Casting the 'net

Here is an excellent article by David Wayne, posted at Theologica, the World Magazine blog.

In his article, David makes some important distinctions in the cessationist vs. continualist debate.

In other words, I am saying that I have no reason to doubt that Rutherford and Knowx and others had these experiences, but that in all likelihood, being in the Westminster Tradition, they may have recongized them for that they were - extraordinary experiences which were not normative.

This is where I think there is a disconnect between these historical figures and modern charismatics. Modern charismatics see as ordinary what those from the past saw as extraordinary. That which used to be considered unusual is now supposed to be the usual.

So, I think that, rather than modern reformed cessationism being the historical aberration, it is modern reformed charismaticism that is the aberration, at least when it seeks to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, the unusual into the usual.

This article is worth reading no matter which side of the debate you come down on.

What time is it?

Look close! Somebody better tell my stella d'oro lillies that it's January. . .

Memory Lane--thanks Ms. Booshay and Katie!

Donna, at The Quiet Life, has shared the most darling note that her daughter, Katie, made recently. What fun it was to see her handiwork! Like any mother, it reminded me of some treasures that I have kept.

Here is a picture that Sam slipped to me in church when he was about 5. It is written on the back of a prayer list insert from the bulletin. I remember his proud smile when he passed it to me. I tried scanning it several times, but for some reason, the 'I' did not show up, so you'll have to fill in the blanks a bit:

The next two were also drawn in church. I especially love the Jar Jar Binks drawing with the Hallelujah Chorus of Jawas.

Spongebob continues to be a family favorite.

God's Minute

Jaunuary 6

I thank Thee and praise Thee, O God.--Daniel 2:23

Our Father in Heaven, we approach Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Saviour, that we may render praise and thanksgiving to Thee; and that we may seek the forgiveness of our sins, the continued manifestation of Thy favor, and guidance of the Hoy Spirit in the choices of our lives, and in the rendering of service to Thee. We realize, our Father, the shortness of our vision, the imperfection of our judgment, and the weakness of our effort, but Thou hast said, "Commit thy way unto Jehovah, trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass." It is sweet to rest upon this promise, and to feel that thus we can walk hand in hand with Thee, and that our ways shall be Thy way.

In order that we may be true to our high calling, give us the sympathetic heart, the kindly look, the golden speech, the helping hand. Make us a channel of blessing to those about us, that we may be the true children of Abraham, who was blessed that he might bless. And now, dear Lord, give us the strength for that which is immediately before us according to the promise, "As thy day is, so shalt thy strength be," and Thy name shall have the glory, through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

J.A. Duff, D.D.,
Aspinwall, Pennsylvania

What would you do?

I had to take a quick run to the grocery store for a few things before lunch. The store was crowded, the lines were long. I got my few things and got in line.

Then it happened. A little boy who looked to be about 4 or 5, tipped back his head and started whaling at the top of his lungs. The mother immediately, (immediately!!) began to scream at him, "Shut up! Shut up! What is wrong with you?" It quickly escalated into louder, whooping screams and more frantic, angry words from the mother. I don't have the heart to repeat what she said here.

I stood there in line with my things and felt my heart pounding and my blood pressure rising. I wanted to do something--anything. But I didn't. I didn't know what to do. I felt so helpless. Looking around at the other faces waiting in line, I saw some of the same emotions.

My hands were shaking when I got to my car. I felt like crying, I think I did. I can't shake it. I wish I had done something--anything. The only thing I can think to do now is to pray for that harried, angry mother and her son. And try to have a plan should this ever happen again.