Growthtrac insidetrac, Life Changing Marriage Resources

Suing God? ...

What's up with this guy suing God?

Just when you think the stupidity meter on mankind has maxed out…

The 'New' Porn Addict

The face of pornography addiction is shifting. Increasingly, more women are consuming
porn... and seeking counseling. Read the article here--click

Compulsively viewing and reading pornography has traditionally been seen as a men's problem.

In recent years, churches have organized educational programs and support groups for men who use pornography.

Recent polls - many of them conducted by Christian organizations - indicate that porn might be women's dirty little secret, too.

One in five church-going women responding to a self-selected poll conducted by the Christian Web site ChristiaNet.com said they struggled with looking at pornography on an ongoing basis.

For years when people discussed women and porn, they were talking about wives with porn-addicted husbands or about how porn encourages men to objectify women.

But people who study the culture of pornography are discovering what the $13 billion porn industry has already found: more and more women are porn consumers.

The Internet has changed the way people use pornography, said John Reynolds, a Fort Collins licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating men.

"When I was growing up, pornography was way in the darkness. You had to go to a seedy part of town to buy it," he said. "Now you can have it in the privacy of your home."

Women whose penchant for porn violates their moral or religious values or interferes with their family life or work often feel alone, experts said. That's in part because of an age-old message that women who are highly sexual are "sluts" or "whores."

Virginia Tech Tragedy... Why?

As we pray for all those touched by Monday's tragic events, attempting to answer the "why" question, I'm sharing an excellent blog post from pastor Ed Young at Fellowship Church.

"America is once again sadly united in grief as we learn more about the deaths of 30 students and faculty members on the campus of Virginia Tech this Monday. When tragedy strikes in such devastating proportions, it’s natural for us, even as church leaders, to look heavenward and ask, “Why?” And that’s exactly where we should be turning with our questions and doubts, because this fallen world will never be able to supply us the answers we need in times like these.

The shootings yesterday prompted me to revisit my journaling from the morning following September 11, 2001. During that time, God spoke these truths to me:

Evil is rampant. Because we are created in the image of God, we have been given a free will. True love is not a forced love, and we have the opportunity to choose. We either choose to love God or we don’t. Those who have not come into a relationship with him have turned their backs on God. Some individuals have gone so far in their rebellion that they are way out there in never-never demonic land and evil is rampant.  So, God didn’t cause this. Evil did.


God is in control. God was not surprised by what happened yesterday. The Psalmist said this in Psalm 103:19, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven and his kingdom rules over all.” In his sovereignty, God is calling the shots and we don’t have to worry.  He is in control and wants us to trust Him with each and every aspect of our lives.   

Life is fragile. When those students and faculty went about their usual morning routines yesterday, little did they realize that they would be stepping from this life to the next. We are not really prepared to live until we are prepared to die. The Bible says that one day we will stand before God and everything in our lives that is not built on people or the church, those two entities which will last forever, will crumble. This tragedy is a wake-up call for those of us who call ourselves believers to get serious about understanding the implications of walking with the Lord and to share that good news with the many people around us who are asking those deep questions of the soul. 

God is trustworthy. One section of scripture has been the theme verse for the Young family for generations. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” God is trustworthy, and he is using this to draw people to him. It’s a good thing people are asking these questions, and we have an opportunity to further God’s kingdom. Don’t miss it. 

Monday’s events are a reminder of the mission field we’ve chosen as leaders of the local church. There are lost and hurting souls all around us. Let us seize this sense of urgency to reach out to those in our community who so desperately need our Savior.

And as we join together in this fight, we can’t forget to build strength for the battles ahead.

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Philippians 4:4-9 | The Message

Draw close to Him. Celebrate what’s good. Savor each sweet day.

>> Ed Young at Fellowship Church

Christian Divorce Stats

Here’s an article speaking against the claims that Christians are just as likely to divorce as non-Christians and share the same divorce rate. I'm not surprised these numbers were not telling the whole story...

