We are to have our identity in Jesus. It is a great idea. But it is hard to realize.
John 7:17 (CEV) If you really want to obey God, you will know if what I teach comes from God or from me.
One not willing to obey will find a way not to understand. We can read and read. If we are not willing to obey God we will not understand his word.
I think too a big step towards knowing ourselves is knowing God. If we truly understand the grace that God has for us we can more easily honestly look at ourselves. People cannot know themselves without knowing the One in whose image they are created.
Pascal said "Not only do we know God through Jesus Christ alone, but we know ourselves only by Jesus Christ."
Or as Paul said, "You cannot know yourself without being known by him.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (CEV) Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us.
Galatians 4:9 (CEV) But now you know God, or better still, God knows you. How can you turn back and become the slaves of those weak and pitiful powers?
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
DR's sermon
I just love DR's sermons. They are the best I hear these days.
Sunday night the lectionary included John 1:1-18. He said something I have been thinking about too, especially since I read it for the Lessons and Carols.
John 1:1-18 is John's birth narrative. But John is boldly clear that Jesus, the Word who was born flesh, is the Son of God and has existed from the beginning, forever.
DR then went on to discuss the analogy of light. Jesus is the light that came into the world to dispel the darkness. Jesus is the light and the darkness could not overcome it.
He gave the example of going into a cave. I too remember going to Wonder Cave in central Texas. It was next to the glass bottom boats. It was not much of a cave but it was the best we have.
I too remember that after we got down to the big cave room the guide asks us to sit down. Then he turns out all the lights. The darkness is like nothing you have ever experienced. You cannot see you hand in front of you. There is absolutely no light. Then after your eyes are adjusted the guide turns on a small light. Perhaps it is simply a candle. Then you can see quite a bit. Even that little light breaks into the darkness and overcomes it.
He went further. If you find yourself in complete darkness you are never going to find your way out on your own. You are going to fall into a pit or take yourself further into the cave. You are better off sitting and waiting for rescue.
We are like that spiritually. Before God comes into our life we are in darkness and we cannot get ourselves out of it. We need a savior. We need a light. Jesus is the light that comes into the world. He comes to save us. He comes to find us and bring us out into safety. Before God came to us we were in total darkness and could not help ourselves spiritually. This is a great analogy.
Sunday night the lectionary included John 1:1-18. He said something I have been thinking about too, especially since I read it for the Lessons and Carols.
John 1:1-18 is John's birth narrative. But John is boldly clear that Jesus, the Word who was born flesh, is the Son of God and has existed from the beginning, forever.
DR then went on to discuss the analogy of light. Jesus is the light that came into the world to dispel the darkness. Jesus is the light and the darkness could not overcome it.
He gave the example of going into a cave. I too remember going to Wonder Cave in central Texas. It was next to the glass bottom boats. It was not much of a cave but it was the best we have.
I too remember that after we got down to the big cave room the guide asks us to sit down. Then he turns out all the lights. The darkness is like nothing you have ever experienced. You cannot see you hand in front of you. There is absolutely no light. Then after your eyes are adjusted the guide turns on a small light. Perhaps it is simply a candle. Then you can see quite a bit. Even that little light breaks into the darkness and overcomes it.
He went further. If you find yourself in complete darkness you are never going to find your way out on your own. You are going to fall into a pit or take yourself further into the cave. You are better off sitting and waiting for rescue.
We are like that spiritually. Before God comes into our life we are in darkness and we cannot get ourselves out of it. We need a savior. We need a light. Jesus is the light that comes into the world. He comes to save us. He comes to find us and bring us out into safety. Before God came to us we were in total darkness and could not help ourselves spiritually. This is a great analogy.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
If you want to know wht your prospective spouse will be like when married look at the parents
Check out the parents.
DW was talking to DD the other day. She told her to ask any prospective boyfriend if he likes to have the radio on all the time. DW loves it to be quiet. When she stays by herself it is perfectly quiet. I find that unnerving. She drives with the radio off. I like the radio on all the time and to have the radio on when I go to sleep. She hates that.
In addition I like to turn the radio on about 4 AM to listen to a special program that comes on from 4 to 7 AM. I can see why that would be annoying. She suffers in silence most of the time, pretending to be asleep.
But you would not have known that before I was married. I used to drive in the car without the radio on. I did listen to music, something I do rarely now, but not all the time.
No you would have to look to my mom if you were going to predict my present behavior. My mom always had the TV on, all day and all night. She left TV's on in rooms all over the house. You would get into trouble if you turned off the TV even if she was not in the room.
I "rebelled" by not doing this with the TV but I now keep a radio in pretty much every room in the house. And they are often on when I am not in the room.
So if you wanted to know about my bad habit of having background noise on all the time, you would have to have looked to how one of my parents behaved. I remember as a child going into their bedroom very late to see the TV with static. That was in the days when stations went off the air. But if I turned if off she would wake up immediately.
I was told by several people when I was young to look to the parents of the person to see what they would be like when they are older. I knew they were right, sort of, but I never took it seriously. I figured me and my honey would be different. But we aren't.
If you are wiser than I and heed the advise of many people you will look to the parents of your honey to see what they will be like when they are older. For most of us we will not change our behavior because of it, no matter how shocking that fact might be. We love our beau too much. But don't be surprised. My wife is a lot like her mom and aunt. I am a lot like my dad. It's reality. It's hard not to be. You might as well embrace it.
DW was talking to DD the other day. She told her to ask any prospective boyfriend if he likes to have the radio on all the time. DW loves it to be quiet. When she stays by herself it is perfectly quiet. I find that unnerving. She drives with the radio off. I like the radio on all the time and to have the radio on when I go to sleep. She hates that.
In addition I like to turn the radio on about 4 AM to listen to a special program that comes on from 4 to 7 AM. I can see why that would be annoying. She suffers in silence most of the time, pretending to be asleep.
But you would not have known that before I was married. I used to drive in the car without the radio on. I did listen to music, something I do rarely now, but not all the time.
No you would have to look to my mom if you were going to predict my present behavior. My mom always had the TV on, all day and all night. She left TV's on in rooms all over the house. You would get into trouble if you turned off the TV even if she was not in the room.
I "rebelled" by not doing this with the TV but I now keep a radio in pretty much every room in the house. And they are often on when I am not in the room.
So if you wanted to know about my bad habit of having background noise on all the time, you would have to have looked to how one of my parents behaved. I remember as a child going into their bedroom very late to see the TV with static. That was in the days when stations went off the air. But if I turned if off she would wake up immediately.
I was told by several people when I was young to look to the parents of the person to see what they would be like when they are older. I knew they were right, sort of, but I never took it seriously. I figured me and my honey would be different. But we aren't.
If you are wiser than I and heed the advise of many people you will look to the parents of your honey to see what they will be like when they are older. For most of us we will not change our behavior because of it, no matter how shocking that fact might be. We love our beau too much. But don't be surprised. My wife is a lot like her mom and aunt. I am a lot like my dad. It's reality. It's hard not to be. You might as well embrace it.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Merry Christmas - God with Us
A got button saying this and have worn it when I remember.
We talked at Life Group about the Matthew version of Jesus' birth. Matthew emphasizing Joseph's obedience. The genealogy at the beginning of Matthew seems to be Joseph's line going back to Abraham.
Luke's birth story emphasizes the obedience of Mary. When Luke says in 1:2 that he has investigated all this I think that includes his interviewing principal characters in the story. Likely Mary is still alive and Luke spoke to her about her memories. The story in Luke's gospel is mostly from Mary's point of view.
Both Matthew and Luke emphasize the theme of obedience.
Even Zacharias, who was chastised for unbelief, was obedient to God's call despite his disappointment over not having any children.
Many busybodies would have commented that this must mean he and Elizabeth were somehow unrighteous, disobedient in some way. As innocent people they would have to suffer the whispers. I imagine that Elizabeth would rejoice in her vindication when she did successfully gave birth in a miraculous way. Yet the joy could be bittersweet.
But both of them were obedient despite disappointment. Zacharias continued faithfully to perform his duties as a priest. They were obedient.
Joseph was obedient to take a pregnant woman as his wife. He was also obedient to immediately pick up and flee when he was warned about Herod. I think I might be tempted to be lazy about that. It's a lot of trouble to move and to become a homeless refugee in a foreign land. Fortunately I think there were several colonies of Jews in Egypt. (And extradition was unheard of. - joke)
Despite all the prophesies Jesus fulfilled, what God did here was new and unpredictable. Those involved in God's sovereign act in the world could only act in faith not able to understand the full plan in advance.
The angels promised great things to Joseph, Mary, and Zacharias, great things. But they did not explain how these things would happen. All that was to come had no precedent in the past.
Everyone has to walk in faith, trusting God despite any hardship we may face. God has a plan for us too.
We talked at Life Group about the Matthew version of Jesus' birth. Matthew emphasizing Joseph's obedience. The genealogy at the beginning of Matthew seems to be Joseph's line going back to Abraham.
Luke's birth story emphasizes the obedience of Mary. When Luke says in 1:2 that he has investigated all this I think that includes his interviewing principal characters in the story. Likely Mary is still alive and Luke spoke to her about her memories. The story in Luke's gospel is mostly from Mary's point of view.
Both Matthew and Luke emphasize the theme of obedience.
Even Zacharias, who was chastised for unbelief, was obedient to God's call despite his disappointment over not having any children.
Many busybodies would have commented that this must mean he and Elizabeth were somehow unrighteous, disobedient in some way. As innocent people they would have to suffer the whispers. I imagine that Elizabeth would rejoice in her vindication when she did successfully gave birth in a miraculous way. Yet the joy could be bittersweet.
But both of them were obedient despite disappointment. Zacharias continued faithfully to perform his duties as a priest. They were obedient.
Joseph was obedient to take a pregnant woman as his wife. He was also obedient to immediately pick up and flee when he was warned about Herod. I think I might be tempted to be lazy about that. It's a lot of trouble to move and to become a homeless refugee in a foreign land. Fortunately I think there were several colonies of Jews in Egypt. (And extradition was unheard of. - joke)
Despite all the prophesies Jesus fulfilled, what God did here was new and unpredictable. Those involved in God's sovereign act in the world could only act in faith not able to understand the full plan in advance.
The angels promised great things to Joseph, Mary, and Zacharias, great things. But they did not explain how these things would happen. All that was to come had no precedent in the past.
Everyone has to walk in faith, trusting God despite any hardship we may face. God has a plan for us too.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Hosea 14:9-end
Such visual images! And the sense of smell gets a workout too in the imagination.
I remember a song from Redeemer days based on these words. The tune was very ethereal.
The images are of plants, gorgeous plants. Cedars, lilies, fresh dew on the green hillside, blossoms, grapes. It speaks of abundance. Not only do you see green and white you smell cedar and flower scents.
God wants to restore. He does not want to judge.
The last verse is a wisdom verse, like in Proverbs, but also found in Psalms. If you want to be wise, you follow God. The righteous walk in God's ways but sinners stumble over God's ways. They will impede him. Doesn't that ring true in our experience.
Recently I was walking in a forest with a lot of fallen trees. They must have fallen in our most recent hurricane. So they almost all had fallen in the same direction. If I had wanted to go the same direction the trees had fallen I would have had smooth sailing, no problems. But since I needed to go at a 90 degree angle to the trees my movement was severely impeded. The image of Hosea reminds me of that. It's not a great analogy, no.
Hosea 14:4-9 CEV Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit. (5) I will be like the dew-- then you will blossom like lilies and have roots like a tree. (6) Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree and with the aroma of the cedars of Lebanon. (7) You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard and be famous as the wine from Lebanon. (8) Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit. (9) If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble.
I remember a song from Redeemer days based on these words. The tune was very ethereal.
The images are of plants, gorgeous plants. Cedars, lilies, fresh dew on the green hillside, blossoms, grapes. It speaks of abundance. Not only do you see green and white you smell cedar and flower scents.
God wants to restore. He does not want to judge.
The last verse is a wisdom verse, like in Proverbs, but also found in Psalms. If you want to be wise, you follow God. The righteous walk in God's ways but sinners stumble over God's ways. They will impede him. Doesn't that ring true in our experience.
Recently I was walking in a forest with a lot of fallen trees. They must have fallen in our most recent hurricane. So they almost all had fallen in the same direction. If I had wanted to go the same direction the trees had fallen I would have had smooth sailing, no problems. But since I needed to go at a 90 degree angle to the trees my movement was severely impeded. The image of Hosea reminds me of that. It's not a great analogy, no.
Hosea 14:4-9 CEV Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit. (5) I will be like the dew-- then you will blossom like lilies and have roots like a tree. (6) Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree and with the aroma of the cedars of Lebanon. (7) You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard and be famous as the wine from Lebanon. (8) Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit. (9) If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble.
Christmas childhood
As a child I remember Foley's showcases around Christmastime. The showcases open to the street in those days. They were full of trains and Santa's sleigh. Every year they added a new showcase. They changed every year. They were spectacular to a little child. I know my mom liked them as much as I did. Well maybe she liked them because my brother and I were so excited.
It was always a tradition going to see the Santa house. It was somewhere on North MacGregor I think. He had a very large front yard that at Christmastime he would rope off. Then he would dress up as Santa and with bells on would go around the circle giving out peppermint candy canes to kids. He would says, "Ho! Ho! Ho!" and talk to each child. That was amazing. It was a Houston tradition for many years in the 50's probably before and after too. Actually when this man died it was a major Houston story.
Also never to be missed was the wassail and gingerbread men (with raisin eyes nose and buttons) at the Bank of the Southwest. At noon during Christmas a choir would perform the Anvil Chorus ever day at noon. After we got for Christmas break we would make the pilgrimage downtown to get the wassail gingerbread and listen to the choir. It was so very crowded and it seemed like it took an hour sometimes to get the goodies. I think at least one year mom sprang us early so we can get down there without the big crowds. I'm sure we were not the only ones.
One year my cousins from Iowa came down and we went downtown for the big production. Perhaps that is the year mom let us skip school. Also one year I carried my hamster with me in my coat pocket. Poor animal. He did get home safely but he obviously was hot and stuffy much of the time. He probably did not have a good time. Why did I do it? I was an elementary aged boy. Of course my mom did not know about it until it was too late to go back. She probably did her "humpf!" and pretended not to know for the rest of the time.
BTW you can still find the wassail recipe from BotSW online. It is the best, tart and tangy and sweet at the same time. Other wassails do not pack the same wassail. You can probably find the gingerbread recipe too. It was amazing, full of dark molasses.
It was always a tradition going to see the Santa house. It was somewhere on North MacGregor I think. He had a very large front yard that at Christmastime he would rope off. Then he would dress up as Santa and with bells on would go around the circle giving out peppermint candy canes to kids. He would says, "Ho! Ho! Ho!" and talk to each child. That was amazing. It was a Houston tradition for many years in the 50's probably before and after too. Actually when this man died it was a major Houston story.
Also never to be missed was the wassail and gingerbread men (with raisin eyes nose and buttons) at the Bank of the Southwest. At noon during Christmas a choir would perform the Anvil Chorus ever day at noon. After we got for Christmas break we would make the pilgrimage downtown to get the wassail gingerbread and listen to the choir. It was so very crowded and it seemed like it took an hour sometimes to get the goodies. I think at least one year mom sprang us early so we can get down there without the big crowds. I'm sure we were not the only ones.
One year my cousins from Iowa came down and we went downtown for the big production. Perhaps that is the year mom let us skip school. Also one year I carried my hamster with me in my coat pocket. Poor animal. He did get home safely but he obviously was hot and stuffy much of the time. He probably did not have a good time. Why did I do it? I was an elementary aged boy. Of course my mom did not know about it until it was too late to go back. She probably did her "humpf!" and pretended not to know for the rest of the time.
BTW you can still find the wassail recipe from BotSW online. It is the best, tart and tangy and sweet at the same time. Other wassails do not pack the same wassail. You can probably find the gingerbread recipe too. It was amazing, full of dark molasses.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Hosea 11
What a wonder insight into God nature we find on Hosea 11. If you have time read this chapter several times. Read it aloud. That helped me to read it aloud. God has prophesied through Hosea of his people's horrible behavior. They lie, steal, cheat, and oppress the poor. They deserve to die. He has already predicted their destruction. Yet ...
Hosea 11:8-9 ESV How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. (9) I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.
The God of mercy and forbearance that Jesus taught about is the same God we find in the Old Testament. There are some people that would say the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New. Some would say Jesus' coming changed how God treats us. Yet it is not so.
Read the whole of Hosea 11.
What does the second part of verse 9 mean? "I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath."
Verse 8 seems to begin with God debating himself. Will he do the right thing, the righteous thing and destroy Israel? No he won't because he is God. I think no one can truly say what that means but that doesn't mean we don't try to understand. It is like another verse what says, "as the heavens are as high above the earth so far apart are my ways from your ways".
No we cannot really know or understand. But (trying) it seems to say that God is first and foremost a God of love and compassion. He loves his people. He chose them. Her rescued them and healed them at times when they were not even aware of it.
I think of that and my health. How many times has my body, directed by God, healed itself and I did not even know. I think that likely true for all of us. God knows and he seems to be affirming that in Hosea 11:3: "Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them."
How wonderful to imagine.
Back to it. God is speaking as a doting parent. He loves his children. Despite all the disappointment God feels he has never stopped loving them. Hosea and the prostitute demonstrate that in a sort of living parable. So God in his mercy will deliver them even though they are not repentant at all. Why? Because he is God. That doesn't seem to our mind to be an answer. But it is enough for God.
Hosea 11:8-9 ESV How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. (9) I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.
