Casting lots

In the book of Acts ( chapter 1) the disciples cast lots to decide on Judas replacement. Is this a legitimate way to make decisions in 2009 ? Why or why not ?

hearing the voice of God

I recently listened to a message entitled: "Christianity and the danger of mysticism." It was a warning to believers about using language like : " God said to me..." or " God told me...."
So, if we are to heed this warning what do we do with passages in Scripture where the word of God says: " He told me..." " He said to me..." ?

1. Isaiah 30:21 And your ears will hear a word behind you, " This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.


2. Acts 22:21 " And He said to me, 'Go ! For I will send you far away to the gentiles.'"


So it seems that people in the Bible heard God tell them to do things. Does God tell us to do things ? Yes, He obviously tells us things that are scripture verses. An example would be: " and this is the will of God that you __________________." We can say: " God said..." when we quote a Bible verse. Can we say: " God said," when we are talking about going into the teaching profession or starting a paint business ? How does God guide us ? Do we just consecrate ourselves to Him, reject unbiblical thinking, love our families and then.....do what we want ?

alternatives

I used to go for walks at night through the neighborhood and experienced what I call the "blue glow" effect. This described the colors coming through the windows of the homes from the television. I don't remember ever running into anyone on the streets at night ( maybe one person in 10 years). Most people are in their homes watching tv at night. Some nights... we are too. If you have to be in front of the box at night here are some ideas for redemptive television:

1. Homeless man ( the biography of Rich Mullins) 53 minute video

2. Return to Hauna ( parts 1 and 2) part 1 is Come by here ( the story of Marilyn Lazlo who went to Papua New Guinea to translate the Bible into a native language)

3. Louie Giglio messages ( available from North Point Community Alpharetta Ga)
"Indescribable" " Alive" " Tattoo"


4. Beyond the Gates of splendor ( story of Jim Eliot) just google it


5. Transformations ( the sentinel group) documentaries about revivals in South America and Uganda



There's a part of us that just wants to be passively entertained from 8-10 pm. If this is you, try to find a way to learn during this time as well. One more note: this will cost you. It's not easy to find these things at blockbuster. However, if you want to fly with sparrows... just go outside, but if you want to find a bald eagle, you may have to climb awhile.