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Why does this bother me? Am I just hyper-sensitive or is this a genuine problem that could use some addressing?
I have worked on many different general construction crews for many years in the past. It seemed inevitable that each one of these crews had their ‘scapegoat’. You know, that one person who invariably got accused every time something was installed wrong, measured wrong or simply wrong. Along with that, there seemed to be a general attitude of superiority present in the heart of every employee. This seemed to be across the board (though more pronounced on specific crews).
Recently, due to some seemingly unfortunate and unexpected circumstances, I have found myself again working general construction to generate some cash flow. Much to my chagrin I have found that though working on an altogether different crew, in a different state hundreds of miles from the previous experience, with a completely different caliber people, in an entirely different circumstance, some things just seem to be universal.
Why?
I asked one person (who happens to know most, if not all, the people I’m working with) why this was. He responded with this, ‘Oh, that’s just the way you tell (name withheld to protect privacy) that you love him. That’s his love language.’ I sort of sloughed it off thinking maybe I was the one who was overreacting. However, the next day when that ‘loved’ person wasn’t there the castigating continued just the same, with him still receiving (in his absence) the brunt of it. Meanwhile, general attitudes of superiority and lack of confidence started to be seen among the other personnel.
I really don’t think the attitudes I described are genuine, but nevertheless, that almost makes their presence worse. Why would a group of men who bow their heads and pray together daily before embarking on their occupational journey need or want to undermine one another’s authority or ability? Why would they assume that constant badgering and casting doubt on one another’s skills and strengths was ‘showing love’? Why does there seem to be no comprehension of the emotional harm being done?
Or am I just being hyper-sensitive and overreacting?
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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
What Is A Culture?
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Culture – ‘(a) The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. (b) These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population (c) These patterns, traits, and products considered with respect to a particular category, such as a field, subject, or mode of expression: (d) The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.’ (American Heritage Dictionary)
Whether we want to admit it or not, each one of us is acculturated to some extent. Many of us find that hard to believe about ourselves, but nevertheless it is true. We are greatly influenced by our surroundings, its preferences, bias’ and fashions, and all the unspoken notions it has. We are as ‘American’ as the next red-blooded person and pretty darn proud of it at that!
But what about a secondary, or sub-, culture? Are we not just as influenced by that? Do we not allow secondary influences, sub-culture influences, to manipulate our way of thinking and doing things? Should we? How important or unimportant are cultural influences? If they’re of utmost importance then how can we explain the people who aren’t present or influenced by that same culture? If they’re of little importance then why do we afford so much attention to all the idiosyncrasies of our culture?
These questions are all finding their way into my head as I find myself gradually moving away from a sub-culture that has defined all I’ve ever known. As easy as the answers seem to the head, the heart finds itself attached to preferences, ideas, notions and bias’ which are simply cultural. This does not pose any particular problem to the third-person bystander, but to me it causes quite a dilemma. I tend to like things the way I’ve always done them.
Fine, you say, continue doing things the same way. That sounds easy enough, right? Wrong! Wrong for a multiplicity of reasons, not the least of which is that causes confusion among my peers. You see, this leads us directly back to the question of culture’s importance. Those people whom I find myself surrounded by now have little to no understanding of my cultural background. For me to naively assume that my little cultural preferences are the absolute only way to accomplish any given end leads to great confusion as I try to fellowship and cooperate with my given peer group. Also, if cultural preferences are of little importance outside of that particular culture then there’s no inherent reason to impose my bias on my peers.
This is all well, fine and good to realize until………..
I’ve concluded that the litmus test of culture’s influence on my heart lies directly between me and my children. I’m ok to make a few cultural diversions. I’m cool to change a few things in an attempt to better (presumably) my life experience. I’m totally fine to leave a measure of cultural preferences behind, but the idea of my children growing up with little, or no, understanding or appreciation for that same culture that I love so well is a rather bitter pill for me to swallow. By this I’ve concluded that my heart is so acculturated that it is almost beyond hope of purification.
Let me say it a little clearer, I have idolized a culture (sub-culture) to the point that it hurts profusely as I tear it out of my heart. And further, I can hardly bear the thought of my children not seeing this same culture as the second most important thing in their life.
Clearly put, I am an idolator………………………….now, we’re glad each one of you was able to come to this blog, and we have many reasons to be thankful, will one of you please use the liberty put forth and (post a comment).
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Culture – ‘(a) The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. (b) These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population (c) These patterns, traits, and products considered with respect to a particular category, such as a field, subject, or mode of expression: (d) The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.’ (American Heritage Dictionary)
Whether we want to admit it or not, each one of us is acculturated to some extent. Many of us find that hard to believe about ourselves, but nevertheless it is true. We are greatly influenced by our surroundings, its preferences, bias’ and fashions, and all the unspoken notions it has. We are as ‘American’ as the next red-blooded person and pretty darn proud of it at that!
But what about a secondary, or sub-, culture? Are we not just as influenced by that? Do we not allow secondary influences, sub-culture influences, to manipulate our way of thinking and doing things? Should we? How important or unimportant are cultural influences? If they’re of utmost importance then how can we explain the people who aren’t present or influenced by that same culture? If they’re of little importance then why do we afford so much attention to all the idiosyncrasies of our culture?
These questions are all finding their way into my head as I find myself gradually moving away from a sub-culture that has defined all I’ve ever known. As easy as the answers seem to the head, the heart finds itself attached to preferences, ideas, notions and bias’ which are simply cultural. This does not pose any particular problem to the third-person bystander, but to me it causes quite a dilemma. I tend to like things the way I’ve always done them.
Fine, you say, continue doing things the same way. That sounds easy enough, right? Wrong! Wrong for a multiplicity of reasons, not the least of which is that causes confusion among my peers. You see, this leads us directly back to the question of culture’s importance. Those people whom I find myself surrounded by now have little to no understanding of my cultural background. For me to naively assume that my little cultural preferences are the absolute only way to accomplish any given end leads to great confusion as I try to fellowship and cooperate with my given peer group. Also, if cultural preferences are of little importance outside of that particular culture then there’s no inherent reason to impose my bias on my peers.
This is all well, fine and good to realize until………..
I’ve concluded that the litmus test of culture’s influence on my heart lies directly between me and my children. I’m ok to make a few cultural diversions. I’m cool to change a few things in an attempt to better (presumably) my life experience. I’m totally fine to leave a measure of cultural preferences behind, but the idea of my children growing up with little, or no, understanding or appreciation for that same culture that I love so well is a rather bitter pill for me to swallow. By this I’ve concluded that my heart is so acculturated that it is almost beyond hope of purification.
Let me say it a little clearer, I have idolized a culture (sub-culture) to the point that it hurts profusely as I tear it out of my heart. And further, I can hardly bear the thought of my children not seeing this same culture as the second most important thing in their life.
Clearly put, I am an idolator………………………….now, we’re glad each one of you was able to come to this blog, and we have many reasons to be thankful, will one of you please use the liberty put forth and (post a comment).
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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Joel Osteen
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Did anyone else watch the interview Larry King did with Joel Osteen last night? I just happened into a restaurant with a group of men around 9:20 and it was on. One of these men (in particular) couldn't stop singing Joel's accolades. Admittedly, I had never had much personal exposure to Joel, but last night's show didn't impress me any more than I expected it to. Check this:
KING: The book is "Become a Better You: Seven Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day". It's published by Free Press, and three million first printing. That's the most ever in that publishing company's history. Our guests are Joel Osteen, its author, and his wife Victoria. And, OK, would Britney Spears be helped by this book? What do you make of that whole -- that culture thing?
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think it's easy to get delusioned maybe is the word just with all of that fame and notoriety at such an early age. And sure, I think Britney Sears can be helped by that -- by this book. I think anybody could because it's the principles of the bible. And I think that she's -- these are good people at heart. And they just need some good guidance and good people speaking into their lives. They have got so much pressure and so much, you know, confusion in their lives. But, you know, anybody -- anybody can come up higher, and I believe she can come out of this and still live a great life.
KING: Yes. That's what many think, that this whole group, these youngsters, are basically good.
V. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
KING: They've just had too much, too soon.
