tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92194111202764201632012-02-13T18:29:03.859-06:00Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.comBlogger3681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-86683776992326730002012-02-13T05:54:00.001-06:002012-02-13T05:54:27.885-06:00

As part of our ongoing effort to usher in a new wave of US Navy Chief Petty Officers, and to align our command with the MCPON's guidance, my command joined the CPO Mess with the First Class Association for a join Community Relations Project at a local food bank. I had worked with them before and I know they do good work in the community, so it was a no-brainer to get my group involved when they

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-27699541511904942052012-02-11T17:45:00.000-06:002012-02-11T17:45:07.827-06:00

The first review of my book has been posted by Greg in San Diego! You can read it on iTunes and below: "I am stoked to be the first review. This was my first download in iBooks and it kept my interest the entire way. I was very humbled to be mentioned in your book and it was truly a blessing to share some of these “Sea Stories” with you. It brought me right back to the great memories." Click

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-78912785801440797132012-02-02T06:10:00.000-06:002012-02-02T06:10:00.352-06:00

The question may come up about planning for the Christian leader. I think you'll answer this question depending on your denominational slant. If you are from a more conservative background, you'll probably think that planning is practically paramount. On the other hand, someone from a Charismatic background might think that planning stifles the Holy Ghost's activity. I am going to base my

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-32995764609130579622012-02-01T08:37:00.000-06:002012-02-01T08:37:00.200-06:00

Of the main goals I have for 2012, the first 2 are in running. Both of these take place later in the year as they are two races. While I haven't exactly failed in this goal, since I haven't had a chance to run them yet, I haven't exactly started training for them yet. I could come up with excuses, such as the fact that I was just now able to get new shoes, but the fact is that I've just been

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-6693496190935237612012-01-31T19:38:00.001-06:002012-01-31T19:40:36.222-06:00

Good thing I'm not on the real biggest loser. I would have been booted off for sure. This week, painful and embarrassing as it was, I GAINED 2 POUNDS! Actually, it wasn't painful at all...just embarrassing. Sometimes I really just screw myself over. This weekend I did that for sure. I ate way too much junk this weekend without keeping my head in the game. So, in the spirit of the Biggest Loser..

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-6438536169817713642012-01-25T05:23:00.000-06:002012-01-25T05:23:00.133-06:00

I am truly so grateful that I lost any weight at all this week. I know that's not very motivational, but it's true just the same. This week I lost 4 pounds, which again I'm very grateful for. My eating has not come under control, and my workouts aren't great yet. Still, 4 pounds if 4 pounds, and takes me closer to the goal of passing my upcoming Physical Fitness Assessment and winning the Great

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-50495314286915862632012-01-23T06:23:00.000-06:002012-01-23T06:23:00.606-06:00

A lot of Christians are afraid of success, especially in the vocational ministry setting. Even outside of that, in a secular job setting, people are scared of it for some reason. Yet I look at Christ's example and see Him dripping with ambition. He was out to change the world. So it is most certainly possible to be out to change the world, or be successful, and still be meek and humble. This is a

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-5311924878475985522012-01-21T07:59:00.001-06:002012-01-22T18:25:28.142-06:00

I'm not running for president (yet) but I did take notice of something that came up in the run-up to South Carolina's Republican primary. The character “attack” against Newt Gingrich set off some serious sparks in the last few days. I don't know how much it will really play a role in deciding South Carolina's nomination for Republican Presidential nominee, but it was a big deal overall. We

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-78727550936752127002012-01-19T05:17:00.000-06:002012-02-05T10:49:45.898-06:00

Competition 1 of 2012: MWR Indoor Triathlon Part of what makes weblogs wonderful is that they can act as a sort of journal of activity. 2012 represents a year of change physically for me as I strive to be healthier. So, in the spirit of being better physically, and tracking my progress in this wonderful medium, here is my report from the MWR Indoor Triathlon. I was completely unprepared for

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-42992853888435463202012-01-18T05:23:00.000-06:002012-01-18T05:23:00.176-06:00

A week or so ago I recorded a question asking the Biggest Loser crew: The question basically asks what we can do to not fall apart every six months between Navy Physical Fitness Assessments. Like it or not, several of us bigger people struggle with it. Well, one thing that we can do is exactly what the Biggest Loser does. Have a bunch of overweight people fight tooth and nail for several

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-52046936435702550632012-01-16T07:05:00.000-06:002012-01-16T07:05:01.414-06:00

Can I mentor from a distance? I understand that sometimes you are acquainted with a younger believer who lives far away from you. Paul clearly mentored Timothy even when Timothy was no longer in Paul's presence. It's biblically acceptable, and I would say that it's logistically possible as well, particularly because of modern technology. In fact, I have mentored young Christians from a distance

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-55735331384452625152012-01-14T11:16:00.000-06:002012-01-15T07:06:26.040-06:00

I've seen some Linux/Unix systems incorporated into military gear before. Because I'm not comfortable with the secrecy requirements of the equipment that isn't stuff I work on, I won't divulge information on what I've seen with my own eyes. However, something has come to light which makes my inner geek giggle with delight! A story broken by Naval Open Source Intelligence states that the famed

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-56461390925094277662012-01-14T05:49:00.000-06:002012-01-14T05:49:00.369-06:00

