Re-blogging: Continuing the Story: Praying the Bible: Psalm 103

Continuing the Story: Praying the Bible: Psalm 103: Several years ago, my pastor introduced our congregation to the book Praying the Bible  by Donald Whitney during our prayer emphasis month. ...

RIP, Rush. Good news for the pro-life movement. TULIP alternatives.

You all might be familiar with this:

screenshot from YouTube "The 5 Points of Calvinism Song"

But what is not so widely known are there are other versions as well, that tend to be a little more humorous. For example: 

Origin unknown, sent to me by a friend

Or this one, which is my favorite:

also origin unknown

Anyone seen any others?

FWIW, I've heard that the Arminian version is a daisy, as in "He loves me, He loves me not." Ooops - shame on me. (I first heard that in a taped lecture by the late Dr. S. Lewis Johnson, of Dallas Theological Seminary and Believer's Chapel-Dallas fame. - No relation to me, that I know of. <heavy sigh>.

Moving on:
I'm gonna admit that for years I have been a sorta-fan of Rush Limbaugh, who died of lung cancer yesterday, just a couple weeks after his 70th birthday. I didn't listen to his show often, mostly because I only listen to radio in the car, and since I retired that isn't a common occurrence. But when I did get a chance, he was always entertaining, even when he was spouting nonsense. I usually, but not always, agreed with him, at least in principle if not in specifics. Whether you loved him, hated him, or some combination of the two, it has to be conceded that he revolutionized talk-radio, and that he was a major player in defining the conservative movement in our generation. Was he a shill for the GOP? Yes. Did he sometimes spout bizarre conspiracy theories? Unfortunately, yes. But far more often, he spoke the truth in a blunt and uncompromising way. He will be missed by many, including me. But mostly, I suspect, by Tucker Carlson, because with Rush gone, Tucker will most likely become Number One on the list of people targeted by the far-left-wing-dominated Mainstream Media, such as NYT, WaPo, MSNBC, etc. Good luck, Tucker!

On to another thing. Check this out!
South Carolina passes heartbeat bill

As the article mentions, once it passes a mostly pro-forma procedural vote this week, "Republican Gov. Henry McMaster has promised to sign the bill quickly." It will probably get tied up in court battles almost immediately, but hopefully will make it the Supreme Court (before the Democrats figure out how to pack it), and the fairly conservative majority will allow it to stand. We can only hope and pray!

Well, enough for today. I'm sure you all have more on your plates than just following this little tiny blog. But I appreciate it if you do!

Ron and the Debster, signing off!

PS - please don't forget to comment, share, and subscribe! I need all the followers I can get! Not for money, because this isn't a "monetized" account and I don't get paid a dime, but simply so that when I share really important Gospel-related stuff, it will reach the largest audience possible. Thanks!

NO politics today! Dealing with depression. Bicycle with giant circular-saw "wheels"! Surfing sea-lions! Growing algae on Mars?

Bicycling on ice

I'm so tired of politics. In fact, so tired of darn near everything. As I mentioned to a couple of my dearest friends, my "give-a-damn" is busted. One, who has experienced life-long serious chronic clinical depression, told me that I have to fight it. To pretend, if necessary, that my give-a-damn is not busted, and to force myself into this, that, and the other thing, until I come out of it. Essentially, fake-it-till-you-make-it. So, I'm trying. Started taking my meds again, which I'd neglected for several weeks. Started making attempts to do at least a few odds-and-ends that I'd been blowing off. Stuff like that.

At the same time, I got a message on Messenger from another dear old friend, wondering if I was alright, since I had not been heard from nor written a blog post in weeks. Her response, which I am going to partially quote was kinda similar, and ended this way:

Continuing routines even when I don’t feel like it kinda helps—but having brothers and sisters in Christ praying for me and encouraging me is better. 😀 Hopefully you’re getting some good reading in and can take a step or two each day to help you get back in a routine and lift your mood and refocus on Jesus. We’re here if you need anything!

Seriously, how do people go through life without such close and loving friends?

I think it is so important that these two friends are devout Christians, my brother and sister in the Lord. One has been a mentor to me since two weeks after I got saved, and has become my best friend. The other is a woman that I've known for a quarter of a century or so, we attended the same church for a long time, and I became close friends with both her and her husband-to-be, now her long-time husband. Great people. And great Christians. These are the kind of people that intelligent people want in their lives.

This is quite interesting.  Blue-Green Algae Can Help Astronauts Survive on Mars.

