Beacon2Light

His name is Larry Powell. Most likely, you don't know him. That's because, unless you are in California, specifically Fresno County, you have no idea or interest in him, that is until now. Mr. Powell is Fresno County School Superintendent. Per year, taxpayers shell out $288,241 in salary and benefits for Mr. Powell. I know, now he is the enemy, but wait, there's more. This superintendent that oversees 195,000 students in 325 schools and 35 school districts just demoted himself, as far as pay is concerned, to the level of a first year teacher. What he did was to retire and then asked to be hired back in the position for $31,000 per year. That amount is $10,000 less than a first-year teacher but without the first year teacher's benefits. Do I have your attention now? Why did he do this? In his own words, Larry Powell stated, "How much do we need to keep accumulating? There's no reason for me to keep stockpiling money." Mr. Powell is 63 year...

We are not commanded to watch and fear but to watch and pray lest we enter temptation. The Spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak. See Matthew 26:41 Pray for this mountain of a storm to be swept out to sea: And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. -- Matthew 21:21 NASB "Yet not My will, but Yours be done." -- Jesus in Luke 22:42 NASB Some might say, "Bill, isn't it dangerous to pray for such a storm to collapse or go out to sea? Nobody is predicting that. What if our unbelieving friends see this and say, 'See there's no God' or 'What kind of God do you serve who would allow such destruction?'" I say that God is the one who can move mountains and it is the time, when no one thinks such could happen, that God is most glorified. As for...

What do you think of this survey? Its findings, if properly interpreted from the data, is striking and sobering.

Doubtless you have heard of the collapse of the stage at the state fair in Indiana. What you may have not heard is that a prayer may have saved the band Sugarland from death or serious injury. Here is the rest of the story, if I may borrow that famous line: Stage manager Hellen Rollens decided to have a last-minute prayer circle with the band. Others felt Sugarland could go out as scheduled but Rollens wasn't so sure. As they gathered together in prayer, a 70 mile gust of wind sent the stage hurtling down onto those gathered below. Five people were killed and dozens of others were injured. For the band's reaction: http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/news/43432 The original story can be found at: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44163198/ns/today-entertainment/ and http://www.theboot.com/2011/08/16/sugarland-tour-manager-hellen-rollens-indiana-state-fair/

I read a fabulous story about Booker T. Washington Sunday. For those who don’t know, Booker T. Washington was a well-respected and well known black educator. He worked to strengthen the relationships among blacks and whites in the post-Civil War era. As a result of his labors over 5,000 schools were established in the South. “Up From Slavery,” his autobiography, is considered one of the most influential books of all time. His influence extended to politicians and wealthy people of his time. After he became president of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Professor Washington was walking down a wealthy part of town when he was stopped by a well-to-do white woman. Obviously not recognizing the black man in front of her, she asked him if he would like to earn a few dollars chopping some wood for her. Guess what Mr. Washington did? One could presume what Rev. Al Sharpton would do. It wouldn’t take much imagination to ponder the reaction of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Any member ...

How often in Christian Contemporary Music, even music in general, do you get the chance to hear the laments of a person who has gone through a terrible, shocking loss? This is especially important for the Christian. Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman's loss of five year old Maria tore at all of us and we witnessed their faith under severe trial. It is interesting that he referred to these at one point in this video as laments since I thought the album could've been entitled "Lamentations" or "Modern Laments." The songs are mournful yet hopeful. Steven's vulnerability has enriched us all. I would like to publicly thank you Steven Curtis Chapman.