Weekly World News Coming to an End
It's Friday, we need a little humor. The Weekly World News is coming to an end. I used to see their black and white newspaper in the check out lines at supermarkets. No one had more outrageous headlines and stories. Here's a recent one:
WHY MOSES WANDERED IN THE DESERT FOR FORTY YEARS: He Lost the Map! http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/top_story/58
And you can read about the discovery of a map God made for Moses that he apparently left behind in their hurry to escape Egypt. :-)
If you'd like to see a compendium of headlines, check here.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Name of God is Precious
So a Roman Catholic bishop in the Netherlands suggests that Christians and Jews use the name Allah when we refer to God, to promote interfaith understanding and acceptance.
I think the bishop's name is Pol Pot. Oh wait, his name is actually Tiny Muskens, but I'm sure he's ok if we call him other names so we can all feel better together.
The Name of God is precious. It's hard to read the Bible and miss that.
In Christ we will love others, even those who (now) curse our Lord and curse us. God continues to grant them opportunity to repent. But let us not for one microsecond think that God's name isn't precious and holy, because He is generous to good and evil and desires to see everyone come to Him.
So a Roman Catholic bishop in the Netherlands suggests that Christians and Jews use the name Allah when we refer to God, to promote interfaith understanding and acceptance.
I think the bishop's name is Pol Pot. Oh wait, his name is actually Tiny Muskens, but I'm sure he's ok if we call him other names so we can all feel better together.
The Name of God is precious. It's hard to read the Bible and miss that.
In Christ we will love others, even those who (now) curse our Lord and curse us. God continues to grant them opportunity to repent. But let us not for one microsecond think that God's name isn't precious and holy, because He is generous to good and evil and desires to see everyone come to Him.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Exciting Ourselves into Jaded Cynicism
Dennis Prager does a biopsy on the cancer of our entertainment-focused culture:
“Today’s young people have the ability to experience excitement more than any generation in history. Outside of school, excitement is available almost 24/7. MTV is exciting (MTV has done far more damage to this generation than has the tobacco industry); video games are exciting... The list of exciting things many children experience is as long as there are hours in the day. But all this excitement is actually inhibiting our children’s ability to enjoy life and therefore be happy. All this excitement renders young people jaded, not happy... All this excitement in their lives bodes poorly for the future happiness of millions of American children. Real life, let alone daily life, will seem so boring to them that they will not be able to enjoy it. And more than a few of them will opt for lives of constant excitement, often in ways destructive to themselves and others. The solutions are as simple to offer as they may be difficult to enforce. Limit the amount of excitement in your children’s lives: the amount of video games, the amount of non-serious television, the amount of music whose only aim is to excite. If they are bored, they will have to remedy that boredom by playing with friends, finding a hobby, talking to a family member, walking the dog, doing chores, reading a book or magazine, learning a musical instrument or foreign language, memorizing state capitals, writing a story or just their thoughts, exercising or playing a sport, or just thinking. The younger the age from which children are deprived of superficial excitement, the longer they will remain innocent—i.e., not jaded—and capable of real happiness.”
Of course, this is true for children of all ages. It's not only children who need to step back from this and learn how to be happy. We have a lot of entertainment-fixated adults (and they can vote).
It has to begin with us, men. Let's be disciplined, and self-controlled in our lives, so that we can pray and lead.
Dennis Prager does a biopsy on the cancer of our entertainment-focused culture:
“Today’s young people have the ability to experience excitement more than any generation in history. Outside of school, excitement is available almost 24/7. MTV is exciting (MTV has done far more damage to this generation than has the tobacco industry); video games are exciting... The list of exciting things many children experience is as long as there are hours in the day. But all this excitement is actually inhibiting our children’s ability to enjoy life and therefore be happy. All this excitement renders young people jaded, not happy... All this excitement in their lives bodes poorly for the future happiness of millions of American children. Real life, let alone daily life, will seem so boring to them that they will not be able to enjoy it. And more than a few of them will opt for lives of constant excitement, often in ways destructive to themselves and others. The solutions are as simple to offer as they may be difficult to enforce. Limit the amount of excitement in your children’s lives: the amount of video games, the amount of non-serious television, the amount of music whose only aim is to excite. If they are bored, they will have to remedy that boredom by playing with friends, finding a hobby, talking to a family member, walking the dog, doing chores, reading a book or magazine, learning a musical instrument or foreign language, memorizing state capitals, writing a story or just their thoughts, exercising or playing a sport, or just thinking. The younger the age from which children are deprived of superficial excitement, the longer they will remain innocent—i.e., not jaded—and capable of real happiness.”
Of course, this is true for children of all ages. It's not only children who need to step back from this and learn how to be happy. We have a lot of entertainment-fixated adults (and they can vote).
It has to begin with us, men. Let's be disciplined, and self-controlled in our lives, so that we can pray and lead.
God Hates Laziness
Perry Noble points out that God hates our laziness -- in our daily effort to stay in step with the Spirit, in our family relationships, in our finances, in our use of the talents and gifts He has granted us, and in our mission as the Church. Zing!
Perry Noble challenges me in many good ways, and I recommend you add his blog to your reading list.
Perry Noble points out that God hates our laziness -- in our daily effort to stay in step with the Spirit, in our family relationships, in our finances, in our use of the talents and gifts He has granted us, and in our mission as the Church. Zing!
Perry Noble challenges me in many good ways, and I recommend you add his blog to your reading list.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Get a Look INSIDE "Lasting Student Ministry"
I highly recommend Scott Aughtmon's book, Lasting Student Ministry. I got his permission to make a video that explains why I recommend it, and gives you a peek INSIDE the book. Go here to check out.
If you're not focused on student ministry, this book is still valuable for you - the principles and suggestions apply to all kinds of effective ministry, and it's an excellent gift for a youth pastor in your church.
I highly recommend Scott Aughtmon's book, Lasting Student Ministry. I got his permission to make a video that explains why I recommend it, and gives you a peek INSIDE the book. Go here to check out.
If you're not focused on student ministry, this book is still valuable for you - the principles and suggestions apply to all kinds of effective ministry, and it's an excellent gift for a youth pastor in your church.
Leading and Living Generously
"It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this."
Titus 3:3-8
"It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this."
Titus 3:3-8
Tyranny of "News"
We were visiting a relative's home for several days recently. They have a satellite dish, so there were opportunities to see cable news channels. (We don't carry cable at our home.) It's amazing how many times they repeated stories, and leaped on every new scrap of information - however small or even irrelevant! I guess when you have to fill up a 24/7/365 pipeline, being discriminating is counterproductive. This scenario probably accelerates the problem of journalism becoming an opinion-fest, rather than reporting facts as facts and clearly designating opinions as opinions.
This environment does not create clear thinking, good perspective on what's truly significant or newsworthy, or solid citizenship. (That's my opinion, but I do believe it's a fact.)
Free speech? Certainly. But it should drive us, dads, to become better at discernment ourselves - and likewise coaching our families.
We were visiting a relative's home for several days recently. They have a satellite dish, so there were opportunities to see cable news channels. (We don't carry cable at our home.) It's amazing how many times they repeated stories, and leaped on every new scrap of information - however small or even irrelevant! I guess when you have to fill up a 24/7/365 pipeline, being discriminating is counterproductive. This scenario probably accelerates the problem of journalism becoming an opinion-fest, rather than reporting facts as facts and clearly designating opinions as opinions.
This environment does not create clear thinking, good perspective on what's truly significant or newsworthy, or solid citizenship. (That's my opinion, but I do believe it's a fact.)
Free speech? Certainly. But it should drive us, dads, to become better at discernment ourselves - and likewise coaching our families.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Living Generously
It's tough running for President. Every action and word (spoken or unspoken) is scrutinized by people searching for even the slightest opportunity to slam you. [Consider John Edwards' demands that other Democratic candidates return $ from Rupert Murdoch's organizations, with the almost immediate reaction in the media about his earning $800K from that organization who is the parent company of his book publisher.]
People who study our conversations say that most of us spend a large amount of our speech trying to explain what we've already said.
We judge others by their actions/words (which we experience and interpret, however poorly), and ourselves by our intentions.
Several things come to mind as a ponder this situation.
First, it's good to scrutinize presidential candidates. It's a huge, challenging, important role. I think our process is cruel and exhausting, but does eliminate some men and women who are not qualified.
Second, our Lord is not fooled. He knows not only every word and deed, but even our motivations. He knows we are weak, and loves us generously anyway.
Third, how we use our freedom is important: "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (Galatians 5:13-15)
I'm touched by God's commands for us to live generously with others, as He has been generous with us. (See Matthew 5:48 and Matthew 10:5, for example) Do we call out lies and hypocrisy? Yes, because we help one another, and as a city/state/nation/world we take stands against evil. But living generously means doing this is a way that does not intend to destroy a person, even a presidential candidate.
It's tough running for President. Every action and word (spoken or unspoken) is scrutinized by people searching for even the slightest opportunity to slam you. [Consider John Edwards' demands that other Democratic candidates return $ from Rupert Murdoch's organizations, with the almost immediate reaction in the media about his earning $800K from that organization who is the parent company of his book publisher.]
People who study our conversations say that most of us spend a large amount of our speech trying to explain what we've already said.
We judge others by their actions/words (which we experience and interpret, however poorly), and ourselves by our intentions.
Several things come to mind as a ponder this situation.
First, it's good to scrutinize presidential candidates. It's a huge, challenging, important role. I think our process is cruel and exhausting, but does eliminate some men and women who are not qualified.
Second, our Lord is not fooled. He knows not only every word and deed, but even our motivations. He knows we are weak, and loves us generously anyway.
Third, how we use our freedom is important: "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (Galatians 5:13-15)
I'm touched by God's commands for us to live generously with others, as He has been generous with us. (See Matthew 5:48 and Matthew 10:5, for example) Do we call out lies and hypocrisy? Yes, because we help one another, and as a city/state/nation/world we take stands against evil. But living generously means doing this is a way that does not intend to destroy a person, even a presidential candidate.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Have You Heard About the American Hostages in Iran?
There has been shockingly little coverage about the four American hostages held in Iran. (There was a good deal more coverage of the British sailors taken hostage recently.) I did an informal poll of 6 people yesterday and NONE of them knew about these hostages.
If you'd like to learn more, check out these articles:
Mark Steyn
PowerLine
Robin Wright
Nassar Karami
Iran is dangerous. The alliances with Russia are foretelling. Accommodating dangerous men or dangerous countries has only prolonged wars later. This business of taking hostages is an old game for them -- and we should not let them get away with it any more.
There has been shockingly little coverage about the four American hostages held in Iran. (There was a good deal more coverage of the British sailors taken hostage recently.) I did an informal poll of 6 people yesterday and NONE of them knew about these hostages.
If you'd like to learn more, check out these articles:
Mark Steyn
PowerLine
Robin Wright
Nassar Karami
Iran is dangerous. The alliances with Russia are foretelling. Accommodating dangerous men or dangerous countries has only prolonged wars later. This business of taking hostages is an old game for them -- and we should not let them get away with it any more.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Getting Ready to Teach This Fall?
If you're getting ready to teach this fall, check out a free audio I'm making available -- (and you'll learn a thing or two about your reticular activating system :-).
If you're getting ready to teach this fall, check out a free audio I'm making available -- (and you'll learn a thing or two about your reticular activating system :-).
