2008-08-27

ABC August-21-thru-26-2008

Tit 2:11-15;Pro 15:18-33;Luk 19:11-27;Est 2 Tit 3:1-8;Pro 16:1-16;Luk 19:39-48;Est 3-4 Tit 3:9-15;Pro 16:17-33;Luk 20:1-8;Est 5-6 Philem 1:1-11;Pro 17:1-14;Luk 20:9-19;Est 7-8 Philem 1:12-25;Pro 17:15-28;Luk 20:20-26;Est 9-10 Analysis: Lu 19: Parable of the talents teaches to make use of what you have. There will be an accounting to life. Jesus drove people out of the temple - they should have been praying not selling. Parable of the vineyard. Again, are you a profitable servant? Es : teaches providence rules. Best Verse(s): Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” Contract/Prayer: Help me know what time it is. To pray, to speak, to do.

2008-08-21

ABC August-20-2008

Tit 2:1-10;Pro 15:1-17;Luk 19:1-10;Est 1 Analysis: Tit: teaches sobriety, industry, deference. Pro: teaches there's a difference between skepticism & a fool(the "ad hominem", mocking response) Luk: teaches a changed heart prompts a changed life. Zacchaeus was willing to right what he'd done in terms of anything dishonest. Est: teaches that if one is in high positioni humility isn't wasted - especially if it's due to others higher than yourself. Vashti might have remained queen if she'd thought through her response and humbled herself to come when King Ahasuerus summoned her. Best Verse(s): Tit 2.7-10 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. Pro 15.14 A scoffer does not like to be reproved;he will not go to the wise. Luk 19.8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” Est 1.17a For the queen's behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt... Contract/Prayer: Help me know when to ask for help. Help me understand my situation & tasks. Help me keep a clear conscience.

ABC August-21-2008

Tit 2:11-15;Pro 15:18-33;Luk 19:11-27;Est 2 Analysis: Tit: declares the life Christians are to be living (described at chapter start sobriety, self-controlled, do-gooders submissime to authority, honest) is based on Grace. And the grace teaches (Holy Spirit?) us how to live (as Christ) & how to and in what to hope(Christ's return). Pro: teaches hardship/reproof may be God's "teaching moments." We should seek to know what God is trying to teach. Luk: teaches us to make use of what we are and what we have. God will surely judge. Est: teaches humility & deference may lead to great things. God sets the drama of our lives. Esther showed deference to Hegai. Also, by inference -- Esther was not proud / oppositional (cf. Est 1), the opposite of Vashti. Best Verse(s): Tit 2.11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Pro 15.29 The Lord is far from the wicked,but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Luk 19.26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Est 2.15 ...Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. Contract/Prayer: Help me remember 5 o'clock is coming. That is, the end of this life or your return. Holy Spirit help me respond with wisdom, discretion, deference, alacrity, to my lot/work/God's providence.

2008-08-20

ABC August-19-2008

2Ch 20-21;Psa 145;Luk 11:37-54;2Th 2:1-5 Analysis: 2Ch (& interestingly Ps 145!) tells us the battle is the Lord's. We may be a part of it -- or -- the main part may be like Israel & Jehoshaphat -- to praise with a loud voice and be a witness. Luk tells us to pay attention on what's inside. 2Th Tells us to be secure in the Lord's coming/return. Dark times ahead - but, after comes the dawn. Best Verse(s): 2Ch 20.6 “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Psa 145 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. Lu 11.41 But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you. 2Th 2.1-2 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Contract/Prayer: God we look to you. You're our help for the present & hope for the future.

Fighter Verses 2009

If you are looking for Bethlehem Baptist Church Bible Fighter verses for 2009 - here are links to them in a calendar:

http://myspiritualgrowthplan.blogspot.com/search/label/Fighter%20Verses

This is the same link as a 'tiny' url:
http://tinyurl.com/cek5po

Left-handed?