I subscribe to Frugal Dad, a great site about personal finances. Please check the blog out...you'll be glad you did. Also, he has some great graphics, and I'm borrowing one today. Enjoy! Source: http://frugaldad.com

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-38872873608037902822012-01-13T06:09:00.000-06:002012-01-13T06:09:00.203-06:00

As part of a continuing theological discussion on being overweight and out of shape, particularly as it relates to the new year, I'm turning the focus from one evil of overeating to another one; being lazy. Stay tuned in future weeks for additional parts...all in the hope that you'll remain strong in your resolution to lose weight and get healthy. Remember, YOU ARE THE TEMPLE! Proverbs 6:9, 10 9

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-31160500298989562562012-01-12T05:01:00.003-06:002012-01-15T07:06:47.179-06:00

Blogging sense defies me. It's probably why I'll never be famous. I'm not consistent enough with my blogging. The fact is that I'm just too spread out myself. I wear a lot of hats, like a lot of men do. I'm a Sailor, a senior leader at my job, a father, a runner, a husband, a Christian, a seminary student, a minister-at-large, a mentor, a writer, a protégé, and a flash-mob organizer (ok, the last

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-74903895098353110302012-01-11T05:34:00.000-06:002012-01-12T05:57:45.605-06:00

It seems like everyone wants to know what being an authentic Christian is like. I've heard sermons before wherein the main thesis was, "What does an authentic Christian look like?" Recently, a pretty big Christian blogger wrote about being authentic, and he points out good things to think about. In his article, Michael Hyatt, the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, says a few important things that

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-66446542565667955902012-01-09T09:30:00.000-06:002012-01-09T10:21:13.684-06:00

I've written before about the importance of spot mentoring as a way into a mentoring relationship. Sometimes it works out for the better and sometimes a prospective protégé will balk at the advice and walk away. It's part of life for those of us who mentor on a regular basis. More often than not, a spot mentoring situation will simply present itself, the two individuals will exchange information

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-88102178216637831842012-01-07T08:20:00.000-06:002012-01-07T08:20:00.223-06:00

Biggest Loser just welcomed video questions for the Biggest Loser Team. I have always been interested in the Biggest Loser and would love to compete if ever given the chance. I spent a few minutes on break yesterday recording some videos to send in. I NEED YOUR HELP!!! Please help me by picking which video to go with. Vote either on the poll at the right or in the comments section. Thank you!

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-77238400932496367052012-01-06T11:03:00.001-06:002012-01-06T11:12:51.621-06:00

This is Part IV of a 4 Part Series For a refresher, visit the following links for Parts 1-3: Part I Part II Part III Here is today's part: Don't you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 HCSB). I have a slogan for running

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-3718292319193061312012-01-05T05:58:00.000-06:002012-01-06T11:13:13.664-06:00

Since becoming a Chief Petty Officer, and moving into the role of Lead Instructor, I haven't been in a classroom much at all. The only thing I've done is evaluate a few instructors and teach some staff members. The only dealings I have with students are the occasional counseling, usually for a student being late to class, disruptive, or otherwise "un-sailor-like." Yet I attempt to remain, as

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-10362791779545069512012-01-04T00:44:00.001-06:002012-01-12T05:58:15.611-06:00

The goal of this post is to show you my blog strategy for 2012. You may think that it's kind of late to have a blog strategy for 2012 since we're already on day 4, but I disagree. One must be sure of what he/she plans to do, so if taking a few extra days is what is required to make sure things are what they need to be, then so be it. So, back to the strategy for 2012, I plan the following: 1.  

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-17328561099332983592012-01-02T14:26:00.002-06:002012-01-02T14:26:11.476-06:00

There are two things I'd like you to consider. One of them is for all people regardless of faith background, and the second one is for Christians. 1st, I want you to consider getting a mentor, and if you have one, I want you to consider mentoring someone. At the moment I am mentoring four Sailors...two of them are believers. I am mentoring three of the Sailors for career reasons (for them) and

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-11011199100680748412012-01-01T10:58:00.000-06:002012-01-01T10:58:27.456-06:00

In my heart, I want 2012 to be stronger and better than last year. I don't know if it's because I'm getting ever so slightly older or what, but I am a little cynical. Honestly I don't have much faith that I'll actually reach any resolutions I set, particularly about weight loss and eating habits. Furthermore, I see 2012 as a continuation of 2011. As a Sailor, I've accomplished everything I

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-5129788309329480332011-12-30T09:19:00.002-06:002012-01-06T11:13:36.467-06:00

I'm sure everyone has their own idea of what the biggest news flop of 2011 was, but as a career military man, mine was the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT). Evangelicals were all over this in 2010 and early 2011, and I chimed in several times. If interested, see the following posts: My Thoughts on Homosexuals in the Military Don't Ask Don't Tell Study Results Chaplains and Don't Ask Don't

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-48382800615898039342011-12-25T11:10:00.040-06:002011-12-25T11:50:08.526-06:00

Several of my friends, particularly on the missionary front, have started using the web for annual Christmas reports. I've enjoyed reading them and realize that we should at least let people know what has happened this year. So, as a short rundown, here is what happened to the Smiths this year: Samantha: As with any child who has to deal with the effects of a disease, much of Samantha's year had

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-74508182316691488402011-12-23T15:40:00.000-06:002012-01-06T11:13:50.655-06:00

The short answer is yes. It's even possible to be mentored by an unbeliever about spiritual things. I was spot mentored recently by a Senior Chief who is not a believer and yet held me to the standard (as best as he knew how) that I should maintain as a Christian. I've also had a great mentor on my last ship who still advises me on issues pertaining to the military. He's not a believer either.

