tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31464570209228226092024-03-05T10:46:59.707-08:00His WorkmanshipBob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-46818513652011626272015-03-28T11:37:00.001-07:002015-10-06T12:10:51.784-07:00Together<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Together<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For we are His workmanship (</i>poiema<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">) </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Ephesians 2:10).<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The squeaks in our kitchen floor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">call back all of that rain and our prodigal contractor.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We came here each evening to sweep away the water<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">those twenty-eight years ago.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, our children grown and gone,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">our backs and knees recall those years,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and each is precious for its pain and trouble.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They’ve been quilted together, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">each a few words stitched into His poem,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">for we are His workmanship.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are right, of course—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do keep too much old stuff around.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want that worn-out, “spare” lawnmower<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">to belch its smoke when I turn the key.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It should, by now, be rusting in the front yard <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">of the lawnmower man on Highway 13<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">or crushed into a compact block<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">in the scrap yard off the Bucsville exit.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want that Merry Tiller my daddy used </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">to rid your garden of weeds again this spring<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and the paper clip to hold its throttle in place.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to be the hand of redemption for these old scraps<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">as you have been for me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It took patient conversations by the fireplace<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">stitches on Saturday mornings,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the words you put into my lunch bag each day,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the times you asked if I liked your new recipe,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the times we prayed together and overcame<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">to hold our pieces together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For we are His workmanship,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His fan-pattern quilt,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His poem<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the broken stuff He
has made beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He has sewn those pieces together just right<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">using your hands.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>For Sara</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>March 2015<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-45962901855843036752015-03-28T10:37:00.000-07:002015-03-28T10:46:02.083-07:00Finley Address 2015<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I have neglected this blog for several months because, as I'm sure it has been for most of us, life has been so busy. I also felt that I had so much to say that I did not know where to begin. I believe I may have found a good starting point here. I have posted below my Finley address because some have asked for it. I am overwhelmed not only that I was selected, but also that God would have used the words He gave me. Please pray that I will be a faithful steward of whatever attention this brings and direct any honor to Jesus, where it truly belongs.</em></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could, right now, very easily compose a long
list of faculty and staff members at Hoover High School who are deserving of
this award—there are so many caring and dedicated and skilled people there! And
so, I was genuinely flabbergasted in the assembly last month when the award was
announced, and everything just sort of went into slow motion for a while, and I
could not really believe it was all happening, that he had actually said my
name. But now that I <u>have</u> gotten my mind around it, my main impulse is just
to say, “Thank you!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>First of all</u>, I need to thank my
family, and especially my wife, Sara. Sara, the longer I live the more I
recognize what a gift you are—without you I am not complete. Robert and Elise,
thank you for helping me learn what is really important in life. You know I
love to read, but you have taught me far more than books. I have often been a
slow learner. I appreciate who you are, and I love you. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Next</u>, I need to thank this
community. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to touch the lives of some
of your young people, and thank you for not only sponsoring here excellence in academics,
the arts and athletics, but also for caring about character. I’m thankful that
character was woven into the culture of this school system early on by such people
as Coach Bob Finley. I can tell you how much it has meant to the students I
have nominated for Finley awards through the years to receive that letter from
our principal telling them someone has noticed them and appreciated. I want to say
to these students who are here tonight receiving awards that we teachers
appreciate you, and we depend on you. Thank you, and congratulations! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now <u>finally</u>, and most
importantly, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I must tell you
that, if there is any good in my life, it came out of those times when I was following
Him. I don’t consider that I “have my act together.” I’m just trying to follow
