Quick Takes - 5/17/2008

Published at May 17, 2008 in Quick Takes. 1 Comment

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Melissa Michaels identifies the biggest mistake people make that causes disorganization. “Not following simple daily routines and systems. It is really easy to spiral into disorganization and chaos in any area of life. Success all comes back to basically two things: systems or routines that make sense for our life and our goals, and daily discipline to maintain them.”

Frugal Dad shows how to teach your kids about money with only 4 quarters. “By giving my daughter something tangible to represent our income she was able to understand that there are things you have to pay for (food, shelter, transportation), and things you can choose to spend money on (gifts and entertainment). All categories must be paid for with a finite supply of money.”

Tim Keller describes the practice of frontline prayer. “Maintenance prayer meetings are short, mechanical and totally focused on physical needs inside the church or on personal needs of the people present. But frontline prayer has three basic traits: a) a request for grace to confess sins and humble ourselves, b) a compassion and zeal for the flourishing of the church, and c) a yearning to know God, to see his face, to see his glory.” (Tim Keller, “Kingdom-centered Prayer,” Redeemer Report, January 2006.)

Andrew Jackson of SmartChristian.com is reading the Qur’an (Koran). (No, he is not changing his site over to SmartMuslim.com.) “I am researching and writing a detailed proposal for my next book Islam Explained: What Muslims Teach and Practice … As part of my research, I am reading and studying the 114 chapters of the Qur’an … It reads quite different than the Bible. With revelation chapters named The Cow, The Cattle, The Spoils of War, The Ant, alongside Abraham, Children of Israel, Joseph, Jonah, Noah, and Mary, you can understand that it takes a while to get your footing.”

Allan Fisher explains the origin of red-letter Bibles. “The first red-letter New Testament was published in 1899, and the first red-letter Bible followed two years later … In the first red-letter Bible, the words ‘universally accepted as the utterances of our Lord and Saviour’ were printed in red. So were Old Testament passages that Jesus quoted or that were directly related to incidents to which he referred (with the relevant cross reference also printed in red). Old Testament verses containing prophetic references to Christ were identified with red stars.” (HT: Between Two Worlds)

Countdown to Caspian Roundup

Published at May 16, 2008 in Narnia Countdown and Narnia. 2 Comments

  Main Cast of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

The countdown is over! The Prince Caspian movie opens in theaters today. Here is a roundup of links to all the Countdown to Caspian posts. Each post contains a favorite passage from the book, Prince Caspian, along with thoughts and reflections for application. I hope you enjoyed the series. And I hope you enjoy the movie. Now, somebody please pass the popcorn!

  1. Magic at the Station
  2. Precious Gifts
  3. Time Puzzle
  4. Old Narnia
  5. Susan’s Horn
  6. Nikabrik and Reepicheep
  7. The Time of Greatest Need
  8. Aslan’s Call
  9. Aslan’s Guidance
  10. Aslan’s Return
  11. Aslan’s Roar
  12. At the Door
  13. The Bulgy Bears
  14. Healing Auntie
  15. Reepicheep’s Tail

Countdown to Caspian - Day 15 (Reepicheep’s Tail)

Published at May 15, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 0 Comments

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 15: Aslan Makes a Door in the Air

“Why have your followers all drawn their swords, may I ask?” said Aslan.

“May it please your High Majesty,” said the second Mouse, whose name was Peepiceek, “we are all waiting to cut off our own tails if our Chief must go without his. We will not bear the shame of wearing an honour which is denied to the High Mouse.”

“Ah!” roared Aslan, “you have conquered me. You have great hearts. Not for the sake of your dignity, Reepicheep, but for the love that is between you and your people, and still more for the kindness your people showed me long ago when you ate away the cords that bound me on the stone table (and it was then, though you have long forgotten it, that you began to be Talking Mice), you shall have your tail again.”

