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2010-04-13T19:21:00.001-05:00

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Lighten Up!

2010-03-26T19:45:00.004-05:00

Christian, have you ever been accused of being "too serious?" What is usually meant by your peers is that they want you to act as they act, generally flippant, and sometimes downright vulgar. Indeed, the Puritans were accused of this very thing, and those who would follow in their footsteps today meet the same label from a world that eschews anything that takes more thought than what we shall entertain ourselves with at this very moment.

I read the following text yesterday in my Bible reading plan. I noticed that the scripture also implores us to "lighten up." Yet, its meaning is quite different than the normal use of the phrase.

Ephesians 5:4-17 (English Standard Version)

⁴Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. ⁵For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷Therefore do not become partners with them; ⁸for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹²For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. ¹³But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, ¹⁴for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

¹⁵Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Abraham Lincoln: Tyrant and Terrorist

2010-03-20T18:54:00.002-05:00

Here's a video that tells the truth about the War for Southern Independence, and the lead aggressor opposing Southern freedom.

HT: http://reformedcovenanter.wordpress.com/2009/06/08/abraham-lincoln-tyrant-and-terrorist/

Samuel Davies Travel Mug

2010-03-19T09:43:00.003-05:00

"The venerable dead are waiting in my library to entertain me and relieve me from the nonsense of surviving mortals." - Samuel Davies 1723-1761

I love this quote! I am now making it available on a high quality ceramic travel mug. Click here to view the mug and order online.

http://www.cafepress.com/fathertofather

What Man Hath Joined Together...

2010-03-18T14:55:00.002-05:00

...Let not man separate.

Hurrah for the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals for disallowing a lesbian divorce case in the state of Oklahoma. How can you issue a divorce for what was never a legitimate marriage? Legal Counsel Tim Tracey of the Alliance Defense Fund rightly asserted that this was a back door attempt to undermine the marriage amendment of Oklahoma that was passed by 76 percent of the voters.

Here is a link for the One News Now story where I originally read this:

Click Here.

Running to Bethlehem - Reformation21 Blog

2010-03-12T15:07:00.002-06:00

Yet another good article on preaching Christ throughout the whole of scripture:

Running to Bethlehem - Reformation21 Blog

Posted using ShareThis

Psalm 2

2010-03-07T08:23:00.000-06:00

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill." I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

(Psalms 2:1-12)

Matt Chandler on Making the Gospel Explicit

2010-03-03T07:03:00.002-06:00

There is a tendency is Christian circles to assume that the Gospel is simply something that we embrace once, then move on to "deeper" things. I enjoyed this video of Matt Chandler where he declares that we must be explicit with the Gospel, not just assume that people, even believers, don't need to hear it.

Saw this through Justin Taylor's blog.

Time

2010-02-18T06:54:00.001-06:00

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,

Bears all its sons away;

They fly forgotten, as a dream

Dies at the opening day.

- Isaac Watts

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

2010-02-02T22:02:00.002-06:00

Isaac Watts, 1707, text of 1709

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God:

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down:

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Two Days of Hands On Homeschooling - For Daddy

2010-01-29T18:34:00.002-06:00

We are at the end of the second of two "snow days" that I received off from work. These days have been quite productive. On day 1, I got to work with Paton and Justin on their math. Today, I got to help Brittney dissect a crayfish (or crawdad, as I've taught her to say!). I also managed to pick up a generator at Sam's yesterday morning. I was on my way to the office when my friend and colleague called to tell me that the state offices were closed and I should go home. Well, Sam's wasn't too far out of the way, so after Sheri called to find out they had them, I swung by there and picked one up. It fit completely in the trunk of the Mercury! We recently bought that car from my dad, as it had belonged to my grandfather. Later that afternoon before the really bad sleet began to fall, I made a quick trip to Lowe's to pick up a power transfer switch for the home. So, I spent a couple of hours getting that hooked up today. This was in anticipation of losing power, which we never did. It's a great backup anyway, even if we don't need it during this snow storm. As I write this, the snow is still falling. Looks like we'll be shut in throughout the weekend as well.

Michael is in Texas with Sheri's mom. They rode the train down there. The plan is for them to attend the Ft. Worth Stock Show rodeo tomorrow night. Glad they're having fun. They've got a lot of rain, but at least they're not stranded at home.

Gotta run...homemade pizza's ready... It's great to have a grain mill, a dough mixer, and a wife and daughters that know how to use them.

Texaplex

2010-01-18T22:38:00.000-06:00

Oklahoma Legislative Alert

2010-01-15T16:24:00.002-06:00

Many of my readers are homeschoolers in Oklahoma. If this includes you, please read the following legislative alert I received from OCHEC.

------

Legislative Alert SB1403

Author Sen. Mary Easley

January 15, 2010

Senator Mary Easley, has pre-filed a bill for the 2010 session that would include the following language into law: "The parent or guardian of a child utilizing other means of education shall provide written notification to the public school district of residence of intent to utilize other means of education prior to the first day of each school year, or within ten (10) days of the beginning of the provision of such other means of education to the student."

