Andy Stanley can do a lot of things REALLY well (lead groups of people, preach, write, etc.). One thing he cannot do is navigate a vehicle with a keen sense of direction. He uses his directional disorientation–and several entertaining examples of it–to demonstrate the power of The Principle of the Path, which is defined as: “Direction–not intention–determines destination.” As a principle, it is true for every person in every place in every time. Stanley acknowledges that he is merely verbalizing and illustrating the principle’s power.

I am highly impressed by the  message of the book. Though most who read the book will likely agree with Stanley’s Christian perspective and his appeal to the Bible, the principle itself applies to those who don’t share the same perspective. As one who teaches the Bible to young people on a regular basis, one of the greatest compliments I can give the book is the degree at which I’ve been incorporating its material into my lessons. From lessons about purity, friendships, and finances, I’ve been able to effectively apply the truth about the principle.

As a piece of literature, The Principle of the Path may not be as well-written as Communicating for a Change or Visioneering. Though I do recommend both of those titles for church leaders/ministers, I give a higher recommendation to Principle of the Path because of its universal and paradigm-shifting message. Stanley also offers the material in a series of audio sermons (entitled “Destinations”) from North Point Community Church outside Atlanta.

Reviewed as part of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program.

Side Note: I was delighted to see Julie Faires listed as the cover designer for the book; we were members of the same social club in college. Great job, Julie!

I love surfing the internet on April Fool’s Day. It’s a virtual game of “I Spy” to find the fake blog posts, the new upgrade to Gmail (this year it’s Autopilot), and other attempts to get people to bite hook, line, and sinker. I’ve not been creative enough to devise a good April Fool’s joke myself (I briefly considered complementing Lane Kiffin’s public relations genius), but I love the hoopla surrounding the day. Based on my posting schedule, you might think me making a post at all is a joke .

This year, my mind turned toward the word of God. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good” (Ps. 14:1, ESV).

Something heavy and heartbreaking struck me this morning about this verse. I am a fool. I’ve never uttered the phrase “There is no God.” I’ve never formulated an elaborate argument against the existence of God. But the verse isn’t pointing the finger at the staunch, Richard Dawkins-like atheists. “The fool says in his heart…they do abominable deeds…there is none who does good.” The “fool” label isn’t just reserved for those who articulate a disbelief in God, but also for those who act as if He doesn’t exist.

When I presume on God’s grace and act in my own selfish interests, I’m a fool (Rom. 6:1-2).

When I talk badly about someone God created with a grand and glorious purpose in His spiritual kingdom, I’m a fool (Eph. 4:29).

When I convince myself this life is about “stuff” and how much of it I can accumulate, I’m a fool (Luke 12:13-21)

When I stretch, bend, or hide the truth–even when I’m doing something I think needs to be done–I’m a fool (Col. 3:9-10).

When I attempt to fulfill a God-given need in an ungodly way, I’m a fool (Matt. 4:2-4).

When I put off encouraging a brother or sister because “there’s always tomorrow,” I’m a fool (Heb. 3:13).

When I minimize God’s standards of purity by surrounding myself with unholy people/watching unholy TV & movies/going to unholy places, I’m a fool (Eph. 5:3-12).

When I think that God won’t do what He says He will do when I dishonor the blood of Christ, I’m a fool (Heb. 10:29-31).

“Father, help me to stop living as a fool–as if You don’t exist. Thank you for forgiving the foolish (1 Jn. 1:9).”

Over the past several months, Trey Morgan has published what has become a good series on men, sex, pornography, and marriage. These issues need to be addressed from a Biblical perspective much more often than they currently are. I figured linking to his articles was the least I could do for the present. Don’t miss the two chilling emails from female readers. Powerful stuff. Most recent posts are listed first.

Pornography in Marriage (November 25, 2008)

Pornography and Marriage (October 22, 2008)

Men and Sex (October 15, 2008)

The Porn Myth (August 4, 2007)

Free Porn or Porn Free (January 23, 2007)

Thanks to God for the beauty of a holy marriage and thanks to Trey for these helpful posts…

I feel strongly about our recent elections. Though many of you do also, I’m sure my opinions aren’t of great value to you at a time like this. The beauty is that our opinions all count as “1″ when we vote. And we’ll all stand on judgment before God having to answer for how we used our blessings (including the right to vote). There, who says we need ‘change’ to have equality ?

Just a couple of things, if you don’t mind…

America is great not because of who we elect with our votes, but because we can vote. We need to carefully consider how much weight we put on the shoulders of men. No one man has caused our shortcomings and no one man can lead us out of them. We need to thank God that we live in a country where our voices matter. Additionally, the freedoms that grant us the right to vote also give us opportunities to easily teach others about Jesus Christ. I have to think that if we as Christians were doing our part in helping those in need and sharing the good news, there would be less of a need to vote for someone based largely on social reasons.

One more thing about this…if you threatened to move before or after the election based on the outcome (I personally have read several regarding both candidates), what country exists that has blessings, opportunities, and freedoms to a greater (or even same) degree as our own? Canada, Mexico, and so on have their own problems–and they’re worse than our problems. Let’s not be stupid about this stuff…

God’s purpose is not to protect America or spread democracy, but to protect the church and spread the gospel. I’m a proud American. However, I need to remember that the church existed–and thrived–prior to 1776. Additionally, if this nation ever ceases to exist, the church will still exist (Daniel 2:44). It’s very comforting to always know that God is in control and that He takes care of His people (ie, Heb. 13:5). However, I need to remember that America is not “His people.” It’s tempting to think God has a great purpose in keeping this nation strong for millenniums to come, but He’s not told us that in His word. Therefore, I need to be careful in assuming such. I pray that God will bless America; not because God needs America, but because America needs God.

I have been hypocritical. This is a more humorous approach, but one that I probably needed to come to grips about. Over the past several months, I easily decided for whom I would cast my vote based on some simple logic. I always want to vote for the man (or woman) who stands up for morality and integrity and who exhibits those things in his or her life. Of the two main candidates, it’s obvious there’s only one who comes close to doing so. I am appalled at the complete lack of accountability and honesty that’s put forward by one candidate, and how so many Americans aren’t bothered by such.

Let it be known however, that some 22 months ago I celebrated a new era of ‘change’ and ‘hope’ on the sidelines of the Alabama Crimson Tide. I can see how it is easy to overlook what we think is important when we stand to benefit directly from a person’s work. In no way do I approve of how dishonest Nick Saban looked when he left Miami; in no way do I approve of his choice of words when he’s fired up. But, I am presently glad he’s coaching my team and not yours.* So, I do admit to being inconsistent with my approach to the election this year. It’s something I’ll try to work on…for now, I wish Obama (& Saban) the best in the near future.

This is one of the best reads I’ve ran across in a while. I appreciate all that Brother Steve Higginbotham does in the kingdom; I’m especially grateful for his handling of this issue. I’ll be running this in our bulletin next spring.

Well, dancing certainly has not become any more moral over the years. If anything, the modern dance is more sensuous today than it ever was…So then, what then has changed? What has changed are the attitudes and respect (or lack of) God’s people have for His will. Some apparently seem to be more willing to justify their “pet” sins than they are willing to justify God’s high moral standard.

But It’s the Prom! (preachinghelp.org)