e r i c . s p a n g l e r

$1 Million Dollar Bill?

From the "Duh File."

"Man walks into a bank, wants to open an account, hands teller a $1 million bill.

Riiiiiiiiight."

He became angry when the tellers said NO WAY.

Read the short story HERE.

10 Things Every Minister Needs To Know

Just before coming to serve at Lakeside, I read this book by Ronnie Floyd.  Here's a list of the "10 Things."  According to Floyd, every minister should know:

1.   The Power of One Hour (Learning the importance of focus.)
2.   Who You Are Is More Important That What You Do
3.   Practice Determines Play
4.    Building Family Is More Important That Building Ministry
5.   You're Not Thinking Big Enough
6.   Not Every Hill Is Worth Dying On
7.   Relationships Move Your Ministry
8.   Decision-Making Is Not About You
9.   Balance Draws Masses
10. How to Believe God for Your Future

10 Trends Affecting Our Future

Howard Snyder is a friend and fellow Free Methodist.  He's also gifted as a really smart guy.  Some time back he and Daniel Runyon wrote a book titled “Foresight:  10 Major Trends That Will Dramatically Affect the Future of Christians and the Church.”  This week Todd Rhoades at his Monday Morning Insight website spotlighted those trends, written 21 years ago to see just how close the original projections were.  You can read the entire post HERE, but I'm listing the 10 trends here too as I found them very interesting in light of how I perceive ministry and the life of faith today:

1.   From regional churches to world Church.
2.   From scattered growth to broad revival.
3.   From Communist China to Christian China.
4.   From institutional tradition to kingdom theology.
5.   From clergy/laity to community of ministers.
6.   From male leadership to male-female partnership.
7.   From secularization to religious relativism.
8.   From nuclear family to family diversity.
9.   From church/state separation to Christian political activism.
10. From safe planet to threatened planet.

There's some additional information on this book HERE.

 

Pollution From China

An article in the Seattle Times points out that pollution from China can sometimes reach the US West Coast.  Soon China will overtake the US as the world's largest emitter of CO2.  (Should we do something about our own CO2?)

The article talks about a plan the Chinese have to create a city that will be nearly 100% 'green,' recycling its own waste, operating on solar, wind, and hydrogen energy, etc.  Check it out HERE.

Measure your EcoFootprint HERE.

How Much Did You Spend on Black Friday?

Well, after all the talk about this holiday shopping season being not as good as last year, retailers posted an 8% increase over last year's "Black Friday."  I heard talk that shoppers were concerned about gas prices, economy, etc., and would probably not buy as much as they did last year.  But, according to one article in USAToday, Americans spent just over $10 billion last Friday, the day after they ate 10 billion pounds of Turkey (second fact not verified.  :)   )

$10 billion on one day!  Hmm.  What could I do in this world with $10 billion?  Or, what could I do in this world with $1 billion?

Here's the link to the article at USAToday.

Top 12 Ways To Avoid Being a Missionary Anywhere

Adapted from a list written by Stewart Dinnen

1. Ignore Jesus' request in John 4:35 to take a long hard look at the
fields of the world. Go wash your own window instead of reading about
the 10-40 one. Never read statistics about the poor, or about those who
have no way to know about Jesus. Seeing the needs of people can be
depressing, overwhelming, and very unsettling. Way too much to
comprehend. It might even lead to genuine missionary concern.  Try not to listen to Jesus.

2. Focus all your energies on socially legitimate targets. Go after
that bigger salary. Make your primary focus a job promotion, a bigger
home, a newer car, or future financial security. Talk a lot about
financial stewardship. Worry incessantly about money and what people
would think of you if you became a missionary.  Try not to talk to anyone about Jesus.

3. Get married to somebody who thinks the "Great Commission" is what
your employer gives you after you make a big sale. After marriage,
plunge into the socially accepted norm of settling down, establishing a
career, buying a home. Take up a hobby. Begin a habit.  Try not to think about Jesus.

4. Stay away from missionaries. Never ever read missionary biographies,
autobiographies, listen to CD's or watch video of missionaries. Their
testimonies and stories can be convicting. The opportunities to help
and the situations they describe will distract you from embracing
whole-heartedly the materialistic lifestyle of your culture.  Try not to live like Jesus.

 

5. If you happen to think about missions, quickly think about the
danger involved. Consider how UNREASONABLE missionary service is.
Remember that it is much easier to 'Christianize' your life than it is
to crucify your life. It's better to look out for yourself …no one else
is going to!  Try not to follow Jesus.

6. Make up a health quirk, or cling to your unusual personality, either
of which certainly disqualifies you --you just could not be suited for
missionary work. After all, no one really goes just out of obedience
anymore.  Try not to pray to Jesus.

