Tough, Tender, and Teachable

Well, then. What Next?

2011-10-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Well, then: what does that mean?

Bottom line: every man does that which is right in God’s eyes!

Immediately, one expects to hear cries of “Anarchy”!

I personally find it strange when folk cry “anarchy” while at the same time holding to Romans 2:14,15 AND Common Grace.

Admittedly, Adam’s Stain is deep and pervasive.

Still, the goodness of God is such, IMO, that ADAM never completely governs creation. If such were the case, i.e. Adam’s stain completely obtained, it ought to be “hell on earth”.

Irrespective of the awfulness of sin’s impact in time, it cannot be compared with the horrors of Hell, how long those horrors obtain!

Believers are never, can never, be managed by “anarchistic” tendencies. Believers are ever and always subject to “…the law of Christ…”.

The question needing to be addressed is: how does the Law of Christ manifest itself in the life of a believer living under Mao, Benito, Adolph, Margaret, Ronald, GW. Hugo C, or whomever?

Typically, IMO, Evangelicals have trumpeted “passive submission” to authority, with the implication of servile obedience. This mind-set, IMO, only served the advance of evil, however well intentioned.

The believer and Government

2011-10-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Passive Obedience and the New Covenant.

Does the New Covenant inculcate a mind-set of passive obedience on the part of the believer as it pertains to the issue of submission to “the powers that be”?

Under the Old Covenant administration, obedience was the watchword since God was the Ruler of an ethnic entity under His divine tutelage administered via Covenant Document, King, Priesthood and His servants, the prophets.

But, all this changed that last evening when the Lord Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant; a Covenant distinctly different from the Old Covenant. This difference was signaled in Jeremiah’s prophecy, Jeremiah 31:31-34 and during Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7: but I say unto you…).

One suspects this change, its impact and associated implications were not immediately apparent to “the twelve” when uttered by the Lord, Jesus and their subsequent understanding grew during the unfolding years following Pentecost.

One might be justified in recognizing the cautionary admonitions of Paul (Romans 13:1ff), Peter (1 Peter 2:13), and Titus (Titus 3;1ff) given the developing conflict with Rome on the part of the Jewish nation. I say cautionary in that none of the three explicate the implications of “submission” vs. “obedience”.

At that historical moment I suspect the typical auditor would equate the two as synonymous.

Yet, they are not.

For nearly two millennia, “Passive submission” has been the prevailing mindset of not only the believing community, but that of the non-believing community as well.

Might I be so bold as to suggest “passive submission” is not an aspect of a “leavening influence”?

“Passive submission” might also be known as conformity, compromise, adaptation?

I readily acknowledge the value of conformity, compromise and adaptation but only to the degree that truth precedes. If truth does not precede, then error, in its multitudinous forms obtains or holds the day.

“Incrementalism”, as a political strategy is legitimate, IMO, insofar as Truth leads error or Pragmatism.

But, in almost every instance where Truth has yielded to Pragmatism, Truth has been lost.

The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization

2011-10-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

My first experience with Vishal’s work and am prompted to explore more.

Having just completed for the 3rd time Carey’s bio by his grandson, I was encouraged to read the author’s observations and will read his personal work on Carey.

The book is well written, each section promoting a thesis and illustrated with personal experiences. I felt as if I were reading Barzun, Stark, Paul Johnson with a touch of Schaeffer lurking in the background. Certainly, non-evangelicals will bristle as they read but, for me, an enjoyable experience on my birthday.

Sat down to read and continued to the end. Will obviously recall this birthday experience among the decades of others.

2011-07-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Have you given thought to the subjectivity of the New Covenant Imperatives?

Love God.

Love your neighbor.

We know, via the Old Covenant, certain parameters relative to “loving God”: 1) He is to be Supreme, 2) We are prohibited from using images to represent Him, and 3) we are to “sanctify” His Name. Those represent the negative side, that is the “thou shalt nots”. But, what of the “shalt” side? Yet, is this not the very side whereby we “judge one another”? He or she doesn’t do…X…therefore, they don’t Love God.

John has been a believer for 40+ years and has never missed church or Sunday School. Yet, in all those years he has never read the Bible through, cover to cover, and couldn’t, for the life of him, recite other than John 11:35. Tom, on the other hand, is grossly infrequent at Sunday service, seldom at Sunday School, yet has read the bible through, cover to cover at least once a year since his conversion; has memorized in excess of 500 verses, and can quite adequately defend The Faith. Which one loves God?

Without beating a horse to death, I suspect you see the point. Evaluating another in terms of the negative aspects of The Faith is quite easy. Yet, when it comes to the positive affirmations, it is an equine of a dissimilar hue.

Might I be permitted to lodge the idea this very aspect is part and parcel the genius of the New Covenant?

Love your neighbor?

If such might be the case on the individual level, what might be the circumstance on the communal level, i.e. “government”?

So soon as I lift my eyes beyond my personal concern, a “neighbor” intrudes.

What is it to “love” this one?

What is “love”?

Again, we are confronted with the subjective.

What is “loving” to John, or to Tom, or to Eileen or Sarah?

Why are we not presented with a definition of Love in the text of scripture? All we have are examples of what seem to be “loving acts”.

Might it not be the case God expects us, you and me, to deduce from these examples and scriptural statements to construct a definition of Love whereby we, individually comport ourselves as Salt, Light, and Leaven?

New Covenant “Political” conduct

2011-07-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Under the Old Covenant administration, the individual watchword was “obedience”.

God was the nation’s sovereign under the guidance of a Divinely selected King and dynasty, along with a divinely ordained teaching order, explicating a written covenant.

Then, things changed and, radically, with the institution of the New Covenant and promised through Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

Under the tutelage of the Old Covenant, God dealt with Israel as with children whereas with True Israel (Galatians 6:16)

God now deals with spiritual adults.

No longer are we, the members of the New Covenant, provided detailed and specific guidelines for various circumstances; but, in their stead are three adequate guidelines: 1) Love God, 2) Love your neighbor and 3) utilize the former administration as principled examples ( 1Corinthians 10:11 & Romans 15:4).

Such are the parameters for New Covenant believers in any governmental context.

Eye of the Red Tsar

2011-06-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Want a good read?

Sam Eastland’s Eye of the Red Tsar is one you will not put down, once begun.

I began the book without reading the data regarding his historical research, suspecting as I read, “this man has done his homework”.

Having read on this era for 40+ years, I was amazed at his insights and attention to detail. So much, so, I couldn’t put the book down!

His conclusion has me waiting for the sequel!

Pick it up.

I suspect he is going to develop for us a side of Stalin we haven't considered, yet will give evidence of what some theologians designate as God's Common Grace manifest amongst the worst of us.

A concept we generally seek to deny and or avoid

Shades of 1984

2011-06-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! has it been that long since a posting on my part? Call me Bob van Winkle.

I haven't been asleep, though I wish that were the case: simply dormant and/or frustrated.

We are one step away from war on three fronts, as per Orwell’s plot.

Currently, we are engaged in six wars: Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen and the “global war on terror”.

Odds are, the man on the street paying the bills, hasn’t the foggiest as to the count.

Given the present state of our educational system, he/she couldn’t locate 2/3rds of the locations on a map, if asked.

Nor could a goodly number of our politicians, as history demonstrated prior to the launch on Afghanistan back in the day.

We have become a nation governed by the military/industrial complex, manipulating behind the scenes those ostensibly elected to represent us.

This is simply a new look for Junta.

We lost the republic a long time ago, proving Franklin right.

Now, what?

Reminds me of the scene in the movie Dr. Zhivago where the folk are being transported in the railroad car along with a “convict” chained to the bunk. Only the convict recognizes Freedom. The system has to chain him, whereas the rest acquiesce with the system’s dictates.

Once upon a time, those comprising the nation displayed a flag saying "Don't tread On Me". Seems to me, we have "advanced' to the place where our flag is a doormat saying "Walk on Me".

Shamgar! Where are you?

A Stimulating and Valuable Resource

2011-04-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Legion are the questions popping up in the believer's mind.

Max Lucado has done admirable service in sharing with nus the questions to which he has been exposed in his ministry, and his responses in his volume: Max On Life.

Admittedly, your particular theological response might be somewhat different, but the response Max provides is a stimulus to each of us.

As I read, I thought, Wow! That is surely helpful. I might express it somewhat differently, but, on the whole I resonate with Max!

This is a tool which bears being placed alongside some of the other psychological offerings, while given priority of place, in my opinion.

Thank you, Max!

Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Constitutional History Unadulterated

2011-04-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

As with The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History, Nullification provides first hand understanding of this issue from the writings of those directly involved in establishing the principle.

Tom provides chapter and verse, even attaching relevant documents as appendices.

Sadly, with few exceptions, those within the Beltway nursing off the udder of this overpowering central government will continue to ridicule and reject out of hand the clear and cogent argument.

It seems the struggle is in phase two, ridicule from those who oppose. Phase one was ignoring what Tom was writing and saying. So, there is a modicum of hope. The next phase will find them fighting and then, they will lose.

Power not only corrupts, but eventually eviscerates those wielding the power. Ask Mubarak, Ghaddafi, et al.

The Terrors of the Law

2011-04-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Recently, a friend ask me to read Ray Comfort's God Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life.

Now, it is to be noted I have personally been involved in Evangelical Ministries since 1964, resigning my commission in the USMC to "...hasten the coming of the Lord...".

Admittedly, my spirit resonates with the author's stated concerns relative to what seems to be the fruit of "easy believism".

But, in reading the Acts of the Apostles, I am hard pressed to find biblical justification for the author's argument. Save for those instances when an Apostle was addressing a Jewish audience, The Law was never put forth/promoted in the context of the evangelical message.

The Law was never the "tutor" to lead Gentiles to Faith. It was a Tutor for ethnic Israel.

Isaiah 8:20 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 is still the standard...not cultural experiences...nor the interpretations of those drinking at the well of Puritans.

Maybe, one ought to consider article 25 of the LBC 1644?

'Nuff said

Day after day-horse-pucket!

2011-04-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Up front, I admit it: I am a political novice.

Still, after 60 plus years following high school, I have to admit every political administration has lied to me. OK, lied implies motive, which I am not privy to, certainly.

But, consciously misled seems fitting.

Promises, promises, promises on every campaign trail followed by the almost opposite of each promise.

Fool me once, my fault. Fool me umpteen times? Do not trust any Party endorsed politician!

I should have been informed of the likes of Lysander Spooner and Albert J. Nock while in high school and allowed to discriminate for myself. But, NO! Government knew what was best for me.

With the exception of maybe one or two current national politicians, whenever a politico opens his/her mouth my initial response is “horse-pucket”.

My strong suspicion being I will live to see, experience , the demise of this empire as it goes down the sewer of history.

Motivating or Chilling?

2011-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Andy Andrews is without doubt a masterful story-teller. His Heart Mender was an inspiring tale of an individual driven by humanity in a land gripped by fear. I couldn’t put if down, once begun.

This tale (The Final Summit)was different-I had to read it straight through though intuitively troubled in each chapter.

The cast of characters (travelers from throughout history who made significant contributions to civilization’s advance) are assembled in a final summit to discover the one thing necessary to save civilization.

Each character and the contribution selected was designed to drive home the story’s final solution.

Ignored is the fact some contributions of some of the characters directly contributed to the problem the council was assembled to correct, which contributions were themselves an application of what is determined to be the “final solution”.

Somewhere there has to be irony in this story. The Final Summit producing the final solution is awfully reminiscent of another final solution in which the “one principle” was implemented.

The summit’s process and the suggestions offered were in themselves motivating; but, the “one principle” was to me chilling.

Strange as it seems, I watch this principle being implemented even today in the Middle East and now, North Africa.

Chilling.

Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Challenge and Intrigue

2011-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Project Azorian is another example of US ingenuity and “can do spirit”, alongside an unfettered government agency’s power.

Because the American populace was brainwashed by its own government as to the Soviet threat, it was easy for agencies to justify their actions toward raising this Soviet submarine without the knowledge of the Soviet government or the American public which was footing the bill.

The feat was an unbelievable achievement on all counts.

Personally, as I read the account my mind was drawn to a statement made by God and recorded in Genesis 11:6, “…and now, nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do…”.

