Today's headlines from msn.com...
"Timothy Geithner's well-greased path to confirmation as treasury secretary is a sign of the severity of the recession and congressional willingness to give President Barack Obama the benefit of the doubt and look the other way..."In more quiescent times, he would have been thrown over the side," said Ross Baker...he suggested Geithner's nomination was helped by the deepening financial crisis, initial good will toward Obama and Geithner's reputation as a financial wizard...Baker cites historical precedent from the American Civil War in the 1860s: "Abraham Lincoln was willing to overlook Ulysses S. Grant's excessive drinking because he was a brilliant war commander.""
-Ok, I can understand the Abe Lincoln argument. But Grant was not trying to reign in all the alcohol in the free world. Geithner is the Treasury Secretary, and yet did not pay all his taxes in 2001 and supposedly made the same "innocent" error the next three years in a row. Financial wizard my foot. Either he really is a financial wizard because he almost got away with it and now he's full of crap with this "innocent mistake" business, or he's some schmo who can't even handle his own taxes and now he's supposed to handle the entire country's. Either way, it ain't good folks.
I also like the part about let's give Obama the benefit of the doubt and look the other way...good way to start things off.
With the clock ticking toward the Feb. 17 deadline for TV broadcasters to shut off their analog signals and go entirely digital, analysts say more than 6.5 million households are not ready. Now Congress appears poised to postpone the transition to June — but a delay could bring its own problems. To avoid blacking out TV sets in unprepared homes next month, the Obama administration is seeking the delay to give the government more time to fix a subsidy program that has run out of money for coupons that help consumers pay for digital converter boxes for older TVs. Senate Democrats late Thursday reached a deal with skeptical Republicans on a bill to push the digital transition to June 12 — setting the stage for a vote early next week. The House is likely to move quickly after the Senate acts.
-Really? This is why the economy sucks, because you people are sitting around worried about your stinking tv! If people haven't gotten a new tv by now, it's not your problem to solve it...what's the worst that will happen? Their tv shuts down and that weekend they buy a new one. Is is a government issue for us to miss one week of tv? Pull the cheetos out of your belly button and vote on something that matters.
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation estimates that in an average year the adult entertainment industry — which is headquartered primarily in Southern California — registers total sales of $12.6 billion. Recently Larry Flyny and Joe Francis requested a $5 billion bailout from Congress...Paul Fishbein, chairman of AVN, is entering his 27th year in the business, “and this is the first time I can honestly say the adult business is not recession-proof. Everybody I’m talking to says the business is down anywhere from 20 to 30 percent,” he explained. “That’s in line with the rest of the economy. ...While the recession has something to do with it, Fishbein said, the availability of cheaply made adult fare online is cutting into the cash flow for traditional outlets and establishments. “There’s enough free porn on the Internet that, if you don’t care about quality, you can get what you want,” Fishbein said...What Francis is more upset about than the current economy is the frequent pirating that occurs with his product. “We’re facing what the music business faced a few years ago,” he said. “These sites are stealing our content. We want copyright laws enforced.”
-Excuse me while I say...boo freakin' hoo.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Today I'm reading in Genesis 24...I won't write out the entire passage, but the gist is that Abraham's servant is sent out to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant prays specifically for God to point out the right woman, and "before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder" (24:15). He asked her for a drink, and she quickly obliged, going even a measure more to give water to his camels. This was the exact sign that he had asked for moments ago, and knew he found his woman.
As I read this story, I have to admire Rebekah. She was blessed simply by doing the ordinary...the routine...by just being her everyday self. She was an answered prayer...in a way she realized because she met his need for water, but also in ways she didn't realize because she had no idea her very presence was tangible evidence of God's provision to him! What an honor to be such a clear, specific prayer to someone...she really must have been special! I wonder how many times she had gone down to that well before, lifting heavy jars of water and walking all the way back up, day after day. How tired she must have been. I wonder if she sighed as she picked up her jar and started heading to the well. But she embodies Proverbs 31:17, "she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks". She was strong, beautiful, and pure...an excellent reflection of the Lord she served.
Furthermore, when she was approached by a strange man asking for a favor as it was getting dark, she quickly jumped at the chance to serve...Prov 31:20 "she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy". What happens if a strange man approaches me on the side of the road at night when I am alone? Well I am far from open, I'll tell you that much! But she gave him what she had and was open and vulnerable to him, and as a result was rewarded. She even went a measure more to water his camels...and you know camels don't drink a little water! She seriously got her workout that day.
But she was just being herself. She was a specific, answered prayer in more ways than one, and because she allowed herself to live in that place she was greatly rewarded.
Lord help me to live more like Rebekah...help me to carry out my ordinary, routine days with the grace, beauty, and servant heart that she did. Not so I may be rewarded, but so I may be available to become someone's specific answered prayer today.
