Reason to Obey

I liked this -

"There are some general principles in which we both agree—
1) That there is a God; and

2) that this God having given us some stated general rules for our service and obedience,
2a) we ought not willingly and knowingly to offend Him, either by neglecting to do what He has commanded, or by doing what He has expressly forbidden. . . .

3) that the blessing of God does not ordinarily follow presumptuous sinning against His command; and

Thus) every good Christian will be affectionately concerned to prevent any that are under his care living in a total neglect of God and His commands."

The French Clergyman,
The Further Adventures of Robin Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe
Chapter 6

A fine argument giving a very practical reason for following the commands of God.
Now, this will not make you a Christian. But it's sound reasoning for Christians to attend unto obedience!

Does Diversification go a Bit Too Far?

In an effort to reduce discrimination and expand diversity, Organic Nuclear Biochemicals Incorporated, A United States-based organization, is beginning a radically new diversification program.

The formal policy states, "It is important to recognize the special skills and abilities of all members from different backgrounds. Our goal is to fit members from all social classes, walks of life, and previous experience into a highly efficient pluralistic team. ONB is committed to diversity education, and has adopted a diversification training program for all managers and employees. Failure to successfully complete this program may result in job termination.
ONB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, worldview or religious beliefs, criminal record, current criminal status, degree of sanity, physical or mental ability, danger to society, drug use, or previous job performance."

CEO Alan Acepta gave an example of the stereotypes the company is trying to eliminate. "Many managers have a negative bias against current convicted felons, especially escapees. Our goal is help our people develop an appreciation for the unique skills and abilities each person brings to the table. A recent survey reported that white middle-class employees are 'extremely uncomfortable' working alongside a recent serial killer. These findings indicate that many of our employees still need to be convinced of the benefits that come from diversity."

ONB believes that exposure to diverse colleagues helps managers develop breadth and openness. The new training program includes mandatory diversification association, with minority and discriminated groups -- such as burglers, robbers, murderers, rapists, and terrorists -- leading an awareness session explaining and demonstrating the background they come from, the unique norms and practices that are a part of their culture, and conclude by leading the group in activity in their area of expertise. Differences must be acknowledged, accepted, and seen as significant contributors to the entirety.

To demonstrate their commitment to diversity, the company recently hired Sue Spender as Vice President of Finance. "Her previous work experience demonstrates a superior ability to handle money," Acepta explained. "Only those filled with prejudice would argue that we should not hire her." This is a powerful step forward for the ONB diversification program, considering that Spender is a member of more than one minority group. Spender is Nigerian, female, does not speak English, and was recently convicted of embezzlement.

ONB expects that company stock will triple in value over the next year as a result of the new program. Company analyst Slyket Capone stated, "The advantages of diversity to an organization are undeniable. Our studies show that diversity is the spark that ignites innovation. Diversity contributes to organizational performance." Vice President Vadik Lenin added, "Anyone that disagrees with this just hasn't been convinced yet. The new training program is in place to insure that managers and employees at all levels understand the benefits of a pluralistic company."


Source:
Baloney Network News - "All the news that isn't true."

Had lots of meetings today.

In Training

10/20/2008
I am learning, painstakingly and elementarily, to obey immediately the first gentle correction of the Holy Spirit. It is a tediously slow and humiliating task, not altogether unlike foreign language drill. The will must be trained to obey my Lord's calls without thinking, for my Lord does not argue once I start to rationalize. I feel like a young child. I know the boundaries. Reach and spank. Reach and spank. Reach and am corrected by "the eye."

These do not feel like spiritual battles. They feel like drill. Yet these may be some of the hardest battles I fight, for they are the very question of whether I will obey my Lord or not. Like a horse in training whose own will must break, around again we go with word, with reign, with whip. I am finally choosing to obey and learn. I pray my obedience will become first nature.