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Requirements for Boy Scout 1st Class Rank...in 1911
A friend sent me this. Notice the requirement for training another boy (#10). Excellent stuff, very different expectations!
First Class Test. (1911)
1. Swim fifty yards. (N.B.-This may be omitted where the doctor certifiesthat bathing is dangerous to the boy's health, in which case he must passthe test for the Stalker's badge.)
2. Must have one shilling at least in the savings bank.
3. Send and receive a message in either semaphore or Morse, sixteen lettersper minute.
4. Go on foot, or row a boat, alone or with another scout to a point sevenmiles away, and return again, or, if conveyed by any vehicle (railways notallowed) or animal go a distance of fifteen miles and back. He must write ashort report of the journey.
5. Describe the proper method of dealing with two of the following accidents(allotted by the examiners); Fire, drowning, runaway carriage, sewer gas,ice-breaking, electric shock. Bandage an injured patient, or reviveapparently drowned person.
6. Cook satisfactorily (over camp fire if possible) two out of the followingdishes, as may be directed: Porridge, bacon, hunter's stew: or skin and cooka rabbit, or pluck and cook a bird. Also make a 'damper' of half a pound offlour, or a twist' baked on a thick stick.
7. Read a map correctly, and draw an intelligible rough sketch map. Pointout a compass direction without the help of a compass.
8. Use an axe for felling or trimming light timber, or, as alternative,produce an article of carpentry or joinery or metal work made by himselfsatisfactorily.
9. Judge distance, size, numbers, height and weight within 25 per cent.error.
10 Bring a tenderfoot trained by himself in the points required for aTenderfoot Badge. (This may be postponed when recruits are not immediatelydesired, but must be carried out within three months of it being required,or the badge withdrawn.)
A friend sent me this. Notice the requirement for training another boy (#10). Excellent stuff, very different expectations!
First Class Test. (1911)
1. Swim fifty yards. (N.B.-This may be omitted where the doctor certifiesthat bathing is dangerous to the boy's health, in which case he must passthe test for the Stalker's badge.)
2. Must have one shilling at least in the savings bank.
3. Send and receive a message in either semaphore or Morse, sixteen lettersper minute.
4. Go on foot, or row a boat, alone or with another scout to a point sevenmiles away, and return again, or, if conveyed by any vehicle (railways notallowed) or animal go a distance of fifteen miles and back. He must write ashort report of the journey.
5. Describe the proper method of dealing with two of the following accidents(allotted by the examiners); Fire, drowning, runaway carriage, sewer gas,ice-breaking, electric shock. Bandage an injured patient, or reviveapparently drowned person.
6. Cook satisfactorily (over camp fire if possible) two out of the followingdishes, as may be directed: Porridge, bacon, hunter's stew: or skin and cooka rabbit, or pluck and cook a bird. Also make a 'damper' of half a pound offlour, or a twist' baked on a thick stick.
7. Read a map correctly, and draw an intelligible rough sketch map. Pointout a compass direction without the help of a compass.
8. Use an axe for felling or trimming light timber, or, as alternative,produce an article of carpentry or joinery or metal work made by himselfsatisfactorily.
9. Judge distance, size, numbers, height and weight within 25 per cent.error.
10 Bring a tenderfoot trained by himself in the points required for aTenderfoot Badge. (This may be postponed when recruits are not immediatelydesired, but must be carried out within three months of it being required,or the badge withdrawn.)
Monday, July 23, 2007
Plausible-sounding Deception
Here's some insight: "In politics, there are few skills more richly rewarded than the ability to misstate issues in a way that will sound plausible and attractive." -- Thomas Sowell
This is not a new thing, or restricted to the spheres of contemporary politics. Consider the serpent's conversation with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). Consider journalism and news analysis of economic issues, immigration stories, scientific research.
What do we as family leaders to do help our loved ones be discerning in the face of an onslaught of slick, deceptive messages? This is a key challenge for the 21st century.
Here's some insight: "In politics, there are few skills more richly rewarded than the ability to misstate issues in a way that will sound plausible and attractive." -- Thomas Sowell
This is not a new thing, or restricted to the spheres of contemporary politics. Consider the serpent's conversation with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). Consider journalism and news analysis of economic issues, immigration stories, scientific research.
What do we as family leaders to do help our loved ones be discerning in the face of an onslaught of slick, deceptive messages? This is a key challenge for the 21st century.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Satire Shows Us Our Foolishness
This hilarious satire by the Onion, "John Edwards Vows To End All Bad Things By 2011," shows us our foolish expectations of political leaders. Be sure you smile often to get the tax breaks!
I'm looking for government to do less, and do it well.
On healthcare, for example, I don't understand why people who rail about government failures with Katrina response, veteran's hospitals, and the price of gasoline believe that government functions will smoothly and elegantly manage healthcare complexities for 300 million people.
We've created a massive monster, given it god powers, demand a response to every problem, and oscillate between worship and hatred.
We're on an ugly road to serfdom, not liberty and freedom. The solution to the systemic problems is to stop deifying government, radically reduce expectations of central responsibility over many areas, and take responsibility as individuals, families, and local communities. Just realize that this will be a painful transition, and a long one. You will hear many people say, "We were better off in Egypt! We had leaks and fish to eat!"
Of course I'm much better at describing the problems than I am coming up with solutions.
This hilarious satire by the Onion, "John Edwards Vows To End All Bad Things By 2011," shows us our foolish expectations of political leaders. Be sure you smile often to get the tax breaks!
I'm looking for government to do less, and do it well.
On healthcare, for example, I don't understand why people who rail about government failures with Katrina response, veteran's hospitals, and the price of gasoline believe that government functions will smoothly and elegantly manage healthcare complexities for 300 million people.
We've created a massive monster, given it god powers, demand a response to every problem, and oscillate between worship and hatred.
We're on an ugly road to serfdom, not liberty and freedom. The solution to the systemic problems is to stop deifying government, radically reduce expectations of central responsibility over many areas, and take responsibility as individuals, families, and local communities. Just realize that this will be a painful transition, and a long one. You will hear many people say, "We were better off in Egypt! We had leaks and fish to eat!"
Of course I'm much better at describing the problems than I am coming up with solutions.
Limits of Darwinism
Here's a nice interview with Michael Behe, about his new book "The Edge of Evolution."
Here's a nice interview with Michael Behe, about his new book "The Edge of Evolution."
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Don't Settle for Less Than 5-dimensional Sex
There are several bold lies that Satan uses when it comes to sex.
One is that it's only physical, only about pleasuring and reproduction. That's just a 2D (e.g., pornography) or 3 dimensional (i.e., adultery) view. Wrong.
Another lie is that you can experience God through sexual arousal. Very old lie. Very successful. Repeated often. Flat wrong.
Sex is physical, emotional, and spiritual. It's at least 5 dimensions. It's so powerful that it needs to be wrapped inside a covenant marriage to be safe and good.
So next time you get hit with a temptation, speakly firmly to it: "Nope, that's less than 5D. I won't settle. God has arranged far better for us."
There are several bold lies that Satan uses when it comes to sex.
One is that it's only physical, only about pleasuring and reproduction. That's just a 2D (e.g., pornography) or 3 dimensional (i.e., adultery) view. Wrong.
Another lie is that you can experience God through sexual arousal. Very old lie. Very successful. Repeated often. Flat wrong.
Sex is physical, emotional, and spiritual. It's at least 5 dimensions. It's so powerful that it needs to be wrapped inside a covenant marriage to be safe and good.
So next time you get hit with a temptation, speakly firmly to it: "Nope, that's less than 5D. I won't settle. God has arranged far better for us."
YouTube Ministry?
What do you think of ministering to a distant audience via YouTube?
I've got thousands of Bible teachers on mailing lists and work to get good materials to them regularly. Hundreds of men, probably many I am unlikely to meet this side of eternity, read this blog.
So I'm delighted to use technology to inform, connect, and encourage.
But let us not overlook the powerful one-another ministry to genuine, in-person fellowship. That's necessary to get under the skin and grow.
Your thoughts?
What do you think of ministering to a distant audience via YouTube?
I've got thousands of Bible teachers on mailing lists and work to get good materials to them regularly. Hundreds of men, probably many I am unlikely to meet this side of eternity, read this blog.
So I'm delighted to use technology to inform, connect, and encourage.
But let us not overlook the powerful one-another ministry to genuine, in-person fellowship. That's necessary to get under the skin and grow.
Your thoughts?
A Christian Perspective on, uhm, enhancement pills
Here' s a sharp thinking analysis of the booming business of sustaining enlargement through pharmaceuticals.
Guys, not a joke, worth reading. He's done a good job parsing the cultural issues and asking questions about how this squares with a biblical view of marriage and sex.
Here' s a sharp thinking analysis of the booming business of sustaining enlargement through pharmaceuticals.
Guys, not a joke, worth reading. He's done a good job parsing the cultural issues and asking questions about how this squares with a biblical view of marriage and sex.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The "New" Athiesm
I'm not really that old, but have already lived through a couple of cycles of popularity (notoriety?) for athiests. In the last year books and seminars by Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Daniel C. Dennett, and Victor J. Stenger have attracted the attentions of millions.
If you'd like some guidance in sorting this out, I recommend Peter Berkowtiz's fine column. Since it's written from a "secular" perspective, you'll get some insights into the logic problems these authors are falling into, big time.
P.S. Looking at these author's name you see an ironic pattern:
Richard -- strong heart [of God]
Christopher -- Christ-bearer
Sam[uel] -- heard of God
Daniel -- God is my judge
Victor -- latin for conqueror
I'm not really that old, but have already lived through a couple of cycles of popularity (notoriety?) for athiests. In the last year books and seminars by Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Daniel C. Dennett, and Victor J. Stenger have attracted the attentions of millions.
If you'd like some guidance in sorting this out, I recommend Peter Berkowtiz's fine column. Since it's written from a "secular" perspective, you'll get some insights into the logic problems these authors are falling into, big time.
P.S. Looking at these author's name you see an ironic pattern:
Richard -- strong heart [of God]
Christopher -- Christ-bearer
Sam[uel] -- heard of God
Daniel -- God is my judge
Victor -- latin for conqueror
Roman Catholic Church, and Other Christian "Ecclesial Communities"
The recent statements from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith have stirred up some good (I think) conversations. Paul calls us to dialogue and mutual edification (see Romans 14).
Before I go further, let me say this about my convictions. Defining faith for Christians is focused on "Christ and him crucified, and risen from the dead."
So I believe there are true Christians among every denomination and Christian creed, including the Roman Catholic Church. And many fellowshiping with these groups are not-yet Christians, though they may conform to some outward appearances and practices.
Do I agree with the statement issued by the Congregation, that only the Roman Catholic Church is the true Church, because only it has the historical ties back to Peter? No. But I'm grateful that in God's sovereignty we can discuss it openly.
This is still the old Reformation discussion. Is the Church founded on the preaching of the Word of God and the priesthood of all believers as citizens of God's kingdom -- by His grace alone? Or is it defined by bishop-by-bishop generations going back to Peter, upon whom Jesus promised to build His Church?
Not every position can be perfectly right. In the sight of God, we need to strive for understanding. There are billions of souls not yet in the kingdom of Christ, and the Lord of the Harvest is waiting for us to participate.
The recent statements from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith have stirred up some good (I think) conversations. Paul calls us to dialogue and mutual edification (see Romans 14).
Before I go further, let me say this about my convictions. Defining faith for Christians is focused on "Christ and him crucified, and risen from the dead."
