Page 6 – Just a little bit about Brad Peek

Authority Issues

How do you recognize authority? Who or what is your authority? The following are some great articles from authors I admire deeply. I believe they are right on the mark…

by Larry Burkett

Have you ever considered the relationship between citizenship and Christianity?

Which takes priority?

As Americans, we have all the rights and privileges granted to us by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. And, I believe we are bound according to God’s Word to obey the legal authority over us, including the IRS.

“Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. . . . Because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God” (Romans 13:1, 6).

Although I don’t like paying taxes, and I think the amount we have to pay is unfair, I am bound by that authority and by God’s Word.

But, is there any point at which I am no longer bound by government authority? In my opinion, there is when that authority violates the superior authority of the Word of God.

For example, although abortion is legal according to the law of our land, it is totally immoral and is abhorrent to the Word of God. Therefore, I must take a stand against abortion.

We haven’t started euthanizing elderly people, but it’s not impossible that we might find that legal in the future.

As God’s people, we are also citizens and therefore we have the right to appeal any laws of this land to protect our constitutional rights.

When the laws of this land try to supersede the law of God, that’s when we must take a stand, even to the point of imprisonment, if necessary.

by James MacDonald

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16, esv).

The Word of God isn’t just any book.

It is God’s owner’s manual.

It is God’s manifesto for human life.

It is the manufacturer’s specification for all things happiness.

It is the authoritative Word from the Creator of the universe about how life really works.

Every word of it comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

The Author is God, and the writers were “holy men of God [who] spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21, nkjv).

It is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).

It will outlast heaven and earth (Matthew 24:35).

It instructs us about “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3, esv).

You will never have the power to live a full, fruitful, godly life until you choose God’s Word as your final authority. Do you want power over temptation? Do you want power over that draining and difficult circumstance that you can’t conquer on your own? God’s Word has the power.

God has eternally determined that what is written there will happen. That’s why, in the face of temptation, Jesus replied, “It is written . . . It is written . . . It is written . . . ” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). It will be as God said.

Which begs the question: Do you treat God’s Word as the authority in your life? Some people minimize the Bible. They treat it like . . .

an hors d’oeuvres tray—where you can pick and choose what looks appetizing.
rental car insurance—which you’re glad to have, but only in an emergency.
a seatbelt—an unavoidable nuisance that cramps your style.
high school algebra—technically accurate but practically irrelevant.
a hobby—like a fun phase in life.

Does this characterize your thinking in any way? If so, it’s time to accept the priority and authority of God’s Word. Here’s how you know when the Bible is your authority: when it can stop you dead in your tracks. If you were going in one direction that seemed right to you but then realized the truth, slammed on the brakes, and changed direction, then that’s proof you’re living under the authority of God’s Word.

We all have a propensity to go the wrong way. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). We can’t follow the direction that feels right. We have to choose the route we know is right according to God’s Word.

You also know the Bible is your authority when it helps you recognize and break a negative pattern of thinking in your life—a lustful thought, a selfish habit, or a destructive way of looking at someone or something. Your thinking was skewed and taking you down the wrong way, but God’s Word stopped your spiral and corrected your direction. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word keeps you from falling in the sin-ditch. It keeps you from stepping in a sinkhole. God’s map keeps you from speeding up the freeway ramp into oncoming traffic. It keeps you from devastating your life and the lives of the people you love.

Is it the authority in your life?

2016 Disney Accelerator Participants Announced

Today [July 11th] The Walt Disney Company announced participants in the 2016 Disney Accelerator, a program that provides entrepreneurs with mentorship and immersion into the media and entertainment industry. The three-month program connects participants from around the world with Disney’s creative expertise and resources to help them develop their products and consumer experiences.

Since the Disney Accelerator started in 2014, companies representing the cutting edge of technology and media have joined the program from across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia with products that tap into a range of technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, wearables, messaging and virtual reality. Past participants in the Disney Accelerator have continued to work with The Walt Disney Company after completing the program, such as, Sphero, which created the BB-8 droid toy, the number one Star Wars toy in 2015. Additionally, Statmuse, an interactive sports stats platform powered by natural language search, is currently providing ESPN with statistical content; Israel-based imperson launched The Muppets’ Miss Piggy and Disney’s Zootopia chat experiences on Facebook using their artificial intelligence technology and EMOTIV’s Insight wearable for the brain was featured on ABC Television’s The Bachelor.

This year’s program includes nine startups and one internal project, and builds on Disney Accelerator’s success since its initial launch.