I found these thoughts interesting in light of the challenge I posted recently.
http://dlorimer.blogspot.com/2010/01/under-control-of-holy-spirit.html

Under Control of the Holy Spirit

Ever feel like you're working so hard to keep control of your mind that it's counter-productive?
For example, if you are trying to conquer worry, an intense focus on stopping yourself from worrying can be almost as bad as worrying itself. Instead of fighting, it may be better to surrender - to God.
I found this helpful, so I decided to pass it on.

Our natural inclination is to simply quote Scripture back to God as a mental or intellectual exercise. This will rob us of the riches of God’s wisdom and the joy of His fellowship. Therefore, we must bring the mind under the control of God’s Spirit with a definite act of the will.

Thus, it would be wise to pray, “Heavenly Father, right now I do place my mind under the control of Your Holy Spirit and the authority of Your Word.” With this prayer, you have just taken a giant step toward daily success.

- Bill Gothard

Jungle Pilot - The Story of Nate Saint

Jungle Pilot by Russell Hitt


How can a normal guy, who feels a bit "lost" in life, made a big difference for God?

Nate Saint was the pilot who perished with Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, and Pete Fleming when they were murdered while trying to bring the gospel of Christ to the Auca Indians in South America. It's easy to think of him as a hero, or someone above our level. But this book makes the picture a lot bigger than that.

Jungle Pilot is a fairly straightforward and simple account of the stories of Nate Saint's life. The style and writing is a shade weak, but is balanced by a large amount of block inclusions of Nate Saint's own writing. Nate said, "I don't want to be a great writer, but I long to express myself." (p. 130) Nate's simple, yet unique, style shows that he was successful at expressing himself in an engaging way.

It's a story of a normal guy whose heart deeply desired to serve God. His upbringing was Christian, but perhaps somewhat lacking (moderns might say "disfunctional). He struggled to find God's will for his life. He spent time "doing his own thing," yet having a heart to serve the Lord. He faced painful struggles and losses in relationships. Yet God was guiding his life, and brought him first to a place of work for His Kingdom, then to the place of ultimate sacrifice for His plan.

I read the earliest chapters at starts and stops, slowly getting the picture of who this man was. As I progressed further, I found my eyes would read on into the next paragraph, even after my brain had said I needed to do something else. About 2/3 of the way through, I was throughly engaged, and put aside everything else in order to continue this story. I knew what was coming . . .

It began to be very difficult to read as my eyes slowly filled with tears. While convulsing coughing had been my lot for several days, the shaking was now due to silent sobs. Yet it is not the loss of life that has brought me to such emotion. It is the dedication and commitment to the Lord and His work. It is the realization of a love so powerful that it transcends life itself. My heart longs to be what God had made each of these men. I want that kind of committment and dedication. I want that kind of relationship with my Lord. I want that kind of love for the lost.

"Nothing was more burning in his heart than that Christ should be named among the Aucas. By life or death, oh, may God get glory to himself."

Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

In Short - Loved it!

I really enjoyed Robinson Crusoe. It tends to move at a slower pace, with less action and suspense than one might expect. I was using it as bedtime reading, though, so this was perfect.

Once, a group of guys in the dorm entertained the idea of doing an audio drama based on Robinson Crusoe - just with more people. Now I'm glad we didn't. We would have had to modify it pretty heavily.

Overview
The story is fairly simple. A man stricken by chronic wanderlust is cast away alone on an island. He finds ways not only to survive, but thrive. Eventually, he saves the life of a native from the mainland, who then joins him on the island. Then, the real action starts ... read the book. :)
Initially, I was extremely impressed with Defoe's apparently expansive knowledge of the sea and island living. But apparently, Defoe based a good bit of the book on the real life story of a castaway sailor. Still, it is well-written. Some parts seem inconsistent or incorrectly "made up," but they don't hurt anything, lol.

