Philippians 1:18b-26
July 30, 2006
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 1:19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 1:20 My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 1:22 Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer: 1:23 I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, 1:24 but it is more vital for your sake that I remain in the body. 1:25 And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith, 1:26 so that because of me you may swell with pride in Christ Jesus, when I come back to you.
Still talking about his ministry as a Roman prisoner, Paul’s only concern is that his presence serves to exalt Christ among his captors. He rejoices in the opportunity this gives him to witness to Christ in his present circumstances. In this he exhibits the selflessness of Christ himself.
I have to wonder how many professed Christians, besides Paul, can honestly say, “…to live is Christ and to die is gain,” yet Paul is utterly convincing when he says it. It all comes back to selflessness, a burying of outselves to benefit others. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only man who walked the earth who was completely selfless, in spite of that moment on Gethsemene when he prayed that his cup of suffering be taken from him. Mere mortal that I am, I can only aspire to a life lived for others, but it is a noble hope and one that makes life worthwhile. -sdg-
Revelation’s Evidence of a New Testament Ice Age
July 29, 2006
Here’s a groaner for you:
Kruse Kronicle: Revelation’s Evidence of a New Testament Ice Age
No further comment necessary.
Dave
Losing our technological edge?
July 29, 2006
I read a lot these days about how we Americans are passing the technological torch to the Chinese and their cohorts who rim the Pacific basin. Here’s at least one economist who thinks otherwise.
Economics focus | Venturesome consumption | Economist.com
In praise of America’s fearless consumers of new ideas and products
DISMAL scientists are finding more reasons than ever to worry about the prospects for America’s economy—even though the country’s GDP somehow still manages to grow at a decent lick. Oil prices are high, of course; partly as a result, inflation is rising. Consumer debt is at record levels. America is borrowing from abroad on a gargantuan scale to finance its current-account gap. And the housing bubble may be bursting.
For a growing number of economists and policymakers, however, the greatest fear of all—not least because its long-term consequences may be so deep—is that America is losing its global lead in technology. In the battle to invent and innovate, China and India, in particular, with their gazillion-strong cohorts of engineering and science graduates, will soon overwhelm the dullards and liberal arts students churned out by America’s education system. Nor is this a uniquely American worry. You hear similar worries in Europe too, although there the fear is less of losing the lead than of falling even further behind.
Fear not. Our consumerism is riding to the rescue, opines author Bhide (with an accent on the ‘e,’ poor guy), and as a card-carrying Consumer I like to hear that.
No doubt, even venturesome consumers can overdo their enthusiasm for innovation, just as venturesome investors overdid it during the dotcom bubble. Yet, if Mr Bhidé is right—and a lot more hard data would do wonders for his case—then America’s policymakers should worry more about how to keep consumers consuming than about the number of science and engineering graduates, at home or in the East.
Dave, always willing to do his part to save the economy.
Why ‘the Orlop?’
July 27, 2006
A gentleman by the name of Daniel ‘Orlop’ Severa left a comment the other day wondering why my blog is named ‘the Orlop.” I responded to explain that I had borrowed the name of a lower deck on a sailing ship of the eighteenth century. I do my writing these days from my office in the basement, my ‘orlop deck,’ so to speak, even though I descend to it on carpeted stairs, rather than down a ladder.
That is what I like about this new world of the Internet. I can cast my inane words onto the Internet cloud not knowing who may read them or from where. For some years I thought about writing my memoirs, not from a misguided desire for immortality, but to give my descendants a glimpse inside what I laughingly call my mind. What in the ever lovin’ blue-eyed worl’ was I thinking about way back when? (Ah, Pogo, I miss you!)
Then came the world of blogging and with it the possibility of automagically storing my serial ramblings in a neat little database on a server that will outlast me. I’m not yet quite sure how to make it easy for others to access the database once the music stops and I quit paying for the use of my host server. Maybe it really doesn’t matter if family and friends look in now and then while the Orlop still lives.
Dave, musing about this and that.
Kiva gets press coverage
July 25, 2006
You may (or may not) remember that some months ago I contributed to a small loan for a fellow in Ecuador to help him expand his computer service business. This was my first introduction to the world of microfinance in the developing world. I have been receiving reports from the loan recipient, and he has started repayment on schedule.
Kiva has since received good press coverage, and it appears that this has resulted in many others deciding to help fund loans to small entrepreneurs far from home.
The Kiva Chronicles: IntoContext II
This week was an acceleration of everything Kiva.
It started with a mention in the WSJ (thanks to GOOD Magazine) and hastened with a feature story in BusinessWeek. The BW article created a new level of public interest in Kiva from finance-oriented peoples. A brickload of emails were sent, and Fiona is catching up with those as I write this. Meanwhile, record loan dollars are flying through Kiva to working entrepreneurs in the developing world.
These articles, and the ensuing reaction, proved that the path is not too great between paper and web. These articles were read in living rooms, airplanes and bathrooms. Apparently, a great number actually got up from their seat, went to a computer and made a loan. It is turning out to be a record setting week and it’s great to be all together in one place to watch it happen.
The article goes on to explain the mechanics of screening loan applicants and directing funds their way. Compared to the way loans are administered in the developed world, the process is lean and streamlined, and it appears that it is working well, thanks to the Internet and the World Wide Web.
Dave, still marveling about the changes in this world of ours.
Philippians 1:12-18a
July 23, 2006
Ministry as a Prisoner
1:12 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: 1:13 the whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ, 1:14 and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly.
1:15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 1:16 The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel. 1:17 The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment. 1:18 What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
If I was in prison because of being identified as one who believes in Christ, I wonder if I would see it as an opportunity to witness to my jailers, let alone rejoice in the opportunity. Pauls’s words are reason for hope, because he provides one more of a long line of instances of God’s provision in the circumstances of life.
