Today in church, the message was on Mark 9:38-50. The pastor started out with talking about favorite verses in the Bible. He asked us to think of ours and mentioned a few of his. One of those was John 11:35. In 4th grade when he was assigned to memorize his favorite bible for Sunday school. Being a smart man, he quickly decided that John 11:35 was his favorite. He wrapped it up by saying that no one's favorite verse is Mark 9:44. I quickly glanced at my Bible to see what verse 44 was. Well, that is when I found that there was no verse 44, it goes straight from 43 to 45 to 47. The pastor then said that no one he has met has said that they liked the verse saying to cut off your hand if it causes you to sin. Turns out that that is verse 43, not 44. The footnotes of my Bible say that verse 44 and 46, which are the same as 48, are included in some ancient manuscripts, but not in modern translations. I tried explaining to the pastor after the service that verse 44 wasn't in the Bible, but he was just expecting a hand shake and a good morning and was confused by my comments.
So the pastor was right, no one's favorite verse is Mark 9:44, but not because it talks about cutting off your hand, but because it isn't in the Bible.
I'll add this to my favorite bloopers in church that I have witnessed, most of which were caused by me.
Other great bloopers include:
#1) Forgiving Jesus of his sins
In church, the congregational prayer was printed in the bulletin. The pastor was leading it and as a congregation, we said "Jesus, your sins are forgiven." I mentioned it to my grandma who didn't notice who mentioned it to the pastor who also hadn't noticed.
#2) I read the wrong scripture in church
In my church growing up, one Sunday a month, the youth read the scripture. Since I was the only youth who went to the early service, I was the one who read it once a month on behalf of the youth. Sometimes someone told me I was reading, usually I just showed up at church and saw my name in the bulletin. One Sunday I arrived at church, saw my name in the bulletin, and looked up the scripture. I do not remember what the Sunday was, but it was a specific Sunday that would have used specific scripture. I noticed that the scripture listed was not for the Sunday and was probably a chapter off. I told my grandma that I was going to ask the pastor if it was the next chapter that was too be read. She said that the pastor knew what he was preaching on and choose the specific verses for a reason. Very well, don't argue with grandma. I get up, read the scripture, then sit down. The pastor begins saying "Thanks for reading, however we had a typo in the bulletin and it should be the next chapter."
#3) I edit the morning Scripture
Another morning, I arrived, saw my name, grabbed the Bible, and headed up to read. Standing in front of the microphone, I begin, "He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and," I looked at the next word. Joses. I mutter to myself "whoa that's a weird word," jerking my head back as I remembered there was a microphone in front of me. I glance at the pastor sitting next to me. Should I asked them for pronunciation help? I look back to the audience. Does it rhyme with Moses? Is the J silent in Hebrew? Lots of questions! I decided to just skip over that word and move on to an easy name, Simon. Luckily my hesitation was quick enough that no one noticed.
#4) False start on the Lord's Supper
One Sunday I was at a church I had been attending for a while. By chance, I hadn't taken communion before in the church. While I was walking in, I was asked if I would help distribute the elements. Sure, this can't be hard. When it came time, I succeeded in passing out the elements and placed the plate back on the cart at the back of the sanctuary, grabbed my bread and wine. Partook, then sat down. The pastor then said "As we join together in the bread, are we not united in Christ? Let us now take the bread together." Opps! My bad...
#5) Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
When I first went to college, I decided that I should expand my vocabulary. To show off my collegiate vocabulary, I would use big words, even if they didn't fit into the situation. One night at Bible study, we were studying the Holy Spirit and I said "Jesus said he was going to send us the adversary." I got in my big word! Yes! The Bible study leader said "what?" I repeated eruditely, "Jesus said he was going to send us the adversary." "I think you might want to look that one up." Turns out the appropriate word was advocate, not adversary. Isn't blasphemy of the Holy Spirit the unpardonable sin? Ekk!
It is a good thing we have eternity to get this right!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Day at the Museum
Today I went to downtown Pensacola. One of the places I went to was the TT Wentworth Museum.
Museums are extremely important. They teach us things that our teachers refused to teach us in school. Take today, I learned about the curious case of Charlotte May Pierstorff. Pierstorff holds the distinction of being the only person to have been mailed via the US Postal Service.
In 1914, she wanted to visit her grandparents who lived 75 miles away on the otherside of some mountains in Idaho. Her parents couldn't afford a train ticket, so they instead bought some postage stamps. She was under the weight limit for parcel post, so the USPS mailed her. She rode the baggage car on the train to her grandparents' town. Upon arriving to the town, the mailman delivered her. Shortly after, the Postmaster General banned the mailing of humans.
Why did my teachers deprive me of such essential knowledge???
