Head-dibs

Two words have received some attention lately in my closer circles of discussion: “forensic” and “apologetic”. We found it shameful yet humorous that we could all describe ways in which “forensic” could be used, but no one was able to actually define the word! One person theorized the irony, “if we went to the dictionary and found the definition to be, ‘that exercise by which one sets about to determine the definition of this very word.’” In case you are wondering, “forensic” can be used as a noun, adverb (“forensically”) or as an adjective. The word “forensic” is from the Latin forensis, meaning “belonging to the market, public” and it’s root forum, meaning “what is out of doors, public in place.” Webster tells us the adjective “belongs to or is used in or is suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate.” Another meaning is “argumentative, rhetorical.” Yet another: “relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems.” As a noun...

Lord, I have no right to enter your presence in prayer. I am tired, weak and unworthy. If you had been an angel at home, never raised your voice, gave each child equal time, were supersensitive to your wife, got every chore done, would you feel like praying? Yes, Lord, I sure would. If you had devotions every day this week for an hour and as part of that time interceded for every lost family member and friend, praying for every missionary you have ever known in every place, would you feel more like entering my presence? Yes, Lord, I sure would. If you had written an article, posted a blog, finished all your projects and got all your work done, would you feel like praying? Yes, Lord, I sure would. If you witnessed to your next door neighbor instead of complaining about him and had won him to me, would you feel more like praying today? Then, you would have been praying in your own name and not mine. ***** ***** ***** "My soul, wait thou only upon God" (Ps. 62:5) "Did it ev...

To upgrade your god, click here . Watch Oprah respond to an evangelical on Jesus as the only way to God here .

this morning as i woke up, in that gray foggy place where the eyes are still not open and one is still able to locate his slippers, i had this profound thought: in the same way the sun rises in each morning, so God makes his flaming spirit rise on those who wait for Him. dwelling on that imagery for a few minutes, i successfully and safely gained access to the shower in my somnatic state without scalding or freezing myself, then had another profound thought: what did Ezekiel see? What were those confounded wheels? And images like this came to mind--was Ezekiel having a vision of God through space, without a telescope, as it were? Here are some galaxies taken by Hubble. And what about some of our planets, as Uranus and Saturn (infra red)?

Psalm 131: A Song of degrees of David. This psalm contains, (1.) David's candid profession of his contentment with his lot, ver. 1-2. (2.) His warm encouragement of others to a constant dependence on God, ver. 3. While I sing it, let me be ashamed of my pride, and of meddling with things above my sphere. Let me desire humility, as my great ornament, in every station; and study, like a child of God, weaned from worldly lusts, to set all my hope on God himself. 1 My heart not haughty is, O Lord, mine eyes not lofty be; Nor do I deal in matters great, or things too high for me. 2 I surely have myself behav'd with quiet sp'rit and mild, As child of mother wean'd: my soul is like a weaned child. 3 Upon the Lord let all the hope of Israel rely, Ev'n from the time that present is unto eternity. (from: "The Psalms of David in Metre with Notes" by John Brown (1722-1787) of Haddington.)

The Masque Returns--and Jim Carrey ain't in it, nor his little dog, either. As the Schaivo case gets kicked under the table, and copy-cat cases are springing up, I could not help but remember this quote: "With the death of abolutes, the prospects are grim for any lover of justice, freedom and order. Western culture will lurch drunkenly between chaotic lawlessness and countering authoritarianism, in which some particularly abysmal vacuum of confidence could finally issue in a supreme dictatorship, mocking Western aspirations for democracy as ineffective and demonstrating the strong alliance between technology and the state. Until then, violence--blood brother of such a totalitarianism--will play its fateful part, naked or disguised, in an inevitable power struggle on all levels." Os Guiness, "The Dust of Death" (1973)

ελεήμων , adjective: “to being concerned about people in their need.” [1] From ελεος, which means “kindness or concern expressed for someone in need, mercy, compassion, pity, clemency” [2] This word is used many times to describe the attitudes of God in the Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures. One specific usage is seen when God passes by in His glory, that no man can see—rather he heard it! “Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” [3] The glory of God contains mercy (compassion)! “He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate.” (Psalm 111:4, NASB) Philo of Alexandria use...