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think so. I know Britney's been to church before. I've heard reports. And I believe down deep they love the lord. It's just, you know, things pull you away, and it's easy to make bad decisions in life.
V. OSTEEN: That's why it's so important to, you know, surround yourself with people who can speak good things into in your life. And that's one of the things Joel tells the congregation when he gives, you know, an altar call every Sunday. He says, you know what? Bring your friends to church. Don't let them pull you down. You know, call them up, and you bring them to church. So, you know, it is important. And that's what we talk about all the time, get around good people. It influences your life.
(Did anyone see a problem with any of that? Big deal, Britney Spears has been to church. Is that going to sanctify her somehow? And is that all that matters, that we 'love the lord deep down'? What about all the confess me before men and keep my words stuff Jesus said?)
KING: Do you have any particular position on -- I'm sure there's gay members of your church.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, I'm sure there are. Our church is open to anybody. I mean, we are there to help them and give them encouragement and hope. I think the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls and say, if you're not perfect, you can't come to my church.
KING: Because you know there are members of your church -- for example, the late Jerry Falwell was a classic example of someone who really raked at gays and lesbians.
J. OSTEEN: Yes. You know what? There are different callings. I can't fault anybody. I mean, I didn't know Jerry Falwell, but I believe I know his sons, and they are great people. But there are different callings for different things. I think sometimes, you know, God gives us different messages. But mine is about, you know, giving people hope and...
(Well said, Brother Joel, the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls. However, the first thing we're supposed to do is call sin, sin!! Clearly Jerry Falwell DID have a different message. He had a message of hope beyond their sin, not within it!)
KING: We're back with the Osteens. Is this -- is this true, that you once exhorted women in the audience to shop at Victoria's Secret to help their marriage?
J. OSTEEN: Oh, well, that was -- that's probably true. I think the whole...
KING: That's why you're smiling all the time.
(At least he got something right, eh? I guess you can't win them all, but at least he's on the right track here.........................*rolls eyes*)
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Did anyone else watch the interview Larry King did with Joel Osteen last night? I just happened into a restaurant with a group of men around 9:20 and it was on. One of these men (in particular) couldn't stop singing Joel's accolades. Admittedly, I had never had much personal exposure to Joel, but last night's show didn't impress me any more than I expected it to. Check this:
KING: The book is "Become a Better You: Seven Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day". It's published by Free Press, and three million first printing. That's the most ever in that publishing company's history. Our guests are Joel Osteen, its author, and his wife Victoria. And, OK, would Britney Spears be helped by this book? What do you make of that whole -- that culture thing?
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think it's easy to get delusioned maybe is the word just with all of that fame and notoriety at such an early age. And sure, I think Britney Sears can be helped by that -- by this book. I think anybody could because it's the principles of the bible. And I think that she's -- these are good people at heart. And they just need some good guidance and good people speaking into their lives. They have got so much pressure and so much, you know, confusion in their lives. But, you know, anybody -- anybody can come up higher, and I believe she can come out of this and still live a great life.
KING: Yes. That's what many think, that this whole group, these youngsters, are basically good.
V. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
KING: They've just had too much, too soon.
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think so. I know Britney's been to church before. I've heard reports. And I believe down deep they love the lord. It's just, you know, things pull you away, and it's easy to make bad decisions in life.
V. OSTEEN: That's why it's so important to, you know, surround yourself with people who can speak good things into in your life. And that's one of the things Joel tells the congregation when he gives, you know, an altar call every Sunday. He says, you know what? Bring your friends to church. Don't let them pull you down. You know, call them up, and you bring them to church. So, you know, it is important. And that's what we talk about all the time, get around good people. It influences your life.
(Did anyone see a problem with any of that? Big deal, Britney Spears has been to church. Is that going to sanctify her somehow? And is that all that matters, that we 'love the lord deep down'? What about all the confess me before men and keep my words stuff Jesus said?)
KING: Do you have any particular position on -- I'm sure there's gay members of your church.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, I'm sure there are. Our church is open to anybody. I mean, we are there to help them and give them encouragement and hope. I think the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls and say, if you're not perfect, you can't come to my church.
KING: Because you know there are members of your church -- for example, the late Jerry Falwell was a classic example of someone who really raked at gays and lesbians.
J. OSTEEN: Yes. You know what? There are different callings. I can't fault anybody. I mean, I didn't know Jerry Falwell, but I believe I know his sons, and they are great people. But there are different callings for different things. I think sometimes, you know, God gives us different messages. But mine is about, you know, giving people hope and...
(Well said, Brother Joel, the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls. However, the first thing we're supposed to do is call sin, sin!! Clearly Jerry Falwell DID have a different message. He had a message of hope beyond their sin, not within it!)
KING: We're back with the Osteens. Is this -- is this true, that you once exhorted women in the audience to shop at Victoria's Secret to help their marriage?
J. OSTEEN: Oh, well, that was -- that's probably true. I think the whole...
KING: That's why you're smiling all the time.
(At least he got something right, eh? I guess you can't win them all, but at least he's on the right track here.........................*rolls eyes*)
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sola Fide
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The following post has been taken out of another blogger's post from the other day. I thought it was good enough, clear enough and true enough to scatter around for more discussion.
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Imagine a church where the pastor tells his church to abstain from all alcohol, avoid movies, enter their children in Christian schools and that women should only wear dresses.Down the street, another pastor exhorts his congregation to get involved in environmental issues, invite your neighbors over to your house, seek to understand your surrounding culture and avoid a judgemental perceptions at all costs.Which sermon is pleasing to the Lord? The conservative message? The trendy message? Both?Possibly, neither. Consider:
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.--Romans 14:23Therefore, the pastor who calls his people to be separate from the world, giving guidelines for achieving moral purity may be calling his people to sin. Likewise, the pastor who challenges his people to be more tolerant, perhaps even more missional, laying out perfect strategies for connecting with lost people may be calling his people to sin.Because avoiding movies is bad? Or conversely, is inviting your neighbors over to your house wrong? It is, if it neglects faith. Consider these words:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.--Hebrews 11:6If faith is not the center of our motivation, we will not be pleasing God. Neither a full-fledged boycott of the things of the world, nor an unadulterated leap into your neighbors' lives means a thing if segregated from faith. This shouldn't stump us. For if God is most pleased by the perfect obedience of His Son, and if that obedience is credited to our account by faith, then that in my life which pleases the Father must purely be the reflection of my faith in His Perfect Son.
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The following post has been taken out of another blogger's post from the other day. I thought it was good enough, clear enough and true enough to scatter around for more discussion.
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Imagine a church where the pastor tells his church to abstain from all alcohol, avoid movies, enter their children in Christian schools and that women should only wear dresses.Down the street, another pastor exhorts his congregation to get involved in environmental issues, invite your neighbors over to your house, seek to understand your surrounding culture and avoid a judgemental perceptions at all costs.Which sermon is pleasing to the Lord? The conservative message? The trendy message? Both?Possibly, neither. Consider:
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.--Romans 14:23Therefore, the pastor who calls his people to be separate from the world, giving guidelines for achieving moral purity may be calling his people to sin. Likewise, the pastor who challenges his people to be more tolerant, perhaps even more missional, laying out perfect strategies for connecting with lost people may be calling his people to sin.Because avoiding movies is bad? Or conversely, is inviting your neighbors over to your house wrong? It is, if it neglects faith. Consider these words:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.--Hebrews 11:6If faith is not the center of our motivation, we will not be pleasing God. Neither a full-fledged boycott of the things of the world, nor an unadulterated leap into your neighbors' lives means a thing if segregated from faith. This shouldn't stump us. For if God is most pleased by the perfect obedience of His Son, and if that obedience is credited to our account by faith, then that in my life which pleases the Father must purely be the reflection of my faith in His Perfect Son.
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
Merry Christmas...to all
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Buon Natale
Joyeux Noël
Feliz Natal
聖誕快樂
عيد ميلاد سعيد
Feliz Navidad
С Рождеством Христовым!
メリークリスマス
Frohe Weihnachten
Καλά Χριστούγεννα
Christmas Alegre
Vrolijke Kerstmis
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Buon Natale
Joyeux Noël
Feliz Natal
聖誕快樂
عيد ميلاد سعيد
Feliz Navidad
С Рождеством Христовым!