This is amazing. The Ice Bike With Circular Saw Wheels.

This was fun to watch. Sea lions surf giant waves in ‘awesome’ display caught on video.

That's all for now, folks. Thanks for reading. Don't forget to comment, share, and subscribe!

Ron & the Debster, signing off!

* Photo from screenshot taken from https://kottke.org/21/02/the-ice-bike-with-circular-saw-wheels

January 25: Ron's Roundup; Medal of Honor Monday; Verse of the Day

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt departs following an extended visit in the midst of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, from Apra Harbor, Guam May 21, 2020. U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kaylianna Genier/Handout via REUTERS.

Verse Of The Day,
from BibleGateway.com.

Philippians 4:8 (NASB 1995)
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

Medal of Honor Monday
from Tara Ross
This Day in History: Four Vietnam Heroes receive the Medal of Honor

The Briefing
by Al Mohler

• PART I: 62 Million Babies Have Been Aborted in the U.S. in the 48 Years Since Roe v. Wade: How Did Abortion Become Thinkable in American Culture?
• PART II: President Biden Wants to Codify Roe v. Wade: Abortion as the Central Sacrament of Political Liberalism in the United States
• PART III: Liberal Catholicism in the White House? What Is the Connection Between Liberal Theology and Liberal Political Views?

Why is the West turning a blind eye to persecuted Christians in the global South?
If we ignore the violence in own back yard, how can we see it elsewhere?
by Madeleine Enzlberger

Longtime MLB home run king Hank Aaron dies at 86
My late father was an unabashed baseball junkie, so as a youngster and teenager, I grew up with baseball games on TV or the radio, the sports pages of both of our local daily newspapers, and the occasional magazine. Along with most of America, in 1973 and 1974, I was enthralled by the historic feats of "Hammerin' Hank of the Braves" chasing and then surpassing the career home run record owned by the late great the Sultan of Swat, George Herman "Babe" Ruth. I read Mr. Aaron's autobiography and was almost immeasurably impressed. The world has lost a great man, a member of not only the Baseball Hall of Fame, but of the elite number that have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed. Goodby Hank. You will be missed.

U.S. carrier group enters South China Sea amid Taiwan tensions
A couple of days ago, fighter-bombers from the Communist China mainland overflew Taiwanese airspace, escalating tension between China and Japan. Later that day, The US sent a strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into the South China Sea, on a routine patrol “to ensure freedom of the seas, build partnerships that foster maritime security”. China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines all have claimed parts of the area as sovereign territory.

Coincidentally, I just finished reading the first four chapters of "2034: A Novel of the Next World War" by Elliot Ackerman  and Admiral James Stavridis USN. "Wired" magazine's current print issue was devoted exclusively to excerpting these chapters. The book itself is due out in March. Here's the review published on Amazon:

"On March 12, 2034, US Navy Commodore Sarah Hunt is on the bridge of her flagship, the guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones, conducting a routine freedom of navigation patrol in the South China Sea when her ship detects an unflagged trawler in clear distress, smoke billowing from its bridge. On that same day, US Marine aviator Major Chris "Wedge" Mitchell is flying an F35E Lightning over the Strait of Hormuz, testing a new stealth technology as he flirts with Iranian airspace. By the end of that day, Wedge will be an Iranian prisoner, and Sarah Hunt's destroyer will lie at the bottom of the sea, sunk by the Chinese Navy. Iran and China have clearly coordinated their moves, which involve the use of powerful new forms of cyber weaponry that render US ships and planes defenseless. In a single day, America's faith in its military's strategic pre-eminence is in tatters. A new, terrifying era is at hand.
"So begins a disturbingly plausible work of speculative fiction, co-authored by an award-winning novelist and decorated Marine veteran and the former commander of NATO, a legendary admiral who has spent much of his career strategically out maneuvering America's most tenacious adversaries. Written with a powerful blend of geopolitical sophistication and literary, human empathy, 2034 takes us inside the minds of a global cast of characters--Americans, Chinese, Iranians, Russians, Indians--as a series of arrogant miscalculations on all sides leads the world into an intensifying international storm. In the end, China and the United States will have paid a staggering cost, one that forever alters the global balance of power.
"Everything in 2034 is an imaginative extrapolation from present-day facts on the ground combined with the authors' years working at the highest and most classified levels of national security. Sometimes it takes a brilliant work of fiction to illuminate the most dire of warnings: 2034 is all too close at hand, and this cautionary tale presents the reader a dark yet possible future that we must do all we can to avoid."

