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Crazy isn't it? Who thought this up?

2010-11-24T12:47:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I'm beginning to wind down the speedblogging exercise. Misspellings are rampant, I need to leave the office in 15 minutes. I just reached one hour, so the goal of one hour didn't quite work since I have three more sites to write on.

Deep breath, man do I miss writing from the heart every day fluidly. Need to do this more often.

Keep moving though, I am ... our most read site for two straight years was my home building blog, now real estate thoughts.

Prayeramedic

2010-07-06T05:36:00.001-05:00

Dan writes at Prayeramedic.com and is one terrific guy. I've met Dan and have seen the passion of his energy for solid teaching and theological debate.

One such debate is raging on his site, perhaps raging is too strong since a few of our local bloggers here in Northwest Indiana are just now finding his site. Check it out .... The debate of Intellectualism.

My son ... and so the teaching begins ... Round One

2010-01-30T07:00:00.003-06:00

Round One - Boxing, Badgering, and Banter

One of the coolest things about being the father of three boys is the chances we have to banter and badger each other. Boys perhaps more than girls love the artful effort of badgering just enough to annoy or get attention without getting in trouble. There's a line, but it's oh so hard to know exactly where that line is. A little arguing, or debating ... the deft act of throwing a kidney punch when someone's balance a hot cup of coffee and can't return fire ... yet!

Life is so similar on the macro level. Our human flesh and desires are for independence from God, sinful thoughts and behaviors, a pushing away from his lordship and a selfishness that comes from wanting to be lord all by ourselves. God could have made us as automatons, incapable of banter and badger, incapable of pushing back or turning our backs and pretending to hide ... but his level of love, a love we really can't get through our carnal minds, was more perfect. His love suggested that he give every human being total control of their minds, their thoughts, their desires ... and then wait and hope that we would love him back. In the meantime we banter and badger and box with God.

The two don't seem to tie together? Oh but in my mind they do, because when you free young men to banter and badger with each other and their father (in my case the boys would prefer to badger me more than anyone) they quickly learn that there are indeed rules for the engagement. The weak father sets rigid rules that don't allow any questioning, and thereby very little learning or maturing. The loving father though allows even encourages respectful questioning, allows free flow of ideas and thoughts, but couches the rules in some easy basics:

Respect - badger and banter, argue and debate, annoy or compete ... but at the end be best friends because you are all my favorite. Treat each other with the respect that allows you to come back for another day of badger and banter. (In boxing "keep it above the belt"
Ask - because I know you have questions, pretending to have it all together is a little naive. Ask and tell me about the emotions that come with your questions. Tell me about the fears and the mistakes. I'll tell you what I know, what I've experienced, what I have emoted.
Think - ah, how many arguments in this world have ended with someone giving up on the thinking part and digging in their heels? Learn to argue and badger one another in a healthy way, a way that allows both parties to grow and mature and learn. (learn from every battle, every round in the ring)

My study in Proverbs remind me so much of my times with the boys, perhaps driving down to Indianapolis or hanging out watching a football game. Times when I can pass along my thoughts on the world, on people that I have loved or been hurt by, on life's ebbing and flowing of relationships and work. Those times could be me just talking down, or as is my preference, they are times of badgering and boxing and banter.

Verse 10: My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

so seldom in today's culture do we use the word sinner, an apt word though to begin this specific badgering session. Interesting the word translated entice, is actually a hebrew root word for opening up, spreading out. The word picture is one of a deceiver using a garrulous mouth to trick and destroy another. A follow up question sits right here though, one that in a normal bible study we might skip right over. If being 'open' can be trickery and enticing, what of my thought that these boys need to learn the art of badgering? Am I wrong? I have my thoughts, but would like some outside input too.

Verse 11: If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason;

Verse 12: "like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; J. Vernon McGee on this passage audio

Maybe the Three Stooges video isn't exactly right on the money, but I did find it very funny. God help me raise these three boys, and little princess, to be great badgers ... in a respectful way, ones who won't be easily defrauded by the garrulous deceiver.

Proverbs 1 continued

2010-01-24T07:43:00.002-06:00

to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth--Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. (verses 3-9 Proverbs 1)

Remember that when asked by God what he most wanted, King Solomon answered wisdom in ruling judiciously. He didn't ask for great wealth or a long life, he asked for something that was bigger picture, more about those God assigned to his responsibility. There is no doubt that this is the mark of a great leader, even if we have a hard time believing anyone would really answer this way in total honesty. A Christ like leader is always one who wants desperately to be able to provide justice and equity to 'all' his or her followers. A Christ following leader wants most for his or her followers to be trained in the things of the Lord so that new leaders can sprout from the group.

Fools do despise wisdom - I think often of Christian fools, and in my vernacular they would be called fundamentalists. These are people who have decided to control those around them through rules and laws, just like the Pharisees before them they've chosen to control little minds around them through fear. Let me be specific here, controlling others is not leadership. Using fear or private information, using backroom dealings to create a world of intrigue or cloak and dagger, that is not Christ like leadership. That is fundamentalism. I think the thing I like the least about fundamentalists is their inability to debate or create positive discourse.