Thoughts:  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10) The mice in Prince Caspian illustrate the above verse well. They are willing to cut off their own tails rather than let Reepicheep go without his. God loves it when we put others before ourselves. True brotherly love rejoices with those who rejoice and mourns with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15) Here the mice so utterly empathize with Reepicheep that they are willing to suffer the same loss as he. Do we love each other in the church with this same reckless abandon? If not, why not? (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter fifteen?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Free Audio Book Download: Martin Luther

Published at May 14, 2008 in Books. 0 Comments

If you enjoy listening to audiobooks, you might want to check out this deal. Each month, ChristianAudio.com offers a free audiobook download. This month’s free selection is Martin Luther: In His Own Words, by Martin Luther (run time 2 hours, 45 minutes; normally $12.98). Use the coupon code MAY2008 to download the book for free this month only.

Here is a description from the site:

Most all Christians know the name Martin Luther. Less familiar, however, are his words. This compilation of many of Luther’s most important writings serves as an excellent introduction to those new to Luther. It also provides a fresh medium for people familiar with his writing.

Included in this volume is:

  • The Small Catechism
  • 95 Theses
  • On Faith and Coming to Christ
  • On Confession and the Lord’s Supper
  • Of the Office of Preaching
  • Excerpt from Luther’s Tower Experience
  • The Last Written Words of Luther

You can listen to a free audio sample from Martin Luther: In His Own Words here.

Countdown to Caspian - Day 14 (Healing Auntie)

Published at May 14, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 0 Comments

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 14: How All Were Very Busy

They came to a little cottage where a child stood in the doorway crying. “Why are you crying my love?” asked Aslan. The child, who had never even seen a picture of a lion, was not afraid of him. “Auntie’s very ill,” she said. “She’s going to die.” Then Aslan went to go in at the door of the cottage, but it was too small for him. So, when he had got his head through, he pushed with his shoulders (Lucy and Susan fell off when he did this) and lifted the whole house up and it all fell backwards and apart. And there, still in her bed, though the bed was now in the open air, lay a little old woman who looked as if she had Dwarf blood in her. She was at death’s door, but when she opened her eyes and saw the bright, hairy head of the lion staring into her face, she did not scream or faint. She said, “Oh, Aslan! I knew it was true. I’ve been waiting for this all my life. Have you come to take me away?”

“Yes, dearest,” said Aslan. “But not the long journey yet.” And as he spoke, like the flush creeping along the underside of a cloud at sunrise, the colour came back to her white face and her eyes grew bright and she sat up and said, “Why I do declare I feel that better. I think I could take a little breakfast this morning.”

Thoughts:  Aslan, like Jesus, is a healer. Lewis alludes to several healing stories from the gospels in this account. There are hints of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15), the four friends lowering the paralytic through the roof (Mark 2:4), and Jesus raising the young girl from the dead all mixed in here (Luke 8:54-55). Eventually, Jesus will take us on the long journey where we will be healed from all pain and sorrow forever. If you are in Christ, death is not something you need fear; rather it is something you can be waiting for all your life. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter fourteen?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Countdown to Caspian - Day 13 (The Bulgy Bears)

Published at May 13, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 4 Comments

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 13: The High King in Command

“Your Majesty, please.” Peter turned and there stood the eldest of the Bulgy Bears. “If you please, your Majesty,” it said, “I’m a bear, I am … It was always a right of the bears to supply one marshal of the lists.”

“Don’t let him,” whispered Trumpkin to Peter. “He’s a good creature, but he’ll shame us all. He’ll go to sleep and he will suck his paws. In front of the enemy too.”

“I can’t help that,” said Peter. “Because he’s right. The Bears had that privilege. I can’t imagine how it has been remembered all these years, when so many other things have been forgotten.”

“Please, your Majesty,” said the Bear.

“It is your right,” said Peter. “And you shall be one of the marshals. But you must remember not to suck your paws.”

“Of course not,” said the Bear in a very shocked voice.”

“Why, you’re doing it this minute!” bellowed Trumpkin.