So I believe there are true Christians among every denomination and Christian creed, including the Roman Catholic Church. And many fellowshiping with these groups are not-yet Christians, though they may conform to some outward appearances and practices.
Do I agree with the statement issued by the Congregation, that only the Roman Catholic Church is the true Church, because only it has the historical ties back to Peter? No. But I'm grateful that in God's sovereignty we can discuss it openly.
This is still the old Reformation discussion. Is the Church founded on the preaching of the Word of God and the priesthood of all believers as citizens of God's kingdom -- by His grace alone? Or is it defined by bishop-by-bishop generations going back to Peter, upon whom Jesus promised to build His Church?
Not every position can be perfectly right. In the sight of God, we need to strive for understanding. There are billions of souls not yet in the kingdom of Christ, and the Lord of the Harvest is waiting for us to participate.
Make It Your Ambition To...
...wear out your Bible from use.
I'm not advocating book abuse. I believe we should treat our Bibles well.
But we ought to be in them so often that they take on distinctive character and patina. Mark them up with your notes. Create something tender and special that your children will be delighted to hold one day because it brings back warm memories of you.
Actually, that's just a side benefit.
The primary benefits come from interacting with the Lord of the Universe and the Master of your heart.
...wear out your Bible from use.
I'm not advocating book abuse. I believe we should treat our Bibles well.
But we ought to be in them so often that they take on distinctive character and patina. Mark them up with your notes. Create something tender and special that your children will be delighted to hold one day because it brings back warm memories of you.
Actually, that's just a side benefit.
The primary benefits come from interacting with the Lord of the Universe and the Master of your heart.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Learning from Our Kids
God uses our children to teach us -- about ourselves, about what His love is like, about service. This is not always easy or pleasant, but we do learn.
Perry Noble is already learning from his baby daughter. Here he shares an insight into why God sometimes hears our crying but doesn't respond, because he knows we're fine.
God uses our children to teach us -- about ourselves, about what His love is like, about service. This is not always easy or pleasant, but we do learn.
Perry Noble is already learning from his baby daughter. Here he shares an insight into why God sometimes hears our crying but doesn't respond, because he knows we're fine.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Most Dangerous Road and Hiking Trail in the World
Here's an article to wow your boys -- read about the North Yungas Road in Bolivia and other candidates for the world's most dangerous roads. Loads of pictures.
Same article has pictures of a tourist hiking trail at Mt.Huashan in China. Astounding pictures. Check out the "water closet":
Part 2 continues here with some amazing tunnel roads.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Would You Give This Guy A Second Chance?
Great story about General Petraeus, when he was a colonel. One of his own soldiers shoots him in training, seriously wounds him. Instead of prosecuting him for the equivalent of negligent homicide, Petraeus sends him to Ranger School.
Great story about General Petraeus, when he was a colonel. One of his own soldiers shoots him in training, seriously wounds him. Instead of prosecuting him for the equivalent of negligent homicide, Petraeus sends him to Ranger School.
What One Doctor Prescribes For The Church
Speaking of clear thinking (see post below on CO2), check out Dr. Chris Hook's prescription for a sick church.
1. “A reformation of seminary education with less of an emphasis on church management and growth, and more on exegetical preaching and the practical nature and implications and necessity of sound doctrine and theology.”
2. “A reformation of Sunday school education.”
3. “A reformation of adult church education.”
4. “A reformation of each individual’s thinking” (i.e., critical discernment).
5. “A reformation of Christian scholarship with increased attendance to bioethical issues.”
6. “A reformation of being the Body of Christ with the development of new Clapham Communities”
What do you think?
Speaking of clear thinking (see post below on CO2), check out Dr. Chris Hook's prescription for a sick church.
1. “A reformation of seminary education with less of an emphasis on church management and growth, and more on exegetical preaching and the practical nature and implications and necessity of sound doctrine and theology.”
2. “A reformation of Sunday school education.”
3. “A reformation of adult church education.”
4. “A reformation of each individual’s thinking” (i.e., critical discernment).
5. “A reformation of Christian scholarship with increased attendance to bioethical issues.”
6. “A reformation of being the Body of Christ with the development of new Clapham Communities”
What do you think?
It's Not ONLY About the Carbon Dioxide
Excerpt from James Taranto (of the WSJ):
Men, we need to be clear thinkers. That means understanding that complicated and complex phenomenom (e.g., climate) have many factors.
Part of my frustration with Mr. Gore is that his continued use of lies -- even after they have been repeatedly pointed out -- is poisoning the opportunities for genuine dialogue about complex problems.
Update: Very good article in the NY Times magazine, More Heat Than Light, illustrates a dialogue perspective that I'd like to see more often, including recognition that regulation has real economic impacts (it's not neutral), and there are other pressing problems we need to include in the overall perspective (e.g., malnutrition, AIDS).
Excerpt from James Taranto (of the WSJ):
Can you trust Al Gore's scientific claims in support of global warmism? Not
if this passage from a Gore op-ed in Sunday's New York Times is any
indication:
"Consider this tale of two planets. Earth and Venus are almost exactly
the same size, and have almost exactly the same amount of carbon. The difference
is that most of the carbon on Earth is in the ground--having been deposited
there by various forms of life over the last 600 million years--and most of the
carbon on Venus is in the atmosphere.
As a result, while the average temperature on Earth is a pleasant 59
degrees, the average temperature on Venus is 867 degrees. True, Venus is closer
to the Sun than we are, but the fault is not in our star; Venus is three times
hotter on average than Mercury, which is right next to the Sun. It's the carbon
dioxide."
As blogger George Reisman notes, the atmosphere on Mars is 95% carbon
dioxide, just shy of Venus's 96%. (The Earth's atmosphere, by contrast, is less
than 0.04% CO2.) Average temperature on Mars? Eighty-one below zero.
Men, we need to be clear thinkers. That means understanding that complicated and complex phenomenom (e.g., climate) have many factors.
Part of my frustration with Mr. Gore is that his continued use of lies -- even after they have been repeatedly pointed out -- is poisoning the opportunities for genuine dialogue about complex problems.
Update: Very good article in the NY Times magazine, More Heat Than Light, illustrates a dialogue perspective that I'd like to see more often, including recognition that regulation has real economic impacts (it's not neutral), and there are other pressing problems we need to include in the overall perspective (e.g., malnutrition, AIDS).
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy Birthday, USA!
Some recommended reading for today:
Mark Batterson gives us some insights into the faith background of several of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Many of these signers, and their families, suffered great losses.
The Declaration of Independence itself.
A brief timeline of events around the signing.
Some recommended reading for today:
Mark Batterson gives us some insights into the faith background of several of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Many of these signers, and their families, suffered great losses.
The Declaration of Independence itself.
A brief timeline of events around the signing.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Thinking About Freedom
July 4 is coming, and so it's helpful to think about freedom. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Cor 3:17)
Meditate on that! In Christ, we have freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom to love, because we are adopted heirs of the King. Freedom to serve. Freedom to walk in step with our Lord!
Now it's also a good time to review some history. If you're interested in the Constitutions of Clarendon, the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and other important milestones leading up to the US Constitution , then I recommend you read the first section of this.
July 4 is coming, and so it's helpful to think about freedom. "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Cor 3:17)
Meditate on that! In Christ, we have freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom to love, because we are adopted heirs of the King. Freedom to serve. Freedom to walk in step with our Lord!
Now it's also a good time to review some history. If you're interested in the Constitutions of Clarendon, the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and other important milestones leading up to the US Constitution , then I recommend you read the first section of this.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
A Discerning Montana Cowboy
A Montana cowboy was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous
pasture when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of a dust
cloud towards him.
The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban
sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the
cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have
in your herd, will you give me a calf?"
The cowboy looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at
his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, Why not?"
The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer,
connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a
NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite
navigation system to get an exact fix on his location which he
then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an
ultra-high-resolution photo.
The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe photoshop
and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg ,
Germany .
Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the
image has been processed and the data stored.
He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected
Excel spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few
minutes, receives a response.
Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his
hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer and finally turns to
the cowboy and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."
"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves,"
says the cowboy.
He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on
amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.
Then the cowboy says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you
exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"
The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay,
why not?"
You're a Congressman for the U.S. Government", says the cowboy.
"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess
that?"
"No guessing required" answered the cowboy. "You showed up here
even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an
answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You tried to
show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a
thing about cows...this is a herd of sheep.
Now…give me back my dog.”
HT: My good buddy Brad R.
A Montana cowboy was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous
pasture when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of a dust
cloud towards him.
The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban
sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the
cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have
in your herd, will you give me a calf?"
The cowboy looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at
his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, Why not?"
The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer,
connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a
NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite
navigation system to get an exact fix on his location which he
then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an
ultra-high-resolution photo.
The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe photoshop
and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg ,
Germany .
Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the
image has been processed and the data stored.
He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected
Excel spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few
minutes, receives a response.
Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his
hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer and finally turns to
the cowboy and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."
"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves,"
says the cowboy.
He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on
amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.
Then the cowboy says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you
exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"
The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay,
why not?"
You're a Congressman for the U.S. Government", says the cowboy.
"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess
that?"
"No guessing required" answered the cowboy. "You showed up here
even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an
answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You tried to
show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a
thing about cows...this is a herd of sheep.
Now…give me back my dog.”
HT: My good buddy Brad R.
Hebrew & Greek Word Study Videos Now Available
Knowing how to look up original words and their meaning is a crucial skill for Bible teachers, but far too few know how -- and far too many don't use what they learn correctly. Learn more here.
Knowing how to look up original words and their meaning is a crucial skill for Bible teachers, but far too few know how -- and far too many don't use what they learn correctly. Learn more here.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Two Great Articles for Dads
One serious article, and one funny, both worth your time.
Tony Woodlief writes about the importance we should put on fathering -- and what he'd do to Paris Hilton's father.
"It's interesting that we celebrate the success of men at business, sports, entertainment, war, and politics, but rarely at the thing which matters more than those often-ephemeral feats, the raising up of confident, competent, moral, courageous children to carry on a free and prosperous civilization. Not to wrestle with this great calling every day of our lives, fathers, is to fail at manhood itself."
Jonathan Turley gives us a hilarious perspective -- as only an attorney could -- of the legalism of children at different ages. He begins this way:
"Fatherhood is the one job that you can get without the slightest degree of experience, knowledge or talent (despite what you may hear to the contrary on Father's Day). For that reason, when a friend had his first child recently, I quickly rattled off the most important things that I have learned as the father of three boys and a girl: Don't wear white shirts while changing boys (they consider it a type of canvas); the easiest way to extract material from noses is a hot bath (except for cheese sticks); always check your briefcase for toy guns before entering a courthouse; and always check the children for captive animals before leaving a forest."
Read the rest, and enjoy a good laugh!
One serious article, and one funny, both worth your time.
Tony Woodlief writes about the importance we should put on fathering -- and what he'd do to Paris Hilton's father.
"It's interesting that we celebrate the success of men at business, sports, entertainment, war, and politics, but rarely at the thing which matters more than those often-ephemeral feats, the raising up of confident, competent, moral, courageous children to carry on a free and prosperous civilization. Not to wrestle with this great calling every day of our lives, fathers, is to fail at manhood itself."
