Good morning!
I've updated our Honduras website. Check out the "latest news" to see what is going on.
Click on the title above or www.help4honduras.com
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Created to be like God
Ephesians 4:17-24
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Slowly and carefully read the text, asking God to guide your thoughts. Try to reading this passage each day this week. You may want to read all of Ephesians at least once. Spend time "being still" before God after reading the text.
Questions
1. What does this passage reveal about God?
2. What does it reveal about us?
3. Using the words of Paul, how would you describe the life of a Gentile?
4. What does Paul insist that his readers, which includes us, do?
5. What are the dangers of flirting with our past lives?
6. How does it make you feel that you have "a new self, created to be like God"?
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Slowly and carefully read the text, asking God to guide your thoughts. Try to reading this passage each day this week. You may want to read all of Ephesians at least once. Spend time "being still" before God after reading the text.
Questions
1. What does this passage reveal about God?
2. What does it reveal about us?
3. Using the words of Paul, how would you describe the life of a Gentile?
4. What does Paul insist that his readers, which includes us, do?
5. What are the dangers of flirting with our past lives?
6. How does it make you feel that you have "a new self, created to be like God"?
Interesting Saturday
Yesterday was a good day!
The Persimmon Festival parade day has often been one of my favorite days of the year. It was that way yesterday. It started with the 5K run. I had a good time (21.30) and actually won my age division. Surprising! Oh well, I'll take it. Several of my running friends participated, so we were able to run together afterwards.
After the run I came home and cleaned up, and then we went to Paula's for lunch. There were family and friends there. Good food. Fun.
Then it was time to head over to the Parade staging area. The ministers of our town were selected to be the Grand Marshall of the parade. I know, I know! A little strange, but a nice honor. It was a little awkward being on the float; a lot of people did not know how to respond to us. Then there was the funny/very humbling aspect of the ride: getting stuck 3 times!
The little John Deere mower did not have enough power to pull all of us over the railroad tracks, so we had to get off and push! Might as well laugh! Then we got up to the heart of parade, right in front of the big stage and important people. Our little driver cut way too short and got the wagon into some kind of bind. Off the wagon again! Push. Shove. Pull. On we go. Then at the next corner he turns too short again. Off the wagon. Push. Shove. Pull. On we go.
I was really glad when it was over!
Last night we had a nice dinner at home with Luke and Caroline. I grilled some chicken, and Kedra made all kinds of yummy things to go with it.
It was a great day - one of my favorite days of the year.
The Persimmon Festival parade day has often been one of my favorite days of the year. It was that way yesterday. It started with the 5K run. I had a good time (21.30) and actually won my age division. Surprising! Oh well, I'll take it. Several of my running friends participated, so we were able to run together afterwards.
After the run I came home and cleaned up, and then we went to Paula's for lunch. There were family and friends there. Good food. Fun.
Then it was time to head over to the Parade staging area. The ministers of our town were selected to be the Grand Marshall of the parade. I know, I know! A little strange, but a nice honor. It was a little awkward being on the float; a lot of people did not know how to respond to us. Then there was the funny/very humbling aspect of the ride: getting stuck 3 times!
The little John Deere mower did not have enough power to pull all of us over the railroad tracks, so we had to get off and push! Might as well laugh! Then we got up to the heart of parade, right in front of the big stage and important people. Our little driver cut way too short and got the wagon into some kind of bind. Off the wagon again! Push. Shove. Pull. On we go. Then at the next corner he turns too short again. Off the wagon. Push. Shove. Pull. On we go.
I was really glad when it was over!
Last night we had a nice dinner at home with Luke and Caroline. I grilled some chicken, and Kedra made all kinds of yummy things to go with it.
It was a great day - one of my favorite days of the year.
Friday, September 25, 2009
It's Friday
I seem to be having trouble figuring out how to blog these days. I'm OK with that.
There is a lot going on but it all seems manageable. Peace and joy are hanging around; nothing has been able to run them off for quite some time.
Tomorrow I am going to do something that I have not done in years: run the Persimmon Festival 5K. It won't be very fast, but I'll give it a good shot. I've tried to take it a little easier this week. I had a 20 miler on Tuesday that was pretty rough; it was warm and humid. I think I have recovered from it. I'll do 5 today.
The Honduras situation is a mess, which is messing slightly with some of my plans. I've learned that God's timing and mine don't usually match up. Wonder whose is right? We shipped a load of Bryantsville corn yesterday. It was supposed to go to my buddies in Honduras, but we still don't have the import permit. Later in the day my main shipping source sent me a message that the permit came through, but I still haven't seen it.
Last night was supposed to be my Festival appearance. Got rained out. I'm sure disappointed people roamed the streets of Mitchell longing to see me. Maybe some other time. Actually they can see me in the parade. I'm a Grand Marshall you know! Really, I am. Know one knows why for sure (ha ha), but the the ministers of Mitchell were chosen for this honor. All of us feel a little awkward about it. I'm sure there will be (good-natured) endless abuse about it. I think I am going to wear my lime green leisure suit.