Don't forget to take a moment to share this (see below), leave a comment, and to subscribe. The more interaction like that we get, the more this little tiny blog will spread.

See ya next time!

The Old Fart and The Debster, checkin' out!

Sunday, January 24: Verse Of The Day; Ron's Roundup; This Day In History; humor

Verse Of The Day,
from BibleGateway.com.

"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Galatians 6:1 (NASB 1995)

This is short but to the point.
Sunday Firesides: Profanity Is Performative
by Brett and Kate McKay via The Art of Manliness

Caroline Furlong links to this article, which is a truly heartwarming story!

"British war veteran Sir Samuel Falle, one of 422 officers and sailors of the British Navy rescued by a Japanese warship during World War II, visited Japan and placed flowers on the grave of the ship’s commander ..."

Is God disciplining me? Short answer: I most certainly hope so!
Michael Kelly discusses this topic. (He came to the same conclusion that I did. Nice!)
Check out the 17th century minister William Bates also on this topic. Those old guys were quite wordy, but are worth more their weight in gold when it comes to wisdom and godliness.

One Surprising Mark of Spiritual Maturity
Here's another one from Michael Kelly, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite bloggers.

Growing in Maturity
Tom Ascol discusses a related topic in this post from Founders Ministries.

If any of you had been following me when I was still posting on Facebook*, you'd know that I've long been a strong advocate for being careful to speak only that which is true and edifying, and to stay as far away as possible from slandering and libeling people, from rabble-rousing, and from "sharing" things that are (probably) not true, or that serve only to shout into the echo chamber. Well,
Joel Arnold beats that same drum in this post.

* I deactivated my account a couple weeks ago, but I am still on Messenger, for the moment at least.

January 24, 1848 marks the beginning of the California Gold Rush. The inimitable Tara Ross has an article up today, "This Day in History: The California Gold Rush", that tells the tale of 

"James W. Marshall was a carpenter who had been working with a local ranch owner to build a sawmill. When Marshall showed up at work on the morning of January 24, he saw something glittering in a water channel that he’d been creating under the mill wheel. It looked like gold."

 

That's all for now, folks. Love y'all!
The Tiehacker, and the Debster, signing off ...

PS - Don't forget to share this, comment, and subscribe!

Verse Of The Day; Ron's Roundup; This Day In History

Verse Of The Day,

from BibleGateway.com.

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 (NASB 1995)

So far, most conservative and/or Christian content has not been deplatformed. So, until that happens (may it never be!), check out these links. Presented randomly.

This is potentially useful. The Right Way to Stop a Nosebleed, by Brett & Kate McKay on The Art of Manliness website.

Anne Kennedy, one of my favorite bloggers, has a short article about reading devotional materials instead of the Bible. She doesn't disapprove of devotionals, she actually wrote one herself, but she is concerned about the number of people that consider devotional books the same as reading the Bible itself.

The next three links are from the January 23 edition of  the "Front Porch Republic" weekly newsletter. I HIGHLY recommend subscribing to it it!

“The New National American Elite.” Michael Lind traces the nationalization of elite culture in America:

From the American Revolution until the late 20th century, the American elite was divided among regional oligarchies. It is only in the last generation that these regional patriciates have been absorbed into a single, increasingly homogeneous national oligarchy, with the same accent, manners, values, and educational backgrounds from Boston to Austin and San Francisco to New York and Atlanta. This is a truly epochal development.

“Everything Is Broken.” Alana Newhouse offers a sweeping diagnosis of a decadent culture and its institutions:

Th[e] disconnect between culturally mandated politics and the actual demonstrated preferences of most Americans has created an enormous reserve of unmet needs—and a generational opportunity. Build new things! Create great art! Understand and accept that sensory information is the brain’s food, and that Silicon Valley is systematically starving us of it. Avoid going entirely tree-blind. Make a friend and don’t talk politics with them. Do things that generate love and attention from three people you actually know instead of hundreds you don’t. Abandon the blighted Ivy League, please, I beg of you. Start a publishing house that puts out books that anger, surprise and delight people and which make them want to read. Be brave enough to make film and TV that appeals to actual audiences and not 14 people on Twitter. Establish a newspaper, one people can see themselves in and hold in their hands. Go back to a house of worship—every week. Give up on our current institutions; they already gave up on us.

This one is a little disturbing. “Our Manorial Elite.” Alan Jacobs draws some disturbing parallels between today’s tech capitalists and medieval economic structures. He concludes, “Call them warlords or the manorial elite, our massive transnational tech companies will protect us only when they believe it is in their interest to do so; and they will never offer us any protection from their own ever-increasing, ever-more-intrusive power.”