Fools indeed. Watch for the man who says "you must read the King James Version" or "a real Christian supports pro-life" or "there are no Christians in the Catholic Church" or "alcohol or dancing or cards are the mark of the backslidden" ... Boys, find those passages for me. Find the places that Jesus mentions which version 1000 years after his death will be his favorite. Not.

Some debunking today:

The King James Version of the Bible is a pretty solid early attempt at translating, but King James himself was a horrible leader, possibly possessing of sins in adultery, homosexuality, and debauchery. He used the occasion of a bible translation to gain more power. There is no reason to off hand take this as the only workable translation just because a man in 1890 proclaimed it to be so at the beginning of fundamentalist thought.
Although I am pro-life, and feel that killing is killing. I am also anti death penalty. Many Christians are pro-life but highly in favor of the death penalty. I do not consider them backslidden, neither should they proclaim over their fellow Christ followers that moniker simply because some see the life movement as patently political. Does the government need to play any role at all in abortion? I could make you a strong argument that the government would do better to stay out altogether and leave to families.
There are indeed Christ followers in the Catholic Church. I have known some personally. Very many? Of course not. They are in a church that uses fundamental naivete training, that suggests to their members that they do not need to understand their Bible and the priests will explain everything to them. Never let someone tell you that you don't need to understand it yourself. A real and legitimate fear of God starts with knowing him and his words yourself, not by taking my word for it.
Taboos are the most famous of controlling mechanisms. These are the easiest ways for fundamentalists to control the small minded little people are them. Stay away from leaders who use taboo to control you. If they aren't willing to argue to discourse in transparent fashion, they are not leaders, they are controllers.

Trying out some of the features of the ESV Online Bible and Notes today, and found this interesting sideways jump. When asked how does Proverbs apply to the overarching theme of Salvation History, they use the coupled Psalms 111 and 112 to point out a relationship between a messianic praise Psalm and a wisdom proverbic psalm. As if there is indeed a direct connection between our understanding of the theme of redemption and its direct relationship to our daily walking in wisdom. I agree there is a direct relationship, more on this tomorrow.

The connection of Proverbs to salvation history can be seen more fully from noticing how Psalms 111–112 work together: Psalm 111, a hymn of praise, celebrates the great works of the Lord that further his redemptive purpose for his people, while Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm, looking very much like Proverbs set to music. The two psalms have much in common (see notes there), which invites the reader to connect them. The wisdom described in Psalm 112 and in Proverbs guides the particular Israelite in his priorities and choices, and enables him to contribute to the whole body of God's people. It is what leads the covenant members toward the ideal of likeness to God and properly functioning humanity, so that their lives carry something of a taste of Eden—and this is what the Gentiles need to see in them.

A series on Proverbs

2010-01-14T18:25:00.006-06:00

Made a promise to myself that I'd blog/journal my way through Proverbs this year, and here it is already the 14th and I'm just starting, whew. My plan is to go verse by verse, and attach links that I find from the web. Some editorial and application, but more than anything a way to "hide his Word in my heart."

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

Proverbs - mashal - sentences of ethical wisdom Pro 26:7 "Like a lame man's legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool."

King Solomon was the third king of Israel, the United Monarchy, and the kingdom was split after his reign. His reign was roughly 970 BC - 931 BC. He was the son of King David and was known to be wise, powerful, wealthy, and to have built the Jerusalem temple. But he like his father was sinfully flawed, as we all are, and was eventually disciplined by God for his sin.

Solomon prays:

"Give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people and to know good and evil."1 Kings 3:9 ^[8]

"So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked..."" (1 Kings 3:11-12)^[8] The Bible also states that: "The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart." (1 Kings 10:24) ^[9]

From James 1;5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all. Without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

There's more to this passage in James that I'll return to in a while. But for now, my goal in this study in the year 2010. I desire wisdom, I have pursued happiness and money, power and knowledge, prodigy and love ... But I desire wisdom from God. I desire the wisdom that only God can give, and that I can merely and gladly accept ... I really can't go out and study or find it for myself. I know God promises wisdom generously, so I am asking, nay pleading for a non-judgemental outpouring of just this kind of wisdom.

"... but when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Pro 1:2

for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;

(to know wisdom and instruction, the discern the sayings of understanding)
(yada - to perceive chokmah - wisdom muwcar - and chastening biyn - to consider and understand emer - the words and sayings biynah - of discernment and understanding)

The conservation between King Solomon and God. I Kings 3:9-12 "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be."

Why is Jesus uncomfortable at Christmas?

2009-12-24T07:32:00.000-06:00

Christmas isn't all that political ... right?

I couldn't resist, even though I know you will all be spending time with family and unwrapping presents ... so no one will have time to read this political site ... right!

Christmas is a bit political isn't it? (See Christmas Story on Blueletter) If you believe, as I do, that Jesus is actually God incarnate, born of the virgin Mary, in a stable in Bethlehem roughly 2,000 years ago. If you believe that this birth and his eventual crucifixion and resurrection make up the perfect trifecta of prophetic implication, such that humans can have contact with the only Holy deity. Then Christmas is a lot political, and makes people around you cringe. Words we don't use much in post modern society aren't they? Words that can make a conversation go mighty quiet, and people walk away uncomfortable that anyone would be so rude to talk about religion or faith. It's so much easier to pretend about Santa Claus or gaze at a lit tree, but to push faith in Jesus that's going too far.