As I read this story, I have to admire Rebekah. She was blessed simply by doing the ordinary...the routine...by just being her everyday self. She was an answered prayer...in a way she realized because she met his need for water, but also in ways she didn't realize because she had no idea her very presence was tangible evidence of God's provision to him! What an honor to be such a clear, specific prayer to someone...she really must have been special! I wonder how many times she had gone down to that well before, lifting heavy jars of water and walking all the way back up, day after day. How tired she must have been. I wonder if she sighed as she picked up her jar and started heading to the well. But she embodies Proverbs 31:17, "she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks". She was strong, beautiful, and pure...an excellent reflection of the Lord she served.
Furthermore, when she was approached by a strange man asking for a favor as it was getting dark, she quickly jumped at the chance to serve...Prov 31:20 "she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy". What happens if a strange man approaches me on the side of the road at night when I am alone? Well I am far from open, I'll tell you that much! But she gave him what she had and was open and vulnerable to him, and as a result was rewarded. She even went a measure more to water his camels...and you know camels don't drink a little water! She seriously got her workout that day.
But she was just being herself. She was a specific, answered prayer in more ways than one, and because she allowed herself to live in that place she was greatly rewarded.
Lord help me to live more like Rebekah...help me to carry out my ordinary, routine days with the grace, beauty, and servant heart that she did. Not so I may be rewarded, but so I may be available to become someone's specific answered prayer today.
Friday, January 16, 2009
My Quiet Time Today
Was in Genesis 2:18-23...
"The Lord God said, "it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman for she was taken out of man."
Lord, I think it's interesting how you could have just said "I will make a helper". But instead, you were very specific in wanting to find a helper suitable for him. Lord I love that you cared for him so much to want to find just the perfect helper for him. And then the quest that must have ensued! Each and every bird of the air and beast of the field you brought to Adam for his approval? Although I notice you didn't say "I will find a helper, you said "I will make"...so I suppose you already knew that none of these would compare to the creation you and Adam had in mind. I also love how you made everything from the ground...not just Adam, but also all the beasts and birds...except Eve, she was different!
I wonder how long it must have taken to show him all your animals. I wonder how lonely he was, and how his heart must have sank a little deeper as he got closer and closer to the end of the line, as he saw his options dwindle and none were right. I wonder just how deep his loneliness was as you had him drift off to sleep. I wonder how proud you were to make this "secret present" for him while he slept, and how excited you were to bring her to him! And I love how instantly Adam recognizes her, not only as "the one" but as part of himself, made from him and for him. How much you must have loved him to go to so much trouble and care.
I wonder Lord...you loved him so much, do you also love me?
"The Lord God said, "it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman for she was taken out of man."
Lord, I think it's interesting how you could have just said "I will make a helper". But instead, you were very specific in wanting to find a helper suitable for him. Lord I love that you cared for him so much to want to find just the perfect helper for him. And then the quest that must have ensued! Each and every bird of the air and beast of the field you brought to Adam for his approval? Although I notice you didn't say "I will find a helper, you said "I will make"...so I suppose you already knew that none of these would compare to the creation you and Adam had in mind. I also love how you made everything from the ground...not just Adam, but also all the beasts and birds...except Eve, she was different!
I wonder how long it must have taken to show him all your animals. I wonder how lonely he was, and how his heart must have sank a little deeper as he got closer and closer to the end of the line, as he saw his options dwindle and none were right. I wonder just how deep his loneliness was as you had him drift off to sleep. I wonder how proud you were to make this "secret present" for him while he slept, and how excited you were to bring her to him! And I love how instantly Adam recognizes her, not only as "the one" but as part of himself, made from him and for him. How much you must have loved him to go to so much trouble and care.
I wonder Lord...you loved him so much, do you also love me?
Friday, January 09, 2009
God's Will Revealed!
Going off my last post and the unending quest for the answer of "what is God's will for my life?". Well, turns out the answer is actually not that hard to find, it's actually written quite clear if I know where to look. One of my new favorite verses is John 6:40;
"FOR MY FATHER'S WILL IS..." (if that doesn't get your attention, nothing will!) "...that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
Not enough for you? Eph 2:9 says "And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to the his good pleasure...". Not only is it not hidden, but it makes the God of the universe happy that it's shared with us. And Paul continues to talk about it in chapter three verses 3-6, and emphasizes how we have insight and understanding to the mystery of Christ, "this mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
One more? Romans 16:25-26 "Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him."
I just think it's amazing that God does not hide himself from us, but reveals himself to us so we can understand him. And it brings him joy to do so! How often do we search everywhere for answers that he's already made quite clear? How often we sit and beg for his wisdom, his love, and his guidance when he has taken thousands of years to painstakingly write it all down to make sure we know that very thing!