Very cool. This from Mauricio Tejada. This sets ctrl+f12 or quicklaunch item to change between right-left mouse buttons AND icons.

http://members.jcom.home.ne.jp/mtpsoft/swapmousebuttons/

Link has died -- if anyone catches up with Mauricio let me know!

...found above link here: Anything Left Handed
Offers a huge range of Left Handed products, lots of information
and FREE newsletters, the original left-handed shop since 1968.

2008-08-19

ABC August-18-2008

Tit 1:10-16;Pro 14:19-35;Luk 19:1-10;Neh 13 Analysis: Titus tells us we should be sound in the faith. Sometimes this means rebuking/or being rebuked. Proverbs tells us be kind to the poor. Don't neglect them. Luke tells us repentance means turning from evil to good. Zacchaeus was willing to make right the wrong he'd done. Nehemiah tells us don't neglect the mechanics of building the church. Salvation is a free gift but we're beholden to God and to His work. Best Verse(s)/Contract~Prayer: Pro 14.25(a) A truthful witness saves lives... God help me be a witness.

2008-08-17

Logic by Isaac Watts ~ "Veritas in puteo"

Excerpt from the introduction by Watts to his book. "Veritas in puteo" - truth lies in a well. "...it's chief business is to relieve natural weaknesses of the mind by some better efforts of nature; it is to diffuse a light over the understanding in our inquiries after truth...True logic is not that noisy thing that deals all in dispute and wrangling...

Puritan reading/links

Google: A Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson Checkout what www.iclnet.org has to has to offer. P.s. Any links to etexts to other Puritan works would be appreciated: Google: A Puritan's Mind

Logic by Isaac Watts

Google : logic isaac watts I've been looking for a library or other free option for this book for some time-thank you Google! P.s. Any links to etexts to other Puritan works would be appreciated: Google: A Puritan's Mind

Produce the body...

Interesting item from Scientific American : new Sasquatch claims from Georgia. Skeptics want to see the body. Believers in Christ have asked the same from skeptics for close to two millennia.

ABC August-17-2008

2Ti 4:9-22;Pro 13:13-25;Luk 18:18-30;Neh 11 Analysis/Best Verse:: 2Ti 4.17 The Lord Stood by me & strengthened me Pro 13.13 God's wisdom is lifesaving Luk 18.29 There's a reward here & in the kingdom. Context is important: in the world to which he'd come--these words were from a poor itinerant Carpenter; and, in the world to come, the same takes His place as King of Kings Lord of Lords. Maybe it's my interpretation -- but, I think the riches he'd spoke of here were of spirit. Contract/Prayer: Please help me remember my place as a follower & my purpose as a witness of your grace.

ABC August-16-2008

2Ti 4:1-8;Psa 13:1-12;Luk 18:9-17;Neh 10 Analysis/Best Verse(s): 2Ti: Paul tasks Timothy before God/Christ the judge. The effects of Timothy's obedience will be seen / made apparent on Christ's return. Psa 13.5-6 When troubled - remember how God has dealt with you. Luk 18.13 God, be merciful to me a sinner! Neh 10.39 We will not neglect the house of our God. Contract/Prayer: Please help me remember I don't represent myself alone. Please remind me of your mercy (Lam 3.12). Please help me by useful & resourceful.

2008-08-16

ABC August-15-2008

2Ti 3:10-17;Pro 12:15-28;Luk 18:1-8;Neh 9 Analysis/Best Verse(s)/Contract/Prayer: 2Ti For a rule/way of life look to godly & Scripture. Be teachable. 2Ti 3.16 ...get some fresh air. Read your Bible. Pro 12.19 Right words endure Pro 12.28 ...the way forward, for the righteous, is life Luk 18.7-8 Be like the widow. Cry out. God's promise is to hear and answer. Neh 9.3 ...look to Scripture, then confess/worship

