-Urw" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Praying for the Persecuted Church<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Wed., Feb. 22nd @7pm</span></div>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-10347968131489964292012-01-21T07:14:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:17:28.243-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tithe Rap</span></span><br /></div><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pFE8GlYBBW0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />An addition to Financial Peace University.Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-26354164638557616042011-12-14T20:24:00.000-08:002011-12-14T20:25:27.650-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Simple Christmas</span><br /></span></div><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eOeDW8D6grs" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="425"></iframe>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-77397556480371750002011-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:002011-11-10T13:41:16.930-08:00"Next Step" Foundation<br /><br /><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YY2NQqN-gD0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-15714012912787878672011-11-10T13:33:00.000-08:002011-11-10T13:35:55.234-08:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Making Disciples<br /></span></div><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24570032?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff9933" webkitallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" width="400"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/24570032">This is Discipling</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/foursquare">The Foursquare Church</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />What would it look like if, as leaders, we focused less on the things that make our churches entertaining and more on making disciples?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">As shown by Kelly Tshibaka at Foursquare Connection 2011.</span>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-66591135477341823842011-10-22T07:07:00.000-07:002011-10-22T07:11:10.944-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Unleashing Everyday People into God's Mission</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jeff Vanderstelt </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="425" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FJgKJzdxgIo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Does Jeff's vision of "taking Jesus into the world" reflect the vision and passion of our ministry?</div></div>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-86378843933361692822011-10-03T11:44:00.000-07:002011-10-03T11:45:26.294-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wrong Worship</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJp98hoqy5I?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></div>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-89858509839086656482011-09-20T15:32:00.000-07:002011-09-20T15:33:38.755-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:130%;" >Dust...</span><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nhJj13iChCk?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="425"></iframe></div>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-33996240578706767222011-09-17T15:06:00.000-07:002011-09-17T15:10:02.497-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">God Doesn't Take Risks--John Piper</span><br /></span></div><br /><script src="http://www.desiringgod.org/player.js?video_pcode=M5NmE6ZYB0PramgRtR1EDFp03Mxp&embedCode=l2eTlyMjpRjBCFNCmzXw6d9m9hNRjuF4&width=425&deepLinkEmbedCode=l2eTlyMjpRjBCFNCmzXw6d9m9hNRjuF4&height=300"></script><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Risk is “an action that exposes you to the possibility of loss or injury.” (“Risk Is Right” in Don’t Waste Your Life, 79.) “Possibility” is a key word. If you know what you will suffer, it’s called sacrifice, not risk. God requires both from us. God demands a life of intentional sacrifice (Philippians 2:4-8), and he demands risk for the gospel—in smaller ways of dying daily (1 Corinthians 15:31), and possibly in the bigger way of martyrdom (Luke 14:26).<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.sermoncentral.com/pastors-preaching-articles/john-piper-john-piper-god-doesnt-take-risks-1032.asp?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BetterPreachingUpdate">Post from SermonCentral.com</a>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-65126716125725003862011-09-15T11:55:00.000-07:002011-09-15T11:57:24.565-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Joplin Before and After</span><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SWLvve8KN20" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />In a moment, our lives can change! Are you prepared?</div>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-15016890167980712672011-08-26T07:06:00.000-07:002011-08-26T07:12:46.284-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Rick Warren: 8 Innovation Questions for Better Ministry</span>
<br />
<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xPqNtOrTdlU?rel=0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="325" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<br />Are you asking the right questions to foster innovative strategies in your ministry?
