Friday Links Roundup: Thanks for the Warm-Up Edition

So, there was a football game last night. Congratulations to all my friends who are fans of Alabama and Boise State, the two undefeated teams. Alabama won a game that was bizarre in every way, while Boise out-defensed TCU. Both are deserving of their record. Now, if they could just play each other………

Now that the football season is over, everyone can move on to the real college sport: hoops! Football provides a great warmup to NCAA hoops, which I think is the greatest sport of them all. (If nothing else, they at least have a playoff!) I’m looking at three of the four unbeatens (Kansas, Texas, and Kentucky) to join Duke in the Final Four right now. I’m also  looking at more mid-majors getting invitations to the Big Dance. We’re hitting the stride of the season, and everyone should be ready for it now.

On to the links for this week:

1. We are involved in a study at Lebanon Road called “God, Give us Christian Homes.” Chris Gallagher shares a great thought for those who are dating or engaged in a post that hits at the heart of something I mention often. Read “Marriage Planning or Wedding Planning.”

2. How are you coming on your New Year’s Resolutions. We’re only a  handful of days into the year, but many have forgotten their spiritual goals. David Lemmons lists some “Things Certain to Hinder Spiritual Growth in 2010.”

3. Phrases like “I wish I…” seem to zap our energy and take a lot of time. Read some great words from a college student in “time.”

4. As a young dad, I need all the help I can get. Leah and I want to raise our children to love the Lord, but that doesn’t come easily. David Brumley gives a simple but powerful reminder is “Fatherly Counsel.”

5. For those of you who like to study trends, here is a great article. Sam Rainer writes “The Church in 2020: What’s Coming in the Next Decade?” Elders should read this with interest.

6. I can’t resist a great list. Money Help for Christians lists “55 Reasons to Get Out of Debt” (and you thought my Wednesday lists were long!).

We hope you have a great weekend. We are heading to Kentucky, as I’ll be leading singing tomorrow for the annual youth rally at the Central church of Christ in Paducah. If you’re nearby, we hope to see you.

No matter where you are, we hope you’ll remember the Lord on His Day.