Head-dibs

The Gospel is more than a key that opens the front doo r. A pastor reflects on why he does not answer the back door . How are those resolutions going (now that we are at the end of January)? Here are " 6 Ways to Make Your Resolutions Last Past January ." What time is it in Antarctica ? A tribute to sound engineers everywhere.

Continuing my personal study of the life of Moses, I came across that famous moment of hesitation when he asks God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and that I would bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Interesting question. First, the question sounds philosophical, “Who am I?” Moses is an older man now, so is he really wrestling with identity? Is this mid-life crises? Perhaps there may be some allowance for this, and it may be permissible if it were not an excuse to obey God. You know, “Ok God, I worship you and all, but if you really want me to do something, I’ll be over here trying to figure out who I am.” God does not play the “I AM” game because He knows who you are and that’s enough for Him. Since He is the great “I AM,” who do you think you have to be to obey Him? The only way to answer what seems like a philosophical problem is to return to the creator who says to the one He calls, “you are not alone.” Second, the phrase, “who am I” is connected to two

Stumbled across this book and just had to read it. “ Be Intolerant Because Some Things Are Just Stupid ” by Ryan Dobson is an older book (Multnomah, 2003) that can be read in one sitting, but the premise is worth a lifetime of consideration. It’s up to you. This is actually a simple definition of moral relativism, a worldview that, when taken to its logical conclusion, is actually quite illogical and self-defeating. Moral relativism mixes well with nothing. Many don’t like to use the term “moral relativism” but can be heard to refer to “tolerance,” which is “the virtue of those who believe nothing.” (p. 36). The first chapter identifies the problem raging at epidemic proportions, making the point that “tolerance” is a TUMOR and should be addressed, even removed as if with radical surgery. The TUMOR looks like this: we live in a culture where good feelings rule, so do what you want as long as nobody gets hurt; however, whatever you do, be untraditional even if it means someone gets o

Celebrate, Ents everywhere! You know how it is--you just get all settled in, snug under the covers, sound asleep then the next thing you know, the alarm clock goes off. Just five more minutes. Just five more minutes. Just five more minutes, etc. The past few weeks have been unseasonably warm here and I can’t help but wonder if the trees have been thinking, “Really? Already? Just five more weeks.” Trees don’t have snooze alarms. Or do they . . .  ? Today marks the new year for trees, so if Ents celebrate, they do it slowly today. Actually, Tu B’shevat is the Jewish observance of this kind of new year, recognizing that trees begin waking from their winter naps and start blooming for fruit-bearing. Produce growers in the Holy Land separate out tithes from everything grown and the day is observed by eating fruit, specifically of the “seven kinds” described in the Torah (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates). Four thoughts and one question from God's unchanging W

Today is a popular holiday in Russia (i.e., not an official public holiday) and is celebrated two different ways depending on who you ask; or more precisely, on which party you attend. This is “Student’s Day” or “St. Tatiana’s Day” and no matter how one observes the day (or with whom), the feast remembering a christian martyr is oddly coupled with a landmark in education. Think of the day as the last day of finals exams (that is probably enough to explain the reason to party). Students in the Universities have been taking exams since the first of the year, and now they are done! Interestingly, the day falls on the birthday of the University of Moscow, so toss that into the mix. This is the largest and oldest educational center in the country, founded in 1755. The celebrations actually started as “The Day of Moscow University,” a simple acknowledgement that education was accessible to all countrymen. Years later, the Russian Orthodox Church built the Church of Saint Tatiana on the camp

The insignia of the Royal New Zealand Air Force is the kiwi, a flightless bird (ht: Futility Closet). Jus' sayin'. Israel to open museum exhibit on King Herod (ht: BiblePlaces Blog) Oh, the math and language of scripture ! It helps if you speak the language. Work out and tone with a towel ! Just remember: I'm-a Wario! Ha-hahaha!

How do you know you are "doing it right" as a leader? One way to tell is look at other leaders, such as Paul. Have you ever wondered what happened to all those churches Paul planted? Whatever became of the churches Paul wrote, such as the Corinthian church? They had so many problems. We read in 1 Corinthians the church: was divisive (chapters 1-4); had misunderstandings regarding Paul’s ministry (chapter 4); fornication was occurring (chapter 5); believers were suing one another in court (Chapter 6); sexual immorality was rampant (chapter 6); there were marital issues (chapter 7); questions about Christian liberty and idolatry (chapters 8-10); The Lord’s Supper was out of control (chapter 11) and finally, doctrinal mis-understandings needed clarification (chapter 12). So what was the outcome?Whatever happened with the Corinthians church? Well, there is another letter, a 2 Corinthians. Maybe we can find out what happened since the first letter. Here we find Paul appealing t

