Acts 27:42-44 The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
It has almost always been standard operating procedure for any law officer to kill a prisoner in transport rather than letting them escape to freedom. I imagine the guards that were on board that storm battered ship with the Apostle Paul were ready and willing to obey the order to kill on sight. With the ship running aground and all passengers making ready to jump off, those guards knew that they would not be able to account for all prisons. What a surprise it must have been when the centurion gave the orders to let them get off the ship to safety. Why such a break from precedent? Any escaped prisons would mean certain dead to any of the guards involved. What could possibly cause the leader to take such a risk of career and life?
The reputation of one man. Just because the centurion wanted to spare the life of the Apostle Paul, he withheld the guards from killing any prisons. When Jesus call all Christians to be lights to shine, He calls us to be different not to call attention to ourselves but to Him. The centurion was so taken by the light of Paul's testimony not because of who Paul was but who he proclaimed and lived for in this lost and dying world.
The power of Paul's reputation was not from his personality, intellect, or charisma. But rather his submission and relationship to the Savior. Read the whole chapter in Acts 27, you see saturated throughout the text Paul encouraging the crew not by standup comics, or possibility thinking, but how God has promised safety and deliverance. This shows Paul's continual devotion to Christ even in the weeks of storms and crisis. It is this type of commitment that catches the attention of others.
It makes me wonder if given the same circumstance would my reputation have such an effect? The workplace with the boss and coworkers. The school with teachers and classmates. Our neighborhoods and even in our own homes. Does the light of Christ shine through us, or our more concerned about our own selfish interests. How much do we burden authorities with our petty disobedience. Fight for our own way with peers. Even in our churches we fight and feud over music, clothing, versions, decorations, and other issues that show our immaturity more than our spirituality.
At the writing of this entry, we face a new year of possible financial troubles of whatever level. The world needs to see Christ's with hope and faith in the God of all comfort. Not Christians who get mad and offended when their preferences are not met. Strong belief in a God who is upclose and person. Not a strong will that is uptight and sour.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
What Makes the Grumpy Tick?
Psalm 50:22-23 "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"
Have you ever been around a true grump? Someone who not matter what happens can always find something bad, or something to criticize. I guess we all have. I personally do not appreciate being in their presence, especially when they use their special talents on me. I use to have a variety of thoughts towards them. Such as anger, resentment, fear, and even bewilderment. Until recently I rarely had feelings of compassion or sympathy. I always categorized them as mean, selfish people to be avoided.
But, I realized that the grumpiness was just a surface symptom of a deeper heart problem. The reason for this lack of joy in their lives certainly can be many, I believe one of the biggest failings is a lack of thankfulness, and truly thankful towards God. I must admit that as I bemoan and dread another Northwest Indiana winter with snow, I realize my depression may come in part to the discomfort and inconvenience, but really comes from being unthankful.
It seems that if we are not thankful for anyone, thing or event in our lives we usually hate, fear, or neglect the subject. The absence of thankfulness in a Christian's life becomes an ugly sore upon their character and testimony. The very joy of the Lord that the forgiven ones in Christ are suppose to show is choked off like a weed to a flower. The ability to show a lifestyle and commitment to the Savior, and Creator of this world is futile and frustrating without a thankful spirit.
To sum this up the grumpy critic that we all avoid will never experience true joy unless they become thankful. Thankful not just for the pleasant, but for the unpleasant. Which then brings the focus back to us. How thankful are we? Not just at Thanksgiving, but on January 23rd or March 16th or any other day of the year.
True Christian joy is born out of thankfulness, and can not exist without it.
Have you ever been around a true grump? Someone who not matter what happens can always find something bad, or something to criticize. I guess we all have. I personally do not appreciate being in their presence, especially when they use their special talents on me. I use to have a variety of thoughts towards them. Such as anger, resentment, fear, and even bewilderment. Until recently I rarely had feelings of compassion or sympathy. I always categorized them as mean, selfish people to be avoided.
