Ebenim Media’s blog

Today we went to the Shedd Aquarium. While we were there we watched the dolphin show...we've seen it dozens of times--and its always one of our favorite parts of the trip--but today we watched it with new eyes. This was due to the fact that the audience included a very large grade-school field-trip. Each time the dolphins would jump, breach, tail walk, or splash in the water, these grade school kids would "oohh" and "aahh". We laughed to ourselves at the obvious delight these children received at the sight of these trained mammals bidding every command of their trainers. A slight move of the hand, a short whistle, a slap on the water was all that was needed to send the dolphin to do a task that it has done 1000 times before. As I reflect back on the experience I am challenged in a number of ways... First, I am too easily underwhelmed by those things that should overwhelm me. These children reminded me to take delight in God's creation and wonder at His handiwork. Second, I think of how prone I am to wander--or how difficult it is for me at times to obey. These "simple creatures" seem to take such delight in following the wishes of their trainers. The dolphins don't need but a slight instruction and they're off to do it. Am I, who should be so much more grateful for God's prefect gifts in my life, ready to get up each morning and incline my will to His in obedience to His revealed purpose for my life? Thirdly, I hope that as those around me observe my life and my family, that they are amazed at what they see God is doing in our home--Not for the applause of men, but to bring glory to my Father in heaven as through the work of His Son and the empowering of His Spirit we accomplish things in this world that make the people around us "oohh" and "aahh".

This past week I had the privilege of producing a 3-part series on a new book by Stacy McDonald and Jennie Chancey entitled: Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God, published by Vision Forum Ministries. 

 

This feature is a conversation with Whitney Tunney and Roger Basik about an exciting new ministry tool for reaching out to the immigrant community.

 

 

 

For more information about the Manna Project, visit their website at: www.discovermanna.com

 

In the early 90’s an Internet trend was born where individuals began to keep online journals or electronic diaries for the world to read, known as a web-log.  Less than a decade later, the term “blog” was firmly ensconced in the American lexicon as millions of bloggers came online.  This piece looks at how the popularity of blogging can be used as an effective tool for pastors and church leaders.

For many pastors, the task of shepherding the flock can be tiresome and discouraging.  Ministry zeal can quickly become drudgery without a proper focus.  John Koessler, author of "A Stranger in the House of God" describes his personal ministry journey through these discouraging times.

 

You can visit www.johnkoessler.com for more information.  The book is available on amazon.com

For every seminary graduate, the first church experience is often unforgettable, and frequently sets the tone for the rest of their pastoral ministry.  John Koessler, author of "A Stranger in the House of God" describes his first church in rural America.

 

 

 

You can visit www.johnkoessler.com for more information.  The book is available on amazon.com.

The Gospels and the Epistles clearly teach that faith without works is dead.  Following Christ's example of bringing hope to the "down and outers" is one way many Christians put feet to their faith.  John Koessler, author of "A Stranger in the House of God" describes in this piece one of his earliest experiences in such a ministry outreach.

 

You can visit www.johnkoessler.com for more information.  The book is available on amazon.com

The chariman of the Pastoral Department at Moody has written a book entitled: A Stranger in the House of God: From Doubt to Faith and Everywhere in Between, published by Zondervan.  Here is another installment.  This piece looks at the doctrine of the rapture.

 

You can visit www.johnkoessler.com for more information.  The book is available on amazon.com

The chariman of the Pastoral Department at Moody has written a book entitled: A Stranger in the House of God: From Doubt to Faith and Everywhere in Between, published by Zondervan.  I am working with him to bring these humorous stories of his experiences in the church to air for Prime Time America.  They are airing one each week throughout the summer.

 

 

You can visit www.johnkoessler.com for more information.  The book is available on amazon.com

I recently visited the Creation Musuem in Northeastern Kentucky.  Here is an interview with Carl Kerby of Answers in Genesis about the museum.  This interview aired on Moody Radio's PRIME TIME AMERICA, June 26 and 27, 2007.