what do you think of this?
The New York Times ran a story on September 26 that provides incredible evidence that there is within the human heart a yearning to be born again. In “For a Fee, a Thai Temple Offers a Head Start on Rebirth,” reporter Seth Mydans tells of a Buddhist temple that “offers, for a small fee, an opportunity to die, rise up again newborn and make a fresh start in life.”
As the paper reports:
Nine big pink coffins dominate the grand hall of the temple, and every day hundreds of people take their turns climbing in for a few moments as monks chant a dirge. Then, at a command, the visitors clamber out again cleansed — they believe — of the past.
It is a renewal for our times, as recent economic hardship brings uncertainty and people try seeking a bailout on life. In growing numbers, they come here from around Thailand to join what has become an assembly line of resurrection.
The photographs are gripping. Individuals line up to enter coffins, assume a burial posture, and lie briefly under a shroud. Then, they arise and, in some cases, even take on new names. These so-called “funerals for the living” are attracting so much attention in Thailand that a movie, “The Coffin,” is now in Thai cinemas.
Pledging Allegience
Mike Yaconelli once said,
“The impotence of today’s church, the weakness of Christ’s followers, and the irrelevance of most parachurch organizations is directly related to the lack of being in the presence of an awesome, holy God, who continually demands allegiance only to Him – not to our organizations, to our church or our theology.”
This past weekend I referenced our loyalty to country in relation to our dependence upon God. I believe many Americans place their patriotism too high in relation to their spiritual walk with Jesus Christ. Be careful when reading my thoughts that you don’t take them out of context. I support and love my nation, but I am very careful not to substitute or equate patriotism with God’s Kingdom. If (or when) America fails/falls as a nation, God is still in control.
Taking Mr Yaconelli’s quote and these I have made, what are your thoughts on it?
moderating,
-robin
A First Step in Change
Change is everywhere! Political candidates can not say 3 sentences without harping on how they will “change it all up”.
In the current message series at PSM we are in a Campaign for Change. The theme throughout each message is: We are to “be the change”. Jesus modeled change as a forgiver and a servant. Instead of us looking for change to happen to us, we need to look for change we can ignite and initiate.
If you are looking for a quick step to change, here is a simple answer: stop procrastinating. You can launch change promptly by eliminating procrastination in your life. Change is the antithesis to procrastination. The status quo is “I’ll wait until later to do that.”
While walking by that stack of clothes on the floor, it is so tempting to say, “I am not in the mood right now to deal with those.” CHANGE is picking them up now. It is tempting to put off a relationship with your neighbor. CHANGE is taking the time now. We often resist the urge to have a tough conversation with someone you love. CHANGE is bringing up the topic now.
Mark Twain summed up most of our sentiments when he said, ” Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.”
If the world is to change, it will start in little pockets of people. From there, God produces great growth. Only He has the power to grow. I believe God is excited about seeing His people get excited about the process.
-robin
Help me please
What are these words unscrambled?
HERNUT
DORVOE
I have been working on this Jumble for quite some time to no avail.
thanks for the assistance.
-robin
Robin Steele 