Yes, I Am Right ... Again ... It's Coming

As I have previously predicted on this blog, the church will at some point in the not too distant future have to deal with ethics questions related to human relationships with robots. Wire magazine has begun asking the question: Do Humanlike Machines Deserve Human Rights?

New Addition to My Mac Collection

iMac DV (Summer 2000) A great new addition to my old Mac collection is the iMac DV. It has a G3 400 mhz processor, 128 mg RAM, 2 Firewire ports, a VGA port for an external monitor or TV, slot loading CD-ROM, 2 front head phone jacks, Photoshop 5.0, Office 2000 and other good stuff. And it's Ruby Red! I was hoping to hook it up to my basement family room TV and watch Netflix. Not sure that's going to be possible since the Netflix specs supposedly require OS 10.4.8 and I think the best I can run on this is 10.2. Maybe Hulu.com instead? I took the picture above with PhotoBooth on my MacBook and it shows up backward. Hmmmm. I have culled my Mac collection over the past year and my wife is very happy about that. I am down from a high of about 26 to 18: 5 iMac Rev A's, iMac 2.0 Core 2 Duo with brushed Aluminum case, eMac 1 ghz, Performa 6300 & 631, PowerMac 7200, Centris 610, iBook G3, PowerMac G3, PowerBook Wallstreet edition, entire DuoDock system with Duo 270c (my very favorite!), MacBook 1.83 Intel Core 2 Duo and of course, I still have a Newton Message Pad 120.

Vatican YouTube Channel

The Vatican has established their own multilingual YouTube Channel. So far the videos are mostly news snippets and really not that exciting. I suppose it could get more exciting with with some educational pieces aimed at youth and children, or if they did an Instructed Eucharist (like the Episcopalians). Better yet, it would be funny if the Vatican did a parody of Saturday Night Live -- yeah, that would be good.

Mad Church Disease

UPDATE: Anne's web site say that Amazon.com will release the book on January 25. The pre-release price is $11.55. Buy now. About a year and a half ago I mentioned Anne Jackson's blog FlowerDust.net and her Mad Church Disease project: a campaign against church burn out. God bless her. She has just published a new book that will be out shortly:

Book of Common Prayer Anniversary

VirtueOnline - January 21: A Day for Episcopalians to Rejoice Virtueonline.org reports: "Today marks 460 years of Common Prayer in the Church of England and, later, the American Protestant Episcopal Church, then named Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA), now called The Episcopal Church (TEC). In 1549, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer issued the first Book of Common Prayer -- written in beautiful language, accessible to all, and, most important, based on holy scripture." The underlined emphasis mine. The linked article is written by a group that supports the continued use of the 1928 BCP instead of the 1979 version that is used in many Episcopal churches. Their caution is that the change in language in the 1979 BCP departs from the historic faith handed down. I find it ironic that they call the 1928 BCP "written in beautiful language, accessible to all". In it's day it may have been accessible language but it no longer is. It's like reading the King James Version Bible. Some say that the change from 1979 to 1928 has created two different religions. A further difference is also readily apparent: they are written in two different languages. Whilst both may be called "English" one (1979) is understandable to the common person of our day and the other (1928) is not, though 1928 advocates do not seem to be interested in that. Here are two 1928 BCP sites: The 1928 U.S. Book of Common Prayer The BCP is available here for your Palm PDA and in PDF formats. CommonPrayer.org In light of yesterday's festivities, here are the appropriate prayers for us all to pray: A Prayer for The President of the United States, and all in Civil Authority. O LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold and bless thy servant THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ¶ Or this. O LORD our Governor, whose glory is in all the world; We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and to all in Authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