Click to read the article

Growthtrac on KLOVE

Check out our new Growthtrac Ministry Spotlight that
just began airing on KLOVE radio today.

• Listen to KLOVE Radio-- click
• Read our Interview with KLOVE's Jon & Sherry-- click

Bono, Poverty, and AIDS

At our church this weekend, we were treated to an interview with U2’s Bono. The video piece was originally aired at Willow Creek’s Leadership Summit this past August. to thousands of (church and marketplace)  leaders worldwide.

A comment from a pastor after seeing the interview said it all: The pastor said he began wondering if Bono was a Christian; After the interview, the pastor wondered if he (himself) was a Christian.

Bono has leveraged his celebrity to strategically focus attention on world hunger and AIDS, causing change through his One.org organization and by influencing difference-makers globally.

Check out Bono’s website and the short clip below... and ask God how you should respond.

Internet addiction a growing concern

CNET  had an excellent article recently concerning the growing concern of  Internet Addiction. 

For some, the Internet it has become an addiction, adversely affecting their lives and their family's lives.

For some people, the Internet may promote addictive behaviors and pseudo-intimate interpersonal relationships, reports Wieland in the journal, Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. "Such cyberspace contacts may result in cyber disorders such as virtual relationships that evolve into online marital infidelity (cybersex) or online sexually compulsive behaviors," she writes.

"Obsession with and craving time on the computer results in neglect of real-life personal relationships to the point of divorce," Wieland says.

Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction include a general disregard for health and appearance; sleep deprivation due to spending so much time online; and decreased physical activity and social interaction with others. Dry eyes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive motion injuries of the hands and fingers are common.

Internet addicts may also get the "cyber shakes" when off line, exhibiting agitation and typing motions of the fingers when not at the computer.

Anticipating the Da Vinci 'Tsunami'

It's one of the hugest challenges to the church and to the Christian faith in this lifetime. Yet, it's also one of the greatest opportunities for Christians, according to a best-selling author and evangelical.

The much awaited and feared movie release of The Da Vinci Code is about to cause another major “tsunami” set to flood the world. But this time, it's a spiritual one and this time around, Christians are ready.

"I honestly believe that we're going to be ready this time," said Lee Strobel during the biggest teleconference of its kind on Thursday. "We don't want to see the faith of our friends shipwrecked. Let's be prepared."

Author of Exploring The Da Vinci Code and teaching pastor at Saddleback Valley Community Church, Strobel was joined by a panel of authors and Christian leaders in a call that drew hundreds of church pastors all on the same quest to address the worldwide phenomenon of Dan Brown's controversial novel.

"Lighten up. It's fiction," many would say in response to the explosion of Christian response in the form of discussions, books, curriculums, websites and so forth.

"It's make-believe," Lee also acknowledged, “but people are believing it.”

Along with the 40 million-plus copies of the book that has been sold worldwide in the past three years, advertisements are riding on buses and clothing the streets to promote the upcoming movie.

Everyone is talking about Jesus, said Mark Mittelberg, evangelism leader of Willow Creek Association, and Christian leaders are telling believers to be prepared.

"Why is this so important?" posed Strobel. First, it's a huge worldwide phenomenon that attacks core issues of the Gospel. Second, Christians and seekers are actually believing Brown's allegations are true. Third, "Brown has put a tremendous evangelistic opportunity right in our laps."

According to reported statistics, 53 percent of Americans said the novel has been helpful in personal spiritual growth and understanding. Meanwhile, on the other end, 75 percent of churches said they're going to do something about it, such as a sermon series.

While mindful of outreach, Christian leaders are highly concerned about the believers themselves.

"We must respond to this," said Mittelberg, "to protect our flocks."

Although concerned, Christian leaders have witnessed an incredible response within their churches.