“We are evolving this year’s Disney Accelerator to include many later-stage start-ups, and for the first time, an internal project,” said Michael Abrams, senior vice president, Innovation, The Walt Disney Company. “This year’s Disney Accelerator program is designed to advance a broader spectrum of the strategic investments we make in innovation across all of our businesses.”

The companies selected for the 2016 Disney Accelerator include:

Ader is a marketplace connecting brands with eSports and gaming influencers. The company’s network of influencers reaches more than 50 million monthly viewers.

Atom Tickets is a new mobile movie-ticketing app where customers can buy movie tickets, pre-order concessions, invite friends without having to pay for them, easily discover new movies, browse trailers, read reviews and plan their next night out at the movies. Atom Tickets is movie-going for the 21st century.

Hanson Robotics is a leader in creating human-like robots with a full range of facial expressions. Based in Hong Kong, Hanson Robotics is building a range of robots for the business and consumer markets. The videos of its robot “Sophia” have been viewed more than 1 billion times.

Jaunt is pioneering end-to-end solutions for creating and publishing immersive cinematic virtual reality and a leading developer of the hardware, software, tools and applications that put the power of virtual reality in the hands of some of today’s best content creators. Jaunt has raised more than $100 million, and has launched Jaunt China, a virtual reality joint venture with China Media Capital and Shanghai Media Group in May.

littleBits is a platform of easy-to-use electronic building blocks that empowers kids to invent anything, from a remote-controlled car to a dancing robotto a smart home device. littleBits was founded by Ayah Bdeir, co-founder of the Open Hardware Summit, a TED Senior Fellow and a graduate of the MIT Media Lab. On a mission to unleash the inventor in everyone and get kids excited about STEM, littleBits has raised more than $60 million in funding.

Nom, an online live-streaming video community for chefs and food lovers, allows its users to create, share, watch and participate in live videos while chatting and interacting with each other. Nom was founded by Vijay Karunamurthy, former YouTube engineering lead, and Steve Chen, co-founder and CTO of YouTube.

OTOY is a “holographic content” platform bringing the power of light field rendering and network streaming to virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. OTOY’s investors include Autodesk and its advisers include Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Alphabet (formerly Google) and Ariel Emanuel, Co-CEO of WME|IMG.

Playbuzz is a content-creation and audience-engagement platform that empowers tens of thousands of publishers, marketers, bloggers and brands to easily create engaging content using mobile-friendly formats that are optimized for social sharing. With headquarters in New York and Tel Aviv, Playbuzz has raised $31 million in funding.

Pley is a leading toy subscription company that is pioneering the next generation in e-commerce for toys. For a monthly fee, members receive their preferred toys from a catalog of 500+ toys shipped directly to their door and can play with, keep or return each toy whenever they wish. Pley has raised more than $16 million in funding.

Sequel to ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ Hits Theaters on March 9, 2018

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ announced today that its smash hit Wreck-It Ralph is getting a sequel.

The Oscar®-nominated team from the original film is re-teaming for the follow-up, including director Rich Moore (Zootopia, The Simpsons) and producer Clark Spencer (Zootopia, Bolt). Phil Johnston (writer, Wreck-It Ralph, Zootopia) joins Moore as director and a writer on the project. John C. Reilly returns as the bad-guy-turned-good, Ralph, with Sarah Silverman back on board as the girl with the game-winning glitch, Vanellope von Schweetz.

The film will hit theaters on March 9, 2018. “From the moment we started working on the first Wreck-It Ralph, we knew there were so many possibilities with these characters,” said Moore in a statement. “This time, Ralph’s wrecking wreaks havoc on the Web—as only he can do. Characters we loved in the first film are back and we are ecstatic to be working with them—and the actors who voice them—once again.”

“Ralph is a character very near and dear to my heart,” added Reilly. “I’m really looking forward to playing the big lug again. Making the first Wreck-It Ralph was one of the most special experiences I’ve ever had and I’m really looking forward to bringing him back to life. So many kids I’ve met all over the world are excited to see him again, too. They tell me all the time!”

In celebration of the announcement, Disney’s hit mobile game, Disney Crossy Road, will be wrecked by Ralph at 12 p.m. PT today. As fans play through the 12 different Disney and Pixar worlds of Disney Crossy Road, Ralph may appear and “wreck” part of their gameplay.

Wreck-It Ralph debuted on November 2, 2012, with the highest opening weekend for a Disney Animation film at the time of release and went on to gross $478 million worldwide. Nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe® for best animated feature, it won a Producers Guild of America Award as well as five Annie Awards. It was also named best animated feature by the Broadcast Film Critics Association and won a Kids’ Choice Award for favorite animated movie.

