tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346963412024-03-06T23:26:18.380-05:00Thoughts of a LesserPossible explanations for why things are the way they are.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-22943362135963465242009-10-06T15:49:00.006-04:002009-10-06T15:58:39.268-04:00Blessing of the Animals?I was reading the Big Spring, TX newspaper online today and saw this headline:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Blessing of the Animals</strong></span><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389577604405475810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcTbeMmULrs5pXda6Pz0ALgfGxBFnZo_iXArR_8tFblS8Frto2YIxgoyuf38-UwdytDJdvCnHuWfJc59LEW4IZfxYQHb0G6R8Rq49n-69b7nOIPVTIzSV1UJ68y8359-BBVHs/s320/blessed-mickey.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">"The Rev. Barbara Kirk-Norris, right, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, blesses Mickey, while owner Julie Johnson watches. The church held its annual Blessing of the Animals Sunday in Bennett Garden to honor St. Frances Assisi. (HERALD photo/Lyndel Moody)"</span></em></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Just to have a little fun... how many things can you find wrong with this? Leave your answers in the comment section please.</span></p></span><p><em><br /></em></p>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-9953300178647160262009-09-21T15:23:00.004-04:002009-09-21T15:32:06.116-04:00Who names their kid "Clive Staples"?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVmojYhaVf9pmckChObY5S_xYeX2vi-5dzx2oqJMfh-r6SV2GwrYvW1rqI_NNgwVbpOhqIl4fpSpUwm5pImGK0JRRrfV70qATEHd1RhJd6KFSluBIQK_DHTqJ229XEmXCpW3N/s1600-h/cs_lewis-socratic-club.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384005574063893250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVmojYhaVf9pmckChObY5S_xYeX2vi-5dzx2oqJMfh-r6SV2GwrYvW1rqI_NNgwVbpOhqIl4fpSpUwm5pImGK0JRRrfV70qATEHd1RhJd6KFSluBIQK_DHTqJ229XEmXCpW3N/s200/cs_lewis-socratic-club.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> "The Christian says, "Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not mean that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing."<br /></em><br /><div><div></div><div>-C.S. Lewis</div></div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-72545390992221506112009-09-08T16:31:00.002-04:002009-09-08T16:37:36.614-04:00total CHURCH<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9uJdR6cwTZ4oFAVYhvF0G7eiL3IBfIPBulfywZBYP6eqe0s_cAPpSvvg2W6vulDj9JwRfw6FtlBnBmspXlNdn-0KUo8C8EGUga3UhWiVf0E3GHLF4glQETNWgBki9HXh1081/s1600-h/1406_total_church.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379198462444911074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9uJdR6cwTZ4oFAVYhvF0G7eiL3IBfIPBulfywZBYP6eqe0s_cAPpSvvg2W6vulDj9JwRfw6FtlBnBmspXlNdn-0KUo8C8EGUga3UhWiVf0E3GHLF4glQETNWgBki9HXh1081/s320/1406_total_church.jpg" border="0" /></a> From the chapter <em>Discipleship and Training</em>:<br /><div></div><br /><div>"We should be teaching one another the Bible as we are out walking, driving the car, or washing the dishes. People should learn the truth of justification not only in an exposition of Romans 5 but as they see us resting in Christ's finished work instead of anxiously trying to justify ourselves. They should understand the nature of Christian hope not only as they listen to a talk on Romans 8 but as they see us groaning in response to suffering as we wait for glory. They should understand the sovereignty of God not only from a sermon series on Isaiah but as they see us respond to trials with "pure joy" (James 1:2). We have found in our context that most learning and training takes place not through programmed teaching or training courses but in unplanned conversations--talking about life, talking about ministry, talking about problems."</div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-26454413616640056712009-08-31T11:00:00.004-04:002009-08-31T16:32:12.293-04:00TNIV's 'The Books of the Bible'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tIN_a0r7_mWXyN75pgLKBkkwNhcZqgafJgeuSgagbOPMPPm1efsuYQF_XSi_cazsdi7Kers0n-a-k6FUFIuFQalpb09xwouk-nSWJkSpgPixtrA4QiI4xKkDsJEU9O7mYqiF/s1600-h/TNIV+TBOTB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376227606140233650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tIN_a0r7_mWXyN75pgLKBkkwNhcZqgafJgeuSgagbOPMPPm1efsuYQF_XSi_cazsdi7Kers0n-a-k6FUFIuFQalpb09xwouk-nSWJkSpgPixtrA4QiI4xKkDsJEU9O7mYqiF/s320/TNIV+TBOTB.jpg" border="0" /></a> I recently decided to pick up TNIV's <em>The Books of the Bible</em> and read it for my devotions. So far I have really enjoyed it. (I wouldn't encourage using the TNIV for serious study, but I think it's alright for devotionals.) What I like most about <em>The Books of the Bible</em> (TBB) is its format. All of the