Him. He has even given me the desire, strength and wisdom to follow, when I have
allowed Him to. So, any honor is really His.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I suppose that, over the years this banquet
has been held, many who have spoken have set out to define the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">character</i>. I wish I had the benefit of all
those ideas. Lacking that, I will offer a definition I am sure many are
familiar with, and here it is: character is who we are when we think no one
else is looking or that no one knows our true identity (as, for example, when
we are on the Internet or when we are in traffic). In those moments we are,
simply, what we really believe, and what we really believe about the way things
are will come out in our thoughts and actions. So, over the next minute or two,
may I give you three of my core convictions or beliefs that I believe have a
direct bearing on character? And let me say at the outset that I have not, in
any sense, mastered these. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Core Conviction #1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe people, all people, are important. I
believe we are going to be truly surprised someday because many who are now last
will be first, and many who are first will be last. If all people are
important, then I should make time for those whom God brings into my life and
get connected with them at their points of need. Now, points of need are always
right under a teacher’s nose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But let me
give you another great example of what I’m talking about here: My friend Jack
Lavallet has a very demanding job, no less than five children (whom he and his
wife Teri have adopted or fostered), and heavy responsibilities outside of
work, for example, at church. Jack is confined to a wheel chair and has limited
use of his hands, but he gets it all done, and he is never in too much of a
hurry to find out how things are going in the lives of those he encounters—he then
remembers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what you tell him and will ask
you about it the next time he sees you. He believes people are important.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Core Conviction #2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe words are important, and powerful. (You
know, I just love to say that as an English teacher!) This can work both ways,
though—words can do great harm or great good. Words can wound for life or
discourage to the point of despair; they can start wars, dissolve marriages or
relationships, get you expelled from college, get you fired, destroy a life-time’s
work or land you in a prison cell. They can embarrass or shame the speaker (or
texter or tweeter, as the case may be) for a lifetime. Often when a word leaves
our lips (or key pad), it is gone forever. Irretrievable. Out there in the
public domain. Think about this for a minute: anything you say can end up on
YouTube in less than a minute. I believe someday we will give an account for every
word. I have in my classes what I call the “room-full test.” I let students
bring in their favorite songs to analyze, and I tell them it must pass the
“room-full” test. This means they are to imagine everyone whose opinion they
care about, including their grandmothers, youth pastors and future employers,
lined up around the walls of the room listening in. The question then becomes,
“would you be comfortable sharing your song?” That seldom fails to answer
questions about propriety. So, the wrong words may cause harm. *****<u>On the
other hand</u>, words can heal, reconcile, restore, encourage, and here’s a
great word: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">edify</i>. We must <u>choose</u>
how we will use our words. I believe that there is some fundamental aspect of
God’s very nature and of ours that requires, and inherently values, words of
the proper kind and source. I think words are important, that they shape the
human soul, and that we should be selective about the words we immerse
ourselves in. A person of character would be careful and kind with the words he
(or she) uses because words have great power for good or for evil.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Core Conviction #3: Finally, I believe that
work is sacred. Again, this, to my understanding at least, goes back to our
being created in God’s image. God works, He creates, and then man is His
masterpiece. (Incidentally, in the Greek, the word for masterpiece is similar
to our word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">poem</i>; so, that makes us
God’s poem, his workmanship.) God then sets man in motion to manage His
creation, to work, in other words. So, I believe that work can become an act of
worship when it is done as unto God with all care and concern and joy and
skill. I must care deeply, therefore, about the quality of the work I do. I
have been fortunate to have worked around those who continuously strive to
improve their craft and skill in teaching, and that has inspired me, especially
as it concerns the application of technology. Now some may say, “Well, OK, I
get the point about work, but I don’t really work yet, for I am merely a
student.” To you I would say that your biology class can become the most
spiritual activity you do all week. So could taking out the garbage and, well,
you get the idea. Your greatest challenge in this area, at least from my
perspective in the classroom, seems to lie in your being able to set boundaries
for, and finding a proper balance in, your use of technology. That’s ironic
because technology can also be one of your greatest advantages. I believe work
may actually become a sacrament or an act of worship and communion with God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So,
then, I believe people are important, words are powerful and work is sacred. Sometimes
the most obvious truths become the most obscure or the most overlooked. I think
of these beliefs more as ideals than as rules. I haven’t mastered these. They
are goals, guiding precepts, points of clarification. Because life and
character, for me, are not about rule-keeping; they are about following a
living Saviour.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I appreciate the opportunity I have had to
share these thoughts with you this evening. Thank you for your kind attention,
and God bless. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-75850254271060196532014-05-18T05:41:00.000-07:002014-05-22T05:50:30.883-07:00What is the proper goal of my ministry to others?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
</span></span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
