Scripture Passage that Caught my attention today: Hebrews 2:14-15 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.
Observation: This passage illustrates the depth of the connection God has formed through Jesus with God’s people.
Application: Relating authentically with other people often involves putting ourselves in their shoes. This is not easy because there are many shoes that we have no desire to fill or share. To endeavor to walk in some shoes might bring back to mind a pain from the past that we’d rather forget. Walking in another’s shoes might call into question the reason for our own position of relative influence. Walking in another’s shoes might remind us that we might not be the only ones who have been wronged in life or received the shorter end of the stick.
Jesus, however, did indeed walk in humanity’s shoes. The Christian faith proclaims that he set aside his privileged status out of love for the people that God created. Some theologians call it the “sweet exchange” whereby God through Christ takes on humanity’s sin and humanity through Christ takes on God’s gracious favor. It’s all through Christ. And it also serves as an example to us of how we might better enable others to realize the beauty of this exchange as we demonstrate our willingness to exchange our own shoes for those of another.
Prayer: Lord, this is all easier said that done. But help us to at least consider such things more and more until we’re finally able to take such steps toward true understanding and love for one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Hosea: 2-5, Hebrews 2)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Today's Workout
Today's workout was a little less intense than normal. Set 1: Chin-ups with knee-ups, Dumbbell squats and Presses (one smooth motion). Rest 1 min. Repeat. Set 2: Push-up/jack-knife combo (using skateboard), 1-leg stability-ball curls. Rest. Repeat. Set 3: Stability Ball Lying Hip Extensions (hold for 15 seconds each), Inverted Rows. Rest, Repeat. Set 4: two sets of 50 cross-body mountain climbers. Finished with a leisurely 2/3 mile walk.
God's newer way of speaking.
Scripture Verse that caught my attention today: Hebrews 1:1-2 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.
Observation: I prefer God’s newer way of speaking.
Application: One of the readings today was the first chapter of Hosea in the Old Testament. I actually kind of like the book of Hosea. Still, it has some admittedly weird features. The prophet is told to marry a prostitute (which has a merciful tone to it) but then name the subsequent children based on words that are meant to apply to the people of Israel rather than the child him or herself. In other words the children get sort of used as pawns in this cosmic argument. Granted, it’s prophecy and so, hopefully, there were no actual children involved. Still, I like the way God has spoken though Jesus a whole lot better. There’s some confusion there sometimes too, but it still seems like a more down to earth witness the whole way around.
Prayer: Lord, thanks for the saving witness of your son. Help us to learn from his example and trust in his word. Let this day when we celebrate our national independence also be a day for Christians to celebrate our dependence on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: 2 Kings 15-16, Hosea 1, Hebrews 1)
Observation: I prefer God’s newer way of speaking.
Application: One of the readings today was the first chapter of Hosea in the Old Testament. I actually kind of like the book of Hosea. Still, it has some admittedly weird features. The prophet is told to marry a prostitute (which has a merciful tone to it) but then name the subsequent children based on words that are meant to apply to the people of Israel rather than the child him or herself. In other words the children get sort of used as pawns in this cosmic argument. Granted, it’s prophecy and so, hopefully, there were no actual children involved. Still, I like the way God has spoken though Jesus a whole lot better. There’s some confusion there sometimes too, but it still seems like a more down to earth witness the whole way around.
Prayer: Lord, thanks for the saving witness of your son. Help us to learn from his example and trust in his word. Let this day when we celebrate our national independence also be a day for Christians to celebrate our dependence on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: 2 Kings 15-16, Hosea 1, Hebrews 1)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
PK's Crazy Delicious Nachos
I had a hankering for some nachos tonight, but with a little different flair and healthy-enough to make a meal out of them. Here's what I ended up with.
Here's the Impromptu Recipe:
Layer chips on plate
Saute Baby Portabella Mushrooms, 1 slice onion, 1 Serena Pepper (the store was out of jalapenos the other day but this worked fine), 1 diced roma tomato, and 1 stalk Bok Choy (the white of the stalk) in a little coconut oil. When about done, add the green leaf of the Bok Choy and simmer a minute or so more.
Layer fresh spinach on chips and add: pre-cooked (in my case left-over) pork tenderloin (1 lean slice cubed), the sauteed mixture from above, a few tablespoons of plain Greek Yogurt, and 1/3 cup shredded cheese.
