In China, individual birth dates are not as important as the year in which a person is born. Everyone, no matter which month they were born in, turns another year older on the 7th day of the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration. In China this is called People's Day or the Day of Man.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Sunday is Coming!
The following is a quote from the great English minister, Charles Spurgeon. These words come from a sermon entitled, Timely Reflections, which was delivered December 27, in the year of our Lord 1868. (You can find the text of this sermon on-line.) In many ways, these words reflect my life since my Best Beloved, Charlie, died and went on to be with the Lord on May 23, 2009.
"You have been nearly shipwrecked, but you are not wrecked. The storm has been very furious, but above all the billows Jehovah's power has kept and preserved you. Your feet had almost gone, your steps had well nigh slipped, but the Divine Power interposed in everlasting grace, and to this day - a wonder unto many, but especially a wonder to yourself-you are still on the road to the Celestial City, and you are nearer to it now than when you first believed."
"You have been nearly shipwrecked, but you are not wrecked. The storm has been very furious, but above all the billows Jehovah's power has kept and preserved you. Your feet had almost gone, your steps had well nigh slipped, but the Divine Power interposed in everlasting grace, and to this day - a wonder unto many, but especially a wonder to yourself-you are still on the road to the Celestial City, and you are nearer to it now than when you first believed."
Monday, February 22, 2010
TEXAS...specifically El Paso
The El Paso City Council once voted to spend over $100,000 for private security to guard the city police station.
El Paso is known as the "Sun City." The sun shines in El Paso 302 days per year on average.
El Paso has a unique claim to fame when it comes to heralding itself as a Texas capital. With a plethora of boot companies calling the city home, it eventually designed itself as the state's "Boot-making Capital." Tony Lama was the town's first boot maker, setting up shop back in 1911.
-Bathroom Book of Texas Trivia
El Paso is known as the "Sun City." The sun shines in El Paso 302 days per year on average.
El Paso has a unique claim to fame when it comes to heralding itself as a Texas capital. With a plethora of boot companies calling the city home, it eventually designed itself as the state's "Boot-making Capital." Tony Lama was the town's first boot maker, setting up shop back in 1911.
-Bathroom Book of Texas Trivia
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sunday is Coming!
NO COMPROMISE!
Early Christian writers saw the dangers of mixing elements of the pagan worldviews of Greece and Rome with Christianity. Tertullian, an early 3rd century Christian writer, stressed that the biblical worldview must serve as the standard in evaluating all competing worldviews. In his work, What Does Athens Have to do with Jerusalem? he argued that Christians must never compromise their faith. Tertullian's point was that there is no common ground between Athens, the seat of man-centered philosophy, and Jerusalem, the source of godly wisdom and instruction:
"What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church? What between heretics and Christians?"
Early Christian writers saw the dangers of mixing elements of the pagan worldviews of Greece and Rome with Christianity. Tertullian, an early 3rd century Christian writer, stressed that the biblical worldview must serve as the standard in evaluating all competing worldviews. In his work, What Does Athens Have to do with Jerusalem? he argued that Christians must never compromise their faith. Tertullian's point was that there is no common ground between Athens, the seat of man-centered philosophy, and Jerusalem, the source of godly wisdom and instruction:
"What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church? What between heretics and Christians?"
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Scientists & Biblical Creation
Samuel Miller (1770-1840) was a Presbyterian minister who wrote a definitive and very influential history of the scientific advances in the 18th century entitled, Brief Retrospect of the Eighteenth Century. Throughout his comprehensive treatise, whether dealing with the scientific studies of Christians or pagans, he stressed the harmony of true science with the Christian faith and Biblical inspiration, including a strong defense of flood geology and a recent creation.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
On this date, in the year of our Lord 1885, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published under Samuel Langhorne Clemens' pen name, Mark Twain. This is not my favorite of Mr. Twain's works; rather, mine are as follows:
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Roughing It
Pudd'nhead Wilson
Many in our time would focus on the social issues entwined in Twain's writings. I will not. As a Christian, I would direct you to his worldview.
During his lifetime, Mr. Twain deliberately rejected God. Even in the work headlining today's entry, Clemens showed his own rebellion through the character of Huck Finn who: mocks prayer, sees all religious people as naive or hypocritical, and rejects traditional standards of right and wrong.
In the mid-1890's Clemens wrote, "Whoever has lived long enough to find out what life is, knows how deep a debt of gratitude we owe to Adam, the first great benefactor of our race. He brought death into the world." [While he does have his biblical facts straight,as a new widow, I can assure you that I wholeheartedly disagree with his attitude toward death!]
