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Check out this true, simple, and encouraging story.. .   (Click image above to enlarge for viewing.) Note: One of our best disciplemaking friends from Wisconsin connected us to this pastor in the state of Washington via Cadre's book, The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus . In the note below, I've taken the liberty to highlight in red some of the most cogent, beautiful, and transformative acts of God . As you read below, I hope you are encouraged and that you find yourself thanking God and giving him all the glory. "Bill, This is my small group [seep pic above]. We are a small church (125-150 weekly attendance) in a small but rapidly growing community. I was sent out to plant a church around 15 years ago. The church that sent me was a small-group based church, seeking to practice a cell-church ministry philosophy, so there was not only a high emphasis on small groups/relationship, but also multiplication at every level. Of course, this fits very nicely with Cadre's "

By far the single most important thing I did last year that helped my relationship with God was reading through the Bible —with some friends. I'd like you join me and a Cadre of friends  to read through the Bible— together —this year. But first, let's talk about your big  BUT . I know. You've tried to read the Bible in a year before,  BUT  about the time you got to Leviticus you ran out of gas. (Pun intended.) Then you felt guilty about it. (I feel your pain.) You felt like such loser! As a result, you now have a big BUT . Well, let me help you get over your big  BUT  by introducing you to… Did you get that? This year is the  guilt-free —not the  guil-ty —read through the Bible. What in the world are you talking about Bill Allison? Let me be clear: If you dare to read the Bible with us this year (and I hope you will), you most certainly are going to miss a day—or more—from time to time. It happens to me every year we do this. So what happens when you miss a day? A few days

About ten years ago, I bought my first treadmill. Boy, did I feel great about myself. Just getting that thing down to the basement was a workout in itself—I think I lost half a pound! Once I got that thing settled in its place, I beamed with pride… and just knew that in a short time I’d be in shape… or at least in better shape. Yet, I confess to you that though I have over a decade of treadmill ownership under my belt, my belt has not gotten any smaller. I thought about taking the treadmill back and trading it in for a new and improved model. Obviously, this one wasn’t working. But I think I finally figured out what’s wrong. It seems you must actually get on the treadmill three to five times a week for about 20-30 minutes each time if you want any benefits. Go figure. Oh yeah, and they also tell me you should plug the treadmill in and turn it on (sounds kind of dangerous if you ask me). The Treadmill of Good Intentions Laugh at me all you want. But I’m willing to bet a

  (If video above doesn't appear, go here .) If all you see in this video is categories of people, you're missing it.   Why am I sharing this video?   Here's why . Let me encourage you every Monday !

    Note: If video doesn't appear above,  go here . Can you find 24 minutes between now and Christmas to watch and discuss this video on the real meaning of Christmas with your family and friends ? BONUS 1: The New Messengers Story To skip the Christmas music and go right to the story, start video at 1:24:33  BONUS 2: Two Full Seasons If you haven't seen the first  two full seasons  of this excellent series on the life of Jesus Christ—all you have to do is  go here . They are completely FREE!       Let me encourage you every Monday !

Take a good look at this sonogram.  (Now take a deep breath.) Christmas is the celebration of the birth of a child. (Are you sitting down right now?) And no one was more surprised than Mary and Joseph. (If you’re on medication, this might be a good time to take it.) Because you subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill , you are among the very first people to know this breaking and surprising news: There is a baby on the way! Yep, we just got word that our son, Bill and his wife, Lydia, are “with child.” And that means: We’re going to be grandparents!  Did I take away your breath for moment? Good. I know what you’re thinking now: “Wow, Bill and Stacy are way too young-looking to be grandparents.” I know, right. (*wink) Don’t worry. Three days after we found out that we were going to be grandparents, I went to an REO Speed Wagon concert with Aubrey and Sadey. Take that old age! #OldGuysRock  Bad to the bone biker chick. a.k.a, Stacy. I’m not gonna lie. I’m not quite ready for the moniker,