In my lifetime, I have seen this evidenced in our space accomplishments along with some many other feats! If we can imagine it, given time, we will do it.

But, the costs associated with the achievements are quite often too high.

This achievement came to pass while the erosion of our republican form of government was accelerating. Prior to this, with the passage of the National Security Act of 1947 an agency was created which since, has grown to an extent unimagined and currently unrestrained.

This agency controlled this feat…and unbelievable feat, to be sure, but one which ultimately contributed to the demise of the republic alongside that of The Bay of Pigs and other covert ops far too numerous to catalogue.

Still, let me reiterate, this feat is a commendation to the ingenuity, creativity, labor and sacrifice of all those involved. Those involved on all levels, save for the governmental, are to be commended.

The authors have made this bit of history a fascinating read…I couldn’t put it down til finished!

Provocative Read

2011-03-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Fight Of Our Lives, Bennett & Leibsohn

To me, the authors sounded as “court historians”. I could not see where they acknowledged any errors on our part, nationally, in terms of Foreign policy.

Mercy: one might suggest we “turned right at third base” in terms of foreign policy in the late 1800s when we “enocuntererd” Spain and began our imperialistic advance, bringing democracy at the point of the gun. (Does Mao come to mind?)

From that time til today “nationalism” has been cloaked in the garb of “patriotism” such that when the national Anthem begins, the flag starts to wave, and the mantra “support our troops" is voiced rational thinking ends.

The authors are correct: Islam is a threat, be it radical or moderate.

Islam is a potent threat, in my opinion, for two chief erasons: 1) Ignorance of Islam as advanced in the Koran and the Hadiths and, 2) our Imperialistic policies masked under the Rubric of advancing democracy.

Islam is not simply a religious system.

It is a religious/political system, inseparably. As such, it cannot logically co-exist with any other religious system.

It is a different kind of “leaven”. That is, it is not a leaven of persuasion, but a leaven of force. Its tool of persuasion is the “sword”, making it philosophically incompatible with the American ethic.

Just as in the 1800s Mormonism had to bow to the American ethic in terms of polygamy, so too must Islam be “forced” to bow to the historical American commitment to religious tolerance exemplified by William Penn and others.

Bottom line: in my opinion Islam cannot agree to this.

Where does this leave us, in my opinion? In the Fight of our Lives.

As with our exclusion of religions given to Cannabalism, Polygamy, Human Sacrifice, etc. from our body politic it may be time to include Islam as a general category and those immigrants who religiously adhere to the teachings of Islam.

Radical?

The authors suggest we are in “The Fight of our Lives”

Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Soul Food For The Journey

2011-03-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

90 Days of God’s Goodness

The opening page of day one says it all: Conflict with a Purpose.

Our lives are not purposeless, but purposeful from God’s perspective and he is engineering every aspect.

The author has the gift of developing the right passage, and apt illustration, and a personal prayer relative to a suggested life experience.

Bottom line: the 90 Day journey suggests God knows what He is doing.

Our part is to recognize His hand, submit, and revel in the experience, difficult though it may be.

My suggestion: use this tool for 90 days, focusing on God’s sovereignty and providence and see if your confidence and personal security is not significantly enhanced.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Wow!

2011-03-16T01:16:00.000-07:00

Bonhoeffer, Eric Metaxas

Having read Cost of Discipleship and other Bonhoeffer works, I thought I had a handle on the man.

Was I ever mistaken!

Metaxas’ work has opened my eyes and motivated me to re-visit and re-consider what I have read. (Do I hear the resonance of “too soon old, and too late smart”?)

For those who know me intimately and my struggles in the mid 80s, Bonhoeffer’s struggles, in terms of ethics, really resonates. How I identify with him and wonder why God, in His sovereignty kept this awareness from me during that time frame?

Read the book…as I intend a re-read in the days ahead.

Applicability of his message?

That is for you to determine

The Old, Old Story Freshly Told

2011-03-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

Randy Alcorn’s Chasm is a nicely woven presentation of the gospel in an allegorical format. It read rapidly at one short sitting and held my attention throughout.

As I read, I kept thinking of John Bunyan and Bedford jail! Having read something of the author’s background, I thought, “Now, there’s a connection!”

I especially appreciated the manner in which the author weaved The Spirit’s calling, the doctrine of sanctification and progress while in Charis and the relationship between the Woodsman’s felling of the tree and the ministry of the Lord Jesus prior to the crucifixion. Awesome.

Not having read The Edge of Eternity, my appetite has been whetted.

I received this book free from Multnomah Books as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

What About…..? For Starters

2011-03-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

Entitled A Conversation with God, the title is a bit mis-leading. It is really more like What Does (blank) Say About (blank).

The book was an easy read and an apt tool for new believers. Obviously, it flows from a particular theological perspective affording one the opportunity to suggest additional considerations.

The topics addressed are:

God.
The Bible.
The Future.
Pain and Suffering.
Jesus.
The Kingdom of God.Heaven and Hell.
Humanity.
Christian Living.
Today's World.

I would recommend the book, having found it helpful.

Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Handbook for ground-level Apologetics

2011-02-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Manifested In The Flesh, Joel McDurmon, 2007

Joel Mcdurmon has done a tremendous service to the laymen and women within the body of Christ with the penning of this book.

Clarity, insight, astuteness of observation with a measure of humor and ridicule mark the presentation.

At the moment, it fails me to recall the source of the observation: “if something is ridiculous, it ought to be ridiculed”, but Joel does a masterful job of gracious ridicule!

The appendices are worth the price of the book, alone.

Joel’s observations relative to the implications of the serpents presentation in Genesis 3 are worthy of serious reflection: 1) the quest for secret knowledge…”hath God said”?, 2) THE OUTRIGHT REJECTION OF God’s sovereignty in history “…ye shall not surely die…”, 3) the promise of enlightenment by the quest “your eyes shall be opened..”, and finally, 4) the promise of becoming divine “,,,ye shall be as gods…”.

The observations on Liberty and the absurdity of man’s demand to know what he need not know are awesome! (Deuteronomy 29:29).

I so enjoyed this book and highly commend it to every Intentional Discipler.

A Book To Challenge Your Heart And Mind

2011-02-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Revolution In World Missions, K P Yohannan.

This is the story of God’s movement in the life of one man and his vision for reaching the people of his homeland via the use of indigenous laborers.

On the one hand, the obvious response is: Duh!

Naturally, this is the most effective methodology.

But, pragmatically, this flies in the face of established, pragmatic Missions’ philosophy. This sets the stage for God’s movement in the author’s life and the establishment of the ministry of Gospel for Asia.

As I read this story, my heart was both warmed and challenged. In reading, I had to set aside my personal theological convictions and acknowledge the reality God’s works as he deigns to work in non-Western cultural contexts.

I praise the Lord for raising up Gospel For Asia and heartily recommend this book for inclusion in one’s Mission reading list

A Tool To Be Used Judiciously

2011-02-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Finding Our Way Again, Brian Mclaren

My observation in the use of the term judicious is founded upon the host of opinions abounding on the religious pike regarding this author.

The initial comment in the book was a bit “off-putting” for me: “…Buddhism presents itself as a way of life, and Christianity presents itself as a system of belief…” Nuts. Every practice, way of life is founded upon a particular belief. Buddhism, as much as Christianity, is a system of belief.

‘Nuff said.

I appreciated the author’s explication of the various practices one can embrace and employ as one seeks to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. Each of them has value. No one of them is a be-all and end-all in the process. The objective is to grow “in grace” and in “the knowledge of” Christ.

I suspect the various suggested practices resonate differently with the various temperament types. Give them serious consideration. Try each of them and then focus on and employ those which best suit you and the way in which God has wired you together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Whet the appetite, spur reflection, satisfy while leaving an indefinable dis-satisfaction.

2011-02-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

Desiring God,John Piper, 25th anniversary edition.

Throughout the book, the author expands on what it is to “Delight thyself in God” (Psalm 37:4).
The objective is to know what God has revealed of Himself and His purposes, to allow these truths to take root in one’s mind and “heart” til one is overwhelmed with the implications of God’s majesty and glory.

Though God’s revelation reveals to us our real state as a result of Adam’s stain, yet our focus is not to be on ourselves, but rather on the glorious wonders of our God and His purposes.

When we find ourselves face to face with the questions of sovereignty and providence and how they play out in our lives and the lives of others we ought to assume the posture of the Psalmist in Psalm 131:1 “…LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me…”.

Finally, we must admit we are finite creatures; created as his image, marred by Adam’s stain, redeemed through His matchless grace, and challenged to grow in our understanding of Him such that we can become fully satisfied on this side of the veil and in anticipation of what lies in store when we are blessed with an unhindered vision.

Personally, I found the chapter on Missions to be challenging without being subjected to guilt and pity manipulation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Surfing The High Points

2011-01-31T13:40:00.000-08:00

Defiant Joy, by Kevin Belmonte is a rapid tour through some of the major works of GKC, with only brief biographical observations. Initially, I expected this to be a biography but settled for a reasoned development of GKC’s works. Reading this presentation reminded me of my failure to finish The Everlasting Man, a failure immediately remedied!

How I wish there had been an index so as to retrieve the ample display of apropos quotes!

Still, I recommend the book highly for a broad overview of an insightful individual, an unembarrassed, thoughtful Christian.

The Obligatory Disclaimer: I received this book free for review from Thomas Nelson Publishing, through their BookSneeze publication.

A handy Resource For Disciplers

2011-01-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Randy Alcorn’s little book The Goodness of God is an ideal devotional resource addressing the age old question: “Why is there evil in the world?”

Randy focuses to reader’s attention on Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Or, in other words, God, Man, Sin, and salvation.

Into this mix we are led to see God’s purposes. This is His creation; we are His creatures; and he is working out His sovereign plan. As fallen creatures we demand to know precisely WHY we have to experience, endure, and embrace this manifestation of evil. Curiosity drives us, making us unwilling to submit patiently under His hand and in the context of His plan.

This little booklet needs to be kept close at hand as a resource in managing our own dose of difficulty or horror and for sharing with others.

Especially helpful are the suggestions in chapter 11 entitled What We Can Do. In the chapter randy suggests four steps: 1) Look to God’s promises for comfort, 2) Anticipate God’s rewards, 3) Lighten the load through prayer and, finally 4) Share your life with others who suffer.

I highly recommend this little booklet along with the larger version If God Is Good

A Cautionary Read

2011-01-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

I am always troubled when a sermon or book starts out using the example of the individual blessed with “immediate” contact with God. By immediate contact I mean said individual had some form of Theophany, a burning bush, an audible voice, an obvious angelic visitor, or whatever of that nature.

Though the lessons or examples drawn are true, they carry far more weight, I believe, than what I experience via a “mediated” encounter with God. By mediated encounter I mean encountering God via the written word.

Such was my mindset when reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. (I would have enjoyed hearing the chapters preached!) The reading was engaging, at times some of the examples used to illustrate a pioint brought tears to my eyes and, at other times outbursts of joy! Sounds like Elevation Church is an exciting venue.

The book is full of pithy observations: “The Process is the Point”, “Pray and Push”, and others.

I was “put off” by the observation about using a qualifier in our prayer, such as “if it be thy will” . James 4:15? In the chapter Pray Like A Juggernaut, each example ends with the comment “…would you ….”. Qualifier? Give me a break!
The example of a “page 23 vision” and its qualifiers was encouraging, as was the inclusion of his Twelve Audacious Faith Confessions (might this serve as the next Twelve Step Program?).

I don’t see Peter or the Twelve exercising “audacious faith” in the early chapters of Acts, but obedient faith. Had they been audacious they may well have launched out of Jerusalem carrying the gospel to Judea and Samaria without waiting for the persecution? I don’t see Paul exercising audacious faith, but obedient faith in the face of trying and challenging experiences. Maybe it is a question of definition?

To me, ordinary men and women living in biblical obedience are “audacious”. Its expression is probably more of a function of basic temperament.

I would recommend the book as an enjoyable read of the unusual growth of a new church and its pastor.