MarsHill.org Spiritual Practices 3: Prayer of Examen

From MarsHill.org: Prayer of Examen Description The Prayer of Examen is a daily spiritual exercise developed by St. Ignatius Loyola. This practice seeks to grow followers of Jesus in their capacity to discern God’s will, find God in all things, and enhance their understanding of God’s good creation. The prayer may take between ten and twenty minutes. The majority of that time will be spent reviewing your day. Try not to dwell too long on thoughts. Instead, allow yourself to become aware and move on. Begin by finding a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Then sit comfortably, with good posture and both feet on the floor. Allow yourself to relax and close your eyes if you like. 1. Recall you are in the presence of God As you sit in silence, focus on God’s deep and abiding love for you. We are always in the presence of God. Try to become aware of God’s presence in an attentive way. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall your day with love. 2. Recall your day with gratitude After a few moments, remember the small pleasures of your day; things like a good night’s sleep, a good conversation, or a beautiful sunset. These are all gifts from God. As you remember these small gifts from God, take a moment to reflect on the gifts that you gave today, whether to God or to others. How did you bring your strengths, your sense of humor, your abilities, your encouragement, your patience to others today? When you have finished, pause briefly and thank God for these things. 3. Ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit In a moment you will begin to retrace the steps of your day. Before you do, ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your mind. The Spirit will lead and guide you into the truth and mystery of your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit for the capacity to recall your day with clarity and an understanding of your limitations. 4. Review your day This is the central and longest step of the prayer. Go back to the start of your day and allow it to play like a short movie in your mind. Pay attention to the details. What were your feelings? What motivated you to respond to certain situations in the way that you did? The purpose of this is to draw out the positive and the negative aspects of your day. As you are reviewing your day, ask the question, “Where did I fail today?” Was there a moment when you lived out of anger or bitterness? Were there things that you avoided? Don’t allow yourself to dwell on these things or seek to resolve them. Simply allow yourself to identify them and move on. Next, ask the question, “When did I love?” Was there a moment, or several moments, in which you made the choice to live out of love. Perhaps it was a kind act like holding the door or spending intentional time with your family. Remember the ways that you chose to love this day. Next, search for any patterns or habits during the course of the day. Do you make coffee at the same time? Do you chat for a few minutes with a co-worker? Are you always staying late at work? As you detect these patterns, what emotions do you sense coming to the surface for each habit? Do these habits help you face your day with love? Do they hinder you from facing your day with love? 5. Reconcile and Resolve Finally, picture yourself seated next to Jesus, talking as you would with a friend. Maybe there was something in your day that you don’t feel good about. Tell Jesus about this and express your disappointment and ask him to be with you when you face that moment again. Allow yourself to feel the sorrow in your heart as you share this, but also remember and give thanks for Christ’s continual restoration of your heart. Remember all of the good moments of your day and thank Jesus for His presence with you in those moments. 6. End with the Lord’s Prayer “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Amen. Mars Hills Documents Daily Office Lectio Divina Prayer of Examen

MarsHill.org Spiritual Practices 2: Lectio Divina

From MarsHill.org: Lectio Divina Lectio Divina is an ancient spiritual practice from the Christian monastic tradition. In Lectio Divina, we seek to experience the presence of God through reading and listening, prayer, meditation and contemplation. Lectio Divina can be done as an individual or as a group. Practicing Lectio Divina Individually Begin by choosing a section of scripture that you would like to read and pray. You can choose the text randomly or use a liturgical book like the Book of Common Prayer. Try not to set a goal for how much content you will cover. The goal is to listen for God and experience his presence. Preparation Next, do what you must to quiet and prepare yourself to hear from God. If you need to find a quiet room, or sit in silence for several minutes, or sit in a comfortable chair, take whatever posture will help you prepare to receive and experience God’s presence. Reading/Listening When you sense that your heart is prepared, begin by slowly reading the passage of scripture that you have selected. Don’t move quickly through any sentence or phrase. As you read, pay attention to what word or phrase or idea catches your attention. Meditation Next, begin to meditate on the word, phrase, or idea that captured your attention. Repeat it again and again. What thoughts come to mind as you meditate on this word, phrase or idea? What are you reminded of in your life? What does it make you hope for? Meditation is no easy task. As you try to concentrate, don’t be disappointed if random thoughts enter your head. As they do, offer them to God. Prayer Now begin to speak to God. Tell God what word, phrase or idea captured your attention and what came to mind as you meditated upon it. How is God using this word, phrase or idea to bless and transform you? Tell God what you have been thinking and feeling as you’ve listened and meditated. Tell God how you hope this word, phrase or idea will change your heart to be more like his. Contemplation Finish by focusing your attention on the fact that God’s presence is with you. If as you try to focus on God’s presence you sense a need to read the text again, or continue meditating, or to simply continue talking with God, allow yourself to do so. As you do, know that you are in the presence of God. Practicing Lectio Divina as a Group Begin by identifying an individual to lead the process. This person will lead the process by reading the selected text three times. Each reading is followed by a period of silence after which each person is given the opportunity to briefly share what they are hearing as they listen to God. First Reading During the first reading, read the text aloud twice. Read through slowly. The purpose of the first reading is for each person to hear the text and to listen for a word, phrase or idea that captures their attention. As group members recognize a word, phrase or idea, they are to focus their attention on that word, repeating it. Second Reading During the second reading, read the text again. This time, listeners are to focus their attention on how the word, phrase or idea speaks to their life that day. What does it mean for you today? How is Christ, the Word, speaking to you about your life through this word, phrase or idea? What is Christ, the Word, speaking to you about your life through this word, phrase, or idea? After the reading, allow a brief period of silence and then invite group members to share briefly what they have heard. Third Reading Read the text again. This time, listeners are to focus on what God is calling them to do or to become. Experiencing God’s presence changes us. It calls us to something. During this final reading, what is God calling you to do or to be as a result of this experience? After the third reading, allow a period of silence, and then invite group members to share what they are being called to do or to be. Finish the exercise by having each one pray for the person on his or her right. Mars Hills Documents Daily Office Lectio Divina Prayer of Examen

