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"From the Heart"
“The Land of the Exalted Son” by Rick Hogaboam.
Prayerfully and tearfully written on behalf of the people of Japan following the devastation and ruin of the March 11, 2011 earthquake.
Japan, the land of the rising sun.
Arose much more;
The trembling ground, the raging seas, the billows of devastated earth.
[...]
Losing Old Church Buildings
By joelmartin On December 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment · In Christ & Culture, From the Heart, History, Worship
I’m hearing that the court case against the Virginia CANA churches may not go well. Truro, Falls Church and others may be forced to leave their historic buildings. I’ve never been a fan of the “defend the property” strategy, but this is still very sad news. Turning [...]
Mark Horne Needs to Chill Out about John Piper's Veteran's Day Post
By Rick Hogaboam On November 12, 2010 · 5 Comments · In American History, Christ & Culture, From the Heart, History
I think Horne should have heeded his suspicions in his first words, “Perhaps I’m over-reacting”. Read Piper’s brief post: http://desiringgod.org/blog/posts/thankful-they-embraced-the-risk
And then compare with Horne’s reaction. You woulda thunk Piper gave an apologetic for WWI from Horne’s response. He honestly sounds like he is ranting and raving and it [...]
Honoring John Piper
By Rick Hogaboam On October 6, 2010 · 3 Comments · In Biography, Calvinism, From the Heart, Theology
Justin Taylor and Sam Storms served as editors of a book that was released at the 2010 Desiring God “Think” Conference. The book is titled, “For the Fame of God’s Name: Essays in Honor of John Piper”. Check out the lineup of contributors and the video of John Piper being presented with the book
Books on Death
By joelmartin On September 27, 2010 · Leave a Comment · In Book Reviews, Devotional, From the Heart, Suffering, Theology
Since my Mom died, the subject of death interests me in more than an academic fashion. I have pulled out some books on death, grief and the afterlife that I plan to read or skim in order to solidify in my mind what is going on. One thing that is key to remember in this [...]
One thing that strikes me in thinking about death is that when someone dies, their way of ordering the world is gone. There is something about the things that they touched, wrote, painted and so on that we are inclined to preserve. I was looking at some cards from my Mom that were fairly insignificant, [...]
Ken Jones has been a pastor at Greater Union Baptist Church in Compton, CA. He has accepted a call to Glendale Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, FL. Ken has also served as a panel guest on The White Horse Inn.
I have had the chance to attend some of Ken Jones’ noon [...]
Since my surgery, not being able to lay down flat on my back or side, I found myself living out of one of our recliner chairs in the living room corner for the last of almost 4 weeks. It hasn’t been too bad actually. I’ve got pillows stuffed all around me, my feet up, a [...]
The fool says in his heart there is no God. — Psalm 14:1
By mimi On April 1, 2010 · Leave a Comment · In Devotional, Discipleship/Sanctification, From the Heart, Prayers
I liked this thought so much that I wanted to share it. I hope you enjoy it and are blessed by it as I was. May we all grow in His grace and knowledge and love, not to remain on milk, but mature with ‘solids’ each day (or week, [...]
Gotta Love John Piper
By Rick Hogaboam On February 16, 2010 · Leave a Comment · In Ecclesiology (Church Stuff), From the Heart
John Piper shares a journal entry from years ago about contemplating whether he should step aside from ministry. What is shocking is that the reason wasn’t because the Church was dying, but was rather growing. Only a John Piper would look at a growing ambitious Church and pray whether he should remain a part of [...]
Dan Savage is openly gay and a pronounced atheist. Having said that, I do appreciate his qualified criticism of Hume. I don’t agree with everything he said, but I did find insightful his suggestion that Hume’s comments were an offense to Christianity. Savage mentioned Hume’s omission of Jesus as being the Son of God along [...]
On Fox News Sunday, Brit Hume made mention of Tiger Woods’ Buddhist faith and offered a suggestion,
“I don’t think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith. So my message to Tiger would be…turn to the Christian faith [...]
One of the puzzling facets of the Christian life as I live it and see it lived is the lack of joy that we have. It seems to me that many Americans are living lives of quiet desperation, under layers of regret, hopelessness, frustration and outright depression. This applies to the unsaved as well as [...]
Ministering to Returning Soldiers
By Scott Kistler On December 4, 2009 · 7 Comments · In Christ & Culture, Discipleship/Sanctification, From the Heart, Missional Thought, Suffering
Yesterday I listened to a podcast of a great episode of Speaking of Faith, originally from 2006. Krista Tippett interviewed Chaplain Major John Morris about his role in ministering to soldiers during and after war (listen to the program or read the transcript here). He started out with a very evocative [...]
Brief post here, but wanted to share a couple funny things that happened with my girls today.
This morning as I was packing up my book back, Kira (5 year old who is learning to read) saw my commentary on Romans and was asked by mom to read the title. She struggled through the word [...]
