August 31

NP had many stories about the weather today— from the United Nations climate panel making predictions without enough solid evidence, to Hurricane Earl hitting Puerto Rico, to a volcano in Indonesia that will displace thousands. In Job, I read that God brings clouds to punish or to water and show his love. Quite frankly, it's hard to understand.

August 30

The BBC reported that the "fake iTunes review row" has been settled and that an update was necessary due to the practice of posting false reviews that had taken place. 2 Corinthians speaks about not distorting God's word but rather being completely honest. If the message of the gospel received reviews, the number of stars would be too numerous to record.

August 28

Job 28 has a poetic and rich description of mining which brought me to the plight of the trapped miners in Chile and the touching story of how they communicated with their families via video. My heart goes out to them.

August 27

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

August 26

"A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge..."

August 25

One surviving member, of an obscure tribe in Brazil, makes engravings on trees and the experts think it's a sign of a spiritual life — one that is helping him stay alive. Job wanted to engrave this message on a rock: " I know that my Redeemer lives" — an engraving that really does bring life.

August 24

There are 33 miners who are trapped deep in the earth in Chile and it may take months to free them. What an ordeal for them and their families. Scientist and cave explorer Michael Siffre, says that in a situation like this, "mental attitude is everything ... you have to have faith".  What will their bodies and attitudes be like after they are free? What will our bodies and minds be like after we are free?

August 23

The last few days have been spent in a wonderful visit with family.

August 18

A new Josh Appignanesi film called "The Infidel" explores what happens when a Muslim discovers he's a Jew? What happens when a king discovers that his beautiful bride names Esther is a Jew?

August 17

Levites and singers received food (donated first-fruits and tithes) in exchange for contributing to their community. However, because of gang control, they weren't getting what they needed. First-fruits aren't reaching the people in Pakistan right now either. Is it because of our perception of terrorism or are we tired of giving?


World Vision
CRWRC

August 16

 

We are warned about the harm that idolatry can do in I Corinthians 10. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10989002

August 15

Tithes and first fruits. In Renaissance art the pear symbolized Christ.

August 14

A passage in Nehemiah tells the wonderful story of Ezra, a priest, who read the Book of the Law to the Israelites. After reflecting on God’s phenomenal greatness, and confessing, they wept. Then they were instructed to have a good time and share their good food. Nancy Adler, a McGill business professor and artist encourages business leaders to reflect on beauty and art and not just the bottom line. There are some parallels here, although perhaps the business model could include sharing and confessing.

August 13

If the beginning of the eighth chapter of I Corinthians had a title, it may read — Eat, Pray, Love. Such freedoms we have to enjoy, but only when we think of ourselves in the context of others.

August 12

World's summer of sorrow. "My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." I think there are many people who are feeling this today.

August 11

Most of the casualties in the Afghan conflict are civilian. The prophet Nehemiah wept when he heard about many who were exiled and the wall of Jerusalem was broken. I imagined a wall of bodies.

August 10

The National Post had a story about the cast of Jersey Shore, a reality television series and some of the extensive work they had done to their bodies. Apparently, our bodies don't belong to us, they are actually temples.

August 7

The Montréal Gazette reported on a shooting in Henri Bourassa Park. Police were looking for empty shells. God uses his lamp — I imagine it's like an x-ray to search us out.

August 5

The Burlington Free Press had a short piece about another man in China killing children in a school. How many more tragedies have to happen in a world which is often in denial about mental illness, in the effort to save face. Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

August 4

Set me on a high rock.

August 2

August 1

Driving over the East River on the Brooklyn Bridge and looking at the NYC skyline made me forget the floods in Pakistan. Forgive me.

July 31

We went to an interesting Broadway play called "Race" and I read about judging.

July 30

New York Times had an interesting article about micro financing. One of the lawyers quoted in the article said "You have to understand — every loan is a future vote". A continuing debt we should all have is to love. Is lending money to a glove maker in Mumbai, India showing love?

July 29

..."be transformed by the renewing of your minds..."

Annie explaining her work to us at the International Center of Photography, NYC.
http://www.icp.org

July 28

USA Today reported that deadlines are fast approaching for federal funds to be cut off in the housing crisis. In Romans, Paul talks about being grafted into the faith and not being cut off. I'm glad that God doesn't have a use-it-or-lose approach.

July 27

I'm pretty sure the woman who was so kind to the poor, disturbed man on the subway in Washington was an angel...maybe the guy was too.

July 26

Emmanuel de Witte
The Interior of the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam c. 1660–65

National Gallery of Art,
Washington, DC

July 23

Allentown, PA