Museums are extremely important. They teach us things that our teachers refused to teach us in school. Take today, I learned about the curious case of Charlotte May Pierstorff. Pierstorff holds the distinction of being the only person to have been mailed via the US Postal Service.
In 1914, she wanted to visit her grandparents who lived 75 miles away on the otherside of some mountains in Idaho. Her parents couldn't afford a train ticket, so they instead bought some postage stamps. She was under the weight limit for parcel post, so the USPS mailed her. She rode the baggage car on the train to her grandparents' town. Upon arriving to the town, the mailman delivered her. Shortly after, the Postmaster General banned the mailing of humans.
Why did my teachers deprive me of such essential knowledge???
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
How do you make a teacher?
Yesterday a guy in a class I am in said I looked like a teacher. Well, there is a good reason for that, I am a teacher. I have a teaching license and have experience in teaching. I know the struggles and joys of being a teacher, because I have been there. I know the theories and models of teaching and various situations in which they are appropriate because I have studied them and used them in a practical setting. When I am sitting in classes, I often wonder on how to make them better by changing the presentation or the curriculum. How the assessments designed or gauging the level of teacher-student interaction. What does it take the make a teacher?
A teacher must know their subject. You cannot teach if you do not know. But they must be more than just a subject matter expert. It is not enough for the teacher to just know the material for their job is not to know but to teach.
The teacher must also understand the student. They must know their life desires. What motivates them. What their life is like and how their situation affects their learning. What expectations they have. What they already know. What they have learned. You must know the student to teach him.
A teacher must understand how to teach. They have the information that the student needs, but they must find how to deliver the material to the student in a practical and successful manner. They must know when to push the student and when to pull the student. When to teach the student and when to let the student learn. When to encourage the student and when to walk away from the student.
The teacher must care about the student. They must have a desires to see the student succeed. They must want the student to learn. They are to be an example, a role model for the student. Someone to be respected and someone who respects. Someone who will defend the integrity of the student.
A teacher cannot be a book. A teacher is alive and interacts with the student. A teacher is more than just someone with a inflection in their voice. It is the most noblest of professions and must be approached as such.
A teacher must know their subject. You cannot teach if you do not know. But they must be more than just a subject matter expert. It is not enough for the teacher to just know the material for their job is not to know but to teach.
The teacher must also understand the student. They must know their life desires. What motivates them. What their life is like and how their situation affects their learning. What expectations they have. What they already know. What they have learned. You must know the student to teach him.
A teacher must understand how to teach. They have the information that the student needs, but they must find how to deliver the material to the student in a practical and successful manner. They must know when to push the student and when to pull the student. When to teach the student and when to let the student learn. When to encourage the student and when to walk away from the student.
The teacher must care about the student. They must have a desires to see the student succeed. They must want the student to learn. They are to be an example, a role model for the student. Someone to be respected and someone who respects. Someone who will defend the integrity of the student.
A teacher cannot be a book. A teacher is alive and interacts with the student. A teacher is more than just someone with a inflection in their voice. It is the most noblest of professions and must be approached as such.
Monday, September 7, 2009
I do my part, you do the rest
The other day in bible study, we were talking about sharing the gospel with others. Some people felt that the best they could do was to invite others to church and let the pastor do the rest. Sometimes this is a viable option, just bringing someone to church can be enough to get them started on the path to Christ or connected to a new church. However, we cannot expect the pastor to do all the work! Jesus said for us to go to the ends of the world and make disciples of Him, not to go and get other people to do the work. We do work together and there is certainly nothing wrong with bringing people to church, but are you prepared to do more if necessary? Peter tells us "Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you for a reason regarding the hope that is in you, yet answer with gentleness and reverence." Are you ready to do more than just bring them to someone else?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
It is just a name, right?
I have been talking to some friends about the concept of dating. I do not like the idea of dating. To me, it just seems like that you are putting on a false front to try to impress the other person. My friends disagreed and in the course of our discussion, I figured out something about dating that I am against. I think this is why I have been against dating. To me, dating implies a commitment to the other person, albeit a low level commitment. I would not be able to make that commitment to a person that I barely knew. Perhaps it isn't dating that bothers me, but making the commitment to a person that I do not know. Before I dated someone, I would want to know them first. Is this something that I am actually doing different than others, or am I just changing the name dating to friendship?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What do you want?
What do you want in life? What do you want from your job? Do you want money? A sense of accomplishment? To be recognized? What do you want from relationships? Do you want to have a lot of friends? Do you want to have a few close friends? Do you want to date? What do you want out of your free time? Do you want to relax? Do you want to do hobbies? Do you want to spend time with others? Do you want to just make it last? What do you want?
I don't really know what I want. I could tell you what I want, but do I live that way? I could tell you from my job I want to have enough to live, but I take home much more than I need to live and still manage to spend it. I could tell you in my free time I want to be outdoors, read, and write. But I do not spend the majority of my free time doing these things. I could tell you in my relationships I want to have a few close friends. And I do. But I could also tell you that I do not want to date, but have and some of those close friends would say that I do want to date.
Maybe I should figure out what I want. Right now, I want a cup of coffee so I can sit outside and read.
I don't really know what I want. I could tell you what I want, but do I live that way? I could tell you from my job I want to have enough to live, but I take home much more than I need to live and still manage to spend it. I could tell you in my free time I want to be outdoors, read, and write. But I do not spend the majority of my free time doing these things. I could tell you in my relationships I want to have a few close friends. And I do. But I could also tell you that I do not want to date, but have and some of those close friends would say that I do want to date.
Maybe I should figure out what I want. Right now, I want a cup of coffee so I can sit outside and read.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Simplicity
I've been attending a Sunday school class the past few weeks that I have really enjoyed. The people in the class are senior to me by 20-50 years, but they have accepted me and made me feel welcome.
We have been studying the book of 1st John. John often writes in the book that if you are of God, you will love others. If you do not love others, you are not of God. One of the questions raised in the class by a member was if one can know for sure if they are saved. That I believe in Jesus but I still do some really bad things so I am not sure if I am saved.
I went to the coffee shop that afternoon and thought about the question. I wrote some ideas about how to know if you are saved along with scripture justification.
First, can we know if we are saved? Yes (1 John 5:13)
So how can we know? Well, I jotted down a short test.
1. Do you believe? (John 3:16)
2. Are you striving to not sin? (Romans 6:1-14)
3. Do you live by God's word? (1 John 2:3)
4. Do you strive to do good? (James 1:26 - 27, James 2: 14-26, 1 John 2: 5b-6)
5. Are you producing fruit? (Galatians 5: 16-24)
If you can answer yes to these questions, then you are saved
A few weeks ago, in the post post was Chaos in the Church!, I wrote about a sermon I heard. Part of the sermon dealt with knowing if you are saved. The pastor kept it simple. Do you believe in Jesus? Then you are saved.
I think the pastor is correct in his simplicity. I think my original test maybe a little too long. A better test would be:
Did you know God loves you? Do you believe in Jesus? Yes? Great, you are saved, Now go and Love.
We have been studying the book of 1st John. John often writes in the book that if you are of God, you will love others. If you do not love others, you are not of God. One of the questions raised in the class by a member was if one can know for sure if they are saved. That I believe in Jesus but I still do some really bad things so I am not sure if I am saved.
I went to the coffee shop that afternoon and thought about the question. I wrote some ideas about how to know if you are saved along with scripture justification.
First, can we know if we are saved? Yes (1 John 5:13)
So how can we know? Well, I jotted down a short test.
1. Do you believe? (John 3:16)
2. Are you striving to not sin? (Romans 6:1-14)
3. Do you live by God's word? (1 John 2:3)
4. Do you strive to do good? (James 1:26 - 27, James 2: 14-26, 1 John 2: 5b-6)
5. Are you producing fruit? (Galatians 5: 16-24)
If you can answer yes to these questions, then you are saved
A few weeks ago, in the post post was Chaos in the Church!, I wrote about a sermon I heard. Part of the sermon dealt with knowing if you are saved. The pastor kept it simple. Do you believe in Jesus? Then you are saved.
I think the pastor is correct in his simplicity. I think my original test maybe a little too long. A better test would be:
Did you know God loves you? Do you believe in Jesus? Yes? Great, you are saved, Now go and Love.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Back in the Saddle
It has been a few weeks since I have been hiking. Yesterday I got back in the swing of it by hiking at Mistletoe State Park. I hiked the Cliatt Creek Trail and the Rock Dam Trail.
I found the trails in the book Hiking Georgia by Donald W. Pfitzer.
I arrived at the park and paid my $5 entrance fee. I then parked in the parking lot immediately by the fee station where the trailhead is.
The Cliatt Creek trail is marked by white blazes. It is a two mile loop with 18 natural trail markers. They are described by the nature guide available at the trail head.
The trail is in a second growth forest. The original forest was cut down for logging and farming.
The Cliatt Creek trail.
The pines are loblolly pines.
An American Holly.
An Eastern Red Cedar.
The trail is connected to the Rock Dam Trail, which is a 5.5 mile loop trail. They meet up by the Cliatt Creek.
The Rock Dam Trail is marked by blue blazes
Continuing on the Rock Dam Trail, I came to a junction.
I first went to the left and checkout the creek.
After wards I returned to the junction and continued to the right along the path. I ended up at another junction where both trails immediately dead end. Looking around, I realized that I hadn't seen any blazes in a while, even though I was on a trail. I did the most obvious thing and kept going. I made two sweeping arcs looking for the trail or blazes. After not finding anything, I did the right thing and went back down the trail the way I came until I found a blaze.
Returning to the junction, I found the blue blaze.
The trail crossed the creek continued. I kept an eye open for the blue blazes.
Later I came to another junction.
Luckily they clearly marked the posts.
I found a place by the creek and ate lunch. I packed a sandwich, carrots, and vanilla wafers.
After my lunch, I continued down the trail and 100 yards later, found a picnic table at the Rock Dam.
View below the rock dam.
In addition to the rocks at the rock dam, there were a lot of cool rocks along the trail.
I of course had to climb on the rock.
A large rock that split open.
Part of the trail went along the bottom of an eroded creek bed.
I found this awesome tree!
I thought it would be a great place to take a photo and took a bunch of different poses. I set the camera on a log and ran to get onto the branch.
I didn't make it the first time.
The Rock Dam Trail runs back into the Cliatt Creek trail.
Continuing on the Cliatt Creek trail, I came across this interesting scene.
The trail ended behind the office, just across the street from the trailhead.
There were a lot of fungi growing along the trail.
There was also a lot of fauna on the trail. In addition to the following animals, I also saw some deer.
I look forward to returning.
I found the trails in the book Hiking Georgia by Donald W. Pfitzer.
I arrived at the park and paid my $5 entrance fee. I then parked in the parking lot immediately by the fee station where the trailhead is.
The Cliatt Creek trail is marked by white blazes. It is a two mile loop with 18 natural trail markers. They are described by the nature guide available at the trail head.
The trail is in a second growth forest. The original forest was cut down for logging and farming.
The Cliatt Creek trail.
The pines are loblolly pines.
An American Holly.
An Eastern Red Cedar.
The trail is connected to the Rock Dam Trail, which is a 5.5 mile loop trail. They meet up by the Cliatt Creek.
The Rock Dam Trail is marked by blue blazes
Continuing on the Rock Dam Trail, I came to a junction.
I first went to the left and checkout the creek.
After wards I returned to the junction and continued to the right along the path. I ended up at another junction where both trails immediately dead end. Looking around, I realized that I hadn't seen any blazes in a while, even though I was on a trail. I did the most obvious thing and kept going. I made two sweeping arcs looking for the trail or blazes. After not finding anything, I did the right thing and went back down the trail the way I came until I found a blaze.
Returning to the junction, I found the blue blaze.
The trail crossed the creek continued. I kept an eye open for the blue blazes.
Later I came to another junction.
Luckily they clearly marked the posts.
I found a place by the creek and ate lunch. I packed a sandwich, carrots, and vanilla wafers.
After my lunch, I continued down the trail and 100 yards later, found a picnic table at the Rock Dam.
View below the rock dam.
In addition to the rocks at the rock dam, there were a lot of cool rocks along the trail.
I of course had to climb on the rock.
A large rock that split open.
Part of the trail went along the bottom of an eroded creek bed.
I found this awesome tree!
I thought it would be a great place to take a photo and took a bunch of different poses. I set the camera on a log and ran to get onto the branch.
I didn't make it the first time.
The Rock Dam Trail runs back into the Cliatt Creek trail.
Continuing on the Cliatt Creek trail, I came across this interesting scene.
The trail ended behind the office, just across the street from the trailhead.
There were a lot of fungi growing along the trail.
There was also a lot of fauna on the trail. In addition to the following animals, I also saw some deer.
I look forward to returning.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Feed the Cravings
I had a cup of coffee today for the first time in a few weeks. It wasn't anything special, just a 16 oz cup of regular black coffee. But when that caffeine hit my body, I could feel the buzz!
I read once that drinking coffee to stay awake only works if you do not regularly drink coffee because your body gets use to the caffeine. When your body is not use to hit, you have the kick like I got today. Regularly drinking caffeine will result in your body not reacting to it.
The obvious solution to this problem is to just keep drinking more coffee.
I read once that drinking coffee to stay awake only works if you do not regularly drink coffee because your body gets use to the caffeine. When your body is not use to hit, you have the kick like I got today. Regularly drinking caffeine will result in your body not reacting to it.
The obvious solution to this problem is to just keep drinking more coffee.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Great Expectations
I had planned to do all sorts of writing this week. However, I have done none. But I had the best of intentions!
Best Of Intentions- Travis Tritt
Best Of Intentions- Travis Tritt
Friday, August 7, 2009
Jam party
My roommate yesterday was listening to this song. It's quite catchy.
It's another song I don't understand. I think that is one of the signs of a well written song, that you can't understand the meaning.
It's another song I don't understand. I think that is one of the signs of a well written song, that you can't understand the meaning.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
She was right
Miss South Caroline famously said that she felt the reason why Americans couldn't find the US on a map was that the people didn't have maps. She might not be too far from wrong!
I recently had the following conversation with a bum in downtown Augusta.
Bum - Hey! You're not from around here are you?
Me - No, I'm from Texas.
Bum - Cool! What part?
Me - South Texas.
Bum - Nice! Near Dallas, eh?
Me - Umm...
He then talked about the glories of the bars in the town then...
Bum - Where were you from again?
Me - The gulf coast of Texas.
Bum - Oh! So you know where Wichita Falls is!
Me - Yeah, I do.
Bum - Where is it?
If only he had a map.
I recently had the following conversation with a bum in downtown Augusta.
Bum - Hey! You're not from around here are you?
Me - No, I'm from Texas.
Bum - Cool! What part?
Me - South Texas.
Bum - Nice! Near Dallas, eh?
Me - Umm...
He then talked about the glories of the bars in the town then...
Bum - Where were you from again?
Me - The gulf coast of Texas.
Bum - Oh! So you know where Wichita Falls is!
Me - Yeah, I do.
Bum - Where is it?
If only he had a map.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Devil Made Me Do It The First Time
Second time I did it on my own, go the words of Billy Joe Shaver's song The Devil Made me Do it.
At Sunday School this morning, we were discussing why we still sin as Christians. One of the people offered that sometimes, the devil makes us do things. After church, I did some research and disagree with the statement.
I do not believe that the devil makes us do things. I think we do the things that the devil wants us to. There is a difference.
First, let's look at who the devil is. Satan was an angel who fell from Heaven. Jesus tells us in Luke 10:18 that he saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. We are told in Ezekiel 28:12-28 that Satan was cast to Earth because of his sins. Ezekiel tells us that Satan was an angel who was blameless but later found wickedness in his heart. Since we know that Satan was present at the Fall of Adam and Eve, it stands to reason that this fall of Satan occurred before the Fall of man in the garden.
In the book of Job, Satan says that he walks the earth; however, we also see that he has presented himself before the Lord. So Satan can appear in Heaven even though he has been cast to Earth.
So what does Satan do? His very name means accuser, and Zechariah 3:1 tells us that. As Zechariah sees Joshua standing before an angel of the Lord, Satan is also there, accusing him. He tempts us. We find that even Jesus was tempted by Satan. Luke 4:1-13 documents this temptation in the wilderness. In the Garden of Eden, Satan tempts Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In the book of Job, Satan tempts Job to curse God. Something interesting in all these cases is that Satan uses the word of God to try and tempt us. He takes the words, twists them slightly out of context, to try and convince us that he is right and that we should sin. Paul writes about this in 2nd Corinthians, saying "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." Jesus demonstrates the proper defense against the temptation of Satan, and that is an understanding of the scriptures. When the Devil tries to tempt sin by using scripture, Jesus responds with scripture.
So we see that he accuses us and tempts us, but not that he makes us do things. The decision is still ours and God gives us what we need to flee from the temptations. We also see that the excuse that the devil made me do it does not work. In the garden, after Adam and Eve give in to temptation and eat of the forbidden fruit, God arrives. When questioned on why he sinned, Adam blamed Eve. When God asks Eve why she sinned, she blames it on the Devil. God does not accept the excuse and punishes all three, the Devil, Adam, and Eve.
So if the devil didn't make me do it, why do I still sin? A variety of reasons. Sometimes it is out of ignorance. Leviticus 4 explains how to attain for an unintentional sin. Sometimes we give into temptation. We see the devil attempting to get people to do this in the book of Job and in the temptation of Jesus. We see the devil being successful in tempting us in the fall of man. Our human nature, as a result of the fall, often makes it easy for us to sin. Paul tells us about this conflict in us in Romans 7. Often times we sin because we are not following God's word. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 119 that he treasures the word of God because it keeps away sin. Finally, we sin because we are not of God. Those who have not believed in Jesus live in sin.
The devil didn't make me do it, but he did his hardest to convince me that I should. We should remember to take responsibility for our actions, but also remember the power of Satan so we can avoid his temptations.
At Sunday School this morning, we were discussing why we still sin as Christians. One of the people offered that sometimes, the devil makes us do things. After church, I did some research and disagree with the statement.
I do not believe that the devil makes us do things. I think we do the things that the devil wants us to. There is a difference.
First, let's look at who the devil is. Satan was an angel who fell from Heaven. Jesus tells us in Luke 10:18 that he saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. We are told in Ezekiel 28:12-28 that Satan was cast to Earth because of his sins. Ezekiel tells us that Satan was an angel who was blameless but later found wickedness in his heart. Since we know that Satan was present at the Fall of Adam and Eve, it stands to reason that this fall of Satan occurred before the Fall of man in the garden.
In the book of Job, Satan says that he walks the earth; however, we also see that he has presented himself before the Lord. So Satan can appear in Heaven even though he has been cast to Earth.
So what does Satan do? His very name means accuser, and Zechariah 3:1 tells us that. As Zechariah sees Joshua standing before an angel of the Lord, Satan is also there, accusing him. He tempts us. We find that even Jesus was tempted by Satan. Luke 4:1-13 documents this temptation in the wilderness. In the Garden of Eden, Satan tempts Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In the book of Job, Satan tempts Job to curse God. Something interesting in all these cases is that Satan uses the word of God to try and tempt us. He takes the words, twists them slightly out of context, to try and convince us that he is right and that we should sin. Paul writes about this in 2nd Corinthians, saying "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." Jesus demonstrates the proper defense against the temptation of Satan, and that is an understanding of the scriptures. When the Devil tries to tempt sin by using scripture, Jesus responds with scripture.
So we see that he accuses us and tempts us, but not that he makes us do things. The decision is still ours and God gives us what we need to flee from the temptations. We also see that the excuse that the devil made me do it does not work. In the garden, after Adam and Eve give in to temptation and eat of the forbidden fruit, God arrives. When questioned on why he sinned, Adam blamed Eve. When God asks Eve why she sinned, she blames it on the Devil. God does not accept the excuse and punishes all three, the Devil, Adam, and Eve.
So if the devil didn't make me do it, why do I still sin? A variety of reasons. Sometimes it is out of ignorance. Leviticus 4 explains how to attain for an unintentional sin. Sometimes we give into temptation. We see the devil attempting to get people to do this in the book of Job and in the temptation of Jesus. We see the devil being successful in tempting us in the fall of man. Our human nature, as a result of the fall, often makes it easy for us to sin. Paul tells us about this conflict in us in Romans 7. Often times we sin because we are not following God's word. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 119 that he treasures the word of God because it keeps away sin. Finally, we sin because we are not of God. Those who have not believed in Jesus live in sin.
The devil didn't make me do it, but he did his hardest to convince me that I should. We should remember to take responsibility for our actions, but also remember the power of Satan so we can avoid his temptations.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Doing What I Say
I find it frustrating when people say they will do something and do not. In the past two weeks, I have had two people tell me they would do something and then failed to do it. It meant that I made a wasted trip to various places and had to make a second trip to do what I had to do because others had not done their part. I am not upset at the people, but I do wish that people would do what they say they will do.
Since it bothers me when others do it, I try to make sure that I do what I say I will do. I am sure I have failed to do so many times though. As I strive to do better, I will remember to not be upset with others. But remember, if you say you will do something, do it!
Since it bothers me when others do it, I try to make sure that I do what I say I will do. I am sure I have failed to do so many times though. As I strive to do better, I will remember to not be upset with others. But remember, if you say you will do something, do it!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Eyes on the Sky
I delayed my run until 9 tonight so I could see the space station fly over. I tried to time it so I was running in a dark area that had a clear view of the north-western sky. I had seen on a NASA website that it would be visible in my area starting at 9:03PM at 305°. Sure enough, right at 9:03 a bright light appeared where NASA said it would. It crossed the sky, passing within what seemed less than an inch of the moon. I watched it for about 5 minutes as it tracked through space at some 17,000 mph. As I write this, just 40 minutes later, they are already over the Indian Ocean. I tried to catch up but they are pretty fast, so I waved as they disappeared over the horizon.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Chaos in the Church!
This morning I went to a new church in the area I just moved to. It was a traditional service. The sermon was titled Our Salvation is based upon.... The pastor opened his message with a story of a conversation he recently had with his son. The son asked him if he had to go to church to go to heaven. After all, he was a pretty good guy and did lots of good things. He asked his dad if someone like Jeffrey Dahmer, who had done horrible things but repented and found God before he died would make it into heaven before him?
A child sitting in the front yelled out "yes!" The pastor and the congregation just about lost it. The pastor collected his notes and said "clearly, this message has been received here!"
The message did continue with his message. He said his son was asking if behavior was enough.
The pastor turned to several places in the Scriptures to indicate the opposite. First, Luke 18:9-14.
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
The pastor said that we should measure ourselves against God, not others. He also said that the prayers of the proud are not heard.
It reminded me that Christianity is quite humbling. It requires my testifying to God my weakness, my sins, my inability to make myself righteous.
Next the pastor turned to Luke 18:18-23
A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
The rich young ruler tried to prove his righteousness by his works. Jesus pointed out that while impressive, it wasn't good enough.
Next we turned to John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Peter is told to feed Jesus' sheep. To care for those who belong to God.
