tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30523969447891313552024-03-14T06:33:12.183-04:00DailyWhittThis blog is devotional, informational, hopefully interesting and entertaining - observing the world from a Pastor's perspective, while realizing our walk with Jesus is a relationship, rather than religion!John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-25533839022290667582023-04-13T14:04:00.009-04:002023-04-13T14:30:34.189-04:00What's in a Name<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The following post is an elaboration on the YouTube short about names and the authenticity of the Gospels. Here's the video:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='280' height='233' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwdsXJlKOq6Fj02LEJRBDV9-1W-hgcmRM9MDJkuGDMTCJwrkauS1Ms2RSj9pl-vqnflBCG48Mpygc6cCkW8Vg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Or, watch it directly at YouTube:</span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VLRazLQR7IY">https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VLRazLQR7IY</a></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The book is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Eyewitnesses-Gospels-Eyewitness-Testimony/dp/0802874312/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17QVOT1BVL0UU&keywords=jesus+and+the+eyewitnesses+richard+bauckham&qid=1681410386&sprefix=Jesus+and+the+%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Jesus and the Eyewitnesses</a>, by Richard Bauckham.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The significance of names in first-century Judea, as discussed in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 of "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" by Richard Bauckham, provides compelling evidence for the credibility of the Gospels. Bauckham argues that names were not arbitrary in the ancient world, but carried meaningful associations and were carefully chosen to reflect the cultural and social norms of the time. This view is further supported the name database compiled by Tal Ilan,</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Lexicon of Jewish Names in Late Antiquity</i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">, which provides insights into the naming patterns and practices of that era.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">She is a professor of Jewish Studies.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Bauckham emphasizes that the names mentioned in the Gospels, such as Jesus, James, John, and Simon, were common names during first-century Judea. This is consistent with the findings of Ilan's research, which reveals that these names were indeed prevalent during that time period. This alignment between the Gospel names and the database of Jewish names lends credibility to the Gospels as reliable historical accounts, written very early after the events they describe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It suggests that the Gospel writers were accurately reflecting the naming practices of the time.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Some scholars have tried to suggest the Gospels were written much later than the events, such as the 2nd or even 3rd century.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If this were the case, the names used would not have matched what Ilan discovered in her compilation of names used in the 1st century.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A person from the 20th or 21st century could maybe pull off writing something they claimed was from an earlier period, because we now have access to information, such as that database.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Someone in the 2nd or 3rd century writing a “Gospel” later on would have inadvertently used common names from their own century.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The database compiled in the 20th century would have revealed this.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On the contrary, it has only reinforced the evidence that the Gospels were written early!</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Furthermore, Bauckham highlights the use of patronymic names in the Gospels, where individuals were often referred to with the name of their father, such as Jesus son of Joseph or James son of Zebedee. This practice was common in first-century Judea and served as a means of identification and recognition within the community. The consistency of this naming convention in the Gospels further enhances their credibility as historical documents, as it reflects the social norms of the time and adds to the authenticity of the Gospel narratives.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Bauckham also discusses the use of nicknames or alternative names in first-century Judea, which were fluid and subject to change over time or in different social contexts. This is consistent with Ilan's research, which reveals that individuals in that era often had multiple names or nicknames. The fact that the Gospels reflect this naming fluidity, with Simon being referred to as Peter or James being called James the son of Alphaeus, supports the argument that the Gospel writers were accurately depicting the naming practices of their time.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The use of titles in conjunction with names in the Gospels, such as "son of man" or "son of God," also carries theological and messianic connotations that were significant in first-century Jewish culture. This aligns with Bauckham's argument that names were not only markers of identity and social status, but also carried theological significance. The consistency of these titles and their association with specific names in the Gospels further strengthens the credibility of the Gospel accounts as accurate historical records.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The significance of names in first-century Judea, as elucidated by Bauckham in "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" and supported by Ilan's research in the "Lexicon of Jewish Names in Late Antiquity," lends credibility to the Gospels as early, reliable, and historical documents. The alignment between the Gospel names and the database of Jewish names, the consistency of naming conventions, the portrayal of naming fluidity, and the theological significance of titles all point to the accuracy and authenticity of the Gospel narratives. These findings provide compelling evidence for the reliability of the Gospels and affirm their credibility as historical accounts of Jesus' life and ministry.</span></span></p>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-72867446438285798782023-04-12T14:42:00.003-04:002023-04-12T14:43:50.211-04:00Mozart's D Minor Masterpieces<p> <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Mozart's compositions in D minor are some of the most powerful and emotionally resonant pieces in classical music. From the haunting melodies of the Piano Concerto in D Minor to the fiery vengeance of "Der Hölle Rache" from The Magic Flute, these works showcase Mozart's unparalleled ability to evoke deep emotions through his music. Let’s explore Mozart's masterpieces in D minor, their tone color, flavor, mood, and feeling, as well as how his faith in God permeated his compositions.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu9Gq2qKs2MsW2zYjkgVli9j_9z-6dGgjyuxr9rK26HXGzT3tzG2AuH3lsrWIb7adXckdpGh-cGIRLroFWvnTCo1aoeK5LdCfTPpA1d3yt69JVmRKsHEPicnbMq8B-1baRJ63QRsBfu1oxdGEJRzQD7WFC-d5tCnSi13mOTpkn3QreVlxVA7iodBXrQ/s5968/free-walking-tour-salzburg-gmOg3PUPPwg-unsplash%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5968" data-original-width="3979" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu9Gq2qKs2MsW2zYjkgVli9j_9z-6dGgjyuxr9rK26HXGzT3tzG2AuH3lsrWIb7adXckdpGh-cGIRLroFWvnTCo1aoeK5LdCfTPpA1d3yt69JVmRKsHEPicnbMq8B-1baRJ63QRsBfu1oxdGEJRzQD7WFC-d5tCnSi13mOTpkn3QreVlxVA7iodBXrQ/w213-h320/free-walking-tour-salzburg-gmOg3PUPPwg-unsplash%20(1).jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: https://unsplash.com/@freewalkingtoursalzburg</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Piano Concerto in D Minor</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Mozart's Piano Concerto in D Minor, considered one of his greatest piano concertos, is a masterpiece of dark and intense emotion. The somber tone color of D minor is evident in the brooding melodies and dramatic passages that evoke a sense of melancholy and longing. The concerto's flavor is rich and complex, with virtuosic piano solos and lush orchestrations. The mood of the concerto ranges from introspective and contemplative to passionate and fiery, creating a captivating musical journey for the listener.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On a personal note, I learned this piece in college.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I still love it every bit as much as I did when I could actually play it!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beethoven composed a cadenza, which is a solo part added to the piece at a break in the orchestration toward the end of the piece,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you want the best of both worlds opt for a copy with this cadenza.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Two of history’s finest composers come together in one composition! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"Der Hölle Rache" from The Magic Flute</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">As one of the most famous arias in opera, "Der Hölle Rache" (The Queen of the Night's Aria) from Mozart's The Magic Flute is a tour de force of vocal acrobatics and emotional intensity. Written in D minor, the aria is known for its soaring high notes and fiery coloratura passages, representing the Queen of the Night's furious rage and thirst for revenge. The tone color of D minor in this aria is sharp and piercing, reflecting the character's vengeful nature. The flavor of the aria is dramatic and intense, with rapid-fire vocal runs and powerful orchestral accompaniment. The mood of the aria is one of righteous anger and determination, as the Queen of the Night seeks justice for her daughter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You may have heard this as background music for a movie, because movie makers have used it more than once.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don Giovanni Overture</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The Don Giovanni Overture, which opens Mozart's opera of the same name, is a dramatic and thrilling piece in D minor. The tone color of D minor in this overture is foreboding and ominous, setting the stage for the dark and tragic events that unfold in the opera. The flavor of the overture is bold and dynamic, with its sweeping melodies, intricate harmonies, and powerful brass fanfares. The mood of the overture is one of tension and anticipation, capturing the essence of Don Giovanni's libertine and morally corrupt character.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Adagio and Fugue in D Minor</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The Adagio and Fugue in D Minor is a sublime piece of chamber music composed by Mozart. The tone color of D minor in this work is mournful and introspective, with the rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint adding depth and complexity to the composition. The flavor of the Adagio is solemn and meditative, while the Fugue is lively and virtuosic. The mood of the piece is one of deep reflection and spiritual contemplation, reflecting Mozart's profound faith in God, which often permeated his compositions.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Requiem in D Minor</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">No discussion of Mozart's compositions in D minor would be complete without mentioning his Requiem, one of his most famous and revered works. I had the privilege of singing this in my high school and college choirs!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s one of my favorite compositions!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Requiem, a mass for the dead, is a powerful and poignant composition that is shrouded in mystery and legend. Mozart's use of D minor in the Requiem is particularly striking, evoking a sense of profound sorrow, mourning, and transcendence. The tone color of D minor in the Requiem is haunting and plaintive, reflecting the solemnity and gravity of the text.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The flavor of the Requiem is grand and majestic, with its choral movements, intricate counterpoint, and dramatic orchestration. The mood of the piece is one of deep introspection, as Mozart grapples with the concept of mortality and the eternal rest that follows. The Requiem is a testament to Mozart's compositional genius, with its sublime melodies, intricate harmonies, and masterful use of vocal and instrumental forces.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">It is worth noting that Mozart's deep love for God also plays a significant role in the Requiem. Mozart infused his compositions with his faith, and the Requiem is no exception. The text of the Requiem is a plea for mercy, salvation, and eternal peace, reflecting Mozart's unwavering trust in God's providence and grace. The Requiem stands as a timeless testament to Mozart's his ability to infuse his spiritual convictions into his music, creating a transcendent and deeply moving experience for listeners.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">In a tragic turn of events, Mozart passed away before completing the Requiem, leaving it unfinished. However, his devoted student, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, completed the composition based on Mozart's sketches and instructions. Despite its incomplete state, the Requiem remains one of the most beloved and powerful works in the classical repertoire, a testament to Mozart's enduring legacy as a master composer.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Mozart's masterpieces in D minor are a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions, to express profound faith, and to transcend the limitations of mortality. His unwavering faith in God, evident in the Requiem, adds another layer of depth and significance to these masterpieces. Mozart's music continues to captivate audiences to this day, with its timeless beauty, emotional depth, and spiritual resonance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">As we listen to Mozart's masterpieces in D minor, we are reminded of the profound impact his music has had on the world of classical music and the enduring legacy of a composer whose music continues to inspire and move us, even centuries after his death.</span></p>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-9726948148733888042023-04-11T11:38:00.001-04:002023-04-11T16:29:10.154-04:00A Silly Chat With AI<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Is this a waste of a perfectly good AI? You be the judge. I signed up as soon as I heard, and I've asked it so many questions. It's a really good Bible study partner, for example. Something useful like that is what I should be posting, but it's ok to relax and have fun sometimes, right?? On a particular day a couple weeks ago, I pressed the question of whether the song "I'm My Own Grandpa" could be true. This is what happened. The following is only for entertainment purposes. So, enjoy! I think I almost convinced it the song could actually happen! 😃</span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZmXmppvy9W1wSh8IjEyYw6XvzqHrLm8YCISkpYoMxmGvO-x-oHXdDSFK4H2q--eOw9ChV1_JGeIUqKy204DQe4hSWsHREsLecRkx1IvW0bCkNorZe9jClk075-KZSUNc-cSFP9JqGMI_xkAuhrTZqbgKFkGaGfEe1GYv_RaDiirHB1v1PbBo6wV8KA/s1920/cover7.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZmXmppvy9W1wSh8IjEyYw6XvzqHrLm8YCISkpYoMxmGvO-x-oHXdDSFK4H2q--eOw9ChV1_JGeIUqKy204DQe4hSWsHREsLecRkx1IvW0bCkNorZe9jClk075-KZSUNc-cSFP9JqGMI_xkAuhrTZqbgKFkGaGfEe1GYv_RaDiirHB1v1PbBo6wV8KA/s320/cover7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chat-GPT Logo</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">JOHN:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is a song called "I'm my own grandpa."<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Do the situations sung about in the song really cause the singer to become his own grandpa</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">AI:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The song "I'm My Own Grandpa" is a humorous and nonsensical song that tells the story of a man who becomes his own grandfather through a series of bizarre and unlikely events. The lyrics describe a convoluted family tree involving marriages, step-relatives, and other complications, leading to the absurd conclusion that the singer is his own grandpa.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Of course, this song is meant to be taken as a work of fiction and is not intended to be taken literally. In reality, it is impossible for a person to become their own grandparent, as it would require a violation of the laws of biology and genetics.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In order to be one's own grandparent, one would have to have a child with their own child, which is biologically impossible due to the fact that each parent passes on only half of their genetic material to their offspring. Additionally, there are legal and social prohibitions against incest, which make such relationships illegal in most societies.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So, while the song "I'm My Own Grandpa" may be a fun and entertaining piece of fiction, it is not based in reality and does not describe a situation that could actually occur.