Jonathan Turley gives us a hilarious perspective -- as only an attorney could -- of the legalism of children at different ages. He begins this way:
"Fatherhood is the one job that you can get without the slightest degree of experience, knowledge or talent (despite what you may hear to the contrary on Father's Day). For that reason, when a friend had his first child recently, I quickly rattled off the most important things that I have learned as the father of three boys and a girl: Don't wear white shirts while changing boys (they consider it a type of canvas); the easiest way to extract material from noses is a hot bath (except for cheese sticks); always check your briefcase for toy guns before entering a courthouse; and always check the children for captive animals before leaving a forest."
Read the rest, and enjoy a good laugh!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Boys to Men
I'm still thinking about Father's Day. A friend pointed me to this column, where a Dad talks candidly about trying to instill manly traits in his boys when he's not a stereotypical picture of "masculinity" himself.
Some good quotes:
"Rather than neutering their aggression, confidence and desire for danger, we should channel these instincts into honor, gentlemanliness and courage. Instead of inculcating timidity in our sons, it seems wiser to train them to face down bullies, which by necessity means teaching them how to throw a good uppercut. In his book "Manliness," Harvey Mansfield writes that a person manifesting this quality "not only knows what justice requires, but he acts on his knowledge, making and executing the decision that the rest of us trembled even to define." You can't build a civilization and defend it against barbarians, fascists and playground bullies, in other words, with a nation of Phil Donahues."
"The trick is not to squash the essence of boys, but to channel their natural wildness into manliness. And this is what keeps me awake at night, because it's going to take a miracle for someone like me, who grew up without meaningful male influence, who would be an embarrassment to Teddy Roosevelt, to raise three men. Along with learning what makes a good father, I face an added dilemma: How do I raise my sons to be better than their father?
What I'm discovering is that as I try to guide these ornery, wild-hearted little boys toward manhood, they are helping me become a better man, too. I love my sons without measure, and I want them to have the father I did not. As I stumble and sometimes fail, as I feign an interest in camping and construction and bugs, I become something better than I was."
I'm still thinking about Father's Day. A friend pointed me to this column, where a Dad talks candidly about trying to instill manly traits in his boys when he's not a stereotypical picture of "masculinity" himself.
Some good quotes:
"Rather than neutering their aggression, confidence and desire for danger, we should channel these instincts into honor, gentlemanliness and courage. Instead of inculcating timidity in our sons, it seems wiser to train them to face down bullies, which by necessity means teaching them how to throw a good uppercut. In his book "Manliness," Harvey Mansfield writes that a person manifesting this quality "not only knows what justice requires, but he acts on his knowledge, making and executing the decision that the rest of us trembled even to define." You can't build a civilization and defend it against barbarians, fascists and playground bullies, in other words, with a nation of Phil Donahues."
"The trick is not to squash the essence of boys, but to channel their natural wildness into manliness. And this is what keeps me awake at night, because it's going to take a miracle for someone like me, who grew up without meaningful male influence, who would be an embarrassment to Teddy Roosevelt, to raise three men. Along with learning what makes a good father, I face an added dilemma: How do I raise my sons to be better than their father?
What I'm discovering is that as I try to guide these ornery, wild-hearted little boys toward manhood, they are helping me become a better man, too. I love my sons without measure, and I want them to have the father I did not. As I stumble and sometimes fail, as I feign an interest in camping and construction and bugs, I become something better than I was."
Dad v. Bear
Wild story here -- Dad (former Marine) kills black bear at campsite with a log of firewood when it comes after his son. Somehow it's not surprising that he gets a $75 ticket for failing to secure the food in the campsite. I certainly respect that rules are rules, but at least the dad took initiative to secure the safety of his family!
Wild story here -- Dad (former Marine) kills black bear at campsite with a log of firewood when it comes after his son. Somehow it's not surprising that he gets a $75 ticket for failing to secure the food in the campsite. I certainly respect that rules are rules, but at least the dad took initiative to secure the safety of his family!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Silent Killer in Our Churches
These numbers on the percentage of Christian men and women sucked into pornography are sobering. Let's renew our efforts to help one another!
The most helpful image I have is that I'm a keg of dry gunpowder. I can't even go near sparks, and certainly can't play with fire.
The other helpful thing is to remind myself, "that's not consistent with Christ in you."
These numbers on the percentage of Christian men and women sucked into pornography are sobering. Let's renew our efforts to help one another!
The most helpful image I have is that I'm a keg of dry gunpowder. I can't even go near sparks, and certainly can't play with fire.
The other helpful thing is to remind myself, "that's not consistent with Christ in you."
Fatherly Instruction and Correction
Mark Driscoll gives us good reminders from Proverbs on being a biblical father -- particularly in how we instruct and correct. I wish I had had better modeling of this as a young father.
Mark Driscoll gives us good reminders from Proverbs on being a biblical father -- particularly in how we instruct and correct. I wish I had had better modeling of this as a young father.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Advice For Our Daughters
Perry Noble offers some good advice for daughters:
"Many Boys Are Jerks–Do Not Settle!"
I had a staff member tell me he would change it to “all boys are jerks…and God happens to redeem a few.” I agree!!!
The problem with many single Christian ladies is the temptation to settle. In a recent survey I saw where 60% of the Christians in America are female…so…many of them feel like that have to take what they can get.
The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20 that God is able to so much more than we could ever ask or imagine…so single ladies should set incredibly high standards…and then watch God blow them out of the water.
Lucretia, my wife, said the following question should be asked before entering ANY serious relationship! “Is this the kind of love God meant when He created Adam and Eve, the kind between two people that truly reflects His love for us (the I Corinthians 13 kind), or are you settling for less than God’s immeasurably more than anything you can ask or imagine?”
What should a man be? What am I looking for in a man who will win the heart of my daughter? (Yes, I will make that call…I am her father!)
A Priest - he needs to be in love with Jesus and know God’s Word. I tell single guys all the time that the best thing they can do to prepare themselves for marriage is to read the Bible over and over again…to memorize it…AND to apply it!!! If a guy doesn’t know Scripture–he cannot spiritually lead my daughter, and I will show him the door. I said in one service, “If he isn’t willing to go through the book of Leviticus for you then he isn’t worthy of you!”
A Protector - if a guy EVER puts a lady into a situation where she feels compromised emotionally, physically or spiritually…then he is NOT a godly man, he is actually acting more like satan–seeking to manipulate her to fulfill his own selfish desires. A true man of God protects a woman AND her reputation. It was also here that I said if a boy ever puts here into a situation like I just described…then I will put him into a “situation” that will allow me to begin a prison ministry.
A Provider - I told my little girl, “Don’t bring home some broke boy that I am going to have to support and who wants to live in my basement!” I want my little girl to date a marry a man who has dreams AND A JOB!!! Single guys–WORK!!! And do not e-mail me telling me that a job isn’t important–that is why you are single you moron!!! Fall in love with Jesus–treat women like women should be treated in the eyes of God–and WORK to provide for her!!!
I told Charisse that I want great grandkids one day…and that we can’t get racehorses breeding with mules…so date and marry a godly man!!!
Perry Noble offers some good advice for daughters:
"Many Boys Are Jerks–Do Not Settle!"
I had a staff member tell me he would change it to “all boys are jerks…and God happens to redeem a few.” I agree!!!
The problem with many single Christian ladies is the temptation to settle. In a recent survey I saw where 60% of the Christians in America are female…so…many of them feel like that have to take what they can get.
The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20 that God is able to so much more than we could ever ask or imagine…so single ladies should set incredibly high standards…and then watch God blow them out of the water.
Lucretia, my wife, said the following question should be asked before entering ANY serious relationship! “Is this the kind of love God meant when He created Adam and Eve, the kind between two people that truly reflects His love for us (the I Corinthians 13 kind), or are you settling for less than God’s immeasurably more than anything you can ask or imagine?”
What should a man be? What am I looking for in a man who will win the heart of my daughter? (Yes, I will make that call…I am her father!)
A Priest - he needs to be in love with Jesus and know God’s Word. I tell single guys all the time that the best thing they can do to prepare themselves for marriage is to read the Bible over and over again…to memorize it…AND to apply it!!! If a guy doesn’t know Scripture–he cannot spiritually lead my daughter, and I will show him the door. I said in one service, “If he isn’t willing to go through the book of Leviticus for you then he isn’t worthy of you!”
A Protector - if a guy EVER puts a lady into a situation where she feels compromised emotionally, physically or spiritually…then he is NOT a godly man, he is actually acting more like satan–seeking to manipulate her to fulfill his own selfish desires. A true man of God protects a woman AND her reputation. It was also here that I said if a boy ever puts here into a situation like I just described…then I will put him into a “situation” that will allow me to begin a prison ministry.
A Provider - I told my little girl, “Don’t bring home some broke boy that I am going to have to support and who wants to live in my basement!” I want my little girl to date a marry a man who has dreams AND A JOB!!! Single guys–WORK!!! And do not e-mail me telling me that a job isn’t important–that is why you are single you moron!!! Fall in love with Jesus–treat women like women should be treated in the eyes of God–and WORK to provide for her!!!
I told Charisse that I want great grandkids one day…and that we can’t get racehorses breeding with mules…so date and marry a godly man!!!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Happy Father's Day!
Facts (US numbers) and comments about the importance of fathers:
"Currently, only one in three children—and only one in five inner-city children—is in a home with a mother and father. Nearly 25 million children live absent or apart from their biological fathers.
“Children who grow up with their fathers do far better—emotionally, educationally, physically, every way we can measure—than children who do not,” notes family researcher David Blankenhorn. “This conclusion holds true even when differences of race, class and income are taken into account. The simple truth is that fathers are irreplaceable in shaping the competence and character of their children... [The absence of fathers] from family life is surely the most socially consequential family trend of our era.”
Indeed it is.
Here are some sobering statistics: According to the Center for Disease Control, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services and the Bureau of the Census, the 30 percent of children who live apart from their fathers will account for 63 percent of teen suicides, 70 percent of juveniles in state-operated institutions, 71 percent of high-school dropouts, 75 percent of children in chemical-abuse centers, 80 percent of rapists, 85 percent of youths in prison, 85 percent of children who exhibit behavioral disorders, and 90 percent of homeless and runaway children. In fact, children born to unwed mothers are ten times more likely to live in poverty as children with fathers in the home.
The causal link between fatherless children and crime is “so strong that controlling for family configuration erases the relationship between race and crime and between low income and crime,” notes social researcher Barbara Dafoe Whitehead. More to the point is the following comment from a counselor at a juvenile-detention facility in California, which has the nation’s highest juvenile-incarceration rate: “[If] you find a gang member who comes from a complete nuclear family, I’d like to meet him... I don’t think that kid exists.”
Concerns about marital infidelity, and the consequences for children, are not new. As Founding Father John Adams wrote in his diary on 2 June 1778, “The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers?”
On this Father’s Day, all of us who have been blessed with children should pause not only to count our blessings, but also to commit ourselves to honoring those attendant obligations every day. We should examine the job we are doing as husbands first, then fathers. As my friend, Father Ted Hesburgh, observed early in his pastorate, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Consider then the words of William Shakespeare: “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” And of Homer: “It is a wise child that knows his own father.”
Source
Be bold! Be gentle!
Facts (US numbers) and comments about the importance of fathers:
"Currently, only one in three children—and only one in five inner-city children—is in a home with a mother and father. Nearly 25 million children live absent or apart from their biological fathers.
