Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
1 CORINTHIANS 13
In fitting with the past Valentine's day here is a very good chapter out of the KJV Bible.
1 Corinthians 13
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Just to put things into perspective.
1 Corinthians 13
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Just to put things into perspective.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Brief Update
Not a lot going on but I am happy that January is over as I find it a very tough month as it is after the holidays and you are right smack dab in the middle of winter. I am motoring along with my coursework and job and am counting the days until spring.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
My Two Cents On Robertson
This is likely to set back Christianity back a few years. Yes,this is about Pat Robertson's comments on Haiti.
www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/13/crimesider/entry6092717.shtml
It seems like putting his foot in his mouth is second nature. I have to say I'm getting very, very tired of this nonsense as an evangelical having to almost defend statements like this. Then again I could say that it is why I look to Christ and not televangelists like Robertson. Anyways, I just have to say this is time for all believers to give to Haiti(actually anyone who can) and shine rather try to interpret this as some sort of judgment. Also, pray the people of this nation.
www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/13/crimesider/entry6092717.shtml
It seems like putting his foot in his mouth is second nature. I have to say I'm getting very, very tired of this nonsense as an evangelical having to almost defend statements like this. Then again I could say that it is why I look to Christ and not televangelists like Robertson. Anyways, I just have to say this is time for all believers to give to Haiti(actually anyone who can) and shine rather try to interpret this as some sort of judgment. Also, pray the people of this nation.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
More On Books
With my last book review I have decided to briefly look at a few others that I have read fairly recently.
The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey
Similar to the End Of Religion it that it shows the true Jesus of the Bible. Also, the author talks
about his days growing up in a fundamentalist church in the Deep South during the days of
segregation which was a bonus. Recommended for any believer as a good read as it looks at
what Jesus came to Earth to accomplish.
Fearless by Max Lucado
The title says it all as it is another great book by Pastor Lucado. Has both Biblical and earthly
illustrations to overcome fear and doubt not to mention anxiety.
The Celtic Path Of Prayer by Calvin Miller
Really illustrates how the ancient Celts turned prayer not only into an art form but as a
means of union with God. Also, the author manages to show how Celts used some of their
old pagan beliefs and Incorporated into communion with Christ. Best part the praying to each
person of the Trinity.
Call Of The Wild by Jack London
One of the great classics of literature as the author give one a desire to see nature. Warning
may be a hard read for any dog lover as there is cruelty to dogs throughout the book in
great detail. The ending is very haunting as the main character Buck really becomes one with
nature.
There may be others to come as I have a lot more books sitting on my selves to be read.
The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey
Similar to the End Of Religion it that it shows the true Jesus of the Bible. Also, the author talks
about his days growing up in a fundamentalist church in the Deep South during the days of
segregation which was a bonus. Recommended for any believer as a good read as it looks at
what Jesus came to Earth to accomplish.
Fearless by Max Lucado
The title says it all as it is another great book by Pastor Lucado. Has both Biblical and earthly
illustrations to overcome fear and doubt not to mention anxiety.
The Celtic Path Of Prayer by Calvin Miller
Really illustrates how the ancient Celts turned prayer not only into an art form but as a
means of union with God. Also, the author manages to show how Celts used some of their
old pagan beliefs and Incorporated into communion with Christ. Best part the praying to each
person of the Trinity.
Call Of The Wild by Jack London
One of the great classics of literature as the author give one a desire to see nature. Warning
may be a hard read for any dog lover as there is cruelty to dogs throughout the book in
great detail. The ending is very haunting as the main character Buck really becomes one with
nature.
There may be others to come as I have a lot more books sitting on my selves to be read.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
End Of Religion
I have another book review here as I just finished reading The End Of Religion by Bruxy Cavey. I have to admit I was a little weary when I first pick it up. As being something of a traditionalist I was afraid of it being a let's knock down everything a start over rants but as I read it it was more of a pro-Christ let's peel back the layers of Christianity to follow Him.
The theme of book is how religion gets in the way of following Jesus Christ and the message He had for the world. The author not only targets Christianity but other world religions in how they rely on ritual and works in order to get closer to God and how empty ritual can lead to us losing our first love and we can be open to hatred and hardheartedness.
