“Oikos is a superior interface than most web apps out there today.”

This according to IT guys at a philanthropic agency that builds web apps for huge non-profit ministries.  We are in collaboration with some guys who are “bridging the gap” between large donors and prospective ministries.  We are not able to release the name of these guys until all the details are worked out.

In our conversation today with these guys we found common purpose and mission.  We want to provide “tools” that the Body of Christ can use to build relationships, collaborate, and make a broader impact on the Christian landscape.  It is nice to hear from seasoned business leaders that your software has enormous value.

This was something our developers enjoyed hearing today.  They have been working for over 9 months to build a web app that’s simple to use for individuals; yet has extraordinary features that big organizations can use as well.  Our hope is that the Church, which is often behind in technology, will grasp soon than later what successful businesses already understand about global internet technology.

Internet technology is the way of the future. 

I read a bumper sticker today that said, “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.”  Pray with us that the Church will learn to embrace change and use it to energize progress and growth.  The future of the next generation of young people will depend upon this.

Whether Oikos, or something like it, is the “tool” for next generational ministries, internet web apps for social networking are extremely popular and here to stay.  They will fast become the norm; rather than the exception to the rule. 

Build something so remarkable that people are able to make “great remarks” about it!

Prayer Pipeline is a new way for people and prayer to "connect." 

Taking full advantage of the internet, we are building PrayerPipeline.net, the most “inclusive” prayer community on the planet.

We believe in the power of prayer in transforming people’s lives.  We also believe in the power of the internet in reaching out and touching the lives of millions of people all over the world.  Now, with so many people integrating their online world with everyday living, we wanted to provide a simple and easy way for people and prayer to “connect.”

But by no means is the Prayer Pipeline supposed to be a direct connection to God.  It’s simply designed as a connection to a “community of praying people.”  Since the beginning, the Church has and will always be a community of people who pray for each other.

For whatever reason, God has chosen us to help transform people lives and our world through prayer.  We are told in scripture that our earnest prayers will have powerful results (James 5:16).

Not only is prayer essential for our everyday health and well-being, it’s an indispensable weapon against strongholds that seek to invade our lives.  The Apostle Paul said, “Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out (Eph 6:18, MSG).”

The Prayer Pipeline gives ordinary people an extraordinary way to ask for prayer. This interactive prayer community gives people with serious needs a chance to connect with people very serious about prayer.

Anyone anywhere can take full advantage of the Prayer Pipeline. 

If you are lonely with no one to turn to for prayerful support, the Prayer Pipeline is for you.  If you are desperate to break destructive strongholds in your life, prayer ministers will be able to hear your cry and “stand in the gap” for you through intercessory prayer. 

And when your prayers are answered, you can then post the wonderful news for other people to see.  This will bring much hope and inspiration to other people lives.

Another feature of the Prayer Pipeline is its ability to network intercessors and build intercessory coalitions around the world.  Whether it’s necessary to focus on local community needs, an area-wide strategic concern, or nationwide focus, the Prayer Pipeline will send out a “call” for intercessory prayer that people everywhere can hear.

Check out the new Prayer Pipeline at www.prayerpipeline.net

According to CNN, the Military has designated MySpace, YouTube, and 11 other internet sites as “off limits” for soldiers.

This recent action comes amidst concerns by the Defense Department over security issues and technological limits.  While this action may benefit the Defense Department, it also cuts off thousands of soldiers from communicating with family and friends using MySpace.   

The Pentagon said no more using military’s computer systems for socializing and trading video.

Yes, soldiers overseas on the battlefield can still keep in touch with family and friends using email, but that’s not the same as being able to blog, journal, and share video and photos.  Using the internet for social networking is “mainstream” in the lives of young people. 

This is the norm.  Millions of young people are integrating their online world into everyday living.  Cut off their online world, and you cut off a part of their lives.

Fortunately, there are other social networking sites available for military personnel.  We at Simon Solutions want military families to know that we are here to help!

Check Oikos out at TryOikos.com

When we say “we’re here to help,” we’re not kidding.

We simply ask that you keep us in your prayers. We want to help those who have vision for internet ministry as a tool for advancing the Kingdom of God.

For the last number of days I have been reminded by the Lord that each day is a new day with new opportunities. 

I like the way Petersen’s translates Matt. 6:34 in The Message, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

When I finally let these words of wisdom settle in my heart, my whole life got healthier.  My relationships improved.  My stress level went way down.  My attitude got better; and guess what?  I was much happier!

What is it about the word "change" that scares people to death?

