Weekly It Is...

I took this photo on August 25 in Smithfield, UT, which is just north of Logan. The sunset had been better, but this was the best I could do at short notice.

Things have been going well here. I am planning for my trip up north and getting prepared for that. Tomorrow I am going hiking up to a place called the Wind Caves, so I should get some good pictures. This Sunday marks the first day of our week-long meetings at church, also a highlight.

One of the newer guys at work, Adam, was moving into town from a house out in Smithfield that he and his wife were renting. Yesterday morning around 8:00 I went over and started helping him pack all of their stuff into a U-Haul. We got all the stuff moved and unloaded by noon, then went and had a bite to eat.

I've been spending a little bit of time brushing up on some of my technology knowledge. Things like U3 flash drives, ExpressCard slots and the differences between DVI-D and DVI-I connectors. Sounds like Greek eh?

Anyway, that's about it for now. Talk to y'all later.

Concerned...(to put it mildly)

During this past week or so, I have been preparing character sketches of the people we are introduced to in the first chapter of the book of Ruth. From these sketches, I have been attempting to draw lessons that can be learned from these individuals' lives and the choices that they made.

Elimelech as our first character seems to have made the mistake of falling into the sin-based, flesh-inspired heinous trap of pragmatism. Pragmatism basically states that truth is based on the practicality or the "positive" results of action. In short, "if it works, do it." So as not to present myself completely ingnorant of the subject, I have been investing some time into the study of this topic, it's American origins, and how it relates to the Christian.

In the course of this study, I have become aware of some movements, some ideas and some philosophies in Christianity today that have shocked and startled me. When in a Bible-teaching, Bible-believing church, it is easy to be unaware of what is going on in the realm of so-called Christianity.

I have come across the term hedonism which basically means that pleasure is the principle good, and should be the highest aim of the individual and society. Or it could be stated as: the idea that if one wants to be happy in life, then he must pursue a lifestyle of pleasure and gratification.

I have been exposed to a ministry called Cleansing Stream which believes that Christians can be indwelt by demons, and their ministry is to cast demons out of Christians! Their primary focus is on "partnering" with local pastors to "deliver" members of the congregation, Christians who have some how become demon-infested.

Another movement that I had not been cognicent of until today, and one that has grieved my soul, is called the "Emerging Church" or "Emerging Church Movement." To some degree, it embraces the relativism and loss of Biblical standard that has marked the churches of America for the last several decades. However, I did not realize the true extent of this movement until I began to read some of the statements of folks who have allied themselves to this movement. Consider these quotes:

"We can draw on the traditional forms of worship where they are appropriate but should realise that these forms tend to connect with middle-class, middle-aged, white people with a preference for pseudo-classical music (See John Drane’s McDonaldization of the Church)." - George Lings

"While many congregations on Sunday mornings around New Zealand may be 'greying' and shrinking, as in other parts of the world there are a growing number of people and groups who are gathering in other ways and on other days to reflect on their faith journey and to celebrate it." - Rosemary Neave

"So this is the path I’m on… I am seeking a place that is in pursuit of the things I long for. If I can’t find a place like that, I’ll find some people who are in pursuit of the things I long for, and together we’ll create such a place. The path I’m on is the pursuit of these things I long for in the church." - Brother Maynard

"If there's one single thing that characterises emerging forms of church across the western world it's that they are networked. There is no one leader or format or theology, nor is there likely to be." - Steve Collins

"If we were able to bring some church leaders of 100 years ago in a time machine to visit planet earth as it is today, we would rightly expect them to be totally overwhelmed.
The world of the third millennium is light years removed from what they would be familiar with. Virtually no aspect of society would be unchanged, we would expect them to feel insecure, disorientated and confused until that is they stepped into one of the more traditional churches, where the chances are they would feel instantly at home!
This is of course both good and bad. Good in the sense that it emphasises the fact that the message of the gospel is constant and unchanging but bad in that while the world has changed beyond all recognition the church has slipped further and further into irrelevancy. A hundred years ago the church held centre stage, all the main institutions of our society had their roots in or were deeply influenced by the Christian faith. Today the church has been pushed to the margins and Christians must 'earn' the right to be heard rather than expect the 'right' to be listened to." - Chris Stoddard

"then we will throw our easter vigil (sat march 26th, 8pm-1am) called 'RISE'. - rise it is not a 'worship service' in the trad./modern church sense (no sermons, bulletins, hymns, coffee hour, linear progression...) but a what we call a 'worship party,' a bash in honor of the risen Christ, open to saints and sinners, believers and non-believers and anyone from the 'highways and byways.' we don't throw this party to congratulate ourselves because we believe in Christ, but to give thanks to God because Christ believes in us, first loved us, gave up life for us, and rose to invite us all to become his friends and live his reign.
at worship parties we don't begin with a church service and add in cultural elements. but throw a real party at which Christ hosts, apostles tend bar and wait tables, and where anyone off the streets is welcomed to attend.
at this 'mother of all parties' we: pop corks (to toast the resurrection), feast to new life (with holy communion and high carb 'fat things'), toss darts at the devil (to show hell has been crushed), baptize new apostles (to give light to the righteous), install art, jam to bands, kick back with djs and party beyond 1999." - Karen Ward