Yes, it’s Grandparent’s Day! Actually, in the United States we’ve been celebrating Grandparent’s Day since 1978-- in September --but it’s not September, is it? It’s January. Well, just as we have “Mother’s Day” in May and “Father’s Day” in June here in America, Poland reserves Monday January 21 for “Grandma’s Day” ( Dzień Babci) and Tuesday January 22 is “Grandpa’s Day” ( Dzień Dziadka)! I like this idea of having these days to ourselves because my wife is both “Mom” and “Nana.” I am both “Dad” and a “Papa!” We are sort of a “Version 1.0” to our 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5. Then there is our little 3.0 that makes us Grandparents. One feature that stands out about this observance is how many countries intentionally set aside a day to honor Grandparents. This is a day to appreciate culture and heritage: where we come from, who we come from, what they did. I recall many years ago when in Junior High School I interviewed my grandfather by phone, recording our conversation and writing

I am writing this as one who grew up in the time and place of change. I was a part of all that was happening, but was too young to fully understand what was happening. Here at the start, I want to acknowledge my gratitude to Mrs. Williams, an African-American teacher at my Elementary School who guided children like me through the transitions (and it is with great joy I have always called her MRS. Williams). I loved Mrs. Williams then and she still holds a special place in my heart because of how she took care of us in those times. When I moved, I cried and I kissed her. She is the first woman (relatives excluded) I ever kissed. The significance of what was happening is partially due my age and partially because of, let’s just call them “life adventures.” I was entering Fifth grade and already had enough life adventures to keep me distracted enough to understand. The school district was moving all Fifth-graders from all over the district to open a charter school. The most important fea

The Epiphany season in Russia includes “Jesus’ Baptism Day.” The English-Russia website is one of many that include a brief explanation of how the day is observed with the following paragraph (it is copied so frequently I can’t take the time to find the origin), plus a gallery of photos highlighting the icy conditions: “In Russia there are few traditions for a Jesus Baptism Day. This day is celebrated in 19th of January and the night before the main tradition is going bathing in some natural source of water. So at this day usually the local rivers and lakes are full of the people wishing to commit this ritual, not minding the temperature of the air and of the water, which is usually just a half degree up from the freezing point at this time of year. Also, many people in Russian believe that the water being picked up at Baptism Day has some sort of magic. It can be kept next 365 days without getting any smell or become rotten. So many collect the water at that night and keep it at hom

I recently read a short article written by Sarah Sumner, PhD, professor of Theology and ministry at Haggard School of Theology at Asuza Pacific University. The article begins: “The word theology literally means “the study of God.” But if you think about it, no one can study God per se. We can study God’s words. We can study God’s actions. But we can’t study God himself [sic]. All we can study is God’s revelation of himself. So a better definition of theology would be ‘the study of the revelation of God.’” She goes on to say that God is personally known despite our inability to study Him: we pray and hear, we praise, interact with His Spirit, are even comforted by Him--”we would never know him if he did not reveal himself to us.” Initially, Sumner correctly defines the word theology in its literal sense; however, she suggests further thought on the matter, concluding that God alone cannot be studied. We can only study the evidence He gives of Himself through general (or natural) revel

Bathroom graffiti  that makes a difference . President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill granting lifetime Secret Service protection to former presidents and their wives. What is the preferred tool of protection, one wonders? Millions of Hindus try to wash their sins away . H.P. Lovecraft's advice to writers: read the KJV This is what it really looks like to travel at light speed. The response starting at 2:36 is my fave:

Three books side by side by side on my bookshelf, making a powerful statement in a poetic fashion: Christ and Culture Christ and the Modern Mind A World of Difference Yes, He Does!

Enjoyed a wonderful evening at the SC Philharmonic the other evening thanks to some wonderful friends. This concert was part of the Master Works Series, "Beethoven and Blue Jeans," a very relaxed evening of music in comfortable duds. Very impressed with this orchestra and the conductor is outstanding. I hope to hear more!

Japan observes the 成人の日 , “Coming of Age Day” or “Adult Day” this time each year for every person who turns the age of 20. This is the formal day responsible citizenship begins and is a much different celebration than “Boys Day” (when boys turn 15) and “Girls Day” (when girls turn 13). I recall my first Boy’s Day celebration because this was a day I felt included. I had a Japanese friend I often visited and though I did not know his family well, they opened their home and introduced their culture to me. I wore so many various traditional clothes and we enjoyed our favorite TV shows together. Boy’s Day was the day I was made much of because I was a young man coming of age. This was also the day I learned how much I enjoy eating seaweed and confirmed my distaste for ants--no amount of chocolate covering is of any help, believe me. Two thoughts come to mind this day, the first being that Jesus was born and grew in the eyes of men and God. He was a man of time and space who, like any oth

The death of The Prophet Muhammad is not a celebratory event for Muslims; however, the anniversary of his death reminds Muslims to reflect on the teachings of Islam. There is much discrepancy regarding the death of The Prophet. The first part of the difficulty is “when” and the problem stems from the calendar itself. Did The Prophet die in January or June? We use a much different calendar system than Ancient Middle Eastern world, so it is difficult to say whether The Prophet died in June or January. Compounding the difficulty concerns the fact that days were often recorded and recalled in a different manner than we would. For example, a “springtime” day does not necessarily mean a day between what we know as March, April or May. Those of us who live in the South know first-hand that temperatures can reach the 70’s in the middle of December, a “springtime” day. Some holding to a June demise of Muhammed often refer to the day being a warm day, but this does not mean the day fell in warm

How To Start A Pastoral Training Program In Your Church Fitness Goals and the New Year. Five Things No One Ever Tells You About Working Out. 17 Things Your Flight Attendant Will Never Tell You. In 1891, while debating "the old, old question whether women's dress is or is not sensible," the members of a Brooklyn amateur dramatic company decided to try an experimen t. I'm jus' sayin . . .