</o:p></span></span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If the biblical goal for every man is
to be a <u>disciple-maker</u>, then every man must be ministering to others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What is the proper goal of a man’s ministry
to others?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not attendance in an activity—but I
can seek to increase it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not solving everyone’s problems—but
sharing them is part of normal Christian community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Proper goal is that people I minister
to are growing in their personal relationships with Christ (something I cannot
(and should not try to) directly control; although, I can first model it, then encourage
it and seek to facilitate it, and mostly pray for it)</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What, then, are the parameters I
would use to identify such growth?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joy and discipline in personal time in Word and prayer (Ps 119:97, II
Tim 3:16-17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Time
in Word should be producing both knowledge and insight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Awareness of His presence and conversation with Him (I Thess 5:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Becoming Christ-like in relationships (John 13-34-35)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Developing a servant heart (Mark 10:45, Phil 2:7, Mark 9:35)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Control of the flesh through the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Identifying and dealing with idols (Ex 20:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Time and money<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Indicators:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Source of refreshment/ recharging<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Thoughts/ fantasies/
“dreams”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sharing faith with unbelievers and encouraging Christians (Matt 4:19,
Heb 10: 24-25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Committed to a local church—using gifts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Eph 2:21-22, Heb 10:24-25))<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stepping out as leaders/ initiators<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A faithful man (II Tim 2: 2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Led by Spirit (Rom 8:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of proven character (Rom 5: 3-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Loving <u>in deed</u> and truth (I John
3:18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br /></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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</b><br />
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</div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-79819452542804550542014-05-07T16:52:00.000-07:002014-05-18T18:22:33.784-07:00Mountain Aire<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mountain
fiddle,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">whammydiddle.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">let cove
ring and high bald tremble.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Front-porch
Celtic cousins stare, mingle, whittle,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">te-dum-rinktum-hi-me-yo.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Through gap
and holler, foller<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">dulcimer
tones,<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">bagpipe
drones.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">banjo
rankle, plunk, canter.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Flowers
sing,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the highland
fling.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Moss-covered
ridge rock turning<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in the
rhythm.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oV_UJ_pgKpXP6PNdYNtQtjw4d7clSr5Udp7PMjyH91KueyAkNvyDXrk_M9Qb7IrpR99fpTkhN9mKIn7kJyNQ01fdLZAnIE5T53jtm4Rbm892XXb2KuTEDI-_xtuNGx2PckKjEaOc48Y/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oV_UJ_pgKpXP6PNdYNtQtjw4d7clSr5Udp7PMjyH91KueyAkNvyDXrk_M9Qb7IrpR99fpTkhN9mKIn7kJyNQ01fdLZAnIE5T53jtm4Rbm892XXb2KuTEDI-_xtuNGx2PckKjEaOc48Y/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cabin at Tannehill State Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Watercolor by Bob Cofield)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiujhAUVf08p3M5aXiCA9j7I7isGwTYoVHekasNB2hzhQmF02OyPARv-jLbfFSF4mxasLqpuGFfRXPDjLwaJ3Zyw1jt0AoeGJTv5DThVWoN2KFx0TN5PnKXLldcIoDHt58XYcEceQ_8_w/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiujhAUVf08p3M5aXiCA9j7I7isGwTYoVHekasNB2hzhQmF02OyPARv-jLbfFSF4mxasLqpuGFfRXPDjLwaJ3Zyw1jt0AoeGJTv5DThVWoN2KFx0TN5PnKXLldcIoDHt58XYcEceQ_8_w/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cosby, TN</span></o:p></span></span><br />
(Photograph by Bob Cofield)Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-56693808950260817392014-04-27T03:43:00.000-07:002014-04-27T03:47:18.779-07:00That the Writings of the Prophets May Be Fulfilled<br />
<br />
From my personal devotional this morning (Matthew 26 from Moody's <em>Today in the Word</em> series), I was struck by how Jesus deliberately chose to endure the betrayal and suffering of the cross. In the midst of it, he would occasionally comment "this must be done to fulfill the writings of the prophets." What truly struck me was that he cares very much that the words of the prophets be fulfilled---and this will apply to His Second Coming, as well. Let the world call me a fool, but I believe this. I know Him and trust His words enough to know that He will do exactly what He says He will do.Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-5370291248540792592014-04-13T10:46:00.001-07:002014-04-13T11:01:03.737-07:00<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Tongue (As it is Addressed in
the Book of Proverbs)”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small Group Lesson <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>March 23, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Outline of this lesson is from Lifeway's <em>Explore the Bible </em>Series. Questions are my own.) </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -4.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Introduction</u>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s own
words are able to perform great tasks. He spoke the universe into existence.