When I think of all the Terri Schaivo case brought into our lives, my stomach still churns out of disgust for the event in and of itself. I qeaze at the reactions of many in the Christian community as it relates to the discussions that stem from the incident, discovering a wide range of opinion where there should be one, to the glory of God. Comments range from “we should repent because of our lack of involvement” to “we should distance ourselves because as Christians we are to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good.” One has suggested that the Christian should not get fired up and excited, diverting time and resources to secular issues like the Schindler-Shaivo case, “after all”, they say, “the way of the treacherous is hard.” ( Prov. 13:15 ). No matter what side one takes, the Terri Shaivo case was tragedy; but, would it matter if this was a case that fell in the realm of the sacred, and is not in the realm of the secular, as many people may think? Was this a federal matter for...

A great weight has been placed on me lately, one not asked or sought for, but one designed for God's glory and my growth. For the past month or so a good friend and I have not been seeing eye-to-eye. As we talk, our conversations lately have reached points of misunderstanding and this has been getting frustrating. Comments lately make me feel as if I were a personal project that he now cannot control or fix, so he will "steward his time" somewhere else. I want resolution and peace because I feel used and betrayed. I've been dealing with a onslaught of thoughts and temptations concerning this and I've come to these few conclusions so far: 1) I've done nothing wrong and neither has he--there is deception in the way; 2) I am not wrong to have an opinion and neither is he--there is the issue of personal conviction on how one acts and reacts based on what is known, not assumed; 3) "Love covers a multitude of sins and overlooks many offenses." (Prov. 10:12...

To a friend who differs in opinion: ********** "The Invitation" It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing. It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive. It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it. I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human. It doesn't inter...

Today in chapel on the campus of Columbia International University , we had what was perhaps one of the best chapels many of us can remember. Beginning with a multimedia presentation summarizing the life and circumstances surrounding Terri Shiavo, we listened to Switchfoot perform “On Fire.” Dr. Dixon moderated a panel discussion on topics related to Terri Schaivo and how we apply this to our current life and ministry situation. The panel included Dr. Baarendse (SB), Dr. Larkin (WL), Dr. Shiffman (SS), Dr. Crutchfield (JC) and Mr. Janosik . What follows are my notes from the Chapel Panel Discussion: 1. “How should Christians think about current events? Should we stay current?” (LD) Lk 13:1-5 shows us how Jesus was “up” on the issues. (SS) We must meaningfully engage the culture, we cannot be ignorant. We must be concerned with issues, but not consumed by them. Beware of becoming issues-oriented and not Christ-oriented. Beware of losing the peace and joy of living the abundant life...

by Mark Hartwig Editor's Note: On the day of Terri Schiavo’s tragic death, the pundits are writing about what they think is the moral of the story: make sure you have your “end-of-life wishes” in writing. But they’re missing the point. The real moral requires far more insight, maturity, responsibility and faith: be sure of whom you marry. Dear Janelle, These last few months have troubled me deeply. And I have a request that I hope you'll have the courage and strength to honor: If I ever become like Terri Schiavo, please don't put me through what she has endured. ( link ) ************* Honey, I share this man's feelings exactly. "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder . . . till death do us part."

by Michael J. Gaynor MichNews.com Mar 27, 2005 Especially for ladies eager to enhance their physical beauty: Yesterday George Felos, Michael Schiavo's "right-to-die" lawyer and a self-described "agent of God," suggested a way to enhance your physical beauty. ( link ) ********** Why does this scenario look so familar?

Richie and wife Char Hicks were Wycliffe Translators in the district (country...might as well say jungle) of Guyana, near the Brazilian border. First word came thru Wycliff Translators prayer dept: "U.S. missionaries suspected murdered in Rupununi" POLICE yesterday said they are investigating the suspected murder of an American missionary couple in the central Rupununi. A police statement identified the couple as Richard and Charlene Hicks. Police said the woman's battered body was found outside a burnt-out building in which the charred remains of her husband were discovered. Robbery did not appear to be the motive of the apparent double killing which has shocked the Lethem community where they were known. A source said the husband usually wore an expensive Seiko wristwatch which was found on his remains yesterday morning. Police said they died at about 22:00 h Wednesday. The wife was beaten on the head and body and her corpse was found several yards from the burnt-out sm...

(indulge me on this one, ok?) Dying With Courage A personal tribute to Tom Brazaitis, a husband who endured his final days with a clarity of mind and spirit. WEB-EXCLUSIVE COMMENTARY By Eleanor Clift Contributing Editor Newsweek Updated: 11:51 a.m. ET April 1, 2005 April 1 - While the country watched Terri Schiavo, I watched my husband. He was in a hospital bed in our living room battling the ravages of kidney cancer that had spread to his bones and his brain. As I wrote about and commented on the Schiavo situation, I kept quiet about the end of life process I was overseeing in our home for the person I have been closest to for more than 20 years. ( link )