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-87994358651758712622011-12-20T06:17:00.000-06:002012-01-06T11:14:07.982-06:00

I can't get to North Korea to attempt to share the Gospel in the absence of the great leader. All I can do is pray, so I have been doing that. I've prayed in the past for the North Korean people, but big events like Kim's passing definitely spur me along. I freely confess that the last time I prayed this much for North Korea is when they launched an attack on an island belonging to the South

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-90249266182301470892011-12-19T12:58:00.000-06:002011-12-19T12:58:00.507-06:00

I have written before about North Korea and its implications for Christianity in the Asian region. My thoughts in the previous article had surrounded the idea of a rapture and seeing the signs of the times. I had written another article regarding the idea that Christianity will never have a chance in North Korea unless the North falls. Of course it was all theory. It looks like we'll now see some

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-43332119338766904632011-12-16T19:20:00.000-06:002011-12-16T19:26:45.993-06:00

Here is an excerpt from my upcoming e-book on mentoring in the church: 1. Church leadership must begin to scan for possible mentors. The initial group will be hand-picked to lead the church in a mentoring culture. They should all be experienced Christians, well-versed in theology, able to answer real-life questions about spiritual matters, and worldly wise, so that they can teach the

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-1133660192825603532011-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:002011-12-03T07:00:04.853-06:00

Every now and again I see an article in a magazine, or I hear a sermon preached, that deals with Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. I have given this issue some thought, admittedly because of a seminary assignment, and have come up with the following. Enjoy... It was Jewish tradition to wash one's feet before reclining at a table for a meal. As this was normally done by a servant or

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-62845617691100872492011-11-07T16:51:00.000-06:002011-11-07T16:51:59.926-06:00

It's Monday again, and that means I'm trying to reign in my insatiable desire to eat everything that is bad for me again. I can't believe that I still do this to myself. Things were supposed to be different after making Chief Petty Officer, but I guess sometimes things just don't change that easily. How many times have you had Monday come again? Are you like me and it pretty much comes every

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-20699852749037733592011-10-31T19:33:00.000-05:002011-10-31T19:33:33.575-05:00

When I started as a Sailor back in 1996, I had no idea what was in store for me. After several months of training (close to 24 months actually), I landed on the island of Guam to await the arrival of my ship, the USS Mobile Bay. During the next three years, I would find myself traveling all over Asia, discovering cultures for myself and learning about the missionary work of several men and women.

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-9581423605290799842011-10-22T07:39:00.001-05:002011-10-22T07:39:00.071-05:00

I can't explain it to you. Maybe it's just my "burden." I don't know. All I know is that I am desperate for Christians to figure out this mentoring thing. I don't know how to do it. I have, in the very theoretical sense, told the world about mentoring. Sometimes my website will pop up as a search on Google or Yahoo about mentoring, but not as often as I'd like, which means that the world isn't

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-76499918178046521702011-10-17T06:00:00.000-05:002011-10-17T06:00:08.357-05:00

In order to combat my recent slipping on weight, and to enjoy a good run, I signed up for the annual Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) 10K race, to be held at Willow Glen Golf Course in Great Lakes, IL. I have to confess first that I have never run a cross country race before. I maybe should have because I didn't have a particularly smashing life as a football player and the seasons were at

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-44731696027020734912011-10-16T07:42:00.000-05:002011-10-16T07:42:14.923-05:00

The only class I actually took all the way through the US Navy's Applied Technical Training course (actually, I missed the last two weeks) was Class 224A. Because of that, or maybe in spite of it, I have had a very special relationship with this group of young sailors. I hope that, in some way, I was able to be a part of making them the sailors they will be out in the fleet. Their training is far

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-49998299751068981122011-10-13T06:41:00.000-05:002011-10-13T06:41:27.539-05:00

I've somehow done it again. Once again I've come to realize that I simply can't make it happen without God and some accountability. After putting close to 10 pounds back on after losing so many, I'm hoping I've hit a wall...that waking up is right around the corner. The fact is that I need to be right there. I need at least the hope of being close to getting my life squared away. Part of me knew

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-78015012827011793062011-10-09T09:39:00.000-05:002011-10-09T09:39:00.802-05:00

You can't go away for 2 months and expect to pick back up where you left off. It just doesn't work that way. Yet that's what I'm desperately trying to do right now, three weeks after becoming a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy. There are two things I've learned that you can use to advance your blog as well. 1.  Have a plan for your absence. The truth is that I had a plan initially for my

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-1137587393116254452011-10-08T09:27:00.000-05:002011-10-08T09:27:00.530-05:00