Tantalizing Tale

2010-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

Judgment Day, Wanda L. Dyson

This was my first Dyson novel and has whet my appetite for more. As the tale unfolds there is sufficient data to permit one to connect the dots, but never enough to complete the connections until near the end. The inclusion of the main character’s jailing with her alter ego, unveiled, was perfect!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Clarifying Times

2010-12-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

The Liturgical Year, Joan Chittister

Not a “How To” but a “What and Why” book. I appreciated the author’s explanation of the origins of the Liturgical Year, her definition of “liturgical spirituality” and her pithy observations throughout; such as “ to live life for lesser things is to risk not living at all” and “for life to becomes its own exhilarant, we must learn to live it consciously, beyond the visible to the meaningful”.

This is a book for those oriented toward the abstract vs. the concrete.

Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Thank You, Judge!

2010-12-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Lies The Government Told You, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Thomans Nelson, 2010

To understand libido dominandi one need only read WE, 1984, Brave New World and then reflect on the past 50 years.

But, to grasp crucial specifics, one needs to read and re-read Lies The Government Told You. For the great majority of us, these Lies were inculcated while we were so supremely moldable, during the very years the same government held us and our parents captive. Our parents via compulsory education laws and us children via government schools.

These lies became such a deeply ingrained part of us they functioned as filters distorting our understanding of what we were seeing! Surely, the government isn’t doing-blank! (Fill in one of the Judge’s seventeen examples.)

Thank you, Judge Napolitano for providing us with such a clear and reasoned guide. Now, every time I hear some employee of government mouth one of these mantras, the reasoning in your chapters will ring loud and clear and my mind and I will think: Sophist, "...a person who reasons adroitly and speciously rather than soundly…”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Good handbook for basic discipleship.

2010-12-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

The Walk, Shaun Alexander

Shaun’s basic paradigm for initial discipleship is quite helpful. His use of personal example throughout each segment adds to its value. His admonition that we are to share experience along with information during the process is so key to one’s impact. Shaun’s focus on the value of Order as well as his description of the Fruit of The Spirit in the process adds to the paradigms value, in my opinion. Shaun’s emphasis on the need for grounding in the scriptures and a disciplined progress from rules to principles in the growing disciple’s experience is to be highly valued’
I would suggest one avoid the chapter on The Imparter as well as chapters 18-20 in that they lean toward one particular theological posture. At the same time, in my experience I have tended to abstain from repeating ostensible, subjective miracles, falling back on the rationale of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 where he says he saw things not lawful to utter. What he saw is not necessary for our Christian experience (2 Peter 1:3, 4) nor are, again, in my opinion, such miraculous testimonies, whereas the miracles in the scriptures are divinely attested.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A resource for every believer’s shelf

2010-12-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

If God Is Good, Randy Alcorn

Alcorn has provided a solid resource dealing with this perennial concern, one suitable to proponents on both sides of the “Divine Sovereignty/Free Will” concern. The inclusion of personal testimony/struggle with the issue of suffering is, in my opinion, especially helpful, prompting one’s identification with the particular question. The development of the question is reflected in the layout of the chapters:
1. Understanding the Problem of Evil & Suffering
2. Understanding Evil: It's Origins, Nature & Consequences
3. Problems for Non-Theists: Moral Standards, Goodness & Extreme Evil
4. Proposed Solutions to the Problem of Evil & Suffering: Limiting God's Attributes
5. Evil & Suffering in the Great Drama of Christ's Redemptive Work
6. Divine Sovereignty & Meaningful Human Choice: Accounting for Evil & Suffering
7. The Two Eternal Solutions to the Problem of Evil: Heaven & Hell
8. God's Allowance & Restraint of Evil & Suffering
9. Evil & Suffering Used for God's Glory
10. Why Does God Allow Suffering?
11. Living Meaningfully in Suffering

The author’s scriptural reflections throughout the narrative are seemingly designed to lead us to the text and wrestle with the issue ourselves.

The centrality of the Cross throughout the presentation is especially helpful, as was the observation of Joni respecting the ministry of suffering when she wrote”…feeling sin’s sting while on the way to heaven…” As I read that, my first thought was, “Yes. Lest I forget”!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

This is a book to recommend.

Timely and Informative

2010-12-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

The Next Christians, Gabe Lyons

Very helpful explanation in understanding the next Christian. They could well represent the fourth major shift in the progress of the kingdom. The author’s explanation of their six characteristics and the seven avenues or channels in which they seek to minister was also helpful. As I read, a number of thoughts struck me: 1) the next Christians seek to adapt vs. adopt, 2) the next Christians do not appear to be focused on developing a Christian Approach but rather focus on being Christians Approaching, and finally 3) the next Christians appear to be seeking to live as leaven in the cultural loaf without seeking to determine outcome, i.e. developing a Christian culture. Personally, I haven’t the foggiest idea as to what the ultimate impact of kingdom leaven will look like. The focus, it seems to me, is to live like kingdom leaven. Awesome book and heartily recommended. My only disappointment lay in the absence of pro-life next Christians, credit to the author’s contribution relative to DS babies.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Classic Grudem

2010-11-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

I have long been a Grudem fan leaning heavily on his Systematic Theology and Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Politics According to the Bible will occupy the opposing side to Jim Wallis’ God’s Politics. Fittingly, I think; for as Wallis is an advocate for the Democrats, Grudem fills the same role for the Rs, even offering more extensive biblical support.

I am personally in agreement with the author’s position regarding the role of the believer in politics and appreciated his handling of the five opposing views regarding the believer’s role. My discomfort with many of his observations and conclusions stems more from his comfortable view of a broad reach for the government in the life of the citizen. At the same time, it seemed to me he gives more attention to the public statements of the political parties as opposed to their actions over the past century or so. Platform statements are for propaganda purposes. What the parties have done is the evidence of what they believe. Seems as if there is a suggestion in scripture toward that end?

When it comes to Economics, I would lean toward trusting those in the Austrian School . Dr. Gary North has an interesting critique of the author’s comments in the area of economics here and here.

As it pertains to Foreign Policy, I could wish the author more familiar with the host of authors on the Anti-War side. I say this as one who took years to come to grips with our Imperialism, beginning with my first encounter with communists doing campus evangelism in the 60s. Sacred Cows die hard.

Still, the book is a great resource; especially the first four chapters, while his treatment of the sixty issues affords a starting point for one's consideration. This book definitely needs to be in the Christian’s library.

I recommend the book along with Chuck Colson’s Kingdom’s In Conflict, Gary DeMarr’s God and Government series, Rushdoony’s Law and Liberty, and Bahnsen’s By This Standard.

City of Man-centered

2010-11-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

All that was absent in my reading was the sound of the National Anthem in the background and the fluttering of the National Ensign.

I concur with the author’s Primer For Christian Persuaders:

1) Maintain self-awareness;
2) maintain spiritual grounding,
3) maintain perspective,
4) maintain community, and
5) maintain a spirit of grace and reconciliation

along with their Three Concluding Propositions:

1) Politics is a realm of necessity,
2) politics is a realm of hope and possibility, and
3) politics can be the realm of nobility.

The sub-title reads: Religion and Politics in a New Era.

Having read the book only once, I still do not recognize that which the authors referred to as “The New Era”?

I came away with the impression the administration the authors served under left little to criticize. (Probably too broad an observation, for sure.) That “their” administration seriously stripped the citizenry of civil liberties, mired us in foreign conflicts which will ultimately make Vietnam pale in comparison, and seriously undermined our economy is lost in their recollection of the “good” which was brought to pass.

Bottom line, for me, was the author’s simplistic suggestion America is becoming more pro-life without clarifying America’s government is ever more committed to a pro-death mind-set! Citing the decline in abortions from 1.6 million to 1.3 million without mentioning the advent and promotion of RU 486 and other abortifacients is somewhat disingenuous and suggesting the partial-birth abortion legislation was an advance when, in fact, the pre-born are still subject to this barbaric reality.

I chose that as illustrative since I personally consider the issue of SOHL (Sanctity of Human Life) to be the point of the cultural wedge. Once that point was yielded, all the cultural horror which has followed was inevitable

Years ago I read a book with the title Everything is Politics, but Politics isn’t Everything.

Believers living in this form of government need to participate and the guidelines offered by the authors are helpful.

Believers also need to remember, Politics will never change hearts and minds: only the gospel will do that.

Believers also need to be vary warty of the intoxicating influence of politics. Given man’s inherent messianic complex, politics affords an avenue to “save” everyone. Woe to the believing man or woman who succumbs to that “siren”!

Believers are called to a leavening influence, individually, and not corporately. A familiarity with Grudem's Politics According to the Bible would be helpful alongside this book.

Eureka!

2010-11-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

THINK

In nearly 45+ years of intentional personal discipling, this is the first book/tool I have encountered, next to Adler’s How To Read A Book and Gregory’s Seven Laws Of Teaching which is helpful almost beyond measure when it comes to equipping believers for life in The Faith.

For years I taught flying in the military and as a civilian instructor, following this format: What, Why, and How. Not rocket science, by any means.

As I read and re-read Think I kept recognizing: What, Why and How!

Amazing how we stumble over the obvious: God left us a verbal propositional revelation. Words in sentences, paragraphs with the meaning and implications contained therein. The “nuggets of gold” if you will are not scattered on the ground (Proverbs 25:2). Makes one think of Paine’s observation : “…what we obtain too cheaply we esteem too lightly…”

In the New Covenant, in my opinion, God deals with us as with spiritual adults. Under the Old Covenant, He took Israel by the hand, as one would take an infant. In contrast, under the New Covenant, the law is written on the heart, we are provided with a written revelation and left to “think”!

The author beautifully blends Proverbs 2:1-10 and 2 Tim. 2:7 with the “If-Then” consideration. This is how one educates adults. Children are easily indoctrinated and just as easily fall away, as evidenced in Israel’s history under the Old Covenant. New Covenant believers are to be educated and the history since Pentecost illustrates our understanding of this reality.

Thankfully, God the Spirit is still in the initial stages of His ministry and, in my opinion, His particular movement in the author’s mind and ministry assisting us in this regard is a terrific encouragement.

My “take away” from the author’s effort is in a re-doubling of my effort to make doubly certain the “leaven” I am pleased to influence are doggedly committed to thinking, recognizing the Proverb “,,,as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

Thank you, pastor Piper, and Bethlehem Baptist Church for your joint contribution to the Body!

Grabbed By The Title

2010-11-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

Republocrat

For starters, the title has us!

People power? Power to the people? Seems as if I heard that in my distant past

Pragmatically, the people lost power even while “honest Abe” was making his Gettysburg peroration.

So much for history.

Without a doubt, the observations of one outside our mileu, dare I say foreign, is to be seriously noted and ruminated upon.

Observations:

Do not imbibe/embrace the ruminations of the MSM. (I like that, given my 50+ year deleterious exposure to MSM).

Focus on propositional content vs. Image.

Wow ! Words, the ordering of words into a coherent structure has meaning/significance! Interesting.

Refreshing? Yeow!

Thank God for the input from “the other side”!

Talk about needed!

Oh? Christian involvement/participation in politics: not much said.

Bless you, Prof Trueman!

Discipler Extraordinaire

2010-11-10T02:56:00.000-08:00

The Priesthood of Every Believer is a book which ought to be in the hands of every believer.

Why? Simply because of its simplicity.

Discipleship or the Equipping of every believer IS NOT rocket science.

The Lord gave the initial commission to ordinary men equipped to perform in an extra-ordinary manner.

Granted, in my opinion, they were possessed of extra-ordinary powers limited to that age, but those same powers had nothing to do with discipling/equipping! Disciples are made, not born!

Men and women of every unfolding age are discipled/equipped with Truth and truth is fitted to every unfolding age (aeon-Eph. 2:7 & 3:21).

Undoubtedly, an "immediate" miracle is mind-boggling; but the moral miracle has far more lasting impact!

Granted, in the minds of many, Dawson's approach seems mechanical, and it is. But, this is just the approach applicable to most of humanity. It is only the 15% who chafe at this approach and who, most desperately need just this tool to enable them to minister effectively across the whole scope of humanity.

I, for one, commend Dave Dawson for his willingness to share his experiences and insights relative to Intentional Discipleship. Personally, I have profited from his ministry insights, etc. for the past 40 years.

Thanks, Dave.