Making Mother's day last
By mimi On May 12, 2009 · Leave a Comment · In Devotional, From the Heart, Hogaboam family, Motherhood, Uncategorized
For those of you who take joy in celebrating mother’s day, may I encourage you to appreciate your mother/sister/gramma on an ongoing basis? Should our appreciation for our moms shine one day a year? We should intentionally acknowledge this day, this occasion more than once a year. Let her know how much you love her.
[...]
There is great innocence and wisdom that can be learned from the minds of children. I was just thinking of the joys and freedoms of childhood, if you’ve been blessed with a good, normal one, that is. (Which can be relative, I know)
Tonight, I was reminded of treasuring the simple joys of life, you [...]
In Time’s article highlighting the “New Calvinism”, it is interesting to note that all such folks mentioned in the modern ”Calvinistic” scene are all “credo-baptists” (those who believe in baptizing only those who actually profess Christ as Lord). Those mentioned were:
John Piper Al Mohler Mark Driscoll Justin Taylor’s “Between Two Worlds” [...]
Ashley Judd, get a clue
By mimi On February 7, 2009 · Leave a Comment · In Abortion, Ethics, From the Heart, Politics, Uncategorized
I have enjoyed Ashley Judds’ performances on film but sadly, her recent confrontation of Sarah Palin has tainted my image of her sweet face. Are you kidding me?? Is she serious?? She’s going on about how “cruel and senseless” (“It’s time to stop Sarah Palin and stop this senseless savagery,” said Judd in a [...]
congratulations Mr. Obama. now what?
By mimi On January 23, 2009 · Leave a Comment · In Abortion, From the Heart, Politics, Uncategorized
I tried to simplify the scope and depths of what was going on to my children. Later in the evening, as I sat on my bed last night playing with my girls and watching the unfolding of the votes and then the declaration that Obama won the presidency, my stomach empty, my heart heavy, my head [...]
Ok, so I’m apparently one of the strange few (adults) that actually enjoy snow. It’s been cold here in Idaho. I’m freezing here in my office too. For some reason, the 2 front rooms in the upstairs of the house, doesn’t get well circulated air (not good). So, in the summer, it’s smoltering. In the [...]
Ok, well, it’s not so new but new to us. Yes, folks, finally, after 3 years of anticipation, my husband bought us a van! THANKS HONEY! … But wait, it needs a new windshield… and oh, don’t roll the windows more than a couple inches or it will get stuck…and oh you can’t use the [...]
I was honored to speak at Nampa Christian High School’s chapel this morning. I shared on Psalm 51 and our need for brokeness and wholehearted worship. I got to meet some of the students afterwards, as well as visit with some of the faculty. I was impressed at what I saw and heard. I pray [...]
I know that this poem is a bit dated with some illustrations, but it still rings true to this day. I have a copy in my study and it is a perpetual reminder of what God has called me to be above all things. Whenever I am tempted to be cool and up to [...]
I want to thank all Veterans on this day that is marked for you. It is a small thing to simply reflect for a few moments and think of the history of this country and the critical role veteran’s play. I am grateful for your service. Then again, I was [...]
hi, you don’t know me yet but i want to say ‘hello’. i haven’t been born yet but i’d like to ask you to give me a chance. give me a chance to smile at you and to see you smile back. give me a chance to take my first breath in the world without [...]
What happened to American Patriotism and the gratitude of freedom, which is not really ‘free’ indeed. This freedom we have come to know and feed on has been at a great cost, of American lives & much sacrifice, that is.
I’m not a native born American. My family came here from Asia, legally. We went through [...]
Apologies to the Obama's "potential" grandchildren
By mimi On November 4, 2008 · Leave a Comment · In Abortion, Ethics, From the Heart, Hogaboam family, Philosophy, Politics, Suffering
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Obama,
I want to express to you that my child is NOT a “punishment” to me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzmly28Bmg
Let me give you a little background, if I may. In my junior year in high school, I made a mistake. The mistake was having premarital sex. Well, as a result (or [...]
Yes, I used to think that Halloween was some sort of devilish night where Alister Crowley and Jimmy Page looked into a Palantir and Anton Levey stayed the night at the Hotel California. Back then I knew squat about church history. We need to love the calendar of the Church and the Church Year people. [...]
I was invited to attend a pastor’s breakfast this morning at a local Christian bookstore/cafe called Living Water (http://www.livingwatershop.com). It is a great place to hang and serves as my second office. Anyhow, I was up for free breakfast and a goodie bag, so I showed [...]
Well, my beloved Halos lost tonight in the bottom of the ninth. It was heartbreaking, especially after a leadoff double for the Halos in the top of the ninth, only to lose that runner in a failed squeeze attempt that would have given them the lead and summoned K-Rod in the bottom [...]