Previously dated on March 9, 2018, Walt Disney Animation’s Gigantic will move to November 21, 2018.

More Retail Locations Will Open Soon at Disney Springs

Original article by Darcy Clark, Disney Parks Blog, 6/30/16

It’s an exciting time at Disney Springs, as more new additions are being added in the coming days and throughout the summer.

Today, I’m happy to share that another high-profile brand will join the world-class retail lineup in Town Center: Levi’s. Opening later this summer, the Levi’s Store will offer denim for the entire family – yes, kids can get jeans here, too! And for anyone who wants to have their clothing tailored, the Tailor Shop at the front of the store will allow shoppers to get their favorite shorts, T-shirts, truckers and accessories personalized by a team of craftsmen. (This offering is exclusive to just a handful of Levi’s locations worldwide!)

Levi’s Coming to Disney Springs Summer 2016

Don’t want to wait for more new shopping? You don’t have to. Opening soon in Town Center are Superdry, Sugarboo & Co., Shore, Columbia Sportswear and Coca-Cola Store Orlando, all joining the most recent additions that include LACOSTE, Free People and JOHNNY WAS.

Superdry, a cool British brand, offers high-quality wardrobe staples like jackets, knits, leather goods and leisurewear at affordable prices. Sugarboo & Co., “dealer in whimsy” and carrying “fine quality art and fanciful goods.” Shore, known for its made-in-America apparel and eclectic branded lifestyle merchandise mix, is opening its second-ever store – the first is based in Sarasota, FL – with plans to offer some limited-edition products available only at Disney Springs. Columbia Sportswear, a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, features rugged and stylish apparel, footwear and equipment that’s “tested tough.” Coca-Cola Store Orlando, a completely immersive retail destination, allows guests to experience the world most iconic beverage brand in a building modeled after a 1920s bottling plant.

Of course, all of this shopping requires fuel, so if you want to try the newest restaurant, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Frontera Cocina by celebrity chef Rick Bayless is now open.

What Impresses You?

“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.”
(Psalm 8:1 NIV)

Original Article by Chuck Bentley

The thing that impresses you is the clearest indication of the direction you’re taking in life. Jesus was impressed by a widow who gave two coins, because it was all that she had. The widow was impressed with God, which is why she gave everything.

However, Jesus was not impressed with the temporal things of this world, which are destined to be destroyed…if they don’t wear out first. The Bible tells us when the Lord returns, “the earth and its works will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).

One day, as Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” Jesus replied, “Do you see all these great buildings?…Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Mark 13:1-2 NIV). This prophecy was literally fulfilled in A.D. 70, when Roman forces destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, as well.

So, what should impress us as Christians in this life? God deeply desires for us to be impressed with Him, so much so that we trust Him with everything we have. There’s nothing wrong with having wealth or being significant in the world, but we’re not to be impressed with these things, or with anything else that isn’t eternal.

Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates Historic Grand Opening

Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in Mainland China and the sixth worldwide, celebrated its historic Grand Opening June 16th, culminating one of Disney’s most ambitious projects ever. Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, celebrated the opening of the one-of-a-kind vacation destination with thousands of distinguished guests, celebrities and Chinese officials.

Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates Historic Grand Opening

“The grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort is a celebration of creativity and collaboration, a triumph of imagination and innovation, and a testament to the strong partnership between Disney and China,” Iger said. “Together we have created an extraordinary destination, a magical place unique in all the world, where East meets West, the past meets the future, and anything is possible for those who believe. It is our sincere hope that this spectacular place will inspire wonder and create joy for the people of China for generations to come.”

Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates Historic Grand Opening

Honoring the Disney-Chinese partnership that created this resort, Iger and Chinese officials cut a red-and-gold ribbon to dedicate Shanghai Disneyland, the resort’s magnificent theme park. Joining Iger were Wang Yang, CPC Politburo Member and State Council Vice Premier, and Han Zheng, CPC Politburo Member and Party Secretary of Shanghai. Iger also shared a greeting similar to the one Walt Disney said on opening day for the original Disneyland, in 1955: “To all who come to this happy place, welcome.”

Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates Historic Grand Opening

The Grand Opening ceremony marked the moment with music, pageantry and a stream of Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse and Snow White to Baymax and Jack Sparrow, in front of the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle. A multi-generational choir performed a unique version of the Disney song, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” arranged in a Chinese style to reflect the balance of Disney magic and China’s cultural spirit at Shanghai Disney Resort. The ceremony also featured six performers holding enormous, brightly colored fans to represent the six lands of Shanghai Disneyland.