MarsHill.org Spiritual Practices 1: Daily Office

Mars Hill Church in Michigan have some good documents posted regarding spiritual practices, some of which I mentioned in recent posts about growing spiritually. The PDF's are linked below. The Daily Office What is the Daily Office? The Daily Office is a set rhythm of reading the Scriptures, singing, and prayer. Sometimes called “liturgy of the hours,” it originally developed when early Christians continued the Jewish practice of reciting prayers and songs at certain hours. Even today, priests, monks, and followers of Jesus the world over observe the Daily Office. With the first prayers of the office beginning at 3:45 AM, many people choose to participate in only certain parts of the Daily Office rather than its entirety. The Daily Office is often different from a devotional time, as the purpose of the Daily Office is to simply spend time in the presence of God, nothing more. There are a number of ways to incorporate the Daily Office into your day. The following resources will be helpful if you’re interested in participating in the Daily Office. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzerro [Integrity, 2006] Chapter Eight provides an introduction to the Daily Office and how it can be incorporated into a daily spiritual practice. The Little Book of Hours: Praying with the Community of Jesus by the Community of Jesus [Paraclete, 2003] Face to Face: Praying the Scriptures by Kenneth Boa [Zondervan, 1997] The Prymer by Robert E. Webber [Paraclete, 2000] The Daily Office can also be found online at www.missionstclare.com Mars Hills Documents Daily Office Lectio Divina Prayer of Examen

Paul Wagner Enters Heaven

Syracuse Obituaries & Death Notices from The Post-Standard | Online Obits - syracuse.com: Paul Wagner One of the heroes of the Christian faith in upstate New York died recently. Paul Wagner was the founding pastor of Believers Chapel. For a long time, Paul Wagner and Believers Chapel were the cutting edge of evangelical Christianity in CNY. One of the things I have admired about that church the most has been their commitment to church planting, establishing: Believers' Chapel Mexico, Believers' Chapel Canastota, and Believers' Chapel Fulton. Paul used to lead a Tuesday evening Bible study that was 8 weeks long that covered the basics of the Christian faith and it ran continuously. It really helped establish me in my Christian faith. Paul and his ministry at the Chapel led hundreds, if not, thousands of people to Christ and raised up a host of Christian leaders. Thank you God for the life of Paul Wagner. Peace to his memory.

Mark Driscoll in the NYT

The NYT has a great article about Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill in Seattle and his hard core Calvinism. It's a well written piece with the exception of lumping Bill Hybels and Joel Osteen into the same category. I don't know why Hybels and Willowcreek get put on the poster of being soft on sin and hell. For some reason, all journalists think that if you are a megachurch you got that why by preaching feel good messages and never telling people about sin or hell. That's crap. Look at Driscoll. Willowcreek may be seeker sensitive but have never been soft on sin. I've heard Bill Hybels preach on sin and hell when I attended there. My favorite Driscoll sermon is his theology of alcohol: Good Wine, Glad Hearts. Funny. Who Would Jesus Smack Down? - Mark Driscoll, a Pastor with a Macho Conception of Christ - NYTimes.com: "What bothers Driscoll — and the growing number of evangelical pastors who agree with him — is not the trope of Jesus-as-lover. After all, St. Paul tells us that the Church is the bride of Christ. What really grates is the portrayal of Jesus as a wimp, or worse. Paintings depict a gentle man embracing children and cuddling lambs. Hymns celebrate his patience and tenderness. The mainstream church, Driscoll has written, has transformed Jesus into “a Richard Simmons, hippie, queer Christ,” a “neutered and limp-wristed popular Sky Fairy of pop culture that . . . would never talk about sin or send anyone to hell.”"