It's not that faith is uncomfortable, it's that a faith of specifics and a faith in a specific truth like Christ is uncomfortable. In this culture we celebrate the fact that everyone has their own beliefs ... yet the downside is that we've lost the ability to truly debate which of those beliefs are right and which are just plain hogwash. It's even become rude to suggest that one has a belief that is true, since this assigns "false" to another belief. Let's be frank, truth exists and all other beliefs are false, even if that hurts someone feelings.

Please enjoy your families, pray for peace in Jerusalem, remember Jesus' birth in the lowly manger, give gifts of joy, worship with hearts of grace and mercy ... a Merry uncomfortable Christmas Northwest Indiana.

Twilight Novels - Chuck Colson

2009-12-13T09:05:00.001-06:00

Flirting with Danger

By Chuck Colson

The Twilight series of novels—and now the movies—are wildly popular with teenage girls. And that’s a shame. I’ll tell you why.

You may remember that last year, Mark Earley on BreakPoint reviewed the film Twilight, which was all the rage. Now there’s a Twilight sequel, which is drawing millions to the box office.

To my family - Easter is a seriously big deal

2009-04-12T07:38:00.001-05:00

Happy Resurrection Sunday - Easter

Happy Resurrection Sunday - Which we call Easter

Roughly 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ raised himself from the grave, he was all the way dead don't play games with the story in your head, and he overcame that death to show that he/God is dominant over even death.

"Where o death is thy sting ..."

Although we as Christ followers believe in our own mortality and depravity in sin, and our need for a redeemer to pay the penalty of our sins, and therefore the dominant role of the cross in helping us remember the horrible death and sacrifice of Christ

The Resurrection is in many ways more important. All other sacrifices died, the lamb the goat the bird, never to be seen again.

Jesus Christ rose again ... that's a really big deal. Quite possibly the most important event in human history, in 7,000 years, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A 100% man, who was 100% God (of course we can't understand that tension) died a horrible death and then three days later raised himself from that tomb, rolled away a multiple ton rock, and walked out still bearing the holes in his hands and feet ... the marks of the price he paid on our behalf.

Sorry for this pause in political debate, but it's well worth the pause. If you are offended at this blatant statement, or feel that no one has the right to state "truth" when there are so many different opinions in today's society ... welcome to post modern predictable thought ... you too have been duped by humanities 7,000 year desire to be "my own person" and "not need a god"

Take a deep breath and dare yourself to ask "where do I stand for eternity?"

A Jew Blogs the Old Testament

2009-03-05T05:14:00.001-06:00

We only have a few readers here, mainly because I don't post enough, and most of you are also friends or family so I probably just sent you this link directly from my reader ... that all said perhaps someone hasn't seen this yet and would care to comment and interact.

Christianity Today features an interview with a Harvard educated Jew who accidentally begins reading and then blogging the Old Testament. It's an uncomfortable read, because we expect that the word will bear fruit and that he will see Christ ... but just as God has promises for us he also tells us that most of his chosen will have blinders put on their eyes. This man reads the entire Old Testament, probably understanding it better than most of us, and ends up despising the God described therein.

The rapture song - Left Behind

2009-02-22T17:22:00.001-06:00

Christ lovers in Africa - battle lines

2009-01-09T10:52:00.000-06:00

New President of Ghana and the ESV

from ESV Bible Blog by James

The new President of Ghana, John Atta Mills, holds a copy of the ESV Bible as he is sworn in as the country’s new president on January 7, 2009.

One of the key factors in the growth of the ESV over the past few years has been Crossway’s partnership with the British & Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) and distribution with numerous other Bible Societies around the world, including Ghana and other countries in Africa.

Is this war in Gaza the start of the end of the world?

2009-01-08T14:40:00.002-06:00

I was taking my 8th grade son and his friends to school this morning, for their weekly prayer group actually. One of the boys was talking about Nostodomus and his predictions of the end of the world, in this specific theory someone had mentioned perhaps the end of the world would be in 2012.

I laughed and suggested that maybe that person theorizing was a Democrat, and was worried that Obama would lose and thus the End of the World. We talk politics and faith and relationships most every time to drive to school. Then the important question: Mr. Dalton, what do you think will happen at the End of the World?

I took a deep breath, it was only 6:45 a.m. and all. And then did as I always do, launched into a diatribe to press them a bit, to cause them to think for themselves. Here's my paraphrase, which I'm reprinting because I believe those three boys may want to re-read and ponder some more. Feel free to add comments too if you feel I'm off base:

"First I would highly recommend that you boys read the Book of Revelation. It's all in there, and frankly my opinion isn't important, what's important is what God said flat out.

But, since you asked here's what I think - Sometime in the future a secret peace agreement will be guaranteed by 10 nations, guaranteeing the peace of Israel and their protection. We won't know when this agreement is signed, because it will be secret. During the years following that peace agreement I also feel that fundamentalism will become a real problem, not just muslim fundamental terrorists, but Bible believing Christians who have a personal faith in Jesus. This will become "fundamentalist" and "closed minded" and some Christians will actually be persecuted for even daring to say that Jesus is "the way the truth and the light, no man can get to the Father except by me."

