Unexpected Surprises

Don't you love unexpected surprises! My wife got me an iPad for Christmas this year. I wasn't expecting that at all. In fact, It was shocking! I felt like a kid all over again and have enjoyed using it. Have you ever received something that was unexpected? One of the greatest examples of receiving an unexpected surprise was Jacob. He received news that his son was still alive and that he was governor of all of Egypt. The Bible says that he was stunned at the news and that he couldn't believe it. His initial response was one of shock and unbelief. When he began to see that the surprise was true his spirit became revived. Revival will happen when God surprises us with things that are unexpected. God wants to surprise us with unexpected blessings and when that happens it will revive our spirits! What has God unexpectantly surprised you with that has revived you?

Fasting Facebook?

January 10th starts week number one of a twenty-one day progressive fast. January 10th - January 16th I am asking you to join me in fasting something this week. There are all types of things you can fast. Are you having a hard time deciding what you should fast? Here are some suggestions of things you could fast this week...

• All Junk Foods (Little Debbies, Cookies, Candy Bars, Chocolates, etc.)


• One Meal Per Day


• Sodas/Coffee


• TV/Entertainment/Movies - According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day. Not too mention how many sex and violence acts are portrayed in these shows.


• Video Games


• Secular Music - K-LOVE is challenging people to listen only to Christian Music for the next month and see how it changes you.


• Technology/Computers


• Facebook - Facebook is the webs number one time sink. Numbers released by Nielson estimate the average time spent on Facebook is seven hours a month. This averages out to be about 14 minutes per day. How about putting your Face in The Book!


• Here's a good one you may think is funny....Sex! Of course with limitations, read 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. Sex should never be deprived in a marriage, only when both partners consent, only for a short period of time, and for spiritual purposes.

Having a difficult time knowing what to fast this week? These are just a few suggestions. I am going to be fasting one meal a day, and limiting my TV intake. These are all pleasures that we get to enjoy. How about fasting one or two of these things this week. How about you? What are you going to fast? Are there some other suggestions not listed?

iPad on Trial

My lovely wife surprised me this year with an IPad for Christmas. She had asked me if I would wanted one. I was unsure if I needed another device especially at the cost they come. The iPad for me is on trial. I am testing it out to see if it will be incorporated into my life. I have had it now for a couple of weeks. I have found it to be surprisingly helpful. Here is how it has been helpful so far.

1. Size is nice
It is considerably smaller than a laptop and bigger than a smartphone. I sat in my chair and used the laptop a lot to explore the web, research and type notes. The laptop would get hot and was bulky. It's nice to have something that doesn't get hot and is a great size. Plus it is easier to read materials on than on my phone.

2. Multitasking is beneficial
It's great to be able to do multiple things such as check email and social networks, read books, play games, explore Internet. The iPad allows you to do all of these tasks, plus more!

3. Applications are numerous
Of course there is access to all applications that are available. A couple apps that have helped me are, youverion, flipboard, and box.net. Youversion has helped me with Bible reading. There are multiple translations of the Bible available for downloading and many bible reading plans. I am now reading the Bible from my iPad with a one year reading plan. Flipboard is a fun way to connect all your social networking sites, blog readers, and websites into one spot. Box.net is how I am transfer my sermons that I type on my laptop or PC onto my iPad. Through this application I can use my iPad for my sermon notes. How cool will I look when I preach from iPad!

Needless to say the verdict is still out there as to whether or not the iPad will be something that is incorporated into my life. Will it change how I do things like the laptop or PC has? Who knows, time will only tell. It sure has been fun exploring!