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">JOHN:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">If one were to follow all of the weddings and births from the song, "I'm my own Grandpa," would one arrive at the conclusion that the singer is, in fact, his own Grandpa?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">AI:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The song "I'm My Own Grandpa" is a complex and convoluted story that involves multiple marriages and relationships, making it difficult to follow all of the family connections. However, even if one were to follow all of the weddings and births described in the song, it would not lead to the conclusion that the singer is actually his own grandpa.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">I</span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">t is biologically impossible for a person to become their own grandparent due to the fact that each parent passes on only half of their genetic material to their offspring. In order to become one's own grandparent, one would have to have a child with their own child, which is impossible.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Therefore, the story described in the song "I'm My Own Grandpa" is meant to be taken as a humorous and nonsensical tale, and should not be interpreted as a realistic or accurate portrayal of family relationships. While the song may be entertaining, it has no basis in reality and should not be taken as a serious account of any real person's family history.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">JOHN:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">One cannot be their own Grandpa biologically, but could they be so through adoption, and by marriage, as the song suggests?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">AI:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">It is possible for someone to become their own grandparent through adoption or marriage, but it is still a highly unlikely and rare scenario.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the case of adoption, if someone were to adopt a child who was biologically related to them, such as a child of their own parent or grandparent, and that child went on to have a child of their own, then the adoptive parent could become their own grandparent in a legal and social sense, but not in a biological sense. However, this scenario would still be highly unusual and unlikely to occur in real life.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the case of marriage, if someone were to marry a person who was already their step-parent, and that step-parent went on to have a child of their own, then the married person could become their own grandparent in a legal and social sense, but again not in a biological sense.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">However, this scenario would also be very rare and unlikely to occur.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">So while </span><i style="color: #2b00fe;">it is technically possible for someone to become their own grandparent through adoption or marriage </i>[I think I almost convinced it!]<span style="color: #2b00fe;">, it is extremely unlikely and would require a very specific set of circumstances to occur. In most cases, the scenario described in the song "I'm My Own Grandpa" is purely a work of fiction and not based in reality.</span></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">JOHN:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I understand that the song is nonsense and humor, I was just wondering if it would be possible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Are there any known cases, historically, of someone becoming related to someone else or to their own self in a strange and unusual way through marriage, adoption, or other means?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">AI:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">There are a few historical examples of people becoming related to someone else in unusual ways through marriage or adoption, although none of them involve a person becoming their own grandparent.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">One well-known example is the case of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who married her first cousin, Prince Albert. They had nine children together, and many of their descendants also married within their own family. As a result, Queen Victoria became known as the "grandmother of Europe," as many of the continent's royal families are descended from her.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Another example is the case of the actor and comedian W.C. Fields, who adopted a child who was actually his biological grandson. Fields had a strained relationship with his son, and when his son's wife died, he took in their young son and legally adopted him as his own. This made the child both his son and his grandson, although there was no biological connection between Fields and the child's mother.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While these examples may seem unusual, they are still relatively rare and do not involve a person becoming their own grandparent or ancestor. The scenario described in the song "I'm My Own Grandpa" is purely fictional and has no basis in reality.</span></span></p>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-58030355068463052192023-04-09T16:32:00.004-04:002023-04-09T20:00:28.884-04:00Do All Dogs Go To Heaven?<p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Dogs, the four-legged furballs that bring joy and slobber to our lives, have been “man's best friend” for ages. They're loyal, protective, and loving companions who make us feel like the most important humans on the planet. Some people even prefer their furry friend's company over humans - my wife, Kari-Lyn feels that way! But why do we love them so much? Is it their ability to sniff out buried bones, or their talent for playing fetch? Maybe it's because they're always up for a cuddle and a belly rub. Whatever it is, one thing is clear: dogs have a special place in our hearts and homes.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">In light of Resurrection Sunday, and the hope it brings, let’s explore the different ways Christians view our beloved canines and their relationship to God. Some folks believe that dogs have supernatural powers, while others insist they have souls just like people. Then there are those who may not go so far as to believe a dog has an immortal soul, but they do say that dogs are creatures of intrinsic value who deserve our kindness and respect. But no matter where you land on the spectrum, there's one thing we can all agree on: dogs are a woofin' important part of our lives and we should love and care for them like family.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As we explore some of these theories keep in mind that I’m not advocating for any weird, witchy stuff.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just trying to crack some of the mysteries of nature, and figure out if dogs go to heaven!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInvdrdjGUfVuh-RKsJUUvQCV7lqJ4TnhH86ZbvnzEHtoj1p4DLTuVoCIpoHgIGu3Na1cmrrVlXAzlC2r5GPgTrsGaj2ylXPvlw0y_ngo_NYLBtSAu7sDq4iBmJ0EGhSfsJ9UI1Rl8CBSHXFlI_1Hsx8YCRTmRbqOioj_epic8YVHYhZGAI4TajxGwQA/s694/WINNIE%20COLLAGE%20copy.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="463" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInvdrdjGUfVuh-RKsJUUvQCV7lqJ4TnhH86ZbvnzEHtoj1p4DLTuVoCIpoHgIGu3Na1cmrrVlXAzlC2r5GPgTrsGaj2ylXPvlw0y_ngo_NYLBtSAu7sDq4iBmJ0EGhSfsJ9UI1Rl8CBSHXFlI_1Hsx8YCRTmRbqOioj_epic8YVHYhZGAI4TajxGwQA/w266-h400/WINNIE%20COLLAGE%20copy.jpeg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Winnie Bear, My Fur baby!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b></b><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Supernatural Dogs?</b></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist and author, has been one of the most vocal proponents of the idea that dogs have supernatural powers. He has conducted studies on what he calls "morphic resonance," which is the idea that there is a field of energy that connects all living beings. Wait, wasn’t that Yoda’s line?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Anyway, Sheldrake argues that dogs are particularly attuned to this field, which allows them to sense when their owners are coming home or to detect medical conditions like cancer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">One of the most notable experiments conducted by Rupert Sheldrake involved a dog named Jaytee and his owner, Pam Smart. Sheldrake set up a series of experiments in which he would instruct Smart to come home at unpredictable times, while he monitored Jaytee's behavior from a remote location. In one variation of the experiment, Smart would come home at random intervals in different vehicles, making it difficult for Jaytee to anticipate her arrival.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">To Sheldrake's surprise, Jaytee still seemed to know when Smart was coming home, even when she arrived in a different car or at an unexpected time. He repeated the experiment over several weeks with similar results, leading him to conclude that dogs have a kind of “telepathic" connection with their owners that allows them to sense their presence and anticipate their return.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Could this simply be a God-given instinct? I mean some animals can anticipate, and respond to an impending storm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Elephants have also been observed to sense coming earthquakes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Lord’s vast creation of animals is amazing, and we’re only starting to get past the tip of the iceberg in animal research!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">However, not everyone is convinced that dogs are supernatural beings. While his theories are controversial and have been criticized by some scientists, Sheldrake's work has sparked a broader conversation about the nature of animal consciousness and the relationship between humans and their animal companions.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Dogs With Souls?</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Some theologians and other Christian authors have argued that dogs, like humans, have an immaterial aspect. In other words, according to their “dog-ma” (see what I did there?), our furry friends are blessed with souls as pure as their love for us.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">They point to the creation story in Genesis, which describes how God breathed the breath of life into all living creatures, including animals. While the Hebrew word used to describe the breath of life in animals is different from the one used for humans, some theologians argue that this distinction is not meant to suggest that animals are inferior or lacking in spiritual value.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Instead, they argue that animals have a kind of spiritual awareness or connection to God that is different from that of humans. Maybe it's because they're not as distracted by smartphones and Netflix? This idea is supported by biblical passages such as Job 12:7-10, which describes how even the animals and birds know that God is the creator of all things, and that they depend on God for their sustenance. Many of us humans would do well to remember that!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Other passages, such as Psalm 104:24-25, 27-28, and Matthew 10:29-31, suggest that God values and cares for all of his creatures, including animals.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So the next time you're feeling down, just remember: God loves you <i>almost</i> as much as he loves your dog.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m kidding… maybe!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Intrinsic Value</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Not everyone believes that dogs have supernatural powers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even if you're not a believer in doggy miracles, you can't deny the fact that they're precious little balls of fur who deserve the love and treats we give them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or, in my dog’s case, larger balls of fur!</span><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> Some say dogs don’t have souls.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">However, most people would agree that they have intrinsic value and are worthy of kindness and respect. This idea is supported by biblical passages such as Proverbs 12:10, which states that "The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Similarly, Deuteronomy 22:6-7 instructs the Israelites to let a mother bird go free if they find her nesting in a tree, rather than taking her eggs or young. This passage suggests that God cares about the welfare of animals and wants us to treat them with kindness and compassion. Other passages, such as Exodus 23:5 and Proverbs 27:23-27, reinforce the idea that we should help animals in need and be good stewards of the natural world.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Beyond the biblical teachings, there is also scientific evidence to suggest that dogs are intelligent, social animals with emotional capacities that are similar to those of humans. Studies have shown that dogs are capable of complex social and communicative behaviors, and that they can experience a range of emotions, from joy and love to fear, anxiety, and even remorse. Just think about how many times you've caught your dog stealing food off the counter, only to see the guilty look on their face when they realize they've been caught. Maybe they know it's wrong, but just can't resist those delicious treats!</span><span class="s2" style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">While there is ongoing debate about the supernatural and spiritual nature of dogs, there is little doubt that they have intrinsic value and we should give them the kindness and respect that we are to give all God’s creation. Whether we view them as supernatural critters, creatures with souls, or simply as intelligent and emotional animals, it is clear that dogs play an important role in our lives and deserve to be treated with compassion and care.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Romans 8:19-22 suggests that the <i>whole</i> creation is in a state of longing and groaning, waiting for the redemption and restoration that will come with the full realization of God's kingdom. Even the animal kingdom is eagerly awaiting the restoration and redemption that will come with the Kingdom of God. While nature may appear violent or cruel at times, this behavior could be a reflection of the frustration and longing that comes from living in a fallen world.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Perhaps, in some way, dogs and other animals are yearning, as we are, for the day when all things will be made right and the pain and suffering of this world will be no more. Sometimes I look at my dog and think maybe we’re both waiting in hope for the fullness of God's kingdom to be revealed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And if dogs do go to heaven, hopefully there will also be lots of tennis balls and squirrels! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Scripture taken from <i>The Holy Bible, New International Version.</i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Colorado Springs, CO: Biblica Inc. 2011)</p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-85403821664478042612020-11-14T12:28:00.005-05:002020-11-14T19:10:52.024-05:00TWO POSSIBILITIES<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;">I’ll be turning 50 in a week.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545;"> I'm married for the second time. She's a wonderful, beautiful woman who keeps me on my toes most of the time! </span><span style="color: #454545;">I’ve had the privilege of seeing my children grow up into adults and teens.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545;"> I</span><span style="color: #454545;"> can breathe without assistance, seldom skip a meal, and most of the food I enjoy digests with minimal problems.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545;"> </span><span style="color: #454545;">All my limbs still work as well as my mind.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545;"> </span><span style="color: #454545;">I have much to be thankful for!</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-cHoKXI4TXuEuWsWenpMf7CbNSg7a_mZO0-NRnr2eCqMUPxjo-VZU3SxsK9kZoOYHuunWi1lmNup31hpfEWrBrXUhH2N5A_HJf31CbubM4u1z9QGXVE78AHRjiAGNR8oS0Gc0IJUwT44/s640/LittleJOHN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-cHoKXI4TXuEuWsWenpMf7CbNSg7a_mZO0-NRnr2eCqMUPxjo-VZU3SxsK9kZoOYHuunWi1lmNup31hpfEWrBrXUhH2N5A_HJf31CbubM4u1z9QGXVE78AHRjiAGNR8oS0Gc0IJUwT44/s320/LittleJOHN.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve lived as a sinner and a saint.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve lived hypocritically and sincerely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve tried and failed to follow the example of Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve given up and started over many times.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve learned to rely on God’s grace and Jesus’ faithfulness to be my righteousness and hope of glory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve struggled with bouts of depression and despair.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve reveled in moments of ecstasy and joy. I believe there is one of two possible causes for this life I've lived so far.