Back to those 10 nations, three will rise to the top and really take over the confederation and from those three a single leader will become the real focus. We may not know who that leader is for quite some time, but at a time exactly 3 and 1/2 years from the initial peace guarantee he will rise up to take leadership. This may coincide with a major crisis, or war, or a need for a signifigant power to take leadership. We can't know that date, because the peace agreement is secret.

This leader will choose to go to Jerusalem, perhaps because things are hot and crazy there, or perhaps worse yet to once and for all desecrate the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths and call for an elimination all all "one God" type faiths that are now to be considered "fundamentalist" and "weak minded." This leader will probably make use of the inter-connections of banking and trade and business online to make things very difficult for any group or person not willing to agree to the terms established for "peace" and "security."

Funny how security so often accompanies loss of freedoms, I digress.

Things get fast and furious now boys, the world begins to get really chaotic, wars and earthquakes and hurricans and worse. I don't know when, and I only hope it's not any longer than God needs us here, we will be evacuated from earth by God. Who? Those who have asked Christ to stand in their place as payment for lives of sin and darkness to God. Those who have a faith that suggests they can't attain Godhood and therefore have to choose between eternal death or life under Christ's payment plan. No middle ground, you want to leave right before the end, you have to go on the J-Train (That's Toby Mac talk)

Somewhere right before the end, and about 3 years after the big leader is unveiled we leave. Now think of it this way, I'm guessing that there's maybe 400 million Christ lovers on planet earth, out of a total 6 billion people. That's a whole lot of people who don't want God's plan, they want to try to go it alone without him. They've chosen eternity without God, an eternity they thought they could control by doing good stuff or joining the right religious club.

Question from teenager: Mr. Dalton, there are more than 400 million catholics, that can't be true.

Answer: I'm sorry to say that many if not most aren't believers and lovers of Christ, they are members of a club. i do think it's possible (mom will hate this one) that the last Pope was a personal lover of Christ ... (let that settle in)

Not very many people want to let God be in charge, to risk losing life or property or status, to gain a relationship. We've made relationships pretty cheap these days. Boys, I can go on with scary stories and we really should dig in and read some of these passages together ... but spend some time today thinking .... that's all I ask, think for yourselves.

We'll talk again.

Converting to Christ - speaking his mind

2008-12-04T13:35:00.001-06:00

From Gateway Pundit
"I am not afraid of death, I am convinced that we must go ahead. We should go on the road of truth and liberty. I don't want to give up, neither I want to be intimidated in anyway."

Magdi Cristiano Allam
On Leaving Islam

Pope Benedict XVI baptises journalist Magdi Allam (R) as he celebrates a Easter Vigil mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 22, 2008. Pope Benedict led the world's Catholics into Easter on Saturday at a Vatican service where he baptised Allam, a Muslim-born convert who is one of Italy's most famous and controversial journalists. (Dario Pignatelli/Reuters)

Searching for social media connections overseas

2008-11-30T19:40:00.005-06:00

I'm going to be doing some research this week for some connections overseas involved in Christian missions work. If you're involved drop me a comment or twitter me at Daltonsbriefs

I'll keep this post updated as I find connections by country. My goal is one connection in each of 200 countries. Update: Starting to find a few!

Christopher Deckert (FB Profile) from Campus Crusade projects: Story Runners and World Map

Heading to South Africa - from Louisville Aaron Marshall

Nicaragua -

Christ for the City International Blogs
Christ for the City - Nicaragua
Amber
Nathan
Intern David
Urban Plunge
CFCI Missions (this link doesn't work)

Indy tweetup - huge success today

2008-11-29T17:03:00.001-06:00

Was able to meet some twitter friends, who are excited about ways that God is using online social media to connect missions, churches, and those of us interested in both

One project that I've considered is finding as many online social missions personalities as I can

clipped from ubbloggin.blogspot.com

A number of 'tweeps' showed up today for a 'tweetup' -- don't ask. LOL. We heard 'names' like...
Y0mbo
DaltonsBriefs
DrThomasHo
LauraHo
JimAckert
IndyChristian
...and a girl named Tabby who has a dog named Bruce.
...and a guy named Bruce who has a cat named Tabby. Go figure.

We discussed how Twitter, Facebook and other social-networking sites can help missions and global awareness in general.... eg. the recent Mumbai story... being reported minute by minute among tweeters onsite at the hotels under seige.

[Visit the UBcafe's photostream.]

clipped from ubbloggin.blogspot.com

Porter County Neighborlink

2008-11-11T10:25:00.001-06:00

Just plain citizens helping other citizens out, that's a great model and we're glad to give them some link love.

clipped from www.nlnow.blogspot.com

NeighborLink Now

clipped from nlnow.blogspot.com

Well, it's official! We have finally launched NeighborLink Porter County and what a blessing it has been already!