Nine Commandments (maybe less)

I've been working on a prayerbook for my family to use for family prayer time. I put together a short liturgy and included some other prayers, such as the Breastplate of St. Patrick. And I included the Ten Commandments. I would guess if you were to ask any Christian person should we obey the Ten Commandments we might get an emphatic "yes". You might even get an emphatic "yes" out of mildly religious folks also. So let's review them: "And God spoke all these words, saying: 'I am the LORD your God … ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.' TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.' THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.' FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.' FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.' SIX: 'You shall not murder.' SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.' EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.' NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.' TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.' Almost all of these are really obvious -- no murdering, adultery, idolatry, stealing, lying, coveting, etc. But the Sabbath? Within my life and my networks, that is not on anyone's radar. No one I know is observing the Sabbath or conversing with me about their struggles with or thoughts about observing the Sabbath. How do we as Christians justify ignoring the Sabbath? What is our theological hermeneutic that allows us to not observe the Sabbath?

FREE Glider PRO for OS X

Glider PRO originally came out in 1991. The Mac was never known for gaming but this was a very fun game. Fly a paper airplane through a house using air vents to keep you afloat and attempting to avoid paper shredders, dripping water or crashing. I spent a lot of time I was supposed to do my seminary reading instead flying a paper airplane. Glider PRO has been ported to OS X.

Atheist Evangelism

Atheist buses denying God's existence take to streets - Telegraph Atheists in the UK have begun an evangelistic campaign by posting a message on buses: "There's Probably No God. Now Stop Worrying And Enjoy Your Life." Perhaps they would probably not want to call it an evangelistic campaign. The article cites it as an advertising campaign. But indeed, this is an atheistic attempt at evangelism. I don't agree with their message. However, I will give them credit for one thing: in their own unique way they attempted to care and were concerned for someone's experience of life, wanting it to be better.

Find Jobs & Employment in metro Syracuse, NY & Elsewhere

Here is a list of links to use for finding employment or a new job in the Syracuse, NY area and beyond. I've also listed some general ministry sites. If you are looking for work, let me first encourage you to visit Dan Miller's web site: 48 Days. I enjoy listening to his weekly podcast but if you are seeking to do work you love, you'll want to read his books: No More Mondays and 48 Days To the Work You Love. Visit Dan's site through the logo-link below and if you buy anything I'll earn a little cash. Thanks. GENERAL CNYWorks.com Job Links Syracuse.com Jobs Craigslist - Syracuse USAJOBS (government jobs) Central NY Jobs Syracuse TopUSAJobs.com Indeed New York State Job Exchange New York State Dept. of Labor Monster.com HIGHER EDUCATION HOSPITALS Crouse Hospital St. Joseph's Hospital SUNY Upstate Medical Center MINISTRY Evangelical Covenant Church Churches Seeking Staff Other Opportunities Upstate NY Synod of the ELCA Episcopal Diocese of CNY MinistryList.com ChurchStaffing.com Anglican Communion Network Job Board American Anglican Council Denver Seminary Job Board Finding Our Place -- excellent list of links to ministry job posting sites And my very favorite: ProBlogger.com Job Board Jobs, Work, Employment Central New York Syracuse, NY GENERAL CNYWorks.com Job Links Syracuse.com Jobs Craigslist: Syracuse Jobs USAJOBS Central NY Jobs Syracuse TopUSAJobs.com Indeed NYS Job Exchange NYS Dept. of Labor Monster.com EDUCATION Syracuse University Le Moyne College Onondaga Comm College Cazenovia College SUNY Cortland SUNY Morrisville SUNY Oswego Cayuga Community College Hamilton College Colgate College Columbia College Bryant & Stratton College Empire College Chronicle of Higher Ed Adjunct Professor Online