The Bear whipped its paw out of its mouth and pretended it hadn’t heard.

Thoughts:  The Bible says, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) The Bulgy Bears remind me that most of us who belong to God are just simple folk. God uses the simple to confound the wise; the weak to shame the strong. There is a lot of talk about excellence in the church today. Although we should certainly give God our best, we must not forget that the church is primarily a family. Families operate out of love and relationships rather than the professional standards of the business world. So let us give each other opportunities to serve in the church, even if we’re not perfect at what we do, even if we end up sucking our paws and embarrassing each other along the way. God doesn’t mind. After all, serving is our privilege and our right. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter thirteen?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Countdown to Caspian - Day 12 (At the Door)

Published at May 12, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 1 Comment

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 12: Sorcery and Sudden Vengeance

Tell that tale your own way for all I care,” answered Nikabrik. “But whether it was that the Horn was blown too late, or whether there was no magic in it, no help has come. You, you great clerk, you master magician, you know-all; are you still asking us to hang our hopes on Aslan and King Peter and all the rest of it?”

“I must confess — I cannot deny it — that I am deeply disappointed in the result of the operation,” came the answer [from Doctor Cornelius].

“To speak plainly,” said Nikabrik,” your wallet’s empty, your eggs addled, your fish un-caught, your promises broken.” Stand aside then and let others work. And that is why — ”

“The help will come,” said Trufflehunter. “I stand by Aslan. Have patience, like us beasts. The help will come. It may even now be at the door.”

Thoughts:  This section is a good illustration of waiting upon the Lord. Caspian has blown the horn, and they have called upon Aslan for help, but Nikabrik grows impatient and wants to take matters into his own hands. There are many Biblical examples of people running ahead of the Lord, not least Abraham and Sarah who seek to build a family through Hagar rather than wait for God’s promise. Trufflehunter has it right. “Have patience … The help will come. It may even now be at the door.” Little does he know that as he speaks these words, Peter, Edmund and Trumpkin are literally just outside the door listening quietly to the whole conversation. Are you going through a difficult time? Have you called out to God? Then have patience and wait upon the Lord. Help may be nearer than you think. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter twelve?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Sunday Morning SoundBytes - 5/11/2008

Published at May 12, 2008 in Sunday Morning SoundBytes. 0 Comments

Yesterday’s message in the Life of Samuel series was called Dedicated to God. The main idea of the message was that we should dedicate our children and our lives to the Lord. Here is a brief outline of the message:

I. Balancing your responsibilities (21-23)

Hannah and Elkanah had conflicting responsibilities before the Lord. We must seek to fulfill our Biblical responsibilities in various areas without neglecting other areas. This requires balance.

II. Sacrificing what is dear. (24)

Hannah and Elkanah brought more than was required to Samuel’s dedication. They also willingly gave up their son at a young age to service to the Lord. True dedication involves sacrificing that which is dear to you. It is not an easy thing to do.

III. Following through (25-28)

It does no good to dedicate something to God unless you actually follow through with it. Hannah followed through on her vow at great cost to herself.

Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.

Countdown to Caspian - Day 11 (Aslan’s Roar)

Published at May 11, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 0 Comments

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 11: The Lion Roars

“Hush!” said the other four, for now Aslan had stopped and turned and stood facing them, looking so majestic that they felt as glad as anyone can who feels afraid, and as afraid as anyone can who feels glad …

“Oh, Aslan,” said King Peter, dropping on one knee and raising the Lion’s heavy paw to his face, “I’m so glad. And I’m so sorry. I’ve been leading them wrong ever since we started and especially yesterday morning.”

“My dear son,” said Aslan.

Then he turned and welcomed Edmund. “Well done,” were his words …

“And now!” said Aslan in a much louder voice with just a hint of a roar in it, while his tail lashed his flanks. “And now, where is this little Dwarf, this famous swordsman and archer, who doesn’t believe in lions? Come here, Son of Earth, come HERE!” and the last word was no longer the hint of a roar but almost the real thing.