Larry and I had been searching for a way to help those in our community. We weren't sure how to connect those with needs with those who could volunteer to meet the needs. We knew what we wanted to do, we just didn't know how we were going to do it. We went to our Pastor and shared our ideas with him. He knew of an organization in Fort Wayne that was doing exactly what we were describing. We met with the leaders there and they agreed to allow us to model NeighborLink Porter County after them. So on October 11th, we officially launched NeighborLink Porter County.

Christians under attack in Mosul Iraq

2008-10-12T20:58:00.001-05:00

With the US spending billions in Iraq, it sure seems sad that we're seeing an escalation of violence against Christians in Iraq. Time to pull their little chain and remind them who gave them the chance for this democracy experiment

clipped from www.redcounty.com

Official: 3,000 Christians Flee Iraq's Mosul

Hundreds of terrified Christian families have fled Mosul to escape extremist attacks that have increased despite months of U.S. and Iraqi military operations to secure the northern Iraqi city, political and religious officials said Saturday.

Some 3,000 Christians have fled the city over the past week alone in a "major displacement," said Duraid Mohammed Kashmoula, the governor of northern Iraq's Ninevah province. He said most have left for churches, monasteries and the homes of relatives in nearby Christian villages and towns.

Biblical Worldview on Credit, Bailout, Recession

2008-10-09T06:55:00.001-05:00

How little we think about God's plans for us, thanks for the reminder Dan.

clipped from 390days.com

Greatest Challenge is Knowing God, Not Recession

“And this is where we face our greatest challenge – knowing God and loving Him above all else. . . . The bottom line to any relationship is this: if you want to know someone, you must know him or her intimately.”

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)

The real challenge isn’t “making ends meet,” but rather trusting God regardless of whether or not we can tie all the loose ends. The funny part is, I’ll bet the first thing most churched people these days do when money is tight is give less to God. Spiritually speaking, that’s the worse thing you can do. The real danger is spiritual recession, and we must be careful not to fall into its snare.

Will Young People Read the Bible?

2008-10-08T12:27:00.001-05:00

Dan from prayeramedic has gone even further with his blogging and writing career to build this new site, 390days, to delve into some details and thoughts ... comment and debate

clipped from 390days.com

Home

About

Truth Sheets

390days.com

The Daily Struggle Between Self and Christianity 2.0

Marketing Bibles to a Post-Literate Generation

It irritates me how no one seems to read anymore. Steve, a fellow blogger, commented yesterday: “I wish more people under 40 would think. . . .” Amen! But discovering and learning new information and ideas is foundational to meaningful thought. The problem is, people don’t read anymore! I have friends who brag about how they got college degrees and rarely touched their text books. How is that possible?!?

Can it be - only 10 years of Google?

2008-09-27T19:26:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's kinda unbelievable that Google has only been around 10 years

clipped from www.google.com

Atonement - not by birth but by rebirth

2008-09-25T10:34:00.002-05:00

I read a few Jewish blogs, some are very political and others more religious. Today I ran across a blog discussing Rosh Hashanah. Sadly, the writer is so fixated on the nation of Israel as a people group, that he or she misses the obvious messianic overtones. True atonement come from coming under the forgiveness of the atoning work of the true king, Jesus Christ. Not from joining the right church or travelling to Israel ... but from releasing pride in self to the Lordship of the one true king. Pray today that eyes would be open to Jesus' atonement in this holiday.

The writings of the Zohar ( parshat Beshalach) offer another level of understanding to theencounter between the prophet and this simple woman. It explains that the prophet Elisha asks this woman if he can intercede on her behalf on "this day" that was Rosh Hashana before the "King" who is none other than the ultimate King.

Her answer gives insight and inspiration to all of us who are cognizant of our own stand before the King on this Day of Judgment. She answered " I dwell amongst my own people". Though I may feel inadequate to stand before HaShem on this or on any day, I wish only to be judged together with the entire people of Israel. Only when I become part of the corporate soul that is the people of Israel can I receive the empowerment to "stand before HaShem". Only in the unity of the people is our judgment tempered with ultimate Divine mercy.

That is the deeper meaning of the verse "You stand this day, all of you, before HaShem, your G-d":

That is the secret of Rosh Hashanah. Before we enter into the days of Atonement and repentance we enter into the Palace of Rosh Hashanah and together, as a people, declare G-d to be Ruler and Majesty of the Universe. Within that corporate purpose lays the empowerment for individual growth. The eternal concept of Klal Yisrael gives each member of that Klal the ability and courage to become the individual he needs to be.
That is the purpose of the Jewish people as it is the purpose of every community of faith as we enter the days of judgment of the whole world.

Need - Input on powerpoint for college class

2008-09-14T09:41:00.001-05:00

I could use input from bloggers on how to teach the value of blogging to college business class

clipped from nwiblogs.blogspot.com

Business Communication - Blog?

I was asked to teach-moderate a class at Valparaiso University this week (Friday) on blogging. I'm going to try and post my draft slides presentation for input and ideas from our readers.

What is Intervarsity Greek Ministry?

2008-09-05T09:15:00.004-05:00

I am playing in a fundraising golf outing next week, and one of my potential donors asked this question: What is Intervarsity Greek Ministry? Update try Greek IV.org for conference details for this year!