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>First Possibility: Random Forces</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are two possibilities.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t see more than two. The first is, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am the product of natural forces randomly interacting in just the right way to produce intelligent life - somewhat intelligent in my case.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this scenario I can’t see any good reason to believe that any part of me would be eternal.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I suppose the matter that makes up my body would continue in some form, maybe as long as this universe exists.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this case, my life is meaningless; my thoughts and deeds or meaningless.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In 500 years my great grandchildren will not even be remembered, much less me!</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No emotion I feel, no activity I engage in, no memory I make will last into the 22nd century.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually, the whole universe will reach absolute zero and die.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Long before that the human race will cease to exist.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No trace anyone ever lived.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No point to anything.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">No action committed by any human was ever really good or evil.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank Sartre</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Second Possibility: Intelligent Planning</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">The second </span><span style="color: #454545;">possibility is that</span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> I am the product of intelligent planning.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">I used to think the structure and function of a human eye provided plenty of evidence for this.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Later, I learned about molecular machines that operate inside the tiny cells that make up the entire human body.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">These machines operate as motors, propellers, and other such items found in the visible world.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">Except these things were designed to fit inside of cells which are an average of 100 micrometers (one millionth of a meter)!</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">The <a href="https://youtu.be/y-uuk4Pr2i8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kinesin motor protein</a> is only about 8 nanometers (a nanometer is 1 billionth of a meter) and still manages to shuffle along inside the cell!</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> Each component tirelessly does its job, making the entire cell work, which makes organs work, which make me work! </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">So, the evidence for design is there.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aliens?</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who was the designer?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you say aliens, then who designed those aliens?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>seems to me there has to be a first cause.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the ancient world if you asked someone what was underneath the elephant that was holding up the world, they would probably say, “another elephant, holding up that one.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you persisted in trying to find the first cause, they might finally answer, “Why, it’s just elephants all the way down!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>First Cause</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If there is a first cause, it could be either God, as theologians claim, or “quantum fluctuations in a vacuum” as quantum physicists argue.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If someone were to ask what caused God?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I suppose the same question could be asked, what caused the quantum fluctuations?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Seems like there has to be a first cause, and God seems to be the best explanation for intelligence designing the universe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A quantum fluctuation in a vacuum is something that exists outside of space and time, according to the theory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God also is said to exist outside of space and time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The complexity of the universe points to God as designer rather than fluctuations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Infinity with a Personality!</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One definition of God could be like an infinite mind.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You could say God is infinity with intelligence and personality.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Personal infinity would also work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The ramifications of saying the Biblical God created me are numerous: I am fearfully and wonderfully made.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I am loved.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I am chosen to exist and live life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The things I think, say, and do ultimately matter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good and evil are real and absolute.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLwpsJnJHQwCE7QHrNE_eWeh152Skivl0Cmwgq0XtpIgvojLBLe8TwjkmlcQrlpcOYM5g01dhwDtkD-dWqj7wi30RM-Mwf22iOgAj420hA_90ONRoUZX5Rmt70_pZCDi0GxnqTmK4b6DC/s2048/IMG_5007.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLwpsJnJHQwCE7QHrNE_eWeh152Skivl0Cmwgq0XtpIgvojLBLe8TwjkmlcQrlpcOYM5g01dhwDtkD-dWqj7wi30RM-Mwf22iOgAj420hA_90ONRoUZX5Rmt70_pZCDi0GxnqTmK4b6DC/w240-h320/IMG_5007.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For some, the jump from infinite mind to the Biblical God seems like too much of a stretch.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I rely on the historical event of the life of Jesus recorded by four witnesses to get me from A to B.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The witnesses say that everything Jesus said about himself turned out to be verifiably true by way of the his Resurrection.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Therefore, everything he said about God, humanity, the world, and eternity can be trusted.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Eyewitnesses </b></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For those who try to force a choice between science and faith, do some research.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Look at scientists in history and currently who also had/have Christian faith.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Read their writings about God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Read Richard Bauckham’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802874312/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nTaSFbPY85PHQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jesus and the Eyewitnesses.</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Read the four Gospel accounts.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I pray fare thee well on your journey! For 50 years, in spite of my lapses toward unfaithfulness, </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He has always been faithful to me! I pray you find Him to be the same in your life!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span></div><p></p>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com1Florida, USA27.6648274 -81.5157535-38.332702316490618 137.85924649999998 90 59.1092465tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-32041349764490037292015-12-12T22:33:00.003-05:002015-12-12T22:33:49.142-05:00NOT-QUITE FIGHT!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g1tX3NIPNRrkFdyTDbWT0APY4BnnwSjBQqfdxgv-50JrDxihaJEhxjcXPgD0FLuJqtw6X2DDsqy6am-Fm1XoeGV_2jGcE4sfATFIOHJ0eBIJNsFEUc37sB0IJ4rXXSKsd6kXQ3lQhyjr/s1600/HelpJesusCROP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g1tX3NIPNRrkFdyTDbWT0APY4BnnwSjBQqfdxgv-50JrDxihaJEhxjcXPgD0FLuJqtw6X2DDsqy6am-Fm1XoeGV_2jGcE4sfATFIOHJ0eBIJNsFEUc37sB0IJ4rXXSKsd6kXQ3lQhyjr/s200/HelpJesusCROP2.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was living in Zephyrhills, land of the bottled water. The year was 1998. As the music minister of a local church, I enjoyed rocking the congregation into God's presence at each service. I decided to run home for lunch one day, and hurriedly pulled out in front of a car I thought was coming much more slowly than it was. The driver gave me a friendly honk, informing me of my error, as he tapped his brakes.<br />
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Stopping at the next traffic light, in my rear view mirror, I saw the kindly driver exiting his vehicle, and stomping toward me as I nervously sat in my vehicle with the window down. There wasn't enough time to put the window up while still looking cool, so I waited for the inevitable. He approached with profanity, followed by a hit to my mouth with his clinched fist. He spun around and returned to his car with the same determination in which he had visited me.<br />
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As the light turned green, he revved his engine, and shot around me with his left hand proudly waving, "You're number one!" as he passed. My options: 1. Go home and explain to my wife why my lip was bleeding with the shame of having done nothing about it. I blanched at the thought. 2. Follow him to his next stop, and beat the snot out of him. Hey, I'm a Whittington; I could take him! 3. Pray. Pray. Pray.<br />
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I went with option three and felt the blood that was pounding in my face, the adrenaline coursing through my body, start steering me in an unexpected direction. I did begin to follow him, which was easy since we both continued to go straight. In a few moments he pulled into a fast food joint parking lot, and I followed right behind. As I exited my car, he leapt from his asking me if I wanted, "some more?!"<br />
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I reached out my right hand, and sheepishly said, "No, sir. I just wanted to apologize for cutting you off like that. I didn't mean to do that." His mouth opened, but no sound came out. His eyes widened, starring at me in disbelief. He glanced to the female passenger in his car, and back to me... and back to her, and to me.<br />
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The pitch of his voice seemed to climb an octave as he said, "Oh, man. Oh, man... See, my girlfriend is pregnant, and I was worried about her when I saw you pull out like that. Oh, wow. I'm sorry, man." "Don't worry about it," I smiled. "I just wanted to make sure everyone is ok." After another moment of silence, he replied, "Yeah. We're good." Then he blurted, "Wow, I hit you, man! I was... I mean, I'm sorry man!" Without warning, he hugged me. Then he noticed my Christian t-shirt, and his voice returned to its higher register. "Oh, man, you're a Christian!" He looked at his girlfriend. "He's a Christian!" Another hug followed.<br />
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We spoke for a few moments, and I was able to verbally and nonverbally share the love of God with this guy. I wasn't able to do this because I'm a super-holy saint. Far from it, I have made many mistakes, committed many sins, in thought, word and deed, before that day and since. All the commas in the previous sentence could be my most recent example of mistakes. I was able to do that, only because I took a second to allow God to have his moment with me, and through me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-abOoFeQS3NWr436tEEEHctsBexvJ9XonM1v4v_1nRo1TUeeJ4KEBHNs-RyYT-fp9_M5-yTzIoPCcXTCPolufuoypV94GJPdEQGX6POShu5e2E3PX4sfDk46phr-Hy4ZIq7bmBEgo0_5L/s1600/HelpJesuscrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-abOoFeQS3NWr436tEEEHctsBexvJ9XonM1v4v_1nRo1TUeeJ4KEBHNs-RyYT-fp9_M5-yTzIoPCcXTCPolufuoypV94GJPdEQGX6POShu5e2E3PX4sfDk46phr-Hy4ZIq7bmBEgo0_5L/s200/HelpJesuscrop.jpg" width="200" /></a>My mom jokes that she remembers only one time I really hit someone in anger - when I was a teenager. I've hit my share of walls, kicked my share of doors. Why haven't I been in any fights that I can remember? Is my memory really that bad, for my age?! I think it's because the Holy Spirit has protected my heart and emotions. God wants me alive and well, for some reason!<br />
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I encourage you to consider your choices anytime you face an opportunity to get rowdy up in here. Let God be one of those choices. And, always, always, go with that one!John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-23114117473999178192015-01-06T16:09:00.002-05:002015-01-06T16:09:06.340-05:00In The Beginning <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydx86eMGSSOEEH3cycXiaShjsd0rzmd3O99j7Xxldg-oeM2uC_iwpNHiWgMUT6fUgNJOn1qkf5tW87vRGJXmbXXjz3UTpKGAixVrHtGC2wC6GpmQP2LVxdPc5RA6iuP4kQ7iv4nUHhTE/s1600/Power+Verses!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydx86eMGSSOEEH3cycXiaShjsd0rzmd3O99j7Xxldg-oeM2uC_iwpNHiWgMUT6fUgNJOn1qkf5tW87vRGJXmbXXjz3UTpKGAixVrHtGC2wC6GpmQP2LVxdPc5RA6iuP4kQ7iv4nUHhTE/s1600/Power+Verses!.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Power Verses Week One:</b><br />
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<b>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.</b><br />
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<b>Genesis 1:1 </b></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">You can memorize Scripture each week this year by following this blog! Join me as we grow in Christ together. We're starting with something easy.Remember to review this verse every day this week until you can recite it without assistance. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaTC_40m6eUZ5v-zt41XmZhv4REH2pMWNDzF0R4Tcnf-FyhcS8gUfwdaZX5ZigVJ2mPdxOlTwc6rDl_IyHzyI_0I28QTigFxt5dxIKXubb02n2aOFSDYMFa4GYJiwlH7f5VQ2ex144Lip/s1600/God+Puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaTC_40m6eUZ5v-zt41XmZhv4REH2pMWNDzF0R4Tcnf-FyhcS8gUfwdaZX5ZigVJ2mPdxOlTwc6rDl_IyHzyI_0I28QTigFxt5dxIKXubb02n2aOFSDYMFa4GYJiwlH7f5VQ2ex144Lip/s1600/God+Puzzle.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God Puzzle</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The mystery of God often seems like an unsolvable puzzle. Some may be able to understand more than others, but we all reach a point where we must exercise faith to come to him. This, our first Power Verse, tells us much about God and his nature. </span></h4>
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<b>In the Beginning</b></div>
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This first phrase in Genesis already sets the Hebrew Scriptures apart from everyone else. While other creation stories start with something material already in existence, the Bible states what science finally came to believe during the 20th Century: All things, time, space and matter, had a beginning. There are variations on the theory, but most scientists today also believe that this physical universe will have an end. This again agrees with Scripture, although we look for a new heavens and a new earth, a transformation of everything. Whether one goes from here to literal 6 day creation, or poetic symbolism, the fact remains, the Bible gets it right from the start.</div>
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<b>God</b></div>
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God existed before the beginning. Sounds strange, like asking what was God doing before he created time? It seems as though he would have no time in which to do anything if he hadn't yet created it. One of the biggest objections to an infinite creator is his complexity. Philosopher David Hume argued that a being able to create such a complex universe would need to be at least as complex. This puts us back where we started, because now we have to explain God's complexity. Keith Ward answers this objection to the divine with elegant simplicity. God is simply <i>infinite mind</i> from which all material things exist. </div>
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I've tried to describe God as, <i>infinity with a personality</i>. Universities have struggled, using the language of mathematics and science, to explain infinity. I don't think one blog entry is going to solve the mystery. This requires faith. I don't understand how God exists, but I believe it.</div>
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<b>Created</b></div>
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"Created" isn't hard for the thinking mind to accept. At this point in history almost everyone believes that the physical universe came into existence from something other than itself. The question is what caused creation? Some believe that quantum fluctuations in a vacuum caused matter and antimatter to spring from nothing... something like that. Others believe that the intricate design of everything points back to that infinite mind. I'm with that camp! If we all agree in something from nothing, and the something has design, doesn't a Designer make more sense than not?</div>
