Econocalypse!

Moments ago I read the following statement:

"Today, people are beginning to understand that the government's account is overdrawn, that a piece of paper is not the equivalent of a gold coin, or an automobile, or a loaf of bread—and that if you attempt to falsify monetary values, you do not achieve abundance, you merely debase the currency and go bankrupt." (Ayn Rand, "Moral Inflation," The Ayn Rand Letter, vol. 3, no. 12, p. 1)

Although written some 30 years ago, this seems to make sense to me. But infinitely more important are the words found in Scripture:

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

How often do we neglect praying for all who are in authority because we think we know the solution to whatever is currently the hot-button issue? Why don't we take Scripture at its word & simply obey it. When's the last time you sincerely prayed for our politicians? When's the last time you lead a quiet life in all godliness & dignity? May God's Spirit continue to convict in this area & empower us to be obedient to our God.

Postscript: Anyone see any similarities between the days we live in & the ones portrayed in Atlas Shrugged? Just wondering.

Optical Illusions

I've always loved optical illusions. From the very simple to the highly complex, they fascinate me. My eye is fooled into believing something that, in reality, is not true. For example, check out this sidewalk drawing by Edgar Muller.

As we read through the gospels we find that Judas is perhaps the greatest optical illusion that ever existed. Everyone except Jesus was fooled into believing something about Judas that in reality was not true. He appeared to be a loyal and faithful disciple, even to the point of being their treasurer. When Jesus said to His disciples, One of you will betray Me (John 13:21), no one immediately pointed to Judas & said, It must be him!

Is my life an optical illusion as well? In what areas am I being a hypocrite? Do I appear to be one thing while being something entirely different?

Optical illusions are great to view on paper or on the internet, but optical illusions in our churches can be lethal.

Theology-ology

Tim Challies writes, in part, on his blog for today:

If a Christian is diligent in studying God through the right motives and methods and for the right reasons, there will necessarily be change in his life. He cannot help but be changed by the living Word of God. However, if someone studies God only to acquire knowledge about him without applying any of that knowledge to his life, he is not so much studying God as he is studying the study of God. The study of God when done as he has commanded must always lead to application, heart change and then life change.

I know that I'm guilty at times of studying the study of God. How about you?

Enduring...At Least On Mondays

If you've never heard, or read, Arturo Azurdia, you've missed out. He nails it again here. Besides that, he has one of the best sentences I've read in a long time.

"Nor did he assault my intelligence with bumper-sticker superficialities wrapped in pious colloquialisms."

As Christians, we can be very good at speaking to believer & unbeliever alike with bumper-sticker superficialities wrapped in pious colloquialisms & then we wonder why people don't respond to our words.

Getting back to Art Azurdia, his book Spirit Empowered Preaching is on my "read every year" list. It's a powerful, informative, & convicting book. He also heads up The Spurgeon Fellowship, is an associate professor of pastoral theology at Western Seminary, & is a popular speaker at a variety of churches & conferences. Check out his website.

Bible Study Magazine

Bible Study Magazine is giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of their Bible Study Library software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine Mark Driscoll page, then take a look at all the cool tools they have to take your Bible study to the next level!

I haven't read Vintage Church, but I use Logos Bible Study software & continue to be amazed by everything it can do. Someday I hope to go to one of their training seminars & learn more of how to make the best use of the program.

Bible Study Magazine is on their 3rd issue. The first two were good reads & I see no reason why issue #3 should be any different.

Sacramento Kings

I've been a Kings fan since they moved to Sacramento in 1985. They've had their ups & downs, but more downs than ups. Currently they are 10 & 37, only 27 and 1/2 games out of first place in their division. Tonight they lost to the Phoenix Suns by 48 points. How far does loyalty go for a sports fan? How far should it go? I'm probably taking it out of context, but Proverbs 3:3 says, Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. My loyalty & faithfulness to the Kings has not been forsaken. Am I that loyal & faithful to my Lord? & if not, why not? He's far more important than any overpaid sports franchise & has done far more for me than the Kings ever will. Can I be a fan of my King Jesus as much as I am of the Kings?