I always enjoy, and learn from, Tara Ross's "This Day In History" articles. Today's is even more exceptional than usual: "This Day in History: The pacifist who signed the Declaration"

Nothing special to write about? Really? Does an inauguration count as special? Or good TV?

What to write about today?

Not like there's nothing really important happening, after all. I mean, so there's some sort of whoop-ti-do happening in DC, right? A new President or something? It's not like that doesn't happen every few years, right?

Well, alright, if'n y'all insist. It's about 9AM Central as I write this; President Trump is either on his way to Florida, or already there. I'm not following the news that close, ya see. Unlike most every President in history, he has refused to attend the swearing-in of his successor. Kinda childish, if you ask me, but hey, who am I to judge?

President-Elect Biden will lose the "-Elect" part of the title in about two hours, in a Washington that is virtually shut down and militarized in a way not seen since probably 1864. For the first time in living memory the National Mall will not be filled with thousands upon thousands of spectators. Instead, it will be populated almost exclusively with tens of thousands of flags.

For the first time in history, a woman, and a black woman at that, and a black woman with Asian ancestry at THAT! will be sworn in as Vice-President. Can anyone say, "intersectionality"? Sure you can! Try it. Doesn't it just roll right off the tongue? Doesn't it just sing? Sure it does. Yeah. OK.

In about three or four hours, a dozen or so Executive Orders will be signed, rolling back many of the Executive Orders signed by the previous administration. Some of which had rolled back Executive Orders put in place by the administration prior to THAT. (An administration that had as second-in-command the new Elected Executive Dictator. But who's counting?)

Aaannnd ... the 2024 primary season begins. <Heavy sigh>

Well, The Debster and I have watched the first couple episodes of "All Things Great and Small". Gotta say, perhaps the best thing on television these days. Wholesome, some humor, beautiful countryside. Even just a little romance but not enough to gum up the thing. Check it out!

I've been reading "The Huegonot Chronicles: Books 1 - 3" by Paul C. R. Monk. Pretty good so far, not quite half-way through. Seems to be well-researched, with a lot of small historical details adding flavor. My one and only quibble so far is that the characters, though well-developed, are a bit too one-sided. The protagonists, French Huguenots Jacob Delpech and his wife Jeanne, with their family and friends, are so noble and good they make my teeth hurt, as someone once said. Whereas the antagonists, their Catholic persecutors, are completely bad people. There is very little nuance. This is why I'd rate it 4 stars rather than 5, at least so far. I'll give it a full review once I've completed the trilogy.

Well, that's enough for today. You go do your thing, and The Debster and I will do ours. See you next time! Love y'all!

Don't forget to comment, share, and subscribe!

National insurrection from within the Church. A couple of links. A little bit of humor.

I am not a huge fan of David French, editor of "The Dispatch" newsletter and columnist for "Time". I do subscribe to the newsletter, as there is usually a lot to be found there of solid conservative journalism, despite my mild distaste for some of Mr. French's rather wishy-washy views. But the other day, Mr. French published a column that I thought was pretty much spot on. Entitled "Only the Church Can Truly Defeat a Christian Insurrection", subtitled, "It’s time to combat the right’s enabling lies."

David points out the following:

... this attack occurred days after the so-called Jericho March, an event explicitly filled with Christian-nationalist rhetoric so unhinged that I warned on December 13 that it embodied “a form of fanaticism that can lead to deadly violence.”

Are you still not convinced that it’s fair to call this a Christian insurrection? I would bet that most of my readers would instantly label the exact same event Islamic terrorism if Islamic symbols filled the crowd, if Islamic music played in the loudspeakers, and if members of the crowd shouted “Allahu Akbar” as they charged the Capitol.

Just playing Whack-A-Mole against QAnon and Stop-The-Steal is not enough. The church needs to stop spreading, or at least enabling, the untruths that feed these events. A Bernie Sanders fanboy shoots up a Republican Congressmen baseball team, so that means that everyone on the left hates you and wants you dead? Seriously?

The Church in America is going to go down in flames if Joe Biden wins? The very gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church, yet you're worried about some temporary political set-back? Since when did the church EVER put its trust in one man or one party other than in Jesus Christ? Never mind, don't answer that. It's too depressing.