"FOR MY FATHER'S WILL IS..." (if that doesn't get your attention, nothing will!) "...that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
Not enough for you? Eph 2:9 says "And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to the his good pleasure...". Not only is it not hidden, but it makes the God of the universe happy that it's shared with us. And Paul continues to talk about it in chapter three verses 3-6, and emphasizes how we have insight and understanding to the mystery of Christ, "this mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
One more? Romans 16:25-26 "Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him."
I just think it's amazing that God does not hide himself from us, but reveals himself to us so we can understand him. And it brings him joy to do so! How often do we search everywhere for answers that he's already made quite clear? How often we sit and beg for his wisdom, his love, and his guidance when he has taken thousands of years to painstakingly write it all down to make sure we know that very thing!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
What if we got what we asked for?
One of the biggest questions that seem to continually pop up throughout my life and most other Christ followers I know is the question of "What is God's will for my life?"
As I was reading through Genesis 6:9-7:1 today, I came across an interesting sentence in which God is giving instructions to Noah to build the ark, and then says the following in v. 17;
"I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish."
Noah's response in v. 18 goes like this;
"Wow. Um...excuse me God, let's back up a second. Did you just explain your plan to me...and did I hear your right? Because I gotta admit, that scares the crap out of me..."
Ok v. 18 I made up :). But seriously, what on earth could have gone through Noah's head at hearing this? I'm sure a lot of gratitude, thankfullness, and humility as he understands that his own family will be saved. But what about the fear, anxiety, worry? I mean, God just flat out told him his plans and they weren't exactly comforting. Noah was about to face the biggest challenge of his entire life, and he gets to hear just about every detail in advance...except why. And except what would happen afterwards. And except where they would go or what they would do when it was all over.
What if God really did answer us they way we want him to when we ask what His plan for our life is? What if he laid it all out, told us about all the trials and challenges we would face? What if we knew in 5 years we would be diagnosed with cancer? What if we knew the man we were about to marry would die tragically young in a car accident? What if we knew our second child would be born with a life-changing disease? What if we knew the job we took today would lead to an extramarital affair by next year?
Would knowing those things really give us peace?
I think we don't really want to know God's plan for our life is. No question about it, the ark was a miracle, with a happy ending, and fulfilled the grand purposes of God... and if we let him, God can perform miracles just as great in our own lives. But if we knew them in advance, if we truly got the answer we wanted to our prayers, I think we would be so shocked and stunned at the scale of the miracle he has in store for us that we would never be able to fulfill them...instead we would be paralyzed in fear, anxiety, and worry just thinking about it! It's not our fault, our own humanness can't stand the glory of God...we would crumble at the mere thought of what God would have us do. So instead, we don't get to know...we trust, we obey, we get to see just one small step at a time because God knows that's the real answer to our prayer.
I wonder what he's getting ready to do in 2009!
As I was reading through Genesis 6:9-7:1 today, I came across an interesting sentence in which God is giving instructions to Noah to build the ark, and then says the following in v. 17;
"I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish."
Noah's response in v. 18 goes like this;
"Wow. Um...excuse me God, let's back up a second. Did you just explain your plan to me...and did I hear your right? Because I gotta admit, that scares the crap out of me..."
Ok v. 18 I made up :). But seriously, what on earth could have gone through Noah's head at hearing this? I'm sure a lot of gratitude, thankfullness, and humility as he understands that his own family will be saved. But what about the fear, anxiety, worry? I mean, God just flat out told him his plans and they weren't exactly comforting. Noah was about to face the biggest challenge of his entire life, and he gets to hear just about every detail in advance...except why. And except what would happen afterwards. And except where they would go or what they would do when it was all over.
What if God really did answer us they way we want him to when we ask what His plan for our life is? What if he laid it all out, told us about all the trials and challenges we would face? What if we knew in 5 years we would be diagnosed with cancer? What if we knew the man we were about to marry would die tragically young in a car accident? What if we knew our second child would be born with a life-changing disease? What if we knew the job we took today would lead to an extramarital affair by next year?
Would knowing those things really give us peace?
I think we don't really want to know God's plan for our life is. No question about it, the ark was a miracle, with a happy ending, and fulfilled the grand purposes of God... and if we let him, God can perform miracles just as great in our own lives. But if we knew them in advance, if we truly got the answer we wanted to our prayers, I think we would be so shocked and stunned at the scale of the miracle he has in store for us that we would never be able to fulfill them...instead we would be paralyzed in fear, anxiety, and worry just thinking about it! It's not our fault, our own humanness can't stand the glory of God...we would crumble at the mere thought of what God would have us do. So instead, we don't get to know...we trust, we obey, we get to see just one small step at a time because God knows that's the real answer to our prayer.
I wonder what he's getting ready to do in 2009!
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