HARMLESS THOUGHTS

I was scrolling through the Google Reader, when this post jumped out at me: "We need the help of the Holy Spirit." "If we are not instructed, how can we instruct? If we have not thought, how shall we lead others to think? It is in our study-work, in that blessed labour when we are alone with the Book before us, that we need the help of the Holy Spirit. He holds the key of the heavenly treasury, and can enrich us beyond conception. He has the clue of the most labyrinthine doctrine, and can lead us in the way of truth. He can break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron, and give to us the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places. If you study the original, consult the commentaries, and meditate deeply, yet if you neglect to cry mightily unto the Spirit of God, your study will not profit you." –Charles H. Spurgeon I needed that word of encouragement.

I just finished listening to Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis via Christian Audio . I wrote a review for that book on their site, but I also wanted to mention it here: Mere Christianity is one of those books that you hear about all of the time. So many have pointed out the simplicity of his arguments while referring to the depth of his conclusions in the same breath. Even the reviews already given on this site applaud this work. I could sing the praises of this book as well because I felt that there were little light bulbs coming on as I encountered each new point as Lewis completed a few circuits in my mind, but I feel that I need to mention more than the book. The fact that I encountered this book in audio form has played into my enjoyment of the book. Mere Christianity was originally a series of radio broadcasts. So as I listened to the recording, I almost felt like I was listening to Lewis giving those original broadcasts. I highly recommend this book, but even more highly I...

Sent to you by Mr. Harmless via Google Reader: Top 10 New Foods at the 2010 State Fairs via Endless Simmer by BS on 9/21/10 With all due respect to George Washington Carver, America's greatest food inventions have all originated in one place — the state fair. From cotton candy to corn dogs to deep-fried Coke, the enterprising folks at America's state and county fairs top themselves year after year. Some observers thought state fair cooks had hit their peak last year, when the Texas State Fair debuted Deep Fried Butter . But in 2010, they outdid themselves once again, proving that if it's edible, it's even better battered and fried. From coast to coast (but mostly in the middle) here are our top ten favorite finds: 10. Hash Brown Hot Dog  – San Diego County Fair Hot dogs with french fries is a pretty fantastic lunch, but boy it takes a lot of effort to transport all those individual fries from the plate to your mouth. If only we could get the hot dog and the potato ...

Haven't watched the show in almost a year, but thought this was funny. [HT: 22 words ]

This morning I preached through the first part of that famous passage in James where he discusses the tongue. The title I picked was "Manage Your Mouth". I only made it through the first 6 verses this week. You can use the player to listen to this message, or right click here and choose save. notes (We had some minor technical difficulty. We missed the first few moments of the message.)

Today marks the day that I started blogging 7 years ago... ... I wish this were a major achievement.

I just saw these lyrics posted on The Blazing Center .  It was written by Stephen Altrogee , with a little humor I assume... Jesus Paid It Some I hear the Savior say, “You’re not doing enough; Work your fingers to the bone, I will save those who are tough.” Jesus paid it some I will do the rest Sin had left a crimson stain Now I will give my best For now indeed I’ll try To earn your love and grace I’ll add the works I have To complete the price you paid. REFRAIN And when before the throne I’ll give my deeds to you, I’ll hope I’ve done enough To make you let me through. REFRAIN (3x just to be sure) If you are a true legalist, you just sang that.  There is no way you were merely reading it. I am thinking about starting a support group for recovering legalists.  We will call ourselves LA (Legalists Anonymous).  We will meet at a different time each week, and you are never allowed to show up early.

We might be leading to another civil war!  The Pop vs. Soda Controversy rages on!

I think this is what my students are talking about when they say, "epic failure."

I survived my first year as a pastor! My church surprised me with a cake and a card and a gift!  Since my birthday was so close, the decided to throw that into the mix as well. I don't know how much my church has gotten out of me being there, but I have learned so much from my studies... but not just the studies.  That is normally what I would have said, but as I write this, I have learned more than just what I have studied. I am learning things about these people that are here. I am learning about their joys and their sorrows.  I feel connected with them in their struggles of life.  I want to spend more time with them, getting to know them, but I am trapped in my own cycle of "trying to make it" (in other words: work). I am truly thankful for this year.I am thankful for the lady who gives everyone in the church a hug.  I am thankful for the guy who greets everyone every week, and when he is sick, he makes sure there is someone who will be at that door. ...

I love it when Google rolls out new stuff! I just got my Priority Inbox in gmail!  "What is it?" You say...  Here you go:

Two comments about the messages at Edgewood. First, we started, through the efforts of my sister, a CD ministry at the church.  There is an older gentleman who attends very faithfully, and has been a great encouragement to me, who requested some sermons to take home to his wife, who is no longer able to leave the house.  After discussing it for a couple of weeks, my sister finally took the initiative to get it started.  Now we are rolling! We will make the sermons available individually or in a set.  Then the sermons will be available to borrow from the church or purchase for $1 a CD. Second, I get excited about little things like this which leads me to want to promote it.  The only problem with promoting this is that is feels like self-promotion!  No matter how I say it, it just sounds like I am saying, "Hey buy some CDs of ME!  Cause I'm just that awesome!"  So, I don't want to say anything, because I don't want to come across like that... b...