As we begin 2009, it's a great time to read through the Bible.  Note than whenever Jesus faced temptation, trial, spiritual warfare, or persecution he quoted the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament).  Just read Matthew chapter four and you will see this played out in Jesus' temptation in the desert.

Greetings and Happy New Year!  I hope that you have had a great Advent and Christmas season and that 09 has gotten off to a great start!  My family and I have been with our family down in South Carolina this past week.  We are getting ready to drive back to Mechanicsville today.  We have really enjoyed our time with family. 

Pastor Derek shared this with me the other day and it's a great video -- worth your while!  It's good for both those in ministry and for members of churches.  Grace and peace, Pastor Bob Lee

On Saturday the 15th, after several months of training, I ran the McDonald's Half Marathon! This was my first "half" -- and it was a great event.  The weather was warm and humid, which made for tough conditions. 

I heard this great quote on the Dave Ramsey Show today.  It's too good not to share.  Grace and peace, Pastor Bob Lee

On Sunday November, Tim Sutton spoke during both services.  He focused on the "Whosoever" in John 3:16 --  

This week has been an insightful and challenging week.  I have been at the seminary for a directed study course toward my D. Min.  The course is called "Worship in the Twenty First Century."  The focus was to look back at the early Church Apostolic Fathers to capture the essence of worship and liturgy in the first several centuries of the Church.  Then to see how we might bring renewal in our churches though inviting people to embrace the ancient spiritual practices and then integrate them into our modern contexts. 

I am reading McLaren's book about the ancient practices.  I love what he says in chapter two about our character and how it is shaped through the spiritual disciplines.

Recently, I met with a group of pastors as part of a networking group here in Virginia.  We talked about how powerful the movie Fireproof has been.  Several are teaching or plan to teach it as a marriage enrichment series. 

Here's some of what I have been listening to on my iPod:

Recently Added: One Life to Love by 33Miles from their album One Life

Top Five Most Played:

• Blessed Be Your Name by Tree 63
• Made to Love by tobyMac
• I'm for You by tobyMac
• Big House by Audio Adrenaline
• Diverse City by tobyMac

My Favorite Podcasts: