Worldly Wisdom
I was watching CBS This Morning and listening to a couple of “relationship experts” describe different patterns that marriages fall into. It was kind of the typical pop-psychology blather that you’d expect to hear on a show like this. Then the woman said something that blew my mind!
She was discussing one of the patterns and made the statement that it wouldn’t work because they weren’t getting the purpose of marriage. She suggested that for a marriage to really work you need a relationship where you USE your partner to learn how to love YOURSELF more!
If I were to try to create a formula for destroying a relationship, that would be it. Marriage only works when both spouses work to set aside their own interests and work for the best interests of their spouse. The Apostle Paul said “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit but in humility count others as more important than yourself.” (Phil 2:3) Marriage is the ultimate environment for practicing this.
Most of the time the foolishness of the world’s “wisdom” isn’t so obvious but be careful. It is just as foolish. (1 Cor 1:18-31)
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Global Orphan Care Revival
Just received this report from our Hope for Orphans team:
On May 1st, the HFO Institute held the first ever orphan ministry event for Korean Pastors and Leaders. The event, held at Saddleback Church, drew over 100 leaders and Pastors from as far away as Greece. A few highlights:
- Pastor Rick Warren calling the 20+ Pastors on stage – hugging and thanking each Pastor and praying over them
- HFO’s Paul Pennington’s hard hitting talk on God’s heart for the orphan and His desire for all of us to be visible gospel for the least of these
- HFO’s Robin Pennington’s moving talk on her personal adoption journey (including three children and one grandchild from Korea) that resonated deeply with the audience
- Video greetings from Kay Warren, our own Dennis Rainey and Dr. Billy Kim (a legend in the Korean Church)
- Two Leading Pastors from Korea speaking on what their church is doing and why it’s a priority for the Korean church
- Reporters from four Korean newspapers/magazines and Korean television station covering the event
- Reading of a “manifesto” from three Korean Pastors and a Korean Adoption Ministry Leader that affirmed God’s heart for the orphan and their commitment to take action. These four gentlemen read the last parts in unison – an incredibly emotional and Spirit filled moment. Nearly everyone in attendance came forward to sign the manifesto.
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Big milestone for Gene
Tomorrow my oldest son will walk to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. For the past four years he has been working 30+ hours per week and going to school full-time, sacrificing much to achieve this milestone. We are very proud of his perseverance and tenacity.
This summer he will be working as much as possible to save money before he heads out for his 11-month, 11-country mission trip around the world. If you want to keep up with his World Race journey, go to http://genewalker.theworldrace.org.
3 John 4
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Passport to Purity Makeover Completed
For much of the past year we have had a team working on totally revamping the popular Passport to Purity resource. This kit provides all you need for a great weekend getaway with your preteen child. During this great time together you will be guided through discussing the thorny issues of adolescence. This has been our personal favorite resource that FamilyLife has created. Now it is totally updated with a great journal for the student and all new music from Seeds Family Worship. Check it out at http://shop.familylife.com/p-1988-passport2purity-getaway-kit-version-3.aspx
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Loss of a Redeemed Leader
News today that Chuck Colson went home to be with the Lord reminds me of the glory of the gospel. A man known for doing President Nixon’s dirty work and for his role in the Watergate scandal became a leader in the evangelical community, founding Prison Fellowship Ministry and more recently playing a key role in the creation of the Manhattan Declaration. It is a testament to the transformative power of God that a life can be changed so completely. I feel very privileged to have met Mr. Colson recently when he came to Little Rock. He was a choice servant of the Lord and I’m thankful for his impact.
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Awesome new trailer for FamilyLife’s next big project – Stepping Up video series
Check this out! Coming in August to a men’s group near you (if you bring it, that is!)
SUV Teaser Trailer from John Majors on Vimeo.
More to come soon, including a pretty awesome project I’m doing related to this.
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Top 13 Memories from 2011
As is my custom, I spent a little time reflecting on my journal from the past year and sat down to list my top 10 memories. I ended up with a top 13 list – it was really a fantastic year
- The Lord making Heaven more real to me
- Sabbatical time in Montana
- Seeing our adult children making good choices
- Hosting the Art of Marriage at 3 churches
- Being nominated and approved as a deacon of our church in Little Rock
- Being given the privilege of focusing on strategic technology direction at FamilyLife
- Watching my daughter tee off in front of former President Bush
- CCCI US Staff Conference at Colorado State University with Francis Chan and David Platt
- Getting to teach an adult class again for the first time in Little Rock
- Watching a brother in Christ grow in absolutely remarkable ways
- Seeing the impact that eMentoring is having in thousands of lives
- Being a Scoutmaster and seeing the growth in the young men that are part of Troop 99
- Dreaming about new types of digital content that I can help FamilyLife develop in the future
What were your highlights in 2011?
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