There is a reason I put that poll there. The thing I've noticed in my years as a blogger is that a lot of Christians flock to controversial, and mostly political blog articles. For example, if you look to the left below the poll, you'll see a list of my top 5 posts. They are put there due to page views. Of the top 5, two of them are political postings about the military Don't Ask Don't Tell

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-47149981427326880622011-10-06T10:40:00.002-05:002011-10-06T10:40:48.123-05:00

The Navy recently advanced me to the awesome rank of Chief Petty Officer. I'm humbled (and was humbled during the 6.5 weeks of induction) for the trust and faith the Navy has placed in me. It is a small example of the same kind of trust that I placed in two CPOs when I first arrived onboard the USS Mobile Bay in early 1998. Those two men became fathers to me, and I owe a great deal of both my

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-52994202401771739582011-10-04T15:29:00.000-05:002011-10-04T15:29:59.021-05:00

It's been two weeks since Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed officially in the Navy. It was billed amongst those preparing me to become a Chief Petty Officer as being one of the pivotal issues I'd have to deal with immediately upon assuming the rank of CPO. Christians, from Chaplains to evangelicals who had never served, put up a solid fight. Where are they now? And what about those who told me

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-48368515366856358892011-09-28T15:41:00.000-05:002011-09-28T15:41:25.762-05:00

I'm very excited about the potential for this year's Military Prayer Week. Last year, 57 believers took part by reading the morning and evening prayers for the United States military. I appreciate the fact that you did that, and I look forward to even more taking part this year. Each year gets better! What is Military Prayer Week? Military Prayer Week is one week a year where we set aside

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-75656241532997850952011-07-05T05:58:00.000-05:002011-07-05T05:58:00.495-05:00

America needs more independent political options, and it's time that Congress and the White House make efforts to fix the problem. We already know the major issues regarding health care, the economy, taxes, abortion rights, and foreign policy. There is a growing number of independents, like myself, who are being courted by the right and left, but herein lies the problem. There is no third party

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-87728292867618442712011-07-04T07:15:00.000-05:002011-07-04T07:15:00.983-05:00

My boss, Mr. Barrack Obama, is lucky I'm still in the Navy. Otherwise, I'd run on the Republican ticket against him. I stand about as much chance as the current 9 pretenders who are running. Of course, that chance is nearly zero, but still, I stand as much of a chance as they do. Only Mitt Romney is raising any major cash, and that presents a major problem for Christians trying to decide who to

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-53985363160691203682011-07-03T20:08:00.000-05:002011-07-03T20:08:51.844-05:00

I've sworn off politics more times than I can count, but lets face it: I'm an American and I love politics like I love good train-wreck video footage. So here I am again, focusing on something I loathe. Maybe like me, you couldn't get too far from it if you wanted to, or maybe you just don't want to. For those who are Christians, this election season brings a very interesting situation: The very

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-7121650191829901802011-06-29T05:42:00.000-05:002011-06-29T05:42:00.970-05:00

I want to make my new Navy Christian website the best it can be for connecting mentors and protégés. Therefore, I would like to ask a question for the community as a whole. Please answer these questions in the comments section: Q1: What is one area you need mentoring in? Q2: What is one area you could mentor someone else in?

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-56448441575749553022011-06-24T11:07:00.000-05:002011-06-24T11:07:10.863-05:00

I believe that a social network designed to help connect experienced Christians with those of less experience would be beneficial to the church in order to spread the message of Christ, to show the world our love and concern for one another, and to build future generations of the church. I've mentioned that I believe there are wasted assets in the church. Mentoring can recover those assets. In

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-59334910924160323522011-06-21T02:30:00.001-05:002011-06-21T07:22:59.212-05:00

Because you have no idea how much power there is in a relationship. When you've been mentoring someone for a long time, you develop a concern for that person that rivals family. In fact, Paul clearly thought of Timothy as his own son. When one keeps the relationship properly within the confines of one's own gender, a father-son relationship is as deep as one gets, and that's definitely not

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-91195422097739260132011-06-20T09:57:00.000-05:002011-06-20T09:57:27.614-05:00

Periodically, I ask pastors to give me a hand thinking through things, and I'm thinking through things again. Right now, I'm considering how to connect experienced Christians with inexperienced Christians for mentoring and discipleship. At the moment, churches barely do this and it happens by accident most of the time when it does actually happen. For those of you who know me, and know that my

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-36763607982149033262011-06-17T06:03:00.003-05:002011-06-17T08:38:15.114-05:00

I recently confessed to my Christian Doctrine professor (Dr. Russell Hobbs), that I was beginning to grow weary from dissecting the Bible while working through my seminary classes. Essentially, I have started suffering from a form of burnout, I believe. He responded with grace and mercy, which was encouraging. I always feel like less of a Christian when admitting something like this, and his

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-46642160309493305162011-06-15T08:26:00.000-05:002011-06-15T08:26:51.039-05:00

A good friend of mine in the blogging world has written quite possibly the best short article on raising kids in a godly atmosphere. I'm including the first half of his post here: 1) Give your children a Biblical foundation and encourage their bent, and trust God when things get hairy. (Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6) 2)

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-2445803276545476242011-06-14T06:33:00.000-05:002011-06-14T06:33:00.119-05:00