verse and chapter numbers have been removed (there is a very faint Scripture reference point at the bottom of each page to give the reader a general idea of where he/she is reading from). Nice. Also, sections of Scripture are broken up by a break, or change, in argument/thought. If it's a minor change in thought then there will be a single space between sections, all the way up to four spaces between the sections for major breaks in thought. Another nice feature is the ordering of the books. The OT is arranged in the Hebrew-esk fashion with the Law through Samuel-Kings at the beginning, the Prophets (in chronological order) next, and the Writings at the end (with Daniel being the last book of the OT). The NT begins with Luke-Acts and proceeds with Paul's letters (in chronological order), then on to a mixture of Matthew and Mark with Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, James and Jude, and then finishing with all of John's writings (i.e. John's Gospel, his three letters and Revelation). I think it's a great arrangement. The other great thing about TBB is that it combines 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1& 2 Chronicles into one book each as they originally were. All-in-all I'm very pleased with TBB. It flows well and has a great arrangement. Go getcha one.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-92172478735847322112009-08-21T12:16:00.003-04:002009-08-21T12:26:22.340-04:00Voddie II<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_f0QNoJx1fF7e85Z933pCSWm-_aEO7bNK4C5SqX5pgZVTPgP6SyT-C_yOZcklAeRqjq9zEHbq_gh4VkAUqG897keKkKEWngbvOHKByq1sI4mSvc5b9_7EWVMMh-brekXY0KA/s1600-h/family_driven_faith.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372453528646901234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_f0QNoJx1fF7e85Z933pCSWm-_aEO7bNK4C5SqX5pgZVTPgP6SyT-C_yOZcklAeRqjq9zEHbq_gh4VkAUqG897keKkKEWngbvOHKByq1sI4mSvc5b9_7EWVMMh-brekXY0KA/s320/family_driven_faith.jpg" border="0" /></a> "The key to understanding the role of the family in discipling children is understanding the purpose of the Fifth Commandment. This commandment was not given for the sake of the individual child as much as it was given for the sake of the community. The Fifth Commandment was the foundation upon which the concept of multigenerational faithfulness is built. God designed the family to disciple children and insure the faithfulness and perpetuation of the community of faith throughout the ages. In other words, God says to us (through the Fifth Commandment), "If you want to continue to exist as the people of God in the midst of the pagan land that I am about to give you, you will have to do so by training and discipling your children." This is the linchpin in every argument I have made or will make in this book. God has designed your family--not the youth group, not the children's ministry, not the Christian school, but your family--as the principal discipling agent in your children's lives. The most important job you have as a parent is to train and disciple your children. This truth completely transformed the way Bridget and I viewed our role as parents. Suddenly we realized that if we raised our children to be great doctors, lawyers, athletes, or musicians but did not train them to honor us and obey God, we would have failed. Thus we had to rethink our schedule, our priorities, everything. In fact, this is one of the key truths that led us to home education. It was inconceivable to us that we could accomplish this monumental task without giving our children an education that completely embraced and undergirded this philosophy."<br /><div></div><br /><div>Voddie Baucham</div><div><em>Family Driven Faith</em>, p. 118-9</div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-20218159896031488592009-08-20T16:45:00.004-04:002009-08-20T16:54:18.066-04:00Voddie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvrtgaDYTT_c99Fa6pDtxq0OWw4VapS3MpkbR3_6ALGY5mCx9OX56wR3n4H-7SZjScbyDxPBScFoFCddy73skvY6JkmhJAkBgdaMQMrSluAt0NgGQdSSFtIIdAuk_5ajAI3Vn/s1600-h/family_driven_faith.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372151964561832114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvrtgaDYTT_c99Fa6pDtxq0OWw4VapS3MpkbR3_6ALGY5mCx9OX56wR3n4H-7SZjScbyDxPBScFoFCddy73skvY6JkmhJAkBgdaMQMrSluAt0NgGQdSSFtIIdAuk_5ajAI3Vn/s320/family_driven_faith.jpg" border="0" /></a> "When I first became a Christian, I thought that all Christians were sold-out, fire-breathing, truth-telling, water-walking follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. I also believed that I should be able to trust anything that was written by a Christian author and published by a Christian publisher. I soon discovered I was wrong. Most Christians in our culture live like everyone else. There is little distinction between our lives and the lives of the pagans down the street. We wear the same clothes, watch the same movies, read the same books, send our children to the same schools, and sign the same divorce decrees as everyone else. Furthermore, there ought to be a sign posted in every Christian bookstore that reads, "The views expressed in these books do not necessarily express the views of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." I'm not saying, don't read Christian books. I'm just saying, read with discernment."