"'sanctus 1' A new expression of network Church based in Manchester City Centre.
We are committed to a journey of exploration into worship, evangelism, friendship and Christian living. It is hoped that the Christian community that emerges will challenge both the culture and the church
A welcoming Christian community who believe that God is not defined by theology. We welcome dialogue between different theological positions but also recognise that dialogue involves listening and real listening involves change.
Believing that God is already in the world and working in the world. We recognise God's indefinable presence in music, film, arts and other key areas of contemporary culture. We wish to affirm and enjoy the parts of our culture that give a voice to God whilst challenging any areas that deafen the call of God and hence constrain human freedom.
Experience is vital and experience defines us. We aim to provide an environment is which people can experience 'the other'. In which the vastness of God can be wondered at whilst reflecting on the paradox of the human who was God, Jesus.
We believe in holistic faith. Our worship should reflect and involve this holism and allow freedom to explore new ways in which to wonder at God. We draw from the vast resource of the Christian spiritual journey and are not afraid to look into the past to find a way into the future.
We are a dynamic group exploring the journey together; we are not the finished article but are sincere in our search. Our journey is one of exploration but fortunately it is a journey in which we have a guide that lights our path and walks beside us in times of blessing and of trouble." - Ben Edson

"emerging church is a passion for people who are stuck with a congregation of people who don't understand half of what they say. emerging church has indeed emerged from the big stone doors of the so called local church to move themselves (usually a 18-30s group) down the road to the pub. the emerging church can now express themselves in the language they use (graphics, candles, trance music, beer, whatever)." - Anna Dodridge

"As we enter the twenty-first century, participation in traditional Church life is on the decline as more and more thinking Christians struggle to reconcile the reality of the world they live in with the myths and dogmas of the traditional churches. And yet the traditional church insists that these are fundamental to a proper understanding of Christianity. The churches focus on its myths and dogmas, are clouding what should otherwise be a triumphal message of hope for the world. Why isn’t the world responding in gratitude to the message of the church? The reality for Christianity today is far from positive. The church is seen as increasingly marginal, irrelevant, conservative, bigoted, sectarian and self absorbed and an entire generation has now grown up estranged from any church culture. Can Christianity, which is radical by nature, be radically re-energised and re-oriented, to play a relevant role in the life of the twenty-first century? If Christianity is about connecting people to create a love and hope-filled society, can it fulfil this role, or will it become so marginal, as to loose an effective voice altogether." - Michael Edward

I will not take the time to respond to these quotes, but I list them simply to demonstrate the state in which some of Christianity has fallen. It is no wonder that the Bible states that there will be "terrible times" in the last days. It is no wonder that Christ Himself commanded us to "watch and pray" to the end that we would not fall into temptation. May God have mercy on America. May God have mercy on us.

Weekly Digest - September 11, 2007

Wow! I've been 30 for over a week and I feel grrrreat! Here's the latest from Cache Valley...

FOURPLEX
The apartment that I rent is part of a privately owned fourplex. Within the last month, the final empty apartment was rented, so we now have folks in all four. On Sunday night after church, I got together with all the neighbors (renters) for a little ice cream shake "social" just to hang out and chat. The folks above me, Andy and Nicole, hosted the event, and we were joined by Josh and Meagan (who is expecting), and the newest residents Paul, Rachel and their 3-month old daughter Shaden (not sure on the spelling...Shayden, Shaydin???). Anyway, we had a great time joking around (yes, I was the instigator of that) and having shakes. Nicole asked if I would bring my guitar up and play something (no, the floor aren't completely soundproof, so a little "pickin'" get's upstairs on occasion...but only during normal hours, not early or late!). I played a couple of hymns and my rendition of "Silent Night." All-in-all a fine end to a great day.

SUNDAY
Speaking of which, Sunday was a great day. I find as I get to know the Lord better, that Sundays have taken on an increasing importance. I have a growing distaste for missing any meetings at church at all, even men's prayer or Wednesday night Bible studies. Anyway, lest I head off on a rabbit trail...back to Sunday. We had a missionary to Belarus as our speaker. In the evening he showed his "slides" and also preached, as he had for both Sunday School and the main service. During the morning service, we had two folks make professions of faith in Christ, and another on Sunday afternoon. We will be praying that God continues to grow and strengthen these ones who have made a public declaration of turning their backs on sin and accepting the finished "cross-work" of Christ. The presentation of the ministry in Belarus brings to mind once again the needs that are represented by our missionaries around the world. This particular man was put under surveillance by the KGB in Belarus, for several weeks. He could not even attend the church he started, let alone preach. He couldn't communicate with anyone from the church, nor could they call him. And all during this time, he was alone, for the government would not renew the visas for his wife and son. Let us not forget that there are still things like this going on in countries around the world right now, and that not all is as free and easy as it is here in America.

WIRELESS
At the risk of bouncing around, I wanted to get back to my neighbors here in the fourplex. We all use the internet, so we decided to split the cost of using one connection. This last week I "cut the cord" and am going completely wireless, courtesy of Andy and Nicole's router. I think Josh and Meagan are going to pick it up next time. Splitting the monthly bill three or four ways will definitely be nice!

