CBMC International

by
Sep 14, 2015  – Jim Langley

In William Shakespeare’s classic literary work, Hamlet, he includes the famous words, “To be, or not to be – that is the question: Whether is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles….” Through these, Shakespeare states, we see the essence of simply being.

For years I have been intrigued with the concept of being versus doing. In the business and professional world, doing is foundational to our work. We create “to-do lists,” maintain schedules either manually or on our computers and smartphones, establish specific, measurable goals and objectives, evaluate performance by bottom lines that reflect sales, productivity and profits. We are all about “doing.” But what about “being”?

Read more

by
Aug 10, 2015  – Jim Langley

In 2000 I read a powerful little book by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, The Prayer of Jabez. It has had a great impact on the way I have prayed ever since. The book is based on two lines dedicated to a man named Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, a man not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. The second verse in the passage states, “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.”

Consisting of just over 60 words, the two-verse passage describes Jabez’s birth, his prayer, and God granting his request. Since reading the book, I often end my morning prayer-times with a customized version of the prayer that fits what I desire to convey to God every day. Here are the parts to my prayer:

 

Read more

by

Why are parts of Germany formerly under the enforced secularism of the Communist party rediscovering charismatic religion? In its story of May 16, 2015, the German news magazine Der Spiegel carried a story tiled (on its cover at least) “Are Evangelicals Winning the World?” [That is my translation. The German wording is “Are Evangelicals conquering…” … Read more

by
Jul 13, 2015 – Jim Langley

In selling life insurance for more than 30 years, I have gained a clear realization about the uncertainties of life. During those three decades, I have delivered more than 100 death claim checks to beneficiaries, and many of those claims were generated by the deaths of clients whom I had considered to be still in the prime of their lives.

As a result, I have asked a number of people this question, hoping to provoke some thinking and discussion: “Do you believe you are in your fourth quarter of life?” Interestingly, even those I ask that are what I would consider beyond their prime years often respond with a definite, resounding, “No!”

Then I follow up that question with my thoughts on life’s uncertainty, using a sports analogy. Although my favorite game while growing up was baseball, I have always enjoyed college football and often observed the fourth quarter is by far the most important part of the game. The teams with the most depth many times come back from possible defeat and salvage victory in the final minutes of the game. They are able to rally to win because they have prepared for adversity, planned well, and were able to draw upon the inner strength needed for a triumphant finish.

Read more

by

 

Jun 8, 2015 – Jim Langley

Perseverance, in our quick-fix, must-have-it-now society, is not a popular topic. But that does not mean it is not worth a good discussion. Throughout our lives, at work and away from work, we often must make a choice – either to persevere and stick with the process, or take a diversion. Many people see the choice as an easy one – find a diversion if results fail to come as quickly as desired.

However, I have always enjoyed taking what is sometimes called “the road less traveled.” This road is usually more challenging, but is also more rewarding once you have reached your goal. My friend, Chris Hedges, serves as an excellent example of this.

I met Chris a few months ago while he was making his first book tour. The book, Average Joe’s Story: Quest for Confidence, is inspirational, but getting acquainted with the author inspired me even more than his literary work. You see, Chris has been battling cancer since he graduated from the University of Miami. Upon finishing his 20,000-mile national book tour, Chris “celebrated” by spending 10 days in a Florida hospital for treatment. He is already working on his second book, and it will not surprise me if someone tags him with the appropriate nickname, “Mr. Perseverance,” one of these days. Perhaps I did just that!

Read more

by

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Mar 16, 2015 – by Jim Langley:

We often hear people in the workplace talking about “passion” these days, and passion comes in many packages. So let me ask you a question: “Where do you place your passion?” We are all passionate about certain areas of our lives and certain people around us. Much of our life is filled with what we could call common drudgery – merely living out an existence or “just getting by.”

That is the way much of the world portrays life, why advertising counsels us that hope for fulfillment and release should be found in the things we can purchase. Many commercials say, “Your life can be much more meaningful and exciting!” I question the truth and motive of such statements. The media are filled with misleading promises about products and lifestyles that appear to lead to self-gratification and happiness. We would be wise to not become passionate about their promises or buy into the lifestyles they cunningly endorse.

Read more

by

Imagine being convicted of a crime you deeply regretted – intentional or unintentional – and being offered a pardon to absolve you of any penalty. Would you accept it? Let me tell you about a man who did not.

In 1829 two men, George Wilson and James Porter, robbed a United States mail carrier. Both were subsequently captured and tried in a court of law. In May 1830 both men were found guilty of six charges, including robbery of the mail “and putting the life of the driver in jeopardy.” Both Wilson and Porter received their sentences: Execution by hanging, to be carried out on July 2.

Porter was executed on schedule, but Wilson was not. Influential friends pleaded for mercy to the President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, on his behalf. President Jackson issued a formal pardon, dropping all charges. Wilson would have to serve only a prison term of 20 years for his other crimes. Incredibly, George Wilson refused the pardon!

Read more

by

Business and Professional Outreach On January 10, 2015 we organized business and professional outreach. There are about 55 people came for the program. Thank God for Gymea Church from Australia who sponsor this event. Mr. Chris Neilson share testimony and Mr. John Cox, the policeman from Australia share the Word and I also share the … Read more

by

Picture this. You walk into a corporate office, a maze of cubicles and conference rooms. In the middle of a Tuesday afternoon, the cubicles are full of gravely serious employees, staring at balance sheets and engaged in low-toned telephone conversations. Their shoulders slump under a burden of worry, the weight of a company’s performance resting … Read more

by

IT IS the Day of the Dead in Malinalco, a small Mexican town. In its grand 16th century church a sprinkling of worshippers gathers to hear Mass. The cemetery across the main road is thronged with families bringing flowers and other offerings to leave at the graves of their departed relatives in a Christianised tradition … Read more

by

We praise the Lord for opening new doors in Ecuador! Julio Acuna conducts the first meeting of the new committee of CBMC in Machala Ecuador. The day following this meeting God blessed us as he allowed 25 pastors to meet for a presentation of the ministry. Julio continued his travels to Lima, Peru where he … Read more

by

How do I know my dream for my life is from God? As a child, I wanted to be so many different things. There was a season where I wanted to be a world-famous magician. Then a stuntman. A comedian. A rock star. A circus lion tamer. Yes, those ambitions were childish. No, I don’t … Read more