メリークリスマス
Frohe Weihnachten
Καλά Χριστούγεννα
Christmas Alegre
Vrolijke Kerstmis
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sigh
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God is good...all the time!
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God is good...all the time!
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Monday, December 17, 2007
Shattered, Dashed and Left With Pieces
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I have no idea what God's doing! Okay, that sounded like a major oxymoron, because none of claim to have a clue about God's plans, but I am so lost in the fogginess of life's direction right now that I have no faint insinuation which ways up.
Many of you know that I lost my job abruptly 4 wks ago today. Since that time I've felt like one thing and another was certainly going to materialize just to have my hopes dashed on the rocks of tragic reality repetitively.
Once again...shattered dreams. I decided last Fri to take a brother (from church) up on his offer of temporary employment. Granted, general construction wasn't my first choice of occupations, but then beggars can't be choosers can they? I figured no one was hiring sales people during the festivities, so I'd swing a hammer to generate some cash flow and pursue 'greener pastures' mid-January or so. (I do have two open offers in sales, but both companies have the ball in their court, so there's not much I can to to expedite the process from my end.)
This brother told me he would call me Sunday evening (last evening) and tell me where to be when this morning. Last evening came and went, and now it's past 7 am this morning, and where am I at? Sitting at my computer wondering.............................what exactly is God doing?
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I have no idea what God's doing! Okay, that sounded like a major oxymoron, because none of claim to have a clue about God's plans, but I am so lost in the fogginess of life's direction right now that I have no faint insinuation which ways up.
Many of you know that I lost my job abruptly 4 wks ago today. Since that time I've felt like one thing and another was certainly going to materialize just to have my hopes dashed on the rocks of tragic reality repetitively.
Once again...shattered dreams. I decided last Fri to take a brother (from church) up on his offer of temporary employment. Granted, general construction wasn't my first choice of occupations, but then beggars can't be choosers can they? I figured no one was hiring sales people during the festivities, so I'd swing a hammer to generate some cash flow and pursue 'greener pastures' mid-January or so. (I do have two open offers in sales, but both companies have the ball in their court, so there's not much I can to to expedite the process from my end.)
This brother told me he would call me Sunday evening (last evening) and tell me where to be when this morning. Last evening came and went, and now it's past 7 am this morning, and where am I at? Sitting at my computer wondering.............................what exactly is God doing?
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Open, or Closed?
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I am typically an ‘open book’. Generally speaking it doesn’t take any special discernment skills to determine what I’m thinking in most any situation. My life, my communications, my blog, my general demeanor all tend to betray my attitudes and feelings. This transparency has caused me much consternation in my life. I have been placed under church discipline, excommunicated, castigated, chastised, falsely accused all based on the fact that my feelings, my concerns have been exposed rather than veiled. In spite of all that I still choose to live in a glass house. Why? Because I refuse to be insincere. I refuse to be the person whose life is so un-genuine that no one believes I’m real. We’ve all met those people who obviously don’t live on the same planet as we do. I’m not one of those people. I don’t want to be one of those people. I can’t be one of those people.
However……..
Recently I have been advised, on numerous occasions, that there are certain things that I just shouldn’t blog. Why not? If my life is up-side-down out of control, why should my blog not reveal that? If my heart is hurting, why should my blog not expose that? If my family is in a genuine struggle, why should we feign that we are the pillar of faith that we aren’t? Is it wrong, or simply ‘unspiritual’, for a person to be unashamedly honest with their feelings?
Why should a blog only include those feelings and attitudes which are positive and never the deep heart pains of the blogger?
__________________________________________________
I am typically an ‘open book’. Generally speaking it doesn’t take any special discernment skills to determine what I’m thinking in most any situation. My life, my communications, my blog, my general demeanor all tend to betray my attitudes and feelings. This transparency has caused me much consternation in my life. I have been placed under church discipline, excommunicated, castigated, chastised, falsely accused all based on the fact that my feelings, my concerns have been exposed rather than veiled. In spite of all that I still choose to live in a glass house. Why? Because I refuse to be insincere. I refuse to be the person whose life is so un-genuine that no one believes I’m real. We’ve all met those people who obviously don’t live on the same planet as we do. I’m not one of those people. I don’t want to be one of those people. I can’t be one of those people.
However……..
Recently I have been advised, on numerous occasions, that there are certain things that I just shouldn’t blog. Why not? If my life is up-side-down out of control, why should my blog not reveal that? If my heart is hurting, why should my blog not expose that? If my family is in a genuine struggle, why should we feign that we are the pillar of faith that we aren’t? Is it wrong, or simply ‘unspiritual’, for a person to be unashamedly honest with their feelings?
Why should a blog only include those feelings and attitudes which are positive and never the deep heart pains of the blogger?
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Thursday, December 13, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Please Pass The Dictionary
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We all know that the proper way to say a word is to pronounce it right. However, if you proNOUNce it right it's called the proper proNUNciation. Kinda confusing, not? Generally speaking these kind of things don't bother me too much, but lately it has been to some extent. I'm well aware, as you no doubt are too, that if you put the emPHASis on the wrong sylLAble you have words that look much the same but sound quite different. Which means you pronunced them wrong or used the improper pronounciation. Now what is the point of all this? Good question.....
I used a word (actually I copied it from the text I was quoting) in my last post that I'm not quite sure how to pronunce. I've heard it one way one time and another way another time. I tend to use one pronounciation while many (most) others seem to use another one. Which is right, or is neither inherently wrong or right? Please help me get to the bottom of this, because it is causing me much consternation. The word I used was 'blessed'. Now tell me, is that word pronounced /blest/ or /bless-ed/. Please don't tell me it doesn't matter, because it most certainly does. I remember hearing a preacher say once in a message that one pronounciation is more spiritual (pertaining to spiritual, heavenly things) while the other is more natural. This makes absolutely no sense to me, but maybe I've missed the boat, as many claim.
Now, as disturbing as it has been to not be sure how to properly emphaSIZE the sylLAbles in the word 'blessed'; it hasn't been anything compared to the trauma I received the other day when I was accused of sounding 'German Baptist' (of all things) for my pronounciation of the word 'humbling'. (But that's another post for another day.)
Whew....now that that's off my chest maybe I can get some sleep......................................................zzzzzzzz
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We all know that the proper way to say a word is to pronounce it right. However, if you proNOUNce it right it's called the proper proNUNciation. Kinda confusing, not? Generally speaking these kind of things don't bother me too much, but lately it has been to some extent. I'm well aware, as you no doubt are too, that if you put the emPHASis on the wrong sylLAble you have words that look much the same but sound quite different. Which means you pronunced them wrong or used the improper pronounciation. Now what is the point of all this? Good question.....
I used a word (actually I copied it from the text I was quoting) in my last post that I'm not quite sure how to pronunce. I've heard it one way one time and another way another time. I tend to use one pronounciation while many (most) others seem to use another one. Which is right, or is neither inherently wrong or right? Please help me get to the bottom of this, because it is causing me much consternation. The word I used was 'blessed'. Now tell me, is that word pronounced /blest/ or /bless-ed/. Please don't tell me it doesn't matter, because it most certainly does. I remember hearing a preacher say once in a message that one pronounciation is more spiritual (pertaining to spiritual, heavenly things) while the other is more natural. This makes absolutely no sense to me, but maybe I've missed the boat, as many claim.
Now, as disturbing as it has been to not be sure how to properly emphaSIZE the sylLAbles in the word 'blessed'; it hasn't been anything compared to the trauma I received the other day when I was accused of sounding 'German Baptist' (of all things) for my pronounciation of the word 'humbling'. (But that's another post for another day.)
Whew....now that that's off my chest maybe I can get some sleep......................................................zzzzzzzz
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Friday, December 7, 2007
1 Peter 1:3-9
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Blessed (adored) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (cause) according to His great mercy has caused us (passive, received action) to be born again to a living hope (realized confidence) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain (effect) an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (you) who are protected (KJV - kept) by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (glorification). In this (protection and salvation) you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that (another effect) the proof (trustworthiness, genuinity) of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in (your faith is resulting in this) praise and glory and honor at the revelation (disclosure, appearing) of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining (receiving) as the outcome (result, conclusion) of your faith the salvation (deliverance, rescuing) of your souls.
