Not much in this world falls under my control. And that which I can control completely -- my attitudes, my focus, my energies -- I often neglect. If I cannnot control myself, why would I want to control anything else? -JRM
Officials with the Y say they hope the new logo will be more inviting. The group's mission is to strengthen communities by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
via suntimes.com
If this is their mission, they've already cut their so-called Christian ties, have they not?
The Way is not complicated, though it is not easy. It is the path of obedience, of submitting our wills to the Lord's, of trusting that he will guide us and carry us through. It is that dependence on God which does not question nor flag. The steps are sometimes rocky, and our feet must often fight the mud. Legs must strain against the incline.
Some would rather sit and discuss and theologize and theorize. These will get nowhere, nor will they advance others upward. They are but distractions on the way, hindrances to progress, traps to be avoided as much as the house of prostitution. For obedience consists of doing, walking, practicing, fulfilling the will and mission of God. Any substitute brings only death.
• The theme to The Fellowship Room has been changed, due to problems that some have with comments. I don't know if this will be good or not, since it diminishes from the group blog concept. We'll see.
• Still cold and rainy today. My hands are chilled. I tend to eat more in this kind of weather. Just what I need before traveling again to the US, to gain weight before hitting the Glutton Capital of the world.
• The nifty little theme I'd chosen for my personal blog isn't working out, missing some key elements in blogging. Not many options left. I've got a holder in place. Am going to blog through posterous here, hoping the previous theme was the cause of code not being properly rendered.
• The 21st Century Edition, or whatever they call it, of the New Bible Commentary has been released in Portuguese. I bought a copy for Jorge. He and Paula have been so kind to us, and generous, in so many ways, it's not too much of a gift for him.
• A growing conviction about life. More on that later, when it hardens into a certainty.
The Church of His Choice
by Dick Edgar NOTE: David Lemmons transcribed this from Firm Foundation, 30 June 1959, page 411, and published it in the July 18 issue of his congregation's bulletin, "The Dublin Dew." He searched everywhere, with the greatest of care, as he studied the doctrines of men,
His Bible, neglected, could soon have corrected, if only he'd read it, but then—
From a creed and tradition he took his position and he said with a confident voice:
"I am saved by faith only." No more was he lonely, for he followed the church of his choice. There once was a Teacher, the world's greatest Preacher, and in sacred pages we read
Of the church: how He sought it; He built it, and bought it, to give the salvation we need.
And this church can be found, (It's truth's pillar and ground), and those added by Jesus rejoice.
For by Heaven's conditions, and not by man's traditions, we are saved in the church of His choice. Its members are those who believe He arose, who repent of their wickedness done;
And next, we must stress, "With the mouth" they confess that Jesus, the Christ, is God's Son.
Into Him they're baptized, from the water they rise in newness of life to rejoice.
And these are the souls who have left earthly goals to belong to the church of God's choice!
by Dick Edgar NOTE: David Lemmons transcribed this from Firm Foundation, 30 June 1959, page 411, and published it in the July 18 issue of his congregation's bulletin, "The Dublin Dew." He searched everywhere, with the greatest of care, as he studied the doctrines of men,
His Bible, neglected, could soon have corrected, if only he'd read it, but then—
From a creed and tradition he took his position and he said with a confident voice:
"I am saved by faith only." No more was he lonely, for he followed the church of his choice. There once was a Teacher, the world's greatest Preacher, and in sacred pages we read
Of the church: how He sought it; He built it, and bought it, to give the salvation we need.
And this church can be found, (It's truth's pillar and ground), and those added by Jesus rejoice.
For by Heaven's conditions, and not by man's traditions, we are saved in the church of His choice. Its members are those who believe He arose, who repent of their wickedness done;
And next, we must stress, "With the mouth" they confess that Jesus, the Christ, is God's Son.
Into Him they're baptized, from the water they rise in newness of life to rejoice.
And these are the souls who have left earthly goals to belong to the church of God's choice!
The mother told KETV in Omaha that Melody met Olney while playing World of Warcraft on the Internet, and that her daughter had become obsessed with the game, sometimes playing as much as 90 hours per week.
via katv.com
Parents who let their children do such things should be jailed as well. Is there no discipline left, no backbone, no love for children any more?
"The one who spares his rod hates his child, but the one who loves his child is diligent in disciplining him' (Proverbs 13:24 NET).
God of Word and words, you crossed the "T"s and dotted the "I"s. Let my faith in you be always an exclamation point. ^RM #prayer
— United Prayer (@unitedprayer) July 16, 2010
Without question what we really lack is greatness of faith. We simply do not trust the Lord.
Check out this sermon outline by Tom Moore on vision. On the quote above, from my experience, I think he's right, so let me be the first to step up with a confession of lack of faith. "I believe, Lord; help my unbelief!"
Friend and brother-in-Christ Jorge gave me a book on Portuguese spelling. On the one hand, this Romance language closest to its Latin pater is very phonetic, meaning that if you hear it your chances are 95% that you can spell it correctly. (One sweet advantage over English.)
On the other hand, the Official Language Administrators of the Portuguese Language (there is such a group, with another name) decided to do a spelling revision, mostly dealing with accents. So we have to relearn some rules.
Portuguese speakers (including those from Portugal and former colonies) are like the French: they take their language so seriously, they have an official group to define the rules. Americans and Brits are more democratic: as language changes, the rules adapt, which is really the way it works anyway. But the lovers and co-inventors of Bureaucratic Redtapery like their language wrapped in GovSpeak which can be ruled and schooled from Heights Nearly Supernal.
So we mere mortals must do obesience and relearn the rules. Now to Chapter 10.
This invitation comes from our friend Jody Apple. Our congrats to him and all the ETSPM staff and admin, as well as our prayers and best wishes for this new undertaking. Here's Jody:
August starts the 40th full year of instruction at East TN School of Preaching & Missions. To promote the school, recruit students and increase support for both students and school, we are hosting "It's Your School" blitz weekends around the Southeast.
The first one kicks off this Saturday, July 17 at 6:00 pm at the Ashville Road congregation in Leeds, AL. If you know people in that area, please encourage them to attend. RSVP's can be sent to Jody@etspm.org.
On the next day, Sunday, July 18, faculty and students will be speaking at congregations all around the Birmingham, AL area to promote the school.
The second "blitz" weekend will be held in the Knoxville area, with the opening meeting on Saturday, August 14 at the Karns building. Faculty will be preaching on Sunday, August 15, all around the Knoxville area. The 40th year of teaching starts the following day, Monday, August 16.
If you can attend, or just want more information about the school, post me at Jody@etspm.org
Thanks.
In Christ,
Jody Apple