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<b>The Heavens and the Earth</b></div>
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Everything! Some of God's attributes we can conclude from observing his creation. For others we'll need to get into his Word. Let's do that together this year!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from Flickr user "nauright" common license.</span></b> </div>
John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-36981217412790232002014-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-28T07:00:00.602-05:00Read Something You Trust<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVlNhzlHDMDuQ1_hCsng-U7Kq8yFWC8YHWjI7vYamUSaM1DeTIXy0Q4siZaUEiSNvwG0cFHD8L5xoAdSopBxumJknzOeS0kU5BoeuY00H1plSAQ_5JfmmO-7PDDymIdwoS4DRNFz5F0w4/s1600/4021042411_48ec5a41e4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVlNhzlHDMDuQ1_hCsng-U7Kq8yFWC8YHWjI7vYamUSaM1DeTIXy0Q4siZaUEiSNvwG0cFHD8L5xoAdSopBxumJknzOeS0kU5BoeuY00H1plSAQ_5JfmmO-7PDDymIdwoS4DRNFz5F0w4/s1600/4021042411_48ec5a41e4_b.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>St. Luke Writes His Gospel</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spiritual books are supposed to be ethereal, or other-worldly. They're supposed to express truths that humanity believes, rather than verifiable facts. Or are they? When arriving at the correct location depends on the accuracy of your smartphone's navigation, don't you hope that whatever database it's connected to is updated to the minute? As one who once found myself lost in a bare field while my phone indicated a store location much less rural, I do!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bible is not just a list of abstract concepts to be pondered. It's not a set of opinions to be tried. It's a painfully honest look at fallen human nature, and what God did to redeem that nature. It's factual enough to live (and die) by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Consider just one aspect of Luke, for example. Studying the information that scholars are able to verify in the two works he authored, Luke and Acts, shows us that he was an accurate historian. If we can trust his historical accuracy, then we can trust the Jesus he wrote about.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mayors</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, in the USA, a mayor is a mayor. Whether you're the Mayor of Alford, FL or the Mayor of New York, NY, you're still called a Mayor. That's amazing! New York has a population threatening to reach 9 million people. Alford, by contrast, is so small if they opened a book store, it would be called "Books-a-Dozen!" The responsibilities may be a bit different, but the chief executive officer for both of these municipalities is called, "Mayor."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But when Luke wrote the Gospel According to Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles, the size of an area determined the title of its ruler. Even more confusing was the fact that the title would change as the size of the city changed. Even facing these challenges, everywhere Luke gave the title of a city ruler, or rulers, he got it right! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some examples:</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-2e1c9570-8f52-eb5c-42e1-8d232241e81a"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* Sergius Paulus and Gallio - mentioned in Acts 13:7 and 18:12. </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Greek for the title is A<i>nthupatoi</i> - usually translated proconsul.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke got it right!</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* The magistrates at Philippi - mentioned in Acts 16 when Paul was thrown in prison.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Greek is S<i>trategoi</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke got it right again!</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* The city officials at Thessalonica - Acts 17:8 </span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Politarches</i> in Greek.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exactly right!</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* The city clerk of Ephesus - Acts 19</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Greek uses the phrase Polis Grammateus.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Correct!</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* Governor Felix - Acts 23</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Greek his title is <i>Hegemon</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Right again!</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* Publius, The chief official on Malta - Acts 28</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The title was <i>Protos</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke scores again!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Accurate Writer, Confident Reader</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discovering that Luke is a rigorous historian should come as no surprise. This is the author who started his report with, "...since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,<sup> </sup>so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" (Luke 1:3–4).</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An accurate writer makes a confident reader. If Luke records the names of city rulers correctly, we can also trust the way of salvation and life that he presents.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've always encouraged people to make more Bible reading one of their New Year's resolutions. This year I reiterate that you do so with confidence in the truth and accuracy of the Word. This doesn't mean that you take every poem literally (The Lord's "feathers and wings" in the Psalms are probably about protection and security). This also doesn't mean every prophecy is about you personally. ("...</span> I will wipe you out from among the nations and exterminate you from the countries." -Ezekiel 25:7) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But if it says Jesus wept, slept, ate, healed, died, and rose, you can believe it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So pick up Luke-Acts and start. There's no reason to wait until the New Year! Of course a daily plan for 2015 would be a great way to stay on task. An internet search will reveal several plans. Further info about the Bible and reading it can be found <a href="https://15879092-a-4b49e236-s-sites.googlegroups.com/a/lccmayo.com/lccmayo/downloads/Basic%203%20Bible.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7cpef6frIxAj4RdFEwlpg-eEnvi35aFpCEJDPriAklRes4QRxFbkwPU5b1PR99rpdJVSY5MV8MMtqdAPJ0diUeNoyPqogfouxUvVkkmbDDH6HYTCn3gMnq2XTqYdijNucaJuSKzejJU1l-NTLO3Z99mBM5zy_z9aYeCSTgwiR8SWvNCJfyoEferKKvdyPZF27G6rEoxFSrJpXpp3GjfE_MqnVQyO5zvers1GUsIgMg2UhgQjg8I%3D&attredirects=0" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Read it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heed it!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image taken from Flicker user </span>https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">© Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic</span></b></div>
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John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-53965375661894730342014-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-30T16:46:16.372-05:00Happy Advent!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advent Wreath</td></tr>
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Growing up in a Pentecostal pastor's home in Tampa, FL never exposed me to the season of Advent. Yes, we celebrated Christmas with decorations, carols and church plays. I can remember mama placing three wise men in the living room window seal. Each was made of a used beer bottle, clothed in colorful, flannel cloth with an ornament glued to the opening for his head. <strike><span style="color: #a64d79;">They were a gift from a neighbor, as mama would have no use for any beer bottles, ever</span></strike>. Actually, mama said she went out and found those bottles, so I stand corrected! <br />
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Our tree was wrapped with the larger lightbulbs of red, green, yellow, blue and so on that were popular in the 70's. Each bulb glowed like a piece of back-lit candy. As a toddler, I'm surprised I never tried to taste one. Although, I did touch one or two over the years. These memories are now mainly found in faded, yellowish pictures at my parent's house.</div>
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Little did I know that those weeks of Decembers I was longing to open presents, learning parts for plays and lyrics for songs, I was actually wandering (as I wondered) through a time that had been designated sacred for some 1,500 years: Advent. From the Latin, <i>adventus</i>, "coming," Advent has a two-fold meaning to millions of Christians worldwide. First it celebrates the initial arrival of Jesus about 2,000 years ago.</div>
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<i>Now He lays his Glory by,<br />Born that man no more may die<br />Born to raise the sons of earth,<br />Born to give them second birth.</i></blockquote>
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Secondly, as we think about the first time Jesus came to earth, we keep before us his future coming in power and glory, to make all right with the world.</div>
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<i>No more let sins and sorrows grow,<br />Nor thorns infest the ground.<br />He comes to make his blessings flow,<br />Far as the curse is found.</i></blockquote>
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As I grew older I was exposed to a bigger picture of the faith. I learned the beauty of such works as the Book of Common Prayer. I discovered that even one of our Pentecostal Hymnbooks contained responsive readings. Most churches in our denomination passed these up for a more spontaneous worship style. And I learned about Advent. Advent starts pointing forward to Christmas, to the coming of the Christ of Christmas, as early as around December 30th. This refocuses our anticipation away from commercial Christmas, and back on the Baby who would grow up and save us all!</div>
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I encourage you participate in this Advent season. Find some of your favorite Christmas carols during these next three weeks. Sit down with the words. Read them and think about what they mean theologically, and to your heart. And then celebrate the coming of the once before and soon returning Savior!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(Photo by Wikimedia user: <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:SolLuna" target="_blank">SolLuna</a> under the Creative Commons 3.0 license.)</b></span></div>
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John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-40069740064786997882014-07-05T07:00:00.000-04:002014-07-05T13:24:15.667-04:00That's Just Your OpinionKendall Jones has made quite a stir over the past few days on news outlets and blogs around the world. The 19 year old Texas cheerleader hunts big game in Africa much like overly romanticized safaris of years gone by. Although she speaks of her contribution to conservation by sometimes tranquilizing and taking DNA samples from endangered species, many animal lovers are infuriated by her hunting activities and Ms. Jones has even received death threats. <br />
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I'm not going to give a public opinion denouncing or endorsing the young huntress. I <i>am</i> going to point out a potential inconsistency: There are those who make a moral judgement about her without a world view that allows for such morality. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kendall Jones</b></td></tr>
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For example, some have left online comments stating that she should get "hunted down herself" because they consider her actions murder. Others with a less extreme view still express outrage over her actions, calling them criminal. But a quick search for profile information about such social media users reveals that some of them do not believe in the concept of God or absolute morality. This is where the inconsistency lies.<br />
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As a Christian, I can discuss with my brothers and sisters the good, the bad, and the ugly about hunting African big game or any other kind. I can pull biblical passages about God creating these majestic creatures (Genesis 1:24) or how righteousness is demonstrated by caring for ones animals (Proverbs 12:10). Another Christian could disagree with my use of these verses with both of us still under the assumption of absolute morality. We could together argue, discuss and discover the moral aspects of hunting for food, for sport etc.<br />
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But when someone who doesn't believe in God expresses disgust over any kind of hunting, upon what morality can such an opinion possibly be based? A primate with a gun killed a large cat without one. What morality or lack is that? This battle of mammal against mammal would be nothing more than survival of the fittest.<br />
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Some would appeal to morality for the common good. I think a review of Machiavelli or Sartre would show the naivety of such a view. There are plenty of people who choose to live life for <i>"yours truly."</i> I've certainly been guilty of even doing the "right" thing though for wrong and selfish reasons. Another thought for another discussion is, who gets to decide what is the common good?<br />
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A more dangerous argument from the non theist might be what <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tim_Keller_(pastor)&oldid=612647092" target="_blank">Tim Keller</a> calls morality by consensus. One example is the fact that Western society came to a consensus that the slave trade was wrong which led to abolition. The problem is that consensus-morality implies that slavery is only wrong in the geographical or historical places and times in which the majority decide it's wrong. If someone saw the belief that slavery is wrong starting to disintegrate in their culture, and they continued condemning the slave trade, then they would have to concede that there is a higher reason for their morality besides consensus.<br />
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Whether faced with big game hunting, or issues that more of us would agree are wrong such as slavery, genocide or displacement of indigenous peoples, we have to ask ourselves where are we getting our idea that any of it is wrong at all. If there is no God and therefore no moral absolute then the strong eat the weak and that's just the way it is. The fittest or smartest survives a little longer in a heartless, soulless world. And my answer to any objections would be, "That's just your opinion." <br />
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The Good News is that God, through Jesus Christ, gives us a morality unlike anything we could have thought up. If you are a Christian you can rest assured that the New Testament virtues are right, with or without public approval. More so, you can rest in the power of God's Holy Spirit, to actually live out these virtues. Where Christianity has grown, universities, hospitals and orphanages have sprung up bringing literacy, healing and charity, even before there was consensus for such morality.<br />
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I encourage you to ask yourself not only what you believe, but why you believe it. Can you say your morality stands firm on a solid foundation of absolute truth? Or, for all your desire to see cruelty cease and justice triumph, are you forced to say that it's just your opinion?<br />
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<br />John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-9975546362896021952013-04-27T06:30:00.000-04:002013-04-27T23:46:27.298-04:00Your New Favorite Second-Bible!Anyone who's discussed the Bible with me eventually discovers that I'm a little OCD over which English Bible translation is best. I freaked out when I learned the NIV was being updated a couple of years ago, only to reconcile with my favorite preaching Bible in its latest embodiment, the 2011 NIV.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The LEB: One of the Most "Literal" English Bible Translations</b></td></tr>
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The difficulty with English translations is that they <i>are</i> translations of Scripture which was originally God-breathed, and written down in Hebrew for the Old Testament (with a bit in Aramaic), and Koine Greek for the New Testament. Learning the original languages is the best approach to comprehending the Word of God. When I say learning I mean total language immersion. Learning only primary Hebrew and Greek will confuse the student, as the biblical languages are full of idiomatic expressions. For example, When Amos 4:6 says, "I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities," this is an expression for lack of food rather than abundance of toothpaste!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF7e-IWs_p9NrTZ1-PwCLmt7tWC7fUl8Hq5KKnfAmF0Fdaggc_5b8SoXqHeTW-Z7Md5FPL-PQfnVrixHrmHVkvuFaQ7Gs1zmE5Gl_3fc_5LUVW-CC7pzCrcec3Lw1D_SUVug5FHSj1PJj/s1600/Multi+Translation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF7e-IWs_p9NrTZ1-PwCLmt7tWC7fUl8Hq5KKnfAmF0Fdaggc_5b8SoXqHeTW-Z7Md5FPL-PQfnVrixHrmHVkvuFaQ7Gs1zmE5Gl_3fc_5LUVW-CC7pzCrcec3Lw1D_SUVug5FHSj1PJj/s400/Multi+Translation.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I Often Go Overboard When Comparing Translations!</b></td></tr>
