I just got back

I just got back to listening to Podcasts.  I had to leave them for a season, but the desire has returned.  I listen to two podcasts, or was listening to two podcasts, pretty regularly.  One being Covenant Life Church, the other is John Piper's Desiring God Sermon Broadcasts.  These are great sermons with astounding teaching that have helped me and have taught me and I would encourage anyone to subscribe to either of these.

Today, as I was driving to my class I listened to an astounding message from John Piper entitled, "What is the recession for?"  This was such an astounding message that I'm going to include the link here:  http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2009/3566_What_Is_the_Recession_For

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Such a good message on how we as the church should view these "tough economic times".  If you would rather listen to it, though, just go to itunes and type in Desiring God.  Again, justa  good message that I would encourage anyone to listen to.

What's the difference?

Someone enters your house and has your wife/child, whoever, at gunpoint.  One wants to steal your money, one wants you to recant your faith.  Which one do you kill with the gun you keep in the top drawer of your bedside table?  

What's the difference?

If you shoot the guy because he just wants some material object, does this show your lack of dependance on God by not just giving Him what he wants?  And if he kills you and your wife, were you afraid you might not see your Saviour today?

If you shoot the guy because he wants you to recant, I think there are millions of martyrs who would call you to question.  

Who do you trust?  What do you do?

Of course, I'm not looking forward to either situation.  I'm not a sadist.

Tu Bishvat

Today is the minor Jewish holiday of the New Year of the Tree.  It apparently coincides with the blossoming of the Almond trees, which is great.  But around here it coincides with the warmest day we've had so far in the year.  

So, today I'm a fan of a minor Jewish holiday as it suits my purposes.

Thank you, Wikipedia, for even making me aware that my favourite day of the year so far even had a name.  

Unbelievably...? What do you say?

What do you say?

http://www.buffalonews.com/260/story/570428.html