But, I realized that the grumpiness was just a surface symptom of a deeper heart problem. The reason for this lack of joy in their lives certainly can be many, I believe one of the biggest failings is a lack of thankfulness, and truly thankful towards God. I must admit that as I bemoan and dread another Northwest Indiana winter with snow, I realize my depression may come in part to the discomfort and inconvenience, but really comes from being unthankful.
It seems that if we are not thankful for anyone, thing or event in our lives we usually hate, fear, or neglect the subject. The absence of thankfulness in a Christian's life becomes an ugly sore upon their character and testimony. The very joy of the Lord that the forgiven ones in Christ are suppose to show is choked off like a weed to a flower. The ability to show a lifestyle and commitment to the Savior, and Creator of this world is futile and frustrating without a thankful spirit.
To sum this up the grumpy critic that we all avoid will never experience true joy unless they become thankful. Thankful not just for the pleasant, but for the unpleasant. Which then brings the focus back to us. How thankful are we? Not just at Thanksgiving, but on January 23rd or March 16th or any other day of the year.
True Christian joy is born out of thankfulness, and can not exist without it.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Leaving My Mark
Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.(NASB)
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to run into an individual that I graduated high school with thirty years ago (1978). I did not recognize this person right away, but this person had happened to be wearing a name tag on a neck lanyard. I did recognize the name immediately. As I look again I did see the resemblance. But shamefully my first thought about this person was about how much older they looked. Thankfully I only thought this and did not say what I was thinking. I also must admit that I am sure that they would probably be thinking the same of me. Although when I look in the mirror I do not see the same aging. (I of course jest)
Now that I have been reminded again of my fleeting and probably extinct youth, I again re-examine my next responsibility of handing down to the next generation the "faith of our fathers". Sadly, I have wasted much of the time with what God would judge to be preferential issues. Certainly for years I tried to present the best witness to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Not a trivial matter at all!) But I also spent much of the time trying to hold on to pseudo-convictions of outward rule keeping, and worship practices. I use to believe if the next generation did not follow the same music, bible version, and clothing standards as I have followed then that generation would be lost forever.
It has been in the last couple of years that I have repented from such practices. My demanding my way of worship for the local church services was more about pride than it was about pleasing God. I have since realized that God has given each generation the freedom to find it's unique worship styles according to the abilities He has blessed them.
My responsibility to the next generations is to introduce them to the Lord Jesus Christ want to not only offer Heaven for eternity but a loving relationship with Him. I am to show them the Word of God (in a version that is easily understood for them) that is to be learned, loved and lived out in my life and theirs. I am also to show, by example a prayer life that is real, and alive. Making it obvious that God is real and alive in my life. Then finally (and probably most difficult) I am to show them how God has used the talent and gifts in my life to be used in the lost and dying world around us. Then I am to instruct and encourage them to do the same, but realizing that it my not be in a manner that is comfortable to me still within the guidelines of God's Word.
It is sometimes easy and comfortable to believe that something new may not be Godly, but we must be careful not to twist, manipulate, or conjure up scripture to prove our preferences to be convictions. Example: I grew up in the Chicago area in the 60's and 70's. A favorite childhood show of my generation was Garfield Goose. My generation gets a warm feeling just at the mention of it. It would be foolish and unfair for our generation to force the next generation to understand and like this in the way we did. They have other choices more to relate to in their time. It is unbiblical to force the next generation to follow your generations worship style. To say that no new music styles can be used is also unbiblical. Every generation deserves the right to make their mark in worshiping the Lord within His guidelines, not our preferences.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to run into an individual that I graduated high school with thirty years ago (1978). I did not recognize this person right away, but this person had happened to be wearing a name tag on a neck lanyard. I did recognize the name immediately. As I look again I did see the resemblance. But shamefully my first thought about this person was about how much older they looked. Thankfully I only thought this and did not say what I was thinking. I also must admit that I am sure that they would probably be thinking the same of me. Although when I look in the mirror I do not see the same aging. (I of course jest)
Now that I have been reminded again of my fleeting and probably extinct youth, I again re-examine my next responsibility of handing down to the next generation the "faith of our fathers". Sadly, I have wasted much of the time with what God would judge to be preferential issues. Certainly for years I tried to present the best witness to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Not a trivial matter at all!) But I also spent much of the time trying to hold on to pseudo-convictions of outward rule keeping, and worship practices. I use to believe if the next generation did not follow the same music, bible version, and clothing standards as I have followed then that generation would be lost forever.