<br /><div></div><br /><div> Voddie Baucham, Jr.</div><div><em> Family Driven Faith</em>, p.112</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You tell 'em Voddie.</div><br /><div></div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-42481835518664198292009-08-07T15:52:00.006-04:002009-08-07T16:04:43.408-04:00Haddon James Nichols<div><div><div>He's here...<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>Born: August 3, 2009 at 8:00 AM</div><div>7 lbs. 0 oz.</div><div>19 3/4 in.</div><div>Man-child.</div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367313160583703026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8tHQSY866aF7SKM4X94bu7c4UreSljT16u22jIC48hfstz23bnnHQHv9D76A45a9TsoMP85IEMa2T2C543LfcAJxosTMBNEEFMx5WDCzvuBatOFLuDyLiDZq69WwR1FobFsh/s400/Kay+Kay+and+Haddon+031.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367313621897880322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNItHtNAiYwpHJy4f2FPGL3hPTBdIGYiQY48tiHJyrEdX81Id70jypEnfUMfKhymNl0DDDrNVW18I_y0rhET42bbywuis-25FAXrgPOqubZRDisJ6tOEr5ECLFCIaBUeECJMM/s400/Kay+Kay+and+Haddon+045.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367314206052541170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwb3376WHAGluzeluC1N48ZXqYD6GpnClmxwk9bVN-vBVqdf57V-xQnOI5yZYVIJRf0dAki7VfeWNEo5Bwbo_p_S-0C9o3oSDQ6y39iH_SJ6kicARhf5FHe8aSlDjydo5_nuF/s400/Kay+Kay+and+Haddon+049.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367314644617935842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IjpwJRwBsZ7l2iOqQQqZepdCjfFQmQAyJyEyqAAG4UujXeSYgWN8vW38izGL8SlFT_FbQKSX7yapxS5srByeYJx1m3NQtOjR1IQ7PcPwqpS9pRCdd_G2kwEUyUO8DcjAUBeH/s400/Kay+Kay+and+Haddon+064.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-75581743023301269472009-06-22T10:08:00.003-04:002009-06-22T10:18:44.132-04:00Penal Substitution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGexy8Edt6jiuTcLxyZ8jcx3cV3Si-3V19nzmy1UFbJu1L6EJi0KzoEo4Cy0QzCdUPdtbaF0BtvPPCY5TujFHqMRjpjGQfp6isBxnTKO2SqtMGiJsFuxT3EA8_xXhSDRkFAvU/s1600-h/Cross.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350156121666745890" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGexy8Edt6jiuTcLxyZ8jcx3cV3Si-3V19nzmy1UFbJu1L6EJi0KzoEo4Cy0QzCdUPdtbaF0BtvPPCY5TujFHqMRjpjGQfp6isBxnTKO2SqtMGiJsFuxT3EA8_xXhSDRkFAvU/s200/Cross.jpg" border="0" /></a> "The notion which the phrase "penal substitution" expresses is that Jesus Christ our Lord, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OVCJqGC7_ZAqFC49i-9N2GsepO7hq8Srg5JBqeI2jrQ-I9bDif63jGoXwaR-vWdHGpysKXCanjEld8HwL3E0yL6ijAkkP8RFhFeh8G3msg_JZIYC7fyBqnqEHIy7hnaP6IWY/s1600-h/Cross.jpg"></a>moved by a love that was determined to do everything necessary to save us, endured and exhaused the destructive divine judgment for which we were otherwise inescapably destined, and so won us forgiveness, adoption, and glory. To affirm penal substitution is to say that believers are in debt to Christ specifically for this, and that this is the mainspring of all their joy, peace, and praise both now and for eternity."<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>-J.I. Packer, quoted from <em>In My Place Condemned He Stood</em></div></div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-53315733122881261602009-06-15T16:04:00.002-04:002009-06-15T16:12:30.979-04:00Embracing Accusation<blockquote><p>I have learned much (as elsewhere) from the master theologian, churchman, public figure, and normal Christian believer, Martin Luther. It is well-known that in his writings [and] in table conversation Luther would often refer to visits from the Devil, how the Devil would come to him and whisper in his ear, accusing him of all manner of filthy sin: “Martin, you are a liar, greedy, lecherous, a blasphemer, a hypocrite. You cannot stand before God.” To which Luther would respond: “Well, yes, I am. And, indeed, Satan, you do not know the half of it. I have done much worse than that and if you care to give me your full list, I can no doubt add to it and help make it more complete. But you know what? My Saviour has died for all my sins—those you mention, those I could add and, indeed, those I have committed but am so wicked that I am unaware of having done so. It does not change the fact that Christ has died for all of them; his blood is sufficient; and on the Day of Judgment I shall be exonerated