Next, John 14:15.
If you love me, you will obey what I command.
I think the order here is quite important. Jesus says that because we love him, we will obey, not that in order to receive His love, we must obey or that to love we must obey.
Next we moved into our we receive salvation. We turned to 1 John 5:1-5, 13.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Our salvation is not based on anything that we do, but on what God has done. If you believe, then you have it. You can know.
The pastor said that his son didn't know if he was saved. He asked him if he accepted Jesus as his savior. The son said yes. The preacher said then you have it, you just didn't know it.
The sermon started with the question "do I have to go to church to go to heaven." The pastor turned the question around as he said that this place isn't the church, we, the followers of Jesus, are the Church. He turned the question to "why do we gather weekly to worship together?" He listed various reasons.
-We say we can worship anywhere, but do we?
-The service provides an atmosphere to worship
-The service reminds us of God's love
-The service reminds us that we are family
-The service reminds us that we are not alone
-The service reminds us that God is still the ruler
-In sermons, sunday school, and Bible study, we learn about God
-Going to the service allows us to witness to others both in the service and those who know we go
-We like to be told that we are loved
-The service is a way of telling God that we love him.
I look forward to returning to this church.
A child sitting in the front yelled out "yes!" The pastor and the congregation just about lost it. The pastor collected his notes and said "clearly, this message has been received here!"
The message did continue with his message. He said his son was asking if behavior was enough.
The pastor turned to several places in the Scriptures to indicate the opposite. First, Luke 18:9-14.
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
The pastor said that we should measure ourselves against God, not others. He also said that the prayers of the proud are not heard.
It reminded me that Christianity is quite humbling. It requires my testifying to God my weakness, my sins, my inability to make myself righteous.
Next the pastor turned to Luke 18:18-23
A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
The rich young ruler tried to prove his righteousness by his works. Jesus pointed out that while impressive, it wasn't good enough.
Next we turned to John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Peter is told to feed Jesus' sheep. To care for those who belong to God.
Next, John 14:15.
If you love me, you will obey what I command.
I think the order here is quite important. Jesus says that because we love him, we will obey, not that in order to receive His love, we must obey or that to love we must obey.
Next we moved into our we receive salvation. We turned to 1 John 5:1-5, 13.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Our salvation is not based on anything that we do, but on what God has done. If you believe, then you have it. You can know.
The pastor said that his son didn't know if he was saved. He asked him if he accepted Jesus as his savior. The son said yes. The preacher said then you have it, you just didn't know it.
The sermon started with the question "do I have to go to church to go to heaven." The pastor turned the question around as he said that this place isn't the church, we, the followers of Jesus, are the Church. He turned the question to "why do we gather weekly to worship together?" He listed various reasons.
-We say we can worship anywhere, but do we?
-The service provides an atmosphere to worship
-The service reminds us of God's love
-The service reminds us that we are family
-The service reminds us that we are not alone
-The service reminds us that God is still the ruler
-In sermons, sunday school, and Bible study, we learn about God
-Going to the service allows us to witness to others both in the service and those who know we go
-We like to be told that we are loved
-The service is a way of telling God that we love him.
I look forward to returning to this church.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Grandma Stories
I was talking to my grandma this evening. She has lots of great and funny stories about her life. This evening, she told me about her learning how to drive.
She learned to drive in the mid 30's, when she was about 12. She would drive her dad around as he taught her the rules of the road. She was taught to backup by a truck driver driving a dump truck. She said she didn't even know that there was a drivers education book until she was 21 and failed the written driving test to get her first license. One day when she was 13, her mom sent her to downtown Houston to pick up her dad, and she took her little brother with her. The traffic was horrendous, but she made it to his office. When she pulled up, he walked up to the car and asked where her mother was. She said that she had sent her alone. As she slid over in the seat to let him drive, he climbed in the back and said "If you drove through that mess you can drive anywhere you want." So at 13 she began driving on her own, without a license until she was 21, when she got her license on the second try. She said that it was how she learned to drive but "I don't recommend that people do that."
She learned to drive in the mid 30's, when she was about 12. She would drive her dad around as he taught her the rules of the road. She was taught to backup by a truck driver driving a dump truck. She said she didn't even know that there was a drivers education book until she was 21 and failed the written driving test to get her first license. One day when she was 13, her mom sent her to downtown Houston to pick up her dad, and she took her little brother with her. The traffic was horrendous, but she made it to his office. When she pulled up, he walked up to the car and asked where her mother was. She said that she had sent her alone. As she slid over in the seat to let him drive, he climbed in the back and said "If you drove through that mess you can drive anywhere you want." So at 13 she began driving on her own, without a license until she was 21, when she got her license on the second try. She said that it was how she learned to drive but "I don't recommend that people do that."