Several themes are touched on such as Biblical fundamentalism,nationalism, the church's not so glorious history and even human relationships. That it always stuck to heart of the matter which is Jesus Christ and how He actually wanted to remove religion and to teach a better way. In the appendix it also talks about the word religion and how was originally connected to superstition was interesting to learn. For me it was kind of a case of finding the Gospel all over again. I recommend it as it is an easy read and if you are looking to find the true God of the Bible in the form Jesus Christ.
The theme of book is how religion gets in the way of following Jesus Christ and the message He had for the world. The author not only targets Christianity but other world religions in how they rely on ritual and works in order to get closer to God and how empty ritual can lead to us losing our first love and we can be open to hatred and hardheartedness.
Several themes are touched on such as Biblical fundamentalism,nationalism, the church's not so glorious history and even human relationships. That it always stuck to heart of the matter which is Jesus Christ and how He actually wanted to remove religion and to teach a better way. In the appendix it also talks about the word religion and how was originally connected to superstition was interesting to learn. For me it was kind of a case of finding the Gospel all over again. I recommend it as it is an easy read and if you are looking to find the true God of the Bible in the form Jesus Christ.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Reflections
As I look on the year that is past I look at the things that have happened and what may be ahead
in 2010. I had the big move early in the year from Muskoka to Haliburton. Have taken courses towards another career in Accounting (I hope to find a job in it in 2010). Spent my first full year of marriage with a very lovely and attractive whom I'm still very much in love with. Got to see the birth of 2 new nephews. Had a political conversion of sorts (see my Blueman Blog for more details) and have learned how fast time really goes by.
So if I have any New Year's Resolutions in 2010 it may be summed up as Carpe Diem (Seize The Day). I hope to really enjoy my time and not let it slip through my fingers.
in 2010. I had the big move early in the year from Muskoka to Haliburton. Have taken courses towards another career in Accounting (I hope to find a job in it in 2010). Spent my first full year of marriage with a very lovely and attractive whom I'm still very much in love with. Got to see the birth of 2 new nephews. Had a political conversion of sorts (see my Blueman Blog for more details) and have learned how fast time really goes by.
So if I have any New Year's Resolutions in 2010 it may be summed up as Carpe Diem (Seize The Day). I hope to really enjoy my time and not let it slip through my fingers.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Just A Quick Word
It is Remembrance Day in Canada and I just want everyone out there to take the time to remember what our soldiers have done for us both past and present.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Book Review
I finished reading Speaking My Mind by Tony Campolo a couple weeks ago. Actually, I read in one day and finished it the same day I purchased it. It was very challenging in that he brought up a lot of issues that I tend to avoid or have approached from another angle.These include the future of mainline denominations, sexism,racism ,science,anti-American and the future of the evangelical church to name a few as the author speaks his mind on these topics. His views on Islam and homosexuality are way different then those of the norm in the evangelical Christian world. He actually helped convict me in those areas as I'll admit I have towed the "party line" in those areas which I could say was not very pious and rather intolerant.
Having read other books by the author in the past it was very thought provoking but this one did lag at times(especially the chapter on science and the fear displayed by evangelicals). I also felt that there was optimism and pessimism and the same time. As the evangelical community is just seen as a right-wing Republican supporting sub-culture. But there is the reminder the amount of social reform the church has been involved in over the years. Not the author but work but is food for thought and can either challenge or anger you depending on your view worldview.
I guess the back of the cover says it all it will either fill you with hope or scare you to death.
Having read other books by the author in the past it was very thought provoking but this one did lag at times(especially the chapter on science and the fear displayed by evangelicals). I also felt that there was optimism and pessimism and the same time. As the evangelical community is just seen as a right-wing Republican supporting sub-culture. But there is the reminder the amount of social reform the church has been involved in over the years. Not the author but work but is food for thought and can either challenge or anger you depending on your view worldview.
I guess the back of the cover says it all it will either fill you with hope or scare you to death.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Some Words To Live By
What you are is God's gift to you; what you make yourself is your gift to God.
