Thursday, September 24, 2009

Readings

Hosea 11

(7) And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

(8) How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

(9) I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

In three verses we have both man's complete depravity and God's innumerable mercy. Truly, the whole book of Hosea is about God's people turning their back on Him and worshipping idols. They seek fulfillment in the world, and have forgotten their Maker. God tells His people through Hosea that judgment is coming. But, ah, look at verses 8 and 9! Admah and Zeboim were cities that were destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah. God says he will not execute the fierceness of His anger. He will not destroy his people, as with Admah, Zeboim, Sodom, and Gomorrah. And why? Because He is God, and not man. What a truly marvellous thought in seven words.

Monday, September 14, 2009

I Dreamed A Dream

Initially, I was in a car with my cop partner. Suddenly, we were chasing a car through downtown Birmingham, following it until it stopped at a small hole-in-the-wall diner. I was the only one who had gone unnoticed, so the task fell to me to go in and make the arrest. I walked into the diner, and moments later, the crooks were in custody.

Suddenly, I was hiking a long, long journey. I did not know my destination. Only that the journey was to be long. My companions and I made a small camp fire and had a meager dinner. The next night we found ourselves camping in a Wal-Mart. I searched for the perfect spot to watch the Alabama football game. Instead of watching it on the big screen tvs, I had to resort to watching it on a smaller screen. And the cost of a coke was ridiculous - $4.75.

Then I awoke.

And this is what I really did over the last couple of days:

Thursday night I watched Police Women of Broward County on tv.
Saturday I went to Walmart to pick up a few items, and watched football games at home later that day.
And, at various points throughout the weekend and over the last week I have been reading The Fellowship of the Ring - they just started their journey South.


Coincidence? No, afraid not. It happens quite often. My reality often gets mixed with my dreams. Confusing at times? Sometimes.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

My Life According to Alison Krauss & Union Station

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, answer these questions.

Pick your Artist: Alison Krauss & Union Station

Are you a male or female: Molly Ban

Describe yourself: The Lucky One

How do you feel: Restless

Describe where you currently live: Bright Sunny South

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Faraway Land

Your favorite form of transportation: Choctaw Hayride

Your best friend is: Crazy As Me

You and your best friends are: Missing You

What's the weather like: Rain Please Go Away

Favorite time of day: Teardrops Will Kiss the Morning Dew

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Crazy Faith

What is life to you: A Living Prayer

Your last/current relationship: You're Just A Country Boy

Your fear: Every Time You Say Goodbye

What is the best advice you have to give: Forget About It

Thought for the Day: How's the World Treating You

How I would like to die: My Poor Old Heart

My soul's present condition: Happiness

Most Faithful Companion: But You Know I Love You

My motto: Wouldn't Be So Sad