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Building Bridges God’s Way

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Building Bridges God’s Way

Habits of Highly Effective Churches

Visit the new Spiritual Oasis Blog to read the latest post in the Habits of Highly Effective Churches Series:

Habit #4, Encouraging Community and Mutually Beneficial Relationships

Habits of Highly Effective Churches (3) – Preparing God’s People for Ministry

Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Worship (2a)
Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Worship (2b)

Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Introduction (1a)
Habits of Highly Effective Churches, Introduction (1b)

Blessings in Christ,
-bill

Lookin’ Good for Jesus

Click the following link to read this post at our new home:

Lookin’ Good for Jesus

We’ve Moved…

We are glad you stopped by!

If you will click the following link it will take you to our new home:

SPIRITUAL OASIS Blog

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“Are we there yet?”

Thank you for your continued patience. Though the road is long and winding, we are almost there!
Blessings,
-bill

Moving Soon!

Thank you for your patience while we are working feverishly behind the scenes to make it possible for the Spiritual Oasis Blog to make its big move soon!

We hope to have some exciting news to share with you soon.

Blessings in Christ,
-bill

Happy New Year!

…I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! —3 John 2 (The Message)

Godly Counsel for a Successful New Year

The Vision— Proverbs 3:1-2…

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. (NIV)

The Principles— Proverbs 3:3-32…

1. Let love and faithfulness never leave you. (vs. 3-4)
2. Trust in the LORD with all your heart . (vs. 5-6)
3. Do not be wise in your own eyes. (vs. 7-8)
4. Honor the LORD with your wealth. (vs. 9-10)
5. Do not despise the LORD’S discipline . (vs. 11-12)
6. Find wisdom and gain understanding . (vs. 13-24)
7. Have no fear… (vs. 25-26)
8. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it. (vs. 27-28)
9. Do not plot harm against your neighbor. (vs. 29-30)
10. Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways. (vs. 31-32) 3)

The Warning— Proverbs 3:33-35…

The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame. (NIV)

© Bill Williams
December 31, 2007

Twelve Days of Christmas

Here’s something you may have seen by now. Still, this performance by the Indiana University’s Men’s A Cappella Group is worth a re-do. Thanks to our Delaware friends for sending it our way again.

Merry Christmas,
-bill

from www.youtube.com posted with vodpod

Merry Christmas!

With family near and days of fun-filled activities in store, I’m not likely to be spending a great deal of time with my fingers on the keyboard. Still, I want you to know that I am thankful to God for blessing my life through many new-found-friends here in blogland. The tie that binds us is our shared love for and devotion to the Savior whose birth we remember during this special time of the year.

My prayer is that each and every one who passes this way knows the joy of fellowship with God that is made possible by the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus, which was shed for our sins. May your days be full of holiday blessings; and, may your hearts be filled with the warmth of His presence.

Blessings,
-bill

— — — — —
Image Source: Heartlight.org

The Miracle of Christmas

The thoughts which follow are the heart-song of a dear brother in Christ who blesses many with a morning email he calls “Daily Christian Wisdom.” He gave me his permission to share this message which I found waiting in my inbox this morning. Enjoy…

One more week!! The list is not done – time very near – the days are very busy and the afternoons are packed with things to do.

I sit back to evaluate why I am not done? Why is it that I set out to get Christmas shopping out of the way by December 3rd and there is now one week left and I am not there yet!

Could it be because I have had people come help me fix my water problems at home? Could it be because I have been with my Church expressing my love and appreciation for the gift of Christmas? Could it be the time in activities that I have spent with the wonderful Youth? Could it be the time spent with my family cooking the traditional Christmas meal of my native land? Could it be because I’ve had to prepare for the lessons to teach on Wednesday nights? Could it be because we have planned the celebrations for the birth of one of my daughters and enjoyed the meals others have provided? Could it be because I have spent time with my wife and my children and their friends and ours?

It occurs to me, now, that I am already enjoying THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS!!
The God of the heavens has blessed me so much that I have no time for anything but to be surrounded with love, laughter, sharing, comfort and blessings and since He knows I cannot take it all in a single day, he has extended my holidays indefinitely.

Today I am going to visit a baby born Sunday morning to a beautiful family and this will bring me even more joy. In one week I will celebrate the birth of another baby, sent by God to turn a merciless world into blessings, into inspirations, into songs, into joy, into peace, into love, into hope, such is the beautiful world He has surrounded me with.

Thank you Jesus,
love,
GGG
[Gabriel Garcia]

Working Together for the Healing and Health of Marriages

Your comments on recent posts related to marriage have been quite informative. I deeply appreciate the candor and transparency of many who shared their thoughts. These clearly indicate that this is something many of us are concerned about. I’m alarmed about what seems to be an increasing number of families that are struggling to hold things together.