What God did for Paul, he can do for me should the need arise.
It’s also illuminating how Paul’s experience gives others the courage to be forthright about their faith in a hostile environment. I can be sure that my life-witness impacts the lives of other, for good or for bad. -sdg-
Dog days of summer
July 17, 2006
I doubt that any of us feel very guilty about displaying bare arms and legs during July and August any more, but ’twas not always thus. My authority for summertime style is none other than my trusty Forgotten English Calendar. From it I learn that the dog days are named from the rising and setting of Sirius, the Dog Star, and Dog Days have been known since Roman times, occurring from about July 3 through August 11.
Elisabeth Celnart’s The Gentleman and Lady’s Book of Politeness (1855) advised readers not to let scorching conditions cause their manners to lapse: “To suppose that the great heat of weather will authorize disorder of the toilet, and will permit us to go in slippers, or with our legs or arms bare, or to take nonchalant attitudes, is a serious error of persons of a low class or destitute of education. Even the weather of the dog-days would not excuse this, and if we remain thus dressed we must give directions that we are not at home. On the other hand, to think that cold and rainy weather excuses like liberties is equally an error.”
I’ll think about that as I stride down the public sidewalk on my morning walk, attired in grungy shorts and tee, but not much.
Dave, as nonchalant as they come this time of year.
Philippians 1:1-11
July 16, 2006
Salutation
1:1 From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons. 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Prayer for the Church
1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 1:4 I always pray with joy in my every prayer for you all 1:5 because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 1:6 For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 1:7 For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners together with me in the grace of God. 1:8 For God is my witness that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 1:9 And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight 1:10 so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, 1:11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Paul was in prison in Rome, and Timothy, who was with Paul when the church at Philippi was formed, is apparently able to have access to Paul in order to help with his needs. The letter is written to the congregation at Philippi, which is under the leadership of elders and deacons chosen by the people.
To pick just one thought from this passage, Christ began a work in the hearts of the Philippians when they responded in faith to Paul’s gospel. Paul is certain that Christ will not let them go and that they can be sure of continuing to grow in knowledge and insight until they go to be with the Lord. I like to think that Christ likewise has begun a work in me, and I expect the same results. He has pretty flawed material with which to work, but I still have hope. -sdg-
Thinkers Anonymous
July 14, 2006
Here is a cautionary tale, courtesy of friend James Tuckett, “The Old Gray Dog.”
It started out innocently enough. I began to think at church meetings now and then — just to loosen up. Inevitably, though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker.
I began to think alone — “to relax,” I told myself — but I knew it wasn’t true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time.
That was when things began to sour at home. One evening I turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother’s. I began to think on the job. I knew that thinking and employment don’t mix, but I couldn’t help myself.
I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read Augustine, Calvin, Machen and Sproul. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking, “What is it exactly we are doing here?”
One day the boss called me in. He said, “Listen, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don’t stop thinking on the job, you’ll have to find another job.”
This gave me a lot to think about. I came home early after my conversation with the boss. “Honey,” I confess, “I’ve been thinking..”
“I know you’ve been thinking,” she said, “and I want a divorce!”
“But Honey, surely it’s not that serious.”
“It is serious,” she said, lower lip aquiver. “You think as much as those TULIP-lovers, and TULIP-lovers don’t make any money, so if you keep on thinking, we won’t have any money!”
“That’s a faulty syllogism,” I said impatiently.
She exploded in tears of rage and frustration, but I was in no mood to deal with the emotional drama.
“I’m going to the library,” I snarled as I stomped out the door.
I headed for the library, in the mood for some Tozer. I roared into the parking lot with a Barnhouse tape playing and ran up to the big glass doors. They didn’t open. The library was closed.
To this day, I believe that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night. Leaning on the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Spurgeon, a poster caught my eye, “Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?” it asked.
You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinkers Anonymous poster.
This is why I am what I am today: a recovering thinker. I never miss a TA meeting. At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was “Porky’s.” Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting.
I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home. Life just seemed…easier, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking. I think the road to recovery is nearly complete for me.
Today I took the final step………… I joined a mainline denomination!
Does your head hurt?
July 13, 2006
Mine does, when I try to make sense of all the stuff going on in the world. Fortunately for the world, I don’t need to make decisions about problems like stem-cell research and US-North Korean relations. But we expect congress to make many such decisions, and columnist Peggy Noonan says that we expect much too much of our merely mortal congressmen and women.
I am thinking about the huge and crushing number of issues we force politicians to understand and make decisions on. These are issues of great variety, complexity, and even in some cases, many cases in a way, unknowability.
…For politicians it is the same but more so. They not only have to try to understand complicated and demanding questions, they have to vote on them.
She lists dozens of such problems that congress had to decide on just last week. It is clearly an impossible task for anyone, let alone our inexpert but well-meaning politicians.
So, what is the answer? Noonan doesn’t know (and I certainly don’t), but she concludes with these observations:
I have only three thoughts. One: It is good to keep in mind, at such a time, that we must let as many questions devolve into the private sphere as possible. Not all can but many can, and on so many issues it’s better to err on the side of individual freedom than the authority of the state. Two, in making big decisions do not lose simple common sense, which is common human sense, which is, for instance: If you start to clone humans it will have an ugly end. Three: Do not let go of your faith. Do not lose it. In the age in which too much is demanded of the slim wisdom of politicians, it is our only hope, and theirs.
Faith is the key. God is truly sovereign and in control even of congress and all of the world’s leaders, even if His means are invisible to us. I believe this, if for no other reason that the alternative is utter despair and hopelessness.
Dave, trying to be hopeful.