“Wraiths and wreckage,” gasped Trumpkin in the ghost of a voice.

Thoughts:  “Let those who fear the LORD say: ‘His love endures forever.’” (Psalm 118:4) There is an irony in this verse. How do we fear the Lord and proclaim his love at the same time? By recognizing both his awesome power and authority as well as his mercy and grace. I like Lewis’ phrase here: “they felt as glad as anyone can who feels afraid, and as afraid as anyone can who feels glad.” The children approach Aslan humbly and reverently, confessing their wrongs. Aslan gently welcomes and forgives them. Trumpkin, on the other hand, has not believed in Aslan. He must first meet Aslan as the Lion who roars before he is ready to proclaim Aslan’s love and kindness. “Wraiths and wreckage!” (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter eleven?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Quick Takes - 5/10/2008

Published at May 10, 2008 in Quick Takes. 2 Comments

AndrĂ©e Seu shares some thoughts on writing. “Dirty little secrets of the trade: Writers don’t know where they’re going till they get there; first drafts are always pathetic; there is no such thing as an original thought.”

Rick Phillips provides a nice look at the Lord’s Prayer. “Let me encourage you to look to the Lord’s Prayer for a well-balanced, rightly prioritized prayer life. And let me encourage you to pray. What a difference it makes to our lives when we spend time with the Lord, and what a pleasure it is for Him to fellowship with our trusting hearts.” (HT: ekklesia)

Adrian Warnock shares about three women who were healed in different ways. “God does heal today. Sometimes, like for my friend, it is a mysterious process that some observers might simply put down to the body somehow curing itself … Others are healed dramatically as Maggie Parker has been. But a final group are healed through the God-given skills of the doctors. We should rejoice and thank God no matter which method he uses to heal.”

Author L. B. Graham talks about the difference between science fiction and fantasy. “Fantasy revolves mostly around stories displaced in time that use “magic” or powers like magic to do things not ordinarily possible in reality. Science fiction, however, refers more to stories displaced in space, using technology to do things not ordinarily possible in reality … As I was developing my story, I kept thinking about blending these conceptions … So, I set out to build a world with an alternative technological basis that could approximate some aspects of a more modern world, even if fantastical powers were being also wielded and fantastical creatures were roaming the land and sea.”

Mortimer Adler explains what it means to own a book. “There are three kinds of book owners. The first has all the standard sets and best sellers — unread, untouched. (This deluded individual owns woodpulp and ink, not books.) The second has a great many books — a few of them read through, most of them dipped into, but all of them as clean and shiny as the day they were bought. (This person would probably like to make books his own, but is restrained by a false respect for their physical appearance.) The third has a few books or many — every one of them dog-eared and dilapidated, shaken and loosened by continual use, marked and scribbled in from front to back. (This man owns books.)”

David Wayne (the Jolly Blogger) comments on how only extremists in the church seem to get noticed by the press. “I wish these folks would send an undercover journalist to follow the folks at one of the ordinary, run of the mill, smallish churches of America, like mine. And I wish they would follow the folks for a few days in their normal everyday lives. What they would find is that most evangelical Christendom is made up of ordinary people, living ordinary lives, doing their best and trying to please God in the midst of it. I have no doubt a reporter would probably uncover some sin and some greatness, but for the most part he wouldn’t uncover much weirdness. Then again, I guess such a story would probably be too boring to sell.”

Countdown to Caspian - Day 10 (Aslan’s Return)

Published at May 10, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 1 Comment

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 10: The Return of the Lion

She never stopped to think whether he was a friendly lion or not. She rushed to him. She felt her heart would burst if she lost a moment. And the next thing she knew was that she was kissing him and putting her arms as far around his neck as she could and burying her face in the beautiful rich silkiness of his mane.

“Aslan, Aslan. Dear Aslan,” sobbed Lucy. “At last.”

