Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Think About How You Speak
On Sunday, our Pastor Hollie Miller (www.sevierheights.org) shared from a passage in Ephesians 4 and 5 and reminded us to think about how we speak.
Before I speak, I should ask:
1. Is it true?- v. 4:25
2. Is it wholesome?- v. 4:29
3. Is it kind?- v. 4:32
4. Is it pure?- v. 5:3-5
Great questions to ask ourselves everyday.
Before I speak, I should ask:
1. Is it true?- v. 4:25
2. Is it wholesome?- v. 4:29
3. Is it kind?- v. 4:32
4. Is it pure?- v. 5:3-5
Great questions to ask ourselves everyday.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
NFL Conference Championship Games
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
The Ravens defense is outstanding as always. Ray Rice is a dual threat, all-purpose running back but Joe Flacco continues to have critics of his game (even his own teammate Ed Reed).
The Patriots offense has been pounding teams in recent weeks. Brady to Gronkowski is a lethal combo. The Pats defense is healthier than it's been all season.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Giants defense has been devastating in the playoffs. Their front four causes lots of problems for the opposing offense. The Giants offense, though not flashy, is reminiscent of their recent Super Bowl winning team.
The 49ers defense is among the top in the league. Playing at home is an advantage. People continue to wait for QB Alex Smith to stumble.
Parker's pick: Giants
My pick: Giants
The Ravens defense is outstanding as always. Ray Rice is a dual threat, all-purpose running back but Joe Flacco continues to have critics of his game (even his own teammate Ed Reed).
The Patriots offense has been pounding teams in recent weeks. Brady to Gronkowski is a lethal combo. The Pats defense is healthier than it's been all season.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Giants defense has been devastating in the playoffs. Their front four causes lots of problems for the opposing offense. The Giants offense, though not flashy, is reminiscent of their recent Super Bowl winning team.
The 49ers defense is among the top in the league. Playing at home is an advantage. People continue to wait for QB Alex Smith to stumble.
Parker's pick: Giants
My pick: Giants
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Be Resolved in 2012
With the beginning of the new year, I have begun to study the pastoral epistles in the New Testament again. A couple of days ago, as I read through Ephesians 4, I was reminded of a lesson I shared with some young married couples on January 1 of this year.
As many people begin a new year with resolutions, the text from Ephesians 4:25-32 lays out a plan for how we should live. The lesson was titled- Be Resolved in 2012:
1. Be truthful- v. 25
We should be careful not to exaggerate, make excuses or paint in shades of grey.
2. Be forgiving- v. 26
While there is such a thing as righteous anger, a Christian should settle matters with a solid trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:4,5).
3. Be aware- v. 27
Is there any sin you are hiding? Give the enemy no foothold, no opening, no opportunity.
4. Be giving- v. 28
Employees should work diligently at their place of employment. A job, a career, is a blessing. Not only that, we should use the resources from our labor to help those less fortunate.
5. Be encouraging- v. 29
Say nice things. Be nice to people. Brighten someone's day today.
6. Be thankful- v. 30
Remember how great forgiveness feels. And then live in a spirit of thankfulness.
7. Be peaceful- v. 31
Avoid drama; don't make it. Drama may make for interesting TV, but it's no way to live your life.
8. Be Christlike- v. 32
If you've been forgiven, live as an example, a representative, of Christ.
As many people begin a new year with resolutions, the text from Ephesians 4:25-32 lays out a plan for how we should live. The lesson was titled- Be Resolved in 2012:
1. Be truthful- v. 25
We should be careful not to exaggerate, make excuses or paint in shades of grey.
2. Be forgiving- v. 26
While there is such a thing as righteous anger, a Christian should settle matters with a solid trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:4,5).
3. Be aware- v. 27
Is there any sin you are hiding? Give the enemy no foothold, no opening, no opportunity.
4. Be giving- v. 28
Employees should work diligently at their place of employment. A job, a career, is a blessing. Not only that, we should use the resources from our labor to help those less fortunate.
5. Be encouraging- v. 29
Say nice things. Be nice to people. Brighten someone's day today.
6. Be thankful- v. 30
Remember how great forgiveness feels. And then live in a spirit of thankfulness.
7. Be peaceful- v. 31
Avoid drama; don't make it. Drama may make for interesting TV, but it's no way to live your life.
8. Be Christlike- v. 32
If you've been forgiven, live as an example, a representative, of Christ.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday's NFL Divisional Playoff Games
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Texans have a great running game but are starting a 3rd string, rookie QB on the road. The Ravens always have a strong defense and Ray Rice continues to develop as a top-flight running back. This game will be outside in the cold in Baltimore.
Parker's pick: Ravens
My pick: Ravens
New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
The Giants defense embarrassed the Falcons last week. New York can look really good or average depending on the week or the opponent. Green Bay, the defending Super Bowl champ, has home field and a usually unstoppable offense. The Packers defense isn't great but their offense is usually able to outscore the opponent.
Parker's pick: Packers
My pick: Packers
The Texans have a great running game but are starting a 3rd string, rookie QB on the road. The Ravens always have a strong defense and Ray Rice continues to develop as a top-flight running back. This game will be outside in the cold in Baltimore.
Parker's pick: Ravens
My pick: Ravens
New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
The Giants defense embarrassed the Falcons last week. New York can look really good or average depending on the week or the opponent. Green Bay, the defending Super Bowl champ, has home field and a usually unstoppable offense. The Packers defense isn't great but their offense is usually able to outscore the opponent.
Parker's pick: Packers
My pick: Packers
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday's NFL Divisional Playoff Games
New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Saints record setting offense has been humming. The surprising 49ers have a strong defense. New Orleans is not nearly as potent on the road or outdoors. San Fran is tough at home.
Parker's pick: 49ers
My pick: Saints
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
The Broncos overtime victory over Pittsburgh will be remembered for a long time. I greatly appreciate Tim Tebow's testimony and the way he conducts himself. The Patriots are the number one seed for a reason. Though their defense is suspect, the Patriots offense can seemingly score at will and they'll be at home.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
The Saints record setting offense has been humming. The surprising 49ers have a strong defense. New Orleans is not nearly as potent on the road or outdoors. San Fran is tough at home.
Parker's pick: 49ers
My pick: Saints
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
The Broncos overtime victory over Pittsburgh will be remembered for a long time. I greatly appreciate Tim Tebow's testimony and the way he conducts himself. The Patriots are the number one seed for a reason. Though their defense is suspect, the Patriots offense can seemingly score at will and they'll be at home.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
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