ABC August-14-2008

2Ti 3:1-9;Pro 12:1-14;Luk 17:20-37;Neh 8 Analysis/Best Verse(s): 2Ti 3.1-5: ...unless you're sent(like Moses) avoid the ungodly/fool. I don't think this means avoid entering in discussions - or that we shouldn't be in the world. I think it means don't answer a fool according to his folly. 2Ti 3.9b Their works & end are/will be evident. Pro 12.11: work with what you have -- don't chase fantasy. Luk 17.28-30 Jesus return is longed for by Christians -- but, it's an awful day for the lost. Neh 8.10 Faith should give strength not sap it. Contract/Prayer: Help me know the right from the wrong. Help me know what my strength & assets are and to use them well. When I look at others help me to ask the question: how is my relationship with them(or lack of it) readying us for Christ's return? And, is my faith springing from Grace and thankfulness or my own efforts & understanding? Lord Jesus be my joy.

ABC August-13-2008

2Ti 2:14-26;Pro 11:16-31;Luk 17:11-19;Neh 7 Analysis: I think 2 Timothy is saying mix words with people that are off the mark. Proverbs encourages right intentions & actions. "the desire of the righteous ends only in good" (it might be not be noticed presently or in the moment). "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." I'm not sure what to make of the story of the 10 lepers in Luke. I know Leviticus charges the priest with the duty of inspecting lepers. They'd probably been to the priests before -- but, it was in the going that they were all healed. I think this was why Jesus may have said "your faith has healed you". But, only one was thankful. Perhaps this is an encouragement to fellowship/worship. Nehemiah: again, wise in carrying out the work. He appoints guards over what is built -- makes sure they're trustworthy. Best Verse(s): 2Ti 2.16-17 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Pro 11.25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Luk 17.18(a) Was no one found to return and give praise to God... Neh 7.2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. Contract/Prayer: God, help me have wisdom & discretion with whom & when I speak. Help me have it my heart to help & do good. Help me be thankful and show it with my life. Help me have faith & be God-fearing.

2008-08-12

'View on Demand' vs. 'Full Control'

If you have the option -- use 'View on Demand' over 'Full Control'. The latter is exactly what it indicates. If specified - even 'InfoView' has all-powerful capabilities like delete reports and folders.

ABC August-12-2008

2Ti 2:1-13;Pro 11:1-15;Luk 17:1-10;Neh 6 Analysis: 2 Timothy 2 tells us to be a good soldier we must also suffer(vs. 3) and also as a soldier not to go AWOL(vs.4). We're also to be teachers-pass on what we've learned to someone else who will also teach(vs. 1). Proverbs 11 tells us to honest(vs.1), righteousness: worth more than riches, are a deliverance(vs. 4-8). When the righteous do good- it's good for society - they "rejoice" & are "exalted"(vs. 10-11). It's good to have lots of guidance(vs. 14). Best Verse(s): 2 Timothy 2.1-3; Pro 11.3 The integrity of the upright guides them. Contract/Prayer: How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. The Merchant of Venice. Act. v. Sc. 1. Let your truths illumine my way. God make me good for you & for my neighbor.

ABC August-11-2008

2Ti 1;Pro 10:17-32;Luk 16:19-31;Neh 4-5 Analysis: Paul encourages Timothy to "fan into flame" the gift of God. Proverbs teaches right words are a hall mark of Godliness. Luke teaches us to live for God now. Nehemiah teaches us to because of fear of God to serve faithfully. Best Verse(s): 1Ti1.7 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Pro10.19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,...but whoever restrains his lips is prudent...20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;... 21 The lips of the righteous feed many,... Luk16.20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Neh 15b...Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work... Contract/prayer: Help me be faithful & fruitful.