The great beast rolled over on his side so that Lucy fell, half sitting and half lying between his front paws. He bent forward and just touched her nose with his tongue. His warm breath came all around her. She gazed up into the large wise face.

“Welcome, child,” he said.

“Aslan,” said Lucy, “you’re bigger.”

“That is because you are older, little one,” answered he.

“Not because you are?”

“I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”

“You mean,” said Lucy rather faintly, “that it would have turned out all right — somehow? But how? Please, Aslan! Am I not to know?”

“To know what would have happened, child?” said Aslan. “No. Nobody is ever told that.”

“Oh dear,” said Lucy.

“But anyone can find out what will happen,” said Aslan.

Thoughts:  Our great hope as believers in Jesus Christ is to be united with our Lord when he returns (Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:2-3). Lewis captures some of the beauty of that moment in this scene where Lucy meets Aslan upon his return. The scene also gives us some helpful insight into Christian growth. Aslan seems bigger to Lucy not because he has aged but because she has. Although God never changes, we learn more of him as we grow older in our faith. Finally, Lucy learns that she made the wrong decision back at the gorge when she followed the others instead of Aslan. She asks Aslan what would have happened if she had obeyed, but Aslan will not tell her. How many times have we wanted to know what would have happened if we had made one decision rather than the other? No one can find out what would have happened, but as Aslan says, “Anyone can find out what will happen.” Don’t waste time on the might-have-beens. You can pick up right where you are now and follow Christ in obedience today. (Philippians 3:13-14) (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter ten?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Archaeology Handbook: The Key Finds

Published at May 9, 2008 in Archaeology and Books. 0 Comments

Insight Chuck Swindoll’s Insight for Living ministry presents Insight’s Archaeology Handbook: The Key Finds and Why They Matter. This 120-page handbook highlights the top ten archaeological discoveries relating to the Bible. Complete with photographs, the book covers the Temple Mount, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Merneptah Stele, the Tel Dan Inscription, the Sea of Galilee boat and more.

The book is available for a donation through the end of May. After that it will be available in their online store. You can view a video about the book here.

HT: BiblePlaces Blog

Why NDP Official Prayer Omits Jesus’ Name

Published at May 9, 2008 in Prayer. 0 Comments

Last year I noticed that the official prayer Chuck Swindoll composed as Honorary Chairperson for the National Day of Prayer left out Jesus’ name. I was surprised because the National Day of Prayer Task Force is specifically Christian in outlook. I called their office but no one was able to explain why the prayer was not offered in Jesus’ name.

This year Dr. Ravi Zacharias was Honorary Chairperson, and again the official prayer did not contain Jesus’ name. I was still curious but did not call as I hadn’t got an answer before. However, Paul Edwards had Ravi on his radio program yesterday and asked him about it. Here is what Ravi said:

When the National Day of Prayer was formed, Yvonette Bright struggled with bringing this in, and after President Reagan got it through — barely got it through in time, Evangelical leaders got together and realized that the ONE prayer that had limitations, just the one prayer of the Honorary Chairperson, would be limited because it goes into the Congressional Record; that no distinctive name could be used that would make it appear that Congress is supporting one religion over against the other, face a law suit and it would be finished.

Hurrah! After a year of waiting I finally have an answer. Now I wonder why no one could tell me that last year? :-)

Countdown to Caspian - Day 9 (Aslan’s Guidance)

Published at May 9, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 0 Comments

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 9: What Lucy Saw

“Look! Look! Look! cried Lucy.

“Where? What?” asked everyone.

“The Lion,” said Lucy. “Aslan himself. Didn’t you see?” Her face had changed completely and her eyes shone.

“Do you really mean — ” began Peter.

“Where did you think you saw him? asked Susan.

“Don’t talk like a grown-up,” said Lucy, stamping her foot. I didn’t think I saw him. I saw him.”

“Where, Lu? asked Peter.