I thought I'd post a few links here and then I've sent a note to my brother, Andy Dalton, who leads this ministry to see if his key leaders can submit their links. I'm betting that these active young leaders on college campuses have a ton of viable links to help explain the ministry and show what they are accomplishing.

Leave links in comments and I'll update this post over the next couple days, then I plan on taking photos at fundraiser next week and posting here as well. Subscribe to RSS Feed if you want an alert when I post those.

Update: I'm not getting much in the way of response yet, but here are some more Greek Intervarsity links that I've found so far:

Purdue University Greek Chapter - I will caution though that only one page of the five listed is actually working, may be a very old page

Greek Intervarsity at Northwestern - Links picked up on this site:
Emery Silva's Luke Bible Studies

Greek InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
MustardSeed Magazine (Northwestern's Own)
InterVarsity Press

Dusty Harrison at Clemson University - Article in newspaper

Greek Intervarsity Facebook Group

Update: Dave Shepley sent along this link (in comments) Greek Impact from California group.

Brother Chad in Greenwood Indiana Church

2008-07-27T16:42:00.001-05:00

I want to be singing when Christ returns

from Living Stone Bible Church Blog by Chad Dalton

July 27th, 2008 sermon (I Peter 1:13-16)

Streaming Audio

Download

Outline

This week for the first time we were able to use the projector and the homemade screen for the worship music and also my sermon. I limited myself to using projector for simply displaying my outline and Bible passages. But, in the future, I hope to use the laptop/projector combination to show videos, pictures, etc. Thanks, Dean Cochran, for helping work out the bugs earlier this week.

The Shack - ready to converse?

2008-07-27T10:01:00.002-05:00

Roughly one year ago an author released a work of fiction, originally intended for his children and not for publication, that has done amazingly well on the "charts" and polls. The work is called The Shack and has created some controversy and groundswell of activity. This morning I spent some time perusing the author's blog and the forum set up for people who have read the book. I read the book last week, took about 4 hours, and was visibly struck by the story, the emotions and the author's ability to struggle through heavy theology in real world terms. Well done.

Here's an exerpt of a follow-up article written by the author, (photo below) in the same style as the book. I don't believe it will ruin the book to say that the lead character does a lot of talking with God, partly known as Papa.

I am back in the warmth of the cabin, watching through the window as early spring rains drench the surrounding landscape, low hanging clouds darkening the day. A late snow is coming, but not quite yet. Even though the fire crackles and snaps as it eats through its main course, I still snuggle deeper into the heaviness of the quilt that Papa left for me. She is soon back with a cup of tea, something that smells of wood and mint and a hint of jasmine. I grin. She knows me best, and whatever it is that she is handing me, I trust.

“Rough week, eh?” she asks, as if she doesn’t already know.

I take a sip. It’s very hot, just the way I like it, and the flavor is perfect for the dreary day and for my mood. I swallow the warmth and can feel it fall inside and reach fingers of comfort into even the hidden places.

“Yeah,” I respond.

“Want to talk about it?” she coaxes, sitting down with her own cup of something that I can smell is at least part coffee.

“Nope…and yes.” I don’t really know where to start and she’s patient. I love just being with Papa, knowing that he knows, even before I say anything and yet respectful as she waits. I still don’t know where to start and finally she helps me with a little verbal push.

“The book seems to be doing well?” I look up and she is grinning. Papa is talking about The Shack, the little fiction story that I wrote for my children.

“Not because of anything I’m doing,” I grunt. “It’s doing it all on its own.”

“Nothing or no one does anything on its own, not even me.” The statement makes me smile and I am comforted in the knowledge that Jesus and Sarayu are also present though unseen. Her observation is one of those invitations to go deeper, but I decline and go another direction.

“Of course you know that people are writing and saying all kinds of things about me…and some of it is simply not true. They make assumptions about my beliefs and motives and character as if they know me, and some of them are my friends.”

“Hah,” she chuckles. “I know exactly how you feel.”

That makes me smile. “I suppose you do.”

“I take it,” she continues, “that you aren’t so much bothered by the good stuff they’re writing and saying. Very complimentary, some of that.”

This time I laugh. “I get your point. Lots of that isn’t true either. I’m not that brilliant for sure. But even though compliments are a little hard to receive, they are definitely easier than the negative stuff.”

“Such as…?” she is leading me, but I am more than ready to follow.

“You know, there a few that are saying that I have a subversive agenda to destroy orthodoxy…”

“Destroy?” she interrupts. “That’s a little overstated don’t you think?”

“Maybe, but have you read some of those articles and blogs…of course you have, and the emails where people think that I should burn in hell.”

“Well, if it’s any comfort, it’s often true that the way people positively or negatively respond to a story tells you something of where they are at, more than about you.”

I pause and take another sip of tea. “Yeah, that helps some. I know that the overwhelming majority are wonderfully positive; folks whose lives you are touching, people taking significant steps in their healing process.”

“As wonderful as that is, it doesn’t mean that the vocal minority are not valuable and important…they matter to me.”

Whatever reserve I thought I had, she had just punched a hole it. “See, there you go…being all loving n stuff. Sometimes I would like you to just be on my side. People are saying that I believe all kinds of things that I don’t and sometimes they are just mean. Why don’t you do something about it? Why can’t you protect me better?” My emotional flurry ends and I am not even looking at her but at the floor. Some old patterns take time to break.