7. Remind yourself that you have nothing to offer, and that you would
make a terrible missionary because of all of your faults and failures.
Don't think about the setbacks and failures of people like Abraham
Lincoln, Thomas Edison … and CERTAINLY NEVER consider any bible
character like Moses, David, Jonah, Peter or Mark, all of whom overcame
failures.  Try not to honor Jesus.

8.  Never read your bible … ESPECIALLY never read Jonah.  And, leave your
own cross on the ground.  Try not to give to Jesus.

9. Always imagine missionaries as talented, super-spiritual people who
stand on lofty pedestals. Maintaining this image of missionaries will
heighten your own sense of inadequacy and insecurity. Thinking that God
does not use ordinary people as missionaries will smother any guilt you
may feel about refusing to even listen for a call from God.  Try not to live for Jesus.

10. Agree with the people who tell you that you are indispensable where
you are. Listen when others tell you that your local church or home
country, family or friends can't do without you.  Try not to believe Jesus.

11. Don't serve at all in your local church. If you don't serve here,
you most certainly won't be asked to serve anywhere else.  Try not to care about Jesus.

12. If you still feel you must go, go for a week or two and get it out
of your system. Or go out right away without any preparation or
training. You'll soon be home again and then no one can ever blame you
for not trying!  Try not to sacrifice for Jesus.

Lark News: Can You Laugh At Us?

Ever heard of "Lark News?"  It's a funnee website that satirizes Christian faith.  Here's the first part of a story, and the LINK HERE to the whole story.

"On Sunday morning at Horizon Christian Fellowship, a 15-member worship band cranks out praise songs and the pastor preaches with the aid of stadium lighting and jumbo-size screens. But the church, which is only eight months old, has an average attendance of just 28.

    "If we build it, we believe they will come," says pastor Rick Allen, 26, a recent Bible college graduate.

    Ninety percent of the people who attend the church participate in the service somehow, either in short dramas, humorous video clips or in traditional roles like ushering. This means that at times there is virtually no audience."

A Little Thanksgiving Aggression ...

Church Gives One Million Bucks

This is outstanding!  A church in New Jersey decided, just under two years ago to give $1 million dollars in relief for Katrina Hurricane victims.  They set a goal of raising the money in 24 months, and beat the goal by 6 months!  Way cool!  Here's the first part of the story:

 

 

"Parishioners at Fountain Baptist Church set a goal of raising $1 million in two years for communities hit by Hurricane Katrina — then beat their deadline by six months.  A group that tracks philanthropy says it is one of the largest amounts ever raised by a single U.S. church.  The church in this New York City suburb made the promise in May 2006, with a self-imposed two-year deadline to raise the $1 million. The goal was reached this month."

Follow the whole story HERE.

There's Still Much Oppression In This World...

Don't miss this article:

"In a land of government lunacy, residents need official permission to use the phone and to travel across town."

This is happening TODAY, in Burma.  LINK HERE.

The Best Wife!

... Also my very best friend!  Happy Birthday ... I love you!

photo by Eastern Sky Photography

 

Even Bill Likes Mac :)

Snake Oil!

Somethin' for Nuthin'.  A promise that can't be kept.

snake oil: (noun) [informal] a substance with no real medicinal value sold as a remedy for all diseases:

I received one of those e-mails today that even uses faith and the Scriptures to try to get my attention and my money:

Dearly Beloved,
  "By grace are we saved not by works lest no man should boast about." It is amazing that while we are yet sinners Christ died for us. What a mighty God we serve! It is out the joy of salvation that i share my testimony with you. I am Russell Wood ,  legal adviser to late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jason, an America couple that lived here in the United Kingdom for over 28years, before they both died in an auto crash late last year on their way to a crusade being organized in the Northern Ireland.They were dedicated Christians, and they were believers in word and act.Although they had no progeny they believed God for one until their unfortunuate death.While they were in my country, they were wealthy in landed properties . As their legal adviser, before their death, the husband Mr.Paul Jason instructed me to write his WILL. Because they had no child, they dedicated their wealth to God. According to the WILL, the properties have to be disposed and the proceeds realised channelled into a ministry for the work of God or any humanitarian endeavour. Being their attorney, all the documents covering their  properties were in my care. He gave me the authority to sell the properties and give out the fund to ministries or a humanitarian organisation for the work of God or humanitarian works.
After the demise of the couples, the properties was disposed off as instructed by Mr. Paul Jason before his death. And as matter of fact, after I sold all their properties, I realized more than 2,500,000.00 (Two million five hundred thousand British pounds sterling plus), and what was supposed to be the percentage interest of my right legal fee was  deducted by me out of the total amount realized from the sold properties,  based on the initial agreement between me and Paul Jasons before before their death. Therefore the total amount left to be channeled into God's work as instructed by the Mr. Paul Jason, is 2,500,000.00 (Two Mill ion five hundred thousand pounds sterling) only. But Instead of giving the fund out, for the work of God or humanitarian works as  instructed to me by the owner before his death,I converted the fund to myself with the intention of investing the fund outside the U.K for my personal use instead of giving the money out as instructed by the owner before his death. I was afraid of putting the fund in the Bank, because I have to give account to the bank on how I got the money. I used a Corporate Securities Co. which has an  office outside the U.K  to deposit the funds .
The Corporate Securities Co. on my instructions has since moved the funds to their office in Italy. However, I later had encounter with Christ when Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke was preaching on television concerning Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5:1-11. After hearing the word of God, I gave my life to Christ and became a born again Christian. As my growth in the Lord began i came across the book of Pr overbs 28:13 that said"He thatcovereth his sins shall not prosper: but who so ever confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy".I confessed my sins of greed and illegal appropriation of another man's wealth. From the scripture, I discovered that the only way I could have peace in my life is to do what is lawful and right, by giving out the fund as instructed for the work of God or humanitarian works by the owner before his death.I have asked God for forgiveness and I know that God have forgiven me. But I have to do what is lawful and right in the sight of God by channeling the funds into the Lord's ministry work or for Charity as instructed by the owner before his death. After my fasting and prayers, I asked God to make his choice and direct me to a honest Christian or the chosen ministry that deserves this fund by his Grace. I then contacted you, and as a matter of  fact,it is not only you or your ministry that I picked initially, but after my fervent prayer over it,  you were nominated to me through divine revelation from God.
  I have notified the Corporate Securities Co. where I deposited the funds that i will soon transfer the deposit out of their custody to a recipient. So, if you know that you will use this fund honestly and wisely for the things that will glorify God's name, then do urgently contact me back through my secondary email address: "snakeoil@yahoo.es   and the details will be given to you on how you will be able to receive the fund in your country.
  Yours in Christ
Russell Wood.

READ a story about a modern-day "snake oil" machine called the PAP - IMI.  It pulses electromagnetic charges into you, and next thing you know you are making three times the amount of money you've ever made...   or you've shocked your toe nails off...

HERE'S the STORY LINK at the SEATTLE TIMES.

Amazon's Top 100 Books of 2007

Amazon has released it's list of the best books of 2007.  Have you read any of them?

Here's the link:  AMAZON 2007 Top 100

Sarah's New Job

We're so proud of our beautiful daughter!  She's now working at Kohl's:

Five Kinds of Christians

Interesting article in Leadership Journal Magazine about a study which identified five types of Christians in the United States.  You can read the entire article HERE.

Active Christians 19%

• Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
• Committed churchgoers
• Bible readers
• Accept leadership positions
• Invest in personal faith development through the church
• Feel obligated to share faith; 79% do so.

Professing Christians 20%

• Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
• Focus on personal relationship with God and Jesus
• Similar beliefs to Active Christians, different actions
• Less involved in church, both attending and serving
• Less commitment to Bible reading or sharing faith

Liturgical Christians 16%

• Predominantly Catholic and Lutheran
• Regular churchgoers
• High level of spiritual activity, mostly expressed by serving in church and/or community
• Recognize authority of the church

Private Christians 24%

• Largest and youngest segment
• Believe in God and doing good things
• Own a Bible, but don't read it
• Spiritual interest, but not within church context
• Only about a third attend church at all
• Almost none are church leaders

Cultural Christians 21%

• Little outward religious behavior or attitudes
• God aware, but little personal involvement with God
• Do not view Jesus as essential to salvation
• Affirm many ways to God
• Favor universality theology

FreeRice for the Hungry

 

I read about a GREAT website called FreeRice on the BBC News site.  Here's a little of what the BBC had to say:

"An internet word game has generated enough rice to feed 50,000 people for one day, the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has said.  The game, FreeRice, tests the vocabulary of participants. For each click on a correct answer, the website donates money to buy 10 grains of rice."  (Read the rest HERE.)

Here's what the actual site explains about how it works:

"The rice is paid for by the advertisers whose names you see on the bottom of your vocabulary screen. This is regular advertising for these companies, but it is also something more. Through their advertising at FreeRice, these companies support both learning (free vocabulary for everyone) and reducing hunger (free rice for the hungry). We commend these companies for their participation at FreeRice."

I tried it, and bookmarked it.  I found it to be great at increasing my vocab... and felt great about helping in a small way to feed the hungry.  To check out FreeRice, click HERE.

