my burg

There's some good insight in these articles (cited below) on the way we speak of "generations" and how we dismiss views based upon perceived generational differences... "There are, in fact, no 'generations' except in the biological sense. There are only categories and crises of temperament [which] crisscross and defy and deny chronology."  ( Cynthia Ozick )  Note to boomer self: not all boomers are boomers...  "Almost all of the truly interesting so-called Boomers, that is to say, are in fact anti-Boomers."  ( Joshua Glenn )   "When you’re noticeably younger than the people we tend to see in leading roles on TV and in the movies, or noticeably older, your age is registered and then deployed as a causal agent — almost always in order to dismiss your ideas."  ( Alan Jacobs ) I am reminded again (in the last verse of the Old Testament) just how the work of God in conversion changes the way we view those older and younger than our

"I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them.  I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.   I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul."  (Jeremiah 32:39-41 ESV) Throughout his ministry Jeremiah reveals how people tend to "heal wounds lightly" (See chapters 6--8).  To say that "mistakes were made" is a useless band-aid.  Idolatry, for example, is a serious breach of a covenant relationship with the Lord.  It's like adultery to marriage.   To confess sins superficially in order to feel better is not the same thing as true repentance, which is forsaking sins -- often painful -- in order to actually live better.  The Lord, through Jeremiah, often uses t

The 66th chapter of Isaiah, a summary... God is in heaven. We are on earth .  He doesn't need anything from us. (66:1)  What he delights in is humility, that is, that we know who we are in light of who he is.  To humbly, contritely, and reverentially heed what God has revealed in his Word .  (v 2) Motions of worship and sacrifices in themselves not only do not impress God, but they are positively an abomination to him.  Just because people may act worshipful, or pray, or sacrifice, or give money is no sign of true affection for God.  (v 3)  Self-righteous people who mock and belittle the Lord's people will themselves be put to shame.  (vs 4-6)  God will restore his people, his holy city, and his creation just as he promised, and it will come about suddenly, and at an unexpected time.  For God's people there will be glory and "peace like a river."  (vs 7-14) All flesh will be judged --  all nations, all peoples, all idolaters.  (vs 15-17)  But God

In our reading we have completed the first section of Isaiah's writing, along with the historical interlude of chapters 36 to 39.  Chapter 40 begins what is called " the Book of Comfort " with the words, "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God" (40:1)  See also Isa. 49:13; 51:3, 12; 54:11; 57:18; 61:2; 66:13.    The days of Jerusalem's judgment and exile will come to an end, and God's people shall return and be gathered once more to worship and enjoy him.    Again and again, Isaiah speaks against the folly and vanity of idols and the false gods which cannot save, and that certain and lasting judgment will come upon all idolaters and those who trust false gods.  Only the Lord is God:  "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me" (46:9).  Some of the most powerful statements of biblical monotheism are found in these chapters.  He alone guides history.  He alone is Savior.    This section also includes the "S