a Prayer from a Single Man

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) is known to me because of his hymns (Joy to the World, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, etc.). I found a fascinating little story in a short biography.

Watts (a young pastor with an earned doctorate) proposed marriage to Miss Elizabeth Singer; she politely declined. She reflected on her reason by saying of Watts, "I loved the jewel, but I did not admire the casket which contained it." Watts was short (5' 2" at most), not handsome, and often sick. He took this pretty hard, but he wrote a magnificent prayer (reminds me of 1Cor. 7:25-35)

How vain are all things here below!
How false, and yet how fair!
Each pleasure hath its poison too,
and every sweet a snare.

The brightest things below the sky
Give but a flattering light;
We should suspect some danger nigh
Where we possess delight.

Our dearest joys, and nearest friends,
The partners of our blood,
How they divide our wavering minds,
And leave but half for God!

The fondness of a creature's love,
How strong it strikes the sense!
Thither the warm affections move,
Nor can we call them thence.

Dear Saviour, let Thy beauties be
My soul's eternal food;
And grace command my heart away
From all created good.

Wesley's Easter 2009

This is pre-Easter, but I love this picture! He's in a phase when he picks up almost anything within reach, hands it to the nearest parent (or other adult), and says his version of "Thank you!" By that he means, "Here, hold this for me."

Here begin the actual Easter pics.

I think his shirt looks like something one might wear to a casino (I'm envisioning Ocean's Eleven).

a Missionary Command

These are the 3 martyrs from Malatya, Turkey of April 18, 2007.
This morning I taught on Matt. 5:43-48 - Jesus' famous command to "love your enemies." I think it only makes sense if we hold it together with: (1) Jesus' commission to his followers to spread the gospel and (2) Jesus' prediction that his followers will face opposition because of Him.

Putting this into a single directive: "As you proclaim the gospel and call on all kinds of people to repent, you will find many who push back at you - love those people. Welcome them with the same kindness your Creator & Judge showered on you while you were his enemies."

"Love your enemies" is a missionary command.

Wesley's pre-Easter Fun

A separate post for Wesley's Easter attire is in order, I think. Wesley is sporting his frog rain boots. He can put them on his feet by himself (and enjoys tromping around in them). Sometimes he puts one on with the toe of the shoe facing backward.

Post-egg hunt treasures need to be inspected with parental supervision.

Wesley's friend (Jayden) is learning about how a slide works. Wesley's 6 mo. older but noticeably smaller than Jayden.

The boy likes to climb into chairs.

Getting ready for a chilly adventure!

Christians, Government & the Poor

Here's a succinct answer to the question, "why socialism is a bad thing, especially in the context of the Christian commandments to love thy neighbor, care for the poor and avoid materialism"? The answer comes from The Simple Wisdom Project.

Practically, "it just doesn’t work." Over time, socialist-leaning countries turn a sizable chunk of the workforce into "free-loaders;" with that decrease in the human economic contribution come "increasing tax rates, promises of government programs, and expectations from citizens about what they can get from those programs."

Christians who love human beings made in God's image should be particularly uneasy with socializing steps taken by government because "it diminishes the dignity of human beings."

So why aren't more Christians bothered by socialism's "creep" into our society?
The answer is simple.


HT: Matt Perman

Review of McLaren's Secret Message of Jesus

I recently contributed a review of Brian McLaren's The Secret Message of Jesus to Ben Reed's blog. If you read it, leave Ben a comment about what you think. I hope you enjoy my pictures!

Part 1
Part 2