Life is clipping along pretty well right now. My OCU-B work is going well. I have 13 eager students. Really. They are wonderful to teach. Running is going pretty well. Church seems to be going pretty well; periodic low attendance bugs me, confuses me. But hey... The family is doing well, best I can tell. My Honduras plans are shaping up; just waiting on the Lord. Doing a lot of smoking (meat). It's addictive.
OK, I'm not just much in the mood to do this right now, so check back sometime. I think this place will become active and useful again. We'll see.
Thanks for stopping by.
There is a lot going on but it all seems manageable. Peace and joy are hanging around; nothing has been able to run them off for quite some time.
Tomorrow I am going to do something that I have not done in years: run the Persimmon Festival 5K. It won't be very fast, but I'll give it a good shot. I've tried to take it a little easier this week. I had a 20 miler on Tuesday that was pretty rough; it was warm and humid. I think I have recovered from it. I'll do 5 today.
The Honduras situation is a mess, which is messing slightly with some of my plans. I've learned that God's timing and mine don't usually match up. Wonder whose is right? We shipped a load of Bryantsville corn yesterday. It was supposed to go to my buddies in Honduras, but we still don't have the import permit. Later in the day my main shipping source sent me a message that the permit came through, but I still haven't seen it.
Last night was supposed to be my Festival appearance. Got rained out. I'm sure disappointed people roamed the streets of Mitchell longing to see me. Maybe some other time. Actually they can see me in the parade. I'm a Grand Marshall you know! Really, I am. Know one knows why for sure (ha ha), but the the ministers of Mitchell were chosen for this honor. All of us feel a little awkward about it. I'm sure there will be (good-natured) endless abuse about it. I think I am going to wear my lime green leisure suit.
Life is clipping along pretty well right now. My OCU-B work is going well. I have 13 eager students. Really. They are wonderful to teach. Running is going pretty well. Church seems to be going pretty well; periodic low attendance bugs me, confuses me. But hey... The family is doing well, best I can tell. My Honduras plans are shaping up; just waiting on the Lord. Doing a lot of smoking (meat). It's addictive.
OK, I'm not just much in the mood to do this right now, so check back sometime. I think this place will become active and useful again. We'll see.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Image of God
God’s Image and You
Gen 1:26-27
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 9:6
"Whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood be shed;
for in the image of God
has God made man."
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Colossians 1:15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 3:10
. . .Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Some questions to consider:
1. What do these passages reveal about God?
2. What do they reveal about us?
3. How does it make you feel to be made in the image of God?
4. What do you think that means?
5. How does it affect you to realize that others are created in the image of God as well?
Gen 1:26-27
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 9:6
"Whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood be shed;
for in the image of God
has God made man."
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Colossians 1:15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 3:10
. . .Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Some questions to consider:
1. What do these passages reveal about God?
2. What do they reveal about us?
3. How does it make you feel to be made in the image of God?
4. What do you think that means?
5. How does it affect you to realize that others are created in the image of God as well?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Word of the Day: Crapulous
I'm not making this up.
crapulous \KRAP-yuh-lus\, adjective:
1. Given to or characterized by gross excess in drinking or eating.
2. Suffering from or due to such excess.
Crapulous is from Late Latin crapulosus, from Latin crapula, from Greek kraipale, drunkenness and its consequences, nausea, sickness, and headache.
crapulous \KRAP-yuh-lus\, adjective:
1. Given to or characterized by gross excess in drinking or eating.
2. Suffering from or due to such excess.
Crapulous is from Late Latin crapulosus, from Latin crapula, from Greek kraipale, drunkenness and its consequences, nausea, sickness, and headache.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Running Report
I haven't talked about running for a long time. I know most think it's crazy, but that's OK.
My running is going well. I am averaging 40 miles per week and am in the heart of marathon prep. The big race is November 7. I still have as my ulitmate goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon, but I have some pretty serious doubts about it. I think it is going to take longer for me to improve to the required level. I haven't ruled it out, but I won't be surprised if I fall short.
I hope that doesn't sound negative or like I am giving up; not at all on either account. I am just trying to be realistic and not put too much pressure on myself. Typically it takes 3 attempts for people to qualify for Boston, according to what I have read. If I do it on the first try, then great, but if not, then I still expect to have a really good run.
Training for the marathon has been fun. I have several training partners, so the miles of the long run pass quickly. I ran faster with a group, which is also good. I think there are about 5-7 people running the marathon that day. No one is taking it too seriously. Life is good.
So far my aches and pains have been just that. I have not missed any training due to injuries. The Honduras mission trip through me off for a couple of weeks, but that's OK.
My running is going well. I am averaging 40 miles per week and am in the heart of marathon prep. The big race is November 7. I still have as my ulitmate goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon, but I have some pretty serious doubts about it. I think it is going to take longer for me to improve to the required level. I haven't ruled it out, but I won't be surprised if I fall short.