In The Mysterious Stranger, a work published six years after his death, Clemens unveiled his personal conclusion,"There is no God, no universe, no human race, no earthly life, no heaven, no hell. It is all a dream--a grotesque and foolish dream." [I say to you without any reservation that Samuel Clemons was WRONG! ...but he knows that now]
Are you wondering, then, why I enjoy reading Mark Twain's works? I believe he gifted those of us who came after him with insight of what life was like in 17th century American.,A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court being the exception. I would encourage you - have your young people read Twain...BUT...you read it first! Be ready to talk through the issues and opinions Twain expresses. His writing can be a valuable tool towards having frank discussions with your students. Take advantage of his enjoyable writing style. I promise, Twain will put a smile on your lips and a bring a chuckle out.
Bottom line in reading Samuel Clemons: that while his works, are individually often pleasant, together they reveal the sad history of a man's stubborn rebellion against his Creator God.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Roughing It
Pudd'nhead Wilson
Many in our time would focus on the social issues entwined in Twain's writings. I will not. As a Christian, I would direct you to his worldview.
During his lifetime, Mr. Twain deliberately rejected God. Even in the work headlining today's entry, Clemens showed his own rebellion through the character of Huck Finn who: mocks prayer, sees all religious people as naive or hypocritical, and rejects traditional standards of right and wrong.
In the mid-1890's Clemens wrote, "Whoever has lived long enough to find out what life is, knows how deep a debt of gratitude we owe to Adam, the first great benefactor of our race. He brought death into the world." [While he does have his biblical facts straight,as a new widow, I can assure you that I wholeheartedly disagree with his attitude toward death!]
In The Mysterious Stranger, a work published six years after his death, Clemens unveiled his personal conclusion,"There is no God, no universe, no human race, no earthly life, no heaven, no hell. It is all a dream--a grotesque and foolish dream." [I say to you without any reservation that Samuel Clemons was WRONG! ...but he knows that now]
Are you wondering, then, why I enjoy reading Mark Twain's works? I believe he gifted those of us who came after him with insight of what life was like in 17th century American.,A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court being the exception. I would encourage you - have your young people read Twain...BUT...you read it first! Be ready to talk through the issues and opinions Twain expresses. His writing can be a valuable tool towards having frank discussions with your students. Take advantage of his enjoyable writing style. I promise, Twain will put a smile on your lips and a bring a chuckle out.
Bottom line in reading Samuel Clemons: that while his works, are individually often pleasant, together they reveal the sad history of a man's stubborn rebellion against his Creator God.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
TEXAS...
A statue of Will Rogers and his horse, Soapsuds, stands on the Texas Tech campus. According to local legend, the statue, which was donated by a long-time friend of Rogers, was meant to be pointing west so that Rogers and his horse would be headed for the sunset (as it said on the plaque attached to the base). However, facing the sunset would have meant the horse's tail end would be pointed toward downtown, which would have sent a, well, mixed message to the university's supportive business community. Another adjustment considered would have sent an equally insulting message to the administrative office. Instead, horse and rider were adjusted 23 degrees to the northwest, so that today, Soapsuds' rear end is perpetually pointed toward Texas A&M.
Scientists & Biblical Creation
Adam Sedgwick (1785-1873) was one of England's leading 19th century geologists and a long-time professor of geology at Cambridge. Although he was a friend of Charles Darwin, Sedgwick always opposed Darwin's evolutionary ideas, prophesying that their result would be devastatingly harmful to the world.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Engrossing Earth Elements
It's a hurricane...it's a cyclone...no it's a typhoon!
In fact, they are all names for the same kind of violent storm originating over warm ocean waters. Hurricane (derived from a Carib Indian word) is typically used to describe these storms when they originate in the tropical Atlantic Ocean or Caribbean Sea. A typhoon (from the Cantonese word tai fung) is a violent storm which originates in the western Pacific Ocean, and especially the South China Sea. Last but not least, a cyclone is a violent tropical storm originating in the Indian Ocean.
In fact, they are all names for the same kind of violent storm originating over warm ocean waters. Hurricane (derived from a Carib Indian word) is typically used to describe these storms when they originate in the tropical Atlantic Ocean or Caribbean Sea. A typhoon (from the Cantonese word tai fung) is a violent storm which originates in the western Pacific Ocean, and especially the South China Sea. Last but not least, a cyclone is a violent tropical storm originating in the Indian Ocean.
Why is the Orient called "the Orient"?
Continuing on with the fact that the lunar new year is in its second day of celebration...