“Right up there between those mountain ashes. No, this side of the gorge. And up, not down. Just the opposite of the way you want to go. And he wanted us to go where he was — up there.”

“How do you know that was what he wanted?” asked Edmund.

“He — I — I just know,” said Lucy, “by his face.”

The others all looked at each other in puzzled silence.

Thoughts:  The children get lost on their way to the Stone Table. They come to a precipice by a gorge and have to decide whether to go up or down. Just as they are about to go down, Lucy spots Aslan. She is convinced that Aslan wants them to go up, but the others are not so sure. How do you know when God is speaking to you? How do you know when God is speaking to someone else? You don’t always know. Using wisdom from God’s Word as your guide, sometimes the best you can do is pray about it and then make your decision in faith moving forward. Don’t worry, God will take care of you. It is more important to trust God than your ability to discern his will in a particular situation. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter nine?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Survival Tip #47 - Vacuum Cleaner Bags

Published at May 8, 2008 in Survival Tips and Mothers. 0 Comments

Survival Tip #47:

Never buy your wife vacuum cleaner bags for Mother’s Day.

C. S. Lewis Liked Mice

Published at May 8, 2008 in Narnia, Animals and Quotes. 2 Comments

Who knew? Lewis wrote the following to a child in response to a question about Reepicheep:

I love real mice. There are lots in my rooms in College but I have never set a trap. When I sit up late working they poke their heads out from behind the curtains as if they were saying, “Hi! Time for you to go to bed. We want to come out and play.” (from A Reader’s Guide to Prince Caspian, by Leland Ryken and Marjorie Lamp Mead)

No wonder Lewis portrays mice so positively in the Narnia Chronicles: Reepicheep and his warrior mice friends; the mice who freed Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; etc. So, do you like mice? (HT: Out Walking)

Click here for Countdown to Caspian posts.
Click here for more Narnia and Caspian related posts.
Click here for Narnia sermon series.

Countdown to Caspian - Day 8 (Aslan’s Call)

Published at May 8, 2008 in Narnia Countdown. 0 Comments

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 8: How They Left the Island

“Great Scott,” said Peter. “So it was the horn — your own horn, Su — that dragged us all off that seat on the platform yesterday morning! I can hardly believe it; yet it all fits in.”

“I don’t know why you shouldn’t believe it,” said Lucy, “if you believe in magic at all. Aren’t there lots of stories about magic forcing people out of one place — out of one world — into another? I mean, when a magician in The Arabian Nights calls up a Jinn, it has to come. We had to come, just like that.”

“Yes,” said Peter, “I suppose what makes it feel so queer is that in the stories it’s always someone in our world who does the calling. One doesn’t really think about where the Jinn’s coming from.”

“And now we know what it feels like for the Jinn,” said Edmund with a chuckle. “Golly! It’s a bit uncomfortable to know that we can be whistled for like that. It’s worse than what Father says about living at the mercy of the telephone.”

“But we want to be here, don’t we?” said Lucy, if Aslan wants us.”

Thoughts:  God doesn’t normally “whistle” us away from one place to another (but see Acts 8:39-40). However, he does call us to follow him, and therefore we should be willing to go anywhere at any time. It is a bit uncomfortable yielding control of your life to another. But Lucy has the right attitude. As with Lucy and Aslan, we want to be where God wants us, don’t we? (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter eight?)

Countdown to Caspian: 

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

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An Evangelical Manifesto

Published at May 7, 2008 in Current Events and Theology. 1 Comment

The document, An Evangelical Manifesto: A Declaration of Evangelical Identity and Public Commitment, was released this morning at the National Press Club.

An Evangelical Manifesto is an open declaration of who Evangelicals are and what they stand for. It has been drafted and published by a representative group of Evangelical leaders who do not claim to speak for all Evangelicals, but who invite all other Evangelicals to stand with them and help clarify what Evangelical means in light of “confusions within and the consternation without” the movement. As the Manifesto states, the signers are not out to attack or exclude anyone, but to rally and to call for reform.