I have come to know Papa well enough to know that my little tantrums are never anything that divides us. It’s like ‘open up the window, let the bad air out’. Anyway, thoughts harbored inside always seem more justifiable and brilliant than when exposed; then they often look like the silly little rascals that they are. But she never shames me, even in this.

“Child, I am always on your side.” She shifts toward me and I look up into her teasing smile. “Would you like me to smite them, would that make you feel better?”

I laugh and begin to cry at the same time. “Yeah, a little smiting would be good…with a touch of wrath…yeah I think that might help. Isn’t that always what we self righteous people want?”

“Way too often,” she states, and hands me a tissue to blow my nose. “It’s always a good thing to know that you’re still in a process of healing, isn’t it? Like I said, I know exactly how you feel. But emotions don’t always tell you the truth. They tend to point you in the direction of what you perceive and believe.” She pauses and then continues, “So, tell me what in particular is being said that’s bothering you.”

“Let’s see,” I begin, running through my mental list, “Uh… that I am a universalist that I am an adherent of various religions, that I hate the Church…” I continue until I have exhausted everything I can think of. When I am done, Papa adds a few items that I’d forgotten or hadn’t even heard yet.

“Thanks, that makes me feel better,” I respond a little sarcastically.

“No problem. I just figured if you are going to make a list, you might as well put everything on it. Do you want me to tell you some of the stuff they’ll come up with in the future?

“Uh, no thanks. Misery might like company, but not that kind.”

“So are you a universalist?” Papa asks, taking a sip of whatever it is she is drinking.

“You know that I’m not. I know that faith in Jesus is the only way into your embrace; that only what you did on that cross saves us.”

“So let me ask you this. I take it that it wouldn’t bother you if I decided to save every human being that ever lived?”

“Nope. I actually hope that you’ve figured a way to do just that.”

“It would have bothered you in the past.”

“Yeah, because I used to think that I was better than other people and that I needed to be rewarded for my efforts. I used to think that if I had to resist the ‘pleasures of sin’ then it wouldn’t be fair if you saved those people who got to do what I wasn’t allowed to. That was before I realized how hurtful and enslaving those ‘pleasures’ really are and how all my ‘religious’ efforts were ineffective at actually changing me.”

“Okay, then let me ask you this. Would it bother you if it’s my purpose to allow the majority of the human race to experience a place in which they will be tormented for infinite duration?”

I think carefully before speaking. “Emotionally, yes. Sorry, but the very idea troubles me a great deal. You’re talking about people that are precious to me, and people I know ‘you are especially fond of’…so yes it would bother me a lot… if I had my way no one would end up in hell for eternity.”

“But, what if that’s exactly what I am purposing to do, to allow people because of their ongoing choice of independence to experience and be lost in that independence forever with no possibility of escape? Would you trust me in that?”

I am silent for a while as I wrestle with the question. “Yeah, as much as I wouldn’t understand it, I do know that I can trust you and I am convinced about your character. Our only and final hope is that you are Good and that you are involved and loving. So if that is your intention and purpose, as hard as it is for me to understand or emotionally comprehend, I know that it’s motivated by both your goodness and love. I still don’t like it, but I do trust you.”

We both pause to take a sip of our drinks, steam lazily rising from the rims. I am thinking about what I have just said and it has sparked a new question.

“I guess here is my real question in all this…why couldn’t you have made things clear? People go to the Bible and find all these ways to disagree with each other, even or especially theologians. Everybody seems to want to acquire their little piece of doctrinal territory and put fences around it so only those with the secret handshake can get in. Some find support for Universal Reconciliation; some find proofs for eternal torment in hell, and some find it just easier to annihilate everyone who doesn’t make it.” Now I am ranting, but can’t seem to help myself. “The Calvinists find all their verses to debate the Armenians, who find their list. Then there are the ones who believe in eternal security fighting with the ones that don’t. Every silly idea of eschatology finds its own proof texts and in the middle of all these debates it seems that love is all that gets left behind. We even find ways to fight about grace and love. Couldn’t you have just made it simple and clear; unambiguous?”

I look up and Papa has a big grin on her face, but I don’t return the smile. Without really understanding why, this question is suddenly important to me and I can sense that it has threads connecting many of my internal conflicts.

Papa simply let me tread water in my rant for a while, until some of the emotional residue subsides. “Do you think that all this has surprised me?” she asks gently? “Do you think that I thought, ‘There, they now have the scriptures; they will totally get this’? Human beings are very creative. They have an incredible facility to take some of the simplest and most obvious truths and make them ambiguous. If I didn’t know better, it would surprise even me.”

“But,” I am struggling to keep my question from becoming an accusation, “Why couldn’t you have made it clearer? How hard would it have been to just have one of the writers put truth down in such a way that there would be no confusion?”

I look up and she is still grinning, obviously enjoying the conversation more than I am. “Like a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) at the back of the Bible?” I roll my eyes, even though part of me thinks that might have been a good idea. Papa pauses to take another sip of her steaming whatever. “Have you ever thought that ambiguity, that mystery, might have purpose?” she posed.