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If you're not able or willing to exert the effort of saturating yourself with the text and culture of biblical language, the next best thing would be using Greek/Hebrew lexicons, and multiple Bible versions. Software, such as <a href="http://www.accordancebible.com/" target="_blank">Accordance</a>, and websites, such as <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/" target="_blank">Bible Gateway</a> are great for doing side-by-side comparisons. You should choose at least one "word-for-word," one "thought-for thought," and a good ESL or paraphrased Bible. <br />
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A simpler version of this method involves using a parallel Bible comprised of only two translations you rely on for getting as close as you can to what the text actually says <i>and</i> actually means. This is where the <a href="http://lexhamenglishbible.com/" target="_blank">LEB</a> comes in. I recently discovered the <a href="http://lexhamenglishbible.com/" target="_blank">Lexham English Bible</a> and have already started falling in love with its literal and readable style, which makes it a great compliment to the NIV.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The goal of the LEB is stated on its translators' website: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The LEB complements your primary translation. Its transparent design and literal rendering helps you see the text of God’s Word from another angle. Whether you use the ESV, NIV, KJV, or another popular English translation, the entire translation process of the LEB helps you identify difficult texts, idiomatic phrases, grammatical issues, and more. The result? A better understanding of the Bible in English—whatever translation you use.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></blockquote>
So, the LEB strives to be a more literal, or "word-for-word" translation. Now literal doesn't always mean most accurate. A translation that conveys the <i>meaning</i> of a word or phrase can be just as helpful as simply copying the exact words over into English. Such literal copying can actually loose original idioms from Hebrew and Greek. Having said that, having a translation such as the LEB puts the reader closer to those original languages without having to learn them.<br />
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My only drawback so far is that there is not a module of the LEB available for my favorite Bible study software: Accordance. This is maybe because their competitor, Logos, produced the LEB. <br />
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On a good note, the LEB is very flexible and free. I found ePub, PDF, and other formats available for download at no charge! I also love the way the translators bracket words and phrases that were translated from Hebrew or Greek idioms. They translate them into intelligible English, but share the original idiom in the footnotes. For example, in Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, "Follow me..." The LEB footnote reveals the literal words used were, "Come behind me..." which comprises an idiom for "follow me."<br />
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I recommend you give this new translation a try as a side-by-side Bible to your current favorite! You might supprise yourself and keep using it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Note on idioms: An idiom in a language is a group of words which are taken to mean something that's not obvious from the individual words. In English you might say, "let the cat out of the bag," which means to reveal a secret, although it sounds as though it has nothing to do with that meaning.</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e5e5ea; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-3265438430790940342013-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-06T07:00:03.984-05:00In The Beginning
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3Ec9mqoKgfSmJTXZvAr7ccpmDtCIy1ZeL4sxgIwjlLHroCQiEmmi8qqukKKaDg-weTqHh-RHq69PoV6rR2qV55CX0ahWNyvM0RSmi1QuxFM5g35jwN248sDS1RpYG8TdCocC9s89rrYF/s1600/Sombrero_galaxy_hi-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3Ec9mqoKgfSmJTXZvAr7ccpmDtCIy1ZeL4sxgIwjlLHroCQiEmmi8qqukKKaDg-weTqHh-RHq69PoV6rR2qV55CX0ahWNyvM0RSmi1QuxFM5g35jwN248sDS1RpYG8TdCocC9s89rrYF/s400/Sombrero_galaxy_hi-res.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sombrero Galaxy. Image from the Wikimedia Commons.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Preparing to go into the New Year, I went to the beginning of the book: Genesis 1:1 <i>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="s1">The ancient Mid East myths told people's ideas of how the world came to be. Usually one of the gods fought and defeated some monster or animal that represented chaos. After winning the battle, he put things in order and finally earned the right to be "king" of the other gods. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">In this statement from Genesis we see the ancient myths gone. There are no gods battling in the making of the unformed earth. Polytheism and nature religions have been replaced with the revelation of the Lord of History. He doesn't fight His way out of chaos. He simply utters Royal decrees which make existence and order from nothing and continue to maintain such order. In the beginning we see only God: Creating, yet He Himself uncreated. Psalm 90:2 <i>Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">He is the first cause. We can rejoice that there was someone before everyone and everything else. We can rejoice that this infinite consciousness, God, designed and created everything, including us. Since we're designed, our lives have purpose. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We are not the product of mythological creatures or random anomalies, but the offspring of the Creator Himself. Before there was time He planned blessing for us in this life and eternal joy in His presence. Even now He searches for those who will worship Him in Spirit and truth, reaching into His perfect love, peace and joy! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">What are you putting first and foremost as you go into 2013? Sunday starts each week as a reminder to give God preeminence. Making God first in your life makes what's left so much better. I've even noticed that giving Him the "first fruit" of my income has the effect of aligning the rest of it under His care. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Enter 2013 knowing your life was designed with a purpose. You can find your own meaning by turning back to your Creator and glorifying Him! That's Good News for a New Year!</span></div>
John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-10375642874455773792012-12-11T22:29:00.000-05:002012-12-11T22:29:23.265-05:00Christian PinterestJust thought I'd jot some of my first impressions of Pinterest. It's been around a while. I recently checked it out. What added dimension can Christians bring to Pinterest? Here are a few off the top of my head:<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUK3SHjZu1QcwF2Y0xtROsuYxs2hvhRYnW1bcY2NF0nNoXAB164iONRNUCYSjd4qtHCQ-E8jzTXbPN0KiyKs3Jhd5fhSuHEV968RQeAiGfKYGEU3P9ZdUyn39294fhS4TMtcXS7xF1RIx/s1600/Pinterest_Favicon+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUK3SHjZu1QcwF2Y0xtROsuYxs2hvhRYnW1bcY2NF0nNoXAB164iONRNUCYSjd4qtHCQ-E8jzTXbPN0KiyKs3Jhd5fhSuHEV968RQeAiGfKYGEU3P9ZdUyn39294fhS4TMtcXS7xF1RIx/s200/Pinterest_Favicon+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Expression</b></div>
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Visual art has been intertwined with our faith ever since early believers scratched the acronym <i>ichthys</i> (fish) and its image on the walls of catacombs. Pinterest is a great way to share the fruit of 2,000 years of such expression. It's not bad for original material either.</div>
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<b>2. Encouragement</b></div>
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What I've seen of "Christian Pinterest" so far have been Scripture or inspirational quotes. Sometimes, due to the information overload of social media, I experience no reaction to such posts. But occasionally something clicks and one simple statement will encourage and inspire me throughout the day!</div>
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<b>3. Truth</b></div>
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More than expression, Pinterest can be an outlet for truth. The truth of the Gospel doesn't substitute for the love of the Gospel. But with wisdom and tact, believers can give their friends and contacts thought-provoking points in their posts.</div>
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<b>4. Community</b></div>
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You can set up group boards for youth, ladies, men and other church groups to stay in contact with each other. In addition to the above suggestions, you can post announcements, invitations, or even scriptures related to a particular season (Advent, for example) to your group board.</div>
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<b>5. Joy</b></div>
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Or, you could just go with the flow, create a zany board with a silly name, post fun stuff to it and enjoy! As Christians, I think we're supposed to have a certain amount of joy. :-)</div>
John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-73679810153788113492012-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:002012-12-09T07:00:02.575-05:00Power Verses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydx86eMGSSOEEH3cycXiaShjsd0rzmd3O99j7Xxldg-oeM2uC_iwpNHiWgMUT6fUgNJOn1qkf5tW87vRGJXmbXXjz3UTpKGAixVrHtGC2wC6GpmQP2LVxdPc5RA6iuP4kQ7iv4nUHhTE/s1600/Power+Verses!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydx86eMGSSOEEH3cycXiaShjsd0rzmd3O99j7Xxldg-oeM2uC_iwpNHiWgMUT6fUgNJOn1qkf5tW87vRGJXmbXXjz3UTpKGAixVrHtGC2wC6GpmQP2LVxdPc5RA6iuP4kQ7iv4nUHhTE/s320/Power+Verses!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today <a href="http://www.lccmayo.com/" target="_blank">Lighthouse Christian Center</a> is preparing to launch something new and exciting for us: Power Verses! During 2013, we'll be memorizing passages of Scripture each week. My background with the Bible started in Christian education. My parents sent me to a Baptist school that believed in the importance of hiding God's Word in your heart. I learned the Christmas story from Luke and a few Psalms among other passages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As a young man, the Holy Spirit stirred a desire in me to meditate on God's Word. I would carry a note card with a few verses on it when I cleaned or did chores. I memorized the Sermon on the Mount while vacuuming the foyer at church. Older and a little wiser, I'd probably say don't do something like that if you're getting paid to do something else!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I went through another period of intense Scripture memory just a few months before I found out that Lighthouse Christian Center was without a pastor - God knew what he was doing in my life, even when I didn't! Lately, I just want to fall back in love with God's Word and take as many people with me! If you're interested you can click <a href="http://www.lccmayo.com/powerverses" target="_blank">this link</a> to find out more. Let me leave you with 7 reasons for memorizing Scripture...</span><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.1608103394974023" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why Memorize Scripture?</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Memorizing Scripture Allows you to meditate on the Word of God, <i>all</i> the time. </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 1:2</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">but whose delight is in the law of the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and who meditates on his law day and night.</span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meditation on the Word of God leads to deeper insight and wisdom. If you’re going to meditate on God’s Word day and night some of it needs to be in your mind.</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Memorizing Scripture increases faith. </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 10:17</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (NASB) </span><i><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So faith </span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">comes</span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.</span></i><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This can happen when you’re going over and listening to the memorized Word in your mind.</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Memorizing Scripture Shapes your world view. </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 12:2</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.</span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Would you like to be able to have the heart of God on any given matter? Would you like to have the thoughts and attitudes of God on today's issues? Memorizing and consequently meditating on God’s Word can manifest, and put to use the mind of Christ that’s in you!</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Memorizing Scripture makes God’s Word more readily accessible when overcoming temptation and fighting the enemy. </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 4:10a</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><i><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written...”</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus gave Satan the Word - an unstoppable force! You don’t argue with the devil. You give him the Word and forcefully invite him to leave!</span></i><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Memorizing Scripture makes God’s Word available when comforting and encouraging others.</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 15:4</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.</span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Memorizing Scripture gives access to the truth when presenting the Gospel to others.</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John 17:17b</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your word is truth.</span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Memorizing Scripture teaches me the language that Jesus speaks.</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John 15:7</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.</span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to learn a foreign language memorize the Word. It’s foreign to anything this world has to offer! He speaks to me from His Word. I speak to him through prayer. And if my prayer is Word-based, then how can I not pray in his perfect will?</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from </span></b><b>THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ (<a href="http://www.biblica.com/">www.biblica.com</a>)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture marked NASB, take from </span></b><b style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">the New American Standard Bible</b><sup style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">®</sup><b style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;">,</b></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,<br />1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation<br />Used by permission." (<a href="http://www.lockman.org/">www.Lockman.org</a>)</span></b><b><br /></b>
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<br />John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0Lighthouse Christian Academy, State Highway 51, Mayo, FL 32066, USA30.077153 -83.17330630.0634125 -83.193046999999993 30.0908935 -83.153565tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-78832421923022053022012-12-08T15:39:00.001-05:002012-12-08T15:42:20.569-05:00Google Apps Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just an update from Google. I've been using Google Apps for a while, and I'm glad I still get to use it free for a while! This was in my inbox last night:<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>"Here's some important news about Google Apps—but don't worry, there's no need for you to take any action. We just want you to know that we're making a change to the packages we offer."<br />
<br />"Starting today, we're no longer accepting new sign-ups for the free version of Google Apps (the version you're currently using). Because you're already a customer, this change has no impact on your service, and you can continue to use Google Apps for free."</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">I hope the free package I use continues to be free! One of my favorite Google Apps is Drive (formerly, Google Docs). I can compose text, presentations, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">spreadsheets</span><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"> etc. and share them anywhere I can get internet. I've also been the guy at the office who can open almost any document - by uploading it to Google Drive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: normal;">Hope to keep Googling for a while!</span></span></div>
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John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-8228688150476955782012-12-06T05:00:00.000-05:002012-12-06T05:00:06.148-05:00Too Sick To Go To The Doctor?