Christian Presentation
I was particularly impressed with the strong Christian message presented (please note I read the unabridged version). Good values are presented first, with Crusoe making bad decisions, and paying the penalty. However, during his time on the island, he becomes a Christian. Not only is the discussion of Christianity very clear, the gospel and plan of salvation is presented! Later, Crusoe leads Friday to the Lord, and a few of their religious discussions are outlined, and are very well handled. This is not a large percentage of the book (I don't think someone would be put off by it having too much "God talk" or a "Christian agenda"), but is effectively presented. Friday even suggests that Crusoe become a missionary to his people.

There were a couple of interesting things that struck me. These may become independent blogs later, but right now they're just rolling around in my head.

The Adjective "Christian"
Crusoe's use of "Christian" was very interesting to me. He refers to England and other European countries as "Christian civiliations" or "Christian people." Now, I know very well that these are not "Christian" in our modern usage of the word, especially the sailors to whom he is referring. However, he is speaking in contrast to the barbaric pagan civilizations of the many places he has been. (And Catholicism, I understand.) It's a novel use of the work, and may speak very strongly of the powerful influence of Christianity in the world. Every "Western" civilization now is "Christian" in the exact same sense. Amazing how much difference this religion has made in the world.

Societal Interaction
The social interaction he describes, especially after leaving the island, is fascinating. Imagine a world where there are no regular banks or businesses for holding, transfering, and converting of money and goods. Each relationship is exactly that - a relationship. You have to find trustworthy people, often by references and recommendations, and make your arrangements directly with them. You find a person to hold, use, and invest your extra money. You transfer goods by trust, hope, and commision. We really don't live like this anymore, yet I wonder if there's something inherent to humanity in this type of interaction . . . . Though businesses superintend most of this now, the method he describes is still the most effective method of getting things done. We often call it politics.

The End
I actually put off finishing the book. I was expecting a standard ending, and fearing an ending with a twist. Either way, I was anticipating lots of things to think about upon completing the book. A book that prompts lots of thinking is not the best for bedtime reading, as I was using this book.
However, I got a twist I was not expecting. The end of the book covers events rather rapidly, then nonchalantly announces that there is another book. The End.

Who Would Have Thought? 2009->2010

"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." - Philippians 3:12

As I think back over this year, I'm amazed at what has happened in the lives of my friends. Who would have thought?
Who would have thought at this point last year ...?

-That unanticipated move, redefining both life and home. Who would have thought?
-Life would fall apart this year, and have to be put back together piece by piece. Who would have thought?
-The loss of a loved one, and life will never be the same. Who would have thought?
-The job change, unforseen 12 months ago. Who would have thought?
-The honors and awards, visible results of hard work and good character, which led to more major life changes. Who would have thought?
-So many, making choices they do not fully understand, have seen their lives transformed. I know many who, following God's leading to Bible College this year, have found that by their obedience, God has done a work in them they never could have imagined! Who would have thought?
-That "special someone" and a new relationship. Who would have thought?
-Making those friends and meeting those people who have changed your life. Who would have thought?
-Making those choices which influenced others, and their lives have been changed. Who would have thought?
-The flutter of new life, bringing a child into the world; life changed forever. Who would have thought?

Friends, we have no idea what will happen in 2010. Some of us may face great pain and hardships. Some of us may experience life's greatest joys and blessings. But we are here; this is our life. This is the only one we get. Let's make it the best we possibly can!

In this New Year, I am resolutely determined to serve my Lord Jesus Christ. I do not know what I may face, but this I have decided. No matter what comes -whether I understand or not- I will serve the Lord.

This year, I want to know God better. I wish to become more like Him. I want to learn, "sitting at the feet of Jesus." And I would love to be a part of advancing the Kingdom of Christ, and helping others come to know my savior! My sincere desire is to be a part of young people finding a deep hunger and relationship with God that spills out into a lifetime of dedicated service and love.

The New Year 2010:
"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." Philippians 3:12 NKJV

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.”
-G.K. Chesterton

“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”
-Bill Vaughn