I guess yesterday's confession that I don't know what to do with my degree has got me admitting my weaknesses. I've heard that you're not supposed to do this, so if anyone was thinking of promoting me or hiring me, please stop reading. I don't want you to see this! Anyway, the fact is that I feel theologically inferior to several people. Actually, to most people. I have written papers that got

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-60425057269440697252011-06-13T00:20:00.000-05:002011-06-13T00:20:32.976-05:00

The other day I was reading an article on advanced degrees in the Economist. It turns out that putting a Master's degree on your resume doesn't always equal more money! Go figure. Yet I'm still satisfied that I'll be getting my Master of Arts degree in Theology Studies this winter from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Unfortunately, with just under 5 years left in the Navy, I'm not sure what

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-64294080315394535392011-06-04T07:34:00.001-05:002011-06-04T07:39:18.899-05:00

I just had an opportunity to hear more about what churches are doing in the Joplin area. Below is some information from the pastor of First Baptist Church in Galena, Kansas, and it's more than worth your time. I need you all to take a minute and read it over very carefully. There are opportunities to help for sure. So, tell me a little about what happened and how First Baptist Church Galena has

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-85204560775578857492011-06-03T17:59:00.000-05:002011-06-03T17:59:50.484-05:00

Just as I provided as much information as I could about churches reaching out in Sendai Japan, I want to give an update to what I know about those reaching out in Joplin, Missouri. Thanks to my aunt, I have a video from a TV station in Joplin about Grace Baptist Church.  You can learn about that work by clicking the above link. Another church that is doing a lot of work in the area is from the

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-4090951491712107282011-06-01T23:40:00.002-05:002011-06-03T10:32:21.775-05:00

I really enjoyed hosting the blog carnival a few months ago and so I jumped at the chance to host it again. I really can't wait to show you all of the blogs I've read...well, take a look! First up this week comes from the Olin's Blog. In this post the idea of Christian hypnosis, called Meditative Prayer by the author, is brought into the light. I had some issues with it in that even though the

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-75949598858753055892011-05-30T06:37:00.004-05:002011-05-30T06:37:00.417-05:00

I am continually amazed at the number of people who say "thank you" to me when they find out that I'm a Navy man. I am so grateful for that recognition. I think of the Sailors of WWII and think of them with awe...that was the golden age of American Naval Power. I feel so inferior to those old salts. I've written before about how I wished there was a major naval threat to the United States in the

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-86389919604283955762011-05-28T09:05:00.000-05:002011-05-28T09:05:47.374-05:00

I grew up about a half hour away from Joplin, just across the border in Girard, Kansas. I've been to Joplin many, many times, and as I watched the horrors taking place last Sunday evening, I recognized some of the names of buildings that were severely damaged or no longer there. A few weeks ago I was writing extensively about Japan and the horrors of the tsunami. I didn't know anyone who lived

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-86131482342265075352011-05-20T16:31:00.000-05:002011-05-20T16:31:23.512-05:00

Disclaimer: I do believe in the rapture, and I do believe that it will take place. I know that puts me at theological odds with several of my friends, but I think it is possible. In fact, several of my unsaved friends at work and on the web have made fun of those who think tomorrow is the day. Confession time: I have to be careful because I secretly want to poke fun at them too. Just because I

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-34204603880499307712011-05-05T09:12:00.000-05:002011-05-05T09:12:00.584-05:00

Ok, it's late in coming, but I'm posting the first race report of this season. Last week I ran the SAPR 5K on the Great Lakes Navy Base. First of all, some background: SAPR is a department of defense program that stands for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. The program was established to help deal with the growing problem of assault in the DoD. I heard a very staggering statistic...1 out

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-10636020407050571452011-05-02T16:09:00.002-05:002011-05-02T16:12:05.502-05:00

Congrats class 224A! You all earned my respect and trust over the last few months. Well done! Fair winds and following seas! (There will be more pictures tomorrow!)

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-19428928556658556822011-04-01T04:53:00.001-05:002011-04-01T04:53:00.384-05:00

With all of the sadness and destruction in Japan, and my heart being so poured out over it, I haven't had time to really think about Libya. Oh, and I'm a husband, a dad, a grad student, and an instructor...not much time for anything. Those are excuses for not writing, I know...but it's life. So what do I think about Libya? Well, first of all, I used to dream about being at war with Tripoli as a

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-78107976893228180942011-03-31T05:58:00.000-05:002011-03-31T05:58:00.165-05:00

The Creed: Part III (A continuing Guest series from Joel Gonzaga) Before continuing into the Creed let's first look at a little bit of the history. What will follow is a very, very condensed summary of an already summarized article. If you have time, you can read the rest article in its entirety here. The Creed dates back to the early fourth century. This is an era of time when the writings

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-6491667178390942852011-03-28T06:02:00.001-05:002011-03-28T06:02:00.088-05:00

One thing that bothers me about all the talk of the nuclear fallout that isn't really happening in Japan is that it is taking focus away from the real issue, which is helping the Japanese people recover and bringing them to Christ wherever and whenever possible. Instead, American are feeling like nuclear fallout might be landing in America and we're all going to start sprouting extra body parts

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-59796907601003159202011-03-27T10:01:00.002-05:002011-03-27T10:28:06.627-05:00