because he has taken all my sins on himself and clothed me in his own perfect righteousness.”Luther knew what temptation looked like; he knew his own wickedness; but he also knew the all-surpassing perfection and grace of Christ. So, in closing, I want to thank my blog critics, the crass, the colourful, the profane, and the plain old crazy, for helping me to understand better my sin and my Saviour. You think I'm arrogant? You should talk to my wife: she could fill you in on just how arrogant I really am. You think I'm ruthless and cold? Believe me, you don't know where half of the bodies are buried. You think I'm a weak and spineless girlyman? Hey, you don't know nearly the extent of my cowardice. You think I'm an inveterate street fighter? Bring it on. If someone will hold my coat, why go out onto the street? We can finish this right here and right now. But you know what? My Saviour knows the full depth of all my sleaziness, my sin, and my moral insanity, and has covered by his blood all these crimes you allege against me. Indeed, he has covered many more and much worse; and your reminders of my sinfulness and my need of him are most<br />gratefully received.</p><p>-Carl Trueman, quoted from <em>Thank God for Bandit Country</em><br /></p></blockquote>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-23988863281469692622009-06-01T15:40:00.006-04:002009-06-01T15:54:53.681-04:00Nicodemus and Cheetos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMnkIPJdA6MeYDS3DAOJKgJpL6XJIQ3N3uRvLwWApu2vfnnBfn4BOEYnWctPSmNaEaFvCDRn_gPnR9W8B9hbeqR9ZjUhAQrBCB-LR-Tf2OHy4u9PgVNPS-KNV3dGGt3El9XaK/s1600-h/nicodemus.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342449030894171426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMnkIPJdA6MeYDS3DAOJKgJpL6XJIQ3N3uRvLwWApu2vfnnBfn4BOEYnWctPSmNaEaFvCDRn_gPnR9W8B9hbeqR9ZjUhAQrBCB-LR-Tf2OHy4u9PgVNPS-KNV3dGGt3El9XaK/s320/nicodemus.bmp" border="0" /></a> I've read the book of John a few times, but for some reason I've never made the connection between John 3:1-21 and John 19:39, both of which refer to Nicodemus. In John chapter 3, John never tells us what happened to Nicodemus, but apparently the dude got saved. I just thought that was interesting.<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02fKdbjECn0uLk03K_CvspuOsxleMpPVJPBxrlfsenEH4ZTWLhXzLl5RpphtivyokPEbcprvYPMR-RmOSuF0gEwoZVQKVbar27zWrvm0J7vJ1in9V7TBQ2PlbjEj_X45y25zs/s1600-h/CHEETOS_FLAMIN_HOT_Limon_Cheese.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342449405252262482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02fKdbjECn0uLk03K_CvspuOsxleMpPVJPBxrlfsenEH4ZTWLhXzLl5RpphtivyokPEbcprvYPMR-RmOSuF0gEwoZVQKVbar27zWrvm0J7vJ1in9V7TBQ2PlbjEj_X45y25zs/s200/CHEETOS_FLAMIN_HOT_Limon_Cheese.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>On another note...</div><br /><div>I have recently come to the realization that Flamin' Hot Limón Crunchy Cheetos may be the greatest tasting snack, ever.</div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-89815515379309537522009-04-21T11:23:00.002-04:002009-04-21T11:27:49.371-04:00Baby #2I forgot to post that Amber is pregnant again and... it's a boy! This will bring the Nichols household to: two adults, two kids, and two dogs. Having a girl has been such a joy, but I must say that I'm a little nervous about having a boy. I think the reason for this is because my son's example of what it is to be a godly man is going to be me... that's intimidating. We'll see how it goes.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-81933524330663033602009-03-18T17:10:00.002-04:002009-03-18T17:19:35.944-04:00Baptism of the Spirit... update<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314640258320289426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasPxK3vI1aIEc8anMlzVErO17zCFIxWHud82mdOo2kqji-UGCzrL1l89jWimEa9FefAU0-VduJ45f0OCeWXqy-YbwdWozsVoxZOqEnF4orgF6cpy-VvQvfpm0Amwv9a3u4_Gd/s320/Holy+Spirit+dove.jpg" border="0" />Okay, after talking with a very good friend of mine about this baptism of the Spirit thing, I have reached the conclusion (for now) that we are born of the Spirit at conversion and baptized/filled with the Spirit at some point after that (although Scripture seems to indicate that the baptism/filling could happen simulaneously with conversion). I think this view is consistent with Scripture which gives us the ultimate example of this in Christ, Who was born of the Spirit (literally) and later baptized/filled with the Spirit at His baptism. So far I am satisfied with this view and it would take a lot to convince me otherwise. But go ahead and let me know if this is heresy. Thanks.