When He speaks, legions of angels are able to spring into action to carry out
His every command. His words never “return void, but will always accomplish the
purpose for which [He sends] them out” (Isaiah 55: 11). His words bring eternal
life, wisdom, healing, comfort, reproof and correction to us, but also judgment
to the wicked and unbelievers. Jesus is, Himself, “the [very] Word made flesh.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need His words continually to
maintain our spiritual lives:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…man
shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth
of God” (Deuteronomy 8: 3). Also, the Word of God is "living and active...discerning the thoughts and intents of [our] hearts" Hebrews 4: 12). Psalm 119 is entirely about the necessity of the Word to our spiritual lives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because we are
created in His image, our words, also, are vitally important and powerful,
either for good or for evil. We can destroy another person’s self-image, hope
or happiness with our words. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can
deceive, mislead or cause another person to lose faith. On the other hand, we
can encourage, build-up or counsel another person for good. With our words we
can become followers of Christ or invoke God’s aid or guidance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few words can begin a war or conflict or
bring about peace, unite two people in matrimony or dissolve a marriage, make a
life-long enemy or begin a life-long friendship, seal a business deal or cause
a lawsuit or criminal proceeding, cause a multitude to panic or restore peace,
destroy or tear down another person’s public reputation and start a vicious
rumor or rescue a person from slander. In short, our words are NEVER without
consequence, and <u>God holds us directly accountable for our words:</u> “By
your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned
[judged] (Matthew 12:37). Judging from the volume and content of scripture
devoted to this topic, our words are a really big deal to God. He even tells us
that our religion is worthless if we (habitually) fail to control our tongues. “This
is especially true when we are under stress” (Kent Hughes, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Disciplines of a Godly Man</i>, 142). One reason this is reasonable on
God’s part is that our words reveal what is in our hearts, and God looks upon
our hearts to judge us (Matthew 12:33-34). Psalm 15: 1—2 also connects our
hearts with our words.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Recognize the Power of Words</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Proverbs 18: 19—21; also, read James 1:26,
3:1—12 and 4:11)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Illustration of the Boxer Rebellion in China.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Just be thinking about these questions for the time being. We will
return to them in a moment.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think of a time when you were wounded, deceived or discouraged by
someone’s words.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think of a time when you were encouraged, comforted or given needed
direction by someone’s words.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which of your own words have you come to regret? When have your own
words accomplished great good?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Think Before You Speak
(or Write/ Tweet) </u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Proverbs 17:27—28
21:23; also Ephesians 4:29, I Peter 3: 8—9, Colossians<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4:6, Psalm 141: 3)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How might this admonition be
especially important in a digital age?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the standard set by
Ephesians 4: 29 for thinking before speaking?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How might the Holy Spirit be
involved in this?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">III.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Guard Against Gossip</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Proverbs 11:13; 26:20—24)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the definition of
gossip? What is the distinction between gossip and “sharing concerns about
other people”?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How should we react when
someone approaches us with gossip?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. How might it be possible to spread gossip using non-verbal forms of
communication, such as innuendo?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What negative effects does
gossip have upon the purveyors, the victims, non-believers and the body of
Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we shut it down?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Guard Against Falsehood</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Proverbs 10:18—19; 12:17—19)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is slander falsehood?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is duplicity?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is integrity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are some common provocations for
compromising our integrity with our words?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might insincere flattery be
lying?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">V.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Use Words to Help and to
Heal (and be Open to Correction)</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Proverbs 25: 11-13, 31: 8—9)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When does Biblical admonishment
become contention?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Romans 15: 13—16)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -13.5pt 10pt 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When is it sin NOT to speak
up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is the concept of “Social
Justice” misused in today’s Christian culture?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>False means of salvation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Social justice vs. egalitarianism and “when
helping hurts”; the “radical” fallacy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might healing involve
wounding?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Proverbs 27: 6; James 5:
19—20)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ask God to cauterize our lips<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Isaiah 6: 1—8)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Conclusion</u>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maintain on-going prayerfulness<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>(From Kent
Hughes)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>(3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resolve to discipline ourselves<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-60809314910848082122014-03-30T19:39:00.000-07:002014-03-30T19:43:46.076-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Pied Beauty”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In his poem “Pied Beauty,” Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote in
1918, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Glory be to God for dappled things—<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> …<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> All things counter, original, spare, strange;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> …<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Praise him.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this poem
Hopkins seems to have identified and beautifully expressed one of those
attributes of our God that I most naturally worship Him for, namely, His
infinite imagination and creative genius. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wondrous</i>
is the word that comes most readily to my mind. This weekend I saw a fish at
the Dolphin Island Aquarium that was stunningly imaginative, counter, original,
spare and strange: a lion fish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the way
home along the Interstate, tree buds tinted their branches green against a grey
clouded sky. The Carolina Jasmine accented with yellow and the Redbuds with purple-red.