It has been in the last couple of years that I have repented from such practices. My demanding my way of worship for the local church services was more about pride than it was about pleasing God. I have since realized that God has given each generation the freedom to find it's unique worship styles according to the abilities He has blessed them.
My responsibility to the next generations is to introduce them to the Lord Jesus Christ want to not only offer Heaven for eternity but a loving relationship with Him. I am to show them the Word of God (in a version that is easily understood for them) that is to be learned, loved and lived out in my life and theirs. I am also to show, by example a prayer life that is real, and alive. Making it obvious that God is real and alive in my life. Then finally (and probably most difficult) I am to show them how God has used the talent and gifts in my life to be used in the lost and dying world around us. Then I am to instruct and encourage them to do the same, but realizing that it my not be in a manner that is comfortable to me still within the guidelines of God's Word.
It is sometimes easy and comfortable to believe that something new may not be Godly, but we must be careful not to twist, manipulate, or conjure up scripture to prove our preferences to be convictions. Example: I grew up in the Chicago area in the 60's and 70's. A favorite childhood show of my generation was Garfield Goose. My generation gets a warm feeling just at the mention of it. It would be foolish and unfair for our generation to force the next generation to understand and like this in the way we did. They have other choices more to relate to in their time. It is unbiblical to force the next generation to follow your generations worship style. To say that no new music styles can be used is also unbiblical. Every generation deserves the right to make their mark in worshiping the Lord within His guidelines, not our preferences.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Still Believe in God's Blessing
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
"You know Bob, I think we did it wrong. We should have gotten a mortgage that we could not afford, and then leave it for the government to pay for it because we never could." "Hey Bob, this is the worst economy ever, and this country is never going to be the same."These are just a few statements that I hear in the course of a day at work. I am sure that if you are not saying the same things, you know people who do. The stock market certainly is no help with the big loses of the last week. The president, congress, and the old media pig piling for gain of power, legislation, and circulation is a no help either. What is a Christian suppose to do in the time of this kind of turmoil real or not?
The big picture here is what are you focused on and how big is your God? Many of us have 401K's and IRA's that are totally dependent on the markets. Most of our jobs whether factory, retail/wholesale, or agriculture are dependent on a strong motivated consumer economy. What if the my stock, mutual fund, bond, annuity, or social security fall by the way side? Then we have to ask ourselves is God who He says He is?
Our God has made a boat load of promises and statements about money. He still blesses hard work, and giving spirits for His people. Seek first the Kingdom, be anxious for nothing, supply all your need, and your Heavenly cares for you, are all still the bible. It was when Israel went through a severe drought, God fed His prophet. America's Civil War, Great Depression, and all other crises, God never forsook His people who were faithful to His Word.
How God works through this time is yet to be determined. Certainly God's people should remain the most optimistic. Not in markets that ride like roller coasters, or a government that grabs as much power that it's people give to at the time. Even our very occupations should not be the great savior of our households. God's people should be optimistic in a God who is the most powerful, most wise, and most loving. He bless the best way He sees fit, not by our standards.
How about you today? Think there is no hope for the future? God is useless. Think that it is all up to you to get you and your family out of financial trouble? God is careless. Still believe in the caring loving God who is bigger than any problem. It may get bumpy or worse but God is still in control and He will bless faithfulness
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Do You REALLY Want to Grow?
John 9:22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. (ESV)
I sometimes like to paraphrase the popular baseball player Sammie Sosa, and say "the Christian life has been very good to me." For nearly 30 years it really has. But recently I have had to re-evaluate some of my "convictions" that I would stand and maybe even face death.
