tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165922112024-03-18T22:41:07.891-07:00brianeberly.com... enjoying the ride.Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.comBlogger671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-31882963866077342862013-01-10T16:17:00.000-08:002013-02-16T19:49:36.254-08:00End of the BlogIt was eight years ago that I began blogging. A lot has happened in the last eight years. A lot has changed. Back in 2005 it was normal for me to be posting upwards of 20+ posts a month. Now not so much. <br />
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The social network landscape has changed quite a bit in the last eight years. It seems more people are now engaged in the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, along with many other online mediums, than they are blogs. I for quite some time now, have said Facebook killed the blog. It certainly has seemed to have that effect on this one!<br />
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While I may no longer be posting my thoughts here, I am still quite active online. I have recently redirected my domain name (<a href="http://brianeberly.com/">brianeberly.com</a>) to about.me. I didn't want to let my domain expire so had to have it land somewhere. For now <a href="http://about.me/brianeberly" target="_blank"><b>this </b></a>is it's new home. At the new <a href="http://brianeberly.com/">brianeberly.com</a> you will find a collection of all my online activity. It is sort of an aggregate of my life if you will. Feel free to come on over and take a glimpse.<br />
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All my previous posts to this blog will remain. Kind of a small time capsule into the life and times of my life.<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
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<br />Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-3791920529648757272012-07-05T15:51:00.000-07:002012-07-06T07:49:12.292-07:00Freedom 5k<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_b8_x7BsAMg1pRe7bka3ofHWW31oyL0ftcVGwSeFn4DiUn-PcLy35CWKZohhrOzwQG5hJ6DntXRFQ_qSfeG2MgGdK2V1tbN1KG_n-5u5iQVCY3yY71Mt6PwLlZpehG2hf7n9TA/s1600/Brian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_b8_x7BsAMg1pRe7bka3ofHWW31oyL0ftcVGwSeFn4DiUn-PcLy35CWKZohhrOzwQG5hJ6DntXRFQ_qSfeG2MgGdK2V1tbN1KG_n-5u5iQVCY3yY71Mt6PwLlZpehG2hf7n9TA/s320/Brian.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
I did something yesterday that I thought I would never do. I ran a 5k! Keep in mind I am the guy who normally would only run when being chased, so this was a big deal! To make it even better, I did it with my daughter Brittnie!<br />
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My friend Jon, recently began the <a href="http://molallarunningclub.com/" target="_blank">Molalla Running Club</a> a ministry of our church, <a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/" target="_blank">Foothills Community Church</a>. Yesterday, for the Fourth of July they held their inaugural race, the Freedom 5k. Nearly 250 runners ran through the parade route prior to the Fourth of July parade here in Molalla. It was a great time running passed the thousands of people lining the streets, cheering us on.<br />
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As I prepared to run the race I was quite surprised to realize, I actually enjoy running! Once again, something I thought I would never say. So here's to better health and fitness. Keep your eyes open, you just might see me running by!<br />
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<b>Before the run.</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">After the run.</span><br />
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<b>Here is a cool video of the start and finish of the race.</b></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-57476411446840188502012-05-12T08:25:00.000-07:002012-05-12T11:09:24.615-07:00Why She Deserves A DayMother's Day is approaching. My appreciation for the art of mothering grows each year. No, actually each day. While I have such deep appreciation for my mom and all that she did in raising both my sister and I, it is what I see each day in my wife that has caused my appreciation for moms to truly go through the roof! Thanks babe!<br />
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Mom's deserve more than just a day. This tells the story.<br />
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<a href="http://frugaldad.com/mothers-day/"><img border="0" alt="Mother's Day Infographic" src="http://frugaldad.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Mom.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Source: <a href="http://frugaldad.com/">http://FrugalDad.com</a><br />
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<b><i>Call your mother! </i></b>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-70547047221802890322012-03-13T15:37:00.001-07:002012-03-13T15:53:52.442-07:00Prayer That Works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This last Sunday I preached a message entitled <i>"God's Blueprint For Prayer."</i> If interested you may hear it <a href="http://media.foothillsonline.com/mp3s/2012-03-11.mp3" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. It was a look at the prayer model Jesus gave His disciples in Luke 11:1-4. A prayer often times referred to as the Lord's Prayer. What is important to note about this prayer, is that it is more about <i>how</i> to pray rather than <i>what</i> to pray.<br />
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In preparing my message I stumbled onto a piece written by an anonymous author, that sums up what I believe to be the heart of Jesus, particularly when praying in such a fashion.<br />
