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Digging Into Logos 6

Sometimes you stumble upon a resource that is incredibly helpful for life, ministry, and almost every other area of life. For me, that resource is Logos Bible Software.

Logos 6

Let me give you a brief history. I’ve tried Bible software over the years. I have tried several different kinds. At one point, I owned a comprehensive piece of software that came on multiple CDs (remember those days?). This software was so large that I couldn’t install all of the features on my computer. I simply didn’t have the room. As a result, I wasn’t able to use it as effectively as I could.

A couple of years ago, I decided to try Logos. Version 4 was the current edition at that point, and I had several conversations with others who used it. Everyone I talked to loved it. But it was expensive. I hesitated to spend a ton of money that I may or may not utilize very well.

Later, my brother bought and raved about Logos, when version 5 came out. I decided to pull the trigger and buy it. But I went for the basic level, the bronze level. This was the cheapest level that they had available. I used this software here and there, and the companion app for the iPad and iPhone as well.

About a year ago, Logos 6 was released, and I upgraded to it, without much changing in my usage. Until I went to the North American Christian Convention last month.

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Coffee Break – 06.29.2015

Your Monday Dose Of Inspiration

On this day in history: In 1925, Marvin Pipkin filed for a patent for the frosted electric light bulb. In 1953, the Federal Highway Act authorized the construction of 42,500 miles of freeway from coast to coast. The Interstate highway system was created. And in 2007, the first generation Apple iPhone went on sale.

Coffee Break

Social Media Coffees – Wrong Hands has quickly become one of my favorite web comics. John Atkinson touches on truths in a way that is both amusing and powerful. The MySpace depiction made me literally laugh out loud.

The Best Idioms From Around The World – I also found this list pretty amusing. Many of these I have heard, most I haven’t. Regardless, there are a few here that I may have to try out sometime.

Trap-Jaw Ants – This article displays another one of God’s incredible creations. The trap-jaw ant can spring those mandibles at 130 miles per hour! That’s pretty amazing. Make sure you watch the video embedded in the post.

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Memorize Scripture: Philippians 1:27-28

Paul may be facing the end of his days on earth. But he knows that God may choose to leave him here for a while more. Whichever may be the case, he encourages the Philippian believers to stay strong.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 1:27-28:

Philippians 1:27-28

With these verses, Paul shifts from talking about his own circumstances and begins to exhort the Philippian believers to stand strong in unity and one spirit. The only way the gospel message could be presented effectively was through a unified stance together. The same is true today.

Paul begins this exhortation with the statement, “whatever happens.” This phrase is a very emphatic marker, bringing the reader’s attention to the next words. What does Paul state next? That the Philippians should conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Remember, this letter is addressed to the community of believers at Philippi, so Paul is not speaking of personal holiness here, although that application can certainly hover as a secondary idea from this and other Pauline passages.

Paul’s primary concern here is for the conduct of the believers as a group, as a community. Philippi was known for their pride in their Roman citizenship. And yet, as Christians, their citizenship is in heaven. Their lives should display this, especially as a community of believers, together.

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Taking The Time To Refuel (ESD)

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How many times have you taken the time to refuel and recharge your spiritual batteries?

I don’t mean taking time on a daily basis and spending time with God. That is necessary, certainly, but I’m referring to something other than that. Something big.

This week, I am attending the North American Christian Convention. This is my first time to attend this conference, and I am looking forward to what this will bring to my spiritual life.

Worship

I am completely committed to the idea of taking a week, at least once a year, and attending some sort of conference or spiritual retreat in order to renew yourself, to refuel your spiritual life.

For the past half a dozen years, I attended Wilderness, a program of Christ In Youth, and went to Colorado each October to reconnect my spiritual life with God. That event was designed primarily for youth ministers, and I enjoyed it while I was in that role, and even for a couple of years afterwards. But this year, I decided to try something different, partly because I am in the lead role at our church now, and need to recharge myself in different ways.

And so, I chose to attend the biggest conference put on by the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in the United States. The NACC has all the earmarks of being a phenomenal spring board for refueling my spiritual life. I’m looking forward to the week. Plus, I am alone, in a hotel room, in Cincinnati. Last night, I spent several hours going over my Life Plan and spent some significant time in God’s Word, all without distraction. That was incredible.

But why am I so sold on the idea of taking in a conference each year, or even more often if possible? Here are three reasons.

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Coffee Break – 06.22.2015

Your Monday Dose Of Inspiration

Sometimes it’s just more fun to know the inconsequentials of history. Such as these things that happened on this day in history. In 1909, the first transcontinental auto race ended in Seattle, WA. In 1939, the first U.S. water-ski tournament was held at Jones Beach, on Long Island, New York. In 1946, jet airplanes were used to transport mail for the first time. And in 1998, the 75th National Marbles Tournament began in Wildwood, NJ.

Coffee Break

Chemex Coffee Brewing Tutorial – The Inanimate Objects comic strip shows how to brew excellent coffee using a Chemex. This is a great explanation of one of the best methods of brewing.

The Remarkable Story Of The Supermarine Spitfire – This interactive history of the Spitfire P9374 is simply amazing. Discovered again after it crashed forty years earlier, this article shares the history of the Spitfire, and this particular plane. The restoration photos are incredible!

Turns – This video is pretty cool, showing the skills of a master woodturner. His story is as beautiful as the work he does.

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Memorize Scripture: Philippians 1:25-26

Though Paul is torn in Philippians 1 about whether he should desire to stay on earth or depart to be with Christ, his way is clear, and this week’s passage explains why.

You can see Paul’s decision in Philippians 1:25-26:

Philippians 1:25-26

In the previous passages, Paul seems to understand that his death is near, and that he may soon be a martyr for Christ. In fact, the previous verses seem to suggest strongly that Paul was not long for this world.

But in these verses, he seems to possess a new confidence, knowing that his life would continue,at least for a while longer, in order to serve more.

It is unclear where this newfound confidence comes from. Did God reveal something to Paul? Perhaps a legal decision was made in his favor for his impending trial in Rome? We simply do not know. And from Paul’s suggestion in 2:17, his expectation of continued life may not be certain.

What we do know is that Paul will continue to serve the gospel and Christ for as long as he is able. He may long for a reunion with the people of Philippi. But if that should not happen, he is standing with them “in the faith.” In the meantime, he will “continue” with them, probably a referral to his continued prayers and love for the Philippians as they serve Christ together.

Paul’s desire is that he rejoin the Philippians soon. His presence with them once again will increase their joy. The word for “joy” here can also be translated as “boasting,” or even as “glory.” Paul’s life, especially if released to return to Philippi, would bring something of all of these definitions to the Philippian believers. Their joy would increase. They would have more reason for boasting about what God has done. And they would bring glory to Christ as a result.