The God of mercy and forbearance that Jesus taught about is the same God we find in the Old Testament. There are some people that would say the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New. Some would say Jesus' coming changed how God treats us. Yet it is not so.
Read the whole of Hosea 11.
What does the second part of verse 9 mean? "I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath."
Verse 8 seems to begin with God debating himself. Will he do the right thing, the righteous thing and destroy Israel? No he won't because he is God. I think no one can truly say what that means but that doesn't mean we don't try to understand. It is like another verse what says, "as the heavens are as high above the earth so far apart are my ways from your ways".
No we cannot really know or understand. But (trying) it seems to say that God is first and foremost a God of love and compassion. He loves his people. He chose them. Her rescued them and healed them at times when they were not even aware of it.
I think of that and my health. How many times has my body, directed by God, healed itself and I did not even know. I think that likely true for all of us. God knows and he seems to be affirming that in Hosea 11:3: "Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them."
How wonderful to imagine.
Back to it. God is speaking as a doting parent. He loves his children. Despite all the disappointment God feels he has never stopped loving them. Hosea and the prostitute demonstrate that in a sort of living parable. So God in his mercy will deliver them even though they are not repentant at all. Why? Because he is God. That doesn't seem to our mind to be an answer. But it is enough for God.
Proverbs 5:18-19
This is a good verse for me in my old age.
Proverbs 5:18-19 ESV Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, (19) a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.
Be delighted in the wife of your youth. I am doing that praise God!
Proverbs 5:18-19 ESV Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, (19) a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.
Be delighted in the wife of your youth. I am doing that praise God!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Holday spirit
I do not get into the holiday spirit easily. This idea of spending less and giving more, I love it! Well the spending less part anyway. For several years I have just not gotten into the pressure of buying gifts. I guess a few people are disappointed. But I figure I give all year round. Em. Some people probably disagree.
I figure DW likes to shop, let her buy her own gifts. Seriously.
Wednesday I went to see a Christmas concert. I plan to see another one Saturday night. It has helped. I will participate in a Lessons and Carols service Sunday night. Some years I sing without even really feeling anything different. It probably doesn't matter but I feel better if I get into an expectant mood, remembering the baby Jesus, God born as a baby. Or I can think about his coming again to bring in God's promised kingdom. Peace and goodwill to all.
We sang carols at Life Group. There have been lots of opportunities this year.
Sadly we will probably not carol in the neighborhood. There are just three of us and DD is not home many nights. I am very sad about that.
I think from guilt mostly I started a Christmas letter. I also asked DW and DD what they wanted for Christmas. I think I left them speechless. It took a while to get a response.
I figure DW likes to shop, let her buy her own gifts. Seriously.
Wednesday I went to see a Christmas concert. I plan to see another one Saturday night. It has helped. I will participate in a Lessons and Carols service Sunday night. Some years I sing without even really feeling anything different. It probably doesn't matter but I feel better if I get into an expectant mood, remembering the baby Jesus, God born as a baby. Or I can think about his coming again to bring in God's promised kingdom. Peace and goodwill to all.
We sang carols at Life Group. There have been lots of opportunities this year.
Sadly we will probably not carol in the neighborhood. There are just three of us and DD is not home many nights. I am very sad about that.
I think from guilt mostly I started a Christmas letter. I also asked DW and DD what they wanted for Christmas. I think I left them speechless. It took a while to get a response.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Fruit picking
My satsuma on Dallas is pretty much picked over. Actually this tree is over 20 feet tall and there are quite a few more hidden in the branches up high or protected by branches close to the trunk. They are hard to get.
So I walked down Dallas looking for more fruit trees and planning to double back on Lamar. But I just got down to the next block. I thought from a distance I saw another unpicked satsuma. But when I got there I saw the fruit was a paler yellow and slightly larger. After easily picking about 10 of then it dawned on my what it was: a grapefruit tree. WOW.
I opened one smelled it. The fruit was reddish. I tasted it. Yep, a grapefruit fully ripe! I picked two canvas grocery bags full and did not make a noticeable dent in the fruit on this tree. In fact I barely got them home. Those bags had to weight forty pounds. Well over thirty. My arms were dragging.
I gave the crossing lady five grapefruit. She was excited to get them.
DW will be bringing them to M&M's today. If you are in the area and know what that is come by and take a look. I plan to get more.
So I walked down Dallas looking for more fruit trees and planning to double back on Lamar. But I just got down to the next block. I thought from a distance I saw another unpicked satsuma. But when I got there I saw the fruit was a paler yellow and slightly larger. After easily picking about 10 of then it dawned on my what it was: a grapefruit tree. WOW.
I opened one smelled it. The fruit was reddish. I tasted it. Yep, a grapefruit fully ripe! I picked two canvas grocery bags full and did not make a noticeable dent in the fruit on this tree. In fact I barely got them home. Those bags had to weight forty pounds. Well over thirty. My arms were dragging.
I gave the crossing lady five grapefruit. She was excited to get them.
DW will be bringing them to M&M's today. If you are in the area and know what that is come by and take a look. I plan to get more.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Texans
I can't believe I let myself get sucked into the Texans again. No I didn't expect them to win, but I watched most of the second half.
But I could not bear to watch the overtime. That was about the only way they were going to lose, they had the Ravens on the ropes. A defensive TD was about the only way they could lose. And that's what they did. Sad.
But it was exciting. I guess that is something.
But I could not bear to watch the overtime. That was about the only way they were going to lose, they had the Ravens on the ropes. A defensive TD was about the only way they could lose. And that's what they did. Sad.
But it was exciting. I guess that is something.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Are we as a people too hard to govern? If something bad happens we cry for our government to fix it for us.
Houston used to be a city that prided itself on taking care of our own problems.
But now I see so many blue plastic tarps over houses left over from Ike over two years ago. I see so many lawyer ads trying to talk people into suing others over this act of God. What happened to fixing the problem up and moving on? A vast majority of these people could find, save, or borrow the money to fix their roofs. It would be inconvenient yes. But they would be much better off if they did. Instead at least some of them are trying to lay off responsibility on the government or an insurance company. In the long run they are just hurting themselves.
Are we getting to be a people that is too hard to govern. People need to take responsibility, even if it not fair.
When I read Hosea 4 it reminds me of this. I know it seems a bit of a stretch. I have this subject on my mind right now.
Hosea was speaking to a people rich in things. Yet they were not satisfied. They had forgotten and forsaken God, the author of all good gifts. They had forgotten to be grateful. They had gotten greedy and licentious. They are willing to harm others for another shekel.
Their leaders are no different. Both their political and religious leaders are just like them.
God calls them back. They need to turn back. And our country does too.
Hosea 5:4 (and Romans 1:21-32) speaks of a people so full of sin and selfishness that they are not able to turn back to God.
Hosea 5:4 Their works will not let them come back to their God, for a false spirit is in them and they have no knowledge of the Lord.
The commentator speaks of a “heart of darkness” coming over their hearts. It implies that people are so lost in darkness they can never find their way back. He uses the title of Joseph Conrad’s book. The heart of darkness gets so strong there is no turning back. Conrad's book seem to suggest people who go this far are better off dead.
But I don’t think that this is God's position. Some people repent from a very dark, awful place. It is not impossible. And God is still willing to take us back. He is always on our side. Hosea speaks of God’s willingness. Hosea himself was sent to make it clear. God still cares.
Houston used to be a city that prided itself on taking care of our own problems.
But now I see so many blue plastic tarps over houses left over from Ike over two years ago. I see so many lawyer ads trying to talk people into suing others over this act of God. What happened to fixing the problem up and moving on? A vast majority of these people could find, save, or borrow the money to fix their roofs. It would be inconvenient yes. But they would be much better off if they did. Instead at least some of them are trying to lay off responsibility on the government or an insurance company. In the long run they are just hurting themselves.
Are we getting to be a people that is too hard to govern. People need to take responsibility, even if it not fair.
When I read Hosea 4 it reminds me of this. I know it seems a bit of a stretch. I have this subject on my mind right now.
Hosea was speaking to a people rich in things. Yet they were not satisfied. They had forgotten and forsaken God, the author of all good gifts. They had forgotten to be grateful. They had gotten greedy and licentious. They are willing to harm others for another shekel.
Their leaders are no different. Both their political and religious leaders are just like them.
God calls them back. They need to turn back. And our country does too.
Hosea 5:4 (and Romans 1:21-32) speaks of a people so full of sin and selfishness that they are not able to turn back to God.
Hosea 5:4 Their works will not let them come back to their God, for a false spirit is in them and they have no knowledge of the Lord.
The commentator speaks of a “heart of darkness” coming over their hearts. It implies that people are so lost in darkness they can never find their way back. He uses the title of Joseph Conrad’s book. The heart of darkness gets so strong there is no turning back. Conrad's book seem to suggest people who go this far are better off dead.
But I don’t think that this is God's position. Some people repent from a very dark, awful place. It is not impossible. And God is still willing to take us back. He is always on our side. Hosea speaks of God’s willingness. Hosea himself was sent to make it clear. God still cares.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Hosea
Reading Hosea, asking God to give me something to share. I think it comes from God but it comes through this very limited servant.
Hosea is called to marry a prostitute. What is the hardest thing God has called you to do?
This seems like something God would never ask his servant to do. But God did. Can you rationalize this?
Perhaps the hardest thing for me to do was to go to work for my dad. Circumstances made it a good choice when I went to work in the family. I had sworn I would never do it.
I tried to leave several times but each time it seems God closed the door and then he encouraged me this is where he wanted me.
To me this was pretty much like marrying a prostitute. I do not believe in insurance. It is sort of against my principals. But God did not ask me to sin. God really did not ask Hosea to sin either. He was faithful to his wife. She was not faithful to him.
Despite having to submit to my dad, which was very hard, in the long run it may have been the easiest path for me.
Hosea married a prostitute. We read about this in chapter one of the book of Hosea. We are told directly that the first son is his. But we are not told about the next two children. We are just told they were conceived. She is still a prostitute after all.
The names of his children are awful. Imagine the teasing that they received. The firstborn is name Jezreel, after the site of a massacre. It would be like naming your child "Pearl Harbor" or "Bull Run". They next two are named "Not loved" and "Not mine". God uses Hosea's children to make a statement.
But then at the end of chapter one God turns it around to speak of God's faithfulness, he will restore his people. The etymology of Jezreel is "God's offspring" and Israel will be "mine" and "loved".
Marrying a prostitute had to be very hard for Hosea. He lost all semblance of pride. She would shame him each time she had sex for money. How could God call his servant to such an awful thing?
Has God called you to something very hard, maybe against your principals yet not a sin?
Hosea is called to marry a prostitute. What is the hardest thing God has called you to do?
This seems like something God would never ask his servant to do. But God did. Can you rationalize this?
Perhaps the hardest thing for me to do was to go to work for my dad. Circumstances made it a good choice when I went to work in the family. I had sworn I would never do it.
I tried to leave several times but each time it seems God closed the door and then he encouraged me this is where he wanted me.
To me this was pretty much like marrying a prostitute. I do not believe in insurance. It is sort of against my principals. But God did not ask me to sin. God really did not ask Hosea to sin either. He was faithful to his wife. She was not faithful to him.
Despite having to submit to my dad, which was very hard, in the long run it may have been the easiest path for me.
Hosea married a prostitute. We read about this in chapter one of the book of Hosea. We are told directly that the first son is his. But we are not told about the next two children. We are just told they were conceived. She is still a prostitute after all.
The names of his children are awful. Imagine the teasing that they received. The firstborn is name Jezreel, after the site of a massacre. It would be like naming your child "Pearl Harbor" or "Bull Run". They next two are named "Not loved" and "Not mine". God uses Hosea's children to make a statement.
But then at the end of chapter one God turns it around to speak of God's faithfulness, he will restore his people. The etymology of Jezreel is "God's offspring" and Israel will be "mine" and "loved".
Marrying a prostitute had to be very hard for Hosea. He lost all semblance of pride. She would shame him each time she had sex for money. How could God call his servant to such an awful thing?
Has God called you to something very hard, maybe against your principals yet not a sin?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Gratefulness
I think I blogged on this in recent memory. I was thinking of it again as I recall DW always thanks me when I take her out to dinner. I get confused. It's not like I gave her anything the money is ours. But she is grateful. Gratefulness is always appropriate.
Often gifts seem to be begrudgingly accepted. It is as if the gift is due them. It is their right. So they do not need to be grateful, to say thank you.
In certain situations we say thank for perfunctorily. We should try to make it as real as we can. I think of the grocery store, when I get my groceries checked out, I say "thank you" and "have a good day". DW always says "God bless you". I might too but it is an embarrassed "God bless you". I often say it as I am moving away. Sadly it does embarrass me.
During this season I am likely to say "Merry Christmas" because so few people say it anymore and I am mad about that. Yeah I know, sorry reason for doing it.
I'm reminded of taking the tram at Rice University. Rice is like a small community or they try hard to make it so. The bus driver always gives a cheery "Have a good day" as people leave the bus. By now the drivers recognize me and I them. I always say "thank you" and often follow up with "Have a good day". I ought to get their names. Some people stand up by the driver and chat as we go, getting the news. That seems wrong as there are signs saying to stay back when the bus is moving. The driver does have to drive.
I am grateful to God for each succeeding day. I am grateful for health and for family both my biological family and my family of faith.
Often gifts seem to be begrudgingly accepted. It is as if the gift is due them. It is their right. So they do not need to be grateful, to say thank you.
In certain situations we say thank for perfunctorily. We should try to make it as real as we can. I think of the grocery store, when I get my groceries checked out, I say "thank you" and "have a good day". DW always says "God bless you". I might too but it is an embarrassed "God bless you". I often say it as I am moving away. Sadly it does embarrass me.
During this season I am likely to say "Merry Christmas" because so few people say it anymore and I am mad about that. Yeah I know, sorry reason for doing it.
I'm reminded of taking the tram at Rice University. Rice is like a small community or they try hard to make it so. The bus driver always gives a cheery "Have a good day" as people leave the bus. By now the drivers recognize me and I them. I always say "thank you" and often follow up with "Have a good day". I ought to get their names. Some people stand up by the driver and chat as we go, getting the news. That seems wrong as there are signs saying to stay back when the bus is moving. The driver does have to drive.
I am grateful to God for each succeeding day. I am grateful for health and for family both my biological family and my family of faith.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Walking
It was a perfect day for walking this morning, well if you wore a parka and sweat pants. Yeah perfect. This really is a great time to walk (or jog) after you get warmed up the weather feels fine!
I just about got all the fruit I can get off the satsuma that I have approval to pick. My part was about forty pieces. There are so many citrus trees producing well. There are quite a few left but they are too tall for my picker or inside the tree protected by lots of branches.
I got in about 8.5 miles this morning after I picked fruit. I discovered some other satsumas. One is in a yard behind a fence. I left them a note asking if I could pick them sense they seemed not to have touched them at all. The is another smaller tree hanging over a fence near a major street. Yeah I'm going back for these.
I just about got all the fruit I can get off the satsuma that I have approval to pick. My part was about forty pieces. There are so many citrus trees producing well. There are quite a few left but they are too tall for my picker or inside the tree protected by lots of branches.
I got in about 8.5 miles this morning after I picked fruit. I discovered some other satsumas. One is in a yard behind a fence. I left them a note asking if I could pick them sense they seemed not to have touched them at all. The is another smaller tree hanging over a fence near a major street. Yeah I'm going back for these.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
First sunday
Today we went to help at Brighton. We were not as late as last month. This was a big Advent service. We sang Christmas songs and SJ read a scripture from Isaiah. I let DW help with communion. We had a super big crowd. I was hard from everyone to get out when it was over with all the wheelchairs packed together.
I scrapped the sermon on Romans 6 and instead read John 1, the prologue. I spoke on Jesus coming again as well. We remember his birth and we await his coming again. I got up around 9:50 and we usually finish up by 10. And after I finished NJ got up and did a pastor's part speaking to their specific needs. It is so great to see her wrap up the service. I am the guest, she and SJ are the leaders of the service.
I got to Vineyard and found I was given a month off from serving communion. The servers this week looked pretty different. It was great. Usually I serve communion twice in the morning. Today I did not serve at all.
In the afternoon I checked out the new fruit tree to pick. It is different than a satsuma. It might be called a sour orange tree. Turned out the shipping company where the tree is found was actually open today. What are they doing open on Sunday? Anyway the owner, a small Oriental guy, came over to look at me through the fence. I asked if he wanted the fruit and he said no go ahead and pick them. After that I was ignored. He did admire my technique. Yeah I'm great, heh.
I had DW take some of these as well to church for LW. They loved the satsumas, not so much the sour oranges. The oranges look prettier. Maybe they will sweeten up off the tree. We shall see.
Evening service was fun as usual. Rocky and I held down the bass section without benefit of a section leader. That should be a vote of confidence. But I am worried about my performance. I always worry. I could use reassurance. But I got to man up. I do my best. As long as they keep letting me sing, that's all I can do.
I scrapped the sermon on Romans 6 and instead read John 1, the prologue. I spoke on Jesus coming again as well. We remember his birth and we await his coming again. I got up around 9:50 and we usually finish up by 10. And after I finished NJ got up and did a pastor's part speaking to their specific needs. It is so great to see her wrap up the service. I am the guest, she and SJ are the leaders of the service.
I got to Vineyard and found I was given a month off from serving communion. The servers this week looked pretty different. It was great. Usually I serve communion twice in the morning. Today I did not serve at all.
In the afternoon I checked out the new fruit tree to pick. It is different than a satsuma. It might be called a sour orange tree. Turned out the shipping company where the tree is found was actually open today. What are they doing open on Sunday? Anyway the owner, a small Oriental guy, came over to look at me through the fence. I asked if he wanted the fruit and he said no go ahead and pick them. After that I was ignored. He did admire my technique. Yeah I'm great, heh.
