A theology of hurting
September 5, 2008 by Michael Smalley · Leave a Comment
Theology for Hurting People: Helping the Hurting See Themselves Through God’s Eyes: “I arrived just as my sister, Virginia, was lifted from the ambulance, strapped to a metal stretcher. When she saw me, her greeting was simply, “God has abandoned me.” Read more
‘I still believe’ - an example of Godliness
August 1, 2008 by Michael Smalley · Leave a Comment
“Earth isn’t as attractive to me anymore, but I have a job to do.” This was said by Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in response to his son, Christopher’s death in a car accident July 24, 2008. Read more
The oldest written bible now available online!
July 24, 2008 by Michael Smalley · Leave a Comment
The following is quoted from The Codex Sinaiticus Project. For more information about this incredible project, check out their website at Read more
What should your rules for dating be?
July 21, 2008 by Michael Smalley · Leave a Comment
As a father of three beautiful children, I am not stressed about the day my kids get interested in dating (they are currently 11, 10, 6 and they all still don’t like the opposite sex). The reason I am not stressed is because I believe dating is a wonderful way for my kids to develop in to loving and healthy adults. Read more
Get educated to be a Biblical counselor online!
July 10, 2008 by Michael Smalley · Leave a Comment
Be one of the first 300 people to enroll and take advantage of the special “Celebration Scholarship” a 60% savings (That’s a total savings of $451 per course!)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Feigel, M.A., MFCC Light University 1639 Rustic Village Road Forest, VA 24551
Phone: 800-526-8673 www.LightUniversity.com
Light University to Offer Online Classes Beginning August 1st Enroll Today · A New Term Begins Every Two Weeks
Forest, VA – July 8, 2008 – Light University will be launching online classes beginning August 1, 2008. A special “Celebration Scholarship” will be offered to the first 300 students who enroll—a savings of $451. At $299 per course, that’s a savings of 60% over the regular tuition of $750. “This has to be one of the most exciting announcements I have ever made,” said Dr. Tim Clinton, Light University President.
Since 1999, Light University has been offering training for individuals who have a desire to increase their knowledge and skills in biblical counseling and ministry. Today, nearly 120,000 students are enrolled. On August 1st, Light University will offer a convenient, Web-based, 10-week, online format that will allow students to attend classes anywhere and at any time. The convenience of the “portable classroom” is specifically tailored to meet the needs of today’s active student. “I am praying that God will allow us to train one million leaders worldwide,” Clinton said.
Light University is part of an exploding learning community that respects Godly values and beliefs by offering biblical counseling courses such as: Caring for People God’s Way, Healthy Sexuality, Breaking Free, Caring for Kids God’s Way, Caring for Teens God’s Way, Marriage Works and Extraordinary Women. Unlike most online programs, Light’s world-class faculty shares their knowledge and expertise through an online video format, offering students an opportunity to complete individual courses toward their Certificate, Regular Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Biblical Counseling in just 10 weeks.
This new, interactive, online learning environment permits students to dialogue and study with friends and peers, while having an assigned faculty member who will be available to answer questions and offer direction on course content. Also, the exam scoring system will give students immediate results and feedback, allowing them to track their progress.
Light University’s mission is to train and equip individuals—those who have a heart for helping people in need—with the tools necessary to be effective in their ministries to others. “God has truly blessed us by providing this exciting, state-of-the-art learning opportunity for our students,” said Clinton. “It’s just another step in the right direction toward our goal of training and equipping one million leaders with the skills necessary to increase their ministry effectiveness.”
The first 300 students to enroll are eligible to take advantage of this special “Celebration Scholarship” savings offer—only $299 per course (regularly $750)… a savings of $451! Call 1-800-526-8673 or go online at www.LightUniversity.com today to enroll.
The family who is ONE
July 8, 2008 by Michael Smalley · 2 Comments
More than anything, Jesus wanted his disciples to be one - united. He has this same dream for the rest of us as well. The cool thing is…when we are one we reflect Jesus through our relationships so the world will know that we follow Him.
The greatest example a family can be for those around them is one. When a family loves each other, serves each other, cares for each other’s needs the rest of the world will take notice.
John 17:20-24 (NLT)
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
If you want to know how to be one as a family, look no further than Jesus’ 8 Beatitudes:
Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT)
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
When you take on the kind of personality described in Matthew 5 it makes it easier for you to become one as a family.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Why do we want to be one as a family?
- What is a ‘beatitude’?
- How can we apply this as a family to our neighbors?
Why adultery is a horrible idea
July 3, 2008 by Michael Smalley · Leave a Comment
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I recently discovered an article on the top 10 reasons not to commit adultery. The ideas are good but they are missing one very critical reason, God said not to. But what I like about the 10 reasons is that they affirm why God said not to commit adultery; they outline many of the consequences of divorce.
The article ended with an astounding statistic:
95% of all marriages that begin as adultery end in divorce.
If that doesn’t convince you of the utter foolishness of adultery, then I’m not sure what will.
If you marriage is hurting from the effects of adultery, then please fill out the following form and attend one of our Marriage Restoration Intensives.
Don’t worry - be happy by praying and focusing on God
June 25, 2008 by Michael Smalley · 1 Comment
Who do we turn to in times of trouble? I know for me I used to turn to the person I experienced on a physical level, whether that be my parents, brother, sister, or friend. When we are stressed out it is easy to turn to people or things of this world for comfort and guidance. But Paul is pushing us to a much better, and in fact, much healthier response when we are stressed out.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Paul is encouraging us to run to God, let God know what is going on with our lives. When we pray, we reach out our hands to the Almighty in trust and reverence. The best part of us reaching out is that God takes our hand and comforts us - and he does it far better than anyone on this earth could ever do.
When our eyes are fixed on God it just becomes easier, and fellowship with Him gives us the wisdom and certainty to know how to move forward in a way that is pleasing to God, others, and even ourselves.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How do you pray?
- What do I do if God doesn’t answer my prayer right away?