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<b>I cannot say, "Father" if I do not endeavor each day to act like His child.<br /><br />I cannot say, "May your name be kept holy" if I am playing around with sin.<br /><br />I cannot say "May your Kingdom come soon" if I am not allowing God to reign in my life.<br /><br />I cannot say, "Give us each day the food we need" if I am trusting in myself instead of in God's provision.<br /><br />I cannot say, "Forgive us our sins" if I am nursing a grudge or witholding forgiveness from someone else.<br /><br />I cannot say, "don't let us yield to temptation" if I deliberately place myself in it's path.</b><i><br /></i><br />
As we pray, may we be remember the words of Proverbs 28:9 that <i>"If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.</i>"<br />
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May we be committed to not only honoring God with our lips, but with our very lives. For when we do, we can be assured that our prayers will be heard.<br />
<br />Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-89982591484168890382012-03-07T10:51:00.001-08:002012-04-05T09:25:50.425-07:00Kony 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was in 2006 that I first learned of the plight of the Invisible Children in Northern Uganda. Thousands of children forced to leave their homes each night so that they might sleep without the fear of being abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). You may learn more and read my initial thoughts <a href="http://ipastor.blogspot.com/2006/03/invisible-children.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.<br />
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Now six years later the movement has gained incredible momentum and has now reached a history changing moment. I love the spirit of the movement. I appreciate their values and their passion for seeking and fulfilling biblical justice.<br />
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As we head into what is sure to be a very volatile election season, there is one thing that I believe all sides should agree on, justice. I stand with this movement in making Joseph Kony "famous", bringing him to justice, and stopping the crimes he is perpetrating.<br />
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Please take 30 minutes of your time to view this video and then ask yourself what your role might be.<br />
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<b>UPDATE:</b> Since the release of this campaign there has been a fair amount of critique, concern, and criticism. I appreciate the response of Invisible Children to the concerns that have been raised. I encourage you to read it <b><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html">here</a></b>.<br />
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<b>UPDATE #2:</b> One month after the release of the first video, Invisible Children has released this follow up video. Well worth the watch!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="364" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c_Ue6REkeTA?rel=0" width="445"></iframe>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-5457562730938610942012-02-20T15:44:00.001-08:002012-02-20T15:51:59.088-08:00This Week At FoothillsI love being a part of all that God is doing here at <a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/" target="_blank"><b>Foothills Community Church</b></a>. I have the privilege of having a front row seat to life change everyday. Our purpose here at Foothills is to reach the thousands of unchurched people in our geographic area with the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and to equip them to experience His presence and demonstrate His power. It happens everyday!<br />
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I also have the privilege of experiencing all this with a great group of people! Love <a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/about-us/staff/" target="_blank"><b>the team</b></a> God has allowed me to work with! Each week youth pastor Sam Stuckey and I put out very fun video highlighting all that God is doing around Foothills. <br />
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I give you <i>This Week At Foothills...</i><br />
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Who said church announcements needs to be boring?!Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-39660192384133964742012-01-20T10:08:00.000-08:002012-02-20T16:18:55.913-08:00StrangersSpent some time last night talking to students about the importance and power of sharing our faith with others. Over the course of the discussion the realization came to them, that not sharing their faith was a pretty selfish decision. Christ has given us an amazing gift; the gift of salvation. It is a gift not to be hoarded but rather shared.<br />
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Jesus <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028:18-20&version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>makes it clear</b></a> that we are to be engaged in sharing our faith. The amazing part of it all is how God uses that. We may think that our only impact is on those we spend time with, but the truth is, it goes much further than that. That stranger sitting next to you in the coffee shop may be following Jesus, because of you!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="364" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rHZiR7qCwSE?rel=0" width="445"></iframe>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-55776790777676944492011-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:002011-12-21T14:21:18.905-08:00Another Year DownAs 2011 comes to a close I must give pause to reflect on the amazing year it has been. After a three year odyssey of a whole lot of change and uncertainty, 2011 has been the year in which the dust finally settled. <br />