I had DW take some of these as well to church for LW. They loved the satsumas, not so much the sour oranges. The oranges look prettier. Maybe they will sweeten up off the tree. We shall see.
Evening service was fun as usual. Rocky and I held down the bass section without benefit of a section leader. That should be a vote of confidence. But I am worried about my performance. I always worry. I could use reassurance. But I got to man up. I do my best. As long as they keep letting me sing, that's all I can do.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Saturday in Christmas season
We just finished leading a marriage class in Kegans. We do it in four weeks. Of the nine couples that signed up (by the inmate husbands) six woman said yes. Four came the first week. There was only one very young couple here for the last session.
We usually do not say much but today they got a lot of wisdom from us both before the last taped session and after.
The wife went through all the channels and got delivery of Pizza Hut (the best!!) pizza delivered to the jail. WOW
So we had three large pizzas and a box of BBQ wings for a birthday party for the husband. She had thought at least one other couple would make it. I and the husband ate too much and still we left one whole pizza in the guard lunchroom and the wife took home about half a pizza.
Finishing the class felt like a relief and yet also some satisfaction for the couple who seemed to have gotten a lot out of it. They both left inspired to teach what they learned to others. That is high praise.
The man celebrated his 23rd birthday, so he is very young. The wife looks to be the same. They have two children ages 2 and 1. Prayers for their future are very appropriate.
Tonight we plan to go to a big Christmas open house hosted by a church member. It should be festive.
Oh, right now I am grilling some meat to eat over the next week.
We usually do not say much but today they got a lot of wisdom from us both before the last taped session and after.
The wife went through all the channels and got delivery of Pizza Hut (the best!!) pizza delivered to the jail. WOW
So we had three large pizzas and a box of BBQ wings for a birthday party for the husband. She had thought at least one other couple would make it. I and the husband ate too much and still we left one whole pizza in the guard lunchroom and the wife took home about half a pizza.
Finishing the class felt like a relief and yet also some satisfaction for the couple who seemed to have gotten a lot out of it. They both left inspired to teach what they learned to others. That is high praise.
The man celebrated his 23rd birthday, so he is very young. The wife looks to be the same. They have two children ages 2 and 1. Prayers for their future are very appropriate.
Tonight we plan to go to a big Christmas open house hosted by a church member. It should be festive.
Oh, right now I am grilling some meat to eat over the next week.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
last Sunday's sermons
I usually can remember (sort of) what the evening sermon was better. Why is that I ask myself? Maybe because it was last. Maybe because it was shorter and therefore fewer points to remember.
Anyway what I remember about the evening service was that RC determined to given us a summary of the book of Romans. I listened and was not sure what he said is what I would have said. Sadly I do not know Romans well enough to follow it. I suppose I could have pulled out a pew Bible and tried to follow him.
But as he was doing it I was distracted by the whole marvelous concept. Read a whole epistle through and then summarize the argument of the book. You could do it for John's epistles as well, or James' book which is more like a sermon. A sermon should have an argument and James' certainly does. Paul's epistles are like sermons that have a opening salutation and closing greeting. So summarizing and following the flow is a great idea. It would be a good thought exercise. I pose a lot of thought exercises like that and only follow through on a few.
In the morning MP spoke of being ready for God's call. I loved the sermon because it seems so natural so obvious. It pretty much follows what I think and how I have (at least now) tried to live my life. Perhaps it took me a while to get here or perhaps I was doing it before in a less mature way. Wow even typing that sound self-congratulatory. Yet I know whatever "maturity" I have in Christ, and it is not much, has come because God has been the hornet of heaven trying to work some discipline in my life.
Anyway I do try to prepare myself for God's call. I try to keep my face towards God as much as possible. I do it by giving myself exercises hopefully by God's calling.
It seems MP said something to this effect. Paraphrasing very loosely he said if we are willing to serve God then the things we want to do will be God's will. That's sort of how I live so I am probably importing that into what MP said. He probably nuanced it quite differently, no doubt much more correctly. But without looking at my notes that is what I got out of it.
So we prepare ourselves praying and worshiping and waiting for God's call. That is what Abraham did, what Joseph did, what the prophets did. My call will certainly be less spectacular and for that I say, PRAISE GOD! But I want to do the will of God and bring him glory.
Anyway what I remember about the evening service was that RC determined to given us a summary of the book of Romans. I listened and was not sure what he said is what I would have said. Sadly I do not know Romans well enough to follow it. I suppose I could have pulled out a pew Bible and tried to follow him.
But as he was doing it I was distracted by the whole marvelous concept. Read a whole epistle through and then summarize the argument of the book. You could do it for John's epistles as well, or James' book which is more like a sermon. A sermon should have an argument and James' certainly does. Paul's epistles are like sermons that have a opening salutation and closing greeting. So summarizing and following the flow is a great idea. It would be a good thought exercise. I pose a lot of thought exercises like that and only follow through on a few.
In the morning MP spoke of being ready for God's call. I loved the sermon because it seems so natural so obvious. It pretty much follows what I think and how I have (at least now) tried to live my life. Perhaps it took me a while to get here or perhaps I was doing it before in a less mature way. Wow even typing that sound self-congratulatory. Yet I know whatever "maturity" I have in Christ, and it is not much, has come because God has been the hornet of heaven trying to work some discipline in my life.
Anyway I do try to prepare myself for God's call. I try to keep my face towards God as much as possible. I do it by giving myself exercises hopefully by God's calling.
It seems MP said something to this effect. Paraphrasing very loosely he said if we are willing to serve God then the things we want to do will be God's will. That's sort of how I live so I am probably importing that into what MP said. He probably nuanced it quite differently, no doubt much more correctly. But without looking at my notes that is what I got out of it.
So we prepare ourselves praying and worshiping and waiting for God's call. That is what Abraham did, what Joseph did, what the prophets did. My call will certainly be less spectacular and for that I say, PRAISE GOD! But I want to do the will of God and bring him glory.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Jonah as metaphor for Jewish intransigence
I have tried to communicate this before. Because I am not satisfied with previous attempts, I'll try again.
Jonah is a strong indictment of Israel's unwillingness, hardheartedness. And yet in a later generation they were also honest enough to put this short book into their canon. It was considered inspired.
There are some very self deprecatory books in the Old Testament. Job and Jonah are included in the set of very unique books.
Isaiah has some amazing passages that described a suffering servant that would come for all men. Yet when Jesus came, God was doing something so different that the Jews who lived at the time could not accept him. God was doing a new thing yet Isaiah and other books predicted it. Often predictions do not make sense until they happen but when Jesus came and then died the Jews should have been able to recognize him. Yet the fact that Jesus came fro all men was a large stumbling block for the Jews. They just could not accept that.
Yet when the Good News was accepted by those who were not Jews this did not get the Jewish leaders to reconsider. But many individuals did repent and believe in Jesus. Even more Jews initially were convinced but then recanted under pressure from their leaders. How sad for them. Yet Jesus predicted this too.
Unlike Jonah, who the leaders accepted later. Unlike Isaiah that was read at many Sabbaths, speaking of a man to come who was a lot like Jesus, the leaders never reconsidered.
Paul prophesied that the Jews would later accept Jesus. Revelation speaks of Jews who will come back to God in the end. So continue to pray for the Jews to accept Jesus.
If you know Jews you can tell them Jesus was a Jew, he came to the Jews first. His time was predicted. He is the Jesus Messiah. You don't have to beat it to death. But he was the Jewish messiah. He died for their sins too.
Jonah is a strong indictment of Israel's unwillingness, hardheartedness. And yet in a later generation they were also honest enough to put this short book into their canon. It was considered inspired.
There are some very self deprecatory books in the Old Testament. Job and Jonah are included in the set of very unique books.
Isaiah has some amazing passages that described a suffering servant that would come for all men. Yet when Jesus came, God was doing something so different that the Jews who lived at the time could not accept him. God was doing a new thing yet Isaiah and other books predicted it. Often predictions do not make sense until they happen but when Jesus came and then died the Jews should have been able to recognize him. Yet the fact that Jesus came fro all men was a large stumbling block for the Jews. They just could not accept that.
Yet when the Good News was accepted by those who were not Jews this did not get the Jewish leaders to reconsider. But many individuals did repent and believe in Jesus. Even more Jews initially were convinced but then recanted under pressure from their leaders. How sad for them. Yet Jesus predicted this too.
Unlike Jonah, who the leaders accepted later. Unlike Isaiah that was read at many Sabbaths, speaking of a man to come who was a lot like Jesus, the leaders never reconsidered.
Paul prophesied that the Jews would later accept Jesus. Revelation speaks of Jews who will come back to God in the end. So continue to pray for the Jews to accept Jesus.
If you know Jews you can tell them Jesus was a Jew, he came to the Jews first. His time was predicted. He is the Jesus Messiah. You don't have to beat it to death. But he was the Jewish messiah. He died for their sins too.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving walk - bad teeth
I walked as about as fast as I could at the Turkey Trot in the Galleria. I slow jogged about 15 minutes of the 98 minutes on the 10k course.
But after looking at previous results I see that my rate has been about the same for a couple of years. I think I pretty much left in all on the course. Yet I ended up about 16 minutes per mile and finished pretty close to last. I was amongst a group of younger people who were simply strolling at an easy pace for them. But I worked pretty hard at it.
I scored some bananas and apples and quite a few "Chew" bars for later. Cool.
Bad teeth. I was born with a lot of good genes. I have a strong heart. Cancer is not a family problem. Most everything else is genetically strong. But for some reason I was born with awful teeth. No one else in my family has such weak teeth. But as a child I had multiple cavities each year. Several teeth had more than one cavity. I had frequent dental appointments and it was just awful. My doctor was a popular children's dentist. I think he did all he could. He was a Christian I realize in retrospect.
As a young man they seemed OK so I let them go. Now I am paying the price for all those cavities. I know I look funny and everything I eat leaves me with stuff between my teeth. I have had pulled quite a few of the cavity filled teeth that eventually died and feel apart. The other teeth have shifted apart. I am using a toothbrushes a lot. We need to get new water pick.
I imagine that I could "fix" them. But it would take several thousand dollars and probably much discomfort. So I am not likely to go full bore. But I have seen my old dentist a few times and I need to make an appointment to see him again about a second tooth. It's going to be a gradual fix.
But when I see the people who go in and out of the clinic next to door to my office I know I have it very good. These people are in very sad shape. They are much more to be pitied than I am. So far my problem teeth are an annoyance, nothing more.
But after looking at previous results I see that my rate has been about the same for a couple of years. I think I pretty much left in all on the course. Yet I ended up about 16 minutes per mile and finished pretty close to last. I was amongst a group of younger people who were simply strolling at an easy pace for them. But I worked pretty hard at it.
I scored some bananas and apples and quite a few "Chew" bars for later. Cool.
Bad teeth. I was born with a lot of good genes. I have a strong heart. Cancer is not a family problem. Most everything else is genetically strong. But for some reason I was born with awful teeth. No one else in my family has such weak teeth. But as a child I had multiple cavities each year. Several teeth had more than one cavity. I had frequent dental appointments and it was just awful. My doctor was a popular children's dentist. I think he did all he could. He was a Christian I realize in retrospect.
As a young man they seemed OK so I let them go. Now I am paying the price for all those cavities. I know I look funny and everything I eat leaves me with stuff between my teeth. I have had pulled quite a few of the cavity filled teeth that eventually died and feel apart. The other teeth have shifted apart. I am using a toothbrushes a lot. We need to get new water pick.
I imagine that I could "fix" them. But it would take several thousand dollars and probably much discomfort. So I am not likely to go full bore. But I have seen my old dentist a few times and I need to make an appointment to see him again about a second tooth. It's going to be a gradual fix.
But when I see the people who go in and out of the clinic next to door to my office I know I have it very good. These people are in very sad shape. They are much more to be pitied than I am. So far my problem teeth are an annoyance, nothing more.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Bullying
Do we have to tell people bullying is bad? Bullying is being linked to being gay.
Heck I've never been gay but I was bullied. Bullying is not exclusively a gay thing. In fact gay bullying is actually a very small segment of the bullying that goes on in schools.
I have probably pretty much pushed down the memories of the bully in elementary school. He picked on me I guess because I walked home. I was vulnerable. There were some very terrifying times. I may have told my mom I don't remember. She probably thought it was a boy thing and I would work it out. I'm not sure how it ended. He probably finally moved away.
Bullying is not just about being gay. But no gay people should be left alone, even if you do not think it is a normal lifestyle.
Heck I've never been gay but I was bullied. Bullying is not exclusively a gay thing. In fact gay bullying is actually a very small segment of the bullying that goes on in schools.
I have probably pretty much pushed down the memories of the bully in elementary school. He picked on me I guess because I walked home. I was vulnerable. There were some very terrifying times. I may have told my mom I don't remember. She probably thought it was a boy thing and I would work it out. I'm not sure how it ended. He probably finally moved away.
Bullying is not just about being gay. But no gay people should be left alone, even if you do not think it is a normal lifestyle.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Faith Hope and Love
I love pithy over generalizations:
Faith Hope and Love -
1. Paul in the Epistle to the Galatians represents Faith
2. Peter in First Peter represents Hope
3. John in First John represents Love
1. Paul is especially appreciated by modern Protestants
2. Peter as the first Pope is revered by Roman Catholics
3. John has a special place among Eastern Orthodox Christians for his emphasis on the spiritual and mystical quality of our faith.
We can associate faith hope and love with past, future and present.
1. Faith is what we anchor our commitment, we are justified by faith.
2. The future s exemplified by hope. We hope that our God, who has begun a good work it us will bring it to completion at the second coming of Christ Jesus.
3. Love is in the present. We love by sharing the good news. Love is of God, God is love. God acts in the present in his loving character.
Paul tells the Corinthians that these three values are primary, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have fully understood. So faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:12-13.
Taken from Bruce Metzger, Apostolic Letters of Faith Hope and Love Amazon link
Faith Hope and Love -
1. Paul in the Epistle to the Galatians represents Faith
2. Peter in First Peter represents Hope
3. John in First John represents Love
1. Paul is especially appreciated by modern Protestants
2. Peter as the first Pope is revered by Roman Catholics
3. John has a special place among Eastern Orthodox Christians for his emphasis on the spiritual and mystical quality of our faith.
We can associate faith hope and love with past, future and present.
1. Faith is what we anchor our commitment, we are justified by faith.
2. The future s exemplified by hope. We hope that our God, who has begun a good work it us will bring it to completion at the second coming of Christ Jesus.
3. Love is in the present. We love by sharing the good news. Love is of God, God is love. God acts in the present in his loving character.
Paul tells the Corinthians that these three values are primary, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have fully understood. So faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:12-13.
Taken from Bruce Metzger, Apostolic Letters of Faith Hope and Love Amazon link
Special services
We at Celebration will do a special song for the Offertory next week celebrating the start of Advent. It is called Midnight Cry. You can hear one version on the former link. Here is a link to the lyrics. This is one of the wonderful anthems we do during the year.
The service starts at 6:00 PM St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks at Westheimer. The anthem will start approximately 6:35 PM. Make a special point to come and enjoy this and the worship service.
Additionally our Lessons and Carols Celebration of Christmas will be December 19, the Sunday before Christmas. Come and get in the Christmas spirit with us. Ours is different than the orders I see online. It outlines the life of Jesus.
The service starts at 6:00 PM St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks at Westheimer. The anthem will start approximately 6:35 PM. Make a special point to come and enjoy this and the worship service.
Additionally our Lessons and Carols Celebration of Christmas will be December 19, the Sunday before Christmas. Come and get in the Christmas spirit with us. Ours is different than the orders I see online. It outlines the life of Jesus.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Rice vs.ECU
I'll make this short.
Saturday the Rice Owls played well and IMO ECU looked like they were not in the game. Rice scored nine touchdowns and "only" gave up five. So they won. They had a great concept and broke many tackles. They looked much faster than the ECU team.
But DW was more excited than I was. This is too little too late in the season. It's too late to have a winning record. It is too late to go to a bowl.
I plan to be spoiled, to expect that at least we will be in contention for a bowl each year. I do not think that is too much to ask in the secondary conference we are in.
But this team has been lackluster all year.
In this game coach found a unique plan for offense. He has also eliminated many players who do not want to do what it takes to win, like catch passes or block or learn the plays. We are down to several true freshman who are contributing.
You have give the coach credit for recruiting these guys and not giving up on the season. But it is too late to actually play meaningful games.
DW was wondering why I was not happy about how well the team played. I just could not help thinking "what if". This team, like many other teams, had the talent to win, to go to a bowl. But many players did not care enough to try hard enough.
So I find mixed with some excitement about the game win and the good individual plays quite a bit of smoldering anger at the lack of effort by "my" team.
The Texans are a similar story. But I do not care as much about the pro team in town.
Saturday the Rice Owls played well and IMO ECU looked like they were not in the game. Rice scored nine touchdowns and "only" gave up five. So they won. They had a great concept and broke many tackles. They looked much faster than the ECU team.
But DW was more excited than I was. This is too little too late in the season. It's too late to have a winning record. It is too late to go to a bowl.
I plan to be spoiled, to expect that at least we will be in contention for a bowl each year. I do not think that is too much to ask in the secondary conference we are in.
But this team has been lackluster all year.
In this game coach found a unique plan for offense. He has also eliminated many players who do not want to do what it takes to win, like catch passes or block or learn the plays. We are down to several true freshman who are contributing.
