Morning Meditations: The Spirit of Holiness

From my morning devotion:

Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

also:

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Let's see what Mr Webster has to say about holiness.

Holiness - The state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity. Applied to the Supreme Being, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character, one of his essential attributes.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

I'm not trying to sound too spooky, but we all have a spirit which influences us. What is yours telling you? Is it a spirit of fear, telling you to worry about tomorrow? Is a spirit of pride, one that can't pass a mirror without checking yourself out? Or is it a spirit which is causing you to put off the ways and things of the flesh?

Heavenly Father, please give us the Spirit of holiness. Make our lives beyond reproach. In Jesus name, amen.

Sermons on Sunday: How Can I Change?

This is more of an encouraging story than a sermon. This woman's story has really touched me:

Ann Kiemel Anderson has written multiple best-selling books, always been thin, graduated from college with honors, trained and ran many marathons from Israel to Cape Cod and qualified for three Boston Marathons - the most elite marathon in the world. She states, "Ive traveled, made a lot of money, and NONE of this made me enough. I was insatiable."

Read more about her touching story.

Author Ann Kiemel talks about the emotional pain she endured as a result of several miscarriages and her struggles to adopt a child, and encourages listeners to embrace suffering so that God can use it to transform and bless them.



How Can I Change?

Morning Meditations: What"s Comming to Your House Tomorrow

From my morning devotion:

Exodus 8:8-10 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD. 9 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? 10 And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.

also:

Exodus 8:22-24 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. 23 And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. 24 And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies.

Has God set you apart? When the curses come to the land will you be destroyed? Will people be able to see that God is at work in your life?

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

If you are worrying about it, lean on Jesus. He's the only one that can help!

Heavenly Father, give us grace to not worry about the days to come. Help us to lean on your everlasting arms. In Jesus name, amen.

DIY Saturday: Hacking Toys Into Tangible Interfaces

Kieran Nolan recently held a workshop for ISEA 2009 on Hacking Toys into Tangible Interfaces. During the workshop he hacked together usb keyboards with toy keytars to build DIY guitar game controllers. Now you know what to do with all those old toys when your kids outgrow them. This is so cool!

Hacking Toys Into Tangible Interfaces Workshop - ISEA 2009 - Kieran Nolan

View more documents from kierannolan.

Morning Meditations: The Sovereignty of God

From my morning devotion:

Exodus 7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

also:

Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

These sorts of passages always remind me of the old Frank Sinatra song "I Did It My Way". God always does things his way. He could have softened pharaoh's heart and Israel would not have known how great a God He is. He could have went to Tyre & Sidon to as Jesus put it "To seek and to save that which was lost", but that wasn't his whole plan. We call this the sovereignty of God. What does Mr Webster have to say about sovereignty?

Sovereign - 1. Supreme in power; possessing supreme dominion; as a sovereign ruler of the universe. 2. Supreme; superior to all others; chief. God is the sovereign good of all who love and obey him. 3. Supremely efficacious; superior to all others; predominant; effectual; as a sovereign remedy. 4. Supreme; pertaining to the first magistrate of a nation; as sovereign authority.

God does what He does because He is who He wants to be. We don't have the right to question it, we should praise Him for it. For he has saved us rather than someone else.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your saving power. We are thank you for everything you have done for us. In Jesus name, amen.

Time Waster: World’s Smallest Train

This train layout is so small it nearly defies photography as much as it defies expectations. Built by model railroad enthusiast [David Smith], this is a model of a model: an N scale (1:160) layout inside a Z scale (1:220) world! And it actually runs!

Read the whole thing.

Morning Meditations: Foolishness of Preaching

From my morning devotion:

Acts 26:24-29 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

also:

1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Even if you don't know it, you're likely preaching something. If you're sharing what you believe, your preaching. If you complain about culture, you're preaching too.

Jonah 3:2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

We must be careful what it is that we preach. Make sure that we're grounded in scripture as well as spiritually. Make sure you're practicing what you preach.

Heavenly Father, lead us into all truth. Make sure that we're presenting a good picture of you to the world. In Jesus name, amen.

Time Waster: Atari 800 Laptop

Ben Heck has been at it again. He's made his third Atari 800 laptop. He took the guts from an old Atari 800, made a whole new case and hooked it into an LCD. The thing is 3" thick and I'm sure it weights a ton! But it's so cool!

Atari 800 Laptop

Morning Meditations: Doing Right

From my morning devotion:

Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

also:

Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Some people think that we are here for our own pleasure. We can do whatever we want and as long as we're good people, we get to go to heaven. You're sadly mistaken my friend.

Isaiah 43:4-7 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

We were created for God's glory and to do what he commands. We need to consider God in every decision we make. Does this bring Him glory or me?

Heavenly Father, help us to seek after you glory. We want to live a life which honors you. In Jesus name, amen.

Time Waster: Disabling Your Cell Phone’s Mic for Security

This simple cell phone hack disables your microphone when not in use The government can listen to you using your cell phone, even when it is off. This guy was concerned enough to hack into his phone. He removed the expansion port and wired the microphone to a magnetic reed switch. A strong magnet located in the screen side of his flip phone opens the circuit when he closes the phone. He notes that you could always just pop the battery out of your phone, but then you are left completely disconnected. This mod allows you to still receive phone calls.

Read the hack

Morning Meditations: God Will Provide

From my morning devotion:

Exodus 4:10-12 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

also:

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

God will provide for your calling. If he's truly called you to a particular Christian service, he will teach and aid. Don't worry for what you are to say, or how you will do, or how you might sound!

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

If he called once, he's still calling! Answer the call and take up the standard!The Lord God of Heaven is on your side!

Heavenly father, lead us. Teach us the spiritual things we need to know. Give us grace to walk by your side. In Jesus name, amen.

Morning Meditations: The Name of the Lord

From my morning devotion:

Exodus 3:13,14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

also:

John 14:13,14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Some people would have you believe that God only gave one name for himself throughout the whole Bible, and that would be Jesus. They will tell you that there's power in that name. Speaking of the name "Jesus" like it's magic, and saying "in Jesus name" like it's some sort of incantation or magic spell. If there's power in the name of the Son of God, let me introduce you to Him:

The Son of God, while upon the earth, was never called Jesus. The name Jesus is what we call a transliteration. It's an English approximation of the name Yeshua (Yēšûă‘).

Let's consult Mr Webster, maybe he can help us out:

Name - 8. Authority; behalf; part; as in the name of the people. When a man speaks or acts in the name of another, he does it by their authority or in their behalf, as their representative.

1 John 5:13,14 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

So when we pray and ask anything of God, we need to make sure it's according to His will, that it's unselfish, and that it glorifies Him.

Heavenly father, help us with our prayer life. Reveal us your will that we might pray with your authority, to Your honor and glory. In Jesus name, amen.

Took Time Off

I took some time off to do some time off writing this week to do some concentrated study on history and heretics of the church. I also did a refresher in good old fashion reform theology, just to make sure I am on a good firm foundation.

So now it's back to writing!

Living the Outlaw Life: Homeschool Your Children

Since homeschooling is legal (mostly), infinitely more effective than the government alternative, healthy for your relationship with your family, cheaper than any of the alternatives, good for freedom, fun (often), educational (always), and these days quite often risk-free—why not do it?

Reasons to Home School your children.

Morning Meditations: Pusing Religion

From my morning devotion:

Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

also:

Mark 9:42And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Some people believe that they shouldn't "push" their religion on their children. They believe that when a child reaches a proper age, they can be given the choice then. I say hogwash!

How about you do the same thing with education? Next time your child tells you they don't want to go to school, just let them lay out. You wouldn't want to push it on them, would you?

Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Not only forbid them not, but make them go to church!

Lord, help us to nurture in our children a hunger for you and your word. In Jesus name, amen.

Sermons on Sunday: Voddie Bacham on Biblical Manhood

This sermon touched me like no other really has. It has inspired me to further study and inspired me to be the man I'm working to become.



Voddie Bacham on Biblical Manhood

DIY Saturday: Make Your Own Radio Station

It needs a good case, but it's a pretty easy hack. Even without the amp, the mod to your iTrip will make a significant boost to your range. I have one that I picked up cheap, re-soldered some of the connections and added an external antenna. Now I can get reception anywhere in the yard.

DIY Radio Station

Morning Meditations: Worship