Consider the blind man in John chapter 9 whom Jesus heals. Here a man who it would seem has never seen the light of day, the face of any loved one, and was foreign to the simple sight of the clear blue sky. Jesus the Christ with His disciples company comes and not restores the blind man's sight, but give him something he has never had before the moment. What a blessed time, he who once was blind now can see. Family, friends, and even strangers could, would, and should rejoice in such a great miracle from the great Savior.
However, this was not the way things have been done before. The religious leaders of that day have to examine this action more closely. After all they know better than others how God wants things to be done. So the detectives had get busy and investigate all involved. After getting statements from all witnesses, the parents of the very suspect were also questioned. At this moment of true comes an opportunity to acknowledge a great event and grow in Christian character. Instead because of the scale of change involved in this scene, the cost of loss of synagogue privilege was too high, even the parent dis their own son.
There are times when individuals, churches, and even denominations will be faced with issues and circumstances that require a fresh look from the bible. Whether it is divorce, remarriage, women wearing pants, bible versions, and worship music, each generation must face it. If the bible speaks to it then follow it. But if the bible does not speak to it, or is different from the established standards then change will have to be made at sometime. But this will ruffle the feathers of the established and comfortable. They will not just sit back and let it happen without a territorial fight. For them it could be just a matter of bible ignorance, or laziness. Or the bible may not be at issue but their power and comfort.
Pastor Rick Oliver, of Portage Avenue Baptist Church, has said God will require change and growth in our lives no matter where it leads, we should follow. What has God made you face that may upset the norm? Our church for a long time had to tip toe around predestination because we were afraid that it discourage evangelism. Like God did not know that.
So, do you really want to grow in Christ? There are family members, fellow church members, co-workers, and even strangers counting on you to grow for God's glory, and their sake. But it will probably cost you!
I sometimes like to paraphrase the popular baseball player Sammie Sosa, and say "the Christian life has been very good to me." For nearly 30 years it really has. But recently I have had to re-evaluate some of my "convictions" that I would stand and maybe even face death.
Consider the blind man in John chapter 9 whom Jesus heals. Here a man who it would seem has never seen the light of day, the face of any loved one, and was foreign to the simple sight of the clear blue sky. Jesus the Christ with His disciples company comes and not restores the blind man's sight, but give him something he has never had before the moment. What a blessed time, he who once was blind now can see. Family, friends, and even strangers could, would, and should rejoice in such a great miracle from the great Savior.
However, this was not the way things have been done before. The religious leaders of that day have to examine this action more closely. After all they know better than others how God wants things to be done. So the detectives had get busy and investigate all involved. After getting statements from all witnesses, the parents of the very suspect were also questioned. At this moment of true comes an opportunity to acknowledge a great event and grow in Christian character. Instead because of the scale of change involved in this scene, the cost of loss of synagogue privilege was too high, even the parent dis their own son.
There are times when individuals, churches, and even denominations will be faced with issues and circumstances that require a fresh look from the bible. Whether it is divorce, remarriage, women wearing pants, bible versions, and worship music, each generation must face it. If the bible speaks to it then follow it. But if the bible does not speak to it, or is different from the established standards then change will have to be made at sometime. But this will ruffle the feathers of the established and comfortable. They will not just sit back and let it happen without a territorial fight. For them it could be just a matter of bible ignorance, or laziness. Or the bible may not be at issue but their power and comfort.
Pastor Rick Oliver, of Portage Avenue Baptist Church, has said God will require change and growth in our lives no matter where it leads, we should follow. What has God made you face that may upset the norm? Our church for a long time had to tip toe around predestination because we were afraid that it discourage evangelism. Like God did not know that.
So, do you really want to grow in Christ? There are family members, fellow church members, co-workers, and even strangers counting on you to grow for God's glory, and their sake. But it will probably cost you!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A Church by Any Other Name
1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.(ESV)
The other day I heard about one of our church members was inviting a friend to church, and was being successful. Until she mentioned the name of the church. For some reason her friend was associating the church with the most extreme radicals of churches with the same denominational name. I also was recently challenged in my thinking about church names by the book Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald.