The question actually surprises me and I begin to feel the uneasiness that usually precedes my paradigms being challenged. “Nope. I’ve never thought about that at all. I’ve spent most of my life so focused on certainty, that ambiguity and mystery have always been, sort of…the enemy. Are you telling me that ambiguity is a good thing?”

“Just think about it. I have embedded ambiguity in everything, even physics? Do you really think that was a mistake? Do you really think that you humans have caught me off guard; that I am wringing my hands in heaven because some of your theologians have managed to misunderstand so much of what I have revealed? Do you think that your propensity to find ways to fight with each other is shocking to me? Could I have written scripture outside of a story, in bullet point outline, or had the prophets produce a massive FAQ? When Paul was killed by stoning and ascended into the spiritual dimension and I showed him things that for him would no longer be ambiguous, when I returned him to his body to finish the purposes we were working out together, why did I require that he not speak of what he saw? When John heard the thunders speak in Revelation, why was he forbidden to write what he heard?”

“Okay…why?”

Papa opened her arms wide, “Because I delight in ambiguity. I relish what mystery brings to the table. It’s not that I don’t delight in clarity; after all, the Scriptures themselves are about revealing me so that you can know me. But part of that revelation is that I am completely different than you and you will never completely comprehend me or my ways.”

I am still at a loss and struggling for some ground that is firm. “I’m sorry but I don’t get it. What exactly is the value and purpose of ambiguity?”

“For one, it reveals the heart of the individual. In fact, mystery is at the center of both relationship and faith.”

“Are you saying,” I am stunned and struggle for the words, “you introduced all this ambiguity… on purpose?”

“Of course! I didn’t want you to become ‘people of the book’, in the sense that everything is reduced to some form of performance as mandated by written words, where you would end up in the seats of the judges to mete out retribution on all those who failed to live up to those words. I didn’t want you to replace tablets of stone for tablets of paper.”

“But doesn’t truth matter?” I ask.

“Of course he does. But you cannot separate him from love. For anyone to stand up on my behalf to protect me or defend me, and not express love inside the embrace of Truth, it is better they remain silent.”

I sit back a little stunned. I want to argue but can’t find anything that counters the simplicity and elegance of Papa’s words. “Okay, I think I get what you’re telling me; that we aren’t very good at loving, but a lot better at defending our turf.”

“See, another great reason for mystery. The ambiguity of belief, of doctrine, reveals the motives and the dark places of the heart…the places that need to be healed. Religious self righteousness and intellectual snobbery are kissing cousins. Intelligence was never created as a justification for the absence of kindness and respect and love. Do you remember the community of faith at Ephesus. I wrote a letter to them in which I commended their ‘orthodoxy’, that they wouldn’t put up with the Nicolaitans…”

“Yeah,” I interrupt, “I have been meaning to ask about them…”

“Not important right now, “ she cuts me off and continues. “The point is that they were all about theology and doctrine, but I removed their light, their influence, their very life; not because of doctrine but because they no longer knew how to express the love who is Truth that indwelt them. Ambiguity and mystery constantly raise real questions. In the face of uncertainty and differences of idea and belief, will we stop loving? Will I descend to the acquisition and defense of territory and turf? Will I even stop loving my enemy, let alone my brother or my sister?”

“How come I haven’t understood this?” I shake my head.

“Like you stated yourself, it is because love doesn’t come naturally to you. The closest you have is how you love your own children but even that is only a reflection of what love truly is. Turf and territory have always been about independence, while love is only present in dependence.”

We are silent for a few minutes while I try to organize the jumble of thoughts crashing around inside my paradigm. Papa, aware of my struggle, speaks first.

“Not everything is ambiguous or a mystery. There is much that is clear and evident. I even wrote it down for you. Very clear, very unambiguous. It is all over the scriptures. Start with I Corinthians 13…clear as the nose on your face. The question is why have you turned the clarity of love into something ambiguous?”

Again I am silent for minutes, allowing the words to penetrate in some deep and special places. “I still don’t like being lied about,” is all I can finally say.

“Ah…” Papa leans back, “The ambiguity of human existence. Not knowing everything or having all the answers. Now you might begin to understand that mystery is not only the center of relationship but also of faith. Faith grows in its embrace of the certainty of my character in the face of the uncertainty of existence.”

“Okay, I am beginning to understand why you love mystery and ambiguity. But I still find it unsettling.”

“That is such a wonderful place to be.” She pauses long enough for me to understand and then adds, “If it helps a bit, you do realize that no one can do anything to you unless I allow it?”

I nod, albeit a bit reluctantly.

“And if I allow it, I already have purposes that will work these matters out in the best and most loving way, for all involved. Are you alright with that?”

I again finally nod as I submit to Papa’s love and hug. I hadn’t even heard her approach. “Anyway,” she whispers, wrapping me up in her tender but firm embrace, “the presence of pain doesn’t indicate the absence of love. Often pain is present because of love. I also don’t remember promising anyone that there would be no crosses to bear. But don’t let that concern you either. I’m good with crosses. Together we can do this.”

If you have read the book, tell me your thoughts. If you found the theology wrong, how so? If you found the emotions charged, join the conversation.