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver
Monday, August 31, 2009
Busy,Busy,Busy
Nothing really new going on except I have been very busy at my job and the part of my contract is coing to an end next week. In the meanwhile it looks like I will be busy.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Letter From God
I found this in Calvin Miler's book Jesus Love Me:
Dear Friend
How are you? I just had to send you this letter and to tell you how much I love and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with friends. I waited all day hoping you would talk to me also.As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day, a cool breeze to rest you, and I waited. You never came. Oh, yes, it hurt me, but I still love you, because I am your friend.
I saw you asleep Last night, and I longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you.
You awakened late and rushed off for the day-my tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times, too, but I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet, green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and the trees, and give it in the color of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams, and give the birds to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans, and bigger than the biggest want or need you have.
We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know how hard it is on this earth, I really know...
My father wants me to help you too....He's that way, you know. Just call on me, ask me, talk to me....But if you don't call, you'll see...I have chosen you and because of this, I will wait...beacuse I love you.
Your friend
Jesus
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Dear Friend
How are you? I just had to send you this letter and to tell you how much I love and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with friends. I waited all day hoping you would talk to me also.As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day, a cool breeze to rest you, and I waited. You never came. Oh, yes, it hurt me, but I still love you, because I am your friend.
I saw you asleep Last night, and I longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you.
You awakened late and rushed off for the day-my tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times, too, but I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet, green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and the trees, and give it in the color of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams, and give the birds to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans, and bigger than the biggest want or need you have.
We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know how hard it is on this earth, I really know...
My father wants me to help you too....He's that way, you know. Just call on me, ask me, talk to me....But if you don't call, you'll see...I have chosen you and because of this, I will wait...beacuse I love you.
Your friend
Jesus
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Monday, August 17, 2009
Something Different
Something that has got my interest or should I say an interesting perspective of the faith.
en.wikipedia.com/Red-Letter_Christian
This is no means a new movement but puts my walk with the Lord in perspective.
en.wikipedia.com/Red-Letter_Christian
This is no means a new movement but puts my walk with the Lord in perspective.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
It's Been One Year
I got to celebrate my one-year anniversity with my wife this past weekend. We went to Toronto and stayed at the Holiday Inn and did some shopping. As we both reflected on the time we both couldn't believe that one year has gone by so fast. It seems like only yesterday that we were making the trip to the altar. It has been a great past year and not to mention transtonal as I have not only have had to adjust to married life but have moved three times in that period. i look forward to many more.
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Story About A Moose
I had an interesting morning yesterday as I got to see some of the wildlife of cottage country. After seeing a deer and an otter on the road. I got to see my first close encounter with a moose as I was driving to work. I had thought that it was a deer or a horse until I got close as it was in the opposite lane from me until I got up close and saw it was a moose. I came to a complete stop and after seeing me it ran away. I defintely feel that the hand of the Lord was with me and it serves as a warning even in the bush you have to play close attention to where you are driving.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Birthday and Baptism
I got to spend the past weekend at my in-laws cottage where we celebrated my niece's fourth birthday on the Saturday which went very well. It is scary how old my nieces and nephews are and how fast they are growing. On Sunday we had an afternoon church service at the cottage which saw three people(two teens and a young adult) get baptised in the lake. In spite of a brief rain shower all went well. It was great to see these three make a commitment such as this and reminded me of my baptism and the significance behind it as it was a public declaration of faith. All in all it was a good weekend.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Thoughts On Jackson
With the recent death of pop icon Michael Jackson and the big memorial service that will be held for him today. I figured I would give my two cents here. While tragic it was it is disturbing seeing the amount media coverage already. That fact that there is more publicity for him more than when most world leaders die is sad. He was a great entertainer but his personal life left a lot to be desired as he had those allegations of child molestation not to mention he was an alleged drug abuser. The last image more me was when he dangled his baby of a balcony for all the world to see. Putting the life of his own child in danger like that made me question his sanity and wheter he did other things to endanger his children. I also don't see the point of a huge memorial service as it should be a small affair with family and friends. I guess it is a commentary on people we look up to in society.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)