HARMLESS THOUGHTS

Praying for Power

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

I believe that we live in a day where many churches have a form or appearance of godliness, but the thing that they are missing is power. According to St. Paul in II Timothy 3:5, it is just this in people that will destroy churches.

What if find to be extremely distressing is that I feel that I am lacking in the power department. I would not consider myself to be one who is filled with God's power.

This last Sunday I explored this topic as I continued preaching through the Epistle to the Ephesians. I was covering Ephesians 1:19-21. This was an important message for me, and I really feel like God was impacting me and prompting me through the study in preparation for this message. If you would like to listen to the final result and give me some thoughts, feel free to listen to it here:

You can also download it and listen to it later.

SOPA Black Out and a positive Supreme Court Ruling

2012-01-18T07:38:00.001-06:00

I don't know how anyone could not know this, but Wikipedia is doing a "black-out" today in order to raise awareness over the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) issue. Here is what they say on their black-out page:

Imagine a World
Without Free Knowledge
For over a decade, we have spent millions of hours building the largest encyclopedia in human history. Right now, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could fatally damage the free and open Internet. For 24 hours, to raise awareness, we are blacking out Wikipedia. Learn more.

I would link to an article about the SOPA, but I can't get to Wikipedia! Basically, the act is aimed at stopping the piracy of things like unreleased movies and such. I guess the big companies are worried that this would give the government too much power. With that, I agree. The government already has too much power.

Google is doing something similar. They have blacked-out their Google Logo on their main search page. Here is a picture of that as well:

On a positive note, the Supreme court ruled in favor of churches that they have the right to fire people based on the Church's beliefs. Here is how the Huffington Post starts their article on the topic:

Employees of religious organizations whose job duties reflect "a role in conveying the Church's message and carrying out its mission" are barred by the First Amendment from suing over employment discrimination, said the Supreme Court in a unanimous opinion handed down Wednesday morning.

Lots of interesting news.

Bloodlines by John Piper for Free

2012-01-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

For Martin Luther King Day, John Piper made his new book Blood Lines available for free. You can click here to go to the Desiring God blog post to download it. He also includes his recent message dealing with the same topic to download for free.

Here is a short documentary for this book that you can watch for free as well:

First Painting

2012-01-12T10:31:00.003-06:00

This is my son's very first painting.

Maybe I am just speaking as his father, but I have to say that I think it is pretty amazing. It is definitely going to get framed.

Click to Enlarge

This is better than any painting that I have ever done. It makes me want to go back to school and take some art classes.

Migraine Aura

2012-01-07T08:49:00.000-06:00

I was sitting there reading a book when I started to notice a blurred spot in the middle of my vision. I tried to ignore it, but it was getting more noticeable as the moments passed. After about 30 seconds to a minute I couldn't read because it was distorting the words.

Needless to say, it was a little disturbing. Especially because it kept getting bigger. Not only could I not read, I was having trouble walking around the room. When it gradually started to move to the side, but it was still getting larger, I decided to google these symptoms.

After a bit of searching I ran across this article by the Mayo Clinic that described the experience perfectly. I was experiencing either a Migraine Aura (or possibly an ocular migraine). They said it was harmless and would go away on its own. Eventually it did, but it left a headache that was settled nicely behind my eyes.

I'm feeling fine this morning, but it defeated the majority of my sermon prep last night.

The Innkeeper by John Piper: Book Review

2011-12-30T12:08:00.000-06:00

One of the books that my wife gave me for Christmas was The Innkeeper by John Piper. It only took about 5 minutes to read this book, but I was was already deeply emotionally moved before I was half way through the book.

The inside front cover gives this description:

Only two weeks from His crucifixion, Jesus has stopped in Bethlehem. He has returned to visit someone important--the innkeeper who made a place for Mary and Joseph the night He was born. But His greater purpose in coming is to pay a debt. What did it cost to house the Son of God?

Through this imaginative poem, John Piper shares a tale of what might have been. The story of an innkeeper whose life was forever altered by the arrival of the Son of God.

Ponder the sacrifice that was made that night. Celebrate Christ's birth and the power of His resurrection. Rejoice in the life and light He brings to all. And encounter the hope His life gives you for today--and for eternity.