2008-08-10

Regarding: Non-scepticism, scepticism, & brain function

Michael Shermer writes in Scientific American this month in "Wheatgrass Juice and Folk Medicine/Why subjective anecdotes often trump objective data(italics mine): ...The reason for this cognitive disconnect is that we have evolved brains that pay attention to anecdotes because false positives (believing there is a connection between A and B when there is not) are usually harmless, whereas false negatives (believing there is no connection between A and B when there is) may take you out of the gene pool. ...Superstition and belief in magic are millions of years old, whereas science, with its methods of controlling for intervening variables to circumvent false positives, is only a few hundred years old. So it is that any medical huckster promising that A will cure B has only to advertise a handful of successful anecdotes in the form of testimonials. This was an interesting piece. I enjoyed his personal anecdote about wheatgrass and concur with the impression given by the photgraph about it's palatability. I did find a couple of things to question: Scientific Method a few hundred years old? Ok, I guess technically. But, critical thinking and the application of the principles of science have been around much longer. Perhaps, and, maybe I'm grasping, we'll find them in sacred Scripture("Test all things and hold fast to that which is good" 1 Thessalonians 5:21). On what evidence does he conclude brain "cognitive disconnect" is biologic? What evidence this has been around "millions of years"? And, more to the point, to what effect in his piece? Is this to dismiss superstition & magic, and, perhaps, by inference religious belief as "something in our genes"? To infer it no longer has relevance? I question lumping "belief" behaviors together. I'd definitely not attribute spiritual faith to biology. One might say, "But, it's anecdotal!" Well, are all anecdotes equal? Assuming they bear up to rules and tests for internal evidence, external evidence, and biographical textual agreement -- some anecdotes eventually are referred to as history. Examples worth pursuing: veracity of Scripture and accounts of Jesus Christ life, death, & resurrection(cf. Chapter 4 "More than a Carpenter", by Josh McDowell). Other helpful resources: 10 reasons to believe...

Goals for Latin

I'd like to become proficient enough to help my daughter in her studies, as well as help myself in understanding ancient texts, history, etc.

Google as proxy

Google hacks contained entry for using Google as proxy -- basically you translate a page from english to english -- and, viola. Google servers become the gobetween). Unfortunately, this no longer works -- but, fortunately, if you translate from es|en you get the same effect. Note: This does NOT hide your ip address. It simply allows you to go to another server to get out from behind a firewall (if you need to).

Chances are -- if you have a linksys or other box between your computer and the internet your real IP address is hidden anyway, helping to prevent hackers from directly attacking your computer. It does this be creating a bank of IP addresses that are one hop away from your computer. I've changed the translated link so that it will hide that IP address. This, hopefully, prevents a site from tracking your pseudo-unique-IP's return and using it against you.

This reference to Anonymouse.org should hide your ip. :) EXAMPLE: http://www.google.com/translate?langpair=es|en&u=www.anonymouse.org Try it & then try your real IP generated here... http://www.arin.net/whois/

ABC August-10-2008

1Ti6.11-21;Pro10.1-16;Luk16.10-18;Neh3; Analysis: Paul finishes the letter by telling Timothy to _finish well_ and that this charge _is before God_. Proverbs exhort us to pay attention to the time & the task. That is, we are here for a reason to share, to work, to witness. By fulfilling our tasks we earn: something. God's joy which then becomes ours. Luke teaches us to serve God not money. Nehemiah teaches us to work together & not be proud: the list of people/families that individually worked on the wall is missing names from the Tekoites. It says their nobles were too proud to stoop and server their Lord. Best Verse(s): 1Ti6.11-16;Pro10.1-2,5,11,14,16;Luk16.10-18;Neh3.5; Contract/Prayer -God, you are my judge. I want to bring you joy -It's harvest time. I must study & speak. -Be faithful in little things that I might be worth of greater things. -Be humble & willing to serve/stoop.

2008-08-09

MSAgent

MSAgent is pretty cool. It uses animated characters and text-to-speech. The HTA app described took about an hour to create(including download / install times). It creates two iframe windows -- BibleGateway on top - sanitized text below. Change scripture reference in top window and click 'update' - the MSAgent character "speaks" the verse text.
EXAMPLE of working PlayVerse.HTA: Try It:
1) Install MSAGent & 'Genie'(for speech synthesis - SAPI 5 will / should work).
2) Save PlayVerse.exe_ to your desktop. double-click to extract the PlayVerse.HTA to a folder with that name
3) Double-click Playverse.hta to play.