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Blessed (adored) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (cause) according to His great mercy has caused us (passive, received action) to be born again to a living hope (realized confidence) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain (effect) an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (you) who are protected (KJV - kept) by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (glorification). In this (protection and salvation) you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that (another effect) the proof (trustworthiness, genuinity) of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in (your faith is resulting in this) praise and glory and honor at the revelation (disclosure, appearing) of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining (receiving) as the outcome (result, conclusion) of your faith the salvation (deliverance, rescuing) of your souls.
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Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Go Forward
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When we cannot see our way
Let us trust and still obey
He who bids us forward go
Can not fail the way to show
Though the sea be deep and wide
Though a passage seem denied
Fearless let us still proceed
Since the Lord vouchsafes to lead
Though it seems the gloom of night
Though we see no ray of light
Since the Lord himself is there
'Tis not meet that we should fear
Father, teach me to realize this prayer!
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When we cannot see our way
Let us trust and still obey
He who bids us forward go
Can not fail the way to show
Though the sea be deep and wide
Though a passage seem denied
Fearless let us still proceed
Since the Lord vouchsafes to lead
Though it seems the gloom of night
Though we see no ray of light
Since the Lord himself is there
'Tis not meet that we should fear
Father, teach me to realize this prayer!
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Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Revival
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Let the revival fires burn.
How often do we pray that? How often are we really willing to accept all the ramification of that prayer?
As I was praying this morning that phrase found its way into my vernacular. As I meditated on its meaning I came under conviction that seldom am I willing to accept what that really means. I want to think out loud a little here. Please allow me to do that.
Fire burns. Fire consumes. Fire destroys. Fire has no resurrecting qualities. Fire by nature equates to destruction. From that premise I conclude that ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron. What is this ‘revival fire’ that we so often ‘beg’ for? I think we betray the phrase more often than not. To beg for revival fire is to beg for the Lord to work to destroy, remove, consume, burn everything in our heart and life that hinders revival. Amen? Are you willing for that kind of work? Are you really willing to allow the holy Spirit free course in your heart to search out the dark corners? Are you willing to confess the dirt, trash, and corruption that is found there? Do you really mean that you want revival fire, or would you rather revival without the fire? I tell you, it is not possible. Even though the phrase ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron, it’s also the only way to accomplish the end. If you want revival in your life, in your family, in your church, in your community, in your country; fire must burn. I say, FIRE MUST BURN!
You must allow the consuming fire of the holy Spirit of God to roar though your sin, through your pride, through your condescension, through your arrogance, through your immorality, through your anger, through your self-righteousness, through your heart consuming the corruption and purifying the precious gems. I promise, on the authority of God’s word, if you are willing to allow the fire to burn, revival will ensue. You have God’s personal guarantee.
Are you willing to allow revival fire to cut its path through your life? Are you willing for revival? You are the only thing holding it back!!
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Let the revival fires burn.
How often do we pray that? How often are we really willing to accept all the ramification of that prayer?
As I was praying this morning that phrase found its way into my vernacular. As I meditated on its meaning I came under conviction that seldom am I willing to accept what that really means. I want to think out loud a little here. Please allow me to do that.
Fire burns. Fire consumes. Fire destroys. Fire has no resurrecting qualities. Fire by nature equates to destruction. From that premise I conclude that ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron. What is this ‘revival fire’ that we so often ‘beg’ for? I think we betray the phrase more often than not. To beg for revival fire is to beg for the Lord to work to destroy, remove, consume, burn everything in our heart and life that hinders revival. Amen? Are you willing for that kind of work? Are you really willing to allow the holy Spirit free course in your heart to search out the dark corners? Are you willing to confess the dirt, trash, and corruption that is found there? Do you really mean that you want revival fire, or would you rather revival without the fire? I tell you, it is not possible. Even though the phrase ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron, it’s also the only way to accomplish the end. If you want revival in your life, in your family, in your church, in your community, in your country; fire must burn. I say, FIRE MUST BURN!
You must allow the consuming fire of the holy Spirit of God to roar though your sin, through your pride, through your condescension, through your arrogance, through your immorality, through your anger, through your self-righteousness, through your heart consuming the corruption and purifying the precious gems. I promise, on the authority of God’s word, if you are willing to allow the fire to burn, revival will ensue. You have God’s personal guarantee.
Are you willing to allow revival fire to cut its path through your life? Are you willing for revival? You are the only thing holding it back!!
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Saturday, December 1, 2007
When God's HOT, He's HOT!!
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And I say unto you, Make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into eternal dwellings
Loyalties were realized today.............Praise GOD!!
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And I say unto you, Make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into eternal dwellings
Loyalties were realized today.............Praise GOD!!
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Friday, November 30, 2007
Opportunity
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Why is it always so hard to answer when opportunity knocks? Why would we rather pursue the mundane familiarity of the comfortable assuming it is secure instead of the exciting potential of the unknown? Why do we naturally assume risk means failure? Or is it just me?
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Why is it always so hard to answer when opportunity knocks? Why would we rather pursue the mundane familiarity of the comfortable assuming it is secure instead of the exciting potential of the unknown? Why do we naturally assume risk means failure? Or is it just me?
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Thursday, November 29, 2007
Divine Delays
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Divine Delays
A Word With You
Ron Hutchcraft
You pay a lot more attention to a story on the news when it may involve someone you love. It was that way the night we saw a story about a major rockslide that closed a stretch of Interstate 70 in Colorado. Our son and daughter-in-law and little granddaughter were driving that very day through that part of Colorado. The rockslide had shattered pavement, and it embedded boulders as deep as six feet into the highway and created craters in the road. Some of the boulders were said to be as big as a van. Obviously, it was going to take some time to get that stretch of the highway open again, which meant a 200-mile plus detour around the closure. That was okay with our family. In fact, my son said they saw some spectacular scenery they would have never seen any other way. Not long before the rockslide, a semi had jack-knifed just west of that area and the interstate was closed because of it. I've been in those miles-long traffic jams, and you can really get frustrated, aggravated, and just ugly. But because of that frustrating delay, there was no traffic on the road when that avalanche of rocks came crashing down. You've got to figure that that may very well have saved lives. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Divine Delays." If you're like me, patience is one of those areas in which you are, to say it nicely, under construction. We don't like to wait. Our lives are busy, they’re full, and we hate delays. Many times the delay is actually part of the plan to protect you from something that could hurt you if you stayed "on schedule"; on your schedule, that is. You can see God's protective delays at work in our word for today from the Word of God. While it's a chapter out of the lives of God's ancient people, it may shed light on why God seems to be taking you the long way around right now. The story is in Exodus 13:17-18. The Jews have just been miraculously delivered from slavery to Pharaoh in Egypt, and they're ready to be on the interstate to the Promised Land. Here's what happened and why. "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.' So God led the people around the desert road toward the Red Sea." So, God's people are purposely slowed down by God, and then that longer road leads to what appears to be a disaster. They’re trapped at the Red Sea with the Egyptian Army bearing down on them. Now it may be that God is taking you the longer, slower way right now. You were, like those people on the interstate that was suddenly closed, speeding full speed ahead. Suddenly, all you can see is an ocean of red brake lights in front of you. You're waiting, and you don't know why. It's because God knows what's up ahead and you don't. And He's protecting you from a battle up there that you're not ready to fight, from danger that might hurt you, from a temptation or a test for which you’re just not yet strong enough. Remember, He's promised not to let you face more than He knows you can bear. Maybe you have prayed these words many times, "Lord, 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'" And the reason you're waiting or taking what seems to be a detour is because your Father, who art in heaven, is answering that prayer! And if the delay and the detour bring you to a Red Sea, not to worry! He's leading you, not into a mess, but into a miracle you'll never forget! So learn to relax when God closes the road or suddenly slows you down. It's all about His love for you, a love that knows what's best for you, a love that knows what's going to happen if you keep going the same direction at the same speed. So don't sit there, pounding the steering wheel and fuming. You aren't late. In fact, you're right on time - God's time. And this isn't Plan B. This is what God's Plan A has been all the time. So trust the One who plans the trip and who protects those who belong to Him. If you could see what's up ahead, you'd be so grateful that God has made you wait.