OCHEC opposes this bill because, regardless of it's intent, it accomplishes nothing. It is unnecessary and is wasteful of both the parent's and state's time and resources.

Notification will not improve home educated students academically. Studies have consistently shown that there is no correlation between the amount of state regulation of home education and academic success.

Notification will not prevent parents from fraudulently claiming to be home educating their child. Oklahoma's laws regarding truancy and educational neglect have been reviewed and found to be adequate, when enforced. If there are parents willing to incur charges of truancy, they would certainly be willing to file a fraudulent notification. Scofflaws will continue to scoff at laws.

Please contact Senator Easley by telephone, email and/or mail and express your opposition to this bill. This would also be an excellent opportunity to contact your senator and ask that this bill be opposed. Contact information may be found at: www.lsb.state.ok.us .

Once the bill has been assigned to a committee, OCHEC will request that you contact the members of the committee and ask that the bill not be heard.

Small Group Bible Studies

2010-01-07T09:30:00.002-06:00

HT: http://www.extremetheology.com

The Pain of Miscarriage

2010-01-07T08:25:00.002-06:00

Here is a very helpful Kevin Swanson - Generations program. I'd encourage you to give it a listen.

Psalm 77

2010-01-03T16:57:00.002-06:00

This Psalm was read, expounded, and sung during the Lord's Day meeting today. It really ministered to me.

Psalm 77:1-20 (ESV)

(1) To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.

(2) In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.

(3) When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah

(4) You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

(5) I consider the days of old, the years long ago.

(6) I said, "Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart." Then my spirit made a diligent search:

(7) "Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?

(8) Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?

(9) Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Selah

(10) Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High."

(11) I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

(12) I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

(13) Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

(14) You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

(15) You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

(16) When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.

(17) The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side.

(18) The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.

(19) Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.

(20) You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

What E'er My God Ordains is Right

2010-01-02T08:12:00.002-06:00

What E'er My God Ordains is Right

Samuel Rodigast, 1675

Tr. by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878

1. What e'er my God ordains is right:

Holy his will abideth;

I will be still what e'er he doth,

And follow where he guideth:

He is my God;

Though dark my road,

He holds me that I shall not fall:

Wherefore to him I leave it all.

2. What e'er my God ordains is right:

He never will deceive me;

He leads me by the proper path;

I know he will not leave me:

I take, content,

What he hath sent;

His hand can turn my griefs away,

And patiently I wait his day.

3. What e'er my God ordains is right:

Though now this cup, in drinking,

May bitter seem to my faint heart,

I take it, all unshrinking:

My God is true;

Each morn anew

Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,

And pain and sorrow shall depart.

4. What e'er my God ordains is right:

Here shall my stand be taken;

Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,

Yet am I not forsaken;

My Father's care

Is round me there;

He holds me that I shall not fall:

And so to him I leave it all.

AMEN

2009 Year in Review

2009-12-31T11:39:00.009-06:00

I'm sitting down to write this entry after just returning from a sonogram appointment. What has happened today is characteristic of this entire year. What I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is that God is sovereign and that nothing happens outside of His control. It's not that we have some battles that God wins and other battles that satan wins. Rather God orchestrates everything that comes to pass, and He is victorious over all. Satan has no power beyond what God has given him. This is a truth that has given me strength to stand in the midst of intense trial and difficulty. Today we saw that our third little baby conceived this year has no heartbeat. This comes two short weeks after seeing the heartbeat. I'd ask for a second opinion, but today's sonogram only showed 2 days of growth since the measurements a fortnight ago. While I trust in a loving God that works all things for my good, it is still hard to deal with these human emotions. There's another family in my extended family that has endured the same trial. God is working something in both our families, though it remains a mystery to us.

The year has not been entirely composed of bad news. First, as I have mentioned, God has used and continues to use the trials to bring about positive change in our lives. Next, there have been strides that the children are making in their learning and training. Brittney, Brianna, and Justin are doing well learning the piano. Brittney continues to advance in her sewing. She is being a very big blessing in sewing clothes for herself and her sisters. She even had an amazing opportunity this month to sit under the instruction of Lisa Sorrell and make herself a pair of leather ladies shoes. We did not entirely know the reputation of Mrs. Sorrell, but apparently she is a world famous bootmaker. Everyone we've talked to that knows anything about boot and shoe making knows her and admires her work. Here is her website: http://www.customboots.net/ This was a great opportunity for Brittney to learn from an expert. Brittney enjoyed it very much and may want to pursue this interest further.

Michael has established for himself a good reputation as a hard worker in our neighborhood. He is regularly hired to do flowerbeds, work on fences, weed eating, or whatever other odd jobs that need to be done. He is trying to save money for land in order to build his own home.

Brianna continues to excel in her piano playing. She is also working with Brittney in improving her sewing ability. She and Brittney are making quilts and doing an excellent job.

Justin is doing very well at the piano. He is "all boy" and loves to play outside and wrestle.

