Matthew turns 4

Today is my youngest son Matthew's 4th birthday. Here is him with his brother playing with his present.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW GWIN!

Is being anxious a sin?

Is being anxious always a sin?

Is it always wrong to worry about bills that you don't have the money for? How about being anxious about public speaking or a big test? What about anxiousness about a new job or a new school? The list could go on and on.

Phillipians 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So what do you think.
Is being anxious always wrong?

Album release

I wanted to mention the release this month of my guy Kareem's debut album. Be sure to check it out.

Urban Churches

I get excited about urban churches that have a special focus on evangelism to the younger generation. I know of two such churches that are in the early stages. Epiphany Fellowship in Philly is a few years old and has established a solid foundation for the future. Blueprint Church in Atlanta is just getting started, but has a committed core and the type of leadership to make a difference.

If you have any interest in churches reaching out to make disciples for Christ from the "hip hop generation", then these churches should be an encouragement to you.

Grace and peace to the brothers and sisters in Philly and ATL keeping real for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

What churches are an encouragement to you?

Abortion

Part of the platform of President Obama is to reduce abortions. This has never made sense to me why someone would say that abortion is not wrong, but we need to get rid of as many abortions as possible. Mixed messages.

These mixed messages are not producing a reduction in abortions according to the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune reported today that "Planned Parenthood of Illinois says that in January it performed the highest number of abortions in its history".

When you tell people that abortions need to be reduced and you also say that there is nothing wrong with abortions and it is just a choice people make then we should not be surprised by the results.

This would be sad if this were just another political issue that we disagree on. Instead it is a tragedy because we have seen a drastic increase in the death of children.

Do you feel that the President is sending mixed messages about abortion?

Buying Black

The Chicago Tribune reported today about John and Maggie Anderson who live in Oak Park. They have made a commitment to shop and spend money at only African-American owned business for a year. They say it is their way of investing in the Black community and they are encouraging others to do the same.

Some have accused them of racism. Others feel that it is a great idea.

Do you feel that there is something wrong with intentionally buying goods from only one race?

Would this be looked at differently if a family committed to intentionally only buying from caucasion owned businesses?

Do you have other suggestions for economic investment in African-American communities?

A leader is a servant

I was reading the other day in the book of Matthew and came across Jesus giving some specific teaching about a quality of greatness. In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus reminded his disciples that the greatest would be a servant to all. This was a good reminder to me of a truth that I have known for a long time.

If I want to improve as a leader, than I need to continue to commit myself to serving others. I have so much to learn about being a person who serves people.

It is also a good reminder to me about teaching others how to be leaders. Many people, especially young people, want to lead. What they really often mean is that they want to be in charge. They want authority. They want to make decisions. They want others to follow them. But when it comes time to do the dirty work, the volunteer list can be short.

It is my observation that a lot of people are critical of leaders, but few people are willing to pay the price of leadership. Many people desire a position, but few are willing to walk the path of humble service.

Most of what I know about being a leader has come from observing and listening to humble servants of God who modelled good leadership. My challenge to those who desire to be a leader of others for the glory of God: Start serving people!

It is my prayer that God would help me to be a better leader. It is also my prayer that God would continue to develop more and more servant leaders for His kingdom.

Who is someone who has been a model of leadership for you?
What have you learned about leadership?

"Race was a factor"

Illinois senator, Dick Durbin, admitted that race was a factor in the decision by the U.S. Senate to seat Roland Burris despite concerns that he was appointed by Governor Blago.

I think that we all realized that already, but it becomes more interesting when we actually talk about it. Isn't race always a factor in politics?

Does the fact that race was a part of the decision to seat the Senator from Illinois make a difference to you?
Will we ever be at a point in America when race won't have to be a factor in decision making?