Unidentified rust-reds (young maple?) and whites (plums?) counterpointed. Oh,
He fathered-forth whose beauty is past change. Praise Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGKchoJBDiYq82aTY_ZzAeWQSy0Ms6psvDsyTE4acE5J5KWwohMCqgCk4H-tujRY0pNjvjDI_32EdB10jm4K6HMTTu1RdE6tguX7IgfpU4K9anaT4ctskYSGYXFn_FEXaxweJUutnr9U/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGKchoJBDiYq82aTY_ZzAeWQSy0Ms6psvDsyTE4acE5J5KWwohMCqgCk4H-tujRY0pNjvjDI_32EdB10jm4K6HMTTu1RdE6tguX7IgfpU4K9anaT4ctskYSGYXFn_FEXaxweJUutnr9U/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-40530787788746085692013-12-21T06:27:00.001-08:002013-12-21T15:38:11.091-08:00The Conception of Evil in the Play Macbeth<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The following inferences may be made from the play concerning the nature of evil:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exists absolutely, independently of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>human perception, recognition, or
acknowledgment.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is personal, spiritual and hierarchical</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeks human agency for expression, but must
have human choice to gain human agency</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Operates through lies and deception,
ultimately deceiving and betraying the human agent</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leads to destruction, defilement, and remorse</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is limited by a greater good and by human
choice</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is able to control nature on limited scale</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is able to affect interpersonal attraction
and damage</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is unable to create anything; although, it
imitates creation by perverting what has already been created</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respects nothing but self or coercive power
and control—ultimately, only self prevails (the author of evil itself)—selfish,
autocratic, narcissistic </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An evil act by an individual can produce evil
consequences for innocent others—especially those under the authority of the
actor (for example, a king)</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evil tends towards excess, is over-indulgent—mostly
to the detriment of the agent—accelerates and intensifies beyond rational/
beneficial boundaries</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unable to give without some form of personal
return or benefit</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Functions most effectively in covert
(darkness)</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Associated with pain, despair, unfulfillment,
anger and death</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Antithetical to light, goodness, purity,
kindness, godliness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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</div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-76484111310373883872013-12-05T09:43:00.003-08:002013-12-05T09:52:06.738-08:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Manifesto of the Worldwide
Myopic Movement <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Crossing Bridges When
We Get There”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, therefore</span></b>, without
the slightest pause, we will presume to speak for the entire worldwide Myopic
Community in establishing this as our common Manifesto and Creed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Manifesto:</span></b> It is our full
intention at this moment to live the rest of our lives entirely for the moment,
while defending Myopia as a legitimate and respectable lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simply stated, Myopia is a celebration of action in advance
of thought. As everyone knows, serious reflection can, at times, become
troubling and inhibiting. The Myopic impulse, on the other hand, bubbles up
from the divine inner child inside each of us. Every impulse is equally
legitimate, as long as it is sanctioned by the herd. Anyone can merely look at
the herd out there today and recognize that they are all surely on to
something. The challenge for each individual, therefore, lies in shoving one's
way out to the front and staying there. There is an Elite Group at the head of
the herd that lives in a state of perfect self-actualization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know this on the authority of television,
itself. Those who lag behind may never share the lofty camaraderie of the
current Elite leaders of the herd. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Creed</span></b> is simple: If
you encounter a laggard, run over him. There may be some place for traditional
civility, but it is always in the clubhouse after the game has been won and the
bets paid. While in the frenzied heat of imitation, never take your eyes off
the butts of the Elite. Try to stay right behind them, and slam on brakes
whenever they do. There is shame only in inaction and indecisiveness. Disdain
moralizing in any form, except that which champions competitive drive and self-confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any action can be justified before the herd
if it is argued with enough force and self-assurance, the true spirit of the
herd. Keep your friends freshly culled. Associate only with those who confirm
your beliefs or with those whose conflicting ideas you may easily overwhelm through
bluster or intimidation. Never let up; faster is always better. More is always
good. Be there. Do that. Seek driving excitement. Seize every moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The current ground-swell of myopic enthusiasm is drawing
increasing numbers each year. All who feel oppressed under the brutal strictures
of common sense should join today before thinking better of it. Local