The Orient has long been labeled by Westerners as "mysterious." Also mysterious is from whence the word Orient originated. The location "the Orient" and the verb "to orient" both come from the Latin word oriri, which means "to rise." Since the sun rises in the east, oriens was used in ancient times to denote the direction of the rising sun, the land and regions east of the Mediterranean. Orient, meaning the Eastern lands, passed into the English language,by way of Old French, during the 14th century.
The Orient has long been labeled by Westerners as "mysterious." Also mysterious is from whence the word Orient originated. The location "the Orient" and the verb "to orient" both come from the Latin word oriri, which means "to rise." Since the sun rises in the east, oriens was used in ancient times to denote the direction of the rising sun, the land and regions east of the Mediterranean. Orient, meaning the Eastern lands, passed into the English language,by way of Old French, during the 14th century.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sunday is Coming!
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island . He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. Then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened. Everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger, "God, how could You do this to me?!?" he cried.
Early the next day; however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to be discouraged when things are going badly. But we should not lose heart, because God is at work in our lives even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Note: If you know my life at present, you know that I am saying this to myself as to any of you.
Early the next day; however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to be discouraged when things are going badly. But we should not lose heart, because God is at work in our lives even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Note: If you know my life at present, you know that I am saying this to myself as to any of you.
"The Duties of Parents"
I place before you the opportunity to hear wise counsel from one of the wonderful Saints of the past, JC Ryles. He was an Anglican minister who served the Lord, his congregations, and the people of England with the true heart of a Shepherd. Obviously, it is not within my power to make you read this. I can only make it available to you. The piece is not short (3-4 pages), but is worth every moment of reading. You can find this piece, "The Duties of Parents" at http://biblebelievers.com/JCRyle1.hmtl
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The other Blogspot
I've decided to reopen the other blog spot Charlie had. The title is, "What Most People Don't Know." All of the entries will deal with history (Texas, United States, as well as World).
If that sounds interesting to you...or some one you know...here is the address
http://whatmostpeopledontknow.blogspot.com/
If that sounds interesting to you...or some one you know...here is the address
http://whatmostpeopledontknow.blogspot.com/
Reading
"Reading Christians are growing Christians. When Christians cease to read, they cease to grow."
- John Wesley
- John Wesley
Answer: Liquid Paper/The Monkees
Michael Nesmith's mother, Bette Nesmith Graham, is the creator of Liquid Paper. She created the first batch of what she referred to as, "mistake out" in her kitchen blender! Michael helped his mom by filling the bottles.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Poetry - "My Dog, He Is an Ugly Dog"
My dog, he is an ugly dog,
he's put together wrong,
his legs are much too short for him,
his ears are much too long.
My dog, he is a scruffy dog,
he's missing clumps of hair,
his face is quite ridiculous,
his tail is scarcely there.
My dog, he is a dingy dog,
his fur is full of fleas,
he sometimes smells like dirty socks,
he sometimes smells like cheese.
My dog, he is a noisy dog,
he's hardly ever still,
he barks at almost anything,
his voice is loud and shrill.
My dog, he is a stupid dog,
his mind is slow and thick,
he's never learned to catch a ball,
he cannot fetch a stick.
My dog, he is a greedy dog,
he eats enough for three,
his belly bulges to the ground,
he is the dog for me.
-Jack Prelutsky
he's put together wrong,
his legs are much too short for him,
his ears are much too long.
My dog, he is a scruffy dog,
he's missing clumps of hair,
his face is quite ridiculous,
his tail is scarcely there.
My dog, he is a dingy dog,
his fur is full of fleas,
he sometimes smells like dirty socks,
he sometimes smells like cheese.
My dog, he is a noisy dog,
he's hardly ever still,
he barks at almost anything,
his voice is loud and shrill.
My dog, he is a stupid dog,
his mind is slow and thick,
he's never learned to catch a ball,
he cannot fetch a stick.
My dog, he is a greedy dog,
he eats enough for three,
his belly bulges to the ground,
he is the dog for me.
-Jack Prelutsky
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
TEXAS
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as made "Don't Mess With Texas" practically the state motto. In fact, TxDOT has turned "Don't Mess With Texas" bumper stickers, hats, t-shirts, etc. into quite the side business.
Were you aware that you can report a litterbug on their website?? The offender won't receive a ticket...just a free litter bag.
Were you aware that you can report a litterbug on their website?? The offender won't receive a ticket...just a free litter bag.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Birthday !!!
Today is the birthday of French author, Jules Verne, born this date in the year of our Lord 1828. The following are some interesting tidbits concerning this man:
*often referred to as "the Father of Science Fiction"
*second most translated author (Agatha Christie is first)
*co-authored an one-act operetta
*Served as a city councilman for 15 years
*predicted: automobiles, the Internet, television, air conditioning, jukeboxes, electricity
One of his most famous quotes came at the ripe, old age of 12. Jules had attempted to stow away on a ship bound for India. He was caught and severely whipped by his father, at which time he lamented, "I shall from now on only travel in my imagination."