“Children who grow up with their fathers do far better—emotionally, educationally, physically, every way we can measure—than children who do not,” notes family researcher David Blankenhorn. “This conclusion holds true even when differences of race, class and income are taken into account. The simple truth is that fathers are irreplaceable in shaping the competence and character of their children... [The absence of fathers] from family life is surely the most socially consequential family trend of our era.”
Indeed it is.
Here are some sobering statistics: According to the Center for Disease Control, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services and the Bureau of the Census, the 30 percent of children who live apart from their fathers will account for 63 percent of teen suicides, 70 percent of juveniles in state-operated institutions, 71 percent of high-school dropouts, 75 percent of children in chemical-abuse centers, 80 percent of rapists, 85 percent of youths in prison, 85 percent of children who exhibit behavioral disorders, and 90 percent of homeless and runaway children. In fact, children born to unwed mothers are ten times more likely to live in poverty as children with fathers in the home.
The causal link between fatherless children and crime is “so strong that controlling for family configuration erases the relationship between race and crime and between low income and crime,” notes social researcher Barbara Dafoe Whitehead. More to the point is the following comment from a counselor at a juvenile-detention facility in California, which has the nation’s highest juvenile-incarceration rate: “[If] you find a gang member who comes from a complete nuclear family, I’d like to meet him... I don’t think that kid exists.”
Concerns about marital infidelity, and the consequences for children, are not new. As Founding Father John Adams wrote in his diary on 2 June 1778, “The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers?”
On this Father’s Day, all of us who have been blessed with children should pause not only to count our blessings, but also to commit ourselves to honoring those attendant obligations every day. We should examine the job we are doing as husbands first, then fathers. As my friend, Father Ted Hesburgh, observed early in his pastorate, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Consider then the words of William Shakespeare: “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” And of Homer: “It is a wise child that knows his own father.”
Source
Be bold! Be gentle!
More Helpful Viewpoints on Immigration
Peggy Noonan has another excellent article about immigration and the foolishness in Washington over this issue. I think she is hitting the right tone, and wish more of our politicians were operating from these viewpoints.
Just as an aside, have you spoken with anyone who has actually read the immigration bill under debate now? How much of this conversation is getting wound up based on secondary and tertiary (and therefore inevitably a fraction of the whole) analysis of what "somebody" has put in the bill?
Peggy Noonan has another excellent article about immigration and the foolishness in Washington over this issue. I think she is hitting the right tone, and wish more of our politicians were operating from these viewpoints.
Just as an aside, have you spoken with anyone who has actually read the immigration bill under debate now? How much of this conversation is getting wound up based on secondary and tertiary (and therefore inevitably a fraction of the whole) analysis of what "somebody" has put in the bill?
Insights About War in Iraq
Joe Lieberman gives some good insights about what is going on in Iraq. Read it.
Joe Lieberman gives some good insights about what is going on in Iraq. Read it.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Developing Leaders
You are in leadership positions at work, in church, in your community -- and you certainly are in your families. So here are some useful insights from Tony Morgan on leadership development:
"Leaders can't be recruited from the platform. We have to challenge them one-on-one.
Leaders won't be fulfilled performing tasks. We need to give them responsibility.
Leaders don't follow doers. We need to make sure they're connected to another strong leader.
Leaders don't want to be micromanaged. We have to eliminate the tendency to control the process and, instead, hold people accountable for the outcomes.
Leaders won't commit to ambiguity. We need to offer a clear vision. (And, it better be big.)
Leaders don't just show up. We have to be intentional about leadership development. "
I particularly urge you to think about this with your sons.
You are in leadership positions at work, in church, in your community -- and you certainly are in your families. So here are some useful insights from Tony Morgan on leadership development:
"Leaders can't be recruited from the platform. We have to challenge them one-on-one.
Leaders won't be fulfilled performing tasks. We need to give them responsibility.
Leaders don't follow doers. We need to make sure they're connected to another strong leader.
Leaders don't want to be micromanaged. We have to eliminate the tendency to control the process and, instead, hold people accountable for the outcomes.
Leaders won't commit to ambiguity. We need to offer a clear vision. (And, it better be big.)
Leaders don't just show up. We have to be intentional about leadership development. "
I particularly urge you to think about this with your sons.
World's End!
In 5th grade I had to go to the principal's office because I pointed out that hiding under our desks was not going to help if a nuclear bomb went off nearby, and it would be better to be obliterated than to die slowly. The principal said my misdemeanor was that I scared the other children, even it what I said was true. When I was in sixth grade my teacher called my parents, concerned about me, because I had written a number of stories about nuclear holocaust (replete with bomb shelter diagrams). Apocalypse thinking held my attention a lot in 1972-1973.
I have noticed over the years since that I can slip back into that kind of thinking, even though I have confidence in Christ and know much more about risks and probabilites. And I have pushed myself to study history -- so I know how poorly our forecasts of apocalypse have turned out.
If you would like a nice 8 page education on this, I heartily recommend Gary Alexander's essay, "Welcome to “Apocaholics Anonymous” – Join Me in a Crusade for Panic-Free Living."
"[Since] 1994, we have survived “Bankruptcy 1995” (the original epidemic of Hockey Stock charts), the Big Bang in Hong Kong, years of Y2K scare stories, a SARS epidemic, Mad Cow disease, Bird Flu, a real threat on 9/11, Triple Deficits (Budget, Trade and Balance of Payments), wars in Serbia/Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, Deflation in 2003, Inflation since then, The Perfect Storms of 2005 (Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the 3 Witches of the Bermuda Triangle), and today’s reigning fears of Global Warming, $200 Oil and the Sub-prime Housing Loan Crisis Implosion."
In 5th grade I had to go to the principal's office because I pointed out that hiding under our desks was not going to help if a nuclear bomb went off nearby, and it would be better to be obliterated than to die slowly. The principal said my misdemeanor was that I scared the other children, even it what I said was true. When I was in sixth grade my teacher called my parents, concerned about me, because I had written a number of stories about nuclear holocaust (replete with bomb shelter diagrams). Apocalypse thinking held my attention a lot in 1972-1973.
I have noticed over the years since that I can slip back into that kind of thinking, even though I have confidence in Christ and know much more about risks and probabilites. And I have pushed myself to study history -- so I know how poorly our forecasts of apocalypse have turned out.
If you would like a nice 8 page education on this, I heartily recommend Gary Alexander's essay, "Welcome to “Apocaholics Anonymous” – Join Me in a Crusade for Panic-Free Living."
"[Since] 1994, we have survived “Bankruptcy 1995” (the original epidemic of Hockey Stock charts), the Big Bang in Hong Kong, years of Y2K scare stories, a SARS epidemic, Mad Cow disease, Bird Flu, a real threat on 9/11, Triple Deficits (Budget, Trade and Balance of Payments), wars in Serbia/Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, Deflation in 2003, Inflation since then, The Perfect Storms of 2005 (Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the 3 Witches of the Bermuda Triangle), and today’s reigning fears of Global Warming, $200 Oil and the Sub-prime Housing Loan Crisis Implosion."
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Man to Man Counsel
You must get this, and read it. You must reread it.
"Advice to My Nephew On Becoming a Man"
W. Thomas Smith gives his nephew 25 points to follow. I sat up a little taller in my chair as I read this.
You must get this, and read it. You must reread it.
"Advice to My Nephew On Becoming a Man"
W. Thomas Smith gives his nephew 25 points to follow. I sat up a little taller in my chair as I read this.
Mr. Wizard
Don Herbert, TV's "Mr. Wizard" to me, has died. I still remember how excited I was to watch him do real experiments . I'm sure God used him to influence me into a science career.
This is a good reminder that we can have enormous impact on the people around us.
Don Herbert, TV's "Mr. Wizard" to me, has died. I still remember how excited I was to watch him do real experiments . I'm sure God used him to influence me into a science career.
This is a good reminder that we can have enormous impact on the people around us.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Righteous Men Will Fall
Righteous men will fall, but they can get back up again:
"For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,but the wicked are brought down by calamity." (Prov 24:16)
Dad, we're making mistakes all the time. We can get very frustrated, discouraged, and feel ready to chuck it. Don't. Rise up again. Make this your Dad verse, and stick to it.
God is the redeemer. All these bad situations, all the failures, God redeems them.
Righteous men will fall, but they can get back up again:
"For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,but the wicked are brought down by calamity." (Prov 24:16)
Dad, we're making mistakes all the time. We can get very frustrated, discouraged, and feel ready to chuck it. Don't. Rise up again. Make this your Dad verse, and stick to it.
God is the redeemer. All these bad situations, all the failures, God redeems them.
Leading by Example
Bill Cosby preaches responsibility and family leadership in Philadelphia! I hope this message takes root and grows, and not just in black communities.
"The emasculation of society by the smothering effects of modern uniformity has precipitated a severely over-managed, under-led, and passionately un-principled culture from top to bottom. The great cry for the renewal of our civilization is for men to rise and be men." -- Tristan Gylberd
Bill Cosby preaches responsibility and family leadership in Philadelphia! I hope this message takes root and grows, and not just in black communities.
"The emasculation of society by the smothering effects of modern uniformity has precipitated a severely over-managed, under-led, and passionately un-principled culture from top to bottom. The great cry for the renewal of our civilization is for men to rise and be men." -- Tristan Gylberd
Autism and Vaccines
One of the signals of our times is the dominant role that we expect the courts to play in making decisions.
I'm really struggling to understand why law courts could reasonably make a decision about the alleged and repeatedly unproven link between autism and an agent formerly used in vaccines.
There have been several large scientific studies done. Thimerisol has not been used for years, but the autism rates have not declined. There are no other statistically valid correlations.
Oh wait, there's a government fund with money in it, and the court holds the key.
Part of intelligent analysis is seeking what is not found in a presentation of information. How much suffering and death was forestalled because children were vaccinated against horrible diseases? How many children have not been vaccinated because parents were frightened by news stories about vaccines inducing autism and causing other problems?
One of the signals of our times is the dominant role that we expect the courts to play in making decisions.
I'm really struggling to understand why law courts could reasonably make a decision about the alleged and repeatedly unproven link between autism and an agent formerly used in vaccines.
There have been several large scientific studies done. Thimerisol has not been used for years, but the autism rates have not declined. There are no other statistically valid correlations.
Oh wait, there's a government fund with money in it, and the court holds the key.
Part of intelligent analysis is seeking what is not found in a presentation of information. How much suffering and death was forestalled because children were vaccinated against horrible diseases? How many children have not been vaccinated because parents were frightened by news stories about vaccines inducing autism and causing other problems?
Thursday, June 07, 2007
More Stem Cell News
Encouraging news about progress with adult stem cells. The mainstream media does not seem to be excited about reporting these!
Encouraging news about progress with adult stem cells. The mainstream media does not seem to be excited about reporting these!
Secular Trends
This six minute video, "Shift Happens," is worth watching.
Rather than being discouraged in any way, I suggest you watch it prayerfully, and see how God is at work in this.
A few specific comments:
When they speak of "information," keep in mind that it is not all high-value signal. Much is noise. We simply are more challenged to hear God's voice in the midst of it. Information overload is a convenient myth. You don't explode if you walk into a library or open the phone book, or fire up Google.
These are good things to process, and then talk about with your family.
I think the music comes from the movie, "Last of the Mohicans."
This six minute video, "Shift Happens," is worth watching.
Rather than being discouraged in any way, I suggest you watch it prayerfully, and see how God is at work in this.