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Each day we find our selves thanking God for the way He has provided and blessed. He has blessed us with a new home, new relationships, and an incredible<b> <a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/" target="_blank">church community</a></b> to name just a few. Our hearts are full.<br />
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As is our family tradition over the past few years we have put together sort of an online Christmas greeting. A video that looks back of the past 12 months showcasing some of the many highlights.<br />
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Here's to 2012. I look forward to what it holds.Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-27575163806607262052011-12-12T15:46:00.000-08:002011-12-21T14:21:28.007-08:00Christmas Blessing MinistryLove being a part of a <a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/" target="_blank"><b>church</b></a> that cares so much for the community.<br />
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<i>Thank you Foothills!</i>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-50444336331318435492011-12-05T16:05:00.001-08:002011-12-06T19:00:17.466-08:00Beauty Abounds<b>How often do you take the time to slow down and just appreciate? </b><br />
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Appreciate the blessings in life.<br />
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Appreciate the little things.<br />
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Appreciate the big things.<br />
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In this fast paced and oft times increasingly negative world we live in, it's much too easy to miss the beauty, yet there is beauty all around us. <br />
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There is beauty in the giggle of a child.<br />
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There is beauty in the changing seasons.<br />
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There was beauty in the ice formation I found on my windshield the other morning.<br />
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In the words of Ferris Bueller, <i>"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it."</i><br />
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In every passing second there is beauty. Stop and appreciate.<br />
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<b>Where do you find beauty?</b>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-1086236173168721882011-11-30T15:43:00.001-08:002011-11-30T15:59:48.832-08:00Where I LiveI live in the state of Oregon. Oregon is a stunningly beautiful place. A true gem of God's creation!<br />
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<a href="http://www.uncagethesoul.com/" target="_blank"><b>Uncage The Soul Video Productions</b></a> has just produced an incredible video entitled "Finding Oregon." The video a 6 month compilation of time lapse photography captures the states unparalleled beauty. It features the Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson, the Southwestern Coast, the Alvord Desert, Leslie Gulch, Blue Mountains, Crater Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness, Deschutes River, and more.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a0a095; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32852978?color=ff9933" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></span></span><br />
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Read more about what it took to capture these stunning scenes <a href="http://vimeo.com/32852978" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. <br />
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Ready to visit?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a0a095; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-64739376602093340882011-11-18T12:23:00.001-08:002011-11-18T13:15:06.423-08:00Child SponsorshipI just learned about an incredible interactive web series produced by<b> <a href="http://missionsinaction.tv/about.php">Missions in Action</a>, </b>a ministry<b> </b>with the simple purpose of making a difference around the world. They currently have a team traveling around the globe for the purpose of<br />
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<li>Identifying a problem somewhere around the world that people are facing.</li>
<li>Highlighting the actions that individuals and/or companies are taking to help those in need.</li>
<li>Providing a way for viewers to help out through a specific call to action.</li>
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As a long time child sponsor and a <a href="http://compassionbloggers.com/"><b>blogger</b></a> for<b> <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion International</a></b> I am excited about the impact this series will have.<br />
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They currently are in the Philippians visiting children and families who live in extreme poverty in the flooded villages of Northern Manila, and showcasing the power of child sponsorship.<br />
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Watch this powerful first episode and then ask God what role He might have you play.<br />
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I have so enjoyed the relationships I have had over the years with various children. Currently my family and I have the privilege of sponsoring Fernando Isaac Tetlalmatzi Reyes in Mexico and so enjoy the developing relationship we have with him. What a joy it is for my family knowing that we are blessing a young boy living in the midst of great need. <br />
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If you have not already done so, I encourage you to consider becoming a <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm"><b>child sponsor</b></a>. You will bless a child in untold ways and you yourself will experience blessing like never before.<br />
