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Boomer in the pew, one of my fave blogs is giving away a Calfskin Version of the ESV Study Bible. Do you want it? Here is how to get it.
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My Father helps me finish the race...

... no matter how much it hurts

Suffering

I'm here once again, preparing for the wonderfully terrifying task of preaching. The topic I hit this time is "suffering", which is a massive undertaking, so first of all, pray for me. I've been immersing myself into the Sovereignty of God over whatsoever comes to pass and his goodness in all that He does and, although I'm not going to deal with the aspect of biblical manhood in the prospect of suffering or in the midst of suffering, I cannot help but have some thoughts crossing my mind. So I'll blog a little bit in my break.
I really think that one of the most important things Christians have to do is to have a good, solid, TRUE theology of suffering. We have to know our God and his providence. We gotta know him and we gotta know him well. I also think that men have a moral responsibility to have that theology as tight as possible, just as much as we have to have a life insurance policy, for example. If we can have a life insurance policy and we don't, I actually believe it to be sin. We men are called by God to lead, protect and provide and I think that a good life insurance policy hits all three corners of our call directly or indirectly. In the same way, a true, solid theology of suffering will carry us through the sure afflictions of our lifetime. To know our God deeply in your mind and heart will allow you to suffer well. Therefore you'll will lead your family in godliness through the storms of life by word and example. A biblical theology of suffering, will protect your flock ( be it your church or family) during those times when we are most tempted to doubt God's love for his children and the reality of our faith. It arms them against the enemies of their souls trying to snatch their faith, their affections for Christ. It also provides to those lead and protected by you, with the stability they need in their leader. To have a solid theology of suffering that has no connection between knowledge and behavior does no good to you nor to them but if your theology is strongly connected, it will generate a sense of security, enabling those under your care to submit to you out of joy not fear. All we have to do to experience suffering is to live long enough. It will come. Our Lord has said " In the world you will have tribulations..." We have to prepare before it happens so when it does, our God is magnified and his banner flies high as we stand strong in the joy of the Lord.
"There is no sweeter fellowship than the fellowship of suffering."
John Piper
(Paraphrased. T4G '08)

Triplets in the E.R

Three and a half hours of pure fun. That's all I can say. I was able to get there only after 2 hrs but still. Mom was panicking because there was a small possibility that one of them had drunk half of a bottle of children's Benadryl. Turns out they didn't really but when they're playing with an empty bottle you know was half way full, you have to be proactive. How they were able to get the darn thing from a closed drawer on a shelf 6ft off the floor, remains a mystery. Opening a child proof bottle is also yet to be explained. The fact that they did it within 90 seconds makes me really proud. There probably was some serious team work going on there. We still don't know who did it because they won't snitch on each other and since they're all pretty shady, we don't have a major suspect. We'll keep investigating.

Here are some pics for you guys.

Josh says:"Nothing like a good E.R snack..."

Bella decided we would throw a birthday party. Masks became hats immediately.

Seriously, these chips are really good.

She was really enforcing the use of the party hats...

Vivi decided that she was the doctor in the party.

UFC 95 "Pre thoughts"

I was able to catch, half asleep I gotta say, the countdown for UFC 95. The whole thing weirds me out a little bit. The main event is not a title bout. The middle weight division could definitely use a title defense since it's been 4 months already. I'm not trying to hate on them but these guys have not reached the "no matter what, I'm the main event" level. Joe Stevenson is a contender and is always a fight away from a title shot. I get that. Sanchez is a great fighter that should have had his title shot instead of the Koscheck fight. You beat Riggs, Diaz and Parysian in a row and your record is 18 - 0, you deserve a title shot. He doesn't get one, gets in trouble, kinda redeems himself in his last 2 bouts and now ends up testing the waters at 155lbs. That's all that is, a test. No one knows how he's going to do. Does that deserve a main event honor? Not in my opinion.What also makes zero sense to me is the break up with Greg Jackson because the best welter weight in the world would train with them. As a professional, I would love to be training partners with GSP. Are you kidding??... Diego threw a fit and left. Mind boggling.

Gouveia Marquardt : Somebody is going home in a body bag. That's all I have to say.

Josh Koscheck welcoming Paulo Thiago. Who knows?

The main event of the night, in my opinion, Maia against Sonnen.

I am a huge Demian Maia fan and want him to win but I think Sonnen, who is no push over, will yank a decision on this one. That's about all I got on it for now. Be back after the event.

God bless.

I am one of those that believe fasting, prayer, solitude, contemplation still work. I cannot think of many things that feed my soul more than an afternoon alone listening to hymns and singing and praying. It stirs something in my soul, increasing my affections for God, convicting me of sin, bringing about repentance. It's just neat. The whole thing is pretty cool. I love when God does that. Just a couple of days ago, he did it again. I had to go on a job to Sycamore Cove. I was already thrilled with the drive. The beach is beautiful. The ocean is awesome. The gig ended faster than I thought and I had a large time slot in my hands. I new what I was going to do. Just a quick drive and I was at a very nice spot. Parked the car, climbed down the rocks, Ipod blasting "I have a shelter" and the prayer/worship walk began. Soon enough music turned into the book of Genesis, the whole story of Joseph ( I'm catching up on my ESV listen through the year podcast) and that was followed by the whole gospel of John and the whole thing felt like Jesus was physically there walking with me. I wanted to pitch a tent but at one point I had to go. I felt fully recharged. It was a much needed break that God in his providence handed to me just like that. I am eternally grateful and I cannot wait for the next one.

My God!

My God Created the oceans, the waves and everything in them.

My God can look at the gigantic waves, raise his hand and say "quit it!" and the seas obey Him to the terror of those who are present.

My God grants gifts to men so that they can perform great acts for His glory.

Every men, even the so called great ones, everyone will bow at my God's feet.

The wrath of my God makes giant waves and mega Tsunamis, feel like a pimple when we see his fiery eyes.

My God's mercy, and goodness, and grace, and love abound and are greater then any giant wave.

My God is Holy and just.

My God is merciful and redeemer to all those who trust in Him for the forgiveness of their sin and eternal joy.




Praise God.

To Him alone be glory!