rsgeneration.com

Update: Fall Announcements coming soon, RS Blog, etc…

adamj — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:24:30 +0000

#1 - Fall Announcements coming soon…

The RS blog has been quiet, but LIfe-Trac Family Ministries and my (Adam’s) life haven’t! We’ve been busy! (Maybe “active” is a better word…). We still don’t have all the answers regarding the future of the RockSolid Conference/Camp, but we’re continuing to seek the Lord and take steps forward.

I’ll be announcing our Fall 09 events and engagements soon so you can know what’s up.

#2 - Adam’s “James Gang” Blog & RS Blog

Just wanted you to know that I’ve started a new blog that includes James family happenings and ministry happenings, as well as quotes, devotional stuff, recommended resources, etc… The James Gang will be a more active blog. You may want to check it out.

I will continue to update the RS Blog, but it will be limited to event/ministry updates and information. At least for now.

Thanks everyone for your prayers!

For your progress and joy in the faith,

Adam James

Life-Trac Family Ministries

Finding/Forging Update: “Thank you!”

adamj — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:57:59 +0000

Thanks to everyone who made it to SW Hills Baptist Church in Beaverton, OR this past weekend. And thanks to all who prayed for us!

We believe the Lord is using this 2-day conference to AWAKEN His people to the beauty and truth of God’s distinct design in manhood and womanhood…AFFIRM the institution of and honor due marriage…and issue a call to AMEND our lives accordingly on the courtship road…

Blankets & Thumbs: Have We Really Outgrown Them?

adamj — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:01:52 +0000

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

When we were young children, it was perfectly normal and expected. But we leave some things behind as we get older, right?

The security and comfort we once sought in blankets and thumbs (and a stuffed puppy named Jack - ie my son Benjamin) now comes through…..well…. where do we run to for security and comfort?

Good question isn’t it?

As I’ve (grown up?), I’ve replaced such “juvenile” attachments as blankets and thumbs with these:

1. Food

2. Sleep

3. Money (economy?)

4. TV/Internet

5. Approval of others

6. Clothes/Image

7. _____________ (WHAT COULD YOU ADD?)

Does Getting older = Giving up childish ways?

WARNING: Not in terms of our spiritual growth.

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” - Psalm 34:8

I could get much more specific obviously, for example… under “food” - how about being more specific and saying…”ice cream”. As crazy as it seems, the truth is, ANYTHING can become an idol attachment we run to for security and comfort other than Christ alone…and this should not be.

May we be like David and know the goodness of God and the blessing of taking refuge in Him!

Moment of transparency…what’s your list?

Why Does God Appear so Stuck on Himself?

adamj — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:23:17 +0000

This is just too good a video to pass up… I had to break my blogging silence (sorry) with this (you’re welcome).

It’s worth all the 270 seconds (4min. 30 sec.).

Thoughts?

How do you manage your time?

adamj — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:13:06 +0000

The subject of “time management” is an important one if we are going to truly “leverage our lives for the glory of God”.

The title of this post is a little misleading…is it really “your” time? For Christians, our lives are not our own, we’ve been bought with a price. Our entire lives, everything we are and everything we do and everything we have is a matter of stewardship. Management. The question is not if we manage, but how we manage. Wisely? Or foolishly?

How do we know if we’re managing our time effectively? How do we know if we are wasting our time or living foolishly? Let us be clear, Scripture is not silent on this subject. Do we view procrastination, wasting time, laziness, foolishness in this area of our lives as a SIN issue? An area we need to work at in order to grow in grace? (Sounds paradoxical doesn’t it…)

I can remember right around the end of my high school days that I began realizing the need for a serious and disciplined approach to managing my time. That’s when I began to use a planner. Of course I managed my time before then…or I should say mismanaged my time. I was a 4th quarter performer. Procrastinate, crunch time, produce a ton in a flurry, get high marks (and a rush), crash…repeat.

For the record: That’s not good. It not only reflects immaturity, but at its core, it is sinful.