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<br />Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-42817012016733629212011-11-11T16:56:00.001-08:002011-11-12T10:00:31.866-08:00Persecuted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week I had the privilege of being at the <a href="http://www.rightnow.org/blog"><b>Right Now</b></a> conference in Dallas Texas. In a question and answer session with <a href="http://www.francischan.org/"><b>Francis Chan</b></a>, Francis was speaking about his recent experience in India. When asked what the Church of India thought about the American Church he simply replied, they don't understand it.<br />
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He said, they couldn't understand why people would leave their church. Why would a believer leave their church because they did not like they way their pastor preached? Why would a follower of Jesus leave their church because they did not like the music? Why would one leave their church because the children's ministry was not exactly to their liking? You see for those that follow Jesus in a place like India, they put their very lives at risk to follow Him. Faith is not something they claim with their lips but rather something they risk their lives for.<br />
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This Sunday is the <a href="http://www.idop.org/"><b>International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church</b></a>. This Sunday as we head off to church with not a care in the world many thousands around the world are putting their lives in danger doing the same thing.<br />
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May this video produced by <a href="http://www.gfa.org/kpyohannan/"><b>K.P. Yohannan</b></a>, the founder and international director for Gospel for Asia move you like it did me. May it remind us to not only pray for the 40,000 people that are put to death for surrendering their lives to Jesus, but also help us consider our own journey with Jesus. May it cause us to fully surrender to the One that did likewise for us.<br />
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<br />Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-12675830916722342462011-09-13T09:23:00.000-07:002011-09-13T09:23:02.099-07:00Big ButsWe are great at coming up with excuses. Let's just make sure our buts are not bigger than our whys?<br />
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God calls us to a life of surrender and sacrifice. May we not forget that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">HT: <a href="http://beyondbelief.rodneyolsen.net/">Rodney Olsen</a></span>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-39244992514699100322011-08-17T16:36:00.000-07:002011-08-18T10:43:22.329-07:00Life Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">As a pastor I think a great deal about what God desires for the Church. What should we value? What should our gatherings look like? What is our purpose? While I believe there is much God desires from the Church, one thing I know, is He wants us to experience life together. We were never meant to live in isolation. Life, in community with one another, is what we are called to.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">To do so is messy, challenging, exhilarating, and life changing. This fall at <a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/"><b>Foothills</b></a> we are placing a great emphasis on <a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/connect/life-groups/"><b>Life Groups</b></a>. Life Groups are small groups of people joining together to live out the five purposes of our church, <i>Prayer</i>, <i>Outreach</i>, <i>Worship</i>, <i>Edification</i>, and <i>Relationships</i>. They are are small groups committed to doing life together.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!</i> Psalm 133:1</span></div>
Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-73553349781955983522011-07-07T08:56:00.000-07:002011-07-07T09:22:42.810-07:00Mission of The Church<b>I love the Church.</b> I am thankful God has given her to us. I can't imagine doing life without the amazing community of people God has placed me in.<br /><br />So many times I have heard, <i>"I have Jesus; I don't need the Church,"</i> or "<i>I love God, I just can't stand the Church."</i> While it may be true, fellowship with the Church does not equal salvation, we still <i>need</i> the Church, and the Church <i>needs</i> us. Yes the Church is far from perfect, yet in all it's messy imperfection God chooses to use us to impact the world with His message of love.<br /><br />We as God's people are called to a life of mission. The mission ... the building of God's Kingdom. What makes it exciting, is we are not called to do it alone, rather we are called together into this great adventure. The mission of the Church matters and it is through the unity of the Church that it will be accomplished.<br /><br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rdVOSVP8jUQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rdVOSVP8jUQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object><br /><br /><i>"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." </i> Hebrews 10:24-25Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-91958424940495272612011-05-18T11:47:00.000-07:002011-05-18T11:47:37.357-07:00Consumer WorshipIn speaking on the importance of worship, one of my college profs once said something that has always stuck with me. He said, <b><i>"In America we worship our play and play at our worship."</i></b> A sad, and yet fairly accurate assessment of the view of worship in the American Church.<br />