representatives are easily identifiable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-86310719501362824542013-11-17T02:06:00.000-08:002013-11-28T19:20:46.839-08:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Laughing Lesson<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What were we to do?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The frantic flock would only grow next day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and we had barely stretched</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">their few bitter crusts among the fire huddlings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They were surely held with a holier hunger.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who, then, but Simon to remonstrate, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No manna has fallen here <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">but these piles of donkey chips </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">we see scattered round about.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shall we compose a blessing now for these?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas clearly took offense.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andrew caught his laughter<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">before it burst again through his nose.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Only then did we remember the Master,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and our sheepish eyes crept to find His face.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No scorn listed there, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">but with a sigh,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He closed his eyes and shook His head from side to side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, repeating Simon’s name,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">as Simon lived
to hear Him call it, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt -9pt; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Master laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With His head drawn back and His eyes still
closed,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">as when He held that limp little girl and prayed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">His face lifted toward heaven<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and tears glistening in His beard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed, knowing, as He always did, the
outcome.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If a son asks for a fish, will the
father give him a snake?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Master laughed with us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">His tough, darkened olive arms <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">crossed over His naked chest,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and when, at last, His glinting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reflection of shikinah joy<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">fell down again upon us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the low lake sun danced from His eyes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">into our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He filled us. We heard<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>laughter in the praise of heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-14177473859656631222013-08-24T03:03:00.001-07:002013-08-24T18:16:39.338-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “Dazzle Factor”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the wake of a several-years’ trend in declining
attendance, we were sitting in a Sunday school teachers’ meeting last week,
discussing in small groups why we thought people actually came to our Sunday
school classes as first-time visitors. I heard myself say, “the Dazzle Factor.”
This, of course, drew raised eyebrows. I realized that I had in mind the search
I see many making for the next new thing, being driven by a wanderlust, a willingness
to try the suggestion made by our church’s leadership that the Sunday
school classes offer community and connection. Once the newness of the visit experience
wears off, however, they are looking at a call for commitment and an invitation
to go to work on “getting into the Word.” The Word carries its own reward and
engagement, but it also requires skillful and artful handling on the front end,
from those who teach it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then there came in the mail this week a beautiful program
brochure/ chapbook from Beeson Divinity School for its Fall Community Worship
Program, entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tell It Slant</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, at first, thought I had misread the title.
Why would anyone want to intentionally distort the scriptures (Revelation 22:18—19)?
Closer inspection revealed that the title is an allusion to an Emily Dickenson
poem:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tell all the
Truth but tell it slant—</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Success in
Circuit lies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Too bright
for our infirm delight</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Truth’s
superb surprise</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
lightening to the Children eased</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With
explanation kind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Truth
must dazzle gradually</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Or every man
be blind—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The program the seminary is offering is an examination of
the parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus was masterfully “telling in
Circuit” the Truth in His parables. It is, indeed, the Truth, itself, which
ultimately “dazzles” to everyone’s satisfaction, not the packaging and handling
thereof. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we as teachers must
redirect the seekers’ focus away from ourselves and toward the Truth. We are
only able to do that, however, by skillful packaging. Jesus, Himself, is our
example.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-86874240873652413272013-07-27T11:44:00.000-07:002013-07-27T11:44:23.658-07:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Out, Out Brief Candle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A Review of John Green’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Fault
in Our Stars</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have found it best to write responses to books immediately
upon finishing them, while recollections and impressions are fresh. I am, alas,
unable to do that with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Fault in Our Stars</i>
by John Green because this blog did not exist when I completed reading the
book. This book was selected by our students last year as one of four they
could choose from for our summer reading assignment. It has been immensely
successful as a best-seller, and it has garnered much critical acclaim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must say at the outset, I did not enjoy
reading this book. I did, however, benefit from reading it because it allowed