I apologize for not being more active on the blog. I have been sick for several days and I just haven't had the ability to do much of anything. That's the opposite of what I want to do though because my heart is in getting the word out about Japan as much as I can. You may remember me talking a few days ago about a missionary on the Misawa Air Base who said that he's seeing more interest from

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-84852798573755782662011-03-22T20:14:00.000-05:002011-03-22T20:14:42.255-05:00

I went swimming today...it was wonderful! I am out of practice, so the 500 meters felt like a half marathon, but it was nice to be in the water again. Doing laps in the pool reminded me of my time in San Diego, where for a stretch I was at the pool almost every day either in the morning before work or during lunch. When I came home, the news on TV reminded me of what I've been praying for, and

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-86344582153578332072011-03-19T11:01:00.000-05:002011-03-19T11:01:20.354-05:00

FAQ #1: Can I be mentored from someone I don't know? Several months ago, while having a conversation with a guy about mentoring, I asked him who his mentor was. He mentioned in answer that he wasn't mentored by anyone in person, but that he felt mentored by Rick Warren and some other authors because he followed their writing so specifically. The question though, is: Does reading books

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-83980792546209609832011-03-17T05:06:00.000-05:002011-03-17T05:06:00.108-05:00

Welcome to Week 2 of the Nicene Creed study for Sailors, hosted by Navy Christian and written by Joel Gonzaga.   The Creed: Part II Hello again and thank you once for reading this blog series on the creed. Before continuing reading, ask yourself a few questions: Do you have the Pledge of Allegiance memorized? How about the Sailor's Creed? Can you sing all the verses to Star Spangled Banner?

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-34399400221173242202011-03-16T16:52:00.000-05:002011-03-16T16:52:00.430-05:00

I wanted to pass along some praises that I've been hearing so far. It isn't much, granted, but honestly every bit we can be thankful for should spur on further intercession... From Lynn Lusby Pratt, leader of Say Yes To Japan: "We have a Japanese minister in Sendai, Toshiaki Chida. He is fine. Though his house/church building sustained minor earthquake damage, he was not in the path of the

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-23202319430676767262011-03-16T05:23:00.000-05:002011-03-16T05:23:00.697-05:00

Foster said, "Intersession is a way of loving others." I am begging you...if you love people...if you love Japan...please show that love through prayer. Our God is the only thing that will change the course of events for thousands of people right now. From the OMF website: 1. Please pray for those who are still waiting for rescue. And for those at evacuation centers, some of them with little

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-26297658796732760412011-03-15T05:46:00.000-05:002011-03-15T05:46:26.889-05:00

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."  The above verse is part of a time-honored scripture passage.  It is used at funerals, church services, and home visitations. Its words are no less true today than when the writer first penned them. Sendai, and other parts of Japan, are literally a

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-68787292168788898442011-03-14T08:43:00.001-05:002011-03-14T08:43:38.418-05:00

This is a guest post from Tim Elliot:  The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3) Faith can certainly be a stronghold for sailors in times of danger, and it's certainly not uncommon to invoke

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-58740771153017462452011-03-13T19:48:00.000-05:002011-03-13T19:48:29.368-05:00

This report is from Motoyuki Nomura. He is a pastor in the mountains of Japan nearish to Tokyo. He was a mentor to me over a decade ago as I ministered in Japan. This is his report:  March 14, 2011, Japan, Monday morning 08:15 a.m. Japan is divided as to the electric power system is concerned. When the first generator brought to western part of Japan was from US with 60 cycle whereas the first

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-17658832940385110032011-03-13T08:13:00.000-05:002011-03-13T08:13:33.355-05:00

I have several updates from Japan and I wanted to pass them along: Walter and Mary Maxey, missionaries I know in the southern island of Kyushu, reports that they are fine, but the island, which is 1000 miles from the main epicenter, is still under a tsunami warning. A prayer request for them is that Toshiaki and Sachiko Chida, who live in the main area of the disaster (Sendai) and pastor a small

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-31112216245675836552011-03-12T07:56:00.001-06:002011-03-15T05:47:57.790-05:00

Alicia and I support missionaries in Japan, named Dale and Karen Viljoen. They are not in the middle of the earthquake, but they are seeing everything happen around them. I got an email from Dale this morning and wanted to share it. There are several concerns:  Dear Dan, Thank you for your concern. Regarding the earthquakes and tsunamis we are all fine (including Stephen in Tokyo) but Internet

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-13405903754016364252011-03-10T05:08:00.000-06:002011-03-10T05:08:01.017-06:00

The Creed: Part I Hello Sailors, and thanks for sticking out for the “Theology Thursday” section of this blog. I am sure that you do not mind listening to a civilian comment on theology. So I thank you all in advance for giving me a chance to use my degree. Remember to check in every Thursday because this series is very, very, important. To begin, here's a story. Some years ago, I was

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-34443835020171696052011-03-07T05:46:00.001-06:002011-03-07T05:46:00.265-06:00

The more I work on this term paper on the doctrine of the rapture, the more I realize that I'm not a theologian. I get impatient when more than one side is presenting an argument and I give up, especially when the answer to the issue does not change the requirements put on my by Christ. I do still believe that the rapture will happen, though I'm not sure I believe the Dispensational theory that