AutoIt update...

There is a new version of AutoIt available. However, if you're upgrading -- you might want to be cautious in installing/recompiling. I found, for instance, the GUIConstants.au3 include file had changed. $ES_Password constant was no longer there. I had to lookup from help and add to my scripts. Const $ES_PASSWORD=0x0020

Still, AutoIt is a great help. I'd rather be current and tweak a script or two - than not have this tool.

ABC August-09-2008

1Ti 6:1-10;Pro 9;Luk 16:1-9;Neh 1-2; Analysis: We should be _Godly_ and content. Riches are not for the next world. In His light we see light. Be pragmatic. Pray. God hears and turns hearts. Best Verse(s): 1Ti 6:6-7;Pro9.9-10;Luk16.8-9;Neh1.11; Contract/Prayer: Help me keep my eyes on heaven and you.

2008-08-08

The Great Debaters (the movie)

Great! Great! Great! Rent it! Note: Not for young kids - but, might be all right for mature teens. Netflicks Blockbuster
Wonderful story. Great acting. Denzel Washington's direction is sharp/well done. Scenes I loved: Training of debaters. Tolson: Who's the Judge? Team: The Judge is God. Tolson: Why is he God? Team: Because he decides who wins or loses ... not my opponent. Tolson: Who is your opponent? Team: He doesn't exist. Tolson: Why doesn't he exist? Team: He is merely a dissenting voice to the truth I speak. Junior's failure: Antaeus - he's thrown down to the ground -- he get's stronger.

ABC August-08-2008

1Ti 5:16-25;Pro 8;Luk 15:11-32;Ezr 10;
Analysis: The letter to Timothy tells us to do what is right in caring for our own. Not just our family of blood , but the church family. I like the end of the passage. It reminds me of M.Aurelius Meditations VII.15 "...Whatever any one does or says, I must be emerald and keep my colour." A precious stone remains precious - even if dropped in the mud! Right acts are always _right_. Proverbs tells us about the joy in God's wisdom (& his universals, that is, his universal wisdom?). Luke tells us of the joy and heart of Father God for us his lost children. Ezra tells us that we should take our relationships seriously. Our primary relationship is with God -- when we sully ourselves -- we anger the God who made us for himself. Best Verse(s): 1Ti5.24-25;Pr8.32-36;Lu15.32;Ezr10.4;(ESV) Contract/Prayer: Help me to see & do the good, Help me to watch at your gates, Thank you Father for seeking me, Lord, let me be a strength to others

2008-08-07

Robur the Conqueror

Just completed. Reading went quickly. It reads like a travel guide--which, I think was intentional. However, the places / scenes don't hold allure - although, they probably did in Verne's time. Positives: The Albatross! I think for the time -- the concept was pretty revolutionary (no pun intended). The Weldon institute characters. Bring Robur down: even if it means their own deaths. Deficiencies: If I compare this with Michael S. or 5 Weeks in a Balloon--I'd have to say the action here is lacking. Likewise, I found his treatment of Frycollin rather upsetting. I would be interested in knowing if he wrote this before or after Mysterious Island.

Shakespeare Sonnets

Sonnet #52 Posted: LII. So am I as the rich, whose blessed key Can bring him to his sweet up-locked treasure, The which he will not every hour survey, For blunting the fine point of seldom pleasure. Therefore are feasts so solemn and so rare, Since, seldom coming, in the long year set, Like stones of worth they thinly placed are, Or captain jewels in the carcanet. So is the time that keeps you as my chest, Or as the wardrobe which the robe doth hide, To make some special instant special blest, By new unfolding his imprison'd pride. Blessed are you, whose worthiness gives scope, Being had, to triumph, being lack'd, to hope. This is a sweet poem. I subscribe to a sonnet a day -- but, this is the first one in some time that stood out against the rest.

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Twelfth Night - Sir Ralph Richardson 1969

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