You have give the coach credit for recruiting these guys and not giving up on the season. But it is too late to actually play meaningful games.
DW was wondering why I was not happy about how well the team played. I just could not help thinking "what if". This team, like many other teams, had the talent to win, to go to a bowl. But many players did not care enough to try hard enough.
So I find mixed with some excitement about the game win and the good individual plays quite a bit of smoldering anger at the lack of effort by "my" team.
The Texans are a similar story. But I do not care as much about the pro team in town.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
History mortality the present
I think a lot about mortality. I am here for such a relatively short time. Soon I will be going back to God.
I think about that when I read about great men. They lived in their time. They lived around in the world interacting lots of other people whose names have not been preserved. People like me. But they were important to others in their time. They had children and raised them. They could be my ancestors or ancestors of my friends. Though unknown to me they have a connection to me.
When we are young history bores us. As we age history gets more interesting think because we do sense our place in it and that soon we will be part of history. We are making it now.
When I come home from work I drive east on 610 South and make the connection to 288 North. From that overpass you can look out your window and see the downtown skyline. You can also see the medical center skyline. That one is closer so they both look about the same size. I always wish there was a way to get a great picture of this whole scene. You get a wide sweeping panorama of the city. To the right as I make the turn I can see some refineries in Pasadena and the "coffee factory" on Harrisburg near my house. I'd like to be able to stop and drink it in for a while. But you can't. I am going 50 MPH and soon this scene will be behind me.
Last night I was coming home after dark. The lights make it look different but no less beautiful. Maybe on Christmas morning I could come back here and stop the car. I've thought about doing this before but I never have actually done it.
Last night I got a sense of being a small part of this big city. I remember when it was much smaller. That's a part of history I was involved with. I know after I am gone it will still be here hardly noticing I have left. Yet for this present time I am a part of it. This is my city. I belong to it. I feel at home here.
I think about that when I read about great men. They lived in their time. They lived around in the world interacting lots of other people whose names have not been preserved. People like me. But they were important to others in their time. They had children and raised them. They could be my ancestors or ancestors of my friends. Though unknown to me they have a connection to me.
When we are young history bores us. As we age history gets more interesting think because we do sense our place in it and that soon we will be part of history. We are making it now.
When I come home from work I drive east on 610 South and make the connection to 288 North. From that overpass you can look out your window and see the downtown skyline. You can also see the medical center skyline. That one is closer so they both look about the same size. I always wish there was a way to get a great picture of this whole scene. You get a wide sweeping panorama of the city. To the right as I make the turn I can see some refineries in Pasadena and the "coffee factory" on Harrisburg near my house. I'd like to be able to stop and drink it in for a while. But you can't. I am going 50 MPH and soon this scene will be behind me.
Last night I was coming home after dark. The lights make it look different but no less beautiful. Maybe on Christmas morning I could come back here and stop the car. I've thought about doing this before but I never have actually done it.
Last night I got a sense of being a small part of this big city. I remember when it was much smaller. That's a part of history I was involved with. I know after I am gone it will still be here hardly noticing I have left. Yet for this present time I am a part of it. This is my city. I belong to it. I feel at home here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A checklist for sin
Last night (Tuesday) was my first time back at Life Group for several months. It was really great. The Thomas's are such inspired hosts. Probably Joan and Barbara would agree that Ken and I have missed our mental sparring matches.
On the way home DW and I were discussing sin and what it is.
So this morning I read a newsletter called "Out of Africa" published by Shekinah Ministries. In it they included a checklist that could be used to see how you shape up before God. Of course none of does very well. This list is designed to help us see our need for God.
1. Do I say one thing and do another? Are my words and my actions inconsistent thereby making me a hypocrite?
2. Have I forgiven everyone? Is there malice, hatred, spite or enmity in my heart? Do I hold grudges against anyone?
3. Do I get angry? Do I easily lose my temper and wrath takes hold of me?
4. Are there feelings of jealousy? When another is preferred before me does it make me envious and uncomfortable?
5. Do I get impatient and irritated? Do little things annoy and vex me?
6. Am I easily offended? Do I get upset if I am ignored, passed over, neglected?
7. Is there pride in my heart? Am I puffed up and think more highly of myself than I should?
8. Have I been dishonest? Am I above reproach in all my dealings?
9. Am I a gossip? Do I take pleasure in slandering the character of others because of my own inadequacy?
10. Am I critical and like criticizing others, always finding fault with them? This is a religious spirit that destroys many fellowships.
11. Do I rob God? Have I stolen time that belongs to Him? Have I denied worship to Him? Have I withheld finances that are His?
12. Am I worldly? Do love the show, pomp, and glitter of this life?
He states that if we answer "YES" to any of these then we should call it by its right name - SIN.
Gosh I want to give myself an out on some of these things, thinking it is just normal behavior, not too bad after all.
DW was calling this sin last night as we drove. I wanted to be more circumspect. I just have to remember it is all covered by the blood. Though I need to redouble my efforts to be more holy and righteous this list shows me how far I fall short. I know I'll never make it without God.
On the way home DW and I were discussing sin and what it is.
So this morning I read a newsletter called "Out of Africa" published by Shekinah Ministries. In it they included a checklist that could be used to see how you shape up before God. Of course none of does very well. This list is designed to help us see our need for God.
1. Do I say one thing and do another? Are my words and my actions inconsistent thereby making me a hypocrite?
2. Have I forgiven everyone? Is there malice, hatred, spite or enmity in my heart? Do I hold grudges against anyone?
3. Do I get angry? Do I easily lose my temper and wrath takes hold of me?
4. Are there feelings of jealousy? When another is preferred before me does it make me envious and uncomfortable?
5. Do I get impatient and irritated? Do little things annoy and vex me?
6. Am I easily offended? Do I get upset if I am ignored, passed over, neglected?
7. Is there pride in my heart? Am I puffed up and think more highly of myself than I should?
8. Have I been dishonest? Am I above reproach in all my dealings?
9. Am I a gossip? Do I take pleasure in slandering the character of others because of my own inadequacy?
10. Am I critical and like criticizing others, always finding fault with them? This is a religious spirit that destroys many fellowships.
11. Do I rob God? Have I stolen time that belongs to Him? Have I denied worship to Him? Have I withheld finances that are His?
12. Am I worldly? Do love the show, pomp, and glitter of this life?
He states that if we answer "YES" to any of these then we should call it by its right name - SIN.
Gosh I want to give myself an out on some of these things, thinking it is just normal behavior, not too bad after all.
DW was calling this sin last night as we drove. I wanted to be more circumspect. I just have to remember it is all covered by the blood. Though I need to redouble my efforts to be more holy and righteous this list shows me how far I fall short. I know I'll never make it without God.
Worship is Everything We Are
Eugene Peterson - "Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God - it whets our appetite."
I was thinking about that since all week the anthem we sang Sunday night keeps ringing in my mind. It was called "Worship is Everything We Are" by Kenneth Bryars. This link seems to be to the octavo that we sang. Wow you can click and get a pdf of the vast majority of the pages. Looks like you are only missing the final page. They are surely trusting.
Sadly I cannot find a youtube recording of this.
I was thinking about that since all week the anthem we sang Sunday night keeps ringing in my mind. It was called "Worship is Everything We Are" by Kenneth Bryars. This link seems to be to the octavo that we sang. Wow you can click and get a pdf of the vast majority of the pages. Looks like you are only missing the final page. They are surely trusting.
Sadly I cannot find a youtube recording of this.
Monday, November 15, 2010
morning walk - picking up plastic
This morning I got up a little early and took a 5.5 mile walk, according to my step counter. This is pretty great weather for a walk, temperature wise. I don't mind the humidity as long as it does not rain hard. It didn't.
My Greek class gets two weeks off and I have some reading to catch up on.
I didn't take notes. I had something to actually blog about but now I cannot remember.
Oh I have never truly admitted that I pick up plastic as I walk. These days I have two large special bags to fill up. I feel embarrassed to admit this but I might as well. Yes I look funny doing this for lots of reasons.
I pick up aluminum and plastic. In addition I might clean up a little if I can see a nearby trash can to put them in.
Monday mornings is a great time to walk because this day is trash pickup day and I can use the containers left out on the street to deposit some things I pick up.
I call this an oblation. Oblation is an archaic word. I have decided (or been told) that it is an offering that consists of ones actions. Whether that is the true definition or not I think, before God, that is what I am doing. The area around my house is cleaner now than it used to be. I believe by faith that it is also a bit cleaner in the spiritual realm. I consider that others have seen what I do and decided to do likewise. I know by myself I can only be a drop in the ocean. I do know the older lady next door has picked up the idea. She has always swept walks. But now she also picks up trash. She has a special burden for all the neighborhood newspapers that are delivered uninvited. They are left where they fall to get wet and rot. She picks them up and recycles the paper.
I was asked Friday if I pray as I walk. Some. I pray for neighborhoods and the people in them. Some. But I think the act of walking itself is a form of prayer. I am coining the word oblation for what I do. Thanks to God who is the only one who can change hearts, I believe is has an affect.
Now I remember what I was going to talk about. Maybe tomorrow.
My Greek class gets two weeks off and I have some reading to catch up on.
I didn't take notes. I had something to actually blog about but now I cannot remember.
Oh I have never truly admitted that I pick up plastic as I walk. These days I have two large special bags to fill up. I feel embarrassed to admit this but I might as well. Yes I look funny doing this for lots of reasons.
I pick up aluminum and plastic. In addition I might clean up a little if I can see a nearby trash can to put them in.
Monday mornings is a great time to walk because this day is trash pickup day and I can use the containers left out on the street to deposit some things I pick up.
I call this an oblation. Oblation is an archaic word. I have decided (or been told) that it is an offering that consists of ones actions. Whether that is the true definition or not I think, before God, that is what I am doing. The area around my house is cleaner now than it used to be. I believe by faith that it is also a bit cleaner in the spiritual realm. I consider that others have seen what I do and decided to do likewise. I know by myself I can only be a drop in the ocean. I do know the older lady next door has picked up the idea. She has always swept walks. But now she also picks up trash. She has a special burden for all the neighborhood newspapers that are delivered uninvited. They are left where they fall to get wet and rot. She picks them up and recycles the paper.
I was asked Friday if I pray as I walk. Some. I pray for neighborhoods and the people in them. Some. But I think the act of walking itself is a form of prayer. I am coining the word oblation for what I do. Thanks to God who is the only one who can change hearts, I believe is has an affect.
Now I remember what I was going to talk about. Maybe tomorrow.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Friday night at Redeemer
There was an attempt to recreate the spirit of the old Friday night service from the 70's. My we looked old. George Mims, Brian Howard and others led the service.
I came along mainly because my wife was interested. It was billed as a sort of reunion. I think it was. An old friend and co-worker in Boy Scouts drove in from Austin.
I was a bit shocked and surprised to experience a little of the old charismatic Holy Spirit peace and excitement. Others encouraged us that the Holy Spirit was here.
Brian Howard - I never did recognize him. There was an old guy playing guitar and helping to lead with vocals. But only later when I read a review saying Mims and Howard led us did I realize what I saw.
We sang some old favorites but there were also a lot of new songs led by George Mims. So it wasn't really the songs. But the Holy Spirit graciously did come down. I think God was very gracious to give a little peek at the old excitement at Redeemer of the 60's and 70's.
This was also to be a healing weekend led by Jack and Anna Marie Sheffield. I love Jack. Jack found us a fairly dead congregation for his healing talk. He kept having to ask us to respond please. He wanted a bit of positive feedback but he was not getting it. I think he was a bit surprised.
That's why I say it was very gracious of God to send the peace of God. Otherwise we were a pretty heavy group.
I was remembering what Graham Pulkingham said in his first two books about the people who received spectacular healing. He noticed that those who God healed were willing to change, to repent and amend their lives. Not only did they receive physical healing, they received spiritual healing as well.
Many came for healing who did not receive. He felt it was because they were there for healing only and not for amendment of life.
To receive the healing required a personal response on their part. One could not simply be a passive recipient.
I think this is because God is much more interested in our spiritual well being. The spiritual is forever, the physical is only for a short time. But we have our spiritual bodies forever.
God wants to use physical healing to work spiritual change in our hearts. Not that there is any hard and fast rule. I'd never mean that.
But I think it is important to realize when God does not heal or immediately heal we should look in the spiritual realm.
At church when people give words of knowledge at the behest of the pastor many of them are about spiritual needs not physical needs. I think this is appropriate as that is where God's heart is.
I came along mainly because my wife was interested. It was billed as a sort of reunion. I think it was. An old friend and co-worker in Boy Scouts drove in from Austin.
I was a bit shocked and surprised to experience a little of the old charismatic Holy Spirit peace and excitement. Others encouraged us that the Holy Spirit was here.
Brian Howard - I never did recognize him. There was an old guy playing guitar and helping to lead with vocals. But only later when I read a review saying Mims and Howard led us did I realize what I saw.
We sang some old favorites but there were also a lot of new songs led by George Mims. So it wasn't really the songs. But the Holy Spirit graciously did come down. I think God was very gracious to give a little peek at the old excitement at Redeemer of the 60's and 70's.
This was also to be a healing weekend led by Jack and Anna Marie Sheffield. I love Jack. Jack found us a fairly dead congregation for his healing talk. He kept having to ask us to respond please. He wanted a bit of positive feedback but he was not getting it. I think he was a bit surprised.
That's why I say it was very gracious of God to send the peace of God. Otherwise we were a pretty heavy group.
I was remembering what Graham Pulkingham said in his first two books about the people who received spectacular healing. He noticed that those who God healed were willing to change, to repent and amend their lives. Not only did they receive physical healing, they received spiritual healing as well.
Many came for healing who did not receive. He felt it was because they were there for healing only and not for amendment of life.
To receive the healing required a personal response on their part. One could not simply be a passive recipient.
I think this is because God is much more interested in our spiritual well being. The spiritual is forever, the physical is only for a short time. But we have our spiritual bodies forever.
God wants to use physical healing to work spiritual change in our hearts. Not that there is any hard and fast rule. I'd never mean that.
But I think it is important to realize when God does not heal or immediately heal we should look in the spiritual realm.
At church when people give words of knowledge at the behest of the pastor many of them are about spiritual needs not physical needs. I think this is appropriate as that is where God's heart is.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Walking this morning
I got in about 7 miles this morning because Saturday morning I will be busy.
I was just thinking weird stuff happens on Sherman. Sherman is past Canal before Navigation parallel to those streets. But it is one of the few that continues without break for several miles. There are homes and businesses on Sherman. It is both major road and residential street. Or rather it is totally neither.
I like walking down Sherman but there have been strange things that happened.
This morning a older woman came out of her house, saw me walking towards home with bags full of plastic bottles. Yes I am a weird sight.
She asked me how far I had been. I answered her. She then said, "No, no, how far do you have to go?" I said "Not far." She repeated, "How far?" So I said, "About two miles." She said, "Your going to Milby right?" She seemed to be wanted to know where I lived and I was reluctant to tell her. So I responded, "I'm OK." And I turned and kept walking. I pretty much closed down the conversation.
What was her motive? I was thinking maybe she wanted to take me home. I surely was not going to allow her to take me home. I don't know her. I want to extend my walk.
Any way I am suspicious. I wondered what her idea was. It might have been well meaning but it seemed misguided.
I was just thinking weird stuff happens on Sherman. Sherman is past Canal before Navigation parallel to those streets. But it is one of the few that continues without break for several miles. There are homes and businesses on Sherman. It is both major road and residential street. Or rather it is totally neither.
I like walking down Sherman but there have been strange things that happened.
This morning a older woman came out of her house, saw me walking towards home with bags full of plastic bottles. Yes I am a weird sight.
She asked me how far I had been. I answered her. She then said, "No, no, how far do you have to go?" I said "Not far." She repeated, "How far?" So I said, "About two miles." She said, "Your going to Milby right?" She seemed to be wanted to know where I lived and I was reluctant to tell her. So I responded, "I'm OK." And I turned and kept walking. I pretty much closed down the conversation.
What was her motive? I was thinking maybe she wanted to take me home. I surely was not going to allow her to take me home. I don't know her. I want to extend my walk.
Any way I am suspicious. I wondered what her idea was. It might have been well meaning but it seemed misguided.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Paradoxes (I love) and John 15 (sort of)
On Sunday I gave a sermon at Brighton based on an article in Biblioteca Sacra, the quarterly publication of Dallas Theological Seminary.
The article was on paradoxes in Paul's writings. He listed three. I mentioned all three and also talked about the paradoxical nature of Jesus' Beatitudes in his sermon on the Mount. I specifically spoke on "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth".
I then mostly spoke on Paul's talk in 2 Corinthians 12 where he summarizes, "For when I am weak, then I am strong".
In John 15 Jesus speaks of abiding in him, abiding in Jesus. If you abide in Jesus you will bear much fruit. To me the whole idea of abiding is paradoxical. How can one do that and at the same time bear fruit? I don't get it.
Abiding to me means sitting in my quiet place praying, reading, meditating, listening. But to bear much fruit I have to be out doing: serving, loving, interacting, leading, following others. That does not seem like abiding to me.
I'm sure I've got it wrong. Why am I sure? Because Jesus seems to have no problem with it. He just tells us to abide and we will bear. It is a statement.
But when I do anything I get distracted. It looks and feel like I am doing it on my own. I try to do it in God's will, God's way. But I fall so short.
I love it when, as I act in God's behalf God jumps in and makes something happen supernaturally. I love it. But of course I never know when that will happen beforehand.
I think I can trust God with the fruit. I may not see it. If there is truly much fruit I know I do not see it. I believe in faith that God is making it happen.