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilErs45ZfkIQBr_botqx4f7uA-sxcbTmJ0HOMJt144HIUQYP8hwM1fMEft8LmHF3KQ6YkjbYMTHnEoKwcyaXiJr1PgTd26bmx55efaLNf1nw_ZsdbVKUkMM03sINgSqlSWzgNdc9o2w4F/s1600/medial!!!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilErs45ZfkIQBr_botqx4f7uA-sxcbTmJ0HOMJt144HIUQYP8hwM1fMEft8LmHF3KQ6YkjbYMTHnEoKwcyaXiJr1PgTd26bmx55efaLNf1nw_ZsdbVKUkMM03sINgSqlSWzgNdc9o2w4F/s320/medial!!!.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from vectorportal.com</td></tr>
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<i>“But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” </i>(Matthew 9:13).</div>
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<span class="s1">The Pharisees were always upset with Jesus for spending time with, “sinners.” They believed you had to earn your right-standing before God and in the community. Those who hadn’t earned it didn’t deserve their time. Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Luke 5:31).</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The good news of the Gospel is not just that God saves sinners. Everyone who had the Old Testament knew that. The Good News is that God saves sinners even while they are sinners!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Can you imagine waking up sick and deciding that you better try and feel better before going to the doctor. “I’m just too sick to go to the doctor today.” What’s even crazier would be hospital staff saying, “Your illness is too life-threatening for this hospital. Try to get better before you come here!”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The religious often do that. People need to try to clean up their act before they can enter some churches. But there are only 2 kinds of people: Those who think they are righteous and those who know they’re not! And when those who know they’re not put their faith in Jesus they plug into His righteousness! If we will continue to worship God, tell the Good News, and love everybody, God will take care of the sin-sick souls. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We need to tell the Truth, but also trust the process. The passage I started with says many sinners were eating with Jesus because many followed him. Followers of Jesus who keep sinning, eventually won’t keep following. And sinners who keep following Him won’t keep sinning! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">When Jesus said, “I desire mercy,” he was quoting, Hosea 6:6. The Hebrew word for mercy in that passage is the same word used for faith-love, or kindness in Isaiah 54:10: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my steadfast love/my loving kindness/my loyal love/my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">God desires that we reciprocate and love Him back with faithful love. He also desires and requires that we reach out with that kind of love to others! Freely you have received - now freely give!</span></div>
John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-57043475622282834112012-12-05T05:00:00.000-05:002012-12-05T05:00:08.464-05:00Partaking of Jesus
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEp8VfmbBZ6cr1JPxapykC3XowupD8K5Jtqnak_YbXM90M6qBPpBYdm1rNwNzZHMHGYHlgyEBu4pk9rA16sH6KuN-QAnmAVGbXNaYRHLLn8xDUwk55q1Xz0ZujupBnIRJ1VyIRXR9Egug/s1600/national+library+of+scotland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEp8VfmbBZ6cr1JPxapykC3XowupD8K5Jtqnak_YbXM90M6qBPpBYdm1rNwNzZHMHGYHlgyEBu4pk9rA16sH6KuN-QAnmAVGbXNaYRHLLn8xDUwk55q1Xz0ZujupBnIRJ1VyIRXR9Egug/s320/national+library+of+scotland.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Last Supper" (13th Century) <br />From the National Library of Scotland</td></tr>
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John 6:54-55</div>
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<span class="s1"><i>Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This may be one of the strangest passages in the Bible! It’s certainly one of the most unusual things Jesus said. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is Son of God, and Jesus is... food?!?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">This statement reminds me of one of the objections people raise when being challenged to trust in Christ. “Jesus taught some great things. He always reached out in love to the needy. But saying Jesus is the <i>only</i> way is shallow and narrow-minded. I think all roads of religion lead to God.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">My first reaction is that <i>no</i> roads lead to God. God exists outside of space and time. How can we go there? There’s no getting to God, He’s going to have to come to us. The good news is that’s exactly what the life of Jesus is: The Way to the Father.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The relief that there is a way leading to God is doubled when you realize that Jesus is not only the road to the Father, He’s also the means of transportation along that road! Jesus is the track and the train that gets us there! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Saying that Jesus is the only way to the Father is no more narrow minded than saying food is the only way to keep your body alive. Can you imagine arguing, “Why can’t we ingest battery acid or stainless steel? Eating only food is so narrow minded!” The body shrivels up and dies without the nutrients it needs. The spirit does the same without the Bread of Life!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I realize there are many kinds of food, but there’s only one <i>food. </i>Something is either food or it’s not. Jesus is everything we need: Savior, Lord, Teacher, Friend, etc. but only One Jesus. To eat His flesh is to spiritually partake of Him, or receive Him. Thankfully, Jesus cleared this up in John 6:63. To spiritually partake of Him is life!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">John 1:12 <i>Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. </i></span></div>
John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-27841992899269778012012-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:002012-12-04T06:00:00.830-05:00You Are Valuable to God<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0SPTsOSkpwsxumVfCdQmBiH0NEV5JswgGeVDHmsYpM8NAPv3Rh9wO05d2JKY6lysA2zlHIcp-wLg4NAgmuuehCXIbp5dM8dp9-ZrvU6eMxQiCEgftLN77p7JL5Jqsq3q4C5HlytsimT5/s1600/valuable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0SPTsOSkpwsxumVfCdQmBiH0NEV5JswgGeVDHmsYpM8NAPv3Rh9wO05d2JKY6lysA2zlHIcp-wLg4NAgmuuehCXIbp5dM8dp9-ZrvU6eMxQiCEgftLN77p7JL5Jqsq3q4C5HlytsimT5/s320/valuable.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by John Whittington</td></tr>
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<i>The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.</i> - Matthew 13:44 </div>
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<span class="s1">Americans spend billions in counseling and medication trying to get a sense of self-worth. The only way to understand our value is to see ourselves through God’s eyes. Earlier in Matthew 13 we find that the field is the world. There is a treasure in that field that is worth everything to God: You! Four factors help determine the value of something. Let’s apply them to you.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>The Maker</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The maker or designer always affects the value. Designer clothes usually cost much more than generic. Ephesians 2:10 says that you are God’s handiwork - His masterpiece. Being designed by the greatest Designer makes you valuable!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Protection</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Encourage a child to share toys with a friend. Notice that he is free with some toys, while carefully guarding others. He protects his favorites. Psalm 18 describes God swooping down from the sky as a super hero saving the day for his beloved. You are valuable to God!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Provision</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Spouses desire to provide for each others needs. Parents provide for their children. We give them good food and clothes. We send them to school. We want the best, and only the best for them. Jesus said, “If you, then, though you are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11)! You are valuable to God!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Price</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">What someone is willing to pay determines the value of something. I’ve heard of strange things selling for high prices on ebay. If someone is willing to pay a few hundred dollars for a piece of toast with an impression of the virgin Mary, or a jar with a “ghost” in it, then that’s how valuable such items are to that person. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">The Bible teaches that God gave everything He had to give. He gave His only Begotten Son. The Bible also says that His Son was not forced, but freely gave Himself for us! You’re worth everything to God! What a statement! When you’re struggling with whatever complex or inferiority, remember:</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The maker determines the value - God is your Maker!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The protection determines the value - God is your Protector!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The provision determines the value - God is your Provider!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The cost determines the value - God gave His all for you!</span></div>
John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0Lighthouse Christian Academy, State Highway 51, Mayo, FL 32066, USA30.077153 -83.17330630.0634125 -83.193046999999993 30.0908935 -83.153565tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-43591520991305376542012-07-13T16:47:00.000-04:002012-07-13T16:48:12.077-04:00Faith or Works?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NZ5-kCOYtRNbfqa0exHgyrzo1xhf09_8FkdeTd4pjovB5hXmlOxf-Xw5ht0KoUrCklX0jhW8HhPdzgOjFi-voVjhOwW8AjStlMbbEps6AuyPyiyuvPczvjLO18yFBC4TbEfUW-lMzLsN/s1600/amish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NZ5-kCOYtRNbfqa0exHgyrzo1xhf09_8FkdeTd4pjovB5hXmlOxf-Xw5ht0KoUrCklX0jhW8HhPdzgOjFi-voVjhOwW8AjStlMbbEps6AuyPyiyuvPczvjLO18yFBC4TbEfUW-lMzLsN/s400/amish1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by John Whittington</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Are we saved by faith, works, or both?</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">wars have been fought over this question.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Those who study Paul say we are saved by faith alone (technically, by God’s grace, through faith - Ephesians 2:8).</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Those who study James point out that a person is justified by what they do, and not faith alone (James 2:24).</span><br />
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<span class="s1">First of all, I believe there are no contradictions in the Word of God. Studying Paul <i>and</i> James together gives greater dimension than just one or the other. It’s like the difference in depth perception between covering one eye, and using both. Let’s get the whole picture!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I believe the tension of “faith versus works” is resolved by a little phrase Paul uses to open and close the book of Romans - Romans 1:5 and Romans 16:26. It’s translated, depending on what version you’re reading, as “obedience to the faith,” “obedience of faith,” or, “obedience that comes from faith.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I believe this little phrase is two-fold. First and foremost, Jesus calls us to believe in Him. Faith in Jesus is the work He requires (John 6:29). So when I believe that Jesus is my risen Savior, I have already completed everything required on my part for salvation. My obedience <i>is</i> having faith in Him. “The obedience of faith.”</span><br />
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<span class="s1">This phrase also continues into the walk of a believer: “The obedience that comes from faith.” James adds that extra dimension, explaining that if I think I’m putting my faith in Jesus daily, but I don’t desire or aspire to live for Him daily (obey Him fully, so help me God), then my “faith” is no faith at all. James calls such faith dead, useless and even demonic!</span><br />
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<span class="s1">Martin Luther summarized it, saying, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” If you <i>really</i> believe something then you’re going to act differently. If I <i>really</i> believe the brakes are gone on a Mack truck headed my way at 80 miles per hour my faith is going to breed action! If I <i>really</i> believe Jesus is going to judge the whole earth, there will be obedience that comes from that faith!</span><br />
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<span class="s1">I encourage you to reexamine your relationship with God and see if your behavior has changed in such a way that it demonstrates your faith. If not, spend some time prayerfully reading the Bible, and ask God to give you the gift of faith that leads to the good works God has prepared for you to do!</span></div>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-42707751399396391012011-10-25T14:45:00.000-04:002011-10-25T14:45:53.268-04:00Awesome iPhone Bible Apps<br />
The recent passing of Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs feels personal to me. From my first computer, a Mac Classic II, to the MacBook Pro I'm presently pecking at, I've always preferred Apple technology to its competitors. Jobs' philosophy of reliability and intuitive interface has always made these products a pleasure to use. <br />
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Having recently purchased an iPhone, I want to share which Bible apps most reflect this philosophy in my opinion. First, all of these are great apps. You'll have an awesome take-anywhere Bible no matter your choice. Second, this review is based on my own experience with the apps. I recommend researching each app personally before settling on the best one for you. All the mentioned apps currently come in free versions.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://www.accordancebible.com/">Accordance</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUgfMHcxd-Bn7UEu6Ngn81Ip6ekmVpNOKwlT-TJg0gS4dy6jGAENxK_s5JNIiNJDtTk93uGjb9UAFjrgnzGJ7VxKHJIRMrs3o4Ct_DaDbmK3ok8wv-H2oV5GK9t55gJ4YAAlXvkJKpeI/s1600/IMG_1071.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUgfMHcxd-Bn7UEu6Ngn81Ip6ekmVpNOKwlT-TJg0gS4dy6jGAENxK_s5JNIiNJDtTk93uGjb9UAFjrgnzGJ7VxKHJIRMrs3o4Ct_DaDbmK3ok8wv-H2oV5GK9t55gJ4YAAlXvkJKpeI/s200/IMG_1071.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJppipLx-x6yt0c0nt75IgkzD8aUktNZYjmpHH6yYr9YJsBnUzLOpcIxNgzTzHdBtfdvdLBTfLKAtBq-lZPc01eU4hVlA42SBiJDuyq5ismlgd1SVhnriB2Wqhuck6cpaOqSVqpaQIPIbz/s1600/IMG_1072.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJppipLx-x6yt0c0nt75IgkzD8aUktNZYjmpHH6yYr9YJsBnUzLOpcIxNgzTzHdBtfdvdLBTfLKAtBq-lZPc01eU4hVlA42SBiJDuyq5ismlgd1SVhnriB2Wqhuck6cpaOqSVqpaQIPIbz/s320/IMG_1072.PNG" width="212" /></a> Accordance tops my list because it's been my techno-study Bible since about 1995. Over the years I've accumulated dozens of Accordance Bible translations, commentaries and dictionaries, almost all of which can be downloaded to my iPhone via a "Sync with Mobile Device" feature found on the desktop version. The iPhone/iPad app is free and includes a copy of the English Standard Version linked to Strongs Hebrew and Greek numbers. <br />
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Getting around on this app is fairly easy and just about any module you can imagine for Scripture study can be added at extra cost. Accordance is a powerful program and was even used in the translation of the HCSB. The iOS version makes a great smaller sibling of the original!<br />