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-46625548618693399772009-03-16T11:48:00.003-04:002009-03-16T15:53:12.825-04:00Baptism of the SpiritMy views on the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit have been anything but consistent. I used to believe that the Baptism/Filling of the Holy Spirit happened <em>only</em> at conversion. I have also held to the belief that a person was <em>baptized</em> with the Spirit <em>at conversion</em> and then <em>subsequently filled</em> with the Holy Spirit at a later time for ministry. Currently I believe that Scripture uses the terms "Baptism" and "Filling" interchangeably in regards to the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:5 and 2:4) and that after conversion believers must constantly pursue <em>subsequent</em> baptisms/fillings of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:29-31). For further reflection on this, check out the following:<br /><br />1. John 7:39; 14:15-17; 20:22; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4<br />2. Luke 3:21-22 (see also Mark 1:10 and Matthew 3:16)<br />3. Acts 4:29-31 (cf. Acts 13:52)<br /><br />Any thoughts?chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-23840970875760477022009-02-24T14:54:00.002-05:002009-02-24T15:08:57.242-05:00Your Thoughts?1 Peter 5:7-10 vs. 1 John 5:18<br /><br />Read it. Pray about it. Let me know what you come up with.<br /><br />Peace.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-16194517048370693082009-02-12T23:52:00.002-05:002009-02-12T23:59:50.350-05:00Piper on Marriage"The ultimate thing we can say about marriage is that it exists for God’s glory. That is, it exists to display God. Now we see how: Marriage is patterned after Christ’s covenant relationship to his redeemed people, the church. And therefore, the highest meaning and the most ultimate purpose of marriage is to put the covenant relationship of Christ and his church on display. That is why marriage exists. If you are married, that is why you are married. If you hope to be, that should be your dream."<br /><br />-John Piper<br />quoted from <em>This Momentary Marriage</em>, p. 25<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/Store/Books/802_This_Momentary_Marriage/">here</a> to download this book in its entirety for free. Yeah, you heard me.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-818082511164257002008-11-05T15:11:00.002-05:002008-11-05T15:15:29.982-05:00President Barack Obama<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC28sqeXHX-EieaQan4WCEUynkziDGkhNrIczX9r_aRIhsFusQy8iMyd4BxcWDq2MvbOgvHjpir_Smq_58wdtQL0STEsUWGpAQrEBvDZUiblaGBryjVabFqH9YSUxd3SmKdH-/s1600-h/who-is-barack-obama.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265269424757536930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC28sqeXHX-EieaQan4WCEUynkziDGkhNrIczX9r_aRIhsFusQy8iMyd4BxcWDq2MvbOgvHjpir_Smq_58wdtQL0STEsUWGpAQrEBvDZUiblaGBryjVabFqH9YSUxd3SmKdH-/s200/who-is-barack-obama.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well, crap.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-79383625629982728002008-10-28T14:58:00.002-04:002008-10-28T15:01:42.557-04:00McCain v. Obama = Life v. DeathRead <a href="http://randyalcorn.blogspot.com/2008/10/im-not-voting-for-man-im-voting-for.html">this</a> before you vote. Tell your friends.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-21083875197544834542008-08-22T10:44:00.002-04:002008-08-22T11:02:45.605-04:00Morality According to HallmarkAl Mohler recently posted a blog on something that I find quite disturbing. Hallmark has decided to launch a new type of greeting card to cater to all those homosexuals who apparently are feeling a little left out. Last year Hallmark released a wave of "coming out" cards. They have now expanded their gay horizons into the land of wedding and anniversary cards. You can read Mohler's take on all of this <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1451">here</a>. Peace.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-4961694619652782452008-08-18T16:17:00.004-04:002008-08-18T16:41:06.954-04:00The Heart of a Father<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwYUrkL0WMj94GFkSd8aK_MJcNrR16pYuhq1c8QRqXBlZTFQqVceHK6eZ_ujGMHL2p05NsTriX3DSYz58P_ch0_xnJKahWY0Dwv-jagMlJ5DUyS6n1bdXRbnlSl7PVekCcwd-/s1600-h/page1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235959988637283218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwYUrkL0WMj94GFkSd8aK_MJcNrR16pYuhq1c8QRqXBlZTFQqVceHK6eZ_ujGMHL2p05NsTriX3DSYz58P_ch0_xnJKahWY0Dwv-jagMlJ5DUyS6n1bdXRbnlSl7PVekCcwd-/s320/page1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here recently I've decided to read through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew over and over again. I'm not really sure when I will move on to something else, but for now I like it. Last night when I was reading I was affected by Matthew 6:1-4 which reads, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. (2) Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (3) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." <div><br /><div>Besides the obvious call to "silent generosity", I noticed in this passage the gracious heart of God. God has promised that obedience brings reward, but what stuck out to me was the fact that God not only wants our obedience, but He <em>desires</em> to reward us. In this passage I see the heart of a Father. He is not just shelling out a list of commands, but He is telling the crowds how to receive their heavenly reward. The Sermon on the Mount is a radical call from God Himself for His people to live in a peculiar, distinct way, which calls for a painful death to self. But what is so amazing is that this hard path of obedience is the path to joy, and our heavenly reward. We serve such a great God! There is grace behind every command and there is a great reward at the end of all obedience; and that reward is God Himself. Peace.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-32460457112399143322008-08-05T12:20:00.003-04:002008-08-05T12:51:19.886-04:00Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BoGfvwqaTo0govEGPMZvxNXEskU2RMolpKKuAqvKiIyaIvpO3LZyOzbTDME7KnnLHlxVQ-bswdwX2Dq_MIX5SKleAaJjeiKiLsuNIT6KmeWafR9GZI0OifthfPPp1IiCRMnR/s1600-h/addictions.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231076897045766866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BoGfvwqaTo0govEGPMZvxNXEskU2RMolpKKuAqvKiIyaIvpO3LZyOzbTDME7KnnLHlxVQ-bswdwX2Dq_MIX5SKleAaJjeiKiLsuNIT6KmeWafR9GZI0OifthfPPp1IiCRMnR/s200/addictions.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am currently reading a book by Edward T. Welch called <em>Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave </em>and I highly recommend it for everyone. The last chapter I read is called Staying Violent. The two verses at the beginning of the chapter are Matthew 11:12 ("From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.") and Matthew 18:18 ("If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."). Pretty intense from the get-go. After reading this chapter I come away really wanting to deal with my own sin and addictions. Why? Because it's flat out war-time manliness to do so! And it honors God. Battling sin is like a Biblical UFC (not the sissy new UFC, but the old-school "go until someone's unconscious" UFC). Here are some of my favorite quotes from the chapter...<br /><br />"There is a mean streak to authentic self-control. Underneath what seems to be the placid demeanor of those who are not ruled by their desires is the heart of a warrior. Self control is not for the timid. When we want to grow in it, not only do we nurture an exuberance for Jesus Christ, we also demand of ourselves a hatred for sin." (pg. 225)<br /><br />"But unlike our old conception of warfare, where battle lines are clear and the times of battle can almost be predicted, this is modern warfare in which you are not always sure where the enemy lurks. It is guerilla warfare. There are strategically placed snipers. You let down you guard for a moment and the village you thought was safe suddenly opens fire on you." (pg. 226)<br /><br />"The problem is that as Christians, we often forget we are in a war. Or worse, we don't even know that there <em>is</em> a war. Unlike most warfare, where at least we know that there is an enemy <em>somewhere</em>, spiritual warfare tends to be especially covert. No one is getting shot and many people--even addicts themselves-- seem to be managing their lives fairly well. It all looks like business as usual. Add to this the fact that we actually <em>like</em> the enemy, and it is easy to understand why many of us act as though we were on vacation." (pp. 226-227)<br /><br />"If someone can actually flee something that he deeply desires, then, once removed from the external temptation, he must follow through by taking his soul to task. We are attracted by the temptations outside us because of the sinful desires we harbor within." (pg. 230)<br /><br />"Maybe we haven't given into the temptation, but we are dialoging with it rather than rebuking it. When a serpent comes across your path speaking lies, you should run from it or kill it. You shouldn't sit around for a friendly chat." (pg. 239)<br /><br />"When temptations come, we live mindfully. We look past the facade of temporary pleasure and notice the smell of death that goes with it. If the temptation hooks our desires, we go public. We confess it to a friend, we confess it to the Lord, we get other people praying of us, we ask for counsel that helps us to see that the Serpent is dangerous. Above all, we remember that God's commands are good. They are inteded to bless us." (pg. 240)<br /><br />"Why would God allow temptations? They are divine testings that reveal our hearts." (pg. 240)<br /><br />In summary, 1) Buy the book, 2) Read the book, 3) Buy another copy and give it to someone, 4) Read the book again, 5) see #3. Peace.