KETCHIKAN
Plans are still moving ahead for an upcoming trip to Ketchikan. I have my reservations made, though I'm looking at the potential of changing my coming home dates. This trip will use up all my remaining vacation & leave time, so this will be my final "hurrah" for the year. I'm sure looking forward to seeing all of the folks up there again, and it looks like I'll have the opportunity to share some of what the Lord is doing in my life on one of the two Sundays that I am up there.

WEATHER
It is so nice to finally have the temperatures dropping to a more "liveable" level. During the evenings, the temps are sitting in the mid-40's and only begin to warm up by late morning. I've noticed that even some of the trees are starting to show signs of fall, with the faintest hints of yellow showing between the "summer green" leaves. I am looking forward to doing some more photography during the fall and capturing more of the local colors. Cache Valley definitely experiences four distinct seasons.

RUTH (The book of the Bible, not a girl!...;)
God has continued to reveal more to me as I study the story of Ruth. Right now I am putting together brief character sketches of Elimelech and his family. It would seem that each member of the family (to include Orpah, but not Ruth), made a mistake that we can take note of, and learn from. Ruth, on the other hand, seems to have made all the right choices. (This of course is by the design of God, for we are sure that she made many poor decisions as well, as we all do, but the aspects, situations and characteristics of her life that God wanted to display, these He inspired the author to write.) I believe it will be these character sketches that I will share with everyone at Clover Pass when I am up in Ketchikan.

IN CLOSING...
Well, it looks as if this post is gaining a "weekly digest" length, so I'll call it quits for now. John and Trista got me a Starbucks travel "mug" which I have been taking to work with me. It works great and is the first one that I have owned. Thanks you guys! I am continuing to play the guitar and hopefully am learning some new techniques and such. I play every Sunday at church as well, accompanying the piano on, believe it or not, hymns! And guess what...most of them are in the "flat" keys! I trust that this post finds you all doing well, having started a new week, and that we all will rely utterly and completely on the Lord for His strength, that we would be able to accomplish something useful for His kingdom today and throughout the week. God bless you all!


Derek

What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Stan Kennedy

30th

Yesterday was my 30th birthday! After spending time at Matt and Annie Trott's place after church on the 2nd, I came home and took this shot of the first minute of my birthday!

First minute!

After men's prayer at church, Pastor, Terry and I headed to IHOP for breakfast

I took a quick picture after our food arrived

I headed back over to the church at 8:00am to meet up with Russell and Donna Talbot, along with Donna's daughter Stephanie, and another lady from the church, Cindy Lundberg. We were going to make the hike up to White Pine Lake.

Here we are just getting started. Stephanie took the lead, followed by Donna and Cindy, and Russ and I took up the rear.

The trailhead starts at a place called Tony Grove

The white bark of the aspen/birch trees made a good photo subject against the blue sky. I couldn't help but take several of these types of shots.

See what I mean?

"I see trees of green..."

"Tree"-of-a-kind

The trail itself provided good walking, albeit a little on the dusty side.

As I was walking along, came across this and figured it deserved a picture. It looks more like something you would see in Africa than in Utah, but hey, who knows?

Here is one of the little streams that we came across.

The reddish bark and green needles seemed so stereotypical of an evergreen that I thought it was worth the picture.

We came across several trees that had blown down and had been cut away to clear the trail. Here is the end of one of those, with the shadow of a plant on it. I thought the lighting was kinda cool!

About 60% of the trail was on a gentle incline on our hike to the lake. When we reached the summit, the trail took a fairly steep drop down to the valley floor on the other side. After that, it leveled out for most of the way to the lake. Here we see the whole crew, dogs included, just minutes away from the lake.

At last, White Pine Lake.

As you can see in the previous picture, the lake is surrounded by steep rock walls. Over time some of the rock has broken away, leaving this pile of assorted rocks by the water's edge.

While I'm not convinced that I saw any white pines up there, this is the bark of one of the evergreen (i.e. coniferous) trees up there. It looks a lot like a spruce tree to me!

Apart from a hawk or two, a woodpecker, and the folks hiking the trail, we saw very little wildlife. This chipmunk was an exception. He was the first one that I had ever seen up close and had the chance to take a picture of. Cute little fellar eh?

The moon had been visible all day, so I took this shot of Russ playing catch with the moon. Ok, not the most original, but the best I could do at short notice! ;)

As we started back, a few clouds sprung up, providing a different background for another photo.

After returning to Tony Grove and heading back out of the canyon, we stopped back at Russ and Donna's to drop Donna off and freshen up a bit. After that, we drove back into Logan, and Russ and Stephanie took me out for a birthday dinner at Chili's.

Once finished, I headed home, took a wonderful little nap, and watched a movie called "Shooter." Part way through, I received a birthday call from Chris, Janet, Matt, Caren, Meadow and Logan, who all proceeded to sing "Happy Birthday" to me over the phone. There are still several messages on my phone that I haven't listened to yet. So, maybe I'll head over right now, grab the phone, and see what was said!