As an open declaration, An Evangelical Manifesto addresses not only Evangelicals and other Christians but other American citizens and people of all other faiths in America, including those who say they have no faith. It therefore stands as an example of how different faith communities may address each other in public life, without any compromise of their own faith but with a clear commitment to the common good of the societies in which we all live together.

For those who are Evangelicals, the deepest purpose of the Manifesto is a serious call to reform—an urgent challenge to reaffirm Evangelical identity, to reform Evangelical behavior, to reposition Evangelicals in public life, and so rededicate ourselves to the high calling of being Evangelical followers of Jesus Christ.

The manifesto was charter signed by more than 70 evangelical leaders.
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If American Idol Judged Preachers

Published at May 7, 2008 in Preaching, Television and Fun. 2 Comments

   American Idol Judges - Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell

Mark Roberts has some fun imagining what it would be like if American Idol judged preachers.

Can you imagine what it might be like if the American Idol judges weighed in after your pastor’s next sermon?

Randy: Look, dude, check it out. Ya know, that really worked for me, man. That sermon was outstanding. It was da bomb!

Paula: I’m so proud of you because you’re really being yourself with us. Plus, you look great today. I just love you and can’t say anything bad about you because I never say anything bad about anybody, except Simon.

Simon: I’ve got to be honest with you, pastor. I came to hear the word of God today. But what I got was more like the baby talk of demons. You just didn’t do your homework this week. Frankly, your sermon was a nightmare! If I were you, I’d pack my bags.

I don’t think I want Simon on my board of deacons. Have you ever played “judge the preacher” during Sunday lunch after church? (Be honest now!)

How Will the Prince Caspian Movie Be Different from the Book?

Published at May 7, 2008 in Narnia. 8 Comments

One big question on the minds of all Narnia fans is how will the Prince Caspian movie be different from the book? Here are five changes that are being talked about around the web.

  1. Back story in England: In the book C. S. Lewis only spends a few paragraphs in England before sending the Pevensie children back to Narnia. The movie will spend some more time exploring the question: “What would it be like to return to England after ruling as adult kings and queens in Narnia? What would that year back in England have been like for the children?” This is a question that Lewis left largely untouched.
  2. Story sequence: In the book a dwarf tells the children about Caspian’s past as they sit around a campfire. The children don’t even meet Caspian until much later in the book. The movie will rearrange the sequence so that the story may be told in a more linear fashion. Peter Jackson faced a similar challenge in The Two Towers where the first half of the book focused on one set of characters, and the second half focused on another. What works for a book does not always work well for a movie.
  3. Caspian’s age: In the book Caspian is just a kid. In the movie he is closer to twenty. (Actor Ben Barnes who plays Caspian is actually 27.) This change was necessary in order to use the same actor for Caspian in the next movie. Remember, time works differently in Narnia, and Caspian is a grown man by the time we get to Dawn Treader.
  4. Return of the White Witch: In previews for the movie, the White Witch is shown in a block of ice. In the book she does not appear at all, although her return is contemplated by Nikabrik and his co-horts. As the Hag says in chapter twelve: “Who ever heard of a witch that really died? You can always get them back.”
  5. Romantic interest: There has been speculation as to whether there will be a romantic interest (perhaps even a kiss?) between Susan and Caspian in the movie. This would be very different, but then again in the book Susan could hardly have fallen in love with a young boy. Now that Caspian’s age has been changed for the story in anticipation of Dawn Treader, perhaps the directors asked themselves the question: “How would Susan react to a dashing young prince who was just a few years older than her? Might she fall in love?” Of course it could not be a lasting romance because of certain plot elements in Dawn Treader, but it will be interesting to see where the directors take this in the movie.

So, what do you think? Can you live with any or all of these changes in the movie? Have you heard about any other possible changes?

Related post:  Prince Caspian - Adapting the Book into the Movie

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