Here are my questions: In this generic name "First Baptist Church of Podunk", what part of this name is biblically commanded to be there? What Part of this name is unchangeable and why? If the name is changeable, what could it be changed to that would avoid the above situation, but still be true to identification?
This post is a forum of ideas, not debate, so avoid arguing in response. But please leave your thoughts and opinions freely. I prefer names, but if you do not want to feel free to remain nameless.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Watchout For Those Contemporary Pastors!
2Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
What if, (I normally do not like what if's, but anyway) your pastor when he got up to preach, could only preach word for word from a past sermon. Not only could he not put together his own sermon, but he had to read it out loud word for word. He would have to read it as near to the original as possible. To add to that he can not preach anything that was created in past 20 or more years. As a matter of fact the only sermons to preach must come from the 17th to the 19th centuries. And he must remember that there just are not any good sermons being made anymore.
I hope as you read the above paragraph you are thinking: "God forbid"; that's crazy; or at least "no way baby! To handcuff a pastor in this manner is not only harmful to him, but also to his congregation. Sure there are some great sermons of the past that are still valuable today and should always be remembered, quoted often; "Sinners in the hands of an angry God"; "Payday someday"; and others. But, there are some good reasons for fresh, new, and "contemporary" sermons by a diligent studying pastor. Needs change. Because of the prosperity of today, most people do not need to be comforted from poverty. There would not be any warnings and teaching on how to handle the pornography of the internet. The words used in past have changed meaning. A pastor must be in tune with needs and culture of his congregation. Sermons of the past would be helpful, but will not meet the needs of today.
So then it can be agreed the pastors need the freedom to use the gifts and talents God has given him to be able to fulfill his calling. Then why do we handcuff the writers, composer, and performers of today by saying that only songs of the past may be used to worship God. God has equipped His people to reach a generation not only for salvation, but for the sanctification of His people. Traditional songs are great, (and should never go away)but were better understood in their generation. Let's unhand cuff todays writers so they can serve just like the contemporary pastor, teaching and admonition one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual song...
What if, (I normally do not like what if's, but anyway) your pastor when he got up to preach, could only preach word for word from a past sermon. Not only could he not put together his own sermon, but he had to read it out loud word for word. He would have to read it as near to the original as possible. To add to that he can not preach anything that was created in past 20 or more years. As a matter of fact the only sermons to preach must come from the 17th to the 19th centuries. And he must remember that there just are not any good sermons being made anymore.
I hope as you read the above paragraph you are thinking: "God forbid"; that's crazy; or at least "no way baby! To handcuff a pastor in this manner is not only harmful to him, but also to his congregation. Sure there are some great sermons of the past that are still valuable today and should always be remembered, quoted often; "Sinners in the hands of an angry God"; "Payday someday"; and others. But, there are some good reasons for fresh, new, and "contemporary" sermons by a diligent studying pastor. Needs change. Because of the prosperity of today, most people do not need to be comforted from poverty. There would not be any warnings and teaching on how to handle the pornography of the internet. The words used in past have changed meaning. A pastor must be in tune with needs and culture of his congregation. Sermons of the past would be helpful, but will not meet the needs of today.
So then it can be agreed the pastors need the freedom to use the gifts and talents God has given him to be able to fulfill his calling. Then why do we handcuff the writers, composer, and performers of today by saying that only songs of the past may be used to worship God. God has equipped His people to reach a generation not only for salvation, but for the sanctification of His people. Traditional songs are great, (and should never go away)but were better understood in their generation. Let's unhand cuff todays writers so they can serve just like the contemporary pastor, teaching and admonition one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual song...
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Praising Traditional vs. Contemporary
Psalm 150 (KJV)
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Let me first preface this blog entry by saying I love traditional hymns and songs. My absolute favorite song is the 3rd verse of It is Well. I come from a blessed background of traditional music since I got saved 1979. I will always want to attend a church that will sing these songs.