<br />Check out what Rick Warren's thoughts as he encourages leaders to know the right questions for better ministry strategies.</div>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-71954526315577355012011-07-29T09:46:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:49:43.087-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">10 Ways to Improve Your Relational Ministry</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">from [TerraceCrawford.com]</span><br /></div><br />One of the best investments you will ever make in youth ministry is the time spent on developing relationships with your students. I speak with youth workers all the time who get caught up in programming or administrative duties and have a hard time connecting with teens. My hope is that this post will help provide you with some practical ideas that will enable you to fight the paperwork and will empower you to lengthen your relational stride.<br /><br />I want to share with you 10 ways you can improve your relational ministry:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Personal invite - </span>We send out our fair share of mass mailings and texts but there is nothing like a personal invite. Take a moment before your next event and personally text your students. You might be surprised at the response you get.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Worship together -</span> If you are not leading on-stage during your next worship service take the opportunity to sit with your students. You'll never know how much worshiping with your teens will mean to them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Meet the parents -</span> There doesn't seem to be as many youth workers making home visits these days as there use to be, but arranging a visit to the home of your student will go a long way in building a relationship with both the parent & the student! You'll learn a lot about the family dynamics too by showing up on their turf. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Note: give the parents a heads up that you plan to stop by. Most people don't like surprise guests)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Host a group - </span>I frequently have groups of teens in my home. I love to host bible studies or impromptu fellowship opportunities. Why not host a small group or invite a group of teens to your home (with appropriate adult-to-student ratio) and share life together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Visit them at work - </span>You can show your support for teens on the job! Find out where students work (whether that be a fast food restaurant, clothing retailer, or coffee shop) and when they work, and drop by for a quick visit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Waiting period - </span>Arrive early or plan to stay late after your next event to spend some time to chit-chat with teens on-site. Making the most of this time to have intentional conversations with students will go a long way in growing your relationship with them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Prayer -</span> I love praying for my students and I take the opportunity very seriously. Offer to pray for your students and then make sure to follow-up later to see how God worked through prayer. The prayer investment will prove very meaningful to your relationship.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Social media -</span> Comment or reply on your student's facebook page, twitter, or whatever social medium they use. You can learn a lot about a teen by what you read on their facebook, but take a few extra moments to make some comments on their wall (whenever appropriate).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Hobbies -</span> Attend a sporting event, concert or do some other activity together with your teen. This opportunity will not only help you do something fun with the teens in your ministry but it will help improve your relationship with them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Sharing</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">-</span> Take some time to share with your students. Give some focused attention to a teen and get to know them. Be willing to share your story with them too. When you hear them out you might find that you have a captive audience to be able to share more about your life. Most teens want to get to know you as much as you want to get to know them.<br /><br />What might you add to this list? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">from <a href="http://www.TerraceCrawford.com">TerraceCrawford.com</a></span>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-73397553046356514342011-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:002011-07-29T08:07:55.299-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Beth Moore: Seek God's Direction</span><br /></div><br />Beth Moore encourages leaders to seek God's direction and not their own plans for the future.<br />Practical Idea: Watch this video and spend time in prayer asking God to guide you to His plan and not your own.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/18430428?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" height="227" width="400"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/18430428">Catalyst East 2010: Beth Moore</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/catalyst">Catalyst</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />from <a href="http://www.sermoncentral.com/pastors-preaching-articles/beth-moore-beth-moore-surrender-to-him-993.asp?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BetterPreachingUpdate">SermonCentral.com</a>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-15932617894676084252011-07-27T11:43:00.000-07:002011-07-27T11:44:22.334-07:00<div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who is Jesus? </span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Col.1:15-20)</span>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19625065.post-27542223326958659852011-07-16T12:26:00.000-07:002011-07-16T12:28:32.823-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq5G2MlhknJwJXsCpSELzyZ5uHPaUoqq6waZikinqjQy8c-VByRBkvuVvkrZL0IAnBpbatoz0PtGYrxritt6GzNclJdBivrhyphenhyphenIfQ2B1oJE_HteQQ0v0MwN-Wk0qqAxr8NvJfJ/s1600/220372_10150181074422998_569762997_6909800_2631239_o.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggq5G2MlhknJwJXsCpSELzyZ5uHPaUoqq6waZikinqjQy8c-VByRBkvuVvkrZL0IAnBpbatoz0PtGYrxritt6GzNclJdBivrhyphenhyphenIfQ2B1oJE_HteQQ0v0MwN-Wk0qqAxr8NvJfJ/s400/220372_10150181074422998_569762997_6909800_2631239_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630034112972744210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You do not want to miss this HUGE Outdoor Outreach Event featuring Dj Promote and Talain Rayne in the South Honey Creek Mall Parking Lot (In front of Honey Baked Ham).<br /><br />This amazing day is hosted by Agape’ Christian Church, YFC of Wabash Valley, ISU BCM, Christian Student Fellowship of ISU, Xposed2Jesus.<br /><br />Invite Friends and Neighbors to this one-day FREE Back-to-School Celebration-- to ECHOLOUD!<br /><br />There will be Activities, Back-to-School Back Pack Give-Aways, Free Hot Dogs and Refreshments, and much more!<br /><br />Oh yeah, did we say it’s FREE!</div>Shan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10379293564621527491noreply@blogger.com0