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We have done a good job of reducing worship down to something we consume as opposed to a lifestyle we live. Worship is more than a quick weekly fix on a Sunday morning. It is even more than a daily time alone with God. It was Jesus that instructed us to <i>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind"</i> (Luke 10:27). Not something done on the fly!<br />
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May we remember, it is not about us. It is about the Person of our worship, the One that deserves our full and continual attention and adoration. May the words of the Psalmist ring true in our lives.<br />
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</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Not to us, LORD, not to us <br />
but to your name be the glory, <br />
because of your love and faithfulness. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 115:1 </div>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-57183182505449555872011-04-28T11:15:00.000-07:002011-04-28T12:22:59.595-07:00Living The Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3qzcVtufWsWTwnLD02IkGQCDoDKfRvgb0Bf9X0oHePVVninVPqCvgVnv9fsZHRnYnVqyBRXdiI-EJZYO2j1lkGdJM2BiweoGOZ04C8moC071Ll_bLsTKC68D6RidxFtXIPo0YA/s1600/home-ownership-american-dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3qzcVtufWsWTwnLD02IkGQCDoDKfRvgb0Bf9X0oHePVVninVPqCvgVnv9fsZHRnYnVqyBRXdiI-EJZYO2j1lkGdJM2BiweoGOZ04C8moC071Ll_bLsTKC68D6RidxFtXIPo0YA/s200/home-ownership-american-dream.jpg" border="0" height="150" width="200" /></a></div><b>We have been sold a bill of goods. </b> We have been told there is a dream; a dream worth living for. I am all for dreams and living for their fulfillment. The question is, what dream are we living for? Who's dream are we living for? Is it God's dream or the American Dream?<br /><br />From a very young age we have also been taught to strive for the American Dream. This so called dream basically amounts to getting through school with good grades, so that we can get accepted into a good college or university, in order to get a degree that will help us secure the right job. If we secure the right job then we will make lots of money which in turn will help us buy lots of stuff. The crazy thing is, when we die, all that stuff ends up in the dump. As I understand the Kingdom of God, this is not His dream.<br /><br />What if we were to trade all this in for a life lived on mission? We live in a world in desperate need of hope. Hope is not found in stuff. Hope is not found in an illusive dream. Hope is found in Jesus. What if instead of trying to achieve the American Dream, we were committed to living out God's dream?<br /><br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MiAh3lYo6k4?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MiAh3lYo6k4?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object><br /><br />A better dream...<br /><br /><i>Then Jesus came to them and said, <span class="woj">“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.</span><span class="woj"> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,</span> </i><span class="woj"><i> and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."</i> Matthew 28:18-20<i> </i></span><br /><br /><i>He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? </i>Micah 6:8Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-44258079619757035622011-04-04T10:54:00.000-07:002011-04-04T12:02:33.638-07:00Foot Washers<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. </i> </div><div style="text-align: center;">John 13:3-5</div><br />Jesus was and is the perfect example of a leader. He was one that lead by serving others. One who led in love and in humility. He is the ultimate example of how we should lead and serve.<br /><br />I love that my son, along with the others in his Kid's Church class at <b><a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com/">Foothills</a> </b>is learning to serve in a like manner. I am thankful for the those that faithfully and humbly lead them.<br /><br /><br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/974-7h7EkFk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/974-7h7EkFk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object><br /><br /><i>May we all be foot washers.</i>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-3947918541884523752011-03-30T12:17:00.000-07:002011-03-30T16:04:33.813-07:00Confession, Forgiveness and FreedomLife is a story. We all have one tell. Some we are quick to share. Others we'd rather keep to ourselves.<br /><br />I saw a movie recently that did an incredible job of showing the devastating effects of an untold story. It was a depiction of a man that was haunted by a sin in his life. A part of his story that because he was unwilling to share, cost him his life. A sin that imprisoned him in his own isolated world for 40 years.<br /><br />The movie <b> <a href="http://www.sonyclassics.com/getlow/">Get Low</a></b>, starring Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek, is a quirky film based on a real-life 1930s legend. It's about man in desperate need of forgiveness, both from others as well as himself. It is a movie worth seeing, and does a great job of opening the eyes of the viewer to the power of confession and forgiveness.<br /><br /><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y17Me8uL6mA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y17Me8uL6mA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object><br /><br />As the movie ended my thoughts went directly to James 5:13-16.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. </i></div><br />There is great power in the act of confession. James goes so far as to say that through it, we find healing. What a precious gift it is when we are able to live in community with one another at such a deep level that we may freely confess to one another, and find forgiveness and the subsequent freedom that comes from it.