Just like the description, it tells a story of what might have been if Jesus had visited the innkeeper just before he was crucified. It gives a different take on how we usually portray that innkeeper. Normally we think of him as being unfeeling or unkind in allowing a baby to be born in a manger, but it didn't have to be that way. It is quite possible, and maybe more believable that the innkeeper was showing a kindness in allowing the manger to be opened up to travelers.

The book that I have is dedicated to any who have lost a child. As you read this, you can see why this is mentioned at the beginning.

There is also that great glorification of Jesus. I love how Piper does this. He doesn't come right out and say, "Jesus is great!" Instead, he uses his words to draw you to that conclusion yourself. You suddenly find yourself thinking, "Jesus is Great!" before you know that you are thinking it! He pulls on your heartstrings to magnify our Lord.

The version that I have linked is different from the version that I have in front of me. The version I have in front of me is illustrated by paintings from Glenn Harrington, whereas the version I have linked is illustrated by John Lawrence.

If you have a few extra bucks, this is a worthwhile purchase. I believe that Amazon has a few of these that are used where you will basically pay for shipping. Check it out.

Man's maker was made man...

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

And here is that quote from the end:

Man's maker was made man,
that He, Ruler of the stars,
might nurse at His mother's breast;
that the Bread might hunger,
the Fountain thirst,
the Light sleep,
the Way be tired on its journey;
that the Truth might be accused of false witness,
the Teacher be beaten with whips,
the Foundation be suspended on wood;
that Strength might grow weak;
that the Healer might be wounded;
that Life might die.
~Augustine

The Shepherd's Response

2011-12-24T08:54:00.000-06:00

The shepherds responded to the Angel's pronouncement. Does our response match the magnitude of the announcement? Do we think of Christmas in a way that corresponds adequately to the message of Christmas?

Last Sunday I approached this topic, using the announcement of the Angels as my text. Consider listening to this message as you consider your own thoughts and actions this Christmas.

Or you can click here to download this message.

Christmas in a Nutshell

2011-12-24T07:48:00.003-06:00

(via challies.com)

Netflix Pick of the Week: Miracle on 34th Street

2011-12-23T10:43:00.002-06:00

Being so close to Christmas, my Netflix Pick of the Week (which I haven't done in a few weeks) is Miracle on 34th Street. Right now, Netflix has three versions of this movie to watch instantly.

The first one is, which might be my favorite, was released in 1947 and stars Maureen O'Hara and John Payne. The guy who played Santa won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this movie. If you've never seen any of these movies, this would be a good place to start. If you are already using Netflix, click here to watch it now.

The second one is the version that was released in 1955. I've seen this one, but it doesn't stand in my mind as much. Still a great movie. Click here to watch it now on Netlix.

The final version that Netflix offers is the 1994 version. This one stars Richard Attenborough as Santa. It has the element of being more modern. Sometimes, when a movie has been remade this many times, it gets perfected. I don't know if I would say that about this movie, but it is definitely quite enjoyable. And, if your family doesn't have a taste for old movies, this one might break them in to this old story that is a great holiday special. Click here to watch now on Netflix.

One does not simply walk into Mordor.

2011-12-22T10:35:00.002-06:00

My family has embarked on a Lord of the Rings (extended edition) marathon. We started watching yesterday afternoon. Everyone fell asleep last night before the end of the last movie, so we are finishing this morning.

If you have never watched these movies, you may have to devote a day to it, but I think its worth it. The only thing better is the books.

If you've watched the movie though, you might enjoy this little easter egg from Google. Go to Google Maps and get walking directions from The Shire to Mordor. You will get this helpful bit of caution:

First Day on Christmas Break

2011-12-19T08:07:00.000-06:00

It's my first day on Christmas Break and I feel like a kid again. I'm trying to plan out my day already: Hmm... Let's see... watch a movie? Play a video game? Both of those at the same time? I could always play with Legos? Or maybe I could break out the Hotwheels?

Honestly though, I've had enough of these breaks now to learn a few lessons:

Start the break off right by continuing to read the Bible. (So often that seems to fall to the wayside along with the work schedule.)
Plan the downtimes a little bit better. Time flies by so fast when you are simply browsing the web or browsing tv viewing choices. I don't think that I need to continually have productive things to do, but when there is downtime, I feels so much better when it isn't nothing time.
Relax. Being a full-time teacher and a full-time pastor can add to the stress level, more than I realize sometimes. I need to let all of that flow off to the side and not worry about it. It will be there, but it doesn't do any good to keep that stuff scrolling through my thoughts. With that in mind though, it leads me to my next point.
If there is some job to get done for school, get it done right away. The longer I wait to grade a final or work on a project, the less motivated I become.