Place in microwave for 1 minute until cheese melts nicely.
This baby was a meal! It was also kinda messy to eat, but really delicious, satisfying, and healthy!
Here's the Impromptu Recipe:
Layer chips on plate
Saute Baby Portabella Mushrooms, 1 slice onion, 1 Serena Pepper (the store was out of jalapenos the other day but this worked fine), 1 diced roma tomato, and 1 stalk Bok Choy (the white of the stalk) in a little coconut oil. When about done, add the green leaf of the Bok Choy and simmer a minute or so more.
Layer fresh spinach on chips and add: pre-cooked (in my case left-over) pork tenderloin (1 lean slice cubed), the sauteed mixture from above, a few tablespoons of plain Greek Yogurt, and 1/3 cup shredded cheese.
Place in microwave for 1 minute until cheese melts nicely.
This baby was a meal! It was also kinda messy to eat, but really delicious, satisfying, and healthy!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Hey Jude!
Scripture Verse that Caught my attention today: Jude 3 Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.
Observation: This entire book has only one chapter and 25 verses. Jude indicates that he was eager to write about salvation, yet only 6 of these 25 verses (the last 6) address the salvation of which he was eager to write. Almost all of the rest of the verses deal with those who are causing divisions. I’m not surprised about Jude addressing the whole division thing, but I am surprised that he didn’t go on to share more about “the salvation we share.”
Application: As humans we often say one thing and do another. We’ll indicate that something, for example, is important to us, but then act in such a way as to call that declaration into question.
In some ways it seems as if Jude had done this and so do a great many preachers, myself sometimes included. We are acutely able to describe what is wrong in life, but have some measure of difficulty articulating the good news of the Gospel. Part of the reason for this may be that some of the good news is not yet clear to us. For example, we have precious little insight into what our future lives with God will be like, other than that it will be good. We have generalities but precious few specifics to offer. And so it’s hard to promise exactly what the future will be. Instead we endeavor to simply remind people to seek and trust in God—more often to give them comfort in the midst of their current human failures than to lead them to the kind of better life that we are almost always at a loss for words as to how to adequately describe. Still, pointing people to Jesus is a mighty fine start, just as Jude himself said at the end: “Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
Prayer: Lord, help me and others who are called to proclaim your word do so in such a way as to lead people to be found in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Isaiah 4-5, Psalm 115, 116, & Jude)
Observation: This entire book has only one chapter and 25 verses. Jude indicates that he was eager to write about salvation, yet only 6 of these 25 verses (the last 6) address the salvation of which he was eager to write. Almost all of the rest of the verses deal with those who are causing divisions. I’m not surprised about Jude addressing the whole division thing, but I am surprised that he didn’t go on to share more about “the salvation we share.”
Application: As humans we often say one thing and do another. We’ll indicate that something, for example, is important to us, but then act in such a way as to call that declaration into question.
In some ways it seems as if Jude had done this and so do a great many preachers, myself sometimes included. We are acutely able to describe what is wrong in life, but have some measure of difficulty articulating the good news of the Gospel. Part of the reason for this may be that some of the good news is not yet clear to us. For example, we have precious little insight into what our future lives with God will be like, other than that it will be good. We have generalities but precious few specifics to offer. And so it’s hard to promise exactly what the future will be. Instead we endeavor to simply remind people to seek and trust in God—more often to give them comfort in the midst of their current human failures than to lead them to the kind of better life that we are almost always at a loss for words as to how to adequately describe. Still, pointing people to Jesus is a mighty fine start, just as Jude himself said at the end: “Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
Prayer: Lord, help me and others who are called to proclaim your word do so in such a way as to lead people to be found in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Isaiah 4-5, Psalm 115, 116, & Jude)
Friday, July 1, 2011
A Morning in My Life
At 8:00 this morning our daughter had swim team practice. From where we live it's a ten-mile drive to the pool, so it makes sense to just hang out there until the hour practice is done rather than make two trips. But it also makes sense to take advantage of that hour as well. Here's how the morning went.