I Want You To Grow Spiritually 13: Time For Fasting

Fasting is ancient, biblical and has been part of Christian spirituality since the beginning. Traditionally people have fasted from food. However, I suggest you consider not only fasting from food, but from something else that takes of your time or affection. Consider fasting from television, a hobby, entertainment or media. I have often wondered if people would benefit from fasting from church. Could you fast one meal a week for several months and devote that time to prayer seeking more of God's presence and direction in your life? Perhaps you could fast for one day a month for several months? Ash Wednesday is on February 25 this year and begins the season of Lent, which last until Easter. Many Christians observe Lent with some sort of fasting -- giving up something for Lent. When I was a kid it was chocolate. Many Roman Catholic friends still give up meat on Fridays during Lent and eat fish. In theory, this is meant to be an act of devotion. Perhaps you could observe Lent this year giving something up: a certain food, a hobby, certain web sites (not mine of course), etc. For a couple years I gave up reading Mac news and rumors during Lent, and believe it or not Macs became less of an idol in my life. Ask God what you could give up for Lent for His honor and glory. Dr. Elmer Towns is a great student and teacher of revival and fasting. His book, Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts, is the very best book I've read on fasting with a good balance of practical advice and biblical/theological background. I found it to be motivational as well, causing me to hunger after God. I highly recommend it. (Elmer also sells a video series with the same content but it's boring.) Fasting. Try it. ———————————— This is part 13 in a 20 part series on spiritual growth. If you feel like you are not growing deeper in your faith or relationship to God, if you are not loving and serving others more, if you have a sense of 'stuckness' in your spiritual journey, and you really want to grow ——— the answer might not be to try harder. All too often I have heard the same solutions offered over and over — 'All you have to do is have daily devotions, pray more, read more of the Bible, be in worship every week and get more involved in the church.' In other words try harder. Sometimes that doesn't work and I'm going to offer some suggestions that might help you move forward. Previous Installments: I Want You To Grow Spiritually 1: Give Up Daily Devotions I Want You To Grow Spiritually 2: See A Counselor I Want You To Grow Spiritually 3: Spiritual Direction I Want You To Grow Spiritually 4: Get A New Church I Want You To Grow Spiritually 5: Go On Retreat I Want You To Grow Spiritually 6: Fight A Spiritual Battle & Win I Want You To Grow Spiritually 7: Take A Seminary or College Class I Want You To Grow Spiritually 8: Take Communion Weekly I Want You To Grow Spiritually 10: Observe The Daily Office & Church Year I Want You To Grow Spiritually 11: Get Tough on Sin I Want You To Grow Spiritually 12: Start Journaling Note: Part 9 isn't published yet. I'll get to it eventually.

Living Like Jesus

ABC News: Spending a Year Living Like Jesus Ed Dobson, VP of Spiritual Formation of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI, read the book "A Year of Living Biblically" by AJ Jacobs. This motivated Dobson to attempt to live for a year like he thought Jesus would -- in every way: eating, worshiping, hygene, etc. Here he is on Good Morning America.

I Want You To Grow Spiritually 12: Start Journaling

Start journaling -- with both hands. People use journals for spiritual purposes in a variety of ways. Some record their thoughts and experiences about God and spiritual matters. Some record passages of Scripture that are meaningful to them and some commentary about that. Others just make observations and commentary about their life, existence, etc. Personally I use a journal for praying. I write out my prayers to God and also record what I hear God saying to me. For me, this is an intensely spiritual experience as it helps me focus all my attention on God and keeps me from being distracted by other things. I find it so difficult to sit quietly in solitude and pray. Journaling helps me focus on God no matter where I am. What has also been helpful is that I have several years worth of journals now. It gives me perspective on my prayers. I can see answered prayers but I can also see where I have struggled with the same issues for years, motivating me to pray more and/or try a new approach in searching for solutions and answers. Try writing out your prayers, asking questions with your dominant hand and write out answers with your opposite hand. Or trying writing out your prayers with your non-dominant hand. Using your non-dominant hand engages a different side/part of your brain. Try journaling as a new way to connect with God. ———————————— This is part 12 in a 20 part series on spiritual growth. If you feel like you are not growing deeper in your faith or relationship to God, if you are not loving and serving others more, if you have a sense of 'stuckness' in your spiritual journey, and you really want to grow ——— the answer might not be to try harder. All too often I have heard the same solutions offered over and over — 'All you have to do is have daily devotions, pray more, read more of the Bible, be in worship every week and get more involved in the church.' In other words try harder. Sometimes that doesn't work and I'm going to offer some suggestions that might help you move forward. Previous Installments: I Want You To Grow Spiritually 1: Give Up Daily Devotions I Want You To Grow Spiritually 2: See A Counselor I Want You To Grow Spiritually 3: Spiritual Direction I Want You To Grow Spiritually 4: Get A New Church I Want You To Grow Spiritually 5: Go On Retreat I Want You To Grow Spiritually 6: Fight A Spiritual Battle & Win I Want You To Grow Spiritually 7: Take A Seminary or College Class I Want You To Grow Spiritually 8: Take Communion Weekly I Want You To Grow Spiritually 10: Observe The Daily Office & Church Year I Want You To Grow Spiritually 11: Get Tough on Sin Note: Part 9 isn't published yet. I'll get to it eventually.