Shanghai Disney Resort Celebrates Historic Grand Opening

Following the official dedications, tens of thousands of guests entered Shanghai Disneyland on its Grand Opening day to explore world-class attractions and live entertainment spectaculars—many being offered for the first time in a Disney theme park. The three-day Grand Opening event also included two red-carpet occasions: Tuesday’s premiere of the first Mandarin production of THE LION KING, now showing at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, and Wednesday’s gala concert with celebrity performers at Evergreen Playhouse in Shanghai Disneyland.

Disney Named the Company Americans Want to Work for Most

Fortune article, June 8, 2016

When 10,000 adults in the U.S. were asked to pick their favored brands from the leading 100 companies of the Fortune 500, Disney was top of mind.

On Monday, Fortune announced that The Walt Disney Company was listed as the “Company that Americans Want to Work for Most.”

“Respondents were asked about corporate reputations, trust, influence and global impact. When asked which company they would most want to work for, respondents chose the 93-year-old entertainment giant,” the magazine stated.

This recognition comes on the heels of Disney being named “World’s Most Authentic Brand,”“World’s Most Powerful Brand,” a “Most Admired” company by Fortune and a “Most Reputable”company by Forbes.

Who God Says You Are

Original article by James MacDonald

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1, esv).

God is very personal. Consider the word formed (v.1)—it’s so intimate. God may have spoken the universe into existence, but He formed you. This is the same word used in Jeremiah 18 to describe God as the potter with His hands on the clay, personally shaping you. He did not just make your life and bring you into existence; He is forming the kind of person you are becoming day by day. God is making you into who He wants you to be.

When it comes to your identity, the critical issue is not what you think about yourself—because you can’t be trusted! As Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Ultimately, the only thing that matters is what God thinks about you.

Tune in to the biblical message of who God says you are, and allow His thoughts about you to build your identity. You will discover a remarkably different thought pattern developing: I’m not who my parents or my spouse say I am. I’m not who my boss says I am. I’m not what my performance or my appearance says I am. I am who God says I am!

If you let your mind be renewed with His Word, the truth that God formed you will download into your identity and your attitude. This involves accepting truths about God that will affect your understanding of who you are, and it results in an attitude that honors Him. You’ll be surprised by how your actions naturally begin to flow out of who you know you are in Christ.

The fact that God is personal reinforces this awesome identity truth: the Lord has redeemed you and called you His own. He paid your redemption price with His Son’s life so He could have a relationship with you that will last forever.

If you have put your trust in Jesus, God says, “You are mine.” That is who you are. And what God says is the only thing that will ultimately matter. Let this truth shape your identity for His glory today.

Disney Springs Town Center is Now Open

Original article by Darcy Clark

It’s a day over three years in the making — Town Center, the newest neighborhood at Disney Springs, is officially open!

At 10 a.m. Sunday, guests and Cast Members were invited to experience this brand-new, retail-focused area. With Spanish revival architecture, gorgeous landscaping and several new fountains and water features, this addition just may be the most beautiful at Disney Springs.

Town Center is Now Open at Disney Springs

The Lime Garage, adjacent to World of Disney and Town Center, also opened earlier today. The addition of nearly 2,000 parking spaces will give guests even more options, making the arrival experience easier and more efficient. (And just like the Orange Garage, this second structure will use the same smart technology to let guests know where available spots are and will, of course, continue to be complimentary!)

Town Center is Now Open at Disney Springs

Look for the new Disney Springs marquees to signify that you’re arrived. They anchor the property on both ends, and are a clear sign that you’ve made it to Disney Springs — Your Place to Be!

Town Center is Now Open at Disney Springs

NEW: Toy Story Land Update

original article by: Thomas Smith, 4/20/16

In Toy Story Land, you’ll find yourself shrunk to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody and Buzz. There are two new themed attractions being developed for Toy Story Land.

The first – Slinky Dog Dash – will be a family coaster attraction you’ll want to ride again and again. The attraction features a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit, but as you know, he has a pretty amazing imagination, so he’s combined it with some of his other toys, according to Imagineer Kathy Mangum. On Slinky Dog Dash, you will zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits.

The second all-new attraction in Toy Story Land will be Alien Swirling Saucers. This attraction is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first Toy Story film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”

Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

As you rotate around the toy planets and satellites as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of fun “Space Jazz” music developed just for this experience, Mangum said. The music, the lighting, and the sound effects will add to the flurry of your adventure while “The Claw” looms ominously over you.

Mangum also shared an update that beginning Memorial Day weekend, even more guests will be able to experience Toy Story Mania with the addition of a third track.