Tuesday, September 16, 2003

September 16, 2003


4:23 PM Wise words from Al Mohler on “The Secular Hatred of the Ten Commandments.” Here’s an excerpt:

The hostility to the Ten Commandments turns out to be far more basic than the question of their public display. The Ten Commandments do serve as a potent reminder that we are not our own, but are created to serve the living God and obligated to obey His laws… . The modern age takes personal autonomy as a given. Thus, the Ten Commandments are among the most subversive words ever revealed to humanity. The commandments subvert our arrogance and pull the rug out from under our pretensions. We are left humbled and accountable, told that we shall and shall not—all without prior negotiation or human legislation. The God who gave us the Ten Commandments fully expects to be God. That’s bad news for the idea of a “free, independent, sovereign individual who exists for his own sake.” That myth will die a hard death.

2:35 PM Just arrived: The Power of Speaking God’s Word by my friend Wilbur Ellsworth of Christ Christ in Glen Ellyn. Looking forward to reading it and learning from it. 2:18 PM As part of my personal preparation for the challenge issued by Steve Boisse (see the entry for September 9 below), I went on a field trip to Gene and Jude’s Red Hot Stand in River Grove. Had a hot dog, double fries and a large Pepsi for $3.93. Quite a long line—as befits a famous Chicago landmark. The fries were at least as greasy as Parky’s in Forest Park. In fact, I ate the hot dog an hour ago and I can still feel a slight smudge of grease on my hands. I had “the works” (relish, onions and hot pepper) so this lunch will be talking to me all afternoon. 11:28 AM Judith Roberts sent us an update on her son, Michael, who was injured during the war in Iraq. He has received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service to our country. Judith reports that he continues to do well in recovering from his wounds and is now stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Her other son, John, is currently serving in the Persian Gulf region. For a list of Calvary friends and family members serving in the Armed Forces, click here. 11:00 Ran across this quote from Charles Kingsley, “We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” The quote comes from a sermon by Brian Bill. 10:47 AM Renovation update: Lots of noise this morning as the workers cut holes in the ceiling of the choir room for air conditioning vents. The huge steel beams to hold up the new classrooms and offices are in place in what used to be the gym stage. Workers are installing new electrical service near the church office. The new nursery is taking shape and work continues on the portico expansion. We had hoped to regain use of the gym starting October 1. That date has been pushed back until sometime in November. Consequently, Awana will start on October 1, but the Wednesday night suppers and Wednesday night adult classes will not start until January. 9:27 AM Pam Barrett wrote the Living Sacrifices devotional for today based on Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will given to you as well.” Here’s an excerpt:

“As I write this, I find myself in a period of unemployment. This is a first for me, as I have always been able to transition to a new job fairly easily. It has been challenging, but I continue to see His hand and blessing in my life… . I have continued to give financially to Calvary and participate in various service ministries… . Let today’s familiar Scripture passage be an encouragement to you: work, pray, and give in whatever means you are able to further His kingdom.”

Do you have any thoughts or questions about this post?