me to vicariously enter the physical, emotional and spiritual suffering of
young cancer victims. (I only wish that sixteen-year-olds actually spoke as
these do.) I am deeply concerned, however, with the book’s underlying
nihilistic despair, or at best, its agnostic or even atheistic existential
angst*(however hip and snarky it may be in presentation). The dust jacket
boasts that this book is “irreverent” and “raw,” and it certainly lives up to
that. On the positive side, however, the book does invite (indeed, it demands)
readers to construct (or to access) their own belief systems regarding the
significance of the individual, the meaning and purpose of suffering, and death
and the afterlife. It is far less “insightful” in enabling readers to
accomplish this, and may even be said to imply that such a task is, ultimately,
impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hazel is frustrated
with the author of her favorite book (which has become a sacred text of
nihilism for her) because he ends the book in mid-sentence to illustrate the
death of its lead character from cancer (a postmodern trope as it applies to
what happens with Hazel, herself, in this narrative). Augustus complains that
this violates an unwritten contract between author and reader. Green,
effectively, does the same thing with his book: after leading us on a fruitless
quest for the meaning of life (a disappointing trip to Holland to visit the
author and seek answers to what becomes of the characters in Hazel’s book), he
leaves us with Hazel reading a previously unseen communication from Augustus,
following Augustus’s funeral. The only hint that anything may have changed is
the author’s switch to the present tense in Hazel’s final comments (Green makes
much of this in his interview, cited below). This is strongly reminiscent of
Matthew Arnold’s poem “Dover Beach,” in which, after bemoaning the loss of
religious faith, he is left with only the consolation of a flesh-and-blood (unnamed
in the poem) romantic partner (thought to be his wife). Hazel and Augustus may
be said to have had some sort of epiphany in their relationship, which
certainly did add meaning and purpose to their brief lives, despite the
continuance of their suffering (Augustus has an unexpected relapse of his
cancer after the romance begins). The broader question, however, remains: is
this all there is? At one point, the two observe young children playing inside
of a large skeleton sculpture in a park. As Augustus observes, “the symbolic
resonances are endless.” Is this, then, the ultimate message—life is a brief
game in a grim setting, with no ultimate meaning? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
fascinating and highly informative (if<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>lengthy) interview with the author may be found at the following address:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/questions-about-the-fault-in-our-stars-spoilers/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://johngreenbooks.com/questions-about-the-fault-in-our-stars-spoilers/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus
entered into human suffering in a personal way. He did not eliminate suffering,
but he overcame it and made a way for it to become redemptive. In John 16:33,
he said “<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I</span>n <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">world</span> you <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">have</span>
tribulation, but take courage; <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">have</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">overcome</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">world</span>.” Some excellent books have been
written recently to address what philosophers call “The Problem of Evil,” (a
systematic response to this problem is called a “theodicy,” and several such
well-known defenses have arisen over the years) and one of the best is by Randy
Alcorn (an excellent author, in his own right), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If God is Good, Why do We Hurt? </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(available used on Amazon for as low as
$7.00):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-God-Is-Good-10-Pack/dp/1601423411/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1374947640&sr=8-8&keywords=randy+alcorn"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/If-God-Is-Good-10-Pack/dp/1601423411/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1374947640&sr=8-8&keywords=randy+alcorn</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And, of
course the ultimate solution to The Problem of Evil is found in the afterlife
He made possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">___________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Note: These terms are defined on my website</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://hooverhigh.al.hch.schoolinsites.com/?PageName=TeacherPage&Page=16&StaffID=177873&iSection=Teachers&CorrespondingID=177873">http://hooverhigh.al.hch.schoolinsites.com/?PageName=TeacherPage&Page=16&StaffID=177873&iSection=Teachers&CorrespondingID=177873</a></span></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-25041413893101924152013-07-27T07:16:00.002-07:002013-07-27T07:16:39.261-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">HeartWorks 2.0<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That
changing and arranging much a part<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">of
keeping my computer on its task,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">may
illustrate the process of my heart<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">an
engine of a nobler purpose, fast.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For
though its ownership’s not here at stake<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">and
though its purpose I should never change,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">wiser
applications will be made,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">and
errors in the program are contained.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ll
give no obsolescence cause to stall<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">the
selfless interaction that I owe<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">to
those into whose presence I am called<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">and
those into whose networks I must grow.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This
I’ve learned from staring at my screen:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">within