However, after much research, (biblical, and historical) prayer, and asking alot of questions, I must admit that some "convictions" I have held may actually have been personal preferences. I use to believe that persons spirituality could be measured by the adherence to standards. A Christian woman was in disobedience if she wore slack, pants, or jeans. Men who did not wear a tie and even a suit to church on Sunday must be lazy spiritually. There are others but I would be straying from my point.
One of the biblical sources that had a big influence on me was Psalm 150. I believe that if the psalmist were alive today writing music, he would not be well received in traditional music churches. He write about praising God with stringed instruments and organs. No problem to the traditionalist. But he writes of psaltery (guitar), harp. Then not only cymbals (percussion, drums), but loud ones. He even writes about dancing. None of these acceptable to the traditionalists.
Finally, in the course of my study I have come to at least eight thoughts that I may expand on in future blog entries
1. All music ever made was contemporary at one time.
a. Most traditional of today was contemporary in the 17th through 19th centuries
b. “The church” has rarely ever receive most contemporary music in it’s own generation.
2. Every generation has songwriters than want to use their gift of music for their generation not the previous ones.
3. The piano and organ were at one time considered to be worldly wicked instruments.
4. The drum is arguably the most controversial instrument today.
5. Much of the traditional music, and its standards did not exist before the 17th century.
6. This issue is more about taste and feeling than biblical.
7. To “switch” to contemporary music does not make you more spiritual in of itself.
8. In the journey of Progressive Sanctification (becoming more Christ-like) it will require courage to change and grow biblically, no matter where God leads us.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hey Did You Notice?
The Royal family of Great Britain never seems to be lack for attention or controversy. As of the writing of this post it has been one week since Princess Anne made headline news around the world by exactly what you see the picture to the left. As hard to believe as it sounds someone(s) in the British media noticed the that the "frugal" princess seemed to be wearing the exact same outfit to a family wedding last week that she wore to the Prince Charles and Lady Di wedding 27 years ago. As you can see to the right, the picture from the 1981 wedding showing her with, as reported, the exact same outfit.
I suppose it is naive of me to be surprised by this remembrance.
But I guess I am disappointed in my lack of faith in God Himself noticing what goes on in our lives. King David wrote "what is man that you are mindful of him..." Why should I not be more impressed that that the Mighty, Sovereign, Loving God should be noticing me. It should make us more joyous, alert, and fearful that God is able to do this. So while people spend their precious time finding out the latest on Brittany, Paris, Tom, and Katie, God still waits for us to notice Him.
Now isn't that a crazy thought. God notices more about our lives than we notice Him. What have you noticed lately?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wanted: A Joyous Christian
Psalm 137:1-4 By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!" How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? (ESV)
Some in Israel's past have had to face the indignity capture from their home to a strange, hostile place. Such was the experience of the psalmist. Gone from the comforts and familiarity of family and friends, these captives had to face a whole different world of harsh labor, ridicule, and many other kinds of physical and mental abuse. As to be expected fear, discouragement, hopelessness, and even malice were most likely the majority of responses by the Israeli prisoners.
Surprisingly, there was a request (or demand) made by the captors. They made the strange order, based on their knowledge of the Jews, that they sing. To make the request stranger was the style of music for the choice. Not only were they asked to sing, but to sing "religious" songs. Not only "religious" songs, but songs of joy, hope, and glory. You may be different than me in being somewhat surprised by this, but I say WOW. It almost seemed like the captors were not being sarcastic, but genuinely interested and maybe even attracted somehow. Could it be that they liked the rhythm and style of the music? Or is it possible that the words were of great comfort. I suppose that could be possible, but I believe something more than that is at work. Could it be that the song itself was not the attraction alone? How about maybe the captors were amazed by the effect of the song on the singers themselves. Maybe they were aware of how pleasantly different the Jews were and that the songs were just an outward expression of the joy, and comfort for God that is on the inward Jew. What an impression this must have had on all who were around them.