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-31755847816083169292011-03-06T14:39:00.001-06:002011-03-06T15:13:37.387-06:00

I was on duty last night, but the most amazing thing happened. My son, while brushing his teeth, lost a tooth! Now, judge me if you like, but we play the tooth fairy game at our house. We usually put a dollar under the kid's pillow if Sam or Tim loses a tooth. Last night there was a problem though. Tim's tooth went down the drain! Alas...nothing to prove to the tooth fairy that he had lost one

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-58026940605693322192011-03-02T06:00:00.000-06:002011-03-02T06:00:00.285-06:00

This week I have the honor of hosting the Christian Blog Carnival on The Navy Christian. I've been hoping for the opportunity for a long time now, so I was really happy to hear that I was being given the chance. First, Ridge offers an interesting take on SHAME. Even if you don't agree with everything he writes, you'll come away with a renewed sense of what sin is in our lives. Next, Aaron, over

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-29356878162050903112011-03-01T04:13:00.000-06:002011-03-01T04:13:00.684-06:00

Some days I just sit wondering what it would be like to be overseas again, in fellowship with believers of a different culture than my own, to minister again in a different context. Sometimes I get lost in thought and pray...at times I don't know what for. I just pray. At other times, I pray for a country that is on my mind. Sometimes I ask God why we aren't overseas right now. At other times, I

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-38915878112199838262011-02-26T09:39:00.001-06:002011-02-26T09:52:00.717-06:00

Alicia and I want to develop our children's hearts to love those who are more unfortunate than we are. Timothy gets emotional when he sees hurting people on TV, but we wanted to put him in a situation where he actually helps people in real life. The Northern Illinois Food Bank has a mobile food pantry that I've wanted to be a part of for some time. It's a great ministry put on by a local church

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-11645840812445827292011-02-23T05:21:00.000-06:002011-02-23T05:21:00.830-06:00

The Anatomy of a Spiritual Orphan The spiritual orphan began life as a newborn Christian probably in his early to mid teens. If he was lucky, then he had an opportunity to be quasi-mentored by a youth leader, who, depending on the size of the youth group, was probably too busy to truly disciple the youth. I don't mean to intentionally degrade youth ministry. I know at least two of my friends

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-53827821925887115102011-02-22T05:11:00.001-06:002011-02-22T05:11:00.164-06:00

I've read several blogs about finding one's passion. Generally, I don't like reading them, because I have never had a great deal of confidence in doing so. My belief is that one must do what God has laid out for him at the given moment. Don't worry about passion. If you're doing what God wants you to do, then passion is secondary. Nevertheless, God has shown me what my passion is over time. Now,

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-7737068465382710442011-02-21T06:19:00.002-06:002011-02-21T07:44:34.015-06:00

My daughter has a disease called cystic fibrosis. Every year we raise money in the search for a cure. This year is a little different because my wife has reached the median age of a cystic fibrosis patient. I'll let her tell the story: This is Alicia speaking on behalf of Team Sam for Great Strides 2011: I am 37 years old. In most families, other milestones like “sweet 16” and “over the hill

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-87767252209076093952011-02-17T05:26:00.000-06:002011-02-17T05:26:18.679-06:00

Our church is doing a three week study on Martin Luther. We are being taught by a professor from Trinity Evangelical Seminary. Luther’s Table Talks was a great topic to discuss in this class, and particularly important to me. As they come from his discussions with boarders who lived in his house for a time, it has the feel of a mentor and his protégé, or protégés as the case is here. I've really

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-91798564618633422202011-02-16T15:54:00.000-06:002012-01-16T15:15:45.461-06:00

Today I am starting a series where I write a short letter to my imaginary student, named Seaman Smith. I don't think I've had a Smith in my class yet, but I figured it was a good name to use since it's so common, and it's my name. The point is that this student doesn't exist. He is a conglomeration of all of my students. I write these letters in order to say what I can't openly say in the

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-37776815036598652592011-02-15T15:14:00.001-06:002011-02-15T15:14:00.655-06:00

I know this is a few days old, but I had wanted to take some time to work through it on my own before posting it. Admiral Roughead posted a few days ago a video about the future of the Navy as Don't Ask Don't Tell gets repealed. You can listen to the video HERE. In the end, he doesn't really say much about the issue, even though it's really on the hearts of many former military service members.

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-45860717141347687642011-02-15T05:03:00.001-06:002011-02-15T05:28:02.700-06:00

United Arab Emirates is on the top 50 list of persecuting countries in the world. Now, it's at number 34, so one might point out that there are plenty of more offending countries in front of it. Still...you must realize that I've been to this country! I've seen it with my own eyes! I didn't see any glaring evidence of mistreatment! Or didn't I? I went to a church in Dubai one Friday while I was

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-61450026556962285032011-02-14T05:28:00.001-06:002011-02-14T05:31:40.111-06:00

This lady pictured here makes my heart sing. We've been together for over ten years and I really wouldn't trade my life for the world. I have a truly great wife. Alicia, you rock my world and I can't wait for the next ten Valentine's Days and all of the other days as well! It's been a great ride so far, and I look forward to whatever else God has for us. The pictures on this post are some of my

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-11212899392839228092011-02-13T08:00:00.000-06:002011-02-13T08:00:50.090-06:00

