I like the story of King Joash / Jehoash (1 Kings 11-12).
When he was just born (under a year old, comparing 11:3 and 11:21), the person who thought they ruled Judah (Athaliah) killed all the kings sons. Why such ruthlessness? She wanted to rule, and felt threatened that a new heir to the throne had been born.
Someone recently pointed me to this poem, where each line is associated with a verse of Scripture, entitled The Father’s Love Letter.
One of the things I like about it is (even allowing for several / many misappropriations of Bible verses) that it is a heart-warming exposition of the love of God for his people. God’s love for his people is part of his glorious character, and it is good to see facets of it laid out.
But I have to admit to not being too keen on it as a piece of writing.
I’m enjoying Peter Enns, NIV Application Commentary, Exodus more than I expected to. He has clearly spent a lot of time with the Hebrew text of the book, and has a lot of helpful observations to make.
For example, the word for “worship” in 4:23 is of the same root as the word for “work” in 5:9. (‘bd). The conflict between Yahweh and Pharaoh is being seen in yet one more respect – which king will successfully command the work/worship of the Hebrews.
I'd like to welcome my friend James Gould to the blogosphere.
James has just started a degree in Biblical Studies at Sheffield, having done a youth-work year-out with us last year. He's concerned to end his degree loving God more than when he began.
So, rather than e-mail all his friends separately with every issue his course raises, he thought he'd start a blog and ask his questions where we can all find them. To start with, they're a bunch of OT questions, often Pentateuch ones.
Welcome, James. And if any readers of this blog ever fancy peaking at his and posting him the odd comment by way of reply - I know he'd be grateful.
At St James, Audley we are about to start a sermon series on Exodus – the whole book in 8 sermons.
I get to preach on 1:1-7:7, 12-14, and the first of the tabernacle sections.
Phew… it’s hard work. And I’m trying to work out why.
Well, mine has arrived, it's been roasted, and it's had 36 hours to rest.
The verdict... Very nice indeed - an absolutely magnificent Kenyan. Definitely the kind of Kenyan that has winey taste - and I think I slightly prefer the ones that are fruity. (The apricot burst in the Gethumbwini Peaberry was just stunning). But this is such a good winey Kenyan that I can't complain. Hints of nuts as well.
Definitely don't roast it too dark (end of 1st crack is just right IMHO). Or easier, buy it ready-roasted from Steve. Definitely not for espresso. But even more important - definitely not to miss out on.
All the usual questions come into our heads - are they real Christians etc?
But, notwithstanding those questions, we often complain that the media reports the persecution of every religious group except followers of Christ. How refreshing to read this article in the Guardian.
Refreshing to see this kind of story getting coverage;
disappointing to discover there is a political slant to the reporting;
but overwhelmingly sad to read of the plight of fellow believers.a href=
The whole thing isn’t long, but here are a couple of paragraphs
The BBC reports the row caused by an e-mail sent by Councillor David Clutterbuck.
A Conservative councillor who sparked a row when he joked that Noah would have to let gay animals on board if he built his ark today has refused to apologise.
http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=43870
Well it got me wrong! Apparently...
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