As LeRoy used to admonish: DGIWTHH

PS: check out the ministry and materials of ETS-Equipping The Saints

Interesting Devotional

2010-11-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

A Year with God R.P. Nettelhorst

Unlike so many devotionals, this one is not laid out in terms of days of the month, but simply numerically.

Another unique feature is the organization around topics: Hope and Fear, Love and Hate, Perseverance and Quitting, Faith and Doubt, Loyalty and Betrayal, Companionship and Isolation, Mercy and Judgment, Forgiveness and Anger, Joy and Sadness, and Peace and Conflict. Each topical segment begins biblically in Genesis and moves through Malachi selecting passages pertinent to the topic.

The author chose to utilize differing translations throughout the topic.

By and large, I found the comments for each day interesting and often quite stimulating, though I would differ with his observation on the rainbow's original appearance. The take on Ham’s sin was interesting, as well. You will need to purchase or borrow the book to see what he says!

I wondered why the author did not seek to explicate the place of Jesus more directly in his devotional development, given Jesus’ remarks in Luke 24:27.

Maybe the author is leaving that for his next edition?

I would recommend this book.

I received this book as part of the publisher’s blogger review program (BookSneeze).

The Least Among Us

2010-10-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Terrific Moralistic presentation.

Uncomfortable denoting it as objectively Christian, though inference is made to Christian themes, i.e. the title, and the story context: a Seminary where the main character is training for the pastorate (though this is not the true intent of the main character).

As a moralistic presentation I suspect it would comport with Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, and just about every other religious expression on the Pike.

Having personally lived through the era and experienced the bigotry in the North and in the South during that era, I resonated with the main character’s concern in standing against injustice. As a young Naval Flight Cadet in the 50’s, I well recall being tossed off a bus in the South because I chose to sit in the rear of a bus (the front being full).

I well recall the same intense anger sitting in front of Abortion Chambers in the 80’s along with many who never professed the name of Christ yet were abhorred at the injustice of elective abortion.

To label either action as specifically “Christian” is confusing.

I was especially dismayed at the presentation of the Seminary personal. Mercy! Talk about casting a “black eye” on Christianity! Balance might have been suggested by illustrating the same type of injustice in Government Public Schools, within the US Military (I can personally attest to this as well), or within the governmental structure as a whole.

Admittedly, this is the tale of one’s experience within a Seminary context, but balance ought to have been sought given the gross ignorance of today’s generations!

Overall, I would suggest viewing this video as an illustration of what many might label: Common Grace; or what I suggest as evidence of The Creator’s hand in His creation.

Personally, it warmed my heart watching the main character contend with “evil” first hand. To be honest, it brought back a host of flooding memories!

But, I would not suggest, by any stretch of the imagination, this is a Christian presentation.

I received this video as a participant in the BookSneeze review program. My review is not influenced by the publisher.

Couldn’t put it down!

2010-09-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East,
Bryant Wright

From the opening sentence to the end of the book, my attention never waned. Though I believe myself to be well informed on the situation, biblically and historically, the narrative and development was such that I didn’t want to pass quickly over any part!

This is a terrific introduction to the issue and Bryant hits the nail on the head as to the source of the problem. Seeds Of Turmoil is a good introduction to Islam and to the relationships between the three religions of the book.

The unstated assumption behind the book suggests political Zionism is representative of biblical Israel.

I will happily pass this book on to others as an introduction to the problem along with a briefing on Political Zionism and Christian Zionism.

I received this book as part of Thomas Nelson’s blogger’s review program, gratis, and the freedom to post my opinion.

Portrait Of A Man

2010-09-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Patton: the Pursuit of Destiny by Agostino Von Hassell and Ed Breslin,

Have always been intrigued by Patton’s sense of destiny. Reading this volume enabled me to see the impact of his exposure to the scriptures wherein one encounters the message of a sovereign creator working all things after the counsel of His own will.

This bio also lends tremendous credence to the impact of parents and grandparents on the education of a child without the aid of government schools. The pressures Patton faced as it became apparent he wasn’t a product of the government system only attest to the effectiveness of educational warehousing in cloning.

The book does a great service in explaining the background and motivations behind the slapping incidents.

It is a shame the movie did not follow the biographical material outlined in this volume. Would have been a much better service to the memory of this man!

Patton and Smedley Butler are two terrific leadership role model.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Signs of the Times, Signs of the Timers!

2010-08-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

NUTS.

For over 60+ years I have listened to the Mantra: these are the signs of the times.

Some years back, I began to ask, “…the times of what?”

Most said, “…the end of the world…” But, as I searched the scriptures I failed to find any text supporting that assertion.

Others responded, “…the signs of the end…”. To which I queried, “…the end of what..?”

Again, I was met with the assertion: the end of the world.

Others said, “…the last days…”, to which I responded, “…the last days of what…?”
Still others asserted “the end”, to which I responded, “…end of what…?”

Never in all these years have I heard any of the “…this is a sign of the end…” proponents admit to their assertions being wrong. Most egregious among these “prophets” ( in my opinion) being John Walvoord, Hal Lindsey, and Jack van Impe. (I could also include John Hagee: ).

It does appear most of the aforementioned have made good money via book sales based upon their assertions and the religious community’s credulity. (To their detriment, they neglected to give heed to the Apostolic admonitions to “test the spirits” ( 1 John 4:1) and (2 Timothy 2:15). My hope is they used this income to further the kingdom’s advance!

These men ought to be eternally grateful we are no longer are bound to Deuteronomy 13 & 18!

Against all of these “end times proponents”, I find myself bound by Ephesians 3:20, 21.

When will the saints learn assertions are not arguments?

When will they learn assertions by godly men are no more valid than assertions by the ungodly?

Sincerity is not the standard, truth is! (Isaiah 8:20 & 2 Timothy 2:15).

How much damage has been done to earnest saints led astray by such assertions?

How much fodder has been provided to the like of Dawkins and Hitchens?

Crooked Sticks

2010-07-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of the many faceted ways in which the Creator God confounds saints and sinners alike is the manner in which He effects His purposes.

In retrospect we discern He has been writing with “crooked sticks”.

Whenever we begin to suspect this, we respond as the prophet Habakkuk in Hab. 1:13…”thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil…”

Let me share my outline of the Minor prophet Habakkuk: Chapter 1-NO! Chapter 2-OH! Chapter 3-AH!

Poor Habakkuk.

He forgot God operated outside the prophet’s frame of reference.

What was evil for the prophet was not evil for the Creator God. (do you presume to hold God to a standard?

Forgive the analogy…but every time I found it necessary to physically discipline one of our children I suspected they thought it “evil”. Years later, they generally recognized it as “good”. Just as David in Psalm 119:71 & 75.

Crooked Sticks abound today!

‘Course, they have always abounded throughout history.

This is the manner of God’s working with a fallen race! At the moment, we are experiencing a close proximity to what God “experiences”, i.e. almost instantaneous awareness of current events! YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, etc. The experience is almost overwhelming…frustrating…confusing.

Add to that the modus operandi of Government in terms of propaganda and confusion and the effect multiplies exponentially.

Whither shall one turn? Who does one trust?

Isaiah advised us and did the Apostle Paul.

Thank God for the doctrine of His Sovereignty

Thank God For the Whistleblowers

2010-07-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Is it plausible a manifestation of the Common Grace of God in our time is the presence and conduct of governmental Whistleblowers?

Personally, I think so!

To me, each of these whistleblowers manifests the Shamgar spirit.

They are part and parcel of what A J Nock referred to as The Remnant.

Thank God such men and women exist, for their very presence or potential presence puts the fear of God in the psyche of those within Government.

We are all familiar with Lord Acton’s comment “Power tends to corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. We tend to assign this phenomenon to the larger entity, but it most certainly applies to someone in every governmental level.

Who among us hasn’t been treated as a serf by some local bureaucrat? The bureaucrat hides behind the euphemism of “public servant” when, in point of fact they rapidly become petty tyrants.

What do they fear, at all levels of “public service”?

Why, the Whistleblower!

Duh.

God, in His infinite goodness, insures there is one or more Shamgars at every level. Men and women possessed with clarity of thought and vision, coupled with a sensitive conscience and who finally say, “Enough is enough” and blow the whistle.

The “systems’ “ response? Ignore them. Ridicule and stigmatize them, circle the wagons and fight them, attempting to bludgeon them into submission. Failing in the latter, they kill them. Eric Hoffer let us know this is the only effective means of dealing with a “True Believer”.

So, for my part, I thank God for the whistleblower, adding him or her to my personal prayer list and pray that, if I am ever faced with a similar decision I would not draw back!

For Shame

2010-07-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

Why am I surprised?

Time and again, our government conducts itself in the most shameful of manners.

Recall the Tuskegee Experiments?

Recall Agent Orange?

Recall Depleted Uranium?

Recall Exon Valdez?

Recall the BP use of chemical dispersants?

At this point, we have reached a new low. It seems as if BP and the Government have hit upon a new strategy to hide their ineptitude: slave labor.

To me, this is a significant step lower than the use of "coerced informants" to obtain convictions.

By using "slave labor", the government will be able to hide from the public the deleterious effects of the dispersant upon humans, let alone the aquatic and avian populations.

Will we ever say, "Enough is Enough?"

Patrick Henry said it best: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death!"

A concept foreign to our recent past and current generation.

Talk About Contrast

2010-07-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, BP and our government have seemingly destroyed our Gulf environment.

Thankfully, God IS sovereign and man will not ultimately screw up creation.

In terms of the immediate, it certainly looks bleak.

For me, personally, I am appalled at the concern for the wildlife in the Gulf area (though, by no means do I suggest we ought not to be concerned). But, for a nation which kills without conscience more than a million humans annually via abortion, I simply cannot rouse myself to save a Pelican or Porpoise!

I am concerned for the inhabitants of the Gulf area whose livelihoods are being callously ignored by our government, irrespective of their public pronouncements.

Maybe, God in His sovereignty, is moving to provoke our populace to rise up in indignation (maybe righteous indignation), and take back their government.

For far too long, we have allowed our politicians free reign such that they have forgotten they are accountable representatives versus our rulers!

In my lifetime, “Public Servant” has become an oxymoron!

The Heart Mender

2010-06-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Up front this is a review resulting from the BookSneeze program of Thomas Nelson Publishers. The review represents my personal opinion, unsolicited in terms of outcome resulting from the gratuitous provision of the book.

Personally, I love historical fiction, ala Leon Uris, Tom Clancy, et al.

This story brought back memories of the Gulf Coast, along with smells and sounds! Wow.

As a history buff I was well acquainted with the operations of the Kriegsmarine in the Gulf, having lived in Pensacola, FL and Morehead City, NC.

But, is the bulk of it really built of facts other than what was found in the buried vegetable can and WW II archival history of the Kriegsmarine operations in the Gulf?

The plot does offer a heartwarming story of the power of forgiveness and the restoration of lives damaged by the ravages of war. The role of Danny in the story graphically illustrates the value of "the weakest of these" in our culture.

The fact that a particular enemy submariner, ended up on the coast of Alabama and was assimilated into the culture does not strike me as strange and speaks volumes to the character of the citizenry in that part of the nation.

Once I began reading, I couldn't put it down until the last page!

Thank you, Mr. Andrews. I loved this work and look forward to reading more!

PS: visit his site

Household Evangelism?

2010-06-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

This link is almost sufficient to convert me, subjectively:

http://suzannemosley.blogspot.com/

It also blesses my heart as well us evinces Kudos to Awana

What's In An Example?

2010-06-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Forty-Five years ago it was my good fortune to meet band of godly, disciplined believers who instilled in me three fundamental disciplines of the Christian life:

1) Daily devotional life
2) Disciplined Bible reading
3) Systematic Bible study

At the time, the disciplines seemed awesome, but their example was motivating and whet my appetite and I purposed to develop those disciplines.

Now, 45+ years later, I have read through the Bible probably 70 times, memorized umpteen thousands of verses, and studied my way through the New Testament, all the Prophets, most of the Pentateuch, and many of the historical books.

All of which to say: Thank God for Example (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Their Lives were the means God used.

Hopefully, my life carries the same weight.

How about yours?

Plan B

2010-04-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? (Paperback)

I received this book as part of Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

Author Wilson’s style is engaging and down to earth. His weaving of biblical scenarios, personal experience, and the experiences of others who have experienced God’s Plan B brought to mind experiences in my own life and that of others. It was a refreshing reminder of God’s sovereignty and providence.