A few specific comments:
When they speak of "information," keep in mind that it is not all high-value signal. Much is noise. We simply are more challenged to hear God's voice in the midst of it. Information overload is a convenient myth. You don't explode if you walk into a library or open the phone book, or fire up Google.
These are good things to process, and then talk about with your family.
I think the music comes from the movie, "Last of the Mohicans."
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
RealClearPolitics - Articles - Print Article
D-Day Anniversary
This is a good day to reread President Reagan's speech, "The Boys of Pointe du Hoc."
RealClearPolitics - Articles - Print Article
Thanks, Lord, for the bravery of these men. Let us not waste what they bought with their lives. Teach us, also, that death is not the worst thing that can happen to us.
This is a good day to reread President Reagan's speech, "The Boys of Pointe du Hoc."
RealClearPolitics - Articles - Print Article
Thanks, Lord, for the bravery of these men. Let us not waste what they bought with their lives. Teach us, also, that death is not the worst thing that can happen to us.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Marriage for One Dimension, Convenience
An Iranian muslim cleric advocates temporary marriages so men can have their sexual needs "satisfied" without going to prostitutes.
This is remarkable!
What's the women's perspective on these "marriages"?
Why emphasize the temporary, and the sex? I suppose the temporary idea means that the man is conveniently free of real commitments.
Is no one thinking about the longer term consequences of this approach? "Serial monogamy" is a popular catch-phrase in some American circles, but it still can damage people.
Legalistic thinking runs amuck.
An Iranian muslim cleric advocates temporary marriages so men can have their sexual needs "satisfied" without going to prostitutes.
This is remarkable!
What's the women's perspective on these "marriages"?
Why emphasize the temporary, and the sex? I suppose the temporary idea means that the man is conveniently free of real commitments.
Is no one thinking about the longer term consequences of this approach? "Serial monogamy" is a popular catch-phrase in some American circles, but it still can damage people.
Legalistic thinking runs amuck.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Senator Brownback on Evolution
Interesting blog posting -- and comments -- about Senator Brownback's op-ed about evolution. I welcome the dialogue on these important points.
Interesting blog posting -- and comments -- about Senator Brownback's op-ed about evolution. I welcome the dialogue on these important points.
Loving Wayward Children
John Piper's son has written an outstanding article on "12 Ways to Love Your Wayward Child." This is filled with tenderness, hope, and good counsel. Recommended even if you don't have a wayward son or daughter!
John Piper's son has written an outstanding article on "12 Ways to Love Your Wayward Child." This is filled with tenderness, hope, and good counsel. Recommended even if you don't have a wayward son or daughter!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Population Density Maps
Kevin Nelstead points us to some interesting 3D population density maps. Let this inform your thinking about the world, and your prayers.
Kevin Nelstead points us to some interesting 3D population density maps. Let this inform your thinking about the world, and your prayers.
Going Into Iran
Norman Podhoretz makes a solid argument for using military action against Iran, and soon. He highlights some historical parallels that should sober us from procrastinating. I think he paints a realistic picture of how fighting Islamofascism is different than fighting the Russians in the Cold War -- mutually assured destruction strategies aren't going to be a deterrent.
This is not a light article, nor is the subject light. Podhoretz develops a sustained case and systematically looks at alternatives. He is sober in his estimates of the costs, too.
Norman Podhoretz makes a solid argument for using military action against Iran, and soon. He highlights some historical parallels that should sober us from procrastinating. I think he paints a realistic picture of how fighting Islamofascism is different than fighting the Russians in the Cold War -- mutually assured destruction strategies aren't going to be a deterrent.
This is not a light article, nor is the subject light. Podhoretz develops a sustained case and systematically looks at alternatives. He is sober in his estimates of the costs, too.
In Christ Alone
One of my favorite contemporary hymns, set to video.
http://www.nathanrice.org/2007/05/30/in-christ-alone/
"No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand."
One of my favorite contemporary hymns, set to video.
http://www.nathanrice.org/2007/05/30/in-christ-alone/
"No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand."
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Thinking about Immigration
Even though there is a lot of hyperbole and hype around the illegal immigration issue in the US, it is encouraging to see some reasonable dialogue, too. Peggy Noonan strikes a good chord.
You can expect to see more debate about the 14th amendment definition of natural born citizen, particularly the statement
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside."
in Section 1. How does "and subject to the juridiction thereof" apply to illegal immigrants who intentionally enter the US to deliver a baby on US soil?
Christians will need to be discerning here. Yes, we have compassion on individuals and families, even when they or others created a difficult situation by breaking laws. The government must operate in a different sphere, carrying the sword and ensuring justice.
Even though there is a lot of hyperbole and hype around the illegal immigration issue in the US, it is encouraging to see some reasonable dialogue, too. Peggy Noonan strikes a good chord.
You can expect to see more debate about the 14th amendment definition of natural born citizen, particularly the statement
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside."
in Section 1. How does "and subject to the juridiction thereof" apply to illegal immigrants who intentionally enter the US to deliver a baby on US soil?
Christians will need to be discerning here. Yes, we have compassion on individuals and families, even when they or others created a difficult situation by breaking laws. The government must operate in a different sphere, carrying the sword and ensuring justice.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Venezuela Trip
I wrote up some notes and posted pictures from my recent missions trip to Venezuela. They're on the Teach to Change Lives blog.
I wrote up some notes and posted pictures from my recent missions trip to Venezuela. They're on the Teach to Change Lives blog.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Just Back from Venezuela
Sorry I haven't been blogging for a while. I was on a mission/vision trip in Venezuela. Each time I go I'm reminded of a few critical things:
Sorry I haven't been blogging for a while. I was on a mission/vision trip in Venezuela. Each time I go I'm reminded of a few critical things:
- Most Americans live in Disneyworld by comparison to most people
- The Holy Spirit is actively at work all over the world, preparing the hearts of people for the Gospel
- No one is more wretched and in need of Christ than me
- The biblical model of presenting the Gospel begins with sin and our need for a savior, not with God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. (See Romans 1-6)
- My faith needs to grow!
Be bold, be gentle!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Great Reading on Jewish Life in Bible Times
Alfred Edersheim wrote some of the best, most readable works on Jewish life in Bible times. They're available in the public domain (free) through Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
You can pick up a public domain copy of Edersheim's "Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" here:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edersheim/lifetimes.html
Other books I recommend from Edersheim:
Sketches of Jewish Life
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edersheim/sketches.html
The Temple Ministry
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edersheim/temple.html
Alfred Edersheim wrote some of the best, most readable works on Jewish life in Bible times. They're available in the public domain (free) through Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
You can pick up a public domain copy of Edersheim's "Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" here:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edersheim/lifetimes.html
Other books I recommend from Edersheim:
Sketches of Jewish Life
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edersheim/sketches.html
The Temple Ministry
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edersheim/temple.html
Monday, May 14, 2007
What's the Problem with Indulging Boys? They're Just Boys!
My friend Brad pointed me to this fine article on the challenges of finding men to serve in the Army -- and how this is an indicator of challenges for our society.
My friend Brad pointed me to this fine article on the challenges of finding men to serve in the Army -- and how this is an indicator of challenges for our society.
Insight...Let Us Be Vigilant!
"People do not drift toward holiness…We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated."
-- D. A. Carson, For the Love of God
"People do not drift toward holiness…We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated."
-- D. A. Carson, For the Love of God
Friday, May 11, 2007
Catching up from the Dallas Airport
It's amazing how much reading you can get caught up on when you're in a plane or airport! Here are some excellent articles I recommend:
Jeremy Smith writes about "afternoon googler's" and why this phenomenon makes global warming so "marketable" in today's culture -- with an excellent insight about how it fits our "guilt" patterns. Read both Part 1 and Part 2. There is some other excellent material on the main site, Reformation 21.
I was not aware of the serious problems in the Iranian economy. This could be a huge factor in the next events in that country. How is the providence of God at work here?
Marvin Olasky gives an outstanding framework for understanding the primary differences in major religions.
"Time Plus Chance" or "Intelligent Design"?
"Impersonal Force" or "God who is knowable"?
"Bible" or "Koran"?
"Theologically Conservative" or "Theologically Liberal"?
This one is worth thinking through with our kids.
Fred Thompson gives us a useful history lessons about the early American experience (14 years of war!) with the Barbary pirates.
(I continue to be irked with pundits who clearly believe that nothing from before 5 years ago is helpful to understand, unless it's used to pillory someone you don't like. History is replete with examples to learn from!"
Social Security numbers are pretty easy to be accurate with, compared with global climate predictions and consequences. Which one gets more attention, and which should get some immediate political attention? Ah, but global warming is so much easier to talk about, isn't it.
Frank Pastore gives a nice summary on why athiesm fails -- and the strategies that athiests (he used to be one) use all the time.
It's amazing how much reading you can get caught up on when you're in a plane or airport! Here are some excellent articles I recommend:
Jeremy Smith writes about "afternoon googler's" and why this phenomenon makes global warming so "marketable" in today's culture -- with an excellent insight about how it fits our "guilt" patterns. Read both Part 1 and Part 2. There is some other excellent material on the main site, Reformation 21.
I was not aware of the serious problems in the Iranian economy. This could be a huge factor in the next events in that country. How is the providence of God at work here?
Marvin Olasky gives an outstanding framework for understanding the primary differences in major religions.
"Time Plus Chance" or "Intelligent Design"?
"Impersonal Force" or "God who is knowable"?
"Bible" or "Koran"?
"Theologically Conservative" or "Theologically Liberal"?
This one is worth thinking through with our kids.
Fred Thompson gives us a useful history lessons about the early American experience (14 years of war!) with the Barbary pirates.
(I continue to be irked with pundits who clearly believe that nothing from before 5 years ago is helpful to understand, unless it's used to pillory someone you don't like. History is replete with examples to learn from!"
Social Security numbers are pretty easy to be accurate with, compared with global climate predictions and consequences. Which one gets more attention, and which should get some immediate political attention? Ah, but global warming is so much easier to talk about, isn't it.
Frank Pastore gives a nice summary on why athiesm fails -- and the strategies that athiests (he used to be one) use all the time.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
The Connection Between Free Trade and Military Protection
Orson Scott Card wrote a terrific essay on the role of military protection of free trade routes and interchange.
American military work has uniquely been to protect freedoms -- without a demand for lands or repayments.
Orson Scott Card wrote a terrific essay on the role of military protection of free trade routes and interchange.
American military work has uniquely been to protect freedoms -- without a demand for lands or repayments.
Continue Praying
Planned Parenthood report on 2005 abortions:
"That means that every day in 2005, PP killed 725 children -- enough to fill two elementary schools."
Abortion is a men's issue. Men were involved at conception, men perform most abortions, men profit the most from abortion "procedures," and men are left with the fewest scars.
Godly men pray. A godly man treasure the lives of others (even above his own) and save lives.
Planned Parenthood report on 2005 abortions:
"That means that every day in 2005, PP killed 725 children -- enough to fill two elementary schools."
Abortion is a men's issue. Men were involved at conception, men perform most abortions, men profit the most from abortion "procedures," and men are left with the fewest scars.
Godly men pray. A godly man treasure the lives of others (even above his own) and save lives.
Monday, May 07, 2007
FOXNews.com - Christians Fleeing Violence in Iraq - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News
Pray for our brothers and sisters in Iraq!
