Monday, January 30, 2006
Ireland, a novel
I recently read a novel called Ireland. It is written by Frank Delaney. I highly recommend it. It's a great piece of storytelling. It is making me want to be a story teller myself, but I'm not sure I could weave the blarney together as well as he does. If I could, I'd be rich, I'm sure.
Mildest January in Recorded History
This has been the mildest January around here since 1873, when the white man started recording such info.
Global warming, or natural cycle of earth's weather? You tell me.
Global warming, or natural cycle of earth's weather? You tell me.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
How to Live
I've spent a lot of time over the years wondering how life is supposed to be, what it's meant to look like and how it's best lived, and specifically how my life is meant to be lived. Well, Ecclesiastes has lead to Proverbs, which describes itself as a manual for life. I've read the book before a few times, well not the whole thing, but parts, and it never really seemed like much to me. Now I guess my eyes have been opened. This time I'm listening.
The first 9 chapters are all about wisdom. Solomon figured wisdom was the most valuable possession anyone could acquire. He goes to great lengths describing its ways and virtues. Then the two liner Proverbs start. I haven't read far into them. Just started actually. But there's one that struck me today. I don't remember it exactly, but it basically says that God won't let the righteous starve, but he will frustrate the appetites of the wicked. And I thought that what I can draw from that is to stop fearing poverty. Even if I'm never rich, I can trust I'll always be OK. I think if I can really learn to live in the truth of this proverb, it will impact the risks I'm willing to take in the name of God's kingdom on earth. Anyway, I think a big difference between now and the last time I read this book is somewhere along the way I acquired some faith. Now I read the book knowing Solomon was a wise man who respected the Creator and knowing that he had insight into the human condition that stands through the ages. So I'm reading his books like a how to manual.
Yesterday I got my interview appointment set up with the company in Japan. So I've got a telephone interview for next Monday. I'm a little in shock that things are moving along with this. I've been wanting to go back for so long, actually facing going seems a little surreal. Maybe part of me had given up on the possibility. Anyway, here's hoping for a good interview!!
The first 9 chapters are all about wisdom. Solomon figured wisdom was the most valuable possession anyone could acquire. He goes to great lengths describing its ways and virtues. Then the two liner Proverbs start. I haven't read far into them. Just started actually. But there's one that struck me today. I don't remember it exactly, but it basically says that God won't let the righteous starve, but he will frustrate the appetites of the wicked. And I thought that what I can draw from that is to stop fearing poverty. Even if I'm never rich, I can trust I'll always be OK. I think if I can really learn to live in the truth of this proverb, it will impact the risks I'm willing to take in the name of God's kingdom on earth. Anyway, I think a big difference between now and the last time I read this book is somewhere along the way I acquired some faith. Now I read the book knowing Solomon was a wise man who respected the Creator and knowing that he had insight into the human condition that stands through the ages. So I'm reading his books like a how to manual.
Yesterday I got my interview appointment set up with the company in Japan. So I've got a telephone interview for next Monday. I'm a little in shock that things are moving along with this. I've been wanting to go back for so long, actually facing going seems a little surreal. Maybe part of me had given up on the possibility. Anyway, here's hoping for a good interview!!
Friday, January 13, 2006
Enjoy Life, Fear God, Go Fishing
I've done it. I've become one of those bloggers that irritate me so, the ones that rarely update and don't say much when they do. Oh well. I started blogging to keep in touch with people more than anything else, and they're still getting more info out of me this way than if they waited for letters.
I've read through Ecclesiastes twice this week. It's probably my favorite book in the Bible, and now I like it even more. I read it in The Message, and instead of "vanity" it uses the word "smoke". I like that. Smoke, smoke, all is smoke. Anyway I've been thinking a lot about how to live life and Eccl. read real practical for me this time around. Solomon is one of the wisest people in history, if not the wisest, and added to his wisdom he had great wealth, which afforded him the opportunity to explore all aspects of life. And he came to the conclusion that everything is a bloody waste of time, that there's nothing in life that doesn't come to nothing in the end. (And that a voluptuous maiden for your bed is "the most exquisite" of pleasures. But even pleasures don't add up to much.) Wealth is made but can't pass with you, and may be left to someone who doesn't deserve it. The righteous and wicked all end up dead, the sun shines on both, yadda yadda yadda. He says a lot. But he also concludes that the only good things to do with life are to find pleasure in it, enjoy it while you can, basically, and fear (honor, respect) God. He didn't say exactly what he saw that made him think fearing God was worth your time, except if I remember correctly he did say that God makes sure the wealth of the wicked passes to the righteous. Yeah, I think that's how he said it. I remember that because when I read it I thought I'd like to see that truth in action, cause it doesn't seem to me it's coming true. (or maybe Donald Trump ain't so wicked!! hee hee)
Anyway, back to me. So, if I'm reading Eccl. right, the way to live life well is to enjoy it as much as possible while honoring God. I like that. Helps me get my head around things, and it jives with what I'd already been wondering. I was wondering about what life would be like if sin had never entered the world. What would there be to do? Maybe there would have been much more, but I'm now convinced that just enjoying creation and God's presence is enough, that I really don't need to do much more with my life.