What we call Plan B is really Plan A discovered to us in accord with God’s timetable. Our struggle occurs as we labor to make peace with the plan. We are like Job wrestling with events, wanting to argue with God, convinced we know better. At such moments, we need a friend to come alongside and remind us to “…let the peace of God rule in our hearts…” so that we might come to know the will of God as “…good, acceptable, and perfect…”.

Wilson has done us a service crafting this anecdotal reminder, undergirded with biblical example. I highly recommend this one.

The End of the World?

2010-04-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Will the World End in 2012? by Raymond C. Hundley, Ph.D.

Yeow!

In fact, double Yeow!!

Reading Will The World End In 2012 was an interesting and somewhat enlightening experience til I came across the author’s reference to Mr. Van Impe as a “respected Bible teacher”. What? How often must a man be wrong before he loses the title “respected Bible teacher”, at least in the area of eschatology? Mr. Van Impe may have much of the Bible committed to memory (a fact which makes me somewhat envious ), but his interpretations are way out in left field. Seems he turned right at third base!

Dr. Hundley reviews ten end time scenarios. Some I had never heard of, so the exposure was helpful, especially the chapter on CERN, the super collider. The remainder I had heard of and had dismissed as of little value.

I must admit, I am one of the blogger reviewers, receiving the book, Gratis, and am also a Christian persuaded by the scriptures that this old planet will continue, “…world without end…”, or eon after eon until such time as The Creator determines to destroy it (if ever?).

I would not recommend this book.

Theology & Politics

2010-04-06T12:05:00.001-07:00

Theology-crippling or freeing!

As one who has traversed the theological landscape from Classical Arminianism to Classical Reformed over the past 50+ years I consider myself as one informed, though, by no means, an expert/authority.

After close on to 50+ years of evangelical reading/thinking I find myself further removed than my position in 1964!

Where, at the moment, does that leave me?

In left field, our outside the ballpark?

The latter position is my bottom-line supposition.

While, at the moment, historically, I can appreciate the advances of The Church, my suspicion is, we have lost the bubble.

Today, we are more closely aligned with corporate America than the suggestions within the Bible.

Theocracy?

Biblical Anarchy?

The two poles!

The former, IMHO, represents the plan of God for spiritual infants.

The latter for biblically informed and equipped NC believers

I can hear the disclaimers…it won’t work, etc.

Well, irrespective of one’s theological perspective…

It may well work….

Lordship and Free Grace

2010-04-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Personally, my battle with this issue came well before the Hodges-MacArthur encounter back in the 90s.

I came to saving faith in Christ’s finished work while an incarcerated teen in the 50s.

Jesus was presented to me, in His gospel, as God and Savior; as one who objectively procured my salvation aside from any action on my part.

I was dead in trespasses and sin. Unable to respond. Spiritually dead.

Jesus was proclaimed to me as Savior, one who had paid the price of my transgressions without any action on my part.

The fruit of His work was presented to me as a gift.

Concurrent with this objective propositional presentation, I was privileged to see these truths lived out in the life of one Jim Larsen, chief/senior counselor on The Victory Farm in Ortonville, MN in the 1950s.

Unfortunately, no data is available on the web regarding this ministry.

My spiritual eyes were opened. I not only understood, but willingly accepted the offer. (Acts 16:14).

Quite honestly, I went to bed one evening, hating God; and awoke next morning, believing.

I believed; I trusted in what was proffered.

In retrospect, my belief and trust were one in the same!

At that moment, in the economy of God, I passed from death to life: from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light all during which I was a passive recipient.

Since that day, it has been one battle after another.

I am not what I once was, nor am I what I hope to be:

But what I am, I am by grace, and when I se Him face to face

I shall be like Him, perfectly.

Such is the awesome power of Grace.

New Covenant Thoughts

2010-04-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

A New Covenant Perspective.

For quite some time, now, I have been wrestling with my understanding of The New Covenant.

For some. The New Covenant is reserved for Israel, later.

For some, it is the Old Covenant under a new administration.

For others, it is New, but….?

As I have wrestled with the issue, it seems to me the Old Covenant represented God’s dealing with “infants”, whereas the New represents His relationship with spiritual adults.

Under the Old Covenant, God dealt with His people via detailed and explicit rules.

Under the New, God deals with us as Adults: few rules and ample latitude.

Just as Jesus said in The Sermon on the Mount, “…but, I say unto you…”, so too in the New Covenant does the Lord Jesus raise the bar of conduct so as to address “attitude” vs conduct: the heart vs. the external behavior.

Somehow, IMHO, the New Covenant is the ideal arena in which the saints, living as Salt and Light, can have a Leavening influence.

The Lord Jesus does not describe for us what the “loaf” will look like, having been “leavened”!

He only assures us, the lump will be leavened!

On our part, we earnestly desire to describe/prescribe what the loaf will look like!

On His part, he only assures us the lump will be leavened!

And all glory will accrue to Him!

Hallelujah

‘Nuff said

A Century Turns

2010-04-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears, by William Bennett. Thomas Nelson.

I am reviewing the book as a participant in the publisher’s blogger review program. This is my first venture into the history genre, generally opting for theology, culture, etc.

The book is extremely well written, holding one’s attention throughout. Having lived through the era, it served well in terms of maintaining a sense of chronology. I have not read the previous two volumes, but do intend to add them to my library given the accuracy of their chronology.

Born in a Democratic state (MN) and initially nursed at that udder, the book was a helpful reminder of the numerous issues, incidents, promises and political personalities which drove me from my roots. (Another reason the first two volumes will be helpful!)

My initial take on the book is it is simply a condensed re-telling of the neocon propaganda promulgated during the time frame chronicled. Mr. Bennett is a significant figure in that circle (made readily apparent throughout the narrative in the endnotes—in fact, I began to wonder just who was being promoted?).

The glossing over of the administration’s errors (WMD, our government’s involvement in Iraq’s use of chemical weapons against the Kurds, our encouragement of Iraq’s war against Iran after our humiliation in the hostage incident, the ad hominem attack on Joe Wilson and the Valerie Plame affair, etc…the list goes on!) was simply a rehash of what I observed as those particular events unfolded.

FWIW, IMHO, Mr. Bennett confuses Nationalism and Patriotism. But, I would defend to the death his right to his opinion. My suspicion being, he would not hold the same conviction, given his observation relative to the Dixie Chicks. We seem to be in a new era where dissenting opinion is immediately categorized as either hate speech or unpatriotic.

Yet, I would recommend one buy the book.

Read it.

Then read something by Mark Twain relative to our nation’s demonstrable aspirations following the Spanish-American War up to our current AfPak adventure.

One final surprise, but given Mr. Bennett’s neocon persuasion and commitment to large government I should not have been, is the complete absence of any reference to the role of Ron Paul in the 2008 debates! Telling, to be sure.

Living in the Millisecond Age

2010-03-13T09:41:00.000-08:00

Time was when one had time to reflect and the suggestion, “…Let me think on that…” meant a distinct period of future time.

Not so, today.

We now live in the ultra-fast lane of intimidating milli-seconds.

At our disposal lies Google, Wiki, Twitter, Facebook, etc….what need is there for reflection?

Reflection…what’s the matter with you?

Millennia ago a wisdom writer suggested, “…the heart of the righteous thinks before it speaks…”. Not so today!

Today we have the wisdom of the ages at our fingertips!

So, our “fingertips” make decisions and lo, and behold we find ourselves in a “world of hurt”;’ thank you Bernanke, Geitner, et al!

One wisdom writer also suggested, “…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…:”

Would this mentality reigned in our Beltway and among our Elite!

Sadly, this does not seem to be the case. To our beltway Elite we are sheep: to be led, to be led to the shearing, and eventually to the slaughter.

Yeow.

One day, hopefully, some one will read The Politics of Obedience

In terms of Freedom...they do allow us to bleat just prior to the release of their guillotine

Maybe, Maybe Not

2010-02-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Additional comments on The Voice New Testament.

Bottom line: it is still a good read so long as you ignore the commentary in italics within the body of the text. (I still content this will lead to confusion for those new to the Bible. Still, God is sovereign and salvation is His work, not ours.

But, the italicized commentary is potentially confusing to the new Christian as well.

Finished Mark and well into Luke.

Love the fact they translate oikoumene as Roman Empire versus world! Talk about clarity!

But, the translations of "egeirow" in 1 Cor. 15:15, 16, 29, and 42 drive me up the wall. Sigh.

Still reading...

sic et non

2010-01-27T07:32:00.000-08:00

The Voice New Testament

“The Voice™ is the product of the best minds in this emerging generation of Christian leaders.” (So notes Amamzon.com in their Editorial review section.)

Have to admit I am a latecomer to this series, now completed as The Voice New Testament.

The editorial review comment on Amazon.com states The Voice to be a new translation of the dynamic equivalent philosophy.

Having received my copy yesterday, I read through Matthew, portions of John, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians. Hebrews, 2 Timothy, 1 & 2 Peter, 1 John, Jude and The Revelation. My plan will be to continue during my morning reading til completed.

To be sure, it is very readable and I found the screen play dialogue format helpful. The side-bar boxes containing informative data are also helpful. Commentary within the context of the passages can be helpful, but also subject to mis-leading, i.e. the reader thinking it to be actually part of the text!

Couple of things bumming me out at this point: changing a noun into a verb in 2 Tim. 4:7. The Voice reads, in part, “…I have kept believing…” when the text says Paul “…kept the faith… (NASB, NIV, ESV, and a host of others).

I understand the concern for gender but fail to grasp why “brothers” in 1 John is translated “brothers and sisters” in most places, and “fathers” is translated as “fathers and mothers”, yet children is not translated as “boys and girls” nor is “young men” translated as “young men and women”. Hey, let’s be consistent in our gender inclusively!

In Matthew: I can’t seem to recall anywhere in the Greek text where John is ever called the teacher or teacher and prophet? Also the sidebar comment about Mary never having kissed a man caught me off guard. How is this ever known? Yeow!

Still, for reading I would class this with The Message, a good read but one to avoid when one is interested in studying the text.

Governmental Compassion

2010-01-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Now, there’s an oxymoron!

A gun to the head of one who seemingly “has”, and the “gunner’s” handout to the one who has not!

The only one who really benefits is the “gunner”: he takes what is yours, gives it to another in need and is thought to be The savior.

In the end, the government gains more power and the “robbed” is rendered more powerless.

We hide such tyranny under the euphemism of “Compassionate Conservatism”.

Give me a break!

Odds are, if the governmental tyrants would leave us, those in need would benefit to a greater extent and experience real compassion.

Duh?

2010-01-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

Re-stating the obvious in an engaging and entertaining manner is both an art and a science. In each case, Andy Stanley, IMHO, is a Master Craftsman.

Direction Determines Destination.

Duh?

D³ must be written on our given the Imagio Dei (image of God). Still, time and again we lean on the corrupted heart inherited from Adam rather than disciplines ourselves to orient our lives in harmony with God’s word.

Andy’s use of personal “failings’ and other life experiences seasoned with “salt” and relating to D³ serve to help us say, “Hey, wait a minute! I did that very thing!” or “That’s exactly where I am at this moment!”

Two of Andy’s observations resonated with me as I read: 1) Not being on a Truth Quest and, 2) What you won’t know. The latter observation reminded me of the Apostle Peter’s observation in 2 Peter 3:5 about being “willingly ignorant”. Once that fatal decision is made, the Truth Quest is impossible.

Great read and one to periodically utilize as a refresher for the typical mistakes we tend to make when initially charting a “direction”.

Snuff

2009-12-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

When ever I hear Copenhagen, I think of snuff. You know, the crap some folk stuff between their cheek and gum to make them look cool.

Me? It always made me want to puke!

But, hey! Every man to his own poison.

But, today, Copenhagen seems to mean open season on the pocketbook of the American taxpayer.

It's not enough our own government delights in fleecing us, now in the person of Mrs. "Stand By Her Man" seeks to open the door to everyone else.

Laslo Tokes: where are you?

Would you believe it?

2009-12-03T14:15:00.001-08:00

Nah!

BDU-you are an alarmest! Go back into your hole!