Jesus was a Gemini, not a Capricorn

'Jesus was born in June', astronomers claim - Telegraph

Celebrating 18 Years

Alyx and I are celebrating 18 years of marriage today. Flowers, candy and out to dinner. Happiness all around.

Happiness

Ten simple things. Very, very simple things. Rarely do we see movies or commercials about these things. So many messages that come to us on a day to day basis exhort us do just the opposite of these ten things. Read this simple stuff: 10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy | Health and Wellness | AlterNet

Abbey Way Covenant Church

Abbey Way Covenant Church has updated their web site since I've last visited. This is an Evangelical Covenant Church plant that is only a few years old, meeting in northeast Minneapolis. They rely heavily on ancient spiritual practices. You likely haven't ever seen a church like this.

I Want You To Grow Spiritually 11: Get Tough on Sin

"Encourage one another daily . . . so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." -- Hebrews 3:13 Consider getting involved in a 12 step program or just do a Step 4 -- a Searching and Fearless Moral Inventory. Pursue holiness with reckless abandon. There are times when we are our own worst enemy when it comes to our spiritual lives. Sometimes we sabotage our own spiritual health by not taking sin seriously. Firstly, do not do this alone. Do it with a counselor or pastor -- someone who you can absolutely come clean with and who is absolutely committed to confidentiality. Pick someone that you can safely tell the deepest, darkest secrets of your soul and that will provide you grace, because that is what Jesus gives you -- day after day after day after day. Consider making an appointment with an Anglican or Roman Catholic priest. OK. Some of you are resistant and just won't talk to someone about this. Use a journal. Get it all out on paper. Then burn it. I just want to steer you away from just doing this as a mental exercise. Bring your sin out of the darkness, out of the secret places of your soul and bring them into the light where you will receive God's forgiveness for all of them. Sure. God knows them and has forgiven them. But your experience of that forgiveness will change dramatically when you confess outloud to another. There are several recognized ways of doing a step 4. Here's a simple one: How to Work Step Four in AA | eHow.com. Step 4 from AA's 12 Step program is one way to deal with sin and shortcomings. Another way is to use John Wesley's Holy Club questions. Wesley met in small groups with his brother Charles and other friends for bible study, communion and to examine the state of their souls. They would use these questions: 1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 2. Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence? 3. Can I be trusted? 4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? 5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? 6. Did the Bible live in me today? 7. Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day? 8. Am I enjoying prayer? 9. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith? 10. Do I pray about the money I spend? 11. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time? 12. Do I disobey God in anything? 13. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy? 14. Am I defeated in any part of my life? 15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful? 16. How do I spend my spare time? 17. Am I proud? 18. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican? 19. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it? 20. Do I grumble or complain constantly? 21. Is Christ real to me? Another test for Self-Examination The following questions are taken from Salvation Army Orders and Regulations for Soldiers, 1950: 1. Am I habitually guilty of any known sin? Do I practice or allow myself in any thought, word or deed which I know to be wrong? 2. Am I the master of my bodily appetites so as to have no condemnation? Do I allow myself in any indulgence that hurts my holiness, growth, obedience, or usefulness? 3. Are my thoughts and feelings such that I wouldn't be ashamed to hear them published before God? 4. Does the influence of the world cause me to act, or feel or say things that do not show the love of God? 5. Am I doing all in my power for the salvation of sinners? 6. Am I fulfilling the vows and promises I have made before God in the past? 7. Does what I do as a Christian match what I say about being a Christian? 8. Am I consious of any pride in my life? 9. Do I conform to the fashions and customs of this world or do I show that I despise them? 10. Am I in danger of being carried away with worldly desires to be rich or admired? 1 John 1:8-10 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. ———————————— This is part 11 in a 20 part series on spiritual growth. If you feel like you are not growing deeper in your faith or relationship to God, if you are not loving and serving others more, if you have a sense of 'stuckness' in your spiritual journey, and you really want to grow ——— the answer might not be to try harder. All too often I have heard the same solutions offered over and over — 'All you have to do is have daily devotions, pray more, read more of the Bible, be in worship every week and get more involved in the church.' In other words try harder. Sometimes that doesn't work and I'm going to offer some suggestions that might help you move forward. Previous Installments: I Want You To Grow Spiritually 1: Give Up Daily Devotions I Want You To Grow Spiritually 2: See A Counselor I Want You To Grow Spiritually 3: Spiritual Direction I Want You To Grow Spiritually 4: Get A New Church I Want You To Grow Spiritually 5: Go On Retreat I Want You To Grow Spiritually 6: Fight A Spiritual Battle & Win I Want You To Grow Spiritually 7: Take A Seminary or College Class I Want You To Grow Spiritually 8: Take Communion Weekly I Want You To Grow Spiritually 10: Observe The Daily Office & Church Year Note: Part 9 isn't published yet. I'll get to it eventually.