*often referred to as "the Father of Science Fiction"
*second most translated author (Agatha Christie is first)
*co-authored an one-act operetta
*Served as a city councilman for 15 years
*predicted: automobiles, the Internet, television, air conditioning, jukeboxes, electricity
One of his most famous quotes came at the ripe, old age of 12. Jules had attempted to stow away on a ship bound for India. He was caught and severely whipped by his father, at which time he lamented, "I shall from now on only travel in my imagination."
Answer
Laura Ingall Wilder's younger sister, Carrie, married a widower from De Smet, South Dakota (The Long Winter) named David Swanzey. In 1885, Mr. Swanzey went on a gold prospecting expedition with a wealthy lawyer from New York by the name of Charles E. Rushmore. Some time after 1925, the year Congress approved the creation of the monument of the four presidents to be made in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mr. Rushmore asked Mr. Swanzey to petition to have the mountain's name changed. Up until that time the mountain has gone by several different names. The Lakota Sioux called the mountain Six Grandfathers. The local pioneers called it by one of four different names: Cougar Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Slaughterhouse Mountain, and Keystone Cliffs. Hmmm, but then a man with money comes to town...and Carrie's husband agrees to be part of the process.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Question
Today is Laura Ingall Wilder's birthday (author of the Little House on the Prairie books).
Question: What does the Charles Ingall's family and Mount Rushmore have in common?
I'll tell you tomorrow.
Question: What does the Charles Ingall's family and Mount Rushmore have in common?
I'll tell you tomorrow.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Sunday is Coming!
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, preacher of Westminster Chapel London stated,"The most urgent need in the Christian Church today is true preaching; and as it is the greatest and the most urgent need in the Church, it is the greatest need of the world also." Biblical preaching, expository preaching is the greatest need at this time in the Church.
Tragically, exposition is being replaced with entertainment, doctrine with drama, theology with theatrics, and preaching with performances. What is so desperately needed today is for the pastors to return to their highest calling - the divine summons to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
The entire written Word must be expounded. No truth should be left untaught, no sin unexposed, no grace unoffered, no promise undelivered.
There must be the clarion declaration of the Bible, the kind of preaching that gives a clear explanation of a biblical text with compelling application, exhortation, and appeal.
Every preacher should confine himself to the truths of Scripture. When the Bible speaks, God speaks. The man of God has nothing to say apart from the Bible.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, "I would rather speak five words out of this Book than 50,000 words of the philosophers. If we want revivals, we must revive our reverence for the Word of God. If we want conversions, we must put more of God's Word into our sermons."
May a new generation of strong men step forward and speak up, and may they do so loud and clear. As the pulpit goes, so goes the church.
(Dr. Steven J. Lawson, as printed in Tabletalk)
Thank you, Christopher, for being faithful to preach the whole counsel of God.
Tragically, exposition is being replaced with entertainment, doctrine with drama, theology with theatrics, and preaching with performances. What is so desperately needed today is for the pastors to return to their highest calling - the divine summons to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
The entire written Word must be expounded. No truth should be left untaught, no sin unexposed, no grace unoffered, no promise undelivered.
There must be the clarion declaration of the Bible, the kind of preaching that gives a clear explanation of a biblical text with compelling application, exhortation, and appeal.
Every preacher should confine himself to the truths of Scripture. When the Bible speaks, God speaks. The man of God has nothing to say apart from the Bible.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, "I would rather speak five words out of this Book than 50,000 words of the philosophers. If we want revivals, we must revive our reverence for the Word of God. If we want conversions, we must put more of God's Word into our sermons."
May a new generation of strong men step forward and speak up, and may they do so loud and clear. As the pulpit goes, so goes the church.
(Dr. Steven J. Lawson, as printed in Tabletalk)
Thank you, Christopher, for being faithful to preach the whole counsel of God.
Feb 5th is Weather Forecasters' Day
In honor of said day, let me share with you concerning the scientist who invented the anemometer (an instrument that measures wind speed).
William Whewell (1794-1866) served at Cambridge University as an Anglican clergyman almost all his life. As a scientist he authored one of the Bridgewater Treaties: Astronomy and General Physics Considered with Reference to Natural Theology. His scientific interests were wide ranging. he is credited with coining the terms scientist and physicist, as well as the term catastrophism in geology, which he defended against uniformitarianism. He also made important contributions to the study of the tides.