Well, that's where I am at. Going to start on #1 right now.

Support your Local Blogger

2011-12-17T10:01:00.000-06:00

I know that you've probably never thought to yourself, "Hmm. How could I help support a blogger?" But if you ever do, I would like to share with you one way that you can.

Many bloggers like to put links up on their blog. You would be surprised at how many of those links will lead to a small dividend for the blogger. For example, when I put up links to Amazon books, it has a reference code built into that link so that when you click it, it will show that it came from me. If you make a purchase, even if it isn't the original item, it will lead to an even larger referral fee.

So, if you are going to purchase something through Amazon, visit a blogger first. Find a link off of their blog and click through.

or...

Click Here :)

Black Squirrel

2011-12-15T15:47:00.001-06:00

There is a squirrel living in my neighborhood that is jet black. After talking to a few people, this isn't as weird as I originally thought it was, but this is the only black squirrel I've ever seen in my life. Supposedly there are more of them living in other parts of the country, but I've never seen one in Danville before.

Anyway, I finally snapped a picture of it. (Just to prove it to the Danville People.)

Click to Enlarge

A Theologian Discusses Harry Potter...

2011-12-02T14:38:00.001-06:00

From Justin Taylor's Blog:

Jerram Barrs—Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture at Covenant Theological Seminary, and Resident Scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute—talks about his love for the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. (Warning: contains spoilers!)

I think this is worth a few minutes of your day.

Our need of Christ does not cease with our believing.

2011-11-30T20:01:00.001-06:00

There is nothing in us or done by us, at any stage of our earthly development, because of which we are acceptable to God. We must always be accepted for Christ’s sake, or we cannot ever be accepted at all. This is not true of us only when we believe. It is just as true after we have believed. It will continue to be trust as long as we live. Our need of Christ does not cease with our believing; nor does the nature of our relation to Him or to God through Him ever alter, no matter what our attainments in Christian graces or our achievements in behavior may be. It is always on His “blood and righteousness” alone that we can rest.

B.B. Warfield [from bbwarfield.com]

Martin Luther on Education

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

"I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt...I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth."

Martin Luther

Occupy Wall Street is Divided!

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

[HT: Mark Driscoll]

Who can take your money?

2011-11-25T14:17:00.001-06:00

The Government Can!

Do our toys take trips via Google Streetview?

2011-11-25T13:58:00.001-06:00

Address Is Approximate from The Theory on Vimeo.

[ht: TNW]

care for the salvation of others

2011-11-18T09:00:00.001-06:00

"For never will man take diligent care for the salvation of others who neglects his own salvation."

John Calvin (as quoted by Richard Baxter in The Reformed Pastor)

if it be not God that you seek

2011-11-17T05:06:00.000-06:00

From Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor :

Your study of physics and other sciences is not worth a rush, if it be not God that you seek after in them. To see and admire, to reverence and adore, to love and delight in God, as exhibited in his works -- this is the true and only philosophy; the contrary is mere foolery, and is so called again and again by God himself. This is the sanctification of your studies, when they are devoted to God, and when he is the end, the object and the life of them all.

Though not as eloquently, I have thought this many times myself. It has been my philosophical struggle while teaching in a public school. Even in a "Christian" school, this can be a danger. Consider the rest of what Richard Baxter has to say on this topic.

And, therefore, I shall presume to tell you, by the way, that it is a grand error, and of dangerous consequence in Christian academies, (pardon the censure from one so unfit to pass it, seeing the necessity of the case commandeth it,) that they study the creature before the Redeemer, and set themselves to physics, and metaphysics, and mathematics, before they set themselves to theology; whereas, no man that hath not the vitals of theology, is capable of going beyond a fool in philosophy.

Theology must lay the foundation, and lead the way of all our studies. If God must be searched after, in our search of the creature, (and we must affect no separated knowledge of them) then tutors must read God to their pupils in all; and divinity must be the beginning, the middle, the end, the life, the all, of their studies.