How about you? Have you ever been at work, or school and somebody out of the blue asks you how come you seem so quiet, or even sad today? I am amazed how people that I work with will so quickly perceive some kind of sadness in me when all I may have been doing was being deep in thought. One thing I have noticed is sometimes they look disappointed that I was not my usual self (whatever that is).
There seems to be just something about the attraction of a joyous Christian. It would almost seem to be unfair that I have to be joyous and I am not allowed to be sad, if it were not a life or death issue in the hearts of our co-worker, student, and even family members. The very ones who may be critical, sarcastic, and maybe even hostile are the ones who not only need, but really do desire our joy more than we realize. I wish I could be one all the time. I am saddened when I have to knocked out of my selfish thoughts. I think the Apostle Paul put it best when he wrote "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13 ESV)
When was the last time you asked God for joy when others are not. The unbeliever is look to you whether you notice or not.
Some in Israel's past have had to face the indignity capture from their home to a strange, hostile place. Such was the experience of the psalmist. Gone from the comforts and familiarity of family and friends, these captives had to face a whole different world of harsh labor, ridicule, and many other kinds of physical and mental abuse. As to be expected fear, discouragement, hopelessness, and even malice were most likely the majority of responses by the Israeli prisoners.
Surprisingly, there was a request (or demand) made by the captors. They made the strange order, based on their knowledge of the Jews, that they sing. To make the request stranger was the style of music for the choice. Not only were they asked to sing, but to sing "religious" songs. Not only "religious" songs, but songs of joy, hope, and glory. You may be different than me in being somewhat surprised by this, but I say WOW. It almost seemed like the captors were not being sarcastic, but genuinely interested and maybe even attracted somehow. Could it be that they liked the rhythm and style of the music? Or is it possible that the words were of great comfort. I suppose that could be possible, but I believe something more than that is at work. Could it be that the song itself was not the attraction alone? How about maybe the captors were amazed by the effect of the song on the singers themselves. Maybe they were aware of how pleasantly different the Jews were and that the songs were just an outward expression of the joy, and comfort for God that is on the inward Jew. What an impression this must have had on all who were around them.
How about you? Have you ever been at work, or school and somebody out of the blue asks you how come you seem so quiet, or even sad today? I am amazed how people that I work with will so quickly perceive some kind of sadness in me when all I may have been doing was being deep in thought. One thing I have noticed is sometimes they look disappointed that I was not my usual self (whatever that is).
There seems to be just something about the attraction of a joyous Christian. It would almost seem to be unfair that I have to be joyous and I am not allowed to be sad, if it were not a life or death issue in the hearts of our co-worker, student, and even family members. The very ones who may be critical, sarcastic, and maybe even hostile are the ones who not only need, but really do desire our joy more than we realize. I wish I could be one all the time. I am saddened when I have to knocked out of my selfish thoughts. I think the Apostle Paul put it best when he wrote "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13 ESV)
When was the last time you asked God for joy when others are not. The unbeliever is look to you whether you notice or not.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Proof of Bringing God to Work
Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
I don't know if I have ever been more conflicted than I am now. I just finished out a two week notice for the job I have had for the last 16 and half years. What I am conflicted about is whether not to express the response that I received from those I worked.
I believe that God has blessed what effort I had in servicing the customers and the company. I received several cards expressing my coworkers thoughts and feelings of working with me. One card said "...the place and people were made better because of you working here." Others have asserted much of the same. This is because of God not me. Bob Blair was nothing more than a vessel that God was able to use for His Glory.
The conflict here is how to use this as tool for teaching other workplace believers (especially the young) about how God wants to be brought to the workplace as He does in every other area of a Christian's life. Others in the workplace will be blessed and exposed to the actual presence of Christ in a way that they will in no other place.
I would be more comfortable telling this if it were another person. (I believe there are many others better at this than me are out there.) The last thing I want to be perceived as to be bragging or self serving. For God's Glory please take this for what it really is.