Given this situation, I’m on a quest for resources. This has led me down a number of different and fruitful paths. I’m sure there are many more that could be taken. So, I’m putting this topic out there one more time.

—Do you have any marriage and family resources they highly recommend?

—Also, do you know of a marriage ministry that has a high rate of success in bringing healing to damaged relationships?

A couple of resources that keep coming up are listed below. I’d really like to know what you think about these:

— What has been your experience with Willard Harley’s Love Bank / Love Busters angle on marriage dynamics?

— What do you think of Gary Chapman’s Five Emotional Love Languages?

May God help us to work together for the healing and health of marriages!

-bill

Daily Bible Reading Schedule

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve had a difficult time finding a Daily Bible Reading Schedule that would fit neatly in the cover of my Bible. Perhaps I have just not turned over the right stone.

After a fruitless search in all of the usual places, I decided to make up my own schedule. It was a long and tedious task. Just in case anyone else out there is coming up empty in a search for a daily Bible reading schedule, I’ve posted one you can download by clicking HERE.

May God richly bless you in your walk with the Lord.

In Christ,
-bill

Musical Mom

Since we’ve been spending time talking about family matters, I thought everyone would really get a kick out of this hilarious video. However, since it loads automatically, I’ve chosen to link to it instead of imbedding it. If you need a good laugh click on the link below:

MUSICAL MOM

My friend Lynne informs me that the artist is Anita Renfroe. She has a number of similar performances available for purchase at her nice web site. You can visit her site by clicking HERE.

What do you think?

-bill

What Causes Marriage Meltdowns?

As I reflect on this post, my heart is torn. I don’t want to seem insensitive to the pain and trauma that many people have experienced. However, I am also concerned about what seems to be an upsurge in the number of couples in crisis in our midst.

In my previous post I asked for your input regarding the making of a good and godly marriage. If you haven’t shared your thoughts on this topic, I sure would like to hear from you. In this post I’d like solicit your input concerning the challenges facing married couples.

In his research into marriage disasters, University of Wisconsin Professor Emeritus John Gottman reports that there are four behaviors which produce disastrous consequences for marriage relationships. These are:

1. Criticism
2. Contempt
3. Defensiveness
4. Stonewalling

Dr. Gottman has a brief explanatory video concerning these bad behaviors, which he calls the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, that you can view by clicking here.

So, I’m wondering what readers think on this topic. In your experience, what additional causes for marriage meltdowns have you observed?

Thanks, in advance, for your input.

Blessings in Christ,
-bill

Keys to a Good and Godly Marriage

Along with others in my leadership network, I’m concerned about what seems to be an upsurge in the number of couples in crisis. In an effort to move pro actively, I’ve been developing a list of key ingredients for a good and godly marriage. Thus far I’ve come up with the following:

1. Spiritual center
2. Personal integrity
3. Marital fidelity
4. Christian love
5. Mutual submission
6. Spiritual harmony
7. Effective communication
8. Active faith
9. Family support

What other qualities would you add to this list?

Blessings,
-bill

Are You a Daily Bible Reader?

Have you started thinking about New Year’s resolutions yet? Well, if retail stores can start decorating for Christmas after Halloween, I can ask about New Year’s resolutions on December 1st! It really isn’t too early to start thinking about them! And, being a daily Bible reader should definitely be high on our list of priorities. We don’t even have to wait until the new year to start. Perhaps these suggestions will help you develop the habit.

#1) Simply read! Nothing will foster interest in the Bible more than reading it. The Bible is exciting, stimulating and challenging. Most importantly, it nourishes the soul as nothing else can! Delighting in God’s Word is the point around which the blessed life revolves! See: John 8:31f; 10:10; 15:1-8 and 15:10. To live it, we must read it. To read it, we must
love it. To love it, we must read it! So, let’s read the Bible make it our aim to spend quality time in God’s Word each day!

#2) Read with interest! Weren’t those Berean disciples we read about in Acts really something? They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true (cf. Acts 17:11). Their yearning for truth reflected genuine interest in God’s Word! Disciples of every generation must do some digging in order to discover the deep truths of God’s Word. We should not simply pass over those hard to understand passages. We should study them out! Dust off your dictionary and look up those obscure words. Make comparisons of translations. Consult a commentary or two. Ask questions—lots of questions. Most importantly, pray that God will give you wisdom and spiritual insight so that you might see wonderful things in His word—Psalm 119:18. The deeper we dig the more engrossed we become and the more interested we are in reading the Bible each day. It’s a real page turner!

# 3) Read with purpose! Reading the Bible through is certainly a worthwhile goal. The manner in which the books are arranged sometimes confuses people. One way to see the biblical story unfold is to read The Daily Bible in Chronological Order, with commentary and devotional thoughts by LaGard Smith. There are copies available in the church office. See Tonia if you would like to purchase one.