7:00 wake-up, throw on a t-shirt and shorts, drink a big glass of cold water, and eat breakfast that I prepared the night before. Today for breakfast I deviated from my norm and tried rolled spelt flakes for the first time (eaten raw and with milk like cereal) instead of rolled oats. They were okay, but I like the rolled oats better. I always top the oats (or in this case spelt) with raisins and 2 teaspoons of flax seed that I've soaked overnight. The oats are a hearty slow-release carbohydrate, the raisins offer a serving of fruit and natural sweetness, the flax seed offers healthy omega-3 fat, and the milk offers a decent dose of protein among other things. I've been eating this mixture almost every day for the past several years and never seem to tire of it.
On our way out the door at 7:35 I grabbed a 25# dumbbell and an old skateboard that our kids no longer use.
At 7:55 I dropped off our daughter and took the skateboard and dumbbell to a shelter house that sits just 50 yards from the pool in a semi-shaded area. From there it was time for a warm-up that went like this:
--bodyweight squats (did 12 prisoner-style squats this morning with hands behind head)
--leg swings (12/leg)
--walking lunges (20)
--close-grip push-ups (10)
--Standing stick-ups (10)
--Waiter bows (10)
--Plank (30 seconds)
--Deadlift motions without any weight (10)
I repeated this set and by 8:07 was all warmed up for the main workout as follows:
Set 1:
10 pull-ups from the rafters of the shelter-house
15 box-jumps onto the seat portion of the picnic tables in shelter house
10 push-ups, but with feet on skateboard. (While holding the top position of each push-up I would pull my knees to my chest and then back to the straight position and do another push-up.)
Rest one minute and repeat set 1 but with 8 pull-ups instead of 10. (This set really gets your heart pumping! I always try to have the most intense exercises in the first set, which is why a solid warm-up is very important.)
Set 2:
15 dumbbell rows per arm (standing parallel to the picnic bench, put right hand and right knee on bench, pull dumbbell up with left arm 15 times. Then switch to opposite side.)
15 Kettle-bell swings using the dumbbell instead of a kettle bell (since I don't own a kettle-bell)
Rest one minute and repeat set 2.
Set 3:
5 chin-ups with knee-ups (again using the rafters)
10 ab-wheel roll-outs using the skateboard instead of an ab-wheel.
Rest and repeat set 3
Finisher:
10 short hill sprints (The hill is literally only about 8 yards long, but that was perfect. Sprint up the hill, walk back down and repeat 10 times.
By 8:27 I was done and sweating profusely. But I also had another half hour of precious time which I used to catch a few rays of sun and then cooled off in the shade of the shelter house while opening up my laptop and doing my daily devotions. It was an hour very well spent.
Note: While doing this routine I saw numerous people out jogging around the park like I used to do. I doubt that I'll ever be joining them again. The kind of routine described above is way more convenient (I can work out almost anywhere!), in most cases is way more intense, offers way less repetitive wear and tear on joints that we need for a lifetime, is way more of a full-body workout, combines resistance and cardio components, and offers way more variety to boot. For those who really enjoy running, and many do, I say "way to go!" I'm glad you're out there doing something. But for those who don't enjoy running or want something more effective for fat-loss, there really are other ways to get in and stay in great shape.
7:00 wake-up, throw on a t-shirt and shorts, drink a big glass of cold water, and eat breakfast that I prepared the night before. Today for breakfast I deviated from my norm and tried rolled spelt flakes for the first time (eaten raw and with milk like cereal) instead of rolled oats. They were okay, but I like the rolled oats better. I always top the oats (or in this case spelt) with raisins and 2 teaspoons of flax seed that I've soaked overnight. The oats are a hearty slow-release carbohydrate, the raisins offer a serving of fruit and natural sweetness, the flax seed offers healthy omega-3 fat, and the milk offers a decent dose of protein among other things. I've been eating this mixture almost every day for the past several years and never seem to tire of it.
On our way out the door at 7:35 I grabbed a 25# dumbbell and an old skateboard that our kids no longer use.
At 7:55 I dropped off our daughter and took the skateboard and dumbbell to a shelter house that sits just 50 yards from the pool in a semi-shaded area. From there it was time for a warm-up that went like this:
--bodyweight squats (did 12 prisoner-style squats this morning with hands behind head)
--leg swings (12/leg)
--walking lunges (20)
--close-grip push-ups (10)
--Standing stick-ups (10)
--Waiter bows (10)
--Plank (30 seconds)
--Deadlift motions without any weight (10)
I repeated this set and by 8:07 was all warmed up for the main workout as follows:
Set 1:
10 pull-ups from the rafters of the shelter-house
15 box-jumps onto the seat portion of the picnic tables in shelter house
10 push-ups, but with feet on skateboard. (While holding the top position of each push-up I would pull my knees to my chest and then back to the straight position and do another push-up.)