Yep...sounds like the responses of those in the 1930s to the comments of Adolph, Winston, and Neville!

Yep!

Ecclesiastes 3:15. As the wisdom writer suggested millenia ago...there is nothing new under the sun! Barak, Bush, Clinton simply echo what was asserted/suggested by Xerxes, Ashereus, Nero, et al...adjusted, cosmetically for our era!

The sooner we begin to think principially, the sooner we recognize these clowns for what they say. What they "are", we leave in the hands of the One who knows the heart. For my part, in time, I am left to judge on the basis of words and conduct!

Thankfully, I am able to bring my judgments to a well-tested bar: 2 Cor. 10: 3-5 and Isaiah 8:20.

No longer drifting!

Insidious

2009-12-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

Mercy

It has been months since my last post and in the intervening time frame Fascism has advanced, inexorably!

'Course, it doesn't appear as fascism.

Perish the thought!

In our instance it is our neighbor's assistance via the GUN!

By the GUN, I mean government coercion masked as "voluntarism" backed up by threat!

Again, to the typical believer, that is disguised under an appeal to Romans 13:1ff, although ignoring the implications of the New Covenant!

FWIW, I personally note believers governed by an OC understanding by the distance noted between their calves!

Shamgar! Where art thou?

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2009-08-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Living in the midst of/among “good” people.

The “common grace” of God is evident in humanity (Psalm 145:9).

The stain of Adam’s transgression is extensive, i.e. to every aspect of our being; yet it is not manifest to the same degree in every creature.

In fact, only within a very few does it manifest itself in the totality of its horror! The impact of a Hitler and a Freud needs the evaluation of time. 6 million in the 1940s vs untold millions since the 1900s!

Most of humanity is “good”, since the Imagio Dei manifests “goodness’. Nature is not raw in tooth and claw…

This reality serves to confuse those who are not instructed in and committed to the supremacy of scripture (Isaiah 8:20 & 2 Tim. 2:15).

This confusion often leads to the endorsement and/or acceptance on the part of the believing community of individuals and/or ideologies masked behind the “goodness” of certain individuals.

Case in point: Teddy Kennedy.

His kids love him. In their eyes he was a good father. To listen to the testimonies of those in Massachusetts, everyone loved him.

But, why did they love him and at whose expense?

To the degree Sen. Kennedy “loved” his kids and friends at his own expense, his love is commendable.

To the degree his “love” was at my expense, i.e. any taxpayer, his “love” is to be abhorred.

Robin Hood is a thief, regardless of generation or garb.

When, oh when, will we wake up

Frogs: the kettle IS boiling!

Wassup?

2009-08-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Wassup?

Wa happened

Of a “sudden”, times have changed, or as Lincoln so aptly suggested, “…the war came…”. Came?

9/11, IMHO was “…the point of the wedge…”. Prior to 9/11, the tyranny of Govt. was a seeming distant threat.

Post 9/11, it is an accepted reality.

But, post 9/11 Govt. is not a “threat”, but rather a security blanket. (Be advised…all a security blanket provides is ‘fabric in the nose’..”)

We are no longer the “…land of the free and the home of the brave…”.

Serfdom has a new cosmetic/new advocates, and as the frog in the boiling kettle, we are comfortable.

Animal Farm has come to pass. Some Pigs are more equal than other pigs.

The power of Words

2009-06-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Officially, the journey begins!

Yesterday, Jeff and Brooke officially began a journey which, in actuality began years ago.

Yesterday they sealed their commitment to one another in the presence of God and before their friends and family.

Jeff and Brooke took Vows.

For far too many folk today, Vows are words without meaning; without an associated commitment.

It is my distinct pleasure to recognize and know, in the case of these two individuals, words have meaning and power. They have Vowed before God and their friends and family to love and honor one another “…til death they do part…”.

There is something in the marrow of my being which tells me, in the case of these two, their“yes” will; be “yes”, regardless.

Some words do have power.

Sigh

2009-06-21T05:03:00.001-07:00

Another holiday catches me off guard!

Father's Day.

Since when do we need to be rewarded with a Day for simply doing what one is supposed to do?

Give me a break!

I was taught from my earliest days that living up to one's responsibilities was to be expected, not rewarded.

We reward/acknowledge the unusual demonstrations of personal responsibility.

Sigh.

Finally

2009-06-10T10:47:00.001-07:00

For months I have been plagued with locating a John Stott citation on a March 18 blog.

A few moments ago, Eureka! Or, in the phrase of CCC back in the 70s, "I Found It"!

Christian Mission In The Modern World. Page 17 in the 1974 edition.

Now my mind can rest easy!

Good Advice To Readers

2009-04-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

“We need intimate knowledge of the past… something to set against the present, to remind us that the basic assumptions have been quite different in different periods. A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village… and is in some degree immune from the great cataract of nonsense that pours from the press.” C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, seventh edition, 1977), pp. 50-51.

“It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between,” he noted. “The only palliative is to keep the clean sea breeze of history blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books.” http://www.doggieheadtilt.com/immunization-shots/

An unholy hole!

2009-04-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Hole In Our Gospel, Richard Stearns, Thomas Nelson.

The President of World Vision has written a mind-gripping, heart-engaging story of the staggering need among the poor of the world. He has also reminded us of God’s sovereign preparation of a servant to lead an organization raised up to address such needs.

God delights in taking the least of these to confound the mighty, while at the same time enlisting the mighty to minister to the least.

It was refreshing to read this book without being subjected to manipulation via the use of guilt and pity. The facts speak for themselves.

Oft times we are simply staggered by the magnitude of the challenge in comparison of what little we might be able to do! The stories relating the impact of “…a cup of water in Jesus’ name…” immediately illustrate what can be done with even the widow’s mite.

I especially appreciated the absence of a Utopian scheme. This is not to diminish the imperative to serve, but to enable us to maintain our balance. The poor will always be with us…to serve as a thorn in our flesh!

As I neared the end of the book I thought, “Lord, we need a Lazarus laid at the feet of each of us!”

Ministries like World Vision are far more effective than governmental programs and surely deserve our support.

Valuable Tool

2009-03-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Christianity In Crisis-21st Century.

Much needed tool for the believer. I give it five stars.

Not having read the earlier edition, I did not find this current volume too large. The bibliography, chapter notes, scripture index, and numerous mnemonic devices make it a terrific resource for personal use along as well as assisting others subjected to this sort of theologically dangerous pap.

Hanegraaff is to be commended for his perseverance in documenting in reasonable detail this material. For over forty years now, I haven’t had the stomach to endure listening to these supposed teachers for more than a few minutes without experiencing a driving need to regurgitate. Yet their tribe continues to increase! Might this not be a commentary on the state of Bible teaching in our churches, along with the absence of equipping the saint to study their Bible?

For those grounded in the word of God correctly handled, the patent foolishness of these teachers is readily apparent. Sad to say, far too many are not adequately grounded nor handling the text correctly; hence they are susceptible to the “spin” and twisting of these false teachers. It is here the Acronyms Hanegraaff presents are so helpful.

Eliphaz the Temanite condemned Job on the basis of what Job had said: surely Hanegraaff has demonstrated a similar indictment of these false teachers.

Kudos to Hanegraaff and his team. May their tribe increase!

Love Worth The Wait

2009-03-18T16:51:00.001-07:00

Sometime in the near future a book will appear with the above title.

The Author will be Sandy Weyeneth.

When it does, snatch it up.

It will be a terrific resource for singles trusting God for their future partner!

It is the personal chronicle of some friends of mine who believed God for their future and were willing to trust Him and His word!

By no stretcgh of the imagination am I a romantic, but this tale gripped me. It even brought tears to my eyes!

As an FYI, it will be a terrific, pragmatic resource.

My Daily Jericho

2009-03-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

This morning, during my devotions and reading of Israel's encounter with Jericho, the thought struck me: daily I am encountering some sort of "Jericho".

Am I compassing the city by faith, or am I, as Achen, one prone to secretly apporpriate what seems to be a treasure, only to hide it in my tent?

How much easier, seemingly, is it to walk by sight versus faith?

Life's Direction

2009-03-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

For far too many of us, our propensity has been toward an "immediate" encounter with God relative to life's directions.

We desire a "burning bush" or a "Damascus road" experience!

Granted, those were the will of God for those specific individuals!

But, are they the normative experience for you and me in the age of the New Covenant?

Not hardly, IMHO.

On our part, we rebel against the "mediated" experience!

In the "flesh" we argue, "...if God met with Abraham, immediately...why not with me?..."

Simple enough: we have "...the perfect..." (1 Cor. 13:10).

We have "...the mind of Christ...: (1 Cor. 2:16)

This, then, ought to be more precious to us than any subjective "experience" (2 Peter 1:16-21).

The "inscripturated word" is objective; though the interpretations are often subjective!

Still, bottom line: God expects us to live on the basis of what has been objectively revealed versus subjectively experienced!

2 Tim. 2:15 & 3:16, 17

He expects us, as Adult children, to wrestle with The Word

Just as our salvation is grounded in the objective work if Christ, so too is our sanctification to be grounded in His objective revelation. (John 6:63 and 17:17).

Rather than be children of an Old Covenant, let us grow up as children of The New.

Life

2009-03-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

I believe it was John Stott who said:

"...Life is a pilgrimage of learning, a voyage of discovery in which our mistaken views are corrected, our distorted notions adjusted, our shallow opinions deepened, and some of our vast ignorances diminished..."

For the life of me, I have been unable to ascertain the source in the midst of the 1000s on hard copies in my library!

Somehow, my library program was corrupted and I am crippled.

Yeow!

Still, it is an apt metaphor for life!

bob

Haunting

2009-03-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Daisy Chain

For certain, I’ll be visiting Defiance TX again! The ring of true to life circumstances and characters with theology always in the background. Loved the metaphor of life as a winding path bounded by two deep ditches on either side; one being our full-fisted rebellion and the other our response to someone else’s rebellion! Only put the book down once! Bring on volume 2!

Sinners In The Hands of An Angry Church

2009-03-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry Church by Dean Merrill, 183p, Zondervan (1997)

Merrill does terrific service in illustrating the manner in which the Evangelical community of the decade of the 90s put confidence in an Old Covenant model of relying on Law to manage society. The decade since publication only serves to magnify the illustrations!

Without question, Evangelicals appear to have lost confidence in the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16,17) as well as the New Covenant ethical focus on the heart.

The Old Covenant focused on external behavior with centuries of divinely inspired evidence as to the failure of such focus.

Paul tells us The Law was a schoolmaster in God’s program with Old Covenant Israel with the express purpose of pointing them to Christ (Gal. 3:24). Now that Christ has come, The Law no longer serves that purpose.

Early in His ministry, Jesus would say, “…but, I say unto you…” (Matt. 5) laying the initial groundwork for the coming New Covenant in which His saints would live lives functioning as illuminators and preservers with a leavening influence, so manifesting the power of the Gospel.

Spurgeon said it best:

“…To attempt national regeneration without personal regeneration is to dream of erecting a house without separate bricks….” (“One Lost Sheep,” No. 2083, MTP 35 (1889), 310.)

“…The practical point is, brothers and sisters, since we want to do good, let us preach up our Lord Jesus Christ as the sovereign balm for every sinner’s wound. If you want to be philanthropists, be Christians. If you would bless your fellow-men with the best of all blessings, convey to them the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Do not believe that there is anything you can do for your children which will be more effectual than teaching them about Jesus. Do not think that anything in the workshop can soften the vulgarities, silence the blasphemies, and end the profanities of your fellow workmen, like setting Jesus Christ before them.… Oh, let us keep on with the subject of Christ crucified! Whatever there is not in our shop window, let us always have Christ as the chief article of our heavenly commerce. Whatever there may lack of grace and beauty in our speech, and our outward appearance, may there be no lack of Jesus Christ, set forth among the sons of men; for “men shall be blessed in him,” and not without him. (Jesus: ‘All Blessing and All Blest,’” No. 2187, MTP 37 (1891), 92–93.)

The thesis of the book seems best expressed in James’ admonition in James 1:20 “…for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God…”

The Great Eight

2009-02-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

Scott Hamilton’s The Great Eight was a pure joy to read.