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Divine Delays
A Word With You
Ron Hutchcraft
You pay a lot more attention to a story on the news when it may involve someone you love. It was that way the night we saw a story about a major rockslide that closed a stretch of Interstate 70 in Colorado. Our son and daughter-in-law and little granddaughter were driving that very day through that part of Colorado. The rockslide had shattered pavement, and it embedded boulders as deep as six feet into the highway and created craters in the road. Some of the boulders were said to be as big as a van. Obviously, it was going to take some time to get that stretch of the highway open again, which meant a 200-mile plus detour around the closure. That was okay with our family. In fact, my son said they saw some spectacular scenery they would have never seen any other way. Not long before the rockslide, a semi had jack-knifed just west of that area and the interstate was closed because of it. I've been in those miles-long traffic jams, and you can really get frustrated, aggravated, and just ugly. But because of that frustrating delay, there was no traffic on the road when that avalanche of rocks came crashing down. You've got to figure that that may very well have saved lives. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Divine Delays." If you're like me, patience is one of those areas in which you are, to say it nicely, under construction. We don't like to wait. Our lives are busy, they’re full, and we hate delays. Many times the delay is actually part of the plan to protect you from something that could hurt you if you stayed "on schedule"; on your schedule, that is. You can see God's protective delays at work in our word for today from the Word of God. While it's a chapter out of the lives of God's ancient people, it may shed light on why God seems to be taking you the long way around right now. The story is in Exodus 13:17-18. The Jews have just been miraculously delivered from slavery to Pharaoh in Egypt, and they're ready to be on the interstate to the Promised Land. Here's what happened and why. "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.' So God led the people around the desert road toward the Red Sea." So, God's people are purposely slowed down by God, and then that longer road leads to what appears to be a disaster. They’re trapped at the Red Sea with the Egyptian Army bearing down on them. Now it may be that God is taking you the longer, slower way right now. You were, like those people on the interstate that was suddenly closed, speeding full speed ahead. Suddenly, all you can see is an ocean of red brake lights in front of you. You're waiting, and you don't know why. It's because God knows what's up ahead and you don't. And He's protecting you from a battle up there that you're not ready to fight, from danger that might hurt you, from a temptation or a test for which you’re just not yet strong enough. Remember, He's promised not to let you face more than He knows you can bear. Maybe you have prayed these words many times, "Lord, 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'" And the reason you're waiting or taking what seems to be a detour is because your Father, who art in heaven, is answering that prayer! And if the delay and the detour bring you to a Red Sea, not to worry! He's leading you, not into a mess, but into a miracle you'll never forget! So learn to relax when God closes the road or suddenly slows you down. It's all about His love for you, a love that knows what's best for you, a love that knows what's going to happen if you keep going the same direction at the same speed. So don't sit there, pounding the steering wheel and fuming. You aren't late. In fact, you're right on time - God's time. And this isn't Plan B. This is what God's Plan A has been all the time. So trust the One who plans the trip and who protects those who belong to Him. If you could see what's up ahead, you'd be so grateful that God has made you wait.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
According to HIS mercy
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1 Peter 1:3a Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again...
Titus 3:5a He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy...
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1 Peter 1:3a Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again...
Titus 3:5a He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy...
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Called for THIS purpose
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Keep your behavior excellent among the [unbelievers], so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God...Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every [secular] institution...for such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men...honor all people, love [all] the [other believers], fear God, honor the emperor....be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you and example for you to follow in His steps....To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing...For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right....!!
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Keep your behavior excellent among the [unbelievers], so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God...Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every [secular] institution...for such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men...honor all people, love [all] the [other believers], fear God, honor the emperor....be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you and example for you to follow in His steps....To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing...For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right....!!
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Saturday, November 24, 2007
Are You Vain
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The Emporer's New Clothes
by Hans Christian Andersen
Many years ago, there was an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress. He did not trouble himself in the least about his soldiers; nor did he care to go either to the theatre or the chase, except for the opportunities then afforded him for displaying his new clothes. He had a different suit for each hour of the day; and as of any other king or emperor, one is accustomed to say, "he is sitting in council," it was always said of him, "The Emperor is sitting in his wardrobe."
Time passed merrily in the large town which was his capital; strangers arrived every day at the court. One day, two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance. They gave out that they knew how to weave stuffs of the most beautiful colors and elaborate patterns, the clothes manufactured from which should have the wonderful property of remaining invisible to everyone who was unfit for the office he held, or who was extraordinarily simple in character. "These must, indeed, be splendid clothes!" thought the Emperor. "Had I such a suit, I might at once find out what men in my realms are unfit for their office, and also be able to distinguish the wise from the foolish! This stuff must be woven for me immediately." And he caused large sums of money to be given to both the weavers in order that they might begin their work directly.
So the two pretended weavers set up two looms, and affected to work very busily, though in reality they did nothing at all. They asked for the most delicate silk and the purest gold thread; put both into their own knapsacks; and then continued their pretended work at the empty looms until late at night.
"I should like to know how the weavers are getting on with my cloth," said the Emperor to himself, after some little time had elapsed; he was, however, rather embarrassed, when he remembered that a simpleton, or one unfit for his office, would be unable to see the manufacture. To be sure, he thought he had nothing to risk in his own person; but yet, he would prefer sending somebody else, to bring him intelligence about the weavers, and their work, before he troubled himself in the affair. All the people throughout the city had heard of the wonderful property the cloth was to possess; and all were anxious to learn how wise, or how ignorant, their neighbors might prove to be.
"I will send my faithful old minister to the weavers," said the Emperor at last, after some deliberation, "he will be best able to see how the cloth looks; for he is a man of sense, and no one can be more suitable for his office than be is."
So the faithful old minister went into the hall, where the knaves were working with all their might, at their empty looms. "What can be the meaning of this?" thought the old man, opening his eyes very wide. "I cannot discover the least bit of thread on the looms." However, he did not express his thoughts aloud.
The impostors requested him very courteously to be so good as to come nearer their looms; and then asked him whether the design pleased him, and whether the colors were not very beautiful; at the same time pointing to the empty frames. The poor old minister looked and looked, he could not discover anything on the looms, for a very good reason, viz: there was nothing there. "What!" thought he again. "Is it possible that I am a simpleton? I have never thought so myself; and no one must know it now if I am so. Can it be, that I am unfit for my office? No, that must not be said either. I will never confess that I could not see the stuff."
"Well, Sir Minister!" said one of the knaves, still pretending to work. "You do not say whether the stuff pleases you."
"Oh, it is excellent!" replied the old minister, looking at the loom through his spectacles. "This pattern, and the colors, yes, I will tell the Emperor without delay, how very beautiful I think them."
"We shall be much obliged to you," said the impostors, and then they named the different colors and described the pattern of the pretended stuff. The old minister listened attentively to their words, in order that he might repeat them to the Emperor; and then the knaves asked for more silk and gold, saying that it was necessary to complete what they had begun. However, they put all that was given them into their knapsacks; and continued to work with as much apparent diligence as before at their empty looms.
The Emperor now sent another officer of his court to see how the men were getting on, and to ascertain whether the cloth would soon be ready. It was just the same with this gentleman as with the minister; he surveyed the looms on all sides, but could see nothing at all but the empty frames.
"Does not the stuff appear as beautiful to you, as it did to my lord the minister?" asked the impostors of the Emperor's second ambassador; at the same time making the same gestures as before, and talking of the design and colors which were not there.
"I certainly am not stupid!" thought the messenger. "It must be, that I am not fit for my good, profitable office! That is very odd; however, no one shall know anything about it." And accordingly he praised the stuff he could not see, and declared that he was delighted with both colors and patterns. "Indeed, please your Imperial Majesty," said he to his sovereign when he returned, "the cloth which the weavers are preparing is extraordinarily magnificent."
The whole city was talking of the splendid cloth which the Emperor had ordered to be woven at his own expense.