And sometimes I wonder - Have I grown up? Have I grown in grace in this area?

I can honestly say that in ways, I believe I have…but there is much…MUCH…room for improvement. And without a doubt there always will be. I’m committed to learning, examining, evaluating, applying and accomplishing more in this area of my life. And it starts with repentance and then requires effort and accountability.

As we begin to get serious about managing time well, our lives begin reflecting more wisdom. This is why Psalm 90:12 says “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

So, I’m curious, how do you manage your time? Do you have a “system” you use? What do you use to keep track of appointments/schedule (iphone, blackberry, planner, sticky notes, nothing)?

Aside from sleep and work or school, what do you do with the other 1/3 of your life? How do you decide what to do?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. This is a crucial area for all of us, but youth in particular.

Who are you and where are you from?

adamj — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:33:01 +0000

This is a quick check… If you’re reading this post, please take 30 seconds to leave a comment. (for fun!)

Just give your NAME, AGE, and HOMETOWN.

Sample:

Adam, 31, Wenatchee (formerly Pateros, WA).

It’s that easy.

I’ve got to give a shout out to all the Quincy folks…make some noice all ye Jack Rabbits! It’s OK, I was a Billygoat…but only I can poke fun at that. They are actually a powerful and majestic animal.

Reformation or Revival? Or both?

adamj — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:10:50 +0000

I couldn’t pass up this great quote from Francis Schaeffer…passed on by Justin Taylor…

Francis Schaeffer, from his essay “The Lord’s Work in the Lord’s Way”:

Often men have acted as though one has to choose between reformation and revival. Some call for reformation, others for revival, and they tend to look at each other with suspicion. But reformation and revival do not stand in contrast to one another; in fact, both words are related to the concept of restoration. Reformation speaks of a restoration to pure doctrine, revival of a restoration in the Christian’s life. Reformation speaks of a return to the teachings of Scripture, revival of a life brought into proper relationship to the Holy Spirit. The great moments in church history have come when these two restorations have occurred simultaneously. There cannot be true revival unless there has been reformation, and reformation is incomplete without revival. May we be those who know the reality of both reformation and revival, so that this poor dark world in which we live may have an exhibition of a portion of the church returned to both pure doctrine and a Spirit-filled life.

From No Little People, p. 74; emphasis Justin Taylor.

Jonathan Edwards on Spiritual Pride

adamj — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:10:01 +0000

“Spiritual pride is very apt to suspect others, but a humble saint is most jealous of himself. He is as suspicious of nothing in the world as he is of his own heart. The spiritually proud person is apt to find fault with other saints . . . and to be quick to notice their deficiencies. But the eminently humble Christian has so much to do at home, and sees so much evil in his own heart, and is so concerned about it, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. . . . Pure Christian humility disposes a person to take notice of everything that is good in others, and to make the most of it, and to diminish their failings, but to give his eye chiefly on those things that are bad in himself.”

Jonathan Edwards, “Thoughts on the Revival,” in Works, I:399-400.

[HT: Ray Ortlund]

If a 12-year old can stand against abortion like this, why can’t we?

adamj — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:58:31 +0000

Here’s the article…

“12-year-old steals day with pro-life speech: Teachers threaten disqualification, but girl chooses to speak against abortion”

HT: Challies

Palin’s Daughter: Sexual Abstinence for teens is “not realistic at all”

adamj — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:26:19 +0000

After watching this short clip… go read R. Albert Mohler’s great post on Bristol Palin’s surprising comments on teenagers and sexual abstinence.

Bristol Palin is back in the headlines, and some Americans may be shocked. Bristol told Fox News that teenagers should not have sex. However, she also said that sexual abstinence for teens is “not realistic at all.”

…

The real issue for Christian teenagers and their parents is not to debate whether sexual abstinence before marriage is realistic or not. The larger and more important issue is that sexual abstinence until marriage is the biblical expectation and command. Once this is realized, the responsibility for everyone concerned is to ensure that expectations and structures are in place so that abstinence is realistic.

READ THE REST…

Reaction?