I don't know if I have ever been more conflicted than I am now. I just finished out a two week notice for the job I have had for the last 16 and half years. What I am conflicted about is whether not to express the response that I received from those I worked.
I believe that God has blessed what effort I had in servicing the customers and the company. I received several cards expressing my coworkers thoughts and feelings of working with me. One card said "...the place and people were made better because of you working here." Others have asserted much of the same. This is because of God not me. Bob Blair was nothing more than a vessel that God was able to use for His Glory.
The conflict here is how to use this as tool for teaching other workplace believers (especially the young) about how God wants to be brought to the workplace as He does in every other area of a Christian's life. Others in the workplace will be blessed and exposed to the actual presence of Christ in a way that they will in no other place.
I would be more comfortable telling this if it were another person. (I believe there are many others better at this than me are out there.) The last thing I want to be perceived as to be bragging or self serving. For God's Glory please take this for what it really is.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
An Answer
I ask your forgiveness for the tardiness of this response. This is response to those who were gracious enough to comment on the last posting of this blog. It would probably make a better in depth study later to give sufficient answer to what the measurement of a good bible version. However, I best can say it the shortness of this passage to say the answer is not found in comparing version for version for differences in of themselves as to which is best.
First, no one bible translation is or can ever claim inspiration, nor even special preservation. I love and have preached from the KJV for over 28 years, and still do today. However, there is no superiority of the KJV to other more recent bible translations. The biggest mistake in assuming translation comparison is the difference in word or phrase usage between translation to translation.
The real measurement is found in the copied manuscripts from the originals. The translations that are closest to these manuscripts are what determine the relevance. If a word translated in previous generations no longer equal the same definition of original then a new translation is more needful.
Secondly, it needs to mentioned that the use or purpose of a translation is also a factor in choosing. There are more than one way to translate from one language to another. There is a word for word method (called Formal Equivalence). This takes word exactly from one language to the other without any change. This sounds ideal, but it is not without weakness. If you formally translate "your pulling my leg" into most any language the meaning may not be understood right away. So this gives opening to another method of translation that is more thought for thought (called dynamic equivalence). This method is more concern in translation meanings rather than words.
I mention this second point because all bible translations are either one or a mixed of the above methods. Each method has a more useful application than the other. For preaching and serious bible study the Formal Equivalence translations are better applied. These would be: KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, HCSB, and NRSV. For personal devotional reading the Dynamic Equivalence is more useful. These would be NIV, NLT, NET, and Living Bible.
But again the overall answer is how close to word for word, or thought for thought in today's language use determines the relevance of any particular translation. Not comparing translation with translation.
First, no one bible translation is or can ever claim inspiration, nor even special preservation. I love and have preached from the KJV for over 28 years, and still do today. However, there is no superiority of the KJV to other more recent bible translations. The biggest mistake in assuming translation comparison is the difference in word or phrase usage between translation to translation.
The real measurement is found in the copied manuscripts from the originals. The translations that are closest to these manuscripts are what determine the relevance. If a word translated in previous generations no longer equal the same definition of original then a new translation is more needful.
Secondly, it needs to mentioned that the use or purpose of a translation is also a factor in choosing. There are more than one way to translate from one language to another. There is a word for word method (called Formal Equivalence). This takes word exactly from one language to the other without any change. This sounds ideal, but it is not without weakness. If you formally translate "your pulling my leg" into most any language the meaning may not be understood right away. So this gives opening to another method of translation that is more thought for thought (called dynamic equivalence). This method is more concern in translation meanings rather than words.
I mention this second point because all bible translations are either one or a mixed of the above methods. Each method has a more useful application than the other. For preaching and serious bible study the Formal Equivalence translations are better applied. These would be: KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, HCSB, and NRSV. For personal devotional reading the Dynamic Equivalence is more useful. These would be NIV, NLT, NET, and Living Bible.
But again the overall answer is how close to word for word, or thought for thought in today's language use determines the relevance of any particular translation. Not comparing translation with translation.
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