the perfect heart, change is often seen.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-88598585199337205652013-07-27T02:14:00.000-07:002013-07-29T03:36:51.533-07:00<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Tolerance”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Proposition:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tolerance is recognizing, understanding and respecting
the ideas and beliefs of others WITHOUT SHARING THEM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolerance is not an obligation to agree with
everyone. A tolerant person is not required to abandon his or her own personal
moral code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tolerant person may
believe that certain actions, attitudes and beliefs are absolutely wrong or
even immoral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any person who agrees with
everything is absolutely wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
who do not allow other people to believe that certain actions or attitudes are
immoral are, themselves, intolerant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
may, therefore, respectfully criticize the actions or attitudes of others and
still be tolerant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must always
respect and care about the feelings of others, because human beings are,
most times, unable to directly alter their feelings, even when those human beings
acknowledge that their feelings are based upon erroneous facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may, therefore, decide that a person is
absolutely wrong and still not condemn that person for his or her feelings
about the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Question: </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you agree with
this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, would you be tolerant of
someone who held this view?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-79981234325122661122013-07-27T02:04:00.001-07:002013-07-27T02:04:14.457-07:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My purpose in establishing this blog is four-fold:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. To enter public discourse on topics I care deeply about,
such as culture, politics and social policy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To develop my
skill as a writer, and to model that development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To respond to the
literature I am reading, and in responding, to better understand and appreciate
that literature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In doing all of
the above, to leverage the wonderful new power of electronic media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This blog contains my personal opinions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I am an evangelical Christian, my
opinions are informed by my personal worldview as a Christian. This occurs in every
area of my social, professional and intellectual life. Because I am a public
school teacher, however, there are ethical and legal boundaries regarding my
expression in the classroom of ideas that are specifically religious in nature.
This does not mean, however, that I may not comment upon a matter from a
Christian perspective, as long I do not seek to compel, or to coerce in any
way, my students to adopt my own perspective. This I would never want to do,
anyway. On occasion, I may also comment upon something we are discussing from a
Biblical perspective without making specific reference to the Bible. It is my
intention to honor the personal belief system of each of my students. In fact,
I encourage each student to develop his or her own beliefs, drawing from the
faith system of his or her own personal choice and also from the literature we
will cover in this class. As it happens, the literature we cover in Senior
English is, in most instances, expressly Christian (at least until the Romantic
and Modern Periods). For example, we will objectively identify elements of
Christian and Pagan thought in the first works of literature we examine from
the Anglo-Saxon Period. Also, the literature of all periods is replete with
allusions to the Bible. The literature of the Middle Ages (such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Canterbury
Tales</i>) is understandable only if one has a familiarity with the practices
of the Roman Catholic Church (and the history of the church in European affairs
and the Crusades). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, religion will be
discussed in class, simply because it was extremely important to the people who
were producing and reading the literature we will be reading. The point I am
making about this blog, however, is this: in this blog, I take the liberty of
expressing my personal beliefs beyond the boundaries of what would be
appropriate for the classroom. I will never hold you, as a student, responsible
for any of the content from this blog. You are however welcomed to visit this
blog and to comment on any matter expressed herein. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will always honor your opinion, while I may
disagree with it, or I may offer suggestions regarding how you express your
opinion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am specifically interested in
helping you learn to express your opinion in a skillful and artful manner,
whether I agree with it or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some helpful links for guidelines in understanding
your religious rights in a public school:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/1999/08/02/associations-right-in-schools"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/1999/08/02/associations-right-in-schools</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.freedomforum.org/publications/first/teachersguide/teachersguide.pdf"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.freedomforum.org/publications/first/teachersguide/teachersguide.pdf</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146457020922822609.post-18844025685559553702013-07-26T17:34:00.000-07:002013-07-26T17:34:13.481-07:00The title of this blog is taken from Ephesians 2:10, which reads, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." The word <em>workmanship</em> in Greek is <em>poiema</em>, from which we get our word <em>poem</em>. The idea is that we are each created as a special work of God's art, and we, in turn, are expected to produce our own works of art at His direction. I like to also remember another passage found in Colossians 3: 23-24, which says that God can be honored in even the most mundane tasks we do, if we do them as unto Him. We are, each of us, artists and works of art.Bob Cofieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18399504420253498248noreply@blogger.com0