Thanks to Rick for the invitation to blog here and the welcoming post. Although I am proud to be a ‘Mere Christian’ united in one baptism with all of our brothers and sisters in Christ, I will probably write a bit about liturgy, history, theology, and I don’t know what else. I look forward to [...]
i just don’t understand it. How can the same woman, who has given birth and expresses as much joy as she does in her children, still believes a woman should have the right to abort a baby? Do you not realize that very same child you aborted or allow to be aborted could be the [...]
It’s always an amazing image to me to see and hear of the many protesters that march signs up and down the “free streets of America” against wars, soldiers and anything military, like they did at Berkeley Univ. in California among many other venues and times in history. I would dare say that most people [...]
I’d like to add to my post about earthly causes vs. the unborn. Although I love and appreciate the benefits and beauty of animals and our natural resources, ie. trees, flowers, grass, etc and protecting it’s value, I would not trump it’s value over human life.
I’m not mormon. Nor am I crazy. But ever since I was little, I always wanted a large family. My husband was not a fan of the idea but I think it’s growing on him. We currently share 3 children and have been working on #4 for the last year. At least I’ve been making him [...]
If you had a choose between saving a cat about to die caught on a rope in a tree, an “endangered” Loulu tree of Hawaii, or saving a baby in the womb from being chopped up and sucked into a vaccuum and thrown out like last weeks left overs, the option should be obvious. How is it that the same groups [...]
Love the Cross…Not Soothing Images
By Rick Hogaboam On June 11, 2008 · Leave a Comment · In Ecclesiology (Church Stuff), From the Heart
Many newer churches are now being built without crosses and are instead highlighting new innovative logos…many of which have no identifying connection with the Gospel or Church in general. While I am not necessarily opposed to the creation of such logos, I am opposed to those who are intentionally avoiding the cross and attempting to [...]
John Piper recently posted on his blog some reflections on Fundamentalists and why he doesn’t despise them (http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1251_20_reasons_i_dont_take_potshots_at_fundamentalists/). I was inspired by such to reflect on my own spiritual and theological journey in Pentecostalism. Here are 15 reasons why I am grateful for my Pentecostal heritage:
15. [...]
Romans 8: 23-27- “Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already [...]
Here is a picture of Pastor John Piper browsing through a new thrift store. The store “Hidden Treasures” will designate 75% of the profits in the support of missionaries (http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1191_hidden_treasures_thrift_store/). I love it!!!
I have long shopped at thrift stores for various products and find it a win/win proposition. [...]
Pursuit and desire
By Brian Andrews On April 18, 2008 · Leave a Comment · In Discipleship/Sanctification, Fatherhood, From the Heart, Pentecostal/Charismatic Interests
No, this isn’t a post about dating! It’s about the practice of using the prophetic gift. I’m starting from the premise that the gift of prophecy continues today and is to be used for upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation of others (1 Cor. 14:3).
Paul instructs us to “pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, [...]
I don’t want to be totally obnoxious…but I was thinking about the beloved Hymn “Amazing Grace” and was wondering how a theological Arminian could really sing it.
Traditional Arminian theology believes in “prevenient grace”…essentially meaning that God exerts a measure of grace towards all sinners. Some would even say [...]
I have accepted a call to serve the Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa (ID) Fellowship (http://www.sovereigngracefellowship.org) beginning on May 1, 2008. All of your prayers are appreciated as we transition from one loving community to another one. It is tough saying goodbye to people you love and at the same time [...]
Is Preaching Like Administering CPR?
By Rick Hogaboam On April 4, 2008 · Leave a Comment · In Discipleship/Sanctification, From the Heart, Homiletics/Preaching
I once heard Pastor Jack Hayford, who now serves as the president for the “Foursquare” denomination, use the illustration of CPR as being similar to his idea of preaching the Bible. He likened his sermon preparation as an “inhaling” of God’s Word and then the sermon itself as an “exhaling”. I have [...]
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- "Baseball and Faith" – Steve Cornell
- Alan Burrow (Pastor of The King's Congregation in Meridian, ID) – "Faith Working"
- Ben Howard Photography
- Blazing Hope Youth Family Ranch
- Dr. Sam Storms – "Enjoying God Ministries"
- Joe Lamay – Pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship (South Bay, CA) and fellow El Segundo Baseball Alum
- Joel Wilhelm – "A Living Text"
- Jonathan Griffiths (Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Nampa, ID) – "Reflective Musings"
- Michael Mulconery (Elder at Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa, ID) – SGF Sunday School
- My Wife's Blog – "Beloved Stranger"
- P. Andrew Sandlin (Pastor of Church of the King in Santa Cruz, CA)
- Pastor Nick Smith's Blog – "Sylvan Manor"
- Scott Kistler – "Tempora Christiana"
- William Farley (Pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship in Spokane, WA) – "The Raven"