And now the Emperor himself wished to see the costly manufacture, while it was still in the loom. Accompanied by a select number of officers of the court, among whom were the two honest men who had already admired the cloth, he went to the crafty impostors, who, as soon as they were aware of the Emperor's approach, went on working more diligently than ever; although they still did not pass a single thread through the looms.
"Is not the work absolutely magnificent?" said the two officers of the crown, already mentioned. "If your Majesty will only be pleased to look at it! What a splendid design! What glorious colors!" and at the same time they pointed to the empty frames; for they imagined that everyone else could see this exquisite piece of workmanship.
"How is this?" said the Emperor to himself. "I can see nothing! This is indeed a terrible affair! Am I a simpleton, or am I unfit to be an Emperor? That would be the worst thing that could happen--Oh! the cloth is charming," said he, aloud. "It has my complete approbation." And he smiled most graciously, and looked closely at the empty looms; for on no account would he say that he could not see what two of the officers of his court had praised so much. All his retinue now strained their eyes, hoping to discover something on the looms, but they could see no more than the others; nevertheless, they all exclaimed, "Oh, how beautiful!" and advised his majesty to have some new clothes made from this splendid material, for the approaching procession. "Magnificent! Charming! Excellent!" resounded on all sides; and everyone was uncommonly gay. The Emperor shared in the general satisfaction; and presented the impostors with the riband of an order of knighthood, to be worn in their button-holes, and the title of "Gentlemen Weavers."
The rogues sat up the whole of the night before the day on which the procession was to take place, and had sixteen lights burning, so that everyone might see how anxious they were to finish the Emperor's new suit. They pretended to roll the cloth off the looms; cut the air with their scissors; and sewed with needles without any thread in them. "See!" cried they, at last. "The Emperor's new clothes are ready!"
And now the Emperor, with all the grandees of his court, came to the weavers; and the rogues raised their arms, as if in the act of holding something up, saying, "Here are your Majesty's trousers! Here is the scarf! Here is the mantle! The whole suit is as light as a cobweb; one might fancy one has nothing at all on, when dressed in it; that, however, is the great virtue of this delicate cloth."
"Yes indeed!" said all the courtiers, although not one of them could see anything of this exquisite manufacture.
"If your Imperial Majesty will be graciously pleased to take off your clothes, we will fit on the new suit, in front of the looking glass."
The Emperor was accordingly undressed, and the rogues pretended to array him in his new suit; the Emperor turning round, from side to side, before the looking glass.
"How splendid his Majesty looks in his new clothes, and how well they fit!" everyone cried out. "What a design! What colors! These are indeed royal robes!"
"The canopy which is to be borne over your Majesty, in the procession, is waiting," announced the chief master of the ceremonies.
"I am quite ready," answered the Emperor. "Do my new clothes fit well?" asked he, turning himself round again before the looking glass, in order that he might appear to be examining his handsome suit.
The lords of the bedchamber, who were to carry his Majesty's train felt about on the ground, as if they were lifting up the ends of the mantle; and pretended to be carrying something; for they would by no means betray anything like simplicity, or unfitness for their office.
So now the Emperor walked under his high canopy in the midst of the procession, through the streets of his capital; and all the people standing by, and those at the windows, cried out, "Oh! How beautiful are our Emperor's new clothes! What a magnificent train there is to the mantle; and how gracefully the scarf hangs!" in short, no one would allow that he could not see these much-admired clothes; because, in doing so, he would have declared himself either a simpleton or unfit for his office. Certainly, none of the Emperor's various suits, had ever made so great an impression, as these invisible ones.
"But the Emperor has nothing at all on!" said a little child.
"Listen to the voice of innocence!" exclaimed his father; and what the child had said was whispered from one to another.
"But he has nothing at all on!" at last cried out all the people. The Emperor was vexed, for he knew that the people were right; but he thought the procession must go on now! And the lords of the bedchamber took greater pains than ever, to appear holding up a train, although, in reality, there was no train to hold.
Oh the vanity and depravity of man!
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The Emporer's New Clothes
by Hans Christian Andersen
Many years ago, there was an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress. He did not trouble himself in the least about his soldiers; nor did he care to go either to the theatre or the chase, except for the opportunities then afforded him for displaying his new clothes. He had a different suit for each hour of the day; and as of any other king or emperor, one is accustomed to say, "he is sitting in council," it was always said of him, "The Emperor is sitting in his wardrobe."
Time passed merrily in the large town which was his capital; strangers arrived every day at the court. One day, two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance. They gave out that they knew how to weave stuffs of the most beautiful colors and elaborate patterns, the clothes manufactured from which should have the wonderful property of remaining invisible to everyone who was unfit for the office he held, or who was extraordinarily simple in character. "These must, indeed, be splendid clothes!" thought the Emperor. "Had I such a suit, I might at once find out what men in my realms are unfit for their office, and also be able to distinguish the wise from the foolish! This stuff must be woven for me immediately." And he caused large sums of money to be given to both the weavers in order that they might begin their work directly.
So the two pretended weavers set up two looms, and affected to work very busily, though in reality they did nothing at all. They asked for the most delicate silk and the purest gold thread; put both into their own knapsacks; and then continued their pretended work at the empty looms until late at night.
"I should like to know how the weavers are getting on with my cloth," said the Emperor to himself, after some little time had elapsed; he was, however, rather embarrassed, when he remembered that a simpleton, or one unfit for his office, would be unable to see the manufacture. To be sure, he thought he had nothing to risk in his own person; but yet, he would prefer sending somebody else, to bring him intelligence about the weavers, and their work, before he troubled himself in the affair. All the people throughout the city had heard of the wonderful property the cloth was to possess; and all were anxious to learn how wise, or how ignorant, their neighbors might prove to be.
"I will send my faithful old minister to the weavers," said the Emperor at last, after some deliberation, "he will be best able to see how the cloth looks; for he is a man of sense, and no one can be more suitable for his office than be is."
So the faithful old minister went into the hall, where the knaves were working with all their might, at their empty looms. "What can be the meaning of this?" thought the old man, opening his eyes very wide. "I cannot discover the least bit of thread on the looms." However, he did not express his thoughts aloud.
The impostors requested him very courteously to be so good as to come nearer their looms; and then asked him whether the design pleased him, and whether the colors were not very beautiful; at the same time pointing to the empty frames. The poor old minister looked and looked, he could not discover anything on the looms, for a very good reason, viz: there was nothing there. "What!" thought he again. "Is it possible that I am a simpleton? I have never thought so myself; and no one must know it now if I am so. Can it be, that I am unfit for my office? No, that must not be said either. I will never confess that I could not see the stuff."
"Well, Sir Minister!" said one of the knaves, still pretending to work. "You do not say whether the stuff pleases you."
"Oh, it is excellent!" replied the old minister, looking at the loom through his spectacles. "This pattern, and the colors, yes, I will tell the Emperor without delay, how very beautiful I think them."
"We shall be much obliged to you," said the impostors, and then they named the different colors and described the pattern of the pretended stuff. The old minister listened attentively to their words, in order that he might repeat them to the Emperor; and then the knaves asked for more silk and gold, saying that it was necessary to complete what they had begun. However, they put all that was given them into their knapsacks; and continued to work with as much apparent diligence as before at their empty looms.
The Emperor now sent another officer of his court to see how the men were getting on, and to ascertain whether the cloth would soon be ready. It was just the same with this gentleman as with the minister; he surveyed the looms on all sides, but could see nothing at all but the empty frames.
"Does not the stuff appear as beautiful to you, as it did to my lord the minister?" asked the impostors of the Emperor's second ambassador; at the same time making the same gestures as before, and talking of the design and colors which were not there.
"I certainly am not stupid!" thought the messenger. "It must be, that I am not fit for my good, profitable office! That is very odd; however, no one shall know anything about it." And accordingly he praised the stuff he could not see, and declared that he was delighted with both colors and patterns. "Indeed, please your Imperial Majesty," said he to his sovereign when he returned, "the cloth which the weavers are preparing is extraordinarily magnificent."
The whole city was talking of the splendid cloth which the Emperor had ordered to be woven at his own expense.