One difference between Solomon and I is the "Great Commission". In Solomon's time I don't think that godly people (the Jews) were instructed to go out and invite others into Judaism. If others came on their own they were welcomed, but if I understand correctly the Jews weren't expected to be missionaries.
But in my time, as a Christ follower, I am expected to go out and tell everyone about this big, wonderful Kingdom of God that we're all invited to enter. So enjoy life, fear God, and go fishing.
That's [part of?] the meaning of life on earth. :)
I've read through Ecclesiastes twice this week. It's probably my favorite book in the Bible, and now I like it even more. I read it in The Message, and instead of "vanity" it uses the word "smoke". I like that. Smoke, smoke, all is smoke. Anyway I've been thinking a lot about how to live life and Eccl. read real practical for me this time around. Solomon is one of the wisest people in history, if not the wisest, and added to his wisdom he had great wealth, which afforded him the opportunity to explore all aspects of life. And he came to the conclusion that everything is a bloody waste of time, that there's nothing in life that doesn't come to nothing in the end. (And that a voluptuous maiden for your bed is "the most exquisite" of pleasures. But even pleasures don't add up to much.) Wealth is made but can't pass with you, and may be left to someone who doesn't deserve it. The righteous and wicked all end up dead, the sun shines on both, yadda yadda yadda. He says a lot. But he also concludes that the only good things to do with life are to find pleasure in it, enjoy it while you can, basically, and fear (honor, respect) God. He didn't say exactly what he saw that made him think fearing God was worth your time, except if I remember correctly he did say that God makes sure the wealth of the wicked passes to the righteous. Yeah, I think that's how he said it. I remember that because when I read it I thought I'd like to see that truth in action, cause it doesn't seem to me it's coming true. (or maybe Donald Trump ain't so wicked!! hee hee)
Anyway, back to me. So, if I'm reading Eccl. right, the way to live life well is to enjoy it as much as possible while honoring God. I like that. Helps me get my head around things, and it jives with what I'd already been wondering. I was wondering about what life would be like if sin had never entered the world. What would there be to do? Maybe there would have been much more, but I'm now convinced that just enjoying creation and God's presence is enough, that I really don't need to do much more with my life.
One difference between Solomon and I is the "Great Commission". In Solomon's time I don't think that godly people (the Jews) were instructed to go out and invite others into Judaism. If others came on their own they were welcomed, but if I understand correctly the Jews weren't expected to be missionaries.
But in my time, as a Christ follower, I am expected to go out and tell everyone about this big, wonderful Kingdom of God that we're all invited to enter. So enjoy life, fear God, and go fishing.
That's [part of?] the meaning of life on earth. :)
Friday, January 06, 2006
Another Elijah List Word that Speaks to Me
January 5, 2006
"We Are Being Given Another Chance To Seek His Kingdom First--Get Free!"
"We Are Being Given Another Chance To Seek His Kingdom First--Get Free!"
Rick Joyner
This word is about how we will take the Promised Land, as the Church and as individuals. I want to focus on how we can individually begin to practically cease from our wanderings, mostly in circles in the wilderness, and begin to walk in our purpose, our Promised Land from God. It is no accident that this year's Feast of Dedication, or Feast of Lights, celebrated by the Jewish people, began on what Christians celebrate as Christmas Day, and ends on New Year's Day. On Christmas Day, the first candle of this feast is lit, and on New Year's Day, the eighth, the last candle of the feast is lit. Prophetically, eight is the number of new beginnings. This year, there is a grace from God for dedications that will bring forth a new beginning.This feast was not one of the original feasts mandated through Moses, but it is one that even the Lord Jesus celebrated when He walked the earth, and it does have special importance for Christians, just as all of the Jewish feasts are prophetic. The Feast of Dedication is the celebration of the victory of the Maccabees over their Greek oppressors, who sought to destroy the Jewish people by defiling the land of Israel and the heart of the land at that time: its temple. They did this in the most insulting ways, even smearing pig's blood over the altar.
This word is about how we will take the Promised Land, as the Church and as individuals. I want to focus on how we can individually begin to practically cease from our wanderings, mostly in circles in the wilderness, and begin to walk in our purpose, our Promised Land from God. It is no accident that this year's Feast of Dedication, or Feast of Lights, celebrated by the Jewish people, began on what Christians celebrate as Christmas Day, and ends on New Year's Day. On Christmas Day, the first candle of this feast is lit, and on New Year's Day, the eighth, the last candle of the feast is lit. Prophetically, eight is the number of new beginnings. This year, there is a grace from God for dedications that will bring forth a new beginning.This feast was not one of the original feasts mandated through Moses, but it is one that even the Lord Jesus celebrated when He walked the earth, and it does have special importance for Christians, just as all of the Jewish feasts are prophetic. The Feast of Dedication is the celebration of the victory of the Maccabees over their Greek oppressors, who sought to destroy the Jewish people by defiling the land of Israel and the heart of the land at that time: its temple. They did this in the most insulting ways, even smearing pig's blood over the altar.