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Go to the <a href="http://www.accordancebible.com/Accordance/iOS">Accordance iOS</a> page for more info.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://www.youversion.com/">YouVersion</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXE7rC2izDQ5oKLiO_unckylyftodCYzF9xPU3IiTrzgtNXHmUwLncIeAqhcZbamtGAc4etHqi9Jis_sl7dOfES4g-2-7rsA45jtdGjdUzf455tqcvtNWFPE2Vy6GM9N7ihaseyYMRjct/s1600/IMG_1073.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXE7rC2izDQ5oKLiO_unckylyftodCYzF9xPU3IiTrzgtNXHmUwLncIeAqhcZbamtGAc4etHqi9Jis_sl7dOfES4g-2-7rsA45jtdGjdUzf455tqcvtNWFPE2Vy6GM9N7ihaseyYMRjct/s200/IMG_1073.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGMTsQfsGycubrdqraEe6IiPGE-hqDlDSZaHS5NnlqcEOvY8qq35hYRC22PRqa592P3fvYcXi-VGCFzTTDww-zWQHUe_CemEW6PzK4FvbvlX0FaGsbWnaWLwVldR3pu1BHRETy0RPQSdQ/s1600/IMG_1075.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGMTsQfsGycubrdqraEe6IiPGE-hqDlDSZaHS5NnlqcEOvY8qq35hYRC22PRqa592P3fvYcXi-VGCFzTTDww-zWQHUe_CemEW6PzK4FvbvlX0FaGsbWnaWLwVldR3pu1BHRETy0RPQSdQ/s320/IMG_1075.PNG" width="213" /></a> Within a few seconds of downloading YouVerion, I was reading a passage <i>and</i> listening to Max McLean narrate it from <a href="http://listenersbible.com/">The Listener's Bible</a>, all without paying anything for the app! This web 2.0 based app has revolutionized Bible study. YouVersion is available on several devices including a java version, making it accessible to more people. As of April 2011, YouVersion users had read the Bible for a total of over 5 billion minutes!<br />
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Personally, I like to have at least my favorite version stored on my phone. Maybe it's a residual fear from my days with the Palm Treo, and inconsistent internet connections, but I want to know, come internet or not, I can access the Word! Modules can be purchased and downloaded. But as long as you have decent connection YouVersion is a free full featured offering. Reading the Bible, studying the Bible, even listening to the Bible are all at your fingertips. Their website version is great too.<br />
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Go to the <a href="http://www.youversion.com/about">YouVersion about page</a> for more info.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://www.globible.com/">Glo Bible</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgunmfDwxANGSeCm1DTTNvg9vcBxdzfQBddvdRB0FUcZdppxfiyxEESh6V5XTkpynRgeYcN1bEVmXC4xVBCqRW5t6EVYbki8869fHkLKL5BbzszPWHgvDeoWsP53aX1sp7Z314ZTooPaYF/s1600/IMG_1078.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgunmfDwxANGSeCm1DTTNvg9vcBxdzfQBddvdRB0FUcZdppxfiyxEESh6V5XTkpynRgeYcN1bEVmXC4xVBCqRW5t6EVYbki8869fHkLKL5BbzszPWHgvDeoWsP53aX1sp7Z314ZTooPaYF/s200/IMG_1078.PNG" width="133" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-GqlgBHVoxfHUJTwWaxkb57nM-A7zJZDZqcnnWY9OK9LZWJL8IFl67D-B6Ds3unzn0VXUQeWErmurghsvHZpgt9LSqAanhJRYCDoVOKdBTLXCLLFVxJ7DVdYBuMAuTJ4L0dy-XU0Q6S9/s1600/IMG_1149.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-GqlgBHVoxfHUJTwWaxkb57nM-A7zJZDZqcnnWY9OK9LZWJL8IFl67D-B6Ds3unzn0VXUQeWErmurghsvHZpgt9LSqAanhJRYCDoVOKdBTLXCLLFVxJ7DVdYBuMAuTJ4L0dy-XU0Q6S9/s320/IMG_1149.PNG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/">USA Today</a> ranked Glo Bible as number 1 in it's September 6, 2011 post, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/news/story/2011-09-02/The-10-coolest-book-apps-for-fall/50245236/1">The 10 coolest book apps for fall</a>. Even in the digital age the Bible is still a best-seller! To get the full effect of this app's awesomeness you probably need to have an iPad and shell out 50 bucks for the full version. However, Glo Lite, the free version, looks pretty good on iPhone and includes the updated NIV text at no cost to the user - This alone makes it worth the download time!<br />
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Glo Bible and YouVersion have partnered so that you can access many YouVersion features through Glo Bible! Glo also includes many media goodies, such as picture and video. Reading on this app reminds me of the Kindle format with pages moving side-to-side, rather than scrolling down.<br />
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Go to the <a href="http://www.globible.com/aninteractivebible/">Glo Bible Features Page</a> to find out more.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="http://www.olivetree.com/">Olive Tree BibleReader</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7cadM1dTJbUaO4_Q5Fd_PphAylNm5kQPUOQdgn-bMQCjIZmsjqQT23hSyHW_kgIgi13B-RyPyj5BLVjVyfTpV6EDWXrPh06pwf3Ne2FfM-1dWCumdzKzF1tCaj9s7Tm8abvCMO7LXp4i/s1600/IMG_1076.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7cadM1dTJbUaO4_Q5Fd_PphAylNm5kQPUOQdgn-bMQCjIZmsjqQT23hSyHW_kgIgi13B-RyPyj5BLVjVyfTpV6EDWXrPh06pwf3Ne2FfM-1dWCumdzKzF1tCaj9s7Tm8abvCMO7LXp4i/s200/IMG_1076.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7y2TeQ67JxoTrBg9EnVk6JPRduaGTlpqVThdpFPJx4xznivGCBhL-i5eNb6nFsTu2ORI6-BWK1Xx1YYYpJzsie03w-BH3ELCAzsAIZqi7saMmPN74pUhvHvqjKyjrDxelxqVss-pCn1a/s1600/IMG_1147.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7y2TeQ67JxoTrBg9EnVk6JPRduaGTlpqVThdpFPJx4xznivGCBhL-i5eNb6nFsTu2ORI6-BWK1Xx1YYYpJzsie03w-BH3ELCAzsAIZqi7saMmPN74pUhvHvqjKyjrDxelxqVss-pCn1a/s320/IMG_1147.PNG" width="213" /></a>I just downloaded about 1,200 sermons by John Piper for BibleReader. I can open a second screen below a sermon that shows the particular Scripture being referenced in the sermon. The highlighting and search functions on this app are pretty cool. On the down side adding modules for this app can get expensive fast. For example, the NIV module is $18.99 for just the Bible text. For a dollar more I can get the recently updated NIV Study Bible for Kindle. I like the look of this app's full screen mode. BibleReader also has a free version of the HCSB, but missing the publisher's notes.<br />
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Go to the <a href="http://www.olivetree.com/smartphone/features.php">BibleReader Info Page</a> to find out more.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="http://www.laridian.com/">PocketBible</a> by Laridian</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DJ5KKy886buumc-jTLiJLegqFLWPcWUAHvbF4Ik0B8Sk-6vVCMz17TUVle5I3VW1imV4dPsLrmXUjkCyinlm89aWxBPw-wUqzOIavDcWlBd60EShPI7NeSXSDqTjuxyvLgIvCFcXw9ld/s1600/IMG_1077.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DJ5KKy886buumc-jTLiJLegqFLWPcWUAHvbF4Ik0B8Sk-6vVCMz17TUVle5I3VW1imV4dPsLrmXUjkCyinlm89aWxBPw-wUqzOIavDcWlBd60EShPI7NeSXSDqTjuxyvLgIvCFcXw9ld/s200/IMG_1077.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvaL_EdEIzsms7Nwg4Pn8hhHSego9ox26EMp3PjcAUMqpamjezWT5Gu-0YOcOmL9AD1zyGYs3a9eVEHH_cHCVqrNG2H7GsuteiRVca0uv6T3j54U3j2y-dESRPn2-2OuFzJWoIulr_fRV/s1600/IMG_1148.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvaL_EdEIzsms7Nwg4Pn8hhHSego9ox26EMp3PjcAUMqpamjezWT5Gu-0YOcOmL9AD1zyGYs3a9eVEHH_cHCVqrNG2H7GsuteiRVca0uv6T3j54U3j2y-dESRPn2-2OuFzJWoIulr_fRV/s320/IMG_1148.PNG" width="213" /></a> I was able to log into my old Laridian account from my Palm Tungsten T days and access many of the modules I paid for back then. Laridian allows downloading these to their iPhone app. The Bible app they were known for on the Palm platform was MyBible. This was hands down my favorite Bible for Palm! I also memorized dozens of Bible verses using their Memorize! app. <br />
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My mention of this app is mainly sentimental. Although the iPhone app does recall the clean format of those earlier days.<br />
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Go to <a href="http://www.laridian.com/">PocketBible</a> to check them out.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/kindle">Kindle</a> as a Bible Reader</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhf_wkF07usDu0krsH5X3-9QcSgw1vcqoLE6NyrVNsSajBG4J9QpVx9wfl9u0-12DinJIetJwzofSl5653y8GDJE4NutaEHBHgvsMk2sQtszDjy3o1Pg-Pt6-t_hoQFFNXLuPKf9G9x4L/s1600/IMG_1079.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhf_wkF07usDu0krsH5X3-9QcSgw1vcqoLE6NyrVNsSajBG4J9QpVx9wfl9u0-12DinJIetJwzofSl5653y8GDJE4NutaEHBHgvsMk2sQtszDjy3o1Pg-Pt6-t_hoQFFNXLuPKf9G9x4L/s200/IMG_1079.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ArDU3VFrVZdEsDc1mmr5y6xInBabpkSVLKBDbnzZ8EQuY8YKWrSEjFpF1BDAmIm66hAMWmlql0MvGd7UE7kxNFS58Abr8SO836GqEqv8tkWo1qWvWkKldiyLG7NI_AB9x3F8tMAo2iFJ/s1600/IMG_1070.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ArDU3VFrVZdEsDc1mmr5y6xInBabpkSVLKBDbnzZ8EQuY8YKWrSEjFpF1BDAmIm66hAMWmlql0MvGd7UE7kxNFS58Abr8SO836GqEqv8tkWo1qWvWkKldiyLG7NI_AB9x3F8tMAo2iFJ/s320/IMG_1070.PNG" width="213" /></a> Don't forget everyone's favorite e-reader! I use a Kindle everyday of my life, and I love it! With Kindle's upcoming fall lineup of Kindle Touch and Kindle Fire, navigating God's Word can be anything from less taxing on the eyes to more colorful, depending on what device you choose.<br />
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Kindle offers both ESV and NIV Study Bibles, as well as several other translations, commentaries and thousands of inspirational books. The Kindle app looks great on the iPhone, and you can carry your Kindle content on several devices, including your desktop computer and web browser.<br />
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<b>Conclusion</b><br />
Which one do I use? All of them!<br />
* Accordance comes with the free ESVi and my purchased stuff!<br />
* YouVersion quickly gets me to free audio Bibles.<br />
* Glo Bible comes with Free NIV2011.<br />
* BibleReader has a free version of HCSB.<br />
* PocketBible gets me to some of my previously purchased modules.<br />
* Kindle is a book collection, the size of a small book!<br />
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The important thing is to read the Bible, believe it, do it, and let God transform you with it!<br />
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<br />John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0Mayo, FL, USA30.053001 -83.174857830.039257 -83.1945988 30.066744999999997 -83.1551168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-12950067678205008732011-06-23T00:13:00.003-04:002011-06-23T00:29:15.458-04:00Older Than King James<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjla1ctiaYbdijjTWrxF2eHYARC_umxr2T-y-VjBZMJQBBcs6xJIPwFflI8674f34nxzqIdVfYEcj_vzvtydCbAJfb-hX4i4inYP9PmHNV6x4dCZCz3I3Rpz9DN0LNFNmOHyu_415EkGtpM/s1600/Psalm+23+Coverdale.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjla1ctiaYbdijjTWrxF2eHYARC_umxr2T-y-VjBZMJQBBcs6xJIPwFflI8674f34nxzqIdVfYEcj_vzvtydCbAJfb-hX4i4inYP9PmHNV6x4dCZCz3I3Rpz9DN0LNFNmOHyu_415EkGtpM/s400/Psalm+23+Coverdale.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621266568984168962" /></a><div>All my recent research into Bible translation reminded me of one of my favorite versions of Psalm 23. This is from the Miles Coverdale Bible, published in 1535 - that's over 75 years before the KJV hit the shelves in 1611. You can see some of this Psalm in the KJV, but it has it's own style. If this had been the first version of the 23rd Psalm for me, I wouldn't have been so confused as to why he doesn't want the Lord to be his Shepherd - "I shall not want?!?"</div><div>
<br /></div><div>One of the most beautiful musical settings of this Psalm, in my opinion, is John Rutter's from the Requiem which premiered in 1985. So, enjoy a Psalm older than the King James Bible:</div><div>
<br /></div><div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><h2 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: normal; font-style: inherit; font-size: 2em; font-family: Georgia, serif; vertical-align: baseline; "> Psalm 23</h2><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; ">Dominus regit me.</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">THE LORD is my shepherd; * </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">therefore can I lack nothing.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">2 He shall feed me in a green pasture, * </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">3 He shall convert my soul, * </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; * </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">5 Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them that trouble me; * </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">6 Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; * </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; ">and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.</p></span></div></div>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-26082912103973763922011-06-13T13:18:00.006-04:002011-06-20T22:18:58.991-04:00Favorite Bible Version: And The Winner Is...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwJq5ZgAne8ZcU-_L1Ej-42s6ViIUvP0HTG3kGoQPdgPbcnQP8lNT5bLW62ish13JFSMKbE2nDR6BgxkPC4Je29lteAqASJ_YmW5L-FAmhNcRrz0AQmuQsYkKecswzsoCLmOPHiozzLia/s1600/bible-transchrt-js.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwJq5ZgAne8ZcU-_L1Ej-42s6ViIUvP0HTG3kGoQPdgPbcnQP8lNT5bLW62ish13JFSMKbE2nDR6BgxkPC4Je29lteAqASJ_YmW5L-FAmhNcRrz0AQmuQsYkKecswzsoCLmOPHiozzLia/s400/bible-transchrt-js.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617757125475448834" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">"...we affirm and avow, that the very meanest [poorest] translation of the Bible in English, set forth by men of our profession, containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of Go</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">d. As the King's </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">speech, which he uttereth in Parliament, being translated into French, Dutch, Italian, and Latin, is still the King's speech, though it be not interpreted by every Translator with the like grace, nor peradventure so fitly for phrase, nor so expressly for sense, everywhere."</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">-From the preface, "The Translators to the Reader," to the King James Version of the Holy Bible, 1611.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">This year marks 400 years since the King James Version was first published. The KJV translators never claimed exclusivity for their version of the Bible. They allowed for other translations to be published in English and considered them the Word of God as well. They also understood the importance of, when faced with the uncertainty of which of two possible Greek phrases would have been in the original text, including both by way of marginal notes. The 1611 KJV even has "daystar" as an alternate for "Lucifer" in the margin beside Isaiah 14:21. I mention this because King James Only advocates usually slam modern translations for this very same footnote (See, Matthew 7:1-2)!<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Recently I was at risk of viewing a modern Bible version with KJV-like exclusive reverence. Over six months ago my world was shaken to the core with the announcement of a revision of the NIV, the version I've read, meditated upon and memorized for over 25 years. I clung as tightly to my NIV1984 as a KJV-only dude, to his Textus Receptus! As usual, those things that make us the most uncomfortable, often have the potential to grow us up a little bit as well.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Some of the positive affects of this announcement have been renewed desire to handle God's Word accurately, more time spent reading and analysing the different English versions of the Bible, and a new appreciation for variety in translation. I've gotten new insight from this study in the Word, and can't easily go back to claiming one version as favorite.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Another benefit to the updated NIV has been the discounted NIV1984 pew Bibles our church was able to pick up recently for about a third of the regular cost! Statistically, churches sporting pew Bibles have members who are more likely to bring their own Bibles to church (power of suggestion?), as well as study and read their own Bibles during the week! But maybe a pew Bible sales rep told me that...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">I would encourage anyone who's serious about listening to the Word of God, to choose one favorite, or one standard version for personal study and application. This makes scripture memorization more affective. But you also need to explore translations other than the one with which you are most comfortable. Something as simple as knowing that the peace of God transcends all understanding (NIV), surpasses all comprehension (NASB) can give a depth of insight to the peace of God.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">So what are my current recommended bible versions? I don't actually have a Top Ten list, such as <a href="http://thislamp.com/?p=990">this guy</a>, but I recommend studying versions that complement one another. For example, if you are used to a more "word-for-word" translation (NASB, ESV, KJV), supplement that with a "thought-for-thought" version (NLT, CEV, The Message). The NIV is somewhere in the middle. So far, my favorite Word-for-Word is NASB - one I used to check into in my 20's. Some say this version is so literal, that it doesn't flow in English. "Wooden," is the description I most often hear for the NASB. I'm also checking out the NLT on the other end - I've also often referenced the CEV when needing a very simple, basic English Bible.