And now the Emperor himself wished to see the costly manufacture, while it was still in the loom. Accompanied by a select number of officers of the court, among whom were the two honest men who had already admired the cloth, he went to the crafty impostors, who, as soon as they were aware of the Emperor's approach, went on working more diligently than ever; although they still did not pass a single thread through the looms.
"Is not the work absolutely magnificent?" said the two officers of the crown, already mentioned. "If your Majesty will only be pleased to look at it! What a splendid design! What glorious colors!" and at the same time they pointed to the empty frames; for they imagined that everyone else could see this exquisite piece of workmanship.
"How is this?" said the Emperor to himself. "I can see nothing! This is indeed a terrible affair! Am I a simpleton, or am I unfit to be an Emperor? That would be the worst thing that could happen--Oh! the cloth is charming," said he, aloud. "It has my complete approbation." And he smiled most graciously, and looked closely at the empty looms; for on no account would he say that he could not see what two of the officers of his court had praised so much. All his retinue now strained their eyes, hoping to discover something on the looms, but they could see no more than the others; nevertheless, they all exclaimed, "Oh, how beautiful!" and advised his majesty to have some new clothes made from this splendid material, for the approaching procession. "Magnificent! Charming! Excellent!" resounded on all sides; and everyone was uncommonly gay. The Emperor shared in the general satisfaction; and presented the impostors with the riband of an order of knighthood, to be worn in their button-holes, and the title of "Gentlemen Weavers."
The rogues sat up the whole of the night before the day on which the procession was to take place, and had sixteen lights burning, so that everyone might see how anxious they were to finish the Emperor's new suit. They pretended to roll the cloth off the looms; cut the air with their scissors; and sewed with needles without any thread in them. "See!" cried they, at last. "The Emperor's new clothes are ready!"
And now the Emperor, with all the grandees of his court, came to the weavers; and the rogues raised their arms, as if in the act of holding something up, saying, "Here are your Majesty's trousers! Here is the scarf! Here is the mantle! The whole suit is as light as a cobweb; one might fancy one has nothing at all on, when dressed in it; that, however, is the great virtue of this delicate cloth."
"Yes indeed!" said all the courtiers, although not one of them could see anything of this exquisite manufacture.
"If your Imperial Majesty will be graciously pleased to take off your clothes, we will fit on the new suit, in front of the looking glass."
The Emperor was accordingly undressed, and the rogues pretended to array him in his new suit; the Emperor turning round, from side to side, before the looking glass.
"How splendid his Majesty looks in his new clothes, and how well they fit!" everyone cried out. "What a design! What colors! These are indeed royal robes!"
"The canopy which is to be borne over your Majesty, in the procession, is waiting," announced the chief master of the ceremonies.
"I am quite ready," answered the Emperor. "Do my new clothes fit well?" asked he, turning himself round again before the looking glass, in order that he might appear to be examining his handsome suit.
The lords of the bedchamber, who were to carry his Majesty's train felt about on the ground, as if they were lifting up the ends of the mantle; and pretended to be carrying something; for they would by no means betray anything like simplicity, or unfitness for their office.
So now the Emperor walked under his high canopy in the midst of the procession, through the streets of his capital; and all the people standing by, and those at the windows, cried out, "Oh! How beautiful are our Emperor's new clothes! What a magnificent train there is to the mantle; and how gracefully the scarf hangs!" in short, no one would allow that he could not see these much-admired clothes; because, in doing so, he would have declared himself either a simpleton or unfit for his office. Certainly, none of the Emperor's various suits, had ever made so great an impression, as these invisible ones.
"But the Emperor has nothing at all on!" said a little child.
"Listen to the voice of innocence!" exclaimed his father; and what the child had said was whispered from one to another.
"But he has nothing at all on!" at last cried out all the people. The Emperor was vexed, for he knew that the people were right; but he thought the procession must go on now! And the lords of the bedchamber took greater pains than ever, to appear holding up a train, although, in reality, there was no train to hold.
Oh the vanity and depravity of man!
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Wednesday, November 21, 2007
S O L D
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Some days I'm convinced I could sell ice to eskimo's or eyeglasses to the blind or automobiles to Amish.
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Some days I'm convinced I could sell ice to eskimo's or eyeglasses to the blind or automobiles to Amish.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Hymns Of The Day
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Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
As in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
coupled with:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
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Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
As in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
coupled with:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
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Ecclesiastes 2:18-21
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I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I labored under the sun. When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them.
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I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I labored under the sun. When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them.
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Monday, November 19, 2007
My Source
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In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every single thing
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone
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Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Significance of the Three-fold Communion
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I have been asked to teach on The Significance of the Three-fold Communion this morning in Sunday school. This is the outline I will use for my teaching corresponding the three sections of the service with the three tenses of salvation (past, present, future).
The Significance of the ‘Three-fold Communion’
2 Corinthians 1:9-10
1) Eucharist-
a. Justification
i. In Remembrance
ii. Past Tense
1. ‘delivered’ from the guilt of sin
iii. Justify – To prove or show to be just; to defend or maintain; to excuse
1. Luke 22:1-23
2. Matthew 26:26-29
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
2) Feet-washing
a. Sanctification
i. For Reminder
ii. Present Tense
1. ‘will deliver’ or ‘doth deliver’ (KJV) from the power of sin
iii. Sanctify – To make holy; to hallow; to make pure from sin; to consecrate
1. John 13:1-17
2. 1 Peter 3:21
3) Lord’s Supper
a. Glorification
i. For Realization
ii. Future Tense
1. ‘will yet deliver’ from the presence of sin
iii. Glorify – To make full of glory; renowned; celebrated; grand; brilliant
1. Mark 14:22-25
2. John 17:20-24
3. Revelation 19:7-9
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I have been asked to teach on The Significance of the Three-fold Communion this morning in Sunday school. This is the outline I will use for my teaching corresponding the three sections of the service with the three tenses of salvation (past, present, future).
The Significance of the ‘Three-fold Communion’
2 Corinthians 1:9-10
1) Eucharist-
a. Justification
i. In Remembrance
ii. Past Tense
1. ‘delivered’ from the guilt of sin
iii. Justify – To prove or show to be just; to defend or maintain; to excuse
1. Luke 22:1-23
2. Matthew 26:26-29
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
2) Feet-washing
a. Sanctification
i. For Reminder
ii. Present Tense
1. ‘will deliver’ or ‘doth deliver’ (KJV) from the power of sin
iii. Sanctify – To make holy; to hallow; to make pure from sin; to consecrate
1. John 13:1-17
2. 1 Peter 3:21
3) Lord’s Supper
a. Glorification
i. For Realization
ii. Future Tense
1. ‘will yet deliver’ from the presence of sin
iii. Glorify – To make full of glory; renowned; celebrated; grand; brilliant
1. Mark 14:22-25
2. John 17:20-24
3. Revelation 19:7-9
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Saturday, November 17, 2007
Attn: YOU!!
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There may be more than one of you, but you know who you are. You are the one(s) who read this blog and hate everything you see here. You are the one(s) who are more than willing to slander me behind my back but lack the courage to approach me like a man. You are the one(s) who believe that I am a heretic but are unwilling to interact with an open face. You are the one(s) who will sit in restaurants and criticize this blog but aren’t able to state any specific area of wrong doctrine.
You, you know who you are, I invite you to interact with me. I invite you to point out to me my error. I invite you to use the scripture to show me my heresy. I invite you to put your identity where your criticism is and stand up like a man. I invite you to be willing to stand up for what you believe and if you must stand against me, stand against me to my face. And if you can’t, then know that any credibility you wish to have has been lost in anonymity!
You aren’t required to like what you read here. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t like what you read then quit reading. If, however, you choose to continue referencing and reading this blog, then expect to read my opinion, my beliefs, my struggles and my position.
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There may be more than one of you, but you know who you are. You are the one(s) who read this blog and hate everything you see here. You are the one(s) who are more than willing to slander me behind my back but lack the courage to approach me like a man. You are the one(s) who believe that I am a heretic but are unwilling to interact with an open face. You are the one(s) who will sit in restaurants and criticize this blog but aren’t able to state any specific area of wrong doctrine.