Friday night some friends and I went to the Rock and Worship Roadshow. Let me just say it was freaking awesome! Ok, so not all of it was what I would want in a concert, but it really was great, and if it's coming to your city, you need to go! The bands present were Mercy Me, Jars of Clay, Thousand Foot Krutch, Matt Maher, and The Afters. I didn't know who The Afters were until the concert, but

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-49968130317476250652011-02-11T05:46:00.000-06:002011-02-11T05:46:40.657-06:00

As you know from my previous post, we started an on base Bible study fellowship. I'm happy to report that on our first week we had 12 people come! I was surprised and excited. Rarely on a ship have I ever had that many. I'm so blessed to see so many staff and graduates coming to the study. I hope it grows from here! Without further delay, here are our notes from week 1: Week 1: John Chapter 1

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-16260100283346838672011-02-09T05:07:00.001-06:002011-02-09T06:07:38.593-06:00

I would like to solicit everyone's prayers today as we start a new Bible study on the Great Lakes Navy base. I'm leading the first round of 6 weeks and I could sure use your help. I want to teach with the best I have to offer, and I want the people in attendance to get, and contribute, the most they can. So please pray for us...my fellow Sailors, as well as the retirees and civilians on base,

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-36033076285207407782011-02-07T05:46:00.000-06:002011-02-07T05:46:00.454-06:00

I'm taking a break from the top 50 list from Open Doors USA this week to talk about a location a little closer to home. The state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico, is not listed by Open Doors USA, but is listed by Persecution.com, which is the website for The Voice of the Martyr. Unlike the rest of the top persecuting states, this one is not a country proper, but is actually just a state. Even

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-79133888856344238272011-02-02T07:59:00.000-06:002011-02-02T07:59:24.722-06:00

E.M. Bounds' classic book on prayer has been understood for decades to be the source for learning about the effective use of the discipline. One particular subject in the book that I took a liking to was the idea of importunity, defined as troublesomely urgent. Bounds addresses the issue of importunity this way: “It is not an impulse of energy, not a mere earnestness of soul; it is an inwrought

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-29766644381377632012011-01-31T05:34:00.001-06:002011-01-31T05:34:01.091-06:00

Egypt is the news for the 6th straight day and it is obvious why. Crowds are violating a curfew put on them by the government and chanting for the dictator's removal. Tanks line the center of Cairo and fighter planes fly overhead, and yet the people remain, defiant and calling still for the change. As far as the persecuted church is concerned, Egypt isn't the worst offender. Open Doors places

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-42187966489396508252011-01-27T05:48:00.000-06:002011-01-27T05:48:20.972-06:00

I haven't reviewed the issue of the Rapture in a long, long time. There was a time, however, when I was fascinated by the End Times. Perhaps part of that is due to the fact that my preacher, and any evangelist he brought in to preach, would always try to scare the living wits out of us, I don't know. My crowning achievement as a teenager was having mapped out Matthew 24 line for line, by myself.

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-14019249411888087862011-01-25T16:55:00.000-06:002011-01-25T16:55:09.642-06:00

One of the things I am most passionate about is mentoring, as you can see from the labels on this blog. It's certainly not my only passion, but it is definitely one of them and something I can claim as a strength. I have written, and am now releasing, my first resource. Best of all, it's free! Just email me at: sdansmith@gmail.com or comment below and I'll send it to you with no obligations. I

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-72654169135411296082011-01-19T05:20:00.001-06:002011-01-19T05:37:10.058-06:00

Let's review a scenario: A church is using antiquated computer equipment. Granted, the church is fairly small, but still...it's pretty old. We're talking about early release 2002 or so, still running Windows XP. In fact, it wouldn't be able to run Windows Vista or Windows 7. The pastor and small staff, which is mostly part time, knows that they need to upgrade as they can barely keep up with

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-11064948201264080472011-01-17T10:30:00.000-06:002011-01-17T10:30:44.360-06:00

New attacks against Christians have broken out in Nigeria since just before Christmas of 2010. According to Catholic Culture, 25% of Nigeria is protestant Christian, and 18 of those brothers and sisters are now in God's presence due to the violence on the 13th of January. 84 Christians were killed on Christmas Eve, although I don't know how many of them were Catholic. There is some concern that

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-22028669471590400562011-01-15T06:04:00.001-06:002011-01-15T10:20:44.039-06:00

One week from Monday I will launch my pamphlet titled Jesus as Mentor, which details how using Jesus as a model mentor can help you become a better mentor yourself. It is written for the military context, as that is my context, but civilians can learn from it as well. Before launching the resource, I'd like to ask the following question: Are you cut out to be a mentor? Many of you will answer as

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219411120276420163.post-34228267716482184792011-01-13T05:17:00.001-06:002011-01-13T05:17:00.467-06:00

I bet you didn't know there were 9 things you needed to be a good Christian. Now, there is nothing like a specific number attached to something to turn a Christian legalistic, is there? I'm certainly not trying to do that. It is simply my hope that I can somehow help you see the type of things needed in the believer's life. As the Bible is our guide, I turn now to its scriptures to know the

Dan Smithhttps://profiles.google.com/104545088656571733023noreply@blogger.com0