Two one-liners, alone, are worth the price of the book, if they lodge in one’s psyche:

“…The only true disability is a bad attitude…”. Immediately a Proverb popped into my mind, “

…^NIVProverbs 18:14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

“…the longest distance between two points is a shortcut…”.

How many of us in life wander along with a bad attitude while casting about for the nearest shortcut only to end up mired in a deeper mess than when we started!

Certainly there are those in life encumbered with greater handicaps than Scott and who triumphed. But, there are scores of men and women with far lesser burdens, save the burden of the bad attitude and a shortcut mentality.

Take Scott’s advice on these two!

But best of all, to this reviewer, was Scott’s willingness to express the one decision which not only gave meaning to everything else, but enabled him to bring everything into a laser focus: his encounter with the Creator of the Universe in the person of Jesus Christ.

Reflect on Scott’s encounter with the Ruler of all, Jesus of Nazareth!

Yeow

2009-02-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

I laddered my umpteenth Bible this evening rather than listen to the President's news conference.

Far more satisfying, intellectually!

Took me approximately 40 minutes and I could assess my product.

The same cannot be said for O'B's effort.

Smoke, mirrors, and "feel good' seemed to be the order of the evening.

Been there, heard that, still not impressed!

Thank God, my focus is on another Kingdom, another Savior, and another worldview.

Politics, as usual is Promises, Promises, Promises til the audience forgets!

Would to God the gospel of Christ reigned in politics!

Would to God the average citizen would read "The Politics of Obedience"!

One can hope.......

Book Review

2009-01-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Why Men Hate Going To Church

In the good providence of God, I came across this book while browsing a discount book rack! (Am always on the lookout for book bargains!)

David Murrow is the author and offers profitable insights.

Having read Ann Douglas’ work back in the 70s, the feminization of our culture has been more than apparent to me, thanks to her insights!

Typically, the church is a day late and a dollar short on most issues, irrespective of the pontifications from her institutions of higher learning!

I have learned the esoteric is always generations behind the pragmatic!

Thankfully, the pragmatic surfaces issues, concerns overlooked, even ignored by the esoteric who seem to be persuaded as to the ignorance of the hoi poloi. Somehow there is a ring of Acts 4:13 in that mind-set, even John 7:15.

Then, again, in the good providence of God the esoteric have a “Duh” moment, and begin to consider. Hallelujah.

Though not personally numbered among the esoteric, I am well acquainted with the experience! Fact is, I have a sloping forehead which I often attribute to the realization of this reality!

Back to Murrow’s observations:

The church has been feminized.

Men are turned off.

Men are from Mars! Make peace with it!

In our approach to me, we need appeal to their Mars side so as to attract.

Having attracted and retained, we then begin to suggest God also designed the Venus side as a balance.

Yes, in the design of God, women balance, i.e. civilize men; yet, the feminine aspects, IMHO, are part of the DNA of men, though significantly attenuated. For each of us, male or female, there are two sides to our “coin” of humanity.

I find it significant that Jesus, in the initial phases of His ministry recruited and began to develop young men, probably in their early twenties. Only years later did He recruit a Paul.

When will we, i. e. church leadership learn to employ, in principle the methodology of Jesus?

He went after Men, while at the same time employing Women.

Duh!

In military terms, though I am 40+ years since my professional involvement with the Military.

Men represent what was referred to as the FEBA, i.e. the Forward Edge of the Battle Area. Men are designed by God to be warriors, risk takers, challengers, etc.

But, and this is what is often forgotten, the FEBA is crippled and rendered ineffective without the support, encouragement of the Supporting Establishment.

This is not to suggest the Supporting establishment is “second class”, heaven forbid!

Without the Support establishment, the FEBA would be wiped out! Each troop in the FEBA can carry only so much ammo, so much food, etc.!

God has designed the advance of the kingdom to be a Team effort, i.e. Men and Women, with neither in the ascendancy, but each supportive and appreciative of the other!

Hey, isn’t that the hallmark of teamwork?

Duh!

More later as I continue to mull over Murrow’s observations.

Certainly, some of them irritate the snot out of me, prompting me to ask myself, “Why?”

But, given my personal orientation, bl3t, I am driven to reflection.

In the midst of seeming chaos

2009-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 26:3

What a word for saints in these times!

What a word for me!

One of my “failings” is in an attempt to keep abreast of what is happening. ‘Course, the assessments are generally from those of an “alien” worldview, whether Christian or non-Christian.

Such readings tend to discourage, til one is drawn back to Isaiah 26:3.

The prophet was speaking to a demonstrably rebellious nation who, time and time again, ignored and spurned the admonitions of God.

Finally, the hammer fell, and Wow!, did it ever fall!

Still, God was in control effecting all things in accord with His sovereign plan.

And, as the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “everything is beautiful in his time”.

My problem is looking at this chaos in terms of my ‘time”. From my “time”, it ain’t so beautiful!

And, aye, there’s the rub!

Isaiah 26:4 tends to re-focus one’s attention.

Chaos? Humanly speaking, sure.

But, in terms of God’s overall scheme of things, “everything is beautiful in its time”.

As Jesus inquired of Mary, "believest thou this"

To Be Or Not To Be

2009-01-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

When I finished Well‘s book The Courage To Be Protestant, I was convinced the overriding thesis of the book was contained in the verb “to be”.

Today’s typical church member, professing believer is primarily concerned with image versus substance.

In the days when I was discipled, the focus was on 1) Know, 2) Be, and then 3) Do.

Know the truth of scripture and apply it to your life so as to

Be the type of person God designed you to be and then allow Him to engineer circumstances in which you can

Do what is the proper manifestation of one living as Salt & Light with a Leavening influence.

Sadly, today’s believing community focuses on Doing, and most often, doing which draws attention to the Do-er, creating an image.

One of these days, Deo Volenti, we will return to the other pattern.

Know

The Courage To Be Protestant

2009-01-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

The Courage To Be Protestant.

Started the book this morning.

Talk about being insightful!

These are the insights which try the Evangelical soul, deep down!

Our initial reaction?

Ignore it.

Next, we will ridicule it.

Sometime later, we will give serious attention to it and, finally, we will say, “Well, this has always been out thought!”

But, between then and now, the Shamgars within the Evangelical Community will take note and heart!

Thankfully, in the good providence of God, the Shamgars always know when something stinks, irrespective of the ruling mindset!

They may be “unlearned and ignorant” but, generally they have learned to “correctly handle the word of truth”.

More importantly, they have learned the central issue, yea, the crucial issue is “equipping the saints for the work of ministry”.

The church has never lacked for clergy! Sigh.

Nor has she lacked for organizational genius.

It has consistently lacked an equipped “insurgent force”!

Forgive me, but I, personally liken an “insurgent force” to the biblical example of “leaven”.

Genius and organization will not will the day.

Leaven (committed and equipped insurgents) will!

Are you a Shamgar? If not, why not?

Sovereignty

2009-01-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

Being as one committed to the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men, my daily battle is with present circumstances in the light of His sovereignty.

All around me, the center seems to be unfolding and I want to scream!

But, years of systematic scripture memory continually bring to mind passages relative to God’s control of events and I am forced to face the issue of submission.

Do I really believe this is His World, that He is in control, and all things are working out in accord with His plan?

How I thank God that in His good providence a few good men were instrumental in my life when it came to the practical value of scripture memory!

Little did I realize, then, the untold value this contribution would yield in my later years!

Few are the hours in the day when some passage of scripture doesn’t flash into my conscious mind as it pertains to something I hear, read, or experience, driving me to consider things from God’s perspective!

It is at those moments, I recognize the import of the Apostle Paul’s admonition to “…take every thought captive to Christ…”!

Then I am driven to thank God for the men and women who have taught me personally or through their writings to “correctly handle” the word of truth!

They either taught me directly, or motivated me toward personal Bible study, in a systematic fashion, so as to be able to “correctly handle” the word of truth.

They also taught me to appreciate with a discriminating mind the observations, comments, and writings of every saint who has proceeded me. I am one who is to stand on the shoulders of others, giving them due credit for their contribution.

In listening to them and to the word of God, I come to realize that “…that which has been, is now, and that which is to be has already been…” , in principle.

There is nothing new under the sun. Only the cosmetic changes!

The demand upon me is to understand everything principally, and not cosmetically!

Now, THAT is a challenge!

Inauguration Dues

2009-01-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Mein Gott!

How in heaven's name does this new Chief Executive justify the obscene expenditures of this inaugural?

Change?

There will be no change!

Rhetoric will snooker the masses while the Beltway elite enjoy their moment in the spotlight.

Mercy, how this is reminescent of the days of Rome's circuses!

But, someday...

Someday, the Joe the plumber's will wake up and then...

Time and again, in the good providence of God, a Shamgar is raised up to slay 600 Philistines with an Ox Goad!

Might it be in my lifetime!

Business as usual

2009-01-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Names and faces change on our political landscape, but it continues to be
“business as usual”.

O’Bama trumpeted “Change-We Can”.

We poor folk didn’t inquire as to his meaning of the word change.

As usual, we were captivated by “image”, subject to propaganda, distracted by our disgust with eight years of Dubya, and too lazy to think!

Dubya robbed us of our constitutional anchor, effectively building a police state.

O’Bama will not change what Dubya has wrought.

Instead, he will perfect it, though his rhetoric will dwell on his theme of ”change”.

A rose by any other name…

Patrick Henry spoke of the clanking of chains…

In our day, because of “change”, it is plastic ties!

Hang onto your hats. This economic meltdown may be only the precursor of the days of abject servitude as serfdom is re-instituted.

The more things change, the more they stay the same!

This is the reality of The State!

Get used to it!

Shamgar!

Smedley-

Where are you?

These are the times that try men's souls.

Retribution

2009-01-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Israel will learn the truth of James 2:13, soon.

Those who sow the wind reap the whirlwind.

Chickens always come home to roost

Proportionality

2009-01-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

The Israeli actions against Gaza and Hamas recall to mind Lamech's declaration to his wife!

Growing old is a Beach

2009-01-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

I've lived long enough to have tasted, in principle,the experiences of the writer of Ecclesiastes.

At the same time and in the good providence of God, I have learned a few things:

Early in life I was taught government is my friend.

Early in life, I was taught government was concerned for me and my best interests.

Early in life, I was taught government was the servant of the people.

Early in life, I was taught government was subject to the people.

For far too many years, I simply accepted those teachings believing those who challenged them were ignorant, incorrigible, or irremediable.

But, I was wrong. They were right.

Talk about being PO’ed!

The realization was made more bitter when I recalled much of the education came at the hand of Bible believing Christians!

Slowly I came to recognize that though one believes the Bible; such an one can quite easily be ignorant and incorrect when it comes to what the Bible teaches! Duh!

I strongly suspect there are a host of believers who are easily snookered when a “teacher” passionately asserts, “I believe the Bible”. Sadly, the fault lies with us, not the one making the assertion!

Well, I could say more, but…

My current personal battle is learning to “live under the sun”, immediately, while maintaining an “under the heavens” mindset, ultimately.

Maybe, an old dog can learn something, yet!

An Enemy?

2009-01-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

An Enemy of the State

What can I say?

Outstanding!

My encounter with Murray Rothbard was productive of a much needed paradigm shift.

Not only as it pertained to The State, but as it pertained to my view of The State as an evangelical believer.

Talk about a manifestation of Common Grace! Hallelujah!

Bottom Line: God is Good. His Tender mercies are over all his works.

Murray persuaded me Shamgar was not an anomaly; but a long-term paradigm.

Thank You, Murray!

Odds are, we will meet “on the other side”, and won’t that “frost” a host of folk!

Do I hear a cackle?

An Enemy Of The State

2009-01-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

What can I say?

Outstanding!

My encounter with Murray Rothbard was productive of a much needed paradigm shift.

Not only as it pertained to The State, but as it pertained to my view of The State as an evangelical believer.

Talk about a manifestation of Common Grace! Hallelujah!

Bottom Line: God is Good. His Tender mercies are over all his works.

Murray persuaded me Shamgar was not an anomaly; but a long-term paradigm.

Thank You, Murray!

Odds are, we will meet “on the other side”, and won’t that “frost” a host of folk!

Do I hear a cackle?