Our physics and metaphysics must be reduced to theology; and nature must be read as one of God's books, which is purposely written for the revelation of himself. The Holy Scripture is the easier book: when you have first learned from it God, and his will, as to the most necessary things, address yourselves to the study of his works, and read every creature as a Christian and a divine.

If you see not yourselves, and all things, as living, and moving, and having being in God, you see nothing, whatever you think you see. If you perceive it not, in your study of the creatures, that God is all , and in all, and that 'of him, and through him, and to him, are all things,' you may think perhaps, that you 'know something; but you know nothing as you ought to know.'

Think not so basely of your physics, and of the works of God, as that they are only preparatory studies for boys.

Do you think this way about theology? Do you believe that it must lay the foundation of all that you believe? Are all of our other studies worthless without this basic understanding of all that is?

Buried in these thoughts are the challenges that I face teaching at a public school. What if I succeed in educating a child, but they have no concept of the origins of knowledge? Should there ever be a secular education?

The deeper question is this... IS there such thing as a secular education? Do we not teach something of theology when do not mention God? Do we not teach His attributes when we present a world devoid of Him? Do we not expound on His nature when we study a nature that is apart from Him? Do we not tell His story when we teach history without His providential hand?

I know I've talked about this before, but as I read this portion of Richard Baxter's book yesterday, I was reminded once again of my ongoing philosophical dilemma.

The Reformed Pastor

2011-11-09T20:09:00.001-06:00

I just started my new book this last week. It is called The Reformed Pastor and it is by Richard Baxter. I purchased this book at a used book store while on a short vacation in Brown County. It sat on my shelf with a few other "to be read" books, slowly making its way to the top of the heap. So far I am really enjoying this book. It is mentally stimulating and spiritually challenging. I would offer a brief synopsis, but I thoroughly enjoyed Richard Baxter's own subtitling far more than anything that I could come up with. Here is an image I found on the ever-informative Wikipedia.

click to enlarge

I love this first page. Notice that is says,

Showing the nature of the Pastoral work; especially in Private Instruction and Catechizing.

With an open Confession of our too open Sins.

Prepared for a day of Humiliation kept at Worcester, December 4, 1655, by the Ministers of that County, who subscribed the Agreement for Catechizing and Personal Instruction, at their entrance upon that work.

I just love that these ministers had prepared a day of Humiliation to confess their sins! I wonder how much the ministers of Danville (or your city) need to do this?!

You can read more about Richard Baxter here. You can even read the whole book for free via Google Books, click here.

Wordpress is Horrible

2011-11-09T19:24:00.001-06:00

My wife is helping a friend with her blog and her social media stuff. The blogging platform that she is using is Worpress. As you can tell from the title to this post, after spending a portion of my evening trying to figure it out, I now officially hate Worpress. The interface is cluttered and, well, just ridiculous. I guess I'm spoiled though. The Blogger interface is so streamlined. It is friendly to the mind and to the eyes.

What I can't figure out is why anyone would ever switch. I just don't get it.

Here is a youtube video from Blogger, highlighting their new look.

God in Action - Book Review

2011-11-07T15:00:00.000-06:00

I finished the book God in Action by Karl Barth about a week ago, but haven't had the time to devote to writing a proper book review. I still don't have the time, but I would like to take a moment to post a quick review, one not quite worthy of the book.

God in Action is one of Karl Barth's early theological works. It is a compilation of a set of lectures. I have read that this book is a great way to get an understanding of Karl Barth's theology. I found that its primary focus was on the authority of scripture and the reality of the Church. He would define and reiterate the necessity of understanding the doctrines related to these topics. As he discussed each, there was an emphasis on a logical flow of thought, this is what drew me in.

God in Action made me think. I've had a couple of posts quoting this book already. You can read those posts here and here. There were several other occasions where I felt that a particular statement had earned blog-quote status, but they didn't make it there because of a lack of time. I was drawn to his statements because of that analytical approach. It permeated every page.

I was a little disappointed at his lack of scripture use. In his defense, it wasn't meant to be a scriptural exposition, but a verbal discourse on the topics. Nevertheless, I always appreciate an appropriate amount of proof-texts in relation to a theological work. I guess I've been spoiled by Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology.

I would still recommend God in Action to any of you. It was challenging at parts, but well worth the read. It is currently less than $3 through Amazon. Click the link above to go to the purchase page.