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span">The Challenge</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">As we enter summer I'm actually encouraging the brothers and sisters at Lighthouse Christian Center to pick up a version they've never, or rarely read, and go through the New Testament and/or Psalms this summer - or as much of Scripture as they can while still retaining something from it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">What am I doing about the NIV1984 versus NIV2011 thing? I've found some great changes in the New NIV that seem to be more literal renderings of the text. Another plus for the NIV2011 is research and discoveries over the past 25 years. For example, Philippians 2:6 in NIV1984 describes Jesus: <i>...</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><i>Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped...</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Scholars have discovered that this "grasping," is related to something you already own, something already in your possession, rather than something you're trying to acquire. In the case of Jesus, he already possesses equality with God, but did not consider it as something to be used to his own advantage - which is how the NIV2011 translates it. Kudos, NIV guys!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">On the down side Philippians 4:13 has been translated, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength," as if to say it refers only to the previous verses in context. I believe it refers to much more than learning to be content with your situation. He meant what he said, when he said, "<i>All</i> Things!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">* I'm glad they waited until <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Tebow">Tim Tebow</a> graduated from UF to revise this verse!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">* I'm glad they waited until <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany_Hamilton">Bethany Hamilton</a> got back on her surfboard quoting, "I can do ALL THINGS through Him..."rather than letting her just learn to be content with her situation, and never surf again!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">* I'm glad Jesus said in Mark 9:23, "<b>All things</b> are possible for him who believes..." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">That is until they revise it to say, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">"All <i>this</i> is possible for him who believes..."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">"All this," is not accurate. It's not literal. It's just weak.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">The excessive gender adjustment and some of its subsequent grammatical consequences drive me the most crazy with the NIV2011. I understand that Paul was writing to "brothers and sisters," but I believe there are instances where the Greek or Hebrew is masculine, and the translators purposefully avoid the masculine even at the expense of some Messianic prophecy. The Only Begotten Son of God became a man, not a "them."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">So, here's how I'm dealing with the change: I purchased an NIV1984 with large margins. Found a great deal on Amazon.com - couldn't believe the price! So if I spot a little gem, such as Phil. 2:6, I can write the explanation, or alternate NIV2011 translation in the margin and have the best of both worlds. I'm using a Pigma Micron pen with archival ink and 0.20 line width (finer than extra-fine!) if anyone's interested. This will make a great Bible to pass on to the kids. Personalized, study notes in the version their Daddy used to read.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">When the dust settles what will be my Bible of choice? I'll probably continue memorizing in NIV1984, modifying it with stuff I like from the 2011. With all those versions out there might as well add my own - The John Whittington NIV remix! For personal reading and study I'm leaning to a more word-for-word, though the NIV is still beautiful to me. In a perfect world, I'd be able to memorize in 2 versions. Maybe I'll do that someday in my resurrected body.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">The important thing now, for all of us, is to read, prayerfully meditate, endeavor to understand, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, apply to our lives, some version, any decent version of the Bible! "The best Bible version is the one you use!"</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div></div>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-15810671236572582242011-05-02T14:32:00.007-04:002011-05-02T15:08:57.201-04:00An Audience of One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27qcGoeEjtlZB3Sr6CYWMA7xCWZUed0KZ1gjTaewZWiLTazftDL_7Jw8quM8m7z70DHHkXEzSNZeaU2c_yiPAb9BKgCuDRJEfKZ5pK94WWeJIk8EeX3aoclaJJ_HTKOh5S4QmhkPngb10/s1600/93063-latest-pictures-from-the-royal-wedding.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27qcGoeEjtlZB3Sr6CYWMA7xCWZUed0KZ1gjTaewZWiLTazftDL_7Jw8quM8m7z70DHHkXEzSNZeaU2c_yiPAb9BKgCuDRJEfKZ5pK94WWeJIk8EeX3aoclaJJ_HTKOh5S4QmhkPngb10/s400/93063-latest-pictures-from-the-royal-wedding.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602194761429644578" /></a>This past weekend, while watching the splendor of Will and Kate's Royal Wedding, I saw an audience of one. After the exchange of the wedding vows, a trumpet fanfare introduced the British National Anthem, God Save the Queen:<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "> <b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>God save our gracious Queen,</i></span></b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Long live our noble Queen,</i></span></b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>God save the Queen:</i></span></b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Send her victorious,</i></span></b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Happy and glorious,</i></span></b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Long to reign over us:</i></span></b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>God save the Queen.</i></span></b></dd></span></span></span><div><br /></div><div>Every single proud citizen of the UK standing in Westminster Abbey that day was fervently singing the song of Her Majesty... except for one: Her Majesty! Because the song is about her, she became an audience of one, with everyone else being the performers. When Charles becomes king, he will no longer sing, but listen to everyone else's rendition of God Save the King.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a worship leader in church, I often find myself in the role of performer. Members of the congregation naturally seem like audience members, listening as I worship God. The reality, however, is that the entire body of believers is called to perform, to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, with God himself being the Audience of One. Next time you're standing in church, belting out the latest worship song from your pew or row, remember that you are not the audience. You are the performer, and the Lord is your Audience of One!</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-en-NIV1984-en-NASB-14392" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">3</sup>O magnify the LORD with me,<br /> And let us exalt His name together.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">Psalm 34:3</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Photo by Reuters</b></span></div>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-78249227426011460092011-04-27T11:18:00.005-04:002011-04-27T18:08:49.375-04:00Would You Like NIV, or NIV Classic?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwBnYymX7ajrgss3Sdp5CIMTxwdRpSD0E9OS1yW33xEFPFOvOfP8WNyj4EoLsMoBbpNGcOiDFmROtE_5pug5EDsEPpwy9oIp9Vz0GDDUGbXjiF9LUNbeyaR-pwV4JYRM08DOYp20iCd7Q/s1600/bible.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwBnYymX7ajrgss3Sdp5CIMTxwdRpSD0E9OS1yW33xEFPFOvOfP8WNyj4EoLsMoBbpNGcOiDFmROtE_5pug5EDsEPpwy9oIp9Vz0GDDUGbXjiF9LUNbeyaR-pwV4JYRM08DOYp20iCd7Q/s400/bible.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600387836873733010" /></a>I've spent a few months with the online / Kindle Edition of the NIV ©2011. This is the updated NIV which the translators have chosen to simply call, NIV. This is a break from their previous TNIV, which distinguished itself from the NIV 1984 (the one we've been reading for over 25 years).<br /><br />I have read what I consider improvements on the way the update translates many passages in regard to changes in the English language over the past 25 years, as well as discoveries about Greek usage from 2000 years ago. For the most part, I still enjoy the flow of reading the NIV 2011 silently or aloud, as well as studying the truth of God's Word, and applying it to my life. Just to be clear the NIV 2011 is, in my opinion, just as much God's Word as KJV, ESV, etc.<br /><br />I do have some problems with the update. I understand that these are probably based on personal preference, but I wonder if anyone else who has used the NIV for several years would share my concern. Allow me to vent for a moment.<br /><br />I'm still not sure about the extent to which the updated NIV goes gender neutral. Surprisingly, my mom said she likes the idea of making it more readable to women, since the Gospel is meant for both men and women, and in Christ there is neither male nor female! She's less stuck in her ways than her son, who's almost half her age! But what bothers me is the mix between singular and plural to make many such passages gender neutral. <br /><br />For example look at Revelation 3:20<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.<br />If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,<br />I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.</span><br /><br />To me, "they," sounds grammatically incorrect, and less personal, less individual than "he." The updated NIV book of John is full of gender neutrals that also seem to render the text less focused on the individual than the older NIV. <br /><br />My other, more personal problem with the updated NIV is the fact that after 25 years I have dozens, if not hundreds of verses and even several chapters memorized. The update is just different enough to confuse and irritate if I tried to re-memorize all those passages! Going to another version altogether would be a pain for the same reason. If possible, I'd like the church I pastor to have an official version for continuity. Yes, we utilize several versions as we study, but the Word commands the public reading of the Scripture - it should be at least the same version for that. Come to think of it, the New Testament church was reading from the Septuagint, which seems to me a translation that follows a less-than-literal philosophy, much like the NIV.<br /><br />Ultimately, I may embrace the update, but I would rather the <a href="http://www.niv-cbt.org/">NIV people</a> retain both versions. I believe the 1984 and 2011 versions are that different. They say they're going to only offer one, the 2011 NIV, until they revise it. But maybe they will change their plans if enough people clamor for the 1984 edition. They could offer NIV and NIV Classic! But you remember how well that worked for Coca-Cola...John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3052396944789131355.post-60032775406949494832011-03-17T10:20:00.006-04:002011-05-14T21:14:02.819-04:00Patrick's Breastplate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkj46Yc1TSmO5abxRnmsbLLuUig8SEk46VuJZiOaVgDrw1VIgl7FzkhgCoeFAMbd-mvDykCkeFHB93uKpBvCnEb13t1fm18qXM9thOY1jkQV5GIThLtyNAjzYxcWvKlp4jcdZ8H3q14N-/s1600/shamrock-752653.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkj46Yc1TSmO5abxRnmsbLLuUig8SEk46VuJZiOaVgDrw1VIgl7FzkhgCoeFAMbd-mvDykCkeFHB93uKpBvCnEb13t1fm18qXM9thOY1jkQV5GIThLtyNAjzYxcWvKlp4jcdZ8H3q14N-/s400/shamrock-752653.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585056186664240642" /></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Happy Saint Patrick's Day, Everyone! The following version is from the book, <i>How The Irish Saved Civilization</i>, by Thomas Cahill. I've always thought it was a beautiful piece.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.010981173254549503" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Saint Patrick’s Breastplate</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">From </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">How the Irish Saved Civilization</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> by Thomas Cahill</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I arise today</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through belief in the threeness,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through confession of the oneness</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Of the Creator of creation.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I arise today</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through the strength of Christ’s birth and his baptism,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I arise today</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through the strength of the love of cherubim,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In obedience of angels, In the service of archangels,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In the hope of resurrection to meet reward,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In prayers of patriarchs, In predictions of prophets,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In preaching of apostles, In faith of confessors,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In innocence of holy virgins, In deeds of righteous men.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I arise today</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through the strength of heaven:</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Light of sun, Radiance of moon,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I arise today</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through God’s strength to pilot me:</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s might to uphold me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s wisdom to guide me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s eye to look before me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s ear to hear me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s word to speak for me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s hand to guard me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s way to lie before me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s shield to protect me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">God’s host to save me</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">From snares of devils,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">From temptations of vices,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">From everyone who shall wish me ill,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Afar and anear,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Alone and in multitude.I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against every cruel, merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against incantation of false prophets,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against black laws of pagandom,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against false laws of heretics,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against craft of idolatry,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ to shield me today</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against poison, against burning,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Against drowning, against wounding,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">So that there may come to me abundance of reward.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ on my right, Christ on my left,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ in every eye that sees me,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Christ in every ear that hears me.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I arise today</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through belief in the threeness,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Through confession of the oneness,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Of the Creator of creation.</span></span></div></div>John Whittingtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09931206024148129851noreply@blogger.com0