The election of Joe Biden will spell the end of America? Didn't we hear the same thing every four years since, well, probably 1996? Or maybe sooner. Yet, here we are. (It's true, the break-up of our nation is probably closer than it has been since 1860. But, if it does happen, the 2020 election will have been a symptom, a big crack in the block, not the cause.)

Bottom line, as I see it, although politics play an important role in the life of an engaged citizen of the United States, as a Christian, my PRIMARY concern is as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, as an ambassador of my Lord to this little patch of ground on this little planet. Nothing happens here beyond my Lord's purview and control, anyway.

We Christians need to focus on our true mission, to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them all that Jesus commands us.

       

Today's links

Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening

• MORNING: "I will help thee, saith the Lord." - Isaiah 41:14
• EVENING: "The Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself." - Daniel 9:26

Today in History, presented by Tara Ross

This Day in History:

Carole Lombard’s tragic WWII War Bonds tour

Carole Lombard and her husband Clark Gable

On this day in 1942, American film actress Carole Lombard is tragically killed in a plane crash as she returns from a WWII War Bonds tour. Her trip had been part of Hollywood’s early response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. ... Jump straight to the full story, here.

A Patriot’s Lament, a Conservative’s Hope

by Esther O'Reilly on Jan. 14, 20121

A thoughtful, nuanced take on the events of January 6. Sympathetic, or perhaps empathetic might be the better word, towards even those caught up in the worst of the MAGA lunacy. Hopeful about the possibility of moving forward, she writes, "But I believe carrying this patriot dream forward in our hearts is the only way for us to survive—as Americans, as conservatives, and as Christians. To that end, God help us, and God bless America."

Folks, as always, it's been a real pleasure. I'm taking tomorrow off, and if health allows, will spend it with the saints.

Don't forget to take a moment to leave a comment and to subscribe. The more interaction like that, the more this little tiny blog will spread.

See ya Monday!

Ron

Discussing "The truth will make you free." Also, a little humor, Charles Spurgeon Morning and Evening, some neat links

On the Ark, Noah probably got milk from the cows.
What did he get from the ducks?
Quakers

John 8:31-32 (NASB 1995)

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Here is a well-known, and oft-misused passage from the Gospel of John. "The truth shall set you free" is a phrase heard from countless politicians and other charlatans. Has been for years, probably for centuries. But, as the saying goes, "You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means" 😉

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to a very select group of people: "those Jews who had believed Him". The context is an argument that Jesus was having with the Pharisees. (Nothing new there, right?) He had proclaimed himself "the light of the world" (v.12). He spoke rather cryptic things about his Father and himself (v.16f), about him going away (v.21), and several other things. 

In the course of the discussion, some of the Jews that were listening to him believed in him (v.30); most, however, did not. They not only did not believe, they were adamantly against him.  So Jesus' comment are directed to those that believed in him (v.30), and believed him (v.31). Do you see the difference? To be one that can legitimately claim to believe IN Jesus, one must also BELIEVE him. In other words, it is not possible to truthfully say that you "believe in Jesus" yet at the same time deny, in word and/or in action, what he actually said.

True discipleship involves remaining continually in his word. The result of remaining in his word is to "know the truth", and that very truth, once absorbed, sets one free.

Free? Free from what? Not physical slavery, but spiritual slavery. Slavery to sin and death (v.34). 

All who have not believed what Jesus has to say, have not believed in Jesus, remain in their natural state, born into slavery to sin, born of their father the devil (v.44).

Children of the devil are destined to remain with their father for all of eternity, an eternity in hell. 

Don't be that guy. Believe what Jesus says. Believe IN him. While you still have time. Today is the day of salvation. (2 Cor 6:2)

Today's links

Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening

"Do as thou hast said."
2 Samuel 7:25

• Morning: "Do as thou hast said." 2 Samuel 7:25
• Evening: "But I give myself unto prayer." Psalm 109:4

Time for Twitter & Co to take responsibility for news — and lies

by Karl D. Stephan - Jan 15, 2021. 

Discusses the now-infamous "Section 230". (Not very flattering to President Trump.)

Three Reasons to Study Scripture in 2021

by Alan Shlemon on Stand to Reason.

"Here’s a basic but good reminder: Christians need to study Scripture. We’ve begun a new year. Why not resolve to do it in 2021? There are at least three reasons why. These are not meant to be the top three reasons or the most important ones. They are just three reasons that came to mind."