Jesus further states in 15:8 "God, my Father, is glorified when I bear much fruit (and so prove to be my disciples). Again this a statement. God will receive the glory, we have been assured. I just love it when a plan comes together.
So get out there and do it. Abide in Jesus and bear much fruit. Be ambitious to serve and do what you see Jesus doing. Do it and bear much fruit. God is glorified. Praise God! He deserves it.
Jesus' sermon rises to a climax. He adds that we abide in his love. Keep his commandments and you will know you abide in his love. My joy will be in you and your joy will be full.
This chapter is a sermon, it proceeds from abiding, continues to bearing fruit, to love, then he speaks of laying down him life out of love, and concludes by calling them (and us) friends if we do all this. We are friends who know everything he knows. What joy to be the friend of the Son of God!
It may not be paradoxical but it is so amazing it is hard to get the mind around.
Someone summarized it as: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. That spells: JOY
The article was on paradoxes in Paul's writings. He listed three. I mentioned all three and also talked about the paradoxical nature of Jesus' Beatitudes in his sermon on the Mount. I specifically spoke on "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth".
I then mostly spoke on Paul's talk in 2 Corinthians 12 where he summarizes, "For when I am weak, then I am strong".
In John 15 Jesus speaks of abiding in him, abiding in Jesus. If you abide in Jesus you will bear much fruit. To me the whole idea of abiding is paradoxical. How can one do that and at the same time bear fruit? I don't get it.
Abiding to me means sitting in my quiet place praying, reading, meditating, listening. But to bear much fruit I have to be out doing: serving, loving, interacting, leading, following others. That does not seem like abiding to me.
I'm sure I've got it wrong. Why am I sure? Because Jesus seems to have no problem with it. He just tells us to abide and we will bear. It is a statement.
But when I do anything I get distracted. It looks and feel like I am doing it on my own. I try to do it in God's will, God's way. But I fall so short.
I love it when, as I act in God's behalf God jumps in and makes something happen supernaturally. I love it. But of course I never know when that will happen beforehand.
I think I can trust God with the fruit. I may not see it. If there is truly much fruit I know I do not see it. I believe in faith that God is making it happen.
Jesus further states in 15:8 "God, my Father, is glorified when I bear much fruit (and so prove to be my disciples). Again this a statement. God will receive the glory, we have been assured. I just love it when a plan comes together.
So get out there and do it. Abide in Jesus and bear much fruit. Be ambitious to serve and do what you see Jesus doing. Do it and bear much fruit. God is glorified. Praise God! He deserves it.
Jesus' sermon rises to a climax. He adds that we abide in his love. Keep his commandments and you will know you abide in his love. My joy will be in you and your joy will be full.
This chapter is a sermon, it proceeds from abiding, continues to bearing fruit, to love, then he speaks of laying down him life out of love, and concludes by calling them (and us) friends if we do all this. We are friends who know everything he knows. What joy to be the friend of the Son of God!
It may not be paradoxical but it is so amazing it is hard to get the mind around.
Someone summarized it as: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. That spells: JOY
Monday, November 8, 2010
weekend doings
Well, let me just mention the Saturday soccer (futbol) tournament sponsored by our church. We had a lot of kids and young adults but few parents. I think most everyone there was from the church.
I played in three games on Saturday. Fortunately they were only 20 minutes each. I did not play terribly well. I tried to stick to one position. I played goal in the last game at least partially because I was so bad at everything else. But as a goalie I wasn't too bad. I was pretty good as a goal kicker if I do say so myself. The field was smaller, that helped.
Well anyway on Sunday I was involved with three services, first at Brighton I helped with communion and gave a sermon. The Joneses are great. Nancy comes in after me and does a shorter homily. Sam leads worship and does devotional thoughts between songs. They are wonderful. Anyway we all do it together. Barbara closed with a benediction. We just come once a month to support the Joneses.
We went to the late service at Vineyard. DW and I helped with communion there as well. I was blessed that a family that was serving communion as well came to be with us for communion after they finished. HF in his sermon spoke on our spiritual bodies in heaven.
DW went to LW. I heard it was good.
I sang in the evening choral group "Celebration" (as usual) at St. John the Divine in the evening. All of the paid singers must have had other commitments at school. There were five full time singers. Yes the instrumentalists also sing when they can. There was only one woman. We have a man who easily can do the alto part so he pitched in and did. As usual "we has the bases covered". So said JF in the break room before service. I think even with the small number of people the special anthem we sang at offertory went very well. It was nice to have Richard back playing bass. He hopes to be more regular.
We had the new priest for the first time. He has a brusque sermon style. Can I say that? He was honest, no softening the punches for him. Today was the celebration of All Saints day.
Oh yes. I've pretty much given up on the Texans. Sad. I will not watch them but I can listen to them. Yes RN I "can" watch them, I am not blind. But for emotional reasons I choose not to. I guess I am not a fanatic. I am a fair weather fan.
But I'm also not one who will call for the firing of the coach either. It's not all his fault. So I think I will avoid sports talk shows too. That's what the sports talk shows will all be about this week.
What does that leave me on the radio? I tried to listen to some FM music stations this morning but most of them have "talk" too and that is even worse that sports talk. So I'm at an impasse. I don't think I want silence. I guess I can plug in my ipod.
I played in three games on Saturday. Fortunately they were only 20 minutes each. I did not play terribly well. I tried to stick to one position. I played goal in the last game at least partially because I was so bad at everything else. But as a goalie I wasn't too bad. I was pretty good as a goal kicker if I do say so myself. The field was smaller, that helped.
Well anyway on Sunday I was involved with three services, first at Brighton I helped with communion and gave a sermon. The Joneses are great. Nancy comes in after me and does a shorter homily. Sam leads worship and does devotional thoughts between songs. They are wonderful. Anyway we all do it together. Barbara closed with a benediction. We just come once a month to support the Joneses.
We went to the late service at Vineyard. DW and I helped with communion there as well. I was blessed that a family that was serving communion as well came to be with us for communion after they finished. HF in his sermon spoke on our spiritual bodies in heaven.
DW went to LW. I heard it was good.
I sang in the evening choral group "Celebration" (as usual) at St. John the Divine in the evening. All of the paid singers must have had other commitments at school. There were five full time singers. Yes the instrumentalists also sing when they can. There was only one woman. We have a man who easily can do the alto part so he pitched in and did. As usual "we has the bases covered". So said JF in the break room before service. I think even with the small number of people the special anthem we sang at offertory went very well. It was nice to have Richard back playing bass. He hopes to be more regular.
We had the new priest for the first time. He has a brusque sermon style. Can I say that? He was honest, no softening the punches for him. Today was the celebration of All Saints day.
Oh yes. I've pretty much given up on the Texans. Sad. I will not watch them but I can listen to them. Yes RN I "can" watch them, I am not blind. But for emotional reasons I choose not to. I guess I am not a fanatic. I am a fair weather fan.
But I'm also not one who will call for the firing of the coach either. It's not all his fault. So I think I will avoid sports talk shows too. That's what the sports talk shows will all be about this week.
What does that leave me on the radio? I tried to listen to some FM music stations this morning but most of them have "talk" too and that is even worse that sports talk. So I'm at an impasse. I don't think I want silence. I guess I can plug in my ipod.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
God according to God, by Gerald Schroeder, third blog post
God according to God, by Gerald Schroeder, third blog post
I have omitted some good stuff.
Schroeder spends a chapter showing from scripture that God wants us to argue with him. He wants us to protest when we feel he is being unfair. That goes for modern things too. When we feel someone is sick or has cancer and it’s not fair we should protest. It goes beyond prayer.
Schroeder feels that Abraham was very much wrong when he did not protest God’s call for him to sacrifice his son. He feels that God no longer communicated with him directly after this. God was displeased that he was obedient with arguing about it. Just before this Abram had argued about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God was disappointed that Abraham did not argue with God. I think this is an excellent take. But just because we argue does not mean God will give in. Moses argued that he was not the person to lead Israel out of Egypt. God listened and made some changes to the agreement. But God did not give in. Moses was ordered to do it.
I’d like to explain his physical spiritual “duality” which isn’t really a duality at all because energy, which he equates more closely to the spiritual, comes before the physical universe. Taking Einstein’s formula of E = mc2 energy and mass (matter) are two forms of the same thing. But energy came first. That is what God created and that is sort of like what God is, active energy. God created energy and at the Big Bang it converted into mass and expanded rapidly.
The basic unit of matter is the atom, I suppose. The basic unit of the spiritual realm is the thought. Schroeder seems to think that the soul is tied to the body while we are alive but then is freed after death. He says that is what is suggested by reported near death experiences where people say they can remember the actions of the doctors and nurses trying to save them. While physically dead their soul is free to come out of the body and is conscious of what is going on around them. This is part of his concept of the relation between physical (brain and body) and the spiritual (soul).
Talmudic tradition once taught to children: God sends an angel to teach every unborn babe, while in the mother’s womb, all the secrets of the universe, those of the heavens and those of the earth. Then, just before birth, the angel kisses each child just above the upper lip causing the slight indentation each person has just below the nose. With this mark God shows us the universality of his care for His creatures. The angel’s kiss erases all conscious knowledge of the lessons but leaves the information tucked in the subconscious. So when we hear a profound remark it has the ring of truth about it and our subliminal knowledge of truth surfaces momentarily. We have heard it before but it is in the memory of our soul, not our brain.
There is a lovely story, tantamount to a parable about Marcos and Aristos in the Talmud. It runs from pages 175 to 179. So I cannot report it here. It is about the wonder of a true friendship. God wants us to be friends with him like that. But even more God wants us to be friends with each other like that.
I have omitted some good stuff.
Schroeder spends a chapter showing from scripture that God wants us to argue with him. He wants us to protest when we feel he is being unfair. That goes for modern things too. When we feel someone is sick or has cancer and it’s not fair we should protest. It goes beyond prayer.
Schroeder feels that Abraham was very much wrong when he did not protest God’s call for him to sacrifice his son. He feels that God no longer communicated with him directly after this. God was displeased that he was obedient with arguing about it. Just before this Abram had argued about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God was disappointed that Abraham did not argue with God. I think this is an excellent take. But just because we argue does not mean God will give in. Moses argued that he was not the person to lead Israel out of Egypt. God listened and made some changes to the agreement. But God did not give in. Moses was ordered to do it.
I’d like to explain his physical spiritual “duality” which isn’t really a duality at all because energy, which he equates more closely to the spiritual, comes before the physical universe. Taking Einstein’s formula of E = mc2 energy and mass (matter) are two forms of the same thing. But energy came first. That is what God created and that is sort of like what God is, active energy. God created energy and at the Big Bang it converted into mass and expanded rapidly.
The basic unit of matter is the atom, I suppose. The basic unit of the spiritual realm is the thought. Schroeder seems to think that the soul is tied to the body while we are alive but then is freed after death. He says that is what is suggested by reported near death experiences where people say they can remember the actions of the doctors and nurses trying to save them. While physically dead their soul is free to come out of the body and is conscious of what is going on around them. This is part of his concept of the relation between physical (brain and body) and the spiritual (soul).
Talmudic tradition once taught to children: God sends an angel to teach every unborn babe, while in the mother’s womb, all the secrets of the universe, those of the heavens and those of the earth. Then, just before birth, the angel kisses each child just above the upper lip causing the slight indentation each person has just below the nose. With this mark God shows us the universality of his care for His creatures. The angel’s kiss erases all conscious knowledge of the lessons but leaves the information tucked in the subconscious. So when we hear a profound remark it has the ring of truth about it and our subliminal knowledge of truth surfaces momentarily. We have heard it before but it is in the memory of our soul, not our brain.
There is a lovely story, tantamount to a parable about Marcos and Aristos in the Talmud. It runs from pages 175 to 179. So I cannot report it here. It is about the wonder of a true friendship. God wants us to be friends with him like that. But even more God wants us to be friends with each other like that.
I have omitted some good stuff.
Schroeder spends a chapter showing from scripture that God wants us to argue with him. He wants us to protest when we feel he is being unfair. That goes for modern things too. When we feel someone is sick or has cancer and it’s not fair we should protest. It goes beyond prayer.
Schroeder feels that Abraham was very much wrong when he did not protest God’s call for him to sacrifice his son. He feels that God no longer communicated with him directly after this. God was displeased that he was obedient with arguing about it. Just before this Abram had argued about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God was disappointed that Abraham did not argue with God. I think this is an excellent take. But just because we argue does not mean God will give in. Moses argued that he was not the person to lead Israel out of Egypt. God listened and made some changes to the agreement. But God did not give in. Moses was ordered to do it.
I’d like to explain his physical spiritual “duality” which isn’t really a duality at all because energy, which he equates more closely to the spiritual, comes before the physical universe. Taking Einstein’s formula of E = mc2 energy and mass (matter) are two forms of the same thing. But energy came first. That is what God created and that is sort of like what God is, active energy. God created energy and at the Big Bang it converted into mass and expanded rapidly.
The basic unit of matter is the atom, I suppose. The basic unit of the spiritual realm is the thought. Schroeder seems to think that the soul is tied to the body while we are alive but then is freed after death. He says that is what is suggested by reported near death experiences where people say they can remember the actions of the doctors and nurses trying to save them. While physically dead their soul is free to come out of the body and is conscious of what is going on around them. This is part of his concept of the relation between physical (brain and body) and the spiritual (soul).
Talmudic tradition once taught to children: God sends an angel to teach every unborn babe, while in the mother’s womb, all the secrets of the universe, those of the heavens and those of the earth. Then, just before birth, the angel kisses each child just above the upper lip causing the slight indentation each person has just below the nose. With this mark God shows us the universality of his care for His creatures. The angel’s kiss erases all conscious knowledge of the lessons but leaves the information tucked in the subconscious. So when we hear a profound remark it has the ring of truth about it and our subliminal knowledge of truth surfaces momentarily. We have heard it before but it is in the memory of our soul, not our brain.
There is a lovely story, tantamount to a parable about Marcos and Aristos in the Talmud. It runs from pages 175 to 179. So I cannot report it here. It is about the wonder of a true friendship. God wants us to be friends with him like that. But even more God wants us to be friends with each other like that.
I have omitted some good stuff.
Schroeder spends a chapter showing from scripture that God wants us to argue with him. He wants us to protest when we feel he is being unfair. That goes for modern things too. When we feel someone is sick or has cancer and it’s not fair we should protest. It goes beyond prayer.
Schroeder feels that Abraham was very much wrong when he did not protest God’s call for him to sacrifice his son. He feels that God no longer communicated with him directly after this. God was displeased that he was obedient with arguing about it. Just before this Abram had argued about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God was disappointed that Abraham did not argue with God. I think this is an excellent take. But just because we argue does not mean God will give in. Moses argued that he was not the person to lead Israel out of Egypt. God listened and made some changes to the agreement. But God did not give in. Moses was ordered to do it.
I’d like to explain his physical spiritual “duality” which isn’t really a duality at all because energy, which he equates more closely to the spiritual, comes before the physical universe. Taking Einstein’s formula of E = mc2 energy and mass (matter) are two forms of the same thing. But energy came first. That is what God created and that is sort of like what God is, active energy. God created energy and at the Big Bang it converted into mass and expanded rapidly.
The basic unit of matter is the atom, I suppose. The basic unit of the spiritual realm is the thought. Schroeder seems to think that the soul is tied to the body while we are alive but then is freed after death. He says that is what is suggested by reported near death experiences where people say they can remember the actions of the doctors and nurses trying to save them. While physically dead their soul is free to come out of the body and is conscious of what is going on around them. This is part of his concept of the relation between physical (brain and body) and the spiritual (soul).
Talmudic tradition once taught to children: God sends an angel to teach every unborn babe, while in the mother’s womb, all the secrets of the universe, those of the heavens and those of the earth. Then, just before birth, the angel kisses each child just above the upper lip causing the slight indentation each person has just below the nose. With this mark God shows us the universality of his care for His creatures. The angel’s kiss erases all conscious knowledge of the lessons but leaves the information tucked in the subconscious. So when we hear a profound remark it has the ring of truth about it and our subliminal knowledge of truth surfaces momentarily. We have heard it before but it is in the memory of our soul, not our brain.
There is a lovely story, tantamount to a parable about Marcos and Aristos in the Talmud. It runs from pages 175 to 179. So I cannot report it here. It is about the wonder of a true friendship. God wants us to be friends with him like that. But even more God wants us to be friends with each other like that.
Friday, November 5, 2010
God according to God, by Gerald Schroeder - Second post
God according to God by Gerald Schroeder
1. Schroeder says that the expression God uses in Exodus 3:14 to explain his name to Moses is better translated: I will be that which I will be. The KJV translates it I am that I am. This appears more static, perhaps more Greek. He suggests this comes two steps away from the Hebrew, The KJV is translated from Latin and that translated from a Greek version of the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew suggests using a future tense. God is not static but very dynamic.
2. He explains on page 86 that he will use the major ancient Hebrew commentaries to help interpret God’s word: 1) Talmud (compiled 400 AD), 2) Rashi (1040-1105), 3) Maimonides (1135-1204), and 4) Nahmanides (1195-1270). He likes these because they came before the invention of modern science so they will not be influenced by its teachings.
3. He decided the first thing God created was energy. This has serious theological ramifications.
Energy coalesces to matter and that is how the Big Bang happened. Somehow God is the agent behind the Big Bang. Schroeder is a great believer in the Big Bang. He believes that the account of creation in Genesis fits in well with this scientific explanation.
4. Going back to the account of the seven day creation Schroeder suggest that the fact that God called it “very good” seven times might imply that is was not so good in between his pronouncements. He believes that creation from nothing only happened once. This fits with Big Bang. On day three the earth “brought forth” plant life. It did not come from nothing. Exiting matter was used to make the plants.
