By Josh Weidmann on Saturday, January 19, 2008 6:45 PM

When a friend chooses to break a promise, there is nothing you can do to remove the growing dull pain of hurt. They may swear to you before, and even after, that they would never treason your trust, but they do; and the residue remaining is made up of nothing more than confusion, broken confidence and fragmented clarity.

Is there really a Judas within us all? Does our own pride and longing for recognition really have to forfeit the friendships we’ve worked so hard to grow? Why do we throw away years of intimacy for momentary accolades? Are we so fickle to say a vow of loyalty with our mouths, yet with the same lips give a kiss of betrayal?

Banish all un-loyal hearts from Your Kingdom of Loyalty. Discard the seed of Judas and replant within us the Spirit of Christ. Break the pride of those whom use their lips to give deceitful kisses. Dispel the hypocrisy that has become the cancer of Your Church.

May we learn to be a people as loyal and true as you.

By Josh Weidmann on Friday, January 18, 2008 12:58 AM

It seems like more and more parents are struggling with their teen’s addiction to texting. Perhaps you’ve gotten the monthly cell phone bill only to find that thousands of text messages were sent from you teen’s phone. Don’t worry; this is not as tragic as you think!

 

First, understand that this technologically infiltrated generation is being trained to communicate in way that may seem non-conventional to you. Why would they text when they could call? Why would they have an entire online social network when they could just go be with their friends?! Though this may seem new and awkward to you, it is normal for them… and not entirely bad. Here are some thoughts for you:

 

●       Don’t be too quick to cut off the texting of your teen – though it may seem unnatural to you, it is natural to them a main means for social interaction. Many teens today are able to maintain good relationships through texting – surprisingly.

●       Set limits for texting, but allow freedom. Have some give-and-take when if comes to texting. Perhaps you won’t allow them to text at the dinner table, while in a conversation with you, or after 9 pm, but give them freedom to text at other times without consequence.

●       Buy the unlimited plan. Most cell companies offer an unlimited texting plan – this can be cheaper than paying every time they go over. You don’t necessarily have to tell your teen that their texting is now “unlimited.” You can also cut down their talk-time minutes because they probably will always text more than they’ll talk.

●       Tell your teen you have the right to read their messages at anytime. Texting can be a way teens get things by their parents. Don’t play ignorant. Demand access at anytime to ensure good interaction is going on with your teen and their friends.

●       Learn to text. One of the greatest ways a parent can get into the world of their teen is by learning how to text. Send them message to let them know you love them and are praying for them.

 

Texting is not something to fear as a parent. It can be a use to your advantage and it can be a great social tool for your teen. I hope this helps!

By Josh Weidmann on Thursday, January 17, 2008 9:28 PM

"Microfoam in Styrofoam"

By Josh Weidmann on Monday, January 14, 2008 4:03 PM

“A soul under special manifestation of love weeps that it can love Christ no more. Mr Welch, a Suffolk minister, weeping at a table, and when being asked the reason of it, answered, it was because he could love Christ no more.

The true lovers of Christ can never rise high enough in their love to Christ; they count a little love to be no love; great love to be but little; strong love to be but weak love; and the highest love to be infinitely below the worth of Christ, the beauty and glory of Christ, the fullness, sweetness, and goodness of Christ. The top of their misery in this life is, that they love so little, though they are so much beloved.”

 - C.H. Spurgeon in "A Lecture to My Students," London, 1894

By Josh Weidmann on Sunday, January 13, 2008 6:52 PM

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”

Proverbs 17:9