There has likewise been a similar defiling of the temple of the Lord in our time: the Church. And it, too, is being done in some of the most insulting ways. However, just as the insults of the Greeks aroused the Maccabees to determine that it would be better to die than to tolerate anymore defilements, a similar courage and resolve is going to come on many Christians now. They will embrace death--the death to self--to drive every form of oppression from their lives, and God will meet those who rise up with such resolve with His grace to accomplish the victory.
Cleansing the Temple
The Maccabees arose and faced what appeared to be impossible odds when they challenged the most powerful empire in the world at that time. However, they believed God more than they believed the odds. It will take a faith like theirs for us to turn back the onslaught of the Greek mentality of humanism and the other offensive defilements of the temple of the Lord in the most insulting ways. It will take a faith like theirs for us to prevail to reclaim the land and cleanse the temple. But it will be done. Why not be a part of this and take your stand now?I know that many, if not most of us, have made many previous New Year's resolutions, but this year, there is a special grace for those who will humble themselves once again and dedicate themselves to do what is right. It will take a dedication, a discipline on our part which is both obedience and faith, but He will add a special grace to help us this year. It has come to light through a number of studies that most Christians are living in serious defeat in at least some areas of their lives. This does not have to continue any longer, but it will require our dedication to overcome the strongholds. If we will dedicate ourselves again, resolving to obey, this can change this year, beginning today, and turn into a lasting victory.
True Faithfulness With Our Life Is Evidenced By Obedience
The Maccabees arose and faced what appeared to be impossible odds when they challenged the most powerful empire in the world at that time. However, they believed God more than they believed the odds. It will take a faith like theirs for us to turn back the onslaught of the Greek mentality of humanism and the other offensive defilements of the temple of the Lord in the most insulting ways. It will take a faith like theirs for us to prevail to reclaim the land and cleanse the temple. But it will be done. Why not be a part of this and take your stand now?I know that many, if not most of us, have made many previous New Year's resolutions, but this year, there is a special grace for those who will humble themselves once again and dedicate themselves to do what is right. It will take a dedication, a discipline on our part which is both obedience and faith, but He will add a special grace to help us this year. It has come to light through a number of studies that most Christians are living in serious defeat in at least some areas of their lives. This does not have to continue any longer, but it will require our dedication to overcome the strongholds. If we will dedicate ourselves again, resolving to obey, this can change this year, beginning today, and turn into a lasting victory.
True Faithfulness With Our Life Is Evidenced By Obedience
There is an ultimate dedication that we are called to have as Christians, which many have forgotten, causing much of the defeat and disorientation of Christians. True faith is always evidenced by obedience, which is why the word in the New Testament that is usually translated as faith also means faithfulness. True faithfulness with our life is evidenced by obedience to one of the ultimate mandates that the Lord gave to us in Matthew 6:33-34:
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself."
Many Christians have spent too much of their lives in disorientation and defeat because they have not obeyed this. They have made major decisions based first on professional opportunities, their own desires, and other earthly, temporary matters rather than seeking first the purposes of the kingdom.
If we were to base all of our decisions on seeking the purposes of His kingdom first, everything else would be added to us. If our lives were based on this, we would have nothing to be anxious about, knowing who our Source and Protector is. There is no greater freedom, no greater peace, than that which is the result of living our lives dedicated to the Lord in all things. We are being given another chance to do this now. Do not let this year pass like the others. Get free!We should all have a special appreciation for the Maccabees because if they had not arisen to take their stand, there would have been no Israel for the Messiah to be born in. Likewise, it is such a resolve that arises in His people that enables Him to come forth in our lives. It is time to arise and fight against every form of the oppression of sin and humanism that has been defiling the temple of the Lord, and the Lord will be with us.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself."
Many Christians have spent too much of their lives in disorientation and defeat because they have not obeyed this. They have made major decisions based first on professional opportunities, their own desires, and other earthly, temporary matters rather than seeking first the purposes of the kingdom.
If we were to base all of our decisions on seeking the purposes of His kingdom first, everything else would be added to us. If our lives were based on this, we would have nothing to be anxious about, knowing who our Source and Protector is. There is no greater freedom, no greater peace, than that which is the result of living our lives dedicated to the Lord in all things. We are being given another chance to do this now. Do not let this year pass like the others. Get free!We should all have a special appreciation for the Maccabees because if they had not arisen to take their stand, there would have been no Israel for the Messiah to be born in. Likewise, it is such a resolve that arises in His people that enables Him to come forth in our lives. It is time to arise and fight against every form of the oppression of sin and humanism that has been defiling the temple of the Lord, and the Lord will be with us.
By Rick Joyner Morningstar Ministries www.morningstarministries.org
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