You, you know who you are, I invite you to interact with me. I invite you to point out to me my error. I invite you to use the scripture to show me my heresy. I invite you to put your identity where your criticism is and stand up like a man. I invite you to be willing to stand up for what you believe and if you must stand against me, stand against me to my face. And if you can’t, then know that any credibility you wish to have has been lost in anonymity!
You aren’t required to like what you read here. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t like what you read then quit reading. If, however, you choose to continue referencing and reading this blog, then expect to read my opinion, my beliefs, my struggles and my position.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Easy Street
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Apparently I wasn't aware of how nice I've had it all this time. It seems that a typical day in the life of Aaron Hoblit consists of the following (from my employers perspective):
8:00-10:00 - breakfast appointment with 'buddies'
10:00 - 11:30 - farm calls to more 'buddies' who happen to have animals
11:30 - 2:00 - lunch with still more 'buddies'
2:00 - call office to pretend to be working
2:00 - 3:30 - more farm calls, mostly to buddies, but some legitimate
3:30 - home early to go to prison
....and yet I have the audacity to say I'm committed to the team effort!
Sheesh! I thot I could keep this gig up indefinitely, but I guess they figured me out, eh?
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Apparently I wasn't aware of how nice I've had it all this time. It seems that a typical day in the life of Aaron Hoblit consists of the following (from my employers perspective):
8:00-10:00 - breakfast appointment with 'buddies'
10:00 - 11:30 - farm calls to more 'buddies' who happen to have animals
11:30 - 2:00 - lunch with still more 'buddies'
2:00 - call office to pretend to be working
2:00 - 3:30 - more farm calls, mostly to buddies, but some legitimate
3:30 - home early to go to prison
....and yet I have the audacity to say I'm committed to the team effort!
Sheesh! I thot I could keep this gig up indefinitely, but I guess they figured me out, eh?
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Saturday, November 10, 2007
It Happened
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Our van left Renita and the children sitting along I-70 at Brookville this evening. Consequently, we are without a family vehicle.
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Our van left Renita and the children sitting along I-70 at Brookville this evening. Consequently, we are without a family vehicle.
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Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Asking
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This is hard.
I was praying through a specific need this morning when I clearly heard an answer. You don't have because you haven't asked. Upon further prayer I felt like I was supposed to expose for all in my little cyberworld my need. It goes against every fiber of integrity in my body, but.....
We need a family vehicle. Our 1998 Astro has over 200,000 miles on it. During the last year we have had multiple mechanical/electrical problems with it. Investigation into the problem has netted absolutely no solution. As a matter of fact, there can be no problem found; however, anytime it rains or there is moisture on the roadway our van shorts out letting the passengers sit until the 'short' dries. We have 5 children (that my company didn't require us to have), and Renita takes our three oldest to school and picks them up from school. Simply put, I need the peace of mind that comes with knowing that she has reliable transportation, and she deserves that reliability.
I trust that I am not asking with wrong motives, so that [I] may spent it on my [own] pleasures.
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This is hard.
I was praying through a specific need this morning when I clearly heard an answer. You don't have because you haven't asked. Upon further prayer I felt like I was supposed to expose for all in my little cyberworld my need. It goes against every fiber of integrity in my body, but.....
We need a family vehicle. Our 1998 Astro has over 200,000 miles on it. During the last year we have had multiple mechanical/electrical problems with it. Investigation into the problem has netted absolutely no solution. As a matter of fact, there can be no problem found; however, anytime it rains or there is moisture on the roadway our van shorts out letting the passengers sit until the 'short' dries. We have 5 children (that my company didn't require us to have), and Renita takes our three oldest to school and picks them up from school. Simply put, I need the peace of mind that comes with knowing that she has reliable transportation, and she deserves that reliability.
I trust that I am not asking with wrong motives, so that [I] may spent it on my [own] pleasures.
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Monday, November 5, 2007
Won't Rant
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I really wanted to launch into a passionate, petulant, polemical, pugnacious rant about the unfairness of my employer for changing my phone plan, not informing me and then holding me responsible for overage. I also wanted to become quite vicious, vinegary, violent and vituperrious about their suggestion that my wife get a job to address my increased monetary need due to our responsibility of raising 5 children that they didn't tell us to have.
But I won't!
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I really wanted to launch into a passionate, petulant, polemical, pugnacious rant about the unfairness of my employer for changing my phone plan, not informing me and then holding me responsible for overage. I also wanted to become quite vicious, vinegary, violent and vituperrious about their suggestion that my wife get a job to address my increased monetary need due to our responsibility of raising 5 children that they didn't tell us to have.
But I won't!
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Monday, October 29, 2007
Why Try?
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I received the following in an email:
Acts 18:24-19:7
Ministry of Apollos
Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos,
Acts 18:24-19:7
Ministry of Apollos
Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos,
a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man,
well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed
in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning
enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus...
Can the same be said of you and your ministry?
Suppose someone answered that question with a 'Yes'. What would we think of them? Why do ask questions and then condemn people for answering them? We heard yesterday that spiritual immaturity IS NOT a character strength. Never should we be satisfied with less than spiritual growth (in ourself or others). Why do we condemn as proud those who are willing to admit that by the grace of God they can honestly answer the above question with a 'Yes'? Should that not be the goal of each one of us; and if the goal, should we not presume we'll accomplish it?
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Sunday, October 28, 2007
By Faith
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This morning during Sunday school and the sermon I saw something I've never seen before in Hebrews 11. Catch this, [they] 'by faith...performed acts of righteousness...'. The 'they' it's referring to is those who died without 'receiv(ing) what was promised'. Obviously it's referring to those who lived in/during what we refer to as the Old Testament. The cool thing I saw wasn't that they performed acts of righteousness, or the Law, but that they did them/it 'by faith'. I've quoted many times and hammered (in a kind way of course) Titus 3:5 (He saved us, not on the basis of righteous deeds we have done, but according to His mercy...). When I saw that in Hebrews 11 this morning, I couldn't believe how nicely it dovetailed. The righteous deeds themself, didn't have any inherent value beyond themself, but the faith that motivated the 'do-er's' to do them did! Those deeds evidenced the faith, which motivated God's mercy, which resulted in blessing to the 'do-er', based on (or as a result of) their faith!
Open for discussion.....
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This morning during Sunday school and the sermon I saw something I've never seen before in Hebrews 11. Catch this, [they] 'by faith...performed acts of righteousness...'. The 'they' it's referring to is those who died without 'receiv(ing) what was promised'. Obviously it's referring to those who lived in/during what we refer to as the Old Testament. The cool thing I saw wasn't that they performed acts of righteousness, or the Law, but that they did them/it 'by faith'. I've quoted many times and hammered (in a kind way of course) Titus 3:5 (He saved us, not on the basis of righteous deeds we have done, but according to His mercy...). When I saw that in Hebrews 11 this morning, I couldn't believe how nicely it dovetailed. The righteous deeds themself, didn't have any inherent value beyond themself, but the faith that motivated the 'do-er's' to do them did! Those deeds evidenced the faith, which motivated God's mercy, which resulted in blessing to the 'do-er', based on (or as a result of) their faith!
Open for discussion.....
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Saturday, October 27, 2007
Where Should I Blog?
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Living below in this old cyber world
Hardly a blogspot can afford
Striving along to face temptation sore
Where should I blog for all the hordes?
Where should I blog oh where should I blog
Seeking a blogspot for my soul
Needing a site where friends can hear me in the end
Where should I blog for all the hordes?
Life here is grand with friends I love so dear
Comfort I get from Xanga-ing
Yet when I face the chilling cyberblog
Where should I blog for all the hordes?
I can't decide, should I remain Xanga or go blogspot? Why?
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Living below in this old cyber world
Hardly a blogspot can afford
Striving along to face temptation sore
Where should I blog for all the hordes?
Where should I blog oh where should I blog
Seeking a blogspot for my soul
Needing a site where friends can hear me in the end
Where should I blog for all the hordes?
Life here is grand with friends I love so dear
Comfort I get from Xanga-ing
Yet when I face the chilling cyberblog
Where should I blog for all the hordes?
I can't decide, should I remain Xanga or go blogspot? Why?
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Saturday, October 20, 2007
Comment Account
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This is currently my comment account. I blog at this address.
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This is currently my comment account. I blog at this address.
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