FOXNews.com - Christians Fleeing Violence in Iraq - International News News of the World Middle East News Europe News
May the Lord magnify His Name in this ancient land. He has done it before, and I am confident that He will do it again.
FOXNews.com - Christians Fleeing Violence in Iraq - International News News of the World Middle East News Europe News
May the Lord magnify His Name in this ancient land. He has done it before, and I am confident that He will do it again.
Friday, May 04, 2007
The Patriot Post - Understanding our Constitution: A Modern Language Paraphrase of The Federalist Papers
Modern Version of The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers may be one of the least-appreciated documents from the founders. I've never seen those who argue for a "living" Constitution cite it.
This modern version is easier to read than the original, but the import remains intact:
The Patriot Post - Understanding our Constitution: A Modern Language Paraphrase of The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers may be one of the least-appreciated documents from the founders. I've never seen those who argue for a "living" Constitution cite it.
This modern version is easier to read than the original, but the import remains intact:
The Patriot Post - Understanding our Constitution: A Modern Language Paraphrase of The Federalist Papers
Thursday, May 03, 2007
The Chronicle, Patriot Post Vol. 07 No. 18 - Published 2 May 2007
History of the National Day of Prayer
1775 The First Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer.
1863 Abraham Lincoln called for such a day.
1952 Congress established NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman.
1988 The law was amended and signed by President Reagan, to be the first Thursday in May.
Source: The Chronicle, Patriot Post Vol. 07 No. 18 - Published 2 May 2007:
1775 The First Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer.
1863 Abraham Lincoln called for such a day.
1952 Congress established NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman.
1988 The law was amended and signed by President Reagan, to be the first Thursday in May.
Source: The Chronicle, Patriot Post Vol. 07 No. 18 - Published 2 May 2007:
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Quote of the Week
"To be too busy with God’s work to commune with God, to be busy with doing Church work without taking time to talk to God about His work, is the highway to backsliding, and many people have walked therein to the hurt of their immortal souls." -- E. M. Bounds
Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer in the US -- make a point to gather together with others and pray!
HT: Random Ramblings Of A Church Gatherer: Too Busy?
"To be too busy with God’s work to commune with God, to be busy with doing Church work without taking time to talk to God about His work, is the highway to backsliding, and many people have walked therein to the hurt of their immortal souls." -- E. M. Bounds
Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer in the US -- make a point to gather together with others and pray!
HT: Random Ramblings Of A Church Gatherer: Too Busy?
Monday, April 30, 2007
WORLD Magazine | Weekly News, Christian Views
Media Reporting on Partial-Birth Abortion
Joel Belz gives his analysis of the slanted reporting about the recent Supreme Court decision:
WORLD Magazine Weekly News, Christian Views
"The cover-up—and that is too kind a word for this sort of professional dishonesty—is on at least two fronts: First is the double reference to the supposed rarity of the procedure. Pro-abortion sources themselves (the Alan Guttmacher Institute, in particular) put the figure at 2,200 annually. More neutral experts say it's more like 5,000. Split that difference, and you've got the equivalent of a fully loaded 70-passenger regional jet crashing every single week for a whole year. Still "not a common occurrence," though, in the minds of these steel-hearted reporters."
A regional jet crashing every week. That's a useful comparison to put this "rare" procedure in perspective.
Let us be prayer warriors, men!
Joel Belz gives his analysis of the slanted reporting about the recent Supreme Court decision:
WORLD Magazine Weekly News, Christian Views
"The cover-up—and that is too kind a word for this sort of professional dishonesty—is on at least two fronts: First is the double reference to the supposed rarity of the procedure. Pro-abortion sources themselves (the Alan Guttmacher Institute, in particular) put the figure at 2,200 annually. More neutral experts say it's more like 5,000. Split that difference, and you've got the equivalent of a fully loaded 70-passenger regional jet crashing every single week for a whole year. Still "not a common occurrence," though, in the minds of these steel-hearted reporters."
A regional jet crashing every week. That's a useful comparison to put this "rare" procedure in perspective.
Let us be prayer warriors, men!
MondayMorningInsight.com > How to Avoid Pastoral “Brain Drain”
Avoiding Things that Wear Leaders Out
Leaders are working with people, information, and decisions -- here are some excellent strategies for avoiding the dimensions of these three that will wear you out:
MondayMorningInsight.com > How to Avoid Pastoral “Brain Drain”
Leaders are working with people, information, and decisions -- here are some excellent strategies for avoiding the dimensions of these three that will wear you out:
MondayMorningInsight.com > How to Avoid Pastoral “Brain Drain”
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The Earth is Not Flat! » Carbon Credit Craziness
Just How Do Those Carbon Credits Work?
I'm sure you've heard about people buying "carbon credits" to offset their own carbon "footprint." Kevin Nelstead has a nice post about this:
The Earth is Not Flat! » Carbon Credit Craziness
I keep thinking about this verse, wondering how it might illuminate our path forward on global climate and stewardship of the earth:
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (Galatians 6:2-5)
I'm sure you've heard about people buying "carbon credits" to offset their own carbon "footprint." Kevin Nelstead has a nice post about this:
The Earth is Not Flat! » Carbon Credit Craziness
I keep thinking about this verse, wondering how it might illuminate our path forward on global climate and stewardship of the earth:
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (Galatians 6:2-5)
Fair Tax
I've written in the past about the flat tax proposals. The "Fair Tax" -- a national sales tax that would replace nearly all other taxes, except state taxes -- has some interesting features. I recommend you look at this comparison chart (PDF file).
The primary web site is
http://www.fairtax.org
Let's be good thinkers about these matters, men, so that we can be good citizens.
I've written in the past about the flat tax proposals. The "Fair Tax" -- a national sales tax that would replace nearly all other taxes, except state taxes -- has some interesting features. I recommend you look at this comparison chart (PDF file).
The primary web site is
http://www.fairtax.org
Let's be good thinkers about these matters, men, so that we can be good citizens.
What Happens When We Read Textbooks In the Statehouse
Iowa State Senator Brad Zaun did a brave thing -- he actually read from the "comprehensive" and "medically accurate" sex education curriculum that many are recommending for our public school children. Listening made many adults in the room squirm.
There's a weird duality going on. Supposedly the right to privacy is paramount and "constitutional" (not actually true), and yet we delight in airing out anything sexual, which should be one of the most private areas of adult life. We go to great lengths to protect children from sexual predators (and should) but saturate our entertainment choices with perversity and pornography.
A pastor friend told me recently, "Don't give people what they want, because they almost always want the wrong things."
Iowa State Senator Brad Zaun did a brave thing -- he actually read from the "comprehensive" and "medically accurate" sex education curriculum that many are recommending for our public school children. Listening made many adults in the room squirm.
There's a weird duality going on. Supposedly the right to privacy is paramount and "constitutional" (not actually true), and yet we delight in airing out anything sexual, which should be one of the most private areas of adult life. We go to great lengths to protect children from sexual predators (and should) but saturate our entertainment choices with perversity and pornography.
A pastor friend told me recently, "Don't give people what they want, because they almost always want the wrong things."
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Civilization Watch - April 1, 2007 - Honor - The Ornery American
Honor, and Perspective
This is a must-read. Orson Scott Card writes about honor (individual, and national), and helps us understand the times.
Civilization Watch - April 1, 2007 - Honor - The Ornery American
Usually I can process about 10 things simultaneously. This riveted me.
Note: Orson Scott Card is a terrific science fiction writer, too. Start with "Ender's Game."
This is a must-read. Orson Scott Card writes about honor (individual, and national), and helps us understand the times.
Civilization Watch - April 1, 2007 - Honor - The Ornery American
Usually I can process about 10 things simultaneously. This riveted me.
Note: Orson Scott Card is a terrific science fiction writer, too. Start with "Ender's Game."
Bible Study Tools
I'm regularly asked for my recommendations on Bible study tools and references. These two articles will get you started:
Thompson's Chain Reference Bible
Renn's Expository Dictionary of Bible Words
You can check out some of my other reports here.
I'm regularly asked for my recommendations on Bible study tools and references. These two articles will get you started:
Thompson's Chain Reference Bible
Renn's Expository Dictionary of Bible Words
You can check out some of my other reports here.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Take This Counsel to Heart
"In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands. " (2 Tim 2:20-26, The Message)
"In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands. " (2 Tim 2:20-26, The Message)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Copehagen Consensus
Why wasn't this testimony before Congress reported more widely?
One of my frustrations in reviewing data supporting global warming arguments (both sides of this horribly polarized issue -- we need dialogue, not high-velocity sound bites) is that I'm still looking for hard data (something more than a computer model) that says, "If we reduce these emissions, then the global temperature will change because of that reduction."
Back to Bjorn Lomberg's approach (see link above), what can we do to give people more economic options? Greater wealth means more choices for environmentally friendly approaches.
Why wasn't this testimony before Congress reported more widely?
One of my frustrations in reviewing data supporting global warming arguments (both sides of this horribly polarized issue -- we need dialogue, not high-velocity sound bites) is that I'm still looking for hard data (something more than a computer model) that says, "If we reduce these emissions, then the global temperature will change because of that reduction."
Back to Bjorn Lomberg's approach (see link above), what can we do to give people more economic options? Greater wealth means more choices for environmentally friendly approaches.
Adrianisms
Adrian Rogers had a way with words! The two volumes of his pithy "Adrianisms" are worth your consideration. Here are some of my favorites:
Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?
God grades on the Cross not on the curve.
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
I read other books. The Bible reads me.
If you have a Bible that's falling apart you'll have a life that's not.
You can save a lot of time waiting on God.
If you need encouragement, give it. If you need love, give it.Whatever you need, give it away.
Just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it doesn'tmake sense.
If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy.
On gossips: don't let them use your ears for garbage cans.
It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.
If you live for this world, you are in the junk business. It's all just premature junk.
There was a time when you were not. There never will be a time when you will not be.
We live in a day where a hero is a sandwich, life is a magazine,power is a candy bar, joy is a detergent, sin is a perfume, a star is an actress who's been married three times, and the real thing is a soft drink.
You can't sweeten the well by painting the pump.
God does not flunk any of His children. He just re-enrolls them.
If you were sinking in quicksand, the devil would pat you on the head.
On salvation by works: I wouldn't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.
Adrian Rogers had a way with words! The two volumes of his pithy "Adrianisms" are worth your consideration. Here are some of my favorites:
Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?
God grades on the Cross not on the curve.
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
I read other books. The Bible reads me.
If you have a Bible that's falling apart you'll have a life that's not.
You can save a lot of time waiting on God.
If you need encouragement, give it. If you need love, give it.Whatever you need, give it away.
Just because it doesn't make sense to you doesn't mean it doesn'tmake sense.
If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy.
On gossips: don't let them use your ears for garbage cans.
It's what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.
If you live for this world, you are in the junk business. It's all just premature junk.
There was a time when you were not. There never will be a time when you will not be.
We live in a day where a hero is a sandwich, life is a magazine,power is a candy bar, joy is a detergent, sin is a perfume, a star is an actress who's been married three times, and the real thing is a soft drink.
You can't sweeten the well by painting the pump.
God does not flunk any of His children. He just re-enrolls them.
If you were sinking in quicksand, the devil would pat you on the head.
On salvation by works: I wouldn't trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Christians at Bible publishers have their throats cut-News-World-Europe-TimesOnline
Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Turkey
Christians at Bible publishers have their throats cut-News-World-Europe-TimesOnline
May the Lord continue to grow His kingdom!