<br /><br />May we as the Church live in such a way. May we be a people that will listen and pray for one another. And may we enjoy the freedom that is offered us through the forgiveness of both Christ and His Church.Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-87913334826148625902011-03-15T16:00:00.000-07:002011-03-16T10:45:44.413-07:00Grace Based Parenting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgQMBXywu_EBhhNM_bgKAUJXMPOoYj5qplf_PXskDu08aYWwryf9_1PQBBUu94VImhZ_o8e2b5AjHOKl_tMgrFY8I54y8iSohikVepHiLSTtNbywLtYqJyR-nSCXvtulSlknt_g/s1600/978-1-58997-604-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgQMBXywu_EBhhNM_bgKAUJXMPOoYj5qplf_PXskDu08aYWwryf9_1PQBBUu94VImhZ_o8e2b5AjHOKl_tMgrFY8I54y8iSohikVepHiLSTtNbywLtYqJyR-nSCXvtulSlknt_g/s200/978-1-58997-604-7.jpg" border="0" height="200" width="140" /></a></div>Over the last six weeks I have been teaching a class entitled, <i>"Raising Kids With A Faith That Lasts."</i> It has been such a blessing to lead a room full of parents who desire to raise their children in the same manner that God raises us! <br /><br />A major theme throughout the class has been grace. It is by grace that God has called us and leads us, and it is with grace that we as parents must raise our children. If our kids are unable to see grace lived out in our lives, than it is unlikely they will ever see and understand the grace God has for them.<br /><br />In preparing for the class I stumbled upon this hilarious illustration of the challenge grace can be. Prepare yourself for a good laugh!<br /><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times";}@font-face { font-family: "MS 明朝";}@font-face { font-family: "MS 明朝";}@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }</style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">Letter To A Dad </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times";}@font-face { font-family: "MS 明朝";}@font-face { font-family: "Cambria Math";}@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">A father passing by his son's bedroom, was astonished to see the bed was nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then, he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, "Dad." With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">"Dear Dad,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I've been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her, because of all her piercing's, tattoos, her tight motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am. But it's not only the passion.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">Dad she's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods, and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't, really hurt anyone.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">We'll be growing it for ourselves, and trading it with the other people in the commune, for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS, so Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it! Don't worry Dad, I'm 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit, so you can get to know your grandchildren.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">Love, your son,<br />John.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;">P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that's in my center desk drawer. I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home."</span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;">May we all follow our Father's example of living out a life full of both grace and truth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:small;"><i>The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.</i> John 1:14</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;">If you are a part of our Foothills family, or are anywhere near the Molalla area, and would like to be a part of this valuable six week class, we will be diving into it a second time, beginning April 5. Whether you are a brand new parent, been at this parenting thing for many years, or yet to even see the twinkle in the eye of your first child, you are invited!</span><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times;"></span></span></div>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-64874804005231866782011-02-16T10:02:00.000-08:002011-02-16T10:12:45.318-08:00My Highest Calling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_WatkJ3GihQrYyXU2bSdkVCaa8Cf8d41rBXrdnubxd2eIQPNJCpocpfkXTGZ9P8oTHJuFdHzF7Hg5ldApmNlE6stZZEPDYmzAdw12S084KndQC9-iOTvcTxbDOW1LVeaHirzrQ/s1600/IMG_2984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_WatkJ3GihQrYyXU2bSdkVCaa8Cf8d41rBXrdnubxd2eIQPNJCpocpfkXTGZ9P8oTHJuFdHzF7Hg5ldApmNlE6stZZEPDYmzAdw12S084KndQC9-iOTvcTxbDOW1LVeaHirzrQ/s320/IMG_2984.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><b>I am a blessed man.</b> Not a day goes by that I am not in awe of the beautiful family God has blessed me with. At the same time, not a day goes by that I am not conscience of and often overwhelmed by, the enormous responsibility I have in leading my family. In my estimation, there is no higher calling.<br /><br />To be a loving and godly husband is my desire. To love her as Ephesians 5:25-28 is my call.<br /><br /><i>Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.</i><br /><br />Equally it is my desire to lead my children in the same manner that Christ leads me. To parent in a fashion that demonstrates both truth and grace.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWZJagdOBV0mheE7YMkVDR741D2ezhDzGs0-z1EfhFsNGvrNxdyfM2ULjRVz5364-yJ35HSDe4BwYUcpK1zSBCbzCAWbFfT4XoucBkHsABNhfcmRFjPLLiHVS9kI5FDioJuxyjQ/s1600/IMG_3038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWZJagdOBV0mheE7YMkVDR741D2ezhDzGs0-z1EfhFsNGvrNxdyfM2ULjRVz5364-yJ35HSDe4BwYUcpK1zSBCbzCAWbFfT4XoucBkHsABNhfcmRFjPLLiHVS9kI5FDioJuxyjQ/s200/IMG_3038.jpg" border="0" height="200" width="133" /></a>I want my faith and trust in God to be caught by my children. I want to faithfully parent them as God has called us to in Deuteronomy 6:5-9<br /><br /><i>Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. </i><br /><br />In all of this I am woefully aware of the fact that I can do none of this alone. For me to love and lead my family as God desires, I must first allow Him to lead me. To seek Him daily. To stop long enough in the business of life to listen to Him.