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-9418188268041952432008-07-23T10:00:00.003-04:002008-07-23T10:13:40.233-04:00Long awaited pictures of the Baby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTicJhpU_11rBbdqSLeiHw3m1bAUqrqYI9g6CO31lmJwav7E2Qa9BakY2Vq3csYV_FY41HhJ_3ARp1r47etL6ZDTkcwvcHA8wPjIkItaYn2swieb7uBjBfWP2Sp1ruS-8I1GWw/s1600-h/kk+blueyessunsets.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226211313416263586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTicJhpU_11rBbdqSLeiHw3m1bAUqrqYI9g6CO31lmJwav7E2Qa9BakY2Vq3csYV_FY41HhJ_3ARp1r47etL6ZDTkcwvcHA8wPjIkItaYn2swieb7uBjBfWP2Sp1ruS-8I1GWw/s320/kk+blueyessunsets.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlKUZcMotgo6Bs_wYeXbhSmPjGyKEJ1-obPE_aFJOK4sO2oODLZcFh0NxsCAddEUKxVUBPuxocUeFd8TtDa40babqEDeMuNxv90MTnnXazFf9W9H7b8JLGgKY_Vdoj4iKQtSr/s1600-h/kk+headband+sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226211317875138146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlKUZcMotgo6Bs_wYeXbhSmPjGyKEJ1-obPE_aFJOK4sO2oODLZcFh0NxsCAddEUKxVUBPuxocUeFd8TtDa40babqEDeMuNxv90MTnnXazFf9W9H7b8JLGgKY_Vdoj4iKQtSr/s320/kk+headband+sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhBxjBCQazwZ8dLEvGBN3RGi-9IJFYuc6hnY_tW7KenlnLIsAKljN7SARCVyPDzP63bRIqmqR_hTY6-lcoCs5yEm7TbYKbFhpnE7Dt0VGoPt_dncMhSRTjX_qdBPZU0DaGyXu/s1600-h/kk+piano.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226211325306434226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhBxjBCQazwZ8dLEvGBN3RGi-9IJFYuc6hnY_tW7KenlnLIsAKljN7SARCVyPDzP63bRIqmqR_hTY6-lcoCs5yEm7TbYKbFhpnE7Dt0VGoPt_dncMhSRTjX_qdBPZU0DaGyXu/s320/kk+piano.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzOHma6owj3x4eSaMmP46vNpLaeRp1gtI4rxN9G_Gqm7LLKDrXYH8U69slEupfe12Fe5HSEfPAJjZzl9-Kr5Ji91jWARS6fn18e8brQHkwONSHoAJiRScg_e4EAP7cqB1d2ZN/s1600-h/sepia+kk+old+type2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226211327733337234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzOHma6owj3x4eSaMmP46vNpLaeRp1gtI4rxN9G_Gqm7LLKDrXYH8U69slEupfe12Fe5HSEfPAJjZzl9-Kr5Ji91jWARS6fn18e8brQHkwONSHoAJiRScg_e4EAP7cqB1d2ZN/s320/sepia+kk+old+type2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxhnZ02n4ONLACx3QxOA4z_S8lYxVggt9ppjyvJlTkkKpEBxmREpKYJUn_LzFVMhPY1KsmL8mekXZkVm3DjzhXpLMAm6F0mlf8FPTCG04IzZXyKFDcO-qWJ9WT-_orGb-YSUn/s1600-h/sepia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226211330947856658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxhnZ02n4ONLACx3QxOA4z_S8lYxVggt9ppjyvJlTkkKpEBxmREpKYJUn_LzFVMhPY1KsmL8mekXZkVm3DjzhXpLMAm6F0mlf8FPTCG04IzZXyKFDcO-qWJ9WT-_orGb-YSUn/s320/sepia.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfLtzUMCw2_lUHJ1bOx-G7Ac32p1dOo8NCWCZI3_u-dwrf_zFs69yapH13-qi6FkmSG0VdiRmtxL1WBdend4jaxYf7CpY_d6sbCxY4MfhEqBW-zntvpdPquC5yl6HyuNrNLcN/s1600-h/bookbiblebwkk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226210276816365634" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlngoFZTQMTakIsNcvf5EmX_5HmmC4cSKg72n6w7YdWixhMjKeaLS3nC_PMN1-A3yUnWVIQC3_whx55yic1D1FPgfjt3MicJ9aGiSP12Wu_Eg2FKUEoqO4GekJrPrnB9uiZAnx/s320/bw+kk+looking.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx6g3BbVqb4RLfruyGImN07H0RaDnTs66SlAa2oRHLgbI8Tfuq2yUC-S2TwLZm3NDKXCFml5CHDYCqTf_szxZbmv6Rmqf1KLDk5rYbjG__IAUbWyAlS6Im-WYOxMR0wYmT7Cu/s1600-h/headband+bw.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226210290243825234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx6g3BbVqb4RLfruyGImN07H0RaDnTs66SlAa2oRHLgbI8Tfuq2yUC-S2TwLZm3NDKXCFml5CHDYCqTf_szxZbmv6Rmqf1KLDk5rYbjG__IAUbWyAlS6Im-WYOxMR0wYmT7Cu/s320/headband+bw.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJARTX1DtphuD1CeWNM0anljnt-PmA3a_otCtXBKirz31MgdsUb8mVSnVCYCmW-WVIMmKdtwob_Jvg1FZdoMgWCxr2tWCWOjKmmF-hqSvmmh4yQ-PcrhwzvATlQYCW3b4LDpW/s1600-h/kk+blueyessunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226210292492908242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJARTX1DtphuD1CeWNM0anljnt-PmA3a_otCtXBKirz31MgdsUb8mVSnVCYCmW-WVIMmKdtwob_Jvg1FZdoMgWCxr2tWCWOjKmmF-hqSvmmh4yQ-PcrhwzvATlQYCW3b4LDpW/s320/kk+blueyessunset.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><div></div></div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-79514116997599574232008-06-24T11:56:00.003-04:002008-06-24T12:01:12.916-04:00Back from SabbaticalI've been doing a little studying/thinking on the Emergent movement lately (and really Postmodernism in general). Check out this helpful quote from Christian philosopher William Lane Craig: <blockquote>"To assert that ‘the truth is that there is no truth’ is both self-refuting and arbitrary. For if this statement is true, it is not true, since there is no truth. So-called deconstructionism thus cannot be halted from deconstructing itself. Moreover, there is also no reason for adopting the postmodern perspective rather than, say, the outlooks of Western capitalism, male chauvinism, white racism, and so forth, since post-modernism has no more truth to it then these perspectives. Caught in this self-defeating trap, some postmodernists have been forced to the same recourse as Buddhist mystics: denying that postmodernism is really a view or position at all. But then, once again, why do they continue to write books and talk about it. They are obviously making some claims—and if not, then they literally have nothing to say and no objection to [the rational] employment of the classical canons of logic."