William Whewell (1794-1866) served at Cambridge University as an Anglican clergyman almost all his life. As a scientist he authored one of the Bridgewater Treaties: Astronomy and General Physics Considered with Reference to Natural Theology. His scientific interests were wide ranging. he is credited with coining the terms scientist and physicist, as well as the term catastrophism in geology, which he defended against uniformitarianism. He also made important contributions to the study of the tides.
Holy Writ on the subject of creation
"Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach you;
and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you;
and the fish of the sea shall explain to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
in Whose hand is the life of every living thing,
and the breath of all mankind?
and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you;
and the fish of the sea shall explain to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
in Whose hand is the life of every living thing,
and the breath of all mankind?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Birthday!!!
Today is the birthday of the first female American doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell. I celebrate this fact along with my most favorite female American doctor...my sister-in-law, Cindy Marks.
Birthday !!!
Today is the birthday of that wonderful American artist, NORMAN ROCKWELL.
Take time to browse through some of his artwork. You won't be disappointed.
Take time to browse through some of his artwork. You won't be disappointed.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Motherhood
Things to pray for your children...
*For them to hate sin
*For them to submit to God
*That they will be single-hearted towards God
*That God will set a hedge of protection about their spirit and life
*That they will be kept for the right mate
*That they and their future mate will remain sexually pure
*That they will have good friends
*They will R-E-S-P-E-C-T authority
*All their relationships will be good
*They will be caught when guilty - quickly!
*For them to hate sin
*For them to submit to God
*That they will be single-hearted towards God
*That God will set a hedge of protection about their spirit and life
*That they will be kept for the right mate
*That they and their future mate will remain sexually pure
*That they will have good friends
*They will R-E-S-P-E-C-T authority
*All their relationships will be good
*They will be caught when guilty - quickly!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Christians who have gone before
Lillain Trasher (1887-1961), who opened the first orphanage in Egypt, was asked what was the secret of her service to the orphans and widows of Egypt for over fifty years. What was the greatest thing she ever did?
There isn't any secret," Lillian answered quickly. "I just stayed! I didn't quit. I stayed with the work God gave me to do."
There isn't any secret," Lillian answered quickly. "I just stayed! I didn't quit. I stayed with the work God gave me to do."
Time Gone By
The majority of laborers in the Colonies throughout the 1600's were white indentured servants. [Meaning these were people, both male and female, who were working off a debt they could not repay.] As of 1640, there were only about 250 African slaves in the Colonies. By 1670; however, the number of African slaves had risen to around 2,000. Farmers actually preferred English-speaking indentured servants due to the fact that it was easier to supervise them than Africans who spoke a strange language. It was not until the end of the 1600's that African slave labor began to increase in the colony of Virginia.
Texas
Wildflowers are a big deal along the highways, thanks to Lady Bird Johnson. Due to her efforts, the Texas Department of Transportation has been sowing from 30,00 - 60,000 pounds of flower seeds (most of them our state flower,bluebonnets) along highways every year. The TxDOT Travel Division even has a Wildflower Information Hotline to help people find the most colorful patches of highway.
Changing Identities
Christ put on the cloak of humanity so perfectly, that to this day people say, no, demand,"He was just a good MAN!"
Philippians 2:5-8
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
Who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God
a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself,
taking the form of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness of men.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself
by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
How well have we, as confessing followers of Jesus, put on the cloak of Christ?
Colossians 3:1-10
Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the daughters of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him
When was the last time someone demanded, "You must be a god. Look at how you live your life!"?
May we repent, and may God forgive us for so poorly reflecting Him who died for us.
Philippians 2:5-8
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
Who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God
a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself,
taking the form of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness of men.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself
by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
How well have we, as confessing followers of Jesus, put on the cloak of Christ?
Colossians 3:1-10
Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the daughters of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him
When was the last time someone demanded, "You must be a god. Look at how you live your life!"?
May we repent, and may God forgive us for so poorly reflecting Him who died for us.
Who Hath A Book
Who hath a book
Has friends at hand,
And gold and gear
At his command;
And rich estates,
If he but look,
Are held by him
Who hath a book.
Who hath a book
Has but to read
And he may be
A king, indeed;
his kingdom is
His inglenook.*
All this is his
Who hath a book.
*a chimney corner
-Wilbur Nesbit
Has friends at hand,
And gold and gear
At his command;
And rich estates,
If he but look,
Are held by him
Who hath a book.
Who hath a book
Has but to read
And he may be
A king, indeed;
his kingdom is
His inglenook.*
All this is his
Who hath a book.
*a chimney corner
-Wilbur Nesbit
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