Christians at Bible publishers have their throats cut-News-World-Europe-TimesOnline
May the Lord continue to grow His kingdom!
7 Big Lies
Joel Belz identifies 7 Big Lies persistently told in our mainstream media today.
Our powers of self-deception should be weakened, not strengthened by repeated use.
Joel Belz identifies 7 Big Lies persistently told in our mainstream media today.
Our powers of self-deception should be weakened, not strengthened by repeated use.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
When Men Are Called To Sacrifice
I'm speaking to men as I write this. I want to speak into your chests, men.
The awful shootings at Virginia Tech University have prompted me to think about bravery and courage. Why didn't someone rush this guy and take him out? This guy had pistols, reloaded, and was systematically firing. He wasn't sniping at people from around corners. A number of the victims were shot multiple times.
Here is one account, emphasis mine:
*********************
"One of his fellow students, Trey Perkins, was among only two in the class of at least 15 who weren't struck.
Perkins told FOX News he flipped some desks over on their sides to create an obstacle between the gunman and the students who hadn't fallen in the first spray of bullets. He considered jumping out a window, he said, but he didn't want to abandon the wounded.
"So many people were laying in the room and still conscious and I didn't just want to leave them all there," Perkins told FOX. "So we tried to block the door."He guessed that only about six of them made it out alive.
Questions surfaced about why students didn't try to rush the gunman and force him to the ground, but Perkins said there wasn't a way to do it safely.
"He came in with two guns and he immediately opened fire," he said. "I would say within 10 seconds, there were so many people down. He wasn't in any location to try to tackle him. I thought about getting up to try to do it, but he was just shooting. There was no way to get over the desks."
Source: FoxNews story
********************
Two important things before I go on:
1. News reports are still coming out about what happened on that campus. There may have been some heroic acts that I am not aware of. I don't know the full story.
2. Please understand that I have been on the business end of guns before. I've had a pistol held to my head. Another time a man fired shots at me and God spared me. I know first-hand what an awful rush of confusing feelings and the paralysis of fear that can hit you in those moments. I am completely sympathetic to anyone in that situation. I am not condeming anyone's actions here.
Men, I am speaking to you. I challenge you to predecide now how you will handle these kinds of situations. Yes, you must be discerning. But if someone starts shooting at people -- innocent people who carry the image of God and are precious, you can't help them or yourself by being passive.
We're the men. We're built to defend and protect and serve others, even at the cost of our own life. Especially at the cost of our own life. In Christ, it's not our life any more, we're simply stewards of it.
Rush the man, and knock him down, with every bit of strength God gives you. Take bullets if necessary, and keep going if you can. Your safety is not part of the equation you control -- let that be in God's hands. Dying is not the worst thing that can happen to you. If there is another man with you, both of you rush him. You may well save many lives, including the shooter.
Predeciding means you are more likely to do the right thing in the moment.
This is a good thing to talk about -- including our fears -- with our boys.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Playing for An Audience of One
Perry Noble shares a great story about playing football for his mother, dying of cancer -- playing for an audience of one. And then he relates this to pastoring/preaching -- for an audience of One. Read it, believe it.
Perry Noble shares a great story about playing football for his mother, dying of cancer -- playing for an audience of one. And then he relates this to pastoring/preaching -- for an audience of One. Read it, believe it.
Top Ten Issues Facing the Church
Interesting article...do you agree with these top ten issues facing the church?
1) Soteriology
2) The Embrace of Open Theism
3) Homosexuality
4) Ecclesiology
5) The Bible - Absolute truth? Inerrant? Infallible?
6) Social Justice, Global Warming, etc.
7) Red Letter Christians
8) Infighting in the Church
9) Jesus Junk
10) Friend or Foe?
See the article for more details on each.
Interesting article...do you agree with these top ten issues facing the church?
1) Soteriology
2) The Embrace of Open Theism
3) Homosexuality
4) Ecclesiology
5) The Bible - Absolute truth? Inerrant? Infallible?
6) Social Justice, Global Warming, etc.
7) Red Letter Christians
8) Infighting in the Church
9) Jesus Junk
10) Friend or Foe?
See the article for more details on each.
Fathering
Nice article in New Man about the importance of fathering. "Sons and daughters are born, and fathers are made. Any male can conceive a child, but only a man can father a child." Good stuff.
Nice article in New Man about the importance of fathering. "Sons and daughters are born, and fathers are made. Any male can conceive a child, but only a man can father a child." Good stuff.
Encouraging Report on Stem Cell Treatment for Type I Diabetes
Glad to see this encouraging report on individualized stem cell treatment for treating Type I diabetes. A few comments:
1. This is a very small study, and though the results are very good, it's appropriate to expand the study. Also, no double-blind data available.
2. Note that these are adult stem cells, taken from the individuals and then put into their own pancreas. They are not using embryonic stem cells (which would be from other individuals).
3. There is still some wonderful mystery here, because the mode(s) of action are unclear.
Glad to see this encouraging report on individualized stem cell treatment for treating Type I diabetes. A few comments:
1. This is a very small study, and though the results are very good, it's appropriate to expand the study. Also, no double-blind data available.
2. Note that these are adult stem cells, taken from the individuals and then put into their own pancreas. They are not using embryonic stem cells (which would be from other individuals).
3. There is still some wonderful mystery here, because the mode(s) of action are unclear.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
No Suffering
Three people have brought up an idea to me since Easter services: many people in my generation and my children's generation (in the US) have never suffered -- and their character is mushy. My grandmother used to tell me my generation were wimps; her generation came through the Depression, WWII, the cold war. For some of us our biggest struggle was making a choice between 42 good options. And we've been inconvenienced at the airport because of terrorist threats.
"7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Paul, writing in Philippians 3, emphasis mine)
Note: I am not saying that individuals have not struggled. This is a sin-corrupted world, and living in community is hard. Lonliness, fear, and anger abound.
Perhaps we should look at the 1780's and 1790's for an illustration. Things were going very well for the new United states in the 1780's. But the 1790's were some of the worst years in our history. There wasn't a major external threat to the country. But the economy collapsed, alcoholism was rampant, crime soared, families came unglued -- if Britain had not had her own problems, they could probably have come back and reclaimed their colonies! And then look at what God did -- the Great Awakening of 1800-1802. This created an amazing transformation of the culture.
I don't believe time is a circle. But historical experience has helical qualities; we see similar patterns recurring, as if we're on that "side" of the helix again.
Three people have brought up an idea to me since Easter services: many people in my generation and my children's generation (in the US) have never suffered -- and their character is mushy. My grandmother used to tell me my generation were wimps; her generation came through the Depression, WWII, the cold war. For some of us our biggest struggle was making a choice between 42 good options. And we've been inconvenienced at the airport because of terrorist threats.
"7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Paul, writing in Philippians 3, emphasis mine)
Note: I am not saying that individuals have not struggled. This is a sin-corrupted world, and living in community is hard. Lonliness, fear, and anger abound.
Perhaps we should look at the 1780's and 1790's for an illustration. Things were going very well for the new United states in the 1780's. But the 1790's were some of the worst years in our history. There wasn't a major external threat to the country. But the economy collapsed, alcoholism was rampant, crime soared, families came unglued -- if Britain had not had her own problems, they could probably have come back and reclaimed their colonies! And then look at what God did -- the Great Awakening of 1800-1802. This created an amazing transformation of the culture.
I don't believe time is a circle. But historical experience has helical qualities; we see similar patterns recurring, as if we're on that "side" of the helix again.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Another Church for Men
News from a Florida church service devoted to men -- I'm assuming that the "no women" rule means they go to some other church with their families routinely. Otherwise I'm concerned that they aren't teaching spiritual leadership of families, but only creating a "no girls allowed" clubhouse.
News from a Florida church service devoted to men -- I'm assuming that the "no women" rule means they go to some other church with their families routinely. Otherwise I'm concerned that they aren't teaching spiritual leadership of families, but only creating a "no girls allowed" clubhouse.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
What Kind of Disciples?
Do you ever feel like you've had a "whack on the side of the head" experience?
That's how I felt during a lunch conversation earlier this week. I was excitedly explaining to a man in our church how we need to view all our programs and activities through the unifying lens of discipleship. His statement caught me:
"Glenn, we're making disciples. The question is, 'What kind of disciples?' "
I immediately thought about Jesus' harsh statements about the kind of disciples the Pharisees and teachers of the law produced (Matt 23:15) -- "twice as much a son of hell as you are."
So our church efforts are perfectly designed to produce the kind (and quantity) of disciples we're producing. Now I'm wrestling prayerfully, asking our Lord to direct us to make the best (right) kind of disciples in abundance.
Do you ever feel like you've had a "whack on the side of the head" experience?
That's how I felt during a lunch conversation earlier this week. I was excitedly explaining to a man in our church how we need to view all our programs and activities through the unifying lens of discipleship. His statement caught me:
"Glenn, we're making disciples. The question is, 'What kind of disciples?' "
I immediately thought about Jesus' harsh statements about the kind of disciples the Pharisees and teachers of the law produced (Matt 23:15) -- "twice as much a son of hell as you are."
So our church efforts are perfectly designed to produce the kind (and quantity) of disciples we're producing. Now I'm wrestling prayerfully, asking our Lord to direct us to make the best (right) kind of disciples in abundance.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
See the Universe to Scale
Here's a delightful web site designed to help you understand how big the universe truly is. There is an excellent animation to go from sub-atomic levels to the farthest galaxies.
"The Lord reigns; let the nations tremble." -- Psalm 99:1
I pray this will inspire your spirit with a renewed sense of the awe and majesty of our Lord.
Here's a delightful web site designed to help you understand how big the universe truly is. There is an excellent animation to go from sub-atomic levels to the farthest galaxies.
"The Lord reigns; let the nations tremble." -- Psalm 99:1
I pray this will inspire your spirit with a renewed sense of the awe and majesty of our Lord.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Gmail Offers Paper
Google is offering a new service with their free Gmail -- they will send you paper copies of messages (including attachments!) -- free. They cover the cost by putting ads on the back.
I've been very impressed with Gmail and have used it since 2005. It's slick, fast, clean.
Go here to sign up for a Gmail account if you do not have one.
Update: I think I fell for their April Fools day prank! But you can certainly get a gmail account, and I recommend that.
Google is offering a new service with their free Gmail -- they will send you paper copies of messages (including attachments!) -- free. They cover the cost by putting ads on the back.
I've been very impressed with Gmail and have used it since 2005. It's slick, fast, clean.
Go here to sign up for a Gmail account if you do not have one.
Update: I think I fell for their April Fools day prank! But you can certainly get a gmail account, and I recommend that.
Part 2 -- How Wives Can Kill Their Marriage
Doug Giles continues here with
3. Keep Him On a Short Leash.
4. Become a Drama Queen.
5. Hate his Friends.
6. Hate his hobby.
Doug Giles continues here with
3. Keep Him On a Short Leash.
4. Become a Drama Queen.
5. Hate his Friends.
6. Hate his hobby.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Waffle, Not a Pancake
Marvin Olasky has a useful article about Christianity in China. One of the Chinese church leaders told him, "China is a waffle, not a pancake." Let us glorify our Lord for 125 million believers in that country! This is the news behind the news.
Marvin Olasky has a useful article about Christianity in China. One of the Chinese church leaders told him, "China is a waffle, not a pancake." Let us glorify our Lord for 125 million believers in that country! This is the news behind the news.
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