Paton is coming along very good in his reading. He now takes his turn reading during our family worship time. We have to encourage him to speak up because he's a little soft spoken. But he's doing great.

Sarah loves to play with Samuel. She got her first haircut in December.

Samuel is speaking quite a bit in sentences. Sometimes you have to guess what he's saying, but if you get it right he'll tell you. "Yes."

I have also been blessed to have a Christian brother in my life, Robert Graham. As I mentioned in my 2008 Year in Review, he hired on in October of that year. Over this past year we have become very good friends. We have a lot of discussions on the way to and from work. He lives only a mile away from me and sits in the cube right next to me at work. We've been able to save gas riding together and build each other up with Christian fellowship on a daily basis.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the blessing of my dear wife, Sheri. The things that we've been through this year, we've certainly faced them head on together. We celebrated 19 years of marriage this year. She remains a constant strength in my life. Sheri, I love you and I thank God for you.

Only the Lord knows what 2010 will bring. We would still love to move back down to Texas. Maybe the Lord will bring that about.

I Was Mugged?

2009-12-29T16:22:00.003-06:00

The news of my mugging has been greatly exaggerated:

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-handicapped-man-at-knifepoint-story,0,6635769.story

Anyone who tries to mug this Mike Southerland better come with more than a knife. I've got a 9mm round waiting for him. Plus, 13 more in the magazine. :-)

Vision Forum Year End Liquidation

2009-12-29T16:13:00.000-06:00

The Government Can

2009-12-19T16:17:00.000-06:00

Contemplating the Psalms

2009-12-14T22:36:00.003-06:00

This is my prayer tonight. Thank you Father, for Your Word. So much of this Psalm hits home. Please, Lord, grant that desire in verse 9. I repent of my wickedness. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Psa 38:1-22

(1) O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

(2) For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

(3) There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

(4) For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

(5) My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

(6) I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

(7) For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

(8) I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

(9) Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

(10) My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

(11) My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

(12) They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

(13) But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

(14) Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

(15) For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

(16) For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

(17) For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

(18) For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

(19) But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

(20) They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

(21) Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

(22) Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

True Ecumenicalism

2009-12-10T06:48:00.005-06:00

There is an ongoing debate among "Christians" today. One camp embraces unlimited ecumenicalism. This group would have all Christians (and in some cases, all people regardless of faith) to set aside their differences and unite. Another camp, or actually several "camps" because they never unite, proclaims that unless someone holds to their particular conviction on every jot and tittle of scripture they are cursed and destined for hellfire.

So what is the answer?

Christ would have His Church united. Yet, that should never happen at the expense of compromising things that can never be comprised.

Here are some guidelines that I consider in determining with whom to unite and with whom to separate.

1. Is the message preached one of repentance of sin and embracing of salvation won for us by the sole work of Christ Jesus alone, paid for with His own blood upon the cross of crucifixion?

2. Is the message supported through scripture alone? I may disagree with my brother on his interpretation, but we must accept the Bible as the absolute inerrant Word of God. This must be the standard, or else there is no foundation for discussion.

3. Is faith alone all that is required for justification before God? God has given faith, in the first place, to whom He will. Works should never be added as a requirement for justification. Works will follow faith, not the other way around.

4. Does the message preached go out to everyone, adding no stipulation of goodness on the part of those evangelized? God's grace is sufficient to cleanse any sinner of His own choosing. There is no merit won by men, whether by works or by social status that wins any favor with God.

5. Is the message preached glorifying to God alone? In an age of self centeredness, it is becoming increasingly common for sermons to exalt man, or to offer some "life benefit" to its hearers. This may come as a shock to some, but it's really not all about us. It is all about Him.

If the answer to these questions is "yes" for your particular congregation, then, though I might not agree with you on every point, we can have true Christian fellowship. If, on the other hand, you reject one or more of these points, then how can we have any fellowship?

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

(Amo 3:3)

This, my friend, is my take on True Ecumenicalism.

Christ at the Center

2009-12-04T10:14:00.001-06:00

"All the Reformers said that if you read the Bible by yourself in a corner, there's no telling how many spirits you'll be filled with. That just means, as Luther said, that every man will go to hell in his own way. An external word takes the form of a corporate event. It is preached. It's not us determining for ourselves over in a corner what we believe and how we'll live. It's the obsession with the spiritual disciplines that's actually very individualistic."

- Michael Horton, "Christ at the Center", Christianity Today, November 2009

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/november/30.47.html

In Christ Alone, Throughout the Ages

2009-11-24T06:53:00.002-06:00

Last night I was teaching my wife about the aspects of covenantal theology. I want to share some of these thoughts and scriptures with you quickly before I must leave for work.

God has always worked with man through covenants. I pointed out that the Old Testament church (and yes, they can be called the church) was saved by believing on the saviour who was to come. We see a prophecy of Christ even in the Garden of Eden.

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
(Gen 3:15)

Then again, in this morning's Bible reading, consider this.

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
(1Pe 1:18-20)

Sorry...that's all I have time for, for now. Ponder these verses and consider.