5. His major example is from Rashi. Rashi suggests that the first rebellion did not take place in the garden. In Genesis 1:11 “And God said let the earth sprout vegetation, herbs yielding sees, fruit trees yielding fruit after its own kind with seed in it …” In verse 1:12 the response of the earth is to yield “trees yielding fruit”. Rashi tells us that this is not exactly what God commanded. God commanded fruit trees that bore fruit but the earth produced trees bearing fruit. Is this difference significant? We might disagree but Rashi says yes. He says that the earth rebelled by not doing exactly as God commanded. How is it different, fruit trees bearing fruit and trees bearing fruit? I’m not sure. I do not think Schroeder ever clearly tells us. On page 89 he says “Perhaps God’s demand exceeded nature’s potential. Can the wood of a tree ever be a fruit?”
6. Schroeder takes great pains to explain that a planet like the earth is very rare in the universe. This is something I did not know. I did know that scientists are looking at nearby stars for evidence of a solar system like our own and none has been found. Some stars seem to have large planets that might be dead stars. But nothing like a multiple system with an iron rich planet with a lot of liquid water. All of these conditions need to be present to create a planet amicable to life: spiral galaxy not in collision, low concentration of stars nearby, in a galaxy that has a high concentration of metals to produce a metal rich solar system, a star like our own that is just the size to produce a constant amount of energy for five billions years, a low (relative to asteroid composition) content of carbon and a low (relative to asteroid composition) content of water to allow some land masses, molten core of iron to allow continents to float and drift, planet of nearly circular orbit, a system with huge outer planets to protect it from meteors, a planetary rotation similar to ours to allow distribution of solar energy, a moderate tilt of the planet’s axis to allow for seasons, a more uniform distribution of solar energy in the north south direction, and even a large moon (for tidal mixing of the oceans). He figures the odds of a planet meeting these requirements is 1 in 1018. The estimated number of stars is 1022 meaning there are likely 10,000 planets like ours in the whole universe. That is one planet like ours in every ten million galaxies.
The point is ours is a pretty special planet. We are not likely to find one like it close by. This clear an explanation was new to me.
1. Schroeder says that the expression God uses in Exodus 3:14 to explain his name to Moses is better translated: I will be that which I will be. The KJV translates it I am that I am. This appears more static, perhaps more Greek. He suggests this comes two steps away from the Hebrew, The KJV is translated from Latin and that translated from a Greek version of the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew suggests using a future tense. God is not static but very dynamic.
2. He explains on page 86 that he will use the major ancient Hebrew commentaries to help interpret God’s word: 1) Talmud (compiled 400 AD), 2) Rashi (1040-1105), 3) Maimonides (1135-1204), and 4) Nahmanides (1195-1270). He likes these because they came before the invention of modern science so they will not be influenced by its teachings.
3. He decided the first thing God created was energy. This has serious theological ramifications.
Energy coalesces to matter and that is how the Big Bang happened. Somehow God is the agent behind the Big Bang. Schroeder is a great believer in the Big Bang. He believes that the account of creation in Genesis fits in well with this scientific explanation.
4. Going back to the account of the seven day creation Schroeder suggest that the fact that God called it “very good” seven times might imply that is was not so good in between his pronouncements. He believes that creation from nothing only happened once. This fits with Big Bang. On day three the earth “brought forth” plant life. It did not come from nothing. Exiting matter was used to make the plants.
5. His major example is from Rashi. Rashi suggests that the first rebellion did not take place in the garden. In Genesis 1:11 “And God said let the earth sprout vegetation, herbs yielding sees, fruit trees yielding fruit after its own kind with seed in it …” In verse 1:12 the response of the earth is to yield “trees yielding fruit”. Rashi tells us that this is not exactly what God commanded. God commanded fruit trees that bore fruit but the earth produced trees bearing fruit. Is this difference significant? We might disagree but Rashi says yes. He says that the earth rebelled by not doing exactly as God commanded. How is it different, fruit trees bearing fruit and trees bearing fruit? I’m not sure. I do not think Schroeder ever clearly tells us. On page 89 he says “Perhaps God’s demand exceeded nature’s potential. Can the wood of a tree ever be a fruit?”
6. Schroeder takes great pains to explain that a planet like the earth is very rare in the universe. This is something I did not know. I did know that scientists are looking at nearby stars for evidence of a solar system like our own and none has been found. Some stars seem to have large planets that might be dead stars. But nothing like a multiple system with an iron rich planet with a lot of liquid water. All of these conditions need to be present to create a planet amicable to life: spiral galaxy not in collision, low concentration of stars nearby, in a galaxy that has a high concentration of metals to produce a metal rich solar system, a star like our own that is just the size to produce a constant amount of energy for five billions years, a low (relative to asteroid composition) content of carbon and a low (relative to asteroid composition) content of water to allow some land masses, molten core of iron to allow continents to float and drift, planet of nearly circular orbit, a system with huge outer planets to protect it from meteors, a planetary rotation similar to ours to allow distribution of solar energy, a moderate tilt of the planet’s axis to allow for seasons, a more uniform distribution of solar energy in the north south direction, and even a large moon (for tidal mixing of the oceans). He figures the odds of a planet meeting these requirements is 1 in 1018. The estimated number of stars is 1022 meaning there are likely 10,000 planets like ours in the whole universe. That is one planet like ours in every ten million galaxies.
The point is ours is a pretty special planet. We are not likely to find one like it close by. This clear an explanation was new to me.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Gerald Schroeder "God according to God"
I am just about finished with the above book, found in my college library. I will leave a few links to where you can learn more about this book and the author Gerald Schroeder.
It is published by Harper Collins.
This man is a MIT trained physicist. So he is smart. He uses analogies from physics quite a bit. I have had a lot of science training so I think I mostly understand those parts. He tries to make it simple. But it does take a while to work through the images to get to his analogy. I think it is worth it.
But the thing that makes this book unique is that he is coming to the idea of a created universe from a pretty strictly Jewish point of view. He goes through what we would call the old testament, he calls it that too. But he also uses the Jewish commentaries a lot. He also quotes the Jewish sages of Europe Rashi and Maimonides. He wanted to include theologians of the era before the scientific revolution to show that God revealed things that seem modern to men before the Big Bang theory was created. He wants us to know that God revealed how he created the universe to the writers of the Bible and those who commented on it later.
When he quotes modern scientists and theologians he almost exclusively restricts himself to men who have Jewish sounding names. Without saying so this seems to be scientific creationism from a distinctly Jewish perspective. This seems unique to me. These Jewish minds do not share the same taboos that Christians have. I love it.
Much of his ways of reading the Bible are conjecture. But they are fun conjectures. I think those open to new vantage points will very much enjoy this book. But some of his ideas could be off putting. I hope no one will consider these ideas as sacrilegious. I do not think they are.
Most of what he says cannot be proved either way. That is the thing about this whole area of thought. No one was there. There is little evidence, all evidence is very indirect. It is place where imagination is paramount.
Let me try to continue with some examples over the next few days. This is will get me out of politics. Life has been much too political lately. There is no salvation except through Jesus. Even though "we won" I do not feel like celebrating. Next time we may like "lose". But without Jesus and a righteous country everyone will still lose. There must be repentance from self centered behavior. I know many on both sides work for justice in the public sector. But the vast majority of people vote their pocketbooks and know virtually nothing about the issues involved. I guess even if people did know more how would it be better? Yes, just thinking about this depresses me.
It is published by Harper Collins.
This man is a MIT trained physicist. So he is smart. He uses analogies from physics quite a bit. I have had a lot of science training so I think I mostly understand those parts. He tries to make it simple. But it does take a while to work through the images to get to his analogy. I think it is worth it.
But the thing that makes this book unique is that he is coming to the idea of a created universe from a pretty strictly Jewish point of view. He goes through what we would call the old testament, he calls it that too. But he also uses the Jewish commentaries a lot. He also quotes the Jewish sages of Europe Rashi and Maimonides. He wanted to include theologians of the era before the scientific revolution to show that God revealed things that seem modern to men before the Big Bang theory was created. He wants us to know that God revealed how he created the universe to the writers of the Bible and those who commented on it later.
When he quotes modern scientists and theologians he almost exclusively restricts himself to men who have Jewish sounding names. Without saying so this seems to be scientific creationism from a distinctly Jewish perspective. This seems unique to me. These Jewish minds do not share the same taboos that Christians have. I love it.
Much of his ways of reading the Bible are conjecture. But they are fun conjectures. I think those open to new vantage points will very much enjoy this book. But some of his ideas could be off putting. I hope no one will consider these ideas as sacrilegious. I do not think they are.
Most of what he says cannot be proved either way. That is the thing about this whole area of thought. No one was there. There is little evidence, all evidence is very indirect. It is place where imagination is paramount.
Let me try to continue with some examples over the next few days. This is will get me out of politics. Life has been much too political lately. There is no salvation except through Jesus. Even though "we won" I do not feel like celebrating. Next time we may like "lose". But without Jesus and a righteous country everyone will still lose. There must be repentance from self centered behavior. I know many on both sides work for justice in the public sector. But the vast majority of people vote their pocketbooks and know virtually nothing about the issues involved. I guess even if people did know more how would it be better? Yes, just thinking about this depresses me.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Jeremiah 29 - pray for your city
The Israelites had been deported to Babylon. They thought God was going to restore them immediately. They were in denial. They were tempted to just wait. That might have seemed the faithful thing to do.
There have been times in the 2000 years of Christianity were a similar delusion has come to faithful Christians. They thought God was coming right back. It would show a lack of faith to get involved in the world.
Jeremiah, always the bearer of bad new, now is called upon to deliver another unpopular message. He had to tell them would be evicted. Now he has to tell them to "bloom where they are planted".
Jeremiah told them two things that certainly apply to us today. Verses 5 and 6: Build houses and settle in the land. Plant gardens and eat the fruit you grow. Get married and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons. Let your daughters be married so they may also have sons and daughters. Have many children and grow in number in Babylon. Don't become fewer in number.
In Revelation Babylon is used as an image of evil. The world in basically evil. Yet we are to live here and in righteousness enjoy the fruits of our land. Fruit is the sweetest thing we can eat. Getting married and having children can be fun. Sex is one of the most enjoyable things we can do. It is truly enjoyable when the children likely to be produced are wanted. Children also are a joy and a hope for the future. Children can also be a heartache and a disappointment. They represent the future and overall are a great joy. We do not look back on our family years with regret but with satisfaction.
This is part of being in the world.
Secondly verse 7: Also do good things for the city where I sent you as captives. Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living. If there is peace in that city you will have peace also.
This is where we show we are not of the world. We trust God before things and other people. We ask God for peace. We know this is where peace comes from. Also Jeremiah tells us to do good things for the city. Good works do not save. But they tell unbelievers of the loving God we serve. Let us serve the poor, those in any need. Let us speak out for justice for all. It shows that we are in the world and involved, but not like the world. We do not seek for ourselves exclusively.
Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:2 to pray for rulers too. That is a practical way to pray for peace. "you should pray for kings and for all who have authority. Pray for the leaders so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives - lives full of worship and respect for God."
I cannot find a place in the New Testament where Paul says to pray for the city's prosperity. But I think it is there. Certainly peace and prosperity go together. We cannot have one without the other. I have renewed my eagerness to pray for prosperity. Prosperity for my neighborhood and my neighbors specifically, prosperity for my city, prosperity for my state, prosperity for my country, prosperity for the whole world. I think it is important to start with the smaller and the more personal. That is where we are likely to see God's answer and be able to bless him for it.
Pray for you city. Pray for peace and prosperity. Do good also. God wants you to. It is your calling. If God wants you to do it then he will bless your efforts. Do it.
There have been times in the 2000 years of Christianity were a similar delusion has come to faithful Christians. They thought God was coming right back. It would show a lack of faith to get involved in the world.
Jeremiah, always the bearer of bad new, now is called upon to deliver another unpopular message. He had to tell them would be evicted. Now he has to tell them to "bloom where they are planted".
Jeremiah told them two things that certainly apply to us today. Verses 5 and 6: Build houses and settle in the land. Plant gardens and eat the fruit you grow. Get married and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons. Let your daughters be married so they may also have sons and daughters. Have many children and grow in number in Babylon. Don't become fewer in number.
In Revelation Babylon is used as an image of evil. The world in basically evil. Yet we are to live here and in righteousness enjoy the fruits of our land. Fruit is the sweetest thing we can eat. Getting married and having children can be fun. Sex is one of the most enjoyable things we can do. It is truly enjoyable when the children likely to be produced are wanted. Children also are a joy and a hope for the future. Children can also be a heartache and a disappointment. They represent the future and overall are a great joy. We do not look back on our family years with regret but with satisfaction.
This is part of being in the world.
Secondly verse 7: Also do good things for the city where I sent you as captives. Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living. If there is peace in that city you will have peace also.
This is where we show we are not of the world. We trust God before things and other people. We ask God for peace. We know this is where peace comes from. Also Jeremiah tells us to do good things for the city. Good works do not save. But they tell unbelievers of the loving God we serve. Let us serve the poor, those in any need. Let us speak out for justice for all. It shows that we are in the world and involved, but not like the world. We do not seek for ourselves exclusively.
Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:2 to pray for rulers too. That is a practical way to pray for peace. "you should pray for kings and for all who have authority. Pray for the leaders so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives - lives full of worship and respect for God."
I cannot find a place in the New Testament where Paul says to pray for the city's prosperity. But I think it is there. Certainly peace and prosperity go together. We cannot have one without the other. I have renewed my eagerness to pray for prosperity. Prosperity for my neighborhood and my neighbors specifically, prosperity for my city, prosperity for my state, prosperity for my country, prosperity for the whole world. I think it is important to start with the smaller and the more personal. That is where we are likely to see God's answer and be able to bless him for it.
Pray for you city. Pray for peace and prosperity. Do good also. God wants you to. It is your calling. If God wants you to do it then he will bless your efforts. Do it.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Random thoughts
After praying for rain I had a dream about getting rain. Not too heavy. Actually this morning it looks like there might be rain. But now the sky has cleared out.
After resolving to forward mail to some of my children I dreamt about my youngest receiving all this mail. There is a lot of mail for her, mostly junk. But in this dream she got a whole bunch from the same organization. She resolved to send them a change of address.
Doing a long walk Monday morning I had several impressions. First I picked up some smelly trash and put it in a trash can. Today is pick up day. I did not notice a women in front of the house and behind a fence. She was dressed to go to an office job. Her dog was barking loudly and I could not hear what she was saying. I picked up some plastic for recycling. As she was opening the door and I was beating a hasty retreat because of the dog I said "hi". She responded by saying she did not believe in recycling and I should stay out of her trash can. There was a misunderstanding here. But I simply said "sorry" and moved away. Maybe it would be worse if I explained that I put something in her receptacle. I did not take anything out.
Secondly I was struck by how many Democratic signs I see. Generally most of the signs are for the underdogs in this predominately Democratic area. Incumbents who normally do not feel threatened are taking no chances this year. Specifically I see a lot of Gene Green and Sylvia Garcia signs. So they do have some enthusiastic supporters. Good to know. I like that. I like to see people getting involved.
There is a long shot tea party candidate with a lot of grass roots support. He probably will not win but he does have quite a few signs around. His name is Roberto (?) Herrera. He was probably the only Republican sign I saw. His opponent has not ignored him. I saw few signs for her but I did walk by a piece of mail on the ground. It was a poster type of mail that detailed differences between her positions and that of Herrera. She wanted this voters to know why they should be scared of Republicans even if they are Hispanic and Tea Party.
The backlash year has normally safe incumbents taking their opponents seriously. Well a little.
After resolving to forward mail to some of my children I dreamt about my youngest receiving all this mail. There is a lot of mail for her, mostly junk. But in this dream she got a whole bunch from the same organization. She resolved to send them a change of address.
Doing a long walk Monday morning I had several impressions. First I picked up some smelly trash and put it in a trash can. Today is pick up day. I did not notice a women in front of the house and behind a fence. She was dressed to go to an office job. Her dog was barking loudly and I could not hear what she was saying. I picked up some plastic for recycling. As she was opening the door and I was beating a hasty retreat because of the dog I said "hi". She responded by saying she did not believe in recycling and I should stay out of her trash can. There was a misunderstanding here. But I simply said "sorry" and moved away. Maybe it would be worse if I explained that I put something in her receptacle. I did not take anything out.
Secondly I was struck by how many Democratic signs I see. Generally most of the signs are for the underdogs in this predominately Democratic area. Incumbents who normally do not feel threatened are taking no chances this year. Specifically I see a lot of Gene Green and Sylvia Garcia signs. So they do have some enthusiastic supporters. Good to know. I like that. I like to see people getting involved.
There is a long shot tea party candidate with a lot of grass roots support. He probably will not win but he does have quite a few signs around. His name is Roberto (?) Herrera. He was probably the only Republican sign I saw. His opponent has not ignored him. I saw few signs for her but I did walk by a piece of mail on the ground. It was a poster type of mail that detailed differences between her positions and that of Herrera. She wanted this voters to know why they should be scared of Republicans even if they are Hispanic and Tea Party.
The backlash year has normally safe incumbents taking their opponents seriously. Well a little.
Jonah
I use a read the Bible in three years plan. I think this is the third time we have covered Jonah. That means I have been using this a long time now. Wow, how time goes by!
Jonah is one of the funniest books in the Bible. Jonah is social commentary with a barb. Think of some plays, TV shows, movies that you know that are entertaining with a commentary aspect. Some of those are based on fact just like we believe Jonah was.