<br /><br />As a spouse and a parent, make it your priority to follow God's lead. Spend time listening to Him. Learn from Him. Allow Him to lead you as you seek to lead the family He has entrusted to you.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yLr6G8Xy5uc?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" height="364" width="445"></iframe>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-61172836010473774452011-02-04T11:02:00.000-08:002011-02-04T11:10:31.005-08:00Game of Hope<span style="font-style: italic;">Love this!</span><br /><br />What an amazing difference we can make when we love people the way Jesus does!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HuxejhBOCOo?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" height="364" width="445"></iframe><br /><br />At the end of the game Isaiah, the teenage convict-quarterback surprised everybody and asked if he could pray and he prayed, "Lord, I don't know what just happened so I don't know how or who to say thank you to, but I never knew there were so many people in the world who cared about us."<br /><br />On the way back to the bus, under guard, each one of the Gainsville State School players were handed a burger, fries, a Coke, a Bible and an encouraging letter from the players from Faith Academy.<br /><br />Sounds like "Sheep" to me!<br /><br /><i><span class="woj">“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.</span> <span class="woj"> All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.</span> <span class="woj"> He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.</span></i><br /><i><span class="woj"> </span></i><br /><i><span class="woj">“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.</span><span class="woj"> For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,</span> <span class="woj"> I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’</span></i><br /><br /><i><span class="woj">“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?</span><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24047"> </sup> When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?</span> <span class="woj"> When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’</span></i><br /><br /><i><span class="woj">“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ </span></i><span class="woj">Matthew 25:31-40</span>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-23945123319246865912011-02-02T16:24:00.000-08:002011-02-02T19:12:30.715-08:00Daily Audio Bible<a href="http://dailyaudiobible.com/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000041020" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJBhV0fabj1XuUHUFtE2ec0chACHdDaSjAle3prQoNWjIFwCImhQDxu-A0ajrZDrKv6RlPQft0W3hbZSCQ2Hfc6aVPJ_Tu_Mb13ENqReHH4pkhDU1-JENkkucsSLQVCTsv0-jqw/s200/41577_154564152669_6270_n.jpg" border="0" height="200" width="162" /></a>I'm not sure how I missed this one, but I just recently came across the <b><a href="http://dailyaudiobible.com/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000041020">Daily Audio Bible podcast</a></b>, and am loving it.<br /><br />Since beginning my new ministry at <b><a href="http://www.foothillsonline.com">Foothills Community Church</a> </b>I have have been faced with a rather long commute. As we wait on God to send just the right buyer for our home I get to "enjoy" a 50 minute drive each way to work. Not wanting to waste that time, I have been seeking a way to redeem it for something good. One can only listen to so much talk radio!<br /><br />I have always had a great love for the Word of God. I base my entire life on the truths found within it's pages. I enjoy reading it, studying it and teaching it. Now I am listening to it!<br /><br />The Daily Audio Bible is a daily podcast of the God's Word. Everyday it is a community of people listening to host Brian Hardin read through the Bible in one year. Each day he reads from a portion of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and from the Psalms and Proverbs. I have found it a way to just sit and let the Word of God filter into my heart and mind and it's incredible!<br /><br />If you are faced with a long commute or even if you are not, check it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://dailyaudiobible.com/Groups/1000043454/Daily_Audio_Bible/Hidden_Home_Page/Listen_Now/Listen_Now.aspx"><b>Listen now</b></a>.<br /><b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/1-year-daily-audio-bible/id111065122">Subscribe in iTunes</a></b>.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mbLCjCB8rXY?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" frameborder="0" height="364" width="445"></iframe><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Brian Eberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12928972983137319991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16592211.post-71266177662246253452011-01-08T14:06:00.000-08:002011-09-28T08:09:13.111-07:00Reaching The UnreachedIn Matthew 28:18-20 we are called to "go"; to go and make disciples of all nations. This command is played out differently in each of our lives. For some we are called to stay and pray, for some to give, for others to pick up and move. One thing is sure, we are given no other option, other than "go." However God has called you to live out this great commission, this video produced by AsiaLink<b> </b>will open your eyes anew to the great reality of missions.<br />
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