I hope that doesn't sound negative or like I am giving up; not at all on either account. I am just trying to be realistic and not put too much pressure on myself. Typically it takes 3 attempts for people to qualify for Boston, according to what I have read. If I do it on the first try, then great, but if not, then I still expect to have a really good run.
Training for the marathon has been fun. I have several training partners, so the miles of the long run pass quickly. I ran faster with a group, which is also good. I think there are about 5-7 people running the marathon that day. No one is taking it too seriously. Life is good.
So far my aches and pains have been just that. I have not missed any training due to injuries. The Honduras mission trip through me off for a couple of weeks, but that's OK.
Help for Honduras
Last week was a good week as far developing some plans for Honduras. I was able to write out a lot of the thoughts and ideas that I have. They are all pretty simple, but I believe that they could be really good and effective.
I met with another guy and talked everything through. He was excited by what he heard, which is the way everyone I've talk to has responded. There are lots of people who really want to help the Honduran people.
Avoiding frustration is the next step in the process. I am trying to create a website, which is something I have never done. I kinda like the challenge of it all, and I kinda wish I wasn't taking it on. I wonder which side is going to win this one? Anybody want to develop a site for me - for free of course? I have all the copy and pictures and know what I want. Simplicity is the theme.
For the last few weeks we have had a load of corn, toys, shoes, and shirts just waiting to be shipped to Honduras. We are waiting on an import permit that has to come out of Honduras, translated into English. [Funny, I don't remember praying for patience! But huge doses of it are being required right now.]
As soon as the website is done and launched I will have lots more to say.
The political situation in Honduras is very frustrating to me, and what is more frustrating is the U.S.'s take on the whole thing. I think the Obama administration is on the wrong side of the issue. I won't bore you with the details, but how can they support a guy who is best friends with Chavez?
OK, enough for now...
I met with another guy and talked everything through. He was excited by what he heard, which is the way everyone I've talk to has responded. There are lots of people who really want to help the Honduran people.
Avoiding frustration is the next step in the process. I am trying to create a website, which is something I have never done. I kinda like the challenge of it all, and I kinda wish I wasn't taking it on. I wonder which side is going to win this one? Anybody want to develop a site for me - for free of course? I have all the copy and pictures and know what I want. Simplicity is the theme.
For the last few weeks we have had a load of corn, toys, shoes, and shirts just waiting to be shipped to Honduras. We are waiting on an import permit that has to come out of Honduras, translated into English. [Funny, I don't remember praying for patience! But huge doses of it are being required right now.]
As soon as the website is done and launched I will have lots more to say.
The political situation in Honduras is very frustrating to me, and what is more frustrating is the U.S.'s take on the whole thing. I think the Obama administration is on the wrong side of the issue. I won't bore you with the details, but how can they support a guy who is best friends with Chavez?
OK, enough for now...
Self Control
What is it? Do you have it?
Where does it come from?
Is self-control, in the biblical sense, really Spirit control? Look at Romans 7 & 8 and then Galatians 5.
What do you think?
Where does it come from?
Is self-control, in the biblical sense, really Spirit control? Look at Romans 7 & 8 and then Galatians 5.
What do you think?
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Gentleness
What is gentleness? Do you have it, show it?
A good biblical definition of gentleness is
Strength under control; not demanding personal rights. A mild, soothing, considerate, peace-loving, peace-making quality.
Interesting.
Do you have any good stories/pictures of gentleness to share? I would love to hear them.
A good biblical definition of gentleness is
Strength under control; not demanding personal rights. A mild, soothing, considerate, peace-loving, peace-making quality.
Interesting.
Do you have any good stories/pictures of gentleness to share? I would love to hear them.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Fear and Risk and Trust
We had a great class last night! We talked about the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25.
Why were the 5 and 2 talent guys willing to take a chance in investing, while the the 1 talent guy did nothing? We concluded that the 5 and 2 guys took some risks because they had a trusting relationship with their master. They felt secure and confident, probaby even if they failed.
The 1 talent guy was fearful. He did not trust his master; he even accuses him of unfair pratices.
Trust is the essence of faith and faithfulness. Right?
The master praises the 5 and 2 guys, calling them "faithful." He calls the one guy, "wicked and lazy."
It all seems to come down to trusting God.
And it seems that the parable that follows, the Sheep and Goats, indicate what trusting/risking in relationship with God entails, at least in part. It's risky and requires trust to be other-directed.
Why were the 5 and 2 talent guys willing to take a chance in investing, while the the 1 talent guy did nothing? We concluded that the 5 and 2 guys took some risks because they had a trusting relationship with their master. They felt secure and confident, probaby even if they failed.
The 1 talent guy was fearful. He did not trust his master; he even accuses him of unfair pratices.
Trust is the essence of faith and faithfulness. Right?
The master praises the 5 and 2 guys, calling them "faithful." He calls the one guy, "wicked and lazy."
It all seems to come down to trusting God.
And it seems that the parable that follows, the Sheep and Goats, indicate what trusting/risking in relationship with God entails, at least in part. It's risky and requires trust to be other-directed.
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