The Briefing

by Albert Mohler

• PART I Will the Biden Administration—As Promised—Be the Most LGBTQ-Friendly Administration in American History?
• PART II An Historic London Church Affirms Commitment to Scripture While New Church of England Document Undermines Historic Christian Teaching
• PART III Truth May Be Lonely But It Nonetheless Remains True: The Church of England Attempts to Hold Irreconcilable Positions on Sexuality Simultaneously

A Mid-Winter Family Update

by blogger and author Tim Challies.

Tim and his wife Aileen lost their twenty year old son Nick back in November. He died quite suddenly and unexpectedly while at college. Nick gives us an update on how his family, including Nick's fiancé, are doing and what their up to.

The Great Unraveling

by blogger and journalist Bari Weiss.

Ms. Weiss, who although liberal, is NOT among the "woke" hordes; in fact, she is one of those that signed that famous Letter on Justice and Open Debate in Harper's magazine in July of last year, the letter that really set off a s**t storm on social media. She resigned her job at the NY Times last year precisely because of the increasingly hostile work environment towards "non-woke" types. Anyway, in this essay she shares her rather apocalyptic view of what is to come in the near future, the increasing repression and persecution of all that dare to defy "woke" insanity that has infected most of the "elites" in the US, and in the West in general. The corporate big-wigs, academy, arts & entertainment, publishing, what used to be called "journalism", and so on. If you don't read anything else today - besides your Bible of course! - read this. As I said, she is of the liberal persuasion and I do not agree with everything she stands for, but she is one of the few remaining voices of reason on the left side of the aisle. 

Great reads on Christian websites: Christian history; "The 50 Countries Where It’s Most Dangerous to Follow Jesus in 2021"; Bible engagement techniques

We Believe
The Story of the Apostles’ Creed

Article by Brian Hanson
Professor, Bethlehem College & Seminary “The Augsburg Confession. The Helvetic Confession. The Gallican Confession. The Belgic Confession. The Westminster Confession and Catechism. The Second London Baptist Confession. The Canons of Dort. What do these historic evangelical confessions have in common? Each of them has its roots in the Apostles’ Creed.”

The 50 Countries Where It’s Most Dangerous to Follow Jesus in 2021

by CT Editors "Latest report on Christian persecution finds 3 in 4 martyrs are in Nigeria, ranked among 10 worst persecutors for first time."
CT reports on the most dangerous countries for Christians. “This year the top 10 worst persecutors are relatively unchanged. After North Korea is Afghanistan, followed by Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India.”

Welcome to Scripture Engagement!

I cannot even begin to tell you how much this section on BibleGateway.com's website helped me.
I especially recommend:
Scripture Engagement: What Is It?
Praying Scripture
Journaling Scripture
Contemplating Scripture
Speaking Scripture
Memorizing Scripture
All of the different practices are great; the ones listed are the ones that most appealed to me.

Linkage

Today in History, presented by Tara Ross

This Day in History: Benedict Arnold is born
On this day in 1741, Benedict Arnold is born. You know him as a traitor to the American cause, but do you know the rest of his story? Arnold started off as someone that you might admire. ...

THE BRIEFING, presented by Albert Mohler

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021
PART I We Are All Witnesses of History: U.S. House of Representatives Votes to Impeach President Donald J. Trump for Second Time
PART II What’s the Big Deal about $1? The Supreme Court Hears Arguments in a Case with Nominal Monetary Value, but Huge Implications for Religious Liberty
PART III New York State Is Facing a Serious Money Crisis: What Does It Mean That Lawmakers Are Turning to Expanded Gambling and Legalized Marijuana as Potential Solutions?

Blog and Mablog, presented by Doug Wilson

Real Justice
Pastor Doug writes:

We live in a time when many evangelicals are realizing that we are standing at the base of a really steep learning curve. These are demented times, and the steep learning curve consists of the effort you will need to exert just in order to keep your sanity. If you are in that position, and are not sure where to start, I would recommend starting with this book, The Justice Primer. ...

This is good to see: President Trump issues statement urging that there be "NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind". He expands on the theme in this video, as well.

In this kinda long essay, Richard M. Reinsch, II writes "Why the Republic Can Hold" in National Affairs magazine. Well worth the few minutes it takes to read it!

Charissa Koh of WORLD Magazine looks into efforts to demilitarize the police. Very good article. My take: The lead photo is of a St. Louis County PD - my home county! - armored vehicle deployed during the 2014 riots in Ferguson. Personally, I will be so glad when the police go back to being the police, rather than a paramiltary organization.