Most importantly, remember that the application of Bible truths to our lives is our primary reason for reading. It is much better to read, study and apply one verse than to skim through chapter after chapter for the umpteenth time. As we make application of biblical truth to our lives that the Word of God serves as the lamp to our feet and light to our path. (See: Psalm 119:105.) Thus, each time we open our Bibles we need to look simultaneously for the revelation of the grandeur of our God and for His revealed will for our lives. We should ask: What has God revealed about Himself in this text? What does God require of me? We should read the Bible each day with keen interest and an firm resolve to live into God’s will, thus becoming a part of the unfolding story of what God is doing in our world.

Let’s be diligent daily Bible readers!

© Bill Williams
December 1, 2007

Maxine Bullard Passes

Maxine Bullard, 59, Kansas City, Mo., passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2007, at her home following an extended battle with cancer. She was born to Raymond and Ruby MacKay on March 17, 1948. She is survived by her children, Christopher and Parker Bullard and Jennifer Dennis; two grandchildren, Vaughn and Liam Dennis; daughter-in-law, Mali Bullard; and son-in-law, Paul Dennis. Also by her sisters, Kathy Ward of Moore, Okla., Linda MacKay of Douglas, Kan., Mary Hackler of Overland Park, Kan., Lois McClure of Cedar Vale, Kan., Karen Carter of Topeka, Kan., and Margaret VanDorien of Wichita, Kan.; as well as by her mother.

Following her graduation from Harding University in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she was married to Chris R. Bullard for 36 years until his untimely death on Sept. 14, 2006. In addition to being married to and fondly supporting a nationally well known and well loved minister, Maxine conducted her own unique personal ministry of touching lives in deep and meaningful ways. Like her husband, she had a passion for sharing her belief in God with others and never passed up an opportunity to do so.

Maxine was an active, dynamic and humble leader in several venues. First of all in her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Secondly as a friend and encourager to literally thousands of people, especially among the women of the churches in which her husband served, but also as an active board member of the Christian Youth Theater in the Northland. In addition, she was a Mary Kay director with a mission not only to represent that company well but also to minister unselfishly to the emotional and spiritual needs of those with whom she worked and served.

Even during her final months of failing health, she warmed and inspired all who came to see her with her faith, her love, and her cheerfulness. She will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Harmony Vineyard Church, 600 NE. 46th, KCMO. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Overland Park Church of Christ, 119th and Pflumm. Burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Gladstone, Mo. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the World of Jesus Institute or purchase materials of Chris Bullard on the following website: www.getinkc.org/store. All funds will go to the family. Arr.: D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66204 (913) 648-6224.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com

Published in the Kansas City Star on 12/1/2007.

Personal Spiritual Growth

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that
by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have
tasted that the Lord is good.” —1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

When it comes to personal spiritual growth, God’s Word supplies the essential nourishment. Some of the Apostle Paul’s last spoken words to the Ephesian eldership underscore this. In Acts 20:32 we read, “And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.” That which would build up these Christians will do the same for us. Bible study and personal spiritual growth go hand-in-hand.

Hopefully these suggestions will encourage you to dig deeper into the vast riches of God’s Word. Then, like the eagle that rides the thermal into the sky, you will be equipped to soar to new heights of personal spiritual growth.

First, assuming you have a couple of standard translations nearby, find a more recent translation that you enjoy reading. This will help you to more readily understand the dated terminology in the older versions. Some of these are: New American Standard Bible; New International Version; and New King James Version. For further reflection and study, you might want to pick up a contemporary translation such as The Message, by Eugene Peterson, the Contemporary English Version or the New Living Translation.

Second, make a commitment to read and systematically study through the entire New Testament (to start with). You can pick up reading charts from the wall trays at the sound booth. We will also be providing links to reading schedules on the church web site. Following these will help you stay on track. Whatever you do, make the commitment and follow through on it!

Third, you might find a chapter by chapter analysis helpful. One way of doing this is to ask a series of questions of each chapter like the following:

1. Are there commands that I should obey?
2. Are there examples worthy of imitation?
3. Are there promises for me to cherish?
4. Are there warnings that I should heed?
5. Are there sins or unwise choices that I should avoid?
6. What are the main ideas developed in this chapter?
7. How do these verses help me come to know God better?
8. How will my life be shaped for God’s glory as a result of reading and applying this chapter?

We must keep in mind the fact that personal spiritual growth is not the only thing at stake. There are always emerging generations of Christians who need spiritual mentors. You could be one. The first step is to draw closer to the Lord and stronger in the faith? Digging deep into God’s Word each day will give you the guidance you need to lead others into a deeper knowledge of God. You never know who might be following you as you follow Christ!

Remember, there is no foolproof formula for growth. These suggestions are intended to help you spend quality time in God’s Word, which will increase the vitality of your walk with God, while helping you to experience the joy of personal spiritual growth.

© Bill Williams
November 29, 2007