OUR USA Appears on These Lists

•	Most Educated Countries
•	Countries with the Most Nobel Prize Winners
•	Countries with the Most University Students
•	Countries with the Highest Proportion of Adults in Higher Education
•	Countries with the Most Billionaires
•	Most Expensive Countries to Live in
•	Countries with the Largest Natural Gas Reserves
•	Largest Countries in the World
•	Countries with the Largest Economies
•	Countries With the Highest Income per Capita
•	Countries with the Largest Oil Reserves
•	Oil Producing Countries
•	Richest People in the World
•	Most Populated Countries in the World
•	Richest Countries in the World
•	Countries with the Most Workers
•	Countries with the most Endangered Mammals
•	Countries with the most Endangered Species
•	Hottest Places in the World
•	Countries With the Most Freshwater
•	Countries with the Highest Recycling Rates
•	Countries that are the Greatest Water Polluters
•	Countries With the Highest Incidence of bladder Cancer
•	Countries With the Highest Incidence of breast Cancer
•	Countries with the Highest Health Care Expenditures
•	Countries with the Highest Obesity Rates
•	Countries to have Won the Most Olympic Medals
•	Countries with the Largest Overweight Populations
•	Countries with the Most Internet Service Providers - ISPs
•	NATO Countries
•	Spanish Speaking Countries
•	Industrialized Countries receiving the most Asylum Seekers
•	Largest Christian Populations in the World
•	Highest Divorce Rates in the World
•	Countries with the Largest Foreign Populations
•	Countries with the Lowest Rate of Deaths from Road Accidents
•	Highest Prison Population Rates
•	Countries with the Highest Quality of Life
•	Highest Teenage Pregnancy Rates in Developed Countries
•	Most Visited Countries
•	Countries where People Watch the Most TV
•	Countries with the Most Work Hours
•	Countries with the Most Airports
•	Countries with the Most Computers
•	Countries with the Highest Electrical Consumption per capita
•	Countries with the most Internet Users
•	Countries with the most Nuclear Weapons
•	Countries with the highest proportion of mobile phone users
•	First Countries to Send a Person to Space

Poorest Countries in the World

Rank      Country        GDP - per capita
1            Malawi                $ 600
2            Somalia              $ 600
3            Comoros             $ 600
4            Solomon Islands  $ 600
5            Congo, DR           $ 700
6            Burundi                $ 700
7            East Timor          $ 800
8            Tanzania             $ 800
9            Afghanistan         $ 800
10          Yemen                $ 900

For comparison, the GDP for the United States is $43,500 ...

Source HERE, and the CIA World Factbook

On The Record

I just sent a message urging the 2008 presidential candidate to go On the Record and tell us exactly where they stand on extreme poverty and global disease.

You can help by taking action here:

http://www.one.org/ontherecord/

World's 22 Largest Urban-City Agglomerations

1. Tokyo, Japan - 35,197,000
2. Mexico City, Mexico -19,411,000
3. New York, United States - 18,718,000
4. Sao Paulo, Brazil - 18,333,000
5. Mumbai, India - 18,196,000
6. Delhi, India - 15,048,000
7. Shanghai, China - 14,503,000
8. Kolkata, India - 14,277,000
9. Jakarta, Indonesia - 13,215,000
10.Buenos Aires, Argentina - 12,550,000
11. Los Angeles, United States - 12,298,000
12. Karachi, Pakistan - 11,608,000
13. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 11,469,000
14. Osaka-Kobe, Japan - 11,268,000
15. Al-Qahirah (Cairo) - 11,128,000
16. Lagos, Nigeria - 10,886,000
17. Beijing, China - 10,717,000
18. Manila, Philippines - 10,686,000
19. Moskva (Moscow), Russia - 10,654,000
20. Paris, France - 9,820,000
21. Istanbul, Turkey - 9,712,000
22. Soul (Seoul), South Korea - 9,645,000

Source: United Nations Population Division

I've been to 8 of them.  How 'bout you?

60 Minutes Reports That Faulty Intel Lead to War

Precious sons and daughters sent... so many deaths on both sides.  All because of a liar?

Watch The Video Here.

Update From Bono Regarding 'Red'

Bono’s on a mission to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa

Read ABOUT RED HERE.

WAY Too Much.

Wow.  Check this out:  A-Rod wants a new contract worth at minimum $350 million.  If I remember right, it cost $500 million to build Safeco Field.  What's up with that kind of money for playing baseball?  Here's a quote:

The Yankees were told by agent Scott Boras that they could not meet with Alex Rodriguez unless they presented an extension offer that guaranteed the star $350 million "as a floor."

Whole article HERE.

Trick or $$

$5 billion dollars spent this year on Halloween, or about $65.00 per person.  Wow!  90% of all parents scam some of their kids' candy take.  ;)  What'd you do for Halloween?  Spending is on the increase for this holiday:

But don't forget all those real pumpkins: According to the NRF survey, more than 40 percent said they were going to carve pumpkins for Halloween this year. In 2006, U.S. farmers harvested nearly 43,000 acres of pumpkins, according to the United States Department of Agriculture; the total weight was 10.2 million cwt (about 1 billion pounds).  MORE HERE

BTW:  That's less than 1/3 of what is spent each year on Valentine's Day.

Read the entire article HERE.