Jonah would make a great play. What would you think of musical based on Jonah. There have been musicals based on worse concepts. I have seen a play based on Jonah called Saving Nineveh. No it is not a musical but it is pretty funny.
I still remember fondly being able to attend a read through at the AD Players'. With minimum props it might have been even funnier this way. Knowing the basic plot beforehand I can supply my own mental images to go with the dialogue.
God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh. Jonah says, "No way, Yahweh!" (To the tune of "No way, Jose!" if I have to explain it.)
Nineveh was about 500 miles east of Jerusalem. Instead Jonah heads to Tarshish, about 1,000 miles west.
I think that we all have our Nineveh's. There is a place or form of service where we have said "no" to God. That will stymie our advancement with God. We need to deal with it.
Jonah is one of the funniest books in the Bible. Jonah is social commentary with a barb. Think of some plays, TV shows, movies that you know that are entertaining with a commentary aspect. Some of those are based on fact just like we believe Jonah was.
Jonah would make a great play. What would you think of musical based on Jonah. There have been musicals based on worse concepts. I have seen a play based on Jonah called Saving Nineveh. No it is not a musical but it is pretty funny.
I still remember fondly being able to attend a read through at the AD Players'. With minimum props it might have been even funnier this way. Knowing the basic plot beforehand I can supply my own mental images to go with the dialogue.
God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh. Jonah says, "No way, Yahweh!" (To the tune of "No way, Jose!" if I have to explain it.)
Nineveh was about 500 miles east of Jerusalem. Instead Jonah heads to Tarshish, about 1,000 miles west.
I think that we all have our Nineveh's. There is a place or form of service where we have said "no" to God. That will stymie our advancement with God. We need to deal with it.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Comments on Gay bullying and DADT
A link to Christianity Today sharing short comments by Jim Wallis, Jim Daly, Chuck Colson, Tony Perkins, and Mike Adams on the discussion about what to do about gay bullying.
Then there is a second section discussion the recent debate at Don't Ask Don't Tell in the military.
Gays have the right to live without threats. But bullying happens to a lot of people for a lot of reasons. How can we stop all bullying? Surely there do not need to be more laws. The laws we have cover harassment now. Anyway I am concerned about new hate crime laws that could be abused.
Then there is a second section discussion the recent debate at Don't Ask Don't Tell in the military.
Gays have the right to live without threats. But bullying happens to a lot of people for a lot of reasons. How can we stop all bullying? Surely there do not need to be more laws. The laws we have cover harassment now. Anyway I am concerned about new hate crime laws that could be abused.
Democratic attempts at intimidation
HOUSTON, Texas, October 25, 2010 - Catherine Engelbrecht and King Street Patriots, a group of citizen-volunteers, filed an answer in court today in a baseless defamation lawsuit brought by Texans Together Education Fund, parent company of Houston Votes, which has been accused of possible voter registration fraud by the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector.
King Street Patriots has also been attacked by a lawsuit from the Texas Democratic Party and an coordinated ethics complaint filed by Texans for Public Justice. Both Texans Together and Texans for Public Justice receive funding from Open Society Institute, of which liberal supporter George Soros is founder and chairman.
"As a matter of law, corporations cannot sue individuals for defamation; this attack is baseless," said Kelly Shackelford, president/CEO of Liberty Institute, which represents Catherine Engelbrecht and King Street Patriots. "All these attacks are clearly an attempt to bully and silence a group of volunteer citizens who are just trying to keep the election process honest. This is pure desperation by a Democratic Party everyone knows is not doing so well."
Only a week into early voting, volunteer poll-watchers also are being verbally and physically harassed by people loitering at the polls with no intention to vote at the time, including a man identified as a reverend and Houston Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee who was seen inside the polling location electioneering and threatening to turn a poll-watcher's name to the Department of Justice for voter intimidation. Additionally, poll watchers have filed written descriptions of election judges and clerks attempting to influence citizens' votes by asking them if they wanted to vote straight ticket, shadowing voters as they cast ballots, and by even voting for people who did not know for whom they wanted to vote.
"Although I'm disgusted by these attacks, I am not deterred. Our work in Houston and our vision for a fair and free election in every county of the nation continues," said Catherine Engelbrecht, volunteer leader of King Street Patriots. "These lawsuits are exactly the kind of abusive disrespect for citizens that got our political leaders into trouble. We will not be intimidated by partisan attacks, by the Democratic Party, or by anyone."
King Street Patriots has also been attacked by a lawsuit from the Texas Democratic Party and an coordinated ethics complaint filed by Texans for Public Justice. Both Texans Together and Texans for Public Justice receive funding from Open Society Institute, of which liberal supporter George Soros is founder and chairman.
"As a matter of law, corporations cannot sue individuals for defamation; this attack is baseless," said Kelly Shackelford, president/CEO of Liberty Institute, which represents Catherine Engelbrecht and King Street Patriots. "All these attacks are clearly an attempt to bully and silence a group of volunteer citizens who are just trying to keep the election process honest. This is pure desperation by a Democratic Party everyone knows is not doing so well."
Only a week into early voting, volunteer poll-watchers also are being verbally and physically harassed by people loitering at the polls with no intention to vote at the time, including a man identified as a reverend and Houston Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee who was seen inside the polling location electioneering and threatening to turn a poll-watcher's name to the Department of Justice for voter intimidation. Additionally, poll watchers have filed written descriptions of election judges and clerks attempting to influence citizens' votes by asking them if they wanted to vote straight ticket, shadowing voters as they cast ballots, and by even voting for people who did not know for whom they wanted to vote.
"Although I'm disgusted by these attacks, I am not deterred. Our work in Houston and our vision for a fair and free election in every county of the nation continues," said Catherine Engelbrecht, volunteer leader of King Street Patriots. "These lawsuits are exactly the kind of abusive disrespect for citizens that got our political leaders into trouble. We will not be intimidated by partisan attacks, by the Democratic Party, or by anyone."
Saturday, October 23, 2010
passion
I am very remiss in blogging. I am very sorry.
This is short.
I have been admiring people who have a passion for their issues. I have issues but not so much passion.
God is a passionate God. And he loves people with passion. Obviously it is best to be obedient to God's issues and be passionate about them.
But God admires passion in people, even those who are misguided. See Saul, who went from passionate persecutor to Paul, the passionate apostle for God.
God loved David, his passionate shepherd king. He is the example of the good shepherd, before Jesus, an archetype if you will. David was not always right but God loved his passion.
I think of the political season.
A very emotional issue right now is how to treat "alternative lifestyles".
I think God loves those practicing homosexuality but he hates what they do. I think God loves those who support gays because they love them. God loves them too. He shares there passion. I think God admires them and so do I. I may not agree with the conclusions they come to. I do not believe God does either. But God loves them and admires their passion. We should too.
You can expand this to other emotion charged issues such as abortion rights vs. pro-life, the war in Iran/Afghanistan, how we help poor people, how we help those who are repeat criminal offenders, and many more.
This is short.
I have been admiring people who have a passion for their issues. I have issues but not so much passion.
God is a passionate God. And he loves people with passion. Obviously it is best to be obedient to God's issues and be passionate about them.
But God admires passion in people, even those who are misguided. See Saul, who went from passionate persecutor to Paul, the passionate apostle for God.
God loved David, his passionate shepherd king. He is the example of the good shepherd, before Jesus, an archetype if you will. David was not always right but God loved his passion.
I think of the political season.
A very emotional issue right now is how to treat "alternative lifestyles".
I think God loves those practicing homosexuality but he hates what they do. I think God loves those who support gays because they love them. God loves them too. He shares there passion. I think God admires them and so do I. I may not agree with the conclusions they come to. I do not believe God does either. But God loves them and admires their passion. We should too.
You can expand this to other emotion charged issues such as abortion rights vs. pro-life, the war in Iran/Afghanistan, how we help poor people, how we help those who are repeat criminal offenders, and many more.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Reconciliation
The pastor talked about understanding and accepting differences in the church, specifially our church. He spoke of differences racially, age and gender. Maybe it wasn't age. No the quote from Paul speaks of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female. So the second one is more about financial status. How did he put it? I cannot remember.
He spent a lot of time on political differences specifically Democrat and Republican. Am I wrong to think he looked long at me? Weird. That is not my problem, at least I do not think, except in this blog sphere I really do not discuss my politics. I know the politics of few people in the church. If they know mine, well it is because of all the bumper stickers on my car. Yeah, that's it. But I do not speak of it.
I understand people believe differently than I. I figure that is sad for them. I also understand that backgrounds and attitudes are different from mine. I accept that it takes all kinds to make a world and that the world does need Democrats, Libertarians, independents. If you ask I could speak passionately on policy issues but the last thing I would do would be to try to convince you to be a Republican. Because Republicans are so far from having the answers it is silly. Not that I have them either but I know how off Republicans are.
I think yesterday at the restaurant I was listening to Joel Osteen. He was speaking on politics too and he emphasized that no political party is the savior. Only Jesus is the savior. He emphasized it. Being a part of it I know that perhaps more than most.
MP said that he thinks we should be involved but that we should keep political discussions out of the church as it is too divisive. I totally agree and already try to do that. If I do not do it all the time I am sorry.
I sat in on the Christian Worldview class at the four week Vineyard Seminars this summer. I did speak pretty vehemently there. The teacher put us in small groups and invited discussion. I do not think I said anything wrong, just different that what others believed. Actually parties were not mentioned but Worldview does involve politics, I think. Some may have left those meetings thinking I am a two headed monster. I tried to lay back the last few weeks. But the first two weeks I did feel free to disagree with some people and defend my positions.
So yeah. But they did make me do it. I could not help myself.
He spent a lot of time on political differences specifically Democrat and Republican. Am I wrong to think he looked long at me? Weird. That is not my problem, at least I do not think, except in this blog sphere I really do not discuss my politics. I know the politics of few people in the church. If they know mine, well it is because of all the bumper stickers on my car. Yeah, that's it. But I do not speak of it.
I understand people believe differently than I. I figure that is sad for them. I also understand that backgrounds and attitudes are different from mine. I accept that it takes all kinds to make a world and that the world does need Democrats, Libertarians, independents. If you ask I could speak passionately on policy issues but the last thing I would do would be to try to convince you to be a Republican. Because Republicans are so far from having the answers it is silly. Not that I have them either but I know how off Republicans are.
I think yesterday at the restaurant I was listening to Joel Osteen. He was speaking on politics too and he emphasized that no political party is the savior. Only Jesus is the savior. He emphasized it. Being a part of it I know that perhaps more than most.
MP said that he thinks we should be involved but that we should keep political discussions out of the church as it is too divisive. I totally agree and already try to do that. If I do not do it all the time I am sorry.
I sat in on the Christian Worldview class at the four week Vineyard Seminars this summer. I did speak pretty vehemently there. The teacher put us in small groups and invited discussion. I do not think I said anything wrong, just different that what others believed. Actually parties were not mentioned but Worldview does involve politics, I think. Some may have left those meetings thinking I am a two headed monster. I tried to lay back the last few weeks. But the first two weeks I did feel free to disagree with some people and defend my positions.
So yeah. But they did make me do it. I could not help myself.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Healing Ministry
HF spoke last Sunday about healing and especially what to do when we do not see results. At the Friday night leaders meeting we heard a man speak of persevering intercession. He said that in his studies the leaders who prayed for their life group over 6 times a week had a much higher experience of people coming to Christ than those who prayed once or less a week.
If we do not see results right away do we give up? Do we try to find someone or something to blame?
Healing prayer and intercession are important to the body of Christ. It helps bring unity.
Let me go back to healing prayer. That is what the Sunday sermon was about. Healing prayer is important. It brings us together. The one asking for prayer must humble himself. He must also know that their might not be results. So he is taking a big risk.
The one praying also has to be humble enough to know that there may not be obvious results. It take a certain bravery, which is born of faith, on both sides.
God sometimes brings immediate healing, this is cause for rejoicing. He has his reasons when he does not immediately heal. It is not that God cannot heal or that he does not want to. I think it is mystery why often we do not see immediate results. One thing though if we always did see results no one would ever die. It is God's plan that we eventually die and go back to him. That may seem obvious but somehow that seems important.
Still I think prayer works. We need to be persistent in prayer whether or not we see results we can measure or show off. I think God answers all prayer in his own way. I also think it brings the church together in very important ways. God is more interested in unity than he is in all our aches and pains. But he is interested in both.
If we do not see results right away do we give up? Do we try to find someone or something to blame?
Healing prayer and intercession are important to the body of Christ. It helps bring unity.
Let me go back to healing prayer. That is what the Sunday sermon was about. Healing prayer is important. It brings us together. The one asking for prayer must humble himself. He must also know that their might not be results. So he is taking a big risk.
The one praying also has to be humble enough to know that there may not be obvious results. It take a certain bravery, which is born of faith, on both sides.
God sometimes brings immediate healing, this is cause for rejoicing. He has his reasons when he does not immediately heal. It is not that God cannot heal or that he does not want to. I think it is mystery why often we do not see immediate results. One thing though if we always did see results no one would ever die. It is God's plan that we eventually die and go back to him. That may seem obvious but somehow that seems important.
Still I think prayer works. We need to be persistent in prayer whether or not we see results we can measure or show off. I think God answers all prayer in his own way. I also think it brings the church together in very important ways. God is more interested in unity than he is in all our aches and pains. But he is interested in both.
Friday, October 15, 2010
1 Chronicles 15
In this chapter we read of David's relocating the ark into Jerusalem. He did not do it right the first time. This time he did the research. He also sought out God. But obviously he went and read the old scrolls (Deuteronomy, etc.).
David made it a celebration. It was a long national holiday. He called all Israel to be a part (unity). He gave gifts of raisin cakes and date cakes to all who came.
David got excited and danced in special dancing clothes. It was a special holiday for all Israel.
David made it a celebration. It was a long national holiday. He called all Israel to be a part (unity). He gave gifts of raisin cakes and date cakes to all who came.
David got excited and danced in special dancing clothes. It was a special holiday for all Israel.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Psalm 77
I was sharing with my accountability partner and soon after it read Psalm 77. I felt it was a comical coincidence when I got to verse 4. My partner had spoken of needing an eye operation soon enough. He was being tested and after some uncomfortable shots he still found it hard to keep his eye propped open. Verse 4 speaks directly to that.
I also think the general sense of Psalm 77 spoke to his prayer request. He was feeling troubled, overwhelmed by life. The psalmist seems to be feeling that too. The psalms speak to common experience. The psalms are so real.
I wish more modern worship songs were this real. I think of our mortality which the psalms brings out. I find it helpful to realize I will be going back to God soon enough. It brings things into perspective. I will be going back to God soon enough. So it is helpful to look at things from a longer view. I can take my eyes off day to day worries. I can look up, so to speak, at the hills ahead of me.
When we are worried and overwhelmed we lose sight of God compassion and often think he is mad at us (vs. 7-9). Well I do. But God has the longer view. We do not know when our life will be over. He does.
It's time to stop, have a quiet time, remember God, meditate on him (vs. 11-12).
I got myself in a real funk on Tuesday. It helped a lot to finally stop what I was doing and have a quiet time. I had that luxury. Perhaps my friend does not. Sometimes a short "timeout" is necessary.
I also think the general sense of Psalm 77 spoke to his prayer request. He was feeling troubled, overwhelmed by life. The psalmist seems to be feeling that too. The psalms speak to common experience. The psalms are so real.
I wish more modern worship songs were this real. I think of our mortality which the psalms brings out. I find it helpful to realize I will be going back to God soon enough. It brings things into perspective. I will be going back to God soon enough. So it is helpful to look at things from a longer view. I can take my eyes off day to day worries. I can look up, so to speak, at the hills ahead of me.
When we are worried and overwhelmed we lose sight of God compassion and often think he is mad at us (vs. 7-9). Well I do. But God has the longer view. We do not know when our life will be over. He does.
It's time to stop, have a quiet time, remember God, meditate on him (vs. 11-12).
I got myself in a real funk on Tuesday. It helped a lot to finally stop what I was doing and have a quiet time. I had that luxury. Perhaps my friend does not. Sometimes a short "timeout" is necessary.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hopeless Prayer
I am not going to quote the whole article from the Christianity Today about prayer and the Chilean Miners. It is not long, read it yourself if you have time.
Probably most of us have sent up a prayer for these folks. Most people in the situation these miners were in do not survive. This is miraculous. This is unique. I praise God.
I also feel a lot of gratefulness that the value of these 33 lives, probably not worth much monetarily, was considered so great that millions of dollars was spent to get them out and make sure they had as good a conditions as possible while they were getting them out. It is amazing that this situation was given so much press coverage. I give God a lot of credit for that too.
How many of us are like Mr. Galli, we pray without much faith. But we do pray. Hopefully we do. Perhaps the act of prayer itself shows a teeny bit of faith.
If one has to have Biblical examples one can look to the psalms. There were many times the psalmist has little faith.
Yet last night in Greek class we were translating the part in John about the fig tree that Jesus cursed because he was hungry and it did not have fruit. In response to the disciples comments he told them in no uncertain terms, that they themselves could do this very same thing, if they had faith. And even greater: If they spoke to the mountain and commanded, "Fall into the sea!" it would be done for them. Do we believe him?
He challenged them in the strongest of terms on other occasions about the results of faith, even the smallest amount of faith.
Do we believe Jesus? No I think we want to somehow say he didn't really mean it without calling him a liar.
I am challenged and I do try to have faith.
Probably most of us have sent up a prayer for these folks. Most people in the situation these miners were in do not survive. This is miraculous. This is unique. I praise God.
