TRANSFORMERS 2

Watch the trailer.

MAJOR DISAPPOINMENT

Since I have been out of town and have a lot to do today, I got up at 4:30 and came to work. I thought the timing was good because I would go by Starbucks right after they opened and get a big cup of coffeee to take to work. But NO! I went by two different Starbucks and neither opened on time. The second one had opened the door but had no machines turned on. I guess this is the problem when your store is run by kids, but it can't be good for business.

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet” (John 13:3-5).

When you know God is in control, you are free to serve.

you can access the ESV Online Study Bible free this month here.

GENEROUSITY, GIVING AND AFFLUENCE

I have been struggling lately with the concept of how much is enough and how much do we give to others. I read many passages on giving in the New Testament and realized that they were mostly about giving to those in need as opposed to giving to the church. For example, Luke 3:11 says "the man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same".

I have more than one tunic.

John Stott had a thought about it. He said:

"What does it mean for the affluent to develop a simple style of living? The truth is that concepts like 'poverty', 'simplicity' and 'generosity' are all relative and are bound to mean different things to different people.

For example, running water, let alone constant hot water, is regarded as a wonderful luxury by those who have to queue up for water at the village well, which sometimes
dries up. But in other parts of the world it can hardly be regarded as incompatible with a simple lifestyle.

Scripture lays down no absolute standards. On the one hand, it give no encouragement to an austere and negative asceticism, for it does not forbid the possession of the good gifts of our Creator. On the other hand, it implies that some measure of equality is more pleasing to God than disparity, and its appeal to believers to be generous is based on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, because grace means generosity (2 Cor. 8:8-15)." The Lausanne Covenant: An Exposition and Commentary (Minneapolis: World Wide Publications, 1975), p. 24.

(the painting is Young Beggar by Murillo)

STOCK MARKET FALLS AND FALLS AND FALLS

Under the newly elected Democrat President, the Stock Market today fell to the lowest level since 1997.

In 19997, the president was also a Democrat. His name was Bill Clinton.

I'm just sayin'.

great editorial in the New York Times by Stanley Fish about the Bible the recession.