I ♥ My Robot Gurl

The news wires have been hot recently, again, with stories about robots. Artificial intelligence is improving. They are being designed to perform a variety of tasks, including sexual and relational ones. Overall, progress is being made toward robots that will be very, very human like. This will create a whole new foray into ethics and the rightness or wrongness of how we relate to them. We're going to need some outstanding theologians to lead us in applying a Biblical theology in how human-like robots are incorporated into our lives. Man lives with female robot | The Sun |News It's not about sex, says Aiko robot inventor Le Trung | News | News.com.au A Perfect Female Companion: Project Aiko

I Want You To Grow Spiritually 10: Observe The Daily Office & Church Year

Observe the Daily Office and The Church Year. Every day we mark time. Most of us use a clock and calendar to mark the hours in the day, days of the week, months and seasons of the year. Imagine for a moment that you measured time differently. Imagine you measured time on a calendar that marked time by remembering and celebrating the saving acts of God as seasons and you marked the time of the day with Scripture readings and prayers. One way to start is to get a hold of a prayer book such as the Anglican Book of Common Prayer and begin by reading the daily readings. These web sites can also be helpful: The Daily Office from The Mission of St. Clare.com Morning and Evening Prayer From The Episcopal Church Another way to get started would be by reading Scott McKnight's outstanding book: For me personally, I enjoy worship in a church that observes the church year and at the moment I miss it deeply. It helps me to integrate the life of Jesus and the works of God into my day to day thinking. When I observe the church year I feel more contemplative about my faith and closer to God. Try it. ———————————— This is part 10 in a 20 part series on spiritual growth. If you feel like you are not growing deeper in your faith or relationship to God, if you are not loving and serving others more, if you have a sense of 'stuckness' in your spiritual journey, and you really want to grow ——— the answer might not be to try harder. All too often I have heard the same solutions offered over and over — 'All you have to do is have daily devotions, pray more, read more of the Bible, be in worship every week and get more involved in the church.' In other words try harder. Sometimes that doesn't work and I'm going to offer some suggestions that might help you move forward. Previous Installments: I Want You To Grow Spiritually 1: Give Up Daily Devotions I Want You To Grow Spiritually 2: See A Counselor I Want You To Grow Spiritually 3: Spiritual Direction I Want You To Grow Spiritually 4: Get A New Church I Want You To Grow Spiritually 5: Go On Retreat I Want You To Grow Spiritually 6: Fight A Spiritual Battle & Win I Want You To Grow Spiritually 7: Take A Seminary or College Class I Want You To Grow Spiritually 8: Take Communion Weekly Note: Part 9 isn't published yet. I'll get to it eventually.