Pick up any Christian magazine today and most of the articles have something to say about the need for change.  The problem for me is that I hear a lot of people talk about it, but see little done about it.

The truth be known, change is really good for us.  So, why be scared of something that makes us better, wiser, and more healthier?

In 1978 Kim and I knew that God was calling us into full-time Christian ministry. 

It was a "knowing" that we both shared in our hearts.  We took a major step of faith by pulling-up our roots of security; and then, transplanted our lives into fertile, spiritual soil in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  God provided a way for me to attend Oral Roberts University, while Kim worked for Oral Roberts Ministries.

Here it is almost 30 years since we began following the Lord, and we still believe God is working His plan for our lives.  What an adventure it has been!  We have felt much like “Pilgrim” in John Bunyan’s classic work, Pilgrim’s Progress.  We have been on a journey that has a destination - an eternal homestead with God. 

At times our journey seemed fast-paced; at other times, slow.  Sometimes it even seemed that we just stopped moving; but as time progressed, so did the steps of our journey.  Over the past years, life has had its ups and downs, but we have remained true to our commitment to follow Jesus.  And yes, we have not fully realized all of our personal aspirations in ministry, but we still have hope that God will certainly fulfill "His calling" for our lives. 

Some of you may be thinking at this point, “You mean that I will have to wait 30 years before I fulfill my calling from the Lord?”  It’s possible, and the Bible is full of many examples.  But don’t be so consumed or dazzled with the end that you forget about the means to the end. 

I have written these words today to offer you hope.  God truly has a unique plan for your life.  Most assuredly, it will be a life-long journey full of life-changing experiences.  Even though you may get tired of traveling at times and decide to sit down and rest, God will patiently wait on you. 

I leave you with some of my favorite Bible passages:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33, NIV).

For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). 

A few years back Kim and I were at a Christian concert in Memphis.  Accompanying us was a couple who worked with us in Youth Ministry.  At the concert, Kim and I sat together in the middle while the couple sat on both sides of us. 

I guess it was a thing where guys sit together, and girls sit together.  Well, the concert got under way, and it was great!  Towards the end of the concert, the guest artist shared from his heart how love was the glue for binding relationships together.  He even sang a song about it.  

Although Kim and I were literally knocked off our feet, we rejoiced at the couple’s affirmation of love.  You see, they had been married for many years; but for whatever reasons, they had grown apart.  Nothing dramatic had happened.  Just the pressures and struggles of life, in general, had taxed their relationship. 

That night at the concert, the Holy Spirit did a remarkable work in their lives.  It was if the Lord re-opened their eyes and allowed them to see each other in a “light” that had long since gone dim.  It seemed that their love for each other was re-born.  The moment of their embrace has been etched in my memory for years.

Over the years, I have learned great lessons about love.  My mother and father were very loving parents and taught me well.  Up until I was thirteen years old, life was pretty normal; but then, life suddenly changed.  My father suddenly passed away from illness.  Drastic changes really complicated my life from then on.  Then when I was just 18 years old, another tragedy “blew me away” - the death of my mother.  It was a time in my life when I really felt "alone." 

Somehow, I made it through both incidents; but not unscathed.  Bitterness and a harden heart were the emotional scars that I wore for many years.  It wasn’t until I met Kim, my wife, did life begin to look bright again.  Kim and I were both young when we married.  A short time later, Kim gave her heart to the Lord. I didn’t. 

During that first year of Kim’s “re-birth," love seemed to pour out from her life, wide-open.  I really did not know how to handle it.  Because of her prayers and God’s loving kindness, I finally realized the value of love and turned my life over to the Lord. 

Since that time I’ve learned a lot about love.  Three honest, sincere decisions in our life will greatly enhance our ability to love and be loved. 

#1.  We must decide to allow God to perform a miracle in our life - the gift of salvation.  We must allow God time to re-establish our right relationship with Him and transform our lives according to His will.  We must become vessels that will not shatter when God pours new life, love, and the power of His Spirit into our lives. 

#2.  We must decide to let the Holy Spirit heal our innermost being of our past hurts and sorrows.  We must let God renew our minds, influence our aspirations, and improve our attitude about ourselves. 

Remember this concerning love, you can’t share that which you do not possess.  The warmth and richness of love is felt only when it flows through our lives; in other words, when the "inflow source" of lasting love is unrestricted and the "outflow faucet" is not stopped up. 

The more we become flowing "vessels" of God’s love, the more we experience the greater dimensions of love everlasting.  Remember, love flows…or it goes. 

Determine to be a fountain and not a drain.