News/Blog Entries http://www.ybl.org/ Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST Infomedia ContentEdits http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19960 Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.                   I like to think of myself as a moral person, as a good Christian.  But if I were to look at myself the way God sees me in all my wretchedness; my evil thoughts, my bad attitudes, my anger, my pride, my sins of omission and commission it would be a very different picture.... Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST 19960 Behavior http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19959 Imagine this…You and I are just leaving a football game and we are walking back to our car.  On the way back, we approach a guy lying on the ground bleeding.  Why is it that the first question that we would think to ask him is “What happened to you?”  Let’s examine this response.... Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST 19959 Encouragement http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19955 Matthew 5:48 Be Ye perfect, as my Father in heaven is perfect.   Are you making progress in your Christian life? Can you see changes in attitude, actions, and more of His desires and less of yours? It is a battle isn't it? C. S. Lewis in his classic book Mere Christianity talks about this verse from the Sermon on the Mount.... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST 19955 Encouragement http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19954 Just recently, during a small group study the topic of impatience was mentioned for discussion.  We talked about impatience in different areas: at home, at work, with family and friends; and for a few minutes we discussed why we get impatient and what prompts it. The first ingenious conclusion that we reached was that sin was the problem!  Although that was true, I challenged the group to be more specific.... Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST 19954 Emotion http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19952 “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake … “ Philippians 1:29 I’ve just finished reading John Piper and Justin Taylor’s book called Suffering and the Sovereignty of God.   In chapter three Piper talks about the significance of Christ’s suffering on our behalf.... Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST 19952 Suffering http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19947 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 KJV  “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.... Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST 19947 Wisdom http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19945 As many of you, I sometimes get overwhelmed with the needs of my family, friends, this Nation and the world.  This economy has caused many men in our ministry to be unemployed or underemployed.  Almost everyone has lost money that was put away for savings and retirement.                                   Our pastor recently mentioned that sixteen people had died in the past 7 days that were either members of our congregation or friends of our congregation.... Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 EST 19945 Trust http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19829 It is been my desire this year to be encouraging through my letters to you.  I understand that the struggle and unexpectedness of everyday life can be heavy, but do not give in…you cannot give in…through these words I implore Christ not to let you give in.  I have come to the realization that most of the areas in which I struggle are areas where I am attempting to do well.... Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 EST 19829 http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19828                 There are so many incredible ways and means that God ordains that amaze me.   One such fact is that He even created man and gave us the ability to rebel against him.  He knew that we would choose evil and that Jesus would volunteer in eternity past to die in our place.... Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST 19828 Faithful Service http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19821   4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 NIV  The past couple of years, I have found myself beginning to research and study a different type of leader.... Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST 19821 Love http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19820                 As the world focuses this week on the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ what comes to your mind?  Is it the grace that God gives each one of us daily?  Is it the complete payment for and forgiveness of our sins past, present and future?  Is it the hope not only of eternal life, but also the promise of Christ coming back to reign and dispense justice righteously?  All these are privileges and benefits of knowing Christ.... Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST 19820 Evangelism http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19819 Traditions and Preferences 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST 19819 http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19818 Micah 6:8  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?                      In the February 2010 Fortune magazine there is an interesting article labeled “Why Doing Good is Good for Business”.... Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST 19818 Behavior http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19817 Matthew 25:21  His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Have you heard of “the butterfly effect”?  The Butterfly Effect is a book by Alabama native and international best-selling author, Andy Andrews.... Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST 19817 Faithful Service http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=19816 So What’s Your Decision? Brother, I hope that this finds you well and in good spirits.  Because this is the first letter of the New Year, I want to set a tone, even more, an expectation for the men of our ministry.  Consider the following scriptures:   34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.... Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST 19816 Love http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=18012 Is God Really Fair? As we all know and have experienced, life is not always fair.  Whether you were blamed for something that you did not do or if someone did not reciprocate the type of treatment or response that you extended to them, we've all been there and it hurts. Last week, in one of our small group studies, the comment was made that "being a Christian is not fair, and we just have to deal with that in our daily walk.... Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST 18012 Prayer Fairness http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=18011 Dear Friends:                                                                                                                           Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has informed him?  With whom did He consult, and who gave Him understanding, and who taught Him in the path of justice, and taught Him knowledge, and informed Him in the way of understanding?   Isaiah 40:13-14   For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.... Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST 18011 Prayer http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=18013 Dear Friends:                                                                                                               Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account Leadership is quite a responsibility.... Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST 18013 Prayer Leadership http://www.ybl.org//newsblog.asp?action=ind&pub_id=17339  Keeping a Winning Attitude No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB As we all know, events in our economy over the past few months have been unfavorable.... Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST 17339 Temptation Prayer