</blockquote>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-61589352482801937512008-03-14T15:58:00.004-04:002008-03-14T16:08:15.752-04:00The letter E is equal to the letters M and C squared.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4BL4nnYdG9vSiNrgnsRWhphenHuBpucP8SIVUJEGJULln9fiJN8m24t8R0f90-_qjCV6VGLmj9kMqEbWrgqKDtlZ_1izYAGSisSfAwgWE5zV6CYhRoCE7qSCyT2_2lU9xeJa/s1600-h/einstein.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177691105659961282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4BL4nnYdG9vSiNrgnsRWhphenHuBpucP8SIVUJEGJULln9fiJN8m24t8R0f90-_qjCV6VGLmj9kMqEbWrgqKDtlZ_1izYAGSisSfAwgWE5zV6CYhRoCE7qSCyT2_2lU9xeJa/s200/einstein.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today is Albert Einstein's birthday... he's 129. I think we can all learn a valuable lesson from his life: Pipe-smokers are geniuses. Thanks Al. </div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-26659634072672215722008-03-14T15:53:00.002-04:002008-03-14T15:56:51.851-04:00A Word from the Spurg<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA82Y2DswtHA44_6jc10hhCnX2sL9RIzsqqxXbxD6jqHlfPAjPH6tnCEDGRtCSof6g8pKdam1Z_meSKoC0q2xUFdoGfKgqJwHKfYhxu-I57kxXewxobTVtjvN-kMkcr3aOSfBw/s1600-h/spurgeon-charles-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177688644643700658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA82Y2DswtHA44_6jc10hhCnX2sL9RIzsqqxXbxD6jqHlfPAjPH6tnCEDGRtCSof6g8pKdam1Z_meSKoC0q2xUFdoGfKgqJwHKfYhxu-I57kxXewxobTVtjvN-kMkcr3aOSfBw/s320/spurgeon-charles-3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>"I will take heed to my ways." —Psalm 39:1<br /></div><br /><div>Fellow-pilgrim, say not in your heart, "I will go hither and thither, and I shall not sin;" for you are never so out of danger of sinning as to boast of security. The road is very miry, it will be hard to pick your path so as not to soil your garments. This is a world of pitch; you will need to watch often, if in handling it you are to keep your hands clean. There is a robber at every turn of the road to rob you of your jewels; there is a temptation in every mercy; there is a snare in every joy; and if you ever reach heaven, it will be a miracle of divine grace to be ascribed entirely to your Father's power. Be on your guard. When a man carries a bomb-shell in his hand, he should mind that he does not go near a candle; and you too must take care that you enter not into temptation. Even your common actions are edged tools; you must mind how you handle them. There is nothing in this world to foster a Christian's piety, but everything to destroy it. How anxious should you be to look up to God, that He may keep you! Your prayer should be, "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe." Having prayed, you must also watch; guarding every thought, word, and action, with holy jealousy. Do not expose yourselves unnecessarily; but if called to exposure, if you are bidden to go where the darts are flying, never venture forth without your shield; for if once the devil finds you without your buckler, he will rejoice that his hour of triumph is come, and will soon make you fall down wounded by his arrows. Though slain you cannot be; wounded you may be. "Be sober; be vigilant, danger may be in an hour when all seemeth securest to thee." Therefore, take heed to thy ways, and watch unto prayer. No man ever fell into error through being too watchful. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all our ways, so shall they always please the Lord.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="right">Charles Spurgeon</div><br /><div align="right">From <em>Morning & Evening</em></div>chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34696341.post-76405990945045904262008-03-10T13:56:00.003-04:002008-03-10T13:58:19.625-04:00Pictures of MakayaAlright... I was really waiting to blog again until someone commented on the Piper video below. Oh well, I'm going to bless you anyway and tell you to click <a href="http://myrockandmyfortress.blogspot.com/">here</a> to see pictures of my BEAUTIFUL baby girl. DO IT! peace.chance nhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272768163276462435noreply@blogger.com4