OK Go have produced another killer film clip! Unedited, one take, lots of optical illusions.
Did you know the phrase “the writing’s on the wall” originally comes from the Bible?
THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL // ANOTHER CLEVER, MUST-SEE VIDEO FROM OK GO
LEARNING TO PRAY // DR MICHAEL SPENCE
I’m really glad to see that the address from last week’s Sydney Prayer Breakfast is available online. Dr Michael Spence’s talk was moving and a great challenge to pray. It’s worth taking 15 minutes to watch the video above or read the transcript.
As Vice-Chancellor of Sydney University, Dr Michael Spence is the University’s principal executive officer with responsibility for promoting its interests and furthering its development. He took up the position in July 2008 and is the University’s 25th Vice-Chancellor.
Michael speaks about prayer, and reflects on his own experience during his wife’s illness and after her death.
You can also read the full transcript over at The Bible Society website.
10 REASONS TO ATTEND #OXYGEN14
Oxygen 2014 conference is coming up in August. It’s an interdenominational national Christian ministry conference. The following are 10 reasons why it’s worth attending:
1. 4-days of preaching on the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ
2. Encourage other Christian leaders
3. Get trained in practical skills by experienced practitioners
4. Connect with people and share ideas
5. Meet with people in similar roles
6. Six high-caliber elective streams
7. Two topical (and much needed) roundtables
8. Hear sermons that you aren’t preaching!
9. Team building
10. Benefit others
Read a short description for number 1-5 and for number 6-10.
AMERICA, IT’S TIME FOR #GUNCONTROL
I’m not sure if “America” will read this blog post, but I do know that there are regularly Americans who read this blog. So if that’s you, please pass it on to the rest of your country.
Whatever your opinion on the politics of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, his bold leadership on gun control in 1996 is an important legacy. In the wake of the Port Arthur massacre, when 35 people were killed, Howard brought in sweeping gun reforms. These reforms have changed Australia for the better.
It was good to hear that US President Barrack Obama mentioned Australia’s example in being tough on guns after another school shooting in the US. I’m saddened with every new report of more school shootings in the States and baffled by how easy it is to get a high powered gun. Just get rid of the Second Amendment from the Constitution, amend it out of there! I hope and pray Obama has the bullets to stand up and lead.
I’m not sure if you’ve seen these 3 videos, they were shared around via social media last year, but they are worth watching. John Oliver compiled them for The Daily Show, and they show how government-mandated gun control actually can work. He highlights the political leadership of Howard (as well as Tim Fischer and Rob Borbidge) in bringing about the changes.
See below for the 3 part series:
Continue reading “AMERICA, IT’S TIME FOR #GUNCONTROL”
KAKÁ RESPONDS TO BEING LEFT OUT OF THE #BRAZIL2014 #WORLDCUP TEAM
He helped lead the Brazilian National Football (Soccer) team to the 2002 World Cup Championship. Over the last 12 years he has played on two more Brazilian World Cup squads, was considered the best professional player in the sport (2007), and on multiple occasions worked to overcome serious injuries just to get back into the lineup. He played with no fear.
With the 2014 World Cup games to be hosted by Brazil it was time for this soccer legend to return home and bask in the spotlight. But Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, commonly known as Kaká, would not get that moment. Still battling injuries, and for reasons known only by the Brazilian coach, Kaká was left off the 23-man squad for the 2014 Cup.
What is Kaká’s response? Discouragement? Controversy? Devastation? Uncertainty? Or something else?
“DROP THE NAME OF JESUS FROM YOUR TAGLINE” // WHY I’M GLAD COMPASSION IGNORED THIS ADVICE @COMPASSIONAU
I love the work that Compassion do in “releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name”. I’ve just heard that the fundraising project I’ve been spruiking for the last couple of months has made it to $12300!! Blog readers gave $5000 and the rest has been raised by a church and a generous Compassion supporter.
One of the reasons that I love the work of Compassion is that they are unashamedly doing what they do “in Jesus’ name”. I was alerted to the following quote from Mark Hanlon the Senior VP of Global Marketing for Compassion International. I read about it in an advance copy of David Chalmers‘ (see my post about him here) new book about his work with Compassion.
Here’s the quote:
Continue reading ““DROP THE NAME OF JESUS FROM YOUR TAGLINE” // WHY I’M GLAD COMPASSION IGNORED THIS ADVICE @COMPASSIONAU”
NIKE FOOTBALL: THE LAST GAME // FT. RONALDO, NEYMAR JR., ROONEY, ZLATAN, INIESTA & MORE #BRAZIL2014 #WORLDCUP
Did you miss my videos last week to get you warmed up for the World Cup? Go check them here. And above is another one. Nike Football are known for producing excellent videos, especially at the time of the World Cup. This one is great.
Disclaimer: soccer is good, but not God. It used to be the other way for me. But the message of some of these Nike football videos is a message that could easily apply to Christians. “Risk Everything” is something Christians should do for the sake of Jesus and His Kingdom! He is someone worth losing everything for. Play every game as if it’s the last game? Live every day as if it’s your last (see # 52).
Sorry for the spiritual content on this World Cup post. Actually, #SorryNotSorry :)