For The Tough Times

2009-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

For The Tough Times

Here is a little book designed to correctly focus one’s attention during those times designated as “tough”!

The author suggests God has purposefully designed these tough times in our lives to focus our attention on Him.

Almost sounds like to purpose of the author of Ecclesiastes, eh?

It is so true, during the times of ease and comfort we scarcely think of God, in terms of any ultimacy. Certainly, we mouth our “thank you”, Almost as a “throw away”. But, our focus is on the enjoyment of the blessing.

Then, seemingly “out of the blue”, the bottom drops out and our “whys?” surface with cascading frequency. Surely, this circumstance cannot be the will of God for me! The “abundant life” doesn’t entail something like this!

Tough times are sovereignly designed to remind us of our creatureliness and, more importantly, the marvel and wonder of sustaining grace!

These lessons are seldom learned in times of ease. Why? Someone once declared, “…what we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly…”. Such is reality when it comes to grasping the grace of God in troubling times!

The chapter entitled: God Triumphant, reminded me: He IS; I am derivative and designed for His purpose (generally shielded from my understanding!), and said purpose is to produce mercy in me, versus misery!

The chapter of The Bitter Taste of Revenge was such an impactful reminder of the “high cost of getting even”! Yeow!

In the silence, God speaks…yet, how often do I listen? Sadly, in my experience, too infrequently!

This little booklet is a terrific reminder to focus on Paul’s admonition in Col. 3:1-4.

This is a terrific tool to maintain in one’s discipling quiver!

The Shack

2008-12-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

After a lengthy period of waiting, I finally found time through the good graces of another brother to read, The Shack.

It was a discipline, having read reviews, pro and con, to attempt an unbiased read. Most will probably suggest my failure.

Sigh.

First blush, I loved it!

It was a fictional dream. Job: 33:15-18 God, forbid, the ministry of dreams!

Can God do this?

Does God do this?

Is this the “norm”?

As to the latter, NO!

As to the former, I don’t know.

God can do whatever He likes! But, and If He does, my suspicion is, he will prompt the recipient in the manner in which he provoked The Apostle Paul ( 2 Cor. 12:7-10.) .

As it pertains to each and every attempt of a believing author, I am driven by Isaiah’s admonition: “…Isaiah 8:20 and Matt. 22:29.

Ain't that a beach!

We are left with propositions!

Propositions?

Feelings are so much more substantial, whatever a "...feeling..." is?

Where does God get off with leaving us with propositions, when Moses and the others had visions, dreams, visual manifestations, etc.?

Somehow, I get the idea the "bar' has been raised in terms of The New Covenant?

What gives?

Does this suggest God intends to treat me as an Adult?

Oops!

BraveHearted Gospel

2008-12-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

Reading this book was worthwhile for this singular quotation: “…cultivating ignorance to evade obedience…”

Much of what the author writes falls into the category for me, of, “..take it or leave it..”.

But this quote resonated as I considered my experience of the church and the average saint over the past 50+ years!

How often have we/I heard the mantra, “…ignorance is bliss…”?

Well, ignorance, i.e. wilfull ignorance is personal and culpable responsibility for the believer. (Proverbs 24:11, 12) (Prov. 31: 8, 9)

How I wish the author, IMHO, had a more correct view of the New Covenant.

The issue IS NOT, what would Jesus do: but, what are we to do in a New Covenant context?

Jesus was a son of the Old Covenant.

I am a son of the New.

Correspondingly, our conduct is slightly different.

At the same time, my model: if you will pardon the seeming irreverence: is NOT Jesus.

I am a son of the New Covenant. He was a son of the OLD

Though I greatly admired the example of Paul and Peter, and acknowledge my falling short of their example, still I am a son of the New Covenant which they inaugurated and saw fulfilled; but under which they never truly/fully lived.

History is unfolding in the context of The New Covenant. The “…stone cut out without hands…” destroyed the 4th kingdom and the kingdom of God now reigns!

Our perception of that reign must be captive to the text, versus our interpretation of said texts!

I suspect this post/comment will elicit a measure response.

Yeow.

Yeow!

2008-12-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

What a year!

Personally, I can’t recall an era more confusing than that which we have experienced under Bush II.

IMHO, since 1937, the year of my birth, we have moved from a Republic ( though one being seriously undermined by our oligarch FDR) to a Homeland with nary a concern being expressed by the population at large.

(Homeland)?

Somehow, that brings to mind the teachings of someone named Adolph!

Talk about a testimony to the effectiveness of the NAE!

Time was when education meant something other than indoctrination!

Back in those days, politicians “feared” the electorate!

Ask yourself: today, who fears whom?

Today, the electorate fears the politicians and their henchmen!

Orwell was prescient, to be sure; only 20-30 years off target!

Today, Newspeak dominates.

Definitions are as amorphous as a fart in a tornado!

Sigh.

Still, thank God, the issues are as clear as in the day of Elijah on Carmel ( 1 Kings 18).

Oops…that is, if your epistemology is grounded in “…the word of God, written…”.

How is this for an appeal to disciplined Bible Study?

Given his role as Apostle to the Gentiles and Pioneer of the New Covenant, it behooves us to seriously consider his admonition to the church at Corinth in his second letter, i.e. 2 Cor. 10:3-5.

How equipped are you for this exercise?

2 Tim. 2:15 & 3:16, 17

Word of Promise-Next Generation CD

2008-12-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

Next generation CD

WOW!

Terrific tool!

Loved it!

While listening, I found nothing distracting, neither the actors/readers nor the music. It all seemed to flow naturally!

I especially appreciated the introductory segments! Though I may personally disagree with certain aspects, the whole was well presented and whet one’s appetite to continue.

Candidly, the reading of the text and introductions to each text is the best part.

The supplemental DVD comments tend toward confusion.

My hope is the purchasers will listen first before watching the DVD.

While I readily acknowledge the NexGen is more aurally and visually oriented, one must still contend with the fact God left his revelation in a written format. My opinion is, He expects His saints to read and think.

Listening to the Word spoken is legitimate; but, even so, one must acknowledge the bias of the speaker.

Therefore, it behooves one to read!

In fact, the written Word is far, yea, far more important than personal testimony, etc.

Hopefully, this medium will whet the appetite to read the text of scripture.

Process vs Product

2008-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

It is my contention evangelicalism has lost sight of the value of process in Intentional Discipling.

How so?

Given the proclivity of Western Christianity to programs and efficiency, we have opted to in attempt to “mass produce” disciples via our awesome programs.

If you doubt the awesomeness of these programs, simply visit the plethora of websites devoted to discipleship,

It is staggering.

Instead of being “person” centered, we are “program” centered.

Once we entertain that idea, we lose sight of the biblical teaching of the uniqueness of each individual.

Once we entertain the idea the individual is part of a program to be managed, not someone unique, to be personally ministered to, we lose sight of the individual.

Discipleship, or to use a New Covenant term, equipping the saint, is a life on life process.

It is a mutually accountable relationship where disciple and discipler are committed to one another and God in a life on life experience.

Neither is committed to an agenda, save for adherence to The Faith.

Each is eager to please God and advance The Kingdom. Neither seeks to manipulate the other into a particular mold; but each is confident on God the Spirit and His particular plane which is discovered to them in the process!

THIS is the Joy of New Covenant Equipping.

Sadly, IMHO, this is what has been lost over the past few centuries.

As a result, we have raised up generations of Clones who continue to perpetuate the same old headaches.

To get out of the current malaise, we need to return to our First love and His objective: disciple/equip individuals.

Standing Fast

2008-11-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

Recently, I read a book entitled “Holding Fast”, the gripping story of one’s faith in the midst of trial.

Extremely well written, it seemed lacking in one respect. It lacked a clear articulation of The Faith.

Upon reflection, this seems to be representative of the current religious climate: strong on subjectivity, weak on objectivity.

The Faith is objective.

My experience of The Faith is subjective and reflective of my personal paradigm of understanding, orientation, etc.

This trend away from the objectivity of The Faith has been developing over the past few hundred years til at the moment, the antipathy is bordering on the vicious.

‘Course, we now call the vicious “post-modernism”, but it is vicious nonetheless. Euphemisms do have a way of disarming and confusing things.

It's tolerance warmly embraces the sympathetic while savagely attacking the antithetic and has successfully lobbied to establish the antithetic as “hate crime”.

My personal take is this has come about through ignorance of and the failure to personally embrace The Faith.

What Jude penned in the late first century is still of import in our generation…we are to contend for The Faith.

Are you able to articulate The Faith?

Or are you satisfied to respond with the phrase of the defeatist hymn, “You ask my how I know He lives, He lives within my heart”?

Small wonder we are apologetic pushovers!

The Apostle Paul admonished the saints at Corinth to stand fast in The Faith.

Ezekiel

2008-11-29T04:48:00.000-08:00

Ezekiel, Ezekiel, Ezekiel

For the past two weeks, I have been unable to get this biblical prophet off my mind!

I have awakened every morning thinking of him.

What gives?

He was contemporary with Jeremiah, who was at least 20+ years older.

He was also contemporary with Daniel.

He was born during the reform movement under Josiah, undoubtedly experienced the ministry of Jeremiah, the death of Josiah, the agony of the first deportation to Babylon, and then deportation with Jehoiachin in 597 BC.

All of this by age 25!

After 5 years of captivity among Israelites harboring a false hope of restoration and subject to the ministry of false prophets, Ezekiel, son of Buzi of the family of Priests is visited by God.

Talk about a paradigm shift!

Through his ministry, we are privileged to see God’s utilization of this man as a pedagogical device.

Though we do not see the same words as those of young Mary, we do see the same obedient conduct.

Thoughts cross my mind: am I currently a tool in God's hand?

Am I willing to be a tool in God’s hand in my generation?

Stimulating Read

2008-11-28T05:50:00.000-08:00

Just read Holding Fast.

This is a gripping tale of the triumph in the midst of and over the tragedy told by one who experienced the sustaining power of grace throughout.

It is the story of Karen James

As one reads, he or she begins to feel as if actually present, feeling the anxiety, anticipating the next call, grappling with issues of The Faith albeit in a relatively shallow manner.

The story has so many threads one may persue…

One may revel in the excitement, spirit of daring and measured risk-taking of Kelly James, without such men and women would we have ventured to the Moon or across Australia’s outback? Yet, there are three kids who will continue to venture into their lives without the presence of a Dad, not to neglect Karen herself!

As a believer, these are the very tensions designed by our Sovereign God to be wrestled with during our tenure under the New Covenant.

By no means do I want to cast a shadow on Kelly’s actions/passion; other than to note he is not an exemplar!

Karen’s record is not meant to be a theological treatise. It is an anecdotal testimony of her perception of sustaining grace.

But, again though she is not an exemplar, she is without a doubt to be commended for her fidelity during the trial.

At the same time, one is moved to thank God for the fellowship of the saints in her experience!

Being an ENFJ, I admit to using up a few tissues during the read. But following every resort to tissues, I would have to put the book down and ask myself, aside from my physiological/subjective response, what of theological substance is being presented?

My answer: very little.

Do I, would I recommend the book? Certainly. Every believer’s testimony has value and this is Karen’s.

She is to be commended for sharing with us.

My thanks to her.

Thankful

2008-11-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Apostle Paul admonished us to be thankful.

He also alerted us as to the first step downward in a move from one’s intuitive awareness of God.

In his writings he informs us that those who depart from God and their intuitive awareness are thereby darkened in their understanding. From then on, nothing makes sense, everything is unfair, and they are:”victims”.

Life, for them leads them to Solomon’s conclusion.

But for those who bow beneath the awful hand of God in Christ, life takes on another dimension.

Though, as a result of their bowing, it does not logically follow they are provided with answers, their confidence is in The One who controls all things according to His plan.

Their heart is at rest, irrespective of external circumstance.

Paul refers to this as “…the peace that surpasses understanding…”

So, today, I am thankful. For:

My faithful and awesome wife of 50+ years.

My five children, all of whom, to the best of my knowledge, are part of Christ’s fold.

My fourteen grandchildren, many of whom, though at the moment, not all, own Christ as their King.

My six great-grandchildren for whom my prayer is: come to yield to Christ, whom to know is Life Eternal.

Am I not a blessed man?

To be thankless, is to be stupid!

Thank You, Lord!