Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • My Soul Cries Out in Worship +

    Over the past ten years, Vicki Yohe has written some of the most popular songs sung in churches. This song Read More
  • Worship Matters: A blog by Bob Kauflin +

    Worship Matters is a blog by Bob Kauflin. Good, inspired food for one's soul. http://www.worshipmatters.com/ Read More
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carl-medearisI grew up ­ like some of you ­ in a very warm and loving Christianfamily. I learned so much from my open-hearted and open-handed parents.  But somewhere along the line, presumablyfrom the Midwestern Christian culture around me, I became askeptic of others.  I see this in so many of my friends when itcomes to OBAMA.

President OBAMA'S speech at the National Prayer Breakfastwas incredible. Christ-centered. Relaxed.  Real.  He nearlygave an altar call.  But the level of suspicion remains.  Is hereally a believer or is he just telling the crowd what they want tohear?  Well, honestly ­ who knows (but God).

But it is our job to think the best. To believe.  Not to judge the"other" but believe the best. Let's work on that with him.  Heneeds our support not our criticism ­ especially when he ispresenting his faith in the same Jesus you and I believe in. (I'mnot suggesting you agree with all of his policies, just that youlove and respect the man and the journey of faith that he's on).

I'm off to CHICAGO today ­ joined by Chris on Thursday.  Weare doing a video curriculum series with Zondervan. Pleasepray for this as I feel tired and this is really important.  We willbe interviewing some of the leading Muslims in North America. Filming me teaching in a mosque, and at Willow Creek Church. I need God's grace, wisdom and power VERY much this week!

EGYPT. What do we say?  We spent a lot of time in DC with anEgyptian member of Parliament who is a leading voice in thecurrent opposition to the old regime.  He's an amazing man. AMuslim who is coming closer and closer to loving and followingJesus.  He is very encouraged.  He, along with others who Iknow who live there, are witnessing amazing stories of gracebetween Muslims and Christians.  It seems like it has been inthe interest of the old powers to intentionally divide the Muslimand Christian (Coptic and Protestant) communities.  Seemslike now may be the time for a wave of God's spirit to rushthrough that nation.  Don't be distracted by the politics ­ but keepyour eyes on the One who can bring change!

KASHMIR is the Northwestern region in India, but disputed asPakistan also claims it. Almost 100% Muslim and quite tense.  Well....six months ago an American professor in the regionfound "Tea with Hezbollah" in the New Delhi airport. He boughtit, read it and then contacted me.  He invited me to come toKASHMIR to meet the leader of that area.  I "countered" byinviting them both to the National Prayer Breakfast.

They came. (The professor and the KASHMIRI leader).  It was awonderful time for all.  The last day, I was facilitating a time ofsharing.  The KASHMIRI leader shared beautifully from his heartfor a few minutes. It turned out that the son of former PrimeMinister Benazir Bhutto was in the room. He is being groomedto be the next President of Pakistan.

Well, without saying too much and breaking confidence ­ the twoof them met with some other key political leaders and began afriendship that could literally change the face of that region. Andit was all bathed in prayer and done in the name of Jesus.

Honestly, this is just one of the many things similar to this thathappened in DC two weeks ago. It's taken me a while to writeabout it, because it's so hard to comprehend and thencondense.  Just be encouraged. God is working.  We usuallydon't see it.  I have been personally moved lately with theanalogies Jesus uses for his Kingdom.  A mustard seed.Yeast.  A pearl. A buried treasure. All either hidden or verysmall. But the fruit produced will last and grow!  More Lord....

http://www.carlmedearis.com/blog/2011/02/obama-chicago-egypt-kashmir-and-the-national-prayer-breakfast/=

Reflections to Consider

  • Warfare Spirituality

    The Trinity function as farmers of our souls, actively caring for God’s creation: an ongoing, radical reclamation of His creation. Read More
  • Corporate Spirituality

    Encouragement, Accountability, and Worship Solitude, community and ministry are three areas requiring balance and integration in the Christian walk. The Read More
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Publications

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Music

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche +

    Who is like Him The Lion and the Lamb Seated on the throne Mountains bow down Every ocean roars To the Lord of hosts  Read More
  • An Interview with Paul Washer by Tim Challies +

    You probably know Paul Washer as the man who preached the infamous "Shocking Youth Message," a sermon that has tallied Read More
  • Glorious by Paul Baloche +

    Look inside the mysterySee the empty crossSee the risen SaviorVictorious and strong Read More
  • Paul's Prayers +

    How do we pray? What should we pray for? Yes, there is the Lord's prayer--Jesus teaching his disciples, and us, Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Joy Will Find A Way: Bruce Cockburn +

    Bruce Cockburn’s song Joy Will Find A Way describes the way joy from love can transform one’s life. make me Read More
  • Shepherd's Joy by Luther Jackson Middle School Advanced Chorus +

    Read More
  • Joy to the World! by Surfjan Stevens +

    Joy to the World , the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him room,And Heaven and nature Read More
  • The joy of the Lord is my strength by Douglas Miller +

    The joy of the LORD is my strengthThe joy of the LORD is my strengthThe joy of the LORD is Read More
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