Last but not least:
Peter Heck writes in Disrn,

Missouri declared the first “abortion-free” state

Missouri has become America's first "abortion-free state," after all 45 abortion facilities in the state have closed or ceased performing abortions, according to a report from pro-life organization Operation Rescue. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Charles Spurgeon Morning and Evening - "Mighty to Save" Isaiah 63:1

Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening

"Mighty to Save"
Isaiah 63:1

By the words "to save" we understand the whole of the great work of salvation, from the first holy desire onward to complete sanctification. The words are multum in parro: indeed, here is all mercy in one word. Christ is not only "mighty to save" those who repent, but he is able to make men repent. He will carry those to heaven who believe; but he is, moreover, mighty to give men new hearts and to work faith in them. He is mighty to make the man who hates holiness love it, and to constrain the despiser of his name to bend the knee before him. Nay, this is not all the meaning, for the divine power is equally seen in the after-work. The life of a believer is a series of miracles wrought by "the Mighty God." The bush burns, but is not consumed. He is mighty to keep his people holy after he has made them so, and to preserve them in his fear and love until he consummates their spiritual existence in heaven. Christ's might doth not lie in making a believer and then leaving him to shift for himself; but he who begins the good work carries it on; he who imparts the first germ of life in the dead soul, prolongs the divine existence, and strengthens it until it bursts asunder every bond of sin, and the soul leaps from earth, perfected in glory. Believer, here is encouragement. Art thou praying for some beloved one? Oh, give not up thy prayers, for Christ is "mighty to save." You are powerless to reclaim the rebel, but your Lord is Almighty. Lay hold on that mighty arm, and rouse it to put forth its strength. Does your own case trouble you? Fear not, for his strength is sufficient for you. Whether to begin with others, or to carry on the work in you, Jesus is "mighty to save;" the best proof of which lies in the fact that he has saved you. What a thousand mercies that you have not found him mighty to destroy!

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Love y'all
Ron and the Debster

Charles Spurgeon Morning and Evening - "The iron did swim." 2 Kings 6:6

Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening

"The iron did swim."
2 Kings 6:6 (NASB)

The axe-head seemed hopelessly lost, and as it was borrowed, the honour of the prophetic band was likely to be imperilled, and so the name of their God to be compromised. Contrary to all expectation, the iron was made to mount from the depth of the stream and to swim; for things impossible with man are possible with God. I knew a man in Christ but a few years ago who was called to undertake a work far exceeding his strength. It appeared so difficult as to involve absurdity in the bare idea of attempting it. Yet he was called thereto, and his faith rose with the occasion; God honoured his faith, unlooked-for aid was sent, and the iron did swim. Another of the Lord's family was in grievous financial straits, he was able to meet all claims, and much more if he could have realized a certain portion of his estate, but he was overtaken with a sudden pressure; he sought for friends in vain, but faith led him to the unfailing Helper, and lo, the trouble was averted, his footsteps were enlarged, and the iron did swim. A third had a sorrowful case of depravity to deal with. He had taught, reproved, warned, invited, and interceded, but all in vain. Old Adam was too strong for young Melancthon, the stubborn spirit would not relent. Then came an agony of prayer, and before long a blessed answer was sent from heaven. The hard heart was broken, the iron did swim.

Beloved reader, what is thy desperate case? What heavy matter hast thou in hand this evening? Bring it hither. The God of the prophets lives, and lives to help his saints. He will not suffer thee to lack any good thing. Believe thou in the Lord of hosts! Approach him pleading the name of Jesus, and the iron shall swim; thou too shalt see the finger of God working marvels for his people. According to thy faith be it unto thee, and yet again the iron shall swim.

Please comment below. And keep it civil, folks! Disagreement and debate are fine, name-calling and so forth, not acceptable, and may be deleted.
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Interesting links (Trigger warning: they are political!)

Peter Heck writes at Disrn: Opinion: Riots aren’t the “language of the unheard,” they’re the language of the thug. It's pretty good:

I admit that I could be totally misreading my fellow Americans, but placing my figurative finger on the common man's pulse, I don't get a strong sense that many of us are into violent riots. I think most citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, and socioeconomic background thought this was bad:

[He follows this with several graphic video clips of rioting and mayhem, both from BLM/Antifa, and from the mess last week at the US Capital.]

Read it all!

Here's a great one from Laura Mize, also at Disrn: OH governor signs bill banning telemedicine abortions
This is truly good news, a step in the right direction in the fight to protect the unborn.

While you're at Disrn, check some of the other links as well. Lots of good stories there, such as the fake Chuck Norris at the riot and V.P. Mike Pence refusing to invoke the 25th Amendment.