Rest one minute and repeat set 1 but with 8 pull-ups instead of 10. (This set really gets your heart pumping! I always try to have the most intense exercises in the first set, which is why a solid warm-up is very important.)
Set 2:
15 dumbbell rows per arm (standing parallel to the picnic bench, put right hand and right knee on bench, pull dumbbell up with left arm 15 times. Then switch to opposite side.)
15 Kettle-bell swings using the dumbbell instead of a kettle bell (since I don't own a kettle-bell)
Rest one minute and repeat set 2.
Set 3:
5 chin-ups with knee-ups (again using the rafters)
10 ab-wheel roll-outs using the skateboard instead of an ab-wheel.
Rest and repeat set 3
Finisher:
10 short hill sprints (The hill is literally only about 8 yards long, but that was perfect. Sprint up the hill, walk back down and repeat 10 times.
By 8:27 I was done and sweating profusely. But I also had another half hour of precious time which I used to catch a few rays of sun and then cooled off in the shade of the shelter house while opening up my laptop and doing my daily devotions. It was an hour very well spent.
Note: While doing this routine I saw numerous people out jogging around the park like I used to do. I doubt that I'll ever be joining them again. The kind of routine described above is way more convenient (I can work out almost anywhere!), in most cases is way more intense, offers way less repetitive wear and tear on joints that we need for a lifetime, is way more of a full-body workout, combines resistance and cardio components, and offers way more variety to boot. For those who really enjoy running, and many do, I say "way to go!" I'm glad you're out there doing something. But for those who don't enjoy running or want something more effective for fat-loss, there really are other ways to get in and stay in great shape.
Things haven't Really Changed
Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: Isaiah 1:2-3 Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth;
for the LORD has spoken:
I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its owner,
and the donkey its master’s crib;
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.
Observation: Although originally written to a people from long, long ago, it could most certainly still apply today.
Application: I’m not really willing to say that the whole world is discrepant. But I would say that many in the world, perhaps especially those of us from—all things considered, more privileged backgrounds—have a tendency to want to satisfy our own needs prior to meeting the needs of others. In short, we often think of ourselves first.
In this way we are quite similar to the people to whom Isaiah originally spoke/wrote. We have forgotten that we have a divine parent. In short, we have forgotten where we came from and whose we ultimately are. Hence the near obsession (or at least interest) for getting what WE want out of life.
The problem with such thinking is that, not only does it prevent us from honoring our maker, but it also leaves many of our fellow human beings in the dust. Isaiah cried out on behalf of the poor and the widow and the orphan, but his was a rather lonely voice—easily drowned out by a chorus of people picketing for “me first.”
Prayer: Lord, I doubt that many if any of us are immune from a desire to protect our own interests. But please help more and more of us to take at least a step in the direction of thinking of others as well as ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Isaiah 1-3, Titus 3)
for the LORD has spoken:
I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its owner,
and the donkey its master’s crib;
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.
Observation: Although originally written to a people from long, long ago, it could most certainly still apply today.
Application: I’m not really willing to say that the whole world is discrepant. But I would say that many in the world, perhaps especially those of us from—all things considered, more privileged backgrounds—have a tendency to want to satisfy our own needs prior to meeting the needs of others. In short, we often think of ourselves first.
In this way we are quite similar to the people to whom Isaiah originally spoke/wrote. We have forgotten that we have a divine parent. In short, we have forgotten where we came from and whose we ultimately are. Hence the near obsession (or at least interest) for getting what WE want out of life.
The problem with such thinking is that, not only does it prevent us from honoring our maker, but it also leaves many of our fellow human beings in the dust. Isaiah cried out on behalf of the poor and the widow and the orphan, but his was a rather lonely voice—easily drowned out by a chorus of people picketing for “me first.”
Prayer: Lord, I doubt that many if any of us are immune from a desire to protect our own interests. But please help more and more of us to take at least a step in the direction of thinking of others as well as ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Isaiah 1-3, Titus 3)
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