Let's go aboard the USS Alabama!
The USS Alabama (BB-60) is a decommissioned US Navy warship that is now on display at the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL. The park also includes the USS Drum (SSN-228),a WWII era submarine.
The Alabama served proudly during her short naval career. She served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1947 first in the North Atlantic, then in the Pacific campaign. Her kills and awards are below.
Let's take a tour of the USS Alabama.
The ship's bell.
The US Naval Jack on the jack staff at the bow of the ship. This jack is not currently used by the US Navy. They are currently using the First US Navy Jack during the Global War on Terror.
The First US Naval Jack onboard the USS Texas (BB-35)
Let's look at some of the weapon systems on board the Alabama.
20mm anti-air gun
This shows the 1st and 2nd 16 inch 45 caliber turrets.
This is the inside of the #2 turret.
5 inch guns.
This is the 5 inch radar director which controlled the 5 inch guns.
Let's go below.
First, let's take a look at sleeping quarters.
Here we have officer quarters. This stateroom is set up as LT W. T. Door's stateroom. During wartime, the staterooms would hold two officers and served as their office.
Next we will take a look at some crew berthing.
Cramped would hardly describe this place!
Next we will take a look at the Skipper's sea cabin up by the bridge. This is where the captain lived while at sea.
Now, we will move to the most important part of the ship, the galley. Sailors don't work on empty stomachs!
First, the crew's galley.
This galley was were the officer's mess was prepared. The officers would have typically eaten in the wardroom.
Now we will look at some of the workstations on board the Alabama.
First, the supply officer
The sign on the right was in this office, just above the typewriter on the left.
This next office was of the Chief Master at Arms. Jimmy Legs served at the chief of the police for the ship. As the sign on the ship said, he did not win many popularity contests.
Is that a billy club on the rack? Note the various chief rating patches on the bulkhead.
The Alabama carried a detachment of Marines. Here is the landing force equipment office.
Next we have the radio room. This was Radio Central.
Next, the combat information center. Information was analyzed and disseminated here. The ship could also be navigated by radar from this compartment. One guy touring the ship said when passing this compartment, "They need to let me take this puppy for a spin!" I hope they don't.
Here is central station, which was the Executive Officer's battle station. The ship could be controlled from here. Note the master gyro-compass in the foreground.
Finally the power house of the ship, the engine room. The wheels would control the steam flow, one for forward, one for reverse. The generator is the high pressure steam turbine.
Fair winds and following seas.
The Alabama served proudly during her short naval career. She served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1947 first in the North Atlantic, then in the Pacific campaign. Her kills and awards are below.
Let's take a tour of the USS Alabama.
The ship's bell.
The US Naval Jack on the jack staff at the bow of the ship. This jack is not currently used by the US Navy. They are currently using the First US Navy Jack during the Global War on Terror.
The First US Naval Jack onboard the USS Texas (BB-35)Let's look at some of the weapon systems on board the Alabama.
20mm anti-air gun
This shows the 1st and 2nd 16 inch 45 caliber turrets.
This is the inside of the #2 turret.
5 inch guns.
This is the 5 inch radar director which controlled the 5 inch guns.
Let's go below.
First, let's take a look at sleeping quarters.
Here we have officer quarters. This stateroom is set up as LT W. T. Door's stateroom. During wartime, the staterooms would hold two officers and served as their office.
Next we will take a look at some crew berthing.
Cramped would hardly describe this place!
Next we will take a look at the Skipper's sea cabin up by the bridge. This is where the captain lived while at sea.
Now, we will move to the most important part of the ship, the galley. Sailors don't work on empty stomachs!
First, the crew's galley.
This galley was were the officer's mess was prepared. The officers would have typically eaten in the wardroom.
Now we will look at some of the workstations on board the Alabama.
First, the supply officer
The sign on the right was in this office, just above the typewriter on the left.
This next office was of the Chief Master at Arms. Jimmy Legs served at the chief of the police for the ship. As the sign on the ship said, he did not win many popularity contests.
Is that a billy club on the rack? Note the various chief rating patches on the bulkhead.
The Alabama carried a detachment of Marines. Here is the landing force equipment office.
Next we have the radio room. This was Radio Central.
Next, the combat information center. Information was analyzed and disseminated here. The ship could also be navigated by radar from this compartment. One guy touring the ship said when passing this compartment, "They need to let me take this puppy for a spin!" I hope they don't.
Here is central station, which was the Executive Officer's battle station. The ship could be controlled from here. Note the master gyro-compass in the foreground.
Finally the power house of the ship, the engine room. The wheels would control the steam flow, one for forward, one for reverse. The generator is the high pressure steam turbine.
Fair winds and following seas.
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