With the movie set to open in theaters nationwide on May 19, pastors and Christians are creating a synergistic movement in the foreknowledge of the tsunami to turn what may be intended for evil into something good.

                  • See the Growthtrac DaVinci page

CBN

Christians Can't Ignore 'Da Vinci' Talk

More than 40 million hardcover copies of The Da Vinci Code have been sold worldwide and just days after the release of the paperback edition, the controversial novel is set to top the bestseller list of the world's largest bookseller - Barnes & Noble.

Soon to hit the movie screen, the New York Times bestseller is challenging Christians to gear up for a wider spread of questions and discussions that the film is expected to provoke.

"It would not be possible for you and your congregation to ignore what people are going to be talking about," said Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, author of The Da Vinci Deception and senior pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, according to Tyndale House Publishers. "When you think of the impact of the movie, millions of people going to see the movie and learning about Jesus ... this is something that we cannot ignore."

--Have you read the book?
--How will you answer your friends & neighbors?
--Are you ready?

Lee Strobel & Garry Poole have developed an excellent resource to help you know and discuss the issues. Read more here.

Reflection on the Sago Accident

That tragedy has been on my mind all week; probably yours too. As the story slips off the front page, here's a positive perspective.

A Coal Miner's Son Reflects on Tragic Mining Accident

SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) --
As a child, growing up in the small coal mining camp of Wevaco, West Virginia, located near the head of Cabin Creek, the worst news was always associated with a mine explosion, fire or slate fall. All who lived in our area were involved with mining and acquainted with danger.

On Monday morning, January 2, 2006, an explosion took place at approximately 6:30 in the Sago Mine, near the community of Tallmansville, Upshur County, West Virginia. It shattered the tranquility of mining families who were looking forward to watching the West Virginia University Mountaineers take on the University of Georgia Bulldogs at 8:30 that evening in the Sugar Bowl.

Family members and the six miners who escaped gathered in the Sago Baptist Church, with friends and relatives, for progress reports on efforts to reach the remaining 13 miners who were trapped thousands of feet back in the bowels of the mountain. People often huddled in small groups praying for their safe return.

In a coal camp people are not embarrassed about praying. Prayer is an important part of each day. When I was in public schools, hearing Bible stories read, memorizing familiar Biblical passages and praying were not under attack from any self-serving group that seeks to deny these God-given rights.

I have heard words used in recent days that were familiar during my childhood years. I recall the long hours of the day or night when my Dad, Clarence Ellis, who was involved in maintenance work for the Carbon Fuel Coal Company, would be called to go inside the mines to build a wall to seal off a fire or to re-direct the flow of air so vital to the well-being of working miners. Those partitions were called “brattices” and built of wood, concrete blocks and “brattice cloth”. It was always a relief when he safely returned home.

When I was a junior at East Bank High School and had a daily 42 mile round-trip bus ride, I was up at five o’clock each morning to deliver the Charleston Gazette to the homes of coal miners who were eating a hearty breakfast and having their last cup of hot coffee before leaving home to work eight or more hours in the mines. In the winter months many of them would leave and return in the darkness and never see daylight until Saturday or Sunday.

I recall those winter mornings when the snows could be deep and temperatures dipping to or below zero. Most of the year the mornings were pleasant. I remember those miners, both black and white, by name. They and their children were and are my friends to this day.

It is not easy to write about the miners and their families of Tallmansville, West Virginia. But you can be sure of one thing, like it is for most of us, when things go wrong, they are not ashamed to call on God. They trust in the words of Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” The life of a coal miner is not easy. It is dangerous. It has brought injury, illness and death to members of my family and thousands of others.

Remember this, most of the energy and electrical power of this nation are made possible by coal miners.

Our country mourns the loss of strong, talented and brave men. We will, as a nation and world, continue to pray for their grieving families and friends. In years to come, other lives will be saved and mining will be safer because of the tragic deaths of twelve courageous hard-working coal miners.

By Bill Ellis
Special to ASSIST News Service