Reading through Acts 7:17-29, a few thoughts come to mind. First, our present time and national circumstance is not very much unlike those of Moses’ day. National leadership is highly controversial, operating with a kind of amnesia regarding how we came to be a nation and the great men and women who got us this far. Notable leaders are not merely forgotten how they went about doing those things that made them great. There is a great reversal from the “how” (the blood, the prayers, the sweat, the tears) to the “who”, those who use immoral and unethical means to accomplish personal agenda. The Church exists in context. We are “the called out ones” within a nation of not remembering. More on this momentarily. Second, the pragmatism that drives our national direction includes atrocities such as the exposure of our children. Just as Pharaoh killed the children of Egypt, we too are a culture of infant death. Abortion has been killing children for years and presently there is great debate co

We jumped in the car late one night before New Years and got all jacked up on caffeine at this great little coffee shop downtown called "Cool Beans." This two-story house was originally built in 1901 and it is most recently occupied by this great little college coffee shop. Johnny wants to know why the Grandma tree changed her hair . . .

Today is Cambodian “Victory over Genocide Day,” or “Victory Day” (shortened). This is not a day of celebration, nor is it fully observed nationally. January 7, 1979 was the day Vietnamese troops entered Cambodia ending four years of bloodshed and the start of Cambodian dependence on Vietnam. This is a day of mixed emotions, depending on the perspective of those involved. This marks a day of transition and can be difficult to explain. This day caused me to reflect on significant questions regarding what we are to do with the past, perhaps even a past that is difficult to explain. How do we press on in victory without the feeling that we have been defeated? Recognize that one’s personal past has a significant influence on the development of life but a person is not a helpless victim whose manner of life is determined by his past. One is able to creatively interact with and interpret past events and incorporate his interpretation into his manner of life; however, one does not decons

This is the weekend we observe Epiphany, the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. Sunday (Epiphany Sunday) is the Swedish holiday called the "13th Day of Christmas." What did your true love give on that day? We would be correct to recall the visit of the Magi. I like the common picture that comes to mind when we think of “epiphany.” This is when that little light bulb goes on, you know, the one above our heads when we have an idea. When we get it--but what are we to "get?" A few short weeks ago as our pastor was preparing to deliver our Christmas message , a small child’s voice lifted above the congregation, “do you know what Christmas is about? It’s about Jesus, the light of the world.” All we could do was applaud our Amen. The child shared Epiphany perfectly. The child reminded us that the light turning on is more than a feeling, more than a concept, a realization. Epiphany the is singular reality of God touching all mankind in the person of Christ. He is th

Curious to know if anyone missed "Randoms" being posted on a different day this week? Erwin Lutzer offers some helpful instruction on how NOT to read your Bibl e in 2013. A statistical snapshot of 2012 . Here's a list of stuff that got banned in 2012 . Some things should be banned, but others . . . ? InfoWars suggests " 16 Things about 2013 That Are Really Going to Stink ." Let's check back periodically to see if they are right. Wikipedia says " Acetylcholinesterase , also known as AChE;or acetylhydrolase, is a serine protease that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitteracetylcholine. AChE is found at mainly neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic brain synapses, where its activity serves to terminatesynaptic transmission. It belongs to carboxylesterase family of enzymes."  I just think it's a party waiting to happen.

Ok, I had to look this one up, but that’s ok because I learned something today that I did not know yesterday. Today is an holiday called, “Arbaeen of Imam Hussain.” “Arba’een” means “forty,” marking 40 days after the death of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala. 40 days is the time of mourning in Islam. This time is used to observe the establishment of justice and taking a stand against injustice, though interpretations of these details are disputed. Some observe peacefully, while others protest even with terrorism. Regardless, the Arba’een has been observed for centuries by walking to the tomb of Imam Hussain (with the exception of the 30 year ban of the holiday under the rule of Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq). Significant eternal promises are attached to this journey: One may think of this a kind of New Year’s observance, as 40 days is more than enough time to establish a habit, a lifestyle change. This is a day to do something di

New Zealanders have a really cool name for today, which in some countries (like Scotland) observe as a “bank holiday.” Today is “Day After New Year’s Day!” The day is so cool I wonder why I'm not wearing a bow-tie, or a fez. Might start a new tradition here . . . hmmmm. There are many ideas out there as to how this day came about, many of which include the word “hangover.” I trust you don’t have one, though it is a fact that hangovers are the result of sleeplessness more than alcohol. Regardless, those of us who live on smaller islands off the coast of New Zealand are back to work today. You remember work don’t you? New Zealanders may have something for us, though. Today is the next day. We are not promised a “next day,” but here it is. We should be thankful to our Creator for this day. He made it, so rejoice in it!  Now, where's my bow-tie?