Here's another good one, from Oren Cass at the American Compass website: Where Do We Go From Here?.
Here's a sample:

I often compare President Trump to an earthquake—a costly disaster, but one that exposes structures outdated or sloppily built and provides the opportunity to improve upon them in the rebuilding process. We are living now through the final tremors, which can do most damage because they shake foundations already weakened by what has transpired. Trump’s actions and inactions in the election’s aftermath and especially in the last week are impeachable offenses, but the Congress’s decision whether to proceed is political and prudential in character rather than legal, and impeachment and removal is more complicated than tweeting “Impeach. Remove.” I believe he should be removed as soon as possible on principle, as precedent, and because the benefits outweigh the costs, but I must confess to having weak confidence in that third judgment and I also find persuasive Philip Klein’s argument that a slow, post-inauguration process might be most appropriate. Regardless, I consider intemperate the suggestion that this is an easy decision or that only one plausible position exists. A fine example of a healthier politics would be an acceptance on all sides that “remove the president in the week his term ends” is a proposition on which reasonable people might differ.

As you can tell, it is not very flattering to the president.
Read it all!

I could add a lot more, but that's enough for today.

This picture gives you an idea of why I am leaving Facebook!

Please comment below. And keep it civil, folks! Disagreement and debate are fine, name-calling and so forth, not acceptable, and may be deleted.
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Love y'all!

Christian Nationalism

Neither Satan nor sickness nor sinful man is sovereign. Only God is. And he is good and wise and sovereign. - John Piper

Interesting bit from Al Mohler's "Morning Briefing" today. He's discussing problems with Christian nationalism.

It takes us back to Washington, D.C. and many of the national media, and that would include those of more secular worldviews and those who have a better understanding of Christianity. They remarked about how much Christian imagery was used or abused in the demonstrations that took place on Wednesday and even the violent invasion of the United States Capitol. What does it mean that there were banners that invoked the name of Christ, that there was Christian symbolism? Is this an idolatrous fusion of the nation and the gospel?

More:

Now, at this point, perhaps this is a clarifying insight. When you're looking at the danger of nationalism from a Christian perspective, the greatest danger is that the nation, rather than the church, becomes the vessel of God's providential plan and His promise of covenantal blessings. To put the matter just as bluntly and simply as we can for Christians, even as we celebrate a proper patriotism, even as we are very thankful for the United States of America, even as we are eagerly and actively involved citizens of the United States, and even as we see a singular identity for the United States even amongst other nations, we do understand that our ultimate identity is not national. It is indeed not even patriotic. Our ultimate allegiance, our ultimate identity is in Christ to whom, by faith, we have been united, and under whose Lordship, we gladly serve, and that includes, most importantly, our identity within the church of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

You really need to read the whole thing.

Good by, Facebook! It's been nice knowing you!

 I'm done. I've had it up to HERE with Facebook. 

Check out this post from Jonathon Turley, lawyer, author, scholar.

Those fools just blocked Ron Paul, with no notice or warning, 

for unspecified violations of “community standards.” Paul’s last posting was linked to an article on the “shocking” increase of censorship on social media. Facebook then proceeded to block him under the same undefined “community standards” policy.

More:

Even before the riot, Democrats were calling for blacklists and retaliation against anyone deemed to be “complicit” with the Trump Administration. We have been discussing the rising threats against Trump supporters, lawyers, and officials in recent weeks from Democratic members are calling for blacklists to the Lincoln Project leading a a national effort to harass and abuse any lawyers representing the Republican party or President Trump. Others are calling for banning those “complicit” from college campuses while still others are demanding a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” to “hold Trump and his enablers accountable for the crimes they have committed.” Daily Beast editor-at-large Rick Wilson has added his own call for “humiliation,” “incarceration” and even ritualistic suicides for Trump supporters in an unhinged, vulgar column. 

I refuse to allow myself to be "canceled", so before I'm booted from FB for violating some unspecified "standards", I'm walking away for good. I'll keep my page open for a couple of weeks, and I'll keep my Messenger account unless/until I get booted from that as well.

Y'all can always reach me through here, just click on my Profile.

Link to "Continuing the Story: 2020 Reading Goals - Update" by Leslie

Recent post from a very good friend of about a quarter of a century. Read it, and follow her. You'll not regret it!

Ron

Continuing the Story: 2020 Reading Goals - Update: It may be a little premature for me to update my 2020 Reading Plan since I still have almost two weeks to finish up.  BUT...the last two boo...