I also feel a lot of gratefulness that the value of these 33 lives, probably not worth much monetarily, was considered so great that millions of dollars was spent to get them out and make sure they had as good a conditions as possible while they were getting them out. It is amazing that this situation was given so much press coverage. I give God a lot of credit for that too.
How many of us are like Mr. Galli, we pray without much faith. But we do pray. Hopefully we do. Perhaps the act of prayer itself shows a teeny bit of faith.
If one has to have Biblical examples one can look to the psalms. There were many times the psalmist has little faith.
Yet last night in Greek class we were translating the part in John about the fig tree that Jesus cursed because he was hungry and it did not have fruit. In response to the disciples comments he told them in no uncertain terms, that they themselves could do this very same thing, if they had faith. And even greater: If they spoke to the mountain and commanded, "Fall into the sea!" it would be done for them. Do we believe him?
He challenged them in the strongest of terms on other occasions about the results of faith, even the smallest amount of faith.
Do we believe Jesus? No I think we want to somehow say he didn't really mean it without calling him a liar.
I am challenged and I do try to have faith.
Sunday night at SJD
Sunday night we had a special speaker. He was a Maasai cattle herder from Kenya as a youth. When he grew he got the opportunity to be educated in America. He is now a professor in Washington state. He is also an ordained Methodist minister.
He has been eager to promote education for other like him in Kenya, especially people who get lost in the shuffle.
Right now he is helping young women to break out of the cycle of poverty and effectively slavery that comes from having no other options. He came to raise money for a new women's dormitory at a school in Kenya.
He is soon to join the staff of World Vision, heading up similar projects.
We heard a bit about his story.
==================================
Also tonight (Wednesday October 13) they are having a special meeting of people trying to raise consciousness and help find solutions about the problem of child slavery that is on the increase and that uses Houston to a great extent.
He has been eager to promote education for other like him in Kenya, especially people who get lost in the shuffle.
Right now he is helping young women to break out of the cycle of poverty and effectively slavery that comes from having no other options. He came to raise money for a new women's dormitory at a school in Kenya.
He is soon to join the staff of World Vision, heading up similar projects.
We heard a bit about his story.
==================================
Also tonight (Wednesday October 13) they are having a special meeting of people trying to raise consciousness and help find solutions about the problem of child slavery that is on the increase and that uses Houston to a great extent.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Men's Retreat
What can I say about the men's retreat. For me is was relaxing and a change of pace. I was not the demographic I suppose. Most everyone out there was young. A lot of them shared a fantasy football league and playing soccer on Sunday nights. As usual I did not know a lot of name and came away knowing about the same.
I picked up Tom Holm at the church and learned Humberto's name. That's two.
There were a few people I knew. But now my mind won't come up with their names. Oh, David Gausepohl was there Friday night but he went home.
I enjoy walking and exploring and got enough of that. If you look at the pictures I got some pretty good shots. The sort of chronicle where I went. The raccoon was cool, too far for a great shot. He was old. He stopped when I stopped to look at me. Then he waddled down the road away from me a while before finally entering the woods. I walked up to see if I could see him in the woods but of course I couldn't. He had blended in by then. I saw some birds. It looked like a family of ducks that took off when they saw me.
The little subdivision of middle class, affordable homes was cool. There are some for sale and a few vacant lots if one wanted to build for oneself. There was a warning sign at the entrance saying, "All home construction must be approved by the homeowner's association before beginning". So no travel trailers anyway. A lot of the homes looked pretty modest. Quite a few people used a life preserver ring for a house number marker. Not everyone had boats and not everyone had easy access to the lake. Those who did tended to have fancier homes.
Late Saturday morning I went the other way. I ran into two guys who planned to jump in the lake. I did not see a marked off swimming area. There should be one. They had to pull themselves out on two foot high pilings. I would have had trouble doing that. Good for them though, they made their own adventure.
I walked down to the interpretive nature walk and got in on the last half of the ranger guided tour. He spoke of snakes. He showed us a banana spider and a special tree called a Hercules Club that he said the Indians used to get a pain killing medicine. I wondered if it was the substance that aspirin was derived from. He wasn't sure and neither am I. He said this was the last tree of that variety in the park. It has a unique bark.
We men ate "man food" and had a lot of circle time. We had two worship times and a couple of times to discuss issues of men helping men, support and so on. There were ideas thrown out. I did not think anything was decided though except that we should keep doing this.
I brought my family tent but did not want to put it up. People wondered how I was going to sleep. I proposed sleeping on the ground under the stars but when the time came I was mostly afraid of animals and perhaps being stepped on. So I slept in the car. The last two or three hours though I did pull out the old sleeping bag, which was inadequate and tried sleeping under the stars. I was under some trees so my star field was broken up. Still that was pretty cool. I slept at least as good under the stars as I did in the car.
I picked up Tom Holm at the church and learned Humberto's name. That's two.
There were a few people I knew. But now my mind won't come up with their names. Oh, David Gausepohl was there Friday night but he went home.
I enjoy walking and exploring and got enough of that. If you look at the pictures I got some pretty good shots. The sort of chronicle where I went. The raccoon was cool, too far for a great shot. He was old. He stopped when I stopped to look at me. Then he waddled down the road away from me a while before finally entering the woods. I walked up to see if I could see him in the woods but of course I couldn't. He had blended in by then. I saw some birds. It looked like a family of ducks that took off when they saw me.
The little subdivision of middle class, affordable homes was cool. There are some for sale and a few vacant lots if one wanted to build for oneself. There was a warning sign at the entrance saying, "All home construction must be approved by the homeowner's association before beginning". So no travel trailers anyway. A lot of the homes looked pretty modest. Quite a few people used a life preserver ring for a house number marker. Not everyone had boats and not everyone had easy access to the lake. Those who did tended to have fancier homes.
Late Saturday morning I went the other way. I ran into two guys who planned to jump in the lake. I did not see a marked off swimming area. There should be one. They had to pull themselves out on two foot high pilings. I would have had trouble doing that. Good for them though, they made their own adventure.
I walked down to the interpretive nature walk and got in on the last half of the ranger guided tour. He spoke of snakes. He showed us a banana spider and a special tree called a Hercules Club that he said the Indians used to get a pain killing medicine. I wondered if it was the substance that aspirin was derived from. He wasn't sure and neither am I. He said this was the last tree of that variety in the park. It has a unique bark.
We men ate "man food" and had a lot of circle time. We had two worship times and a couple of times to discuss issues of men helping men, support and so on. There were ideas thrown out. I did not think anything was decided though except that we should keep doing this.
I brought my family tent but did not want to put it up. People wondered how I was going to sleep. I proposed sleeping on the ground under the stars but when the time came I was mostly afraid of animals and perhaps being stepped on. So I slept in the car. The last two or three hours though I did pull out the old sleeping bag, which was inadequate and tried sleeping under the stars. I was under some trees so my star field was broken up. Still that was pretty cool. I slept at least as good under the stars as I did in the car.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Overwhelmed
I was feeling a strange way. It was what I can best describe as being overwhelmed one day last week. I thought of this when a man asked me to pray for him about what I thought of as overwhelmed. He never used that word, he spoke of all the work he had to do. It was backing up. He was not going to lose anything if he finished late but he felt bad about it. He was going to miss other obligations in order to try to get his work done. This is not a bad thing, this is how he earns his livelihood. But he was asking for prayer.
I thought this was Holy Spirit thing and we could pray for one another. I thought I had some insight as a result of my experience. I felt God gave me empathy for him.
So now I think that when I feel a bit overwhelmed I can remember to pray for this man too. And I can add in other loved ones who I know feel stressed at times. We exist to help one another, we are not alone.
It's a good thing to remember if one feels a strange feeling like I did, that may be a call to pray for others who could be feeling the same thing. I know God wants us to intercede for others. He loves it when we do and he will answer our prayers.
I thought this was Holy Spirit thing and we could pray for one another. I thought I had some insight as a result of my experience. I felt God gave me empathy for him.
So now I think that when I feel a bit overwhelmed I can remember to pray for this man too. And I can add in other loved ones who I know feel stressed at times. We exist to help one another, we are not alone.
It's a good thing to remember if one feels a strange feeling like I did, that may be a call to pray for others who could be feeling the same thing. I know God wants us to intercede for others. He loves it when we do and he will answer our prayers.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Restaurant mishap
Tell me if I am truly paranoid. But this time I think I am right.
Wednesday after Kegan's Alpha time I was really hungry. DW was going to be home late too I thought so I decided to treat myself to a restaurant meal. I know a Chinese place on the way home. I will not mention the name, you will see why later.
Their food is not spectacular, how many Chinese places are? But the prices are pretty reasonable.
Well I got there at 9:20. The door says they are closed at 9:30. I walked in to an empty restaurant. I balked and said I wanted to eat. I did sort of give them a chance to say no. But I think they knew what the sign said as well as I did. I was going to try to make it worth their while.
But in retrospect I think I got stung. I don't know what they put in my food but I do know that about 15 hours later I had a very bad case of the runs. The food did not taste different to me but my bad tooth started really killing me as I ate the egg foo young. I went to the dentist the next day and it is fixed. But I got some water and paid my bill quickly and took the rest of the food home.
I'm not sure the toothache had anything to do with it but the diarrhea did.
Plus after serving me these two ladies, who own the place I assume, pulled up chairs at the next table and proceeded to pepper me with questions. When they found out I had been at the jail the most senior one in terms of authority went off on a diatribe that I really struggled to understand because her English is so bad. I still really do not understand her beef with the penal system, something about it costs too much.
I think this was their other way of punishing me for coming in right at closing time and keeping them from leaving.
They seemed to think the solution to my toothache was whiskey. As I was leaving two large men who looked like bouncers or enforcers came in and ordered drinks. They seemed willing to stay and serve these men. The men looked to be in no hurry to leave. That I do not understand either. Draw your own conclusions if you want to.
In the future I hope I'll remember to not enter restaurants about to close, especially if the place is otherwise empty. I guess I may be stuck with late night drive throughs. I keep thinking Chinese is better for me, maybe not. hehe
Wednesday after Kegan's Alpha time I was really hungry. DW was going to be home late too I thought so I decided to treat myself to a restaurant meal. I know a Chinese place on the way home. I will not mention the name, you will see why later.
Their food is not spectacular, how many Chinese places are? But the prices are pretty reasonable.
Well I got there at 9:20. The door says they are closed at 9:30. I walked in to an empty restaurant. I balked and said I wanted to eat. I did sort of give them a chance to say no. But I think they knew what the sign said as well as I did. I was going to try to make it worth their while.
But in retrospect I think I got stung. I don't know what they put in my food but I do know that about 15 hours later I had a very bad case of the runs. The food did not taste different to me but my bad tooth started really killing me as I ate the egg foo young. I went to the dentist the next day and it is fixed. But I got some water and paid my bill quickly and took the rest of the food home.
I'm not sure the toothache had anything to do with it but the diarrhea did.
Plus after serving me these two ladies, who own the place I assume, pulled up chairs at the next table and proceeded to pepper me with questions. When they found out I had been at the jail the most senior one in terms of authority went off on a diatribe that I really struggled to understand because her English is so bad. I still really do not understand her beef with the penal system, something about it costs too much.
I think this was their other way of punishing me for coming in right at closing time and keeping them from leaving.
They seemed to think the solution to my toothache was whiskey. As I was leaving two large men who looked like bouncers or enforcers came in and ordered drinks. They seemed willing to stay and serve these men. The men looked to be in no hurry to leave. That I do not understand either. Draw your own conclusions if you want to.
In the future I hope I'll remember to not enter restaurants about to close, especially if the place is otherwise empty. I guess I may be stuck with late night drive throughs. I keep thinking Chinese is better for me, maybe not. hehe
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friends - Proverbs 18
I am so proud of my children. They have all learned well the adage if you want to have friends be a friend. They all have friends, good friends. I am reminded of this because of my reading Proverbs 18. This chapter begins and ends with proverbs involving friendship. My children had bumps along the road but as maturing adults they all have sets of friends that they love and hang out with. They know how to be friends. I am so delighted for them.
I have maybe one friend, aside from my wife. My wife and I have our good moments.
But underlying it all I do not really want to put out the effort to be a friend. So I do not have any friends, like I said the one. But he and I are about the same. I do work at being DW's friend some of the time. It does not come naturally. I have to work very consciously at it. Often I'd rather not put in the effort, preferring to be alone with all my media distractions. We are all made by God as social beings. I am no exception. But I find it hard, sort of like a moth being attracted to a light yet getting burned by the heat.
Yeah i suppose you can trace it back to childhood upbringing and experiences. I suppose we all had experiences of hazing, rejection, exclusion and the like. In my case it also has a lot to do with how I responded to it, my sin, if you will. I chose to withdraw and not trust people. I saw everyone as an obstacle and an enemy. To this day I am not comfortable trusting someone to be a friend. I think they must have an angle.
My staring at people must come from the same childish ways of dealing with social situations. Maybe it started as a sort of passive/agressive way to get back. I assume that no one will like me. My best friend shares this trait in common with me.
These days I am trying my best not to stare in crowd situations. I have to work hard at it and think I am mostly successful. But others around me seem to do it so effortlessly. I still have to work hard at it. Mostly likely I will be working hard at it until I get to go home to Jesus. This is one major reason why crowd situations are so stressful.
Speaking of crowd situations I got up at 6 AM Saturday and walked down to Tranquility Park to do a 5k run/walk. I did not know what I was getting myself into. I got there at 7 AM thinking the race would soon start, like most 5k's.
But this was "Race for the Cure". This race over the years has gotten weird. And politically correct. There must have been over 1,000 homemade t-shirts commemorating this race, specific breast cancer victims (or survivors), companies linking themselves to breast cancer research, or even "take care of my tatas" or "check my rack". A few people wore breast related costumes. I will not describe them here. This is an event, not a race.
There were over 35,000 people here on Allen Parkway and backed up to Tranquility Park. I must say they were very well behaved. Again, this was not a race, most of them planned to stroll in groups over the 5k course.
I got there at 7 PM thinking I was right on time. I found the race was not to officially start until 8:30 AM. Who does that in Houston? So I had to wait fairly impatiently. At 8:30 I was by the walkers and nothing moved. Finally about 15 minutes later I found my way through the crowds up to the front and found there was a little trickle of people getting on the course. After thinking for a spell I did get on the course and found lots of walkers like myself already going. I actually did run (jog slowly) about 1/4 of the race but finished fairly slow in 49 minutes. That can be ascribed to all the people I had to dodge. There were people with baby strollers, children running underfoot and lots of people walking in a row.
I had no idea really, when I turned back of the loop at Montrose and West Dallas back onto Allen Parkway to head back to Tranquility Park I found there were thousands, and I mean thousands of people still coming out walking slowly. There I few races where I finish in front of over half the participants but this is one.
But I have told people to remind me next year to skip the "Race for the Cure"!
I have maybe one friend, aside from my wife. My wife and I have our good moments.
But underlying it all I do not really want to put out the effort to be a friend. So I do not have any friends, like I said the one. But he and I are about the same. I do work at being DW's friend some of the time. It does not come naturally. I have to work very consciously at it. Often I'd rather not put in the effort, preferring to be alone with all my media distractions. We are all made by God as social beings. I am no exception. But I find it hard, sort of like a moth being attracted to a light yet getting burned by the heat.
Yeah i suppose you can trace it back to childhood upbringing and experiences. I suppose we all had experiences of hazing, rejection, exclusion and the like. In my case it also has a lot to do with how I responded to it, my sin, if you will. I chose to withdraw and not trust people. I saw everyone as an obstacle and an enemy. To this day I am not comfortable trusting someone to be a friend. I think they must have an angle.
My staring at people must come from the same childish ways of dealing with social situations. Maybe it started as a sort of passive/agressive way to get back. I assume that no one will like me. My best friend shares this trait in common with me.
These days I am trying my best not to stare in crowd situations. I have to work hard at it and think I am mostly successful. But others around me seem to do it so effortlessly. I still have to work hard at it. Mostly likely I will be working hard at it until I get to go home to Jesus. This is one major reason why crowd situations are so stressful.
Speaking of crowd situations I got up at 6 AM Saturday and walked down to Tranquility Park to do a 5k run/walk. I did not know what I was getting myself into. I got there at 7 AM thinking the race would soon start, like most 5k's.
But this was "Race for the Cure". This race over the years has gotten weird. And politically correct. There must have been over 1,000 homemade t-shirts commemorating this race, specific breast cancer victims (or survivors), companies linking themselves to breast cancer research, or even "take care of my tatas" or "check my rack". A few people wore breast related costumes. I will not describe them here. This is an event, not a race.
There were over 35,000 people here on Allen Parkway and backed up to Tranquility Park. I must say they were very well behaved. Again, this was not a race, most of them planned to stroll in groups over the 5k course.
I got there at 7 PM thinking I was right on time. I found the race was not to officially start until 8:30 AM. Who does that in Houston? So I had to wait fairly impatiently. At 8:30 I was by the walkers and nothing moved. Finally about 15 minutes later I found my way through the crowds up to the front and found there was a little trickle of people getting on the course. After thinking for a spell I did get on the course and found lots of walkers like myself already going. I actually did run (jog slowly) about 1/4 of the race but finished fairly slow in 49 minutes. That can be ascribed to all the people I had to dodge. There were people with baby strollers, children running underfoot and lots of people walking in a row.
I had no idea really, when I turned back of the loop at Montrose and West Dallas back onto Allen Parkway to head back to Tranquility Park I found there were thousands, and I mean thousands of people still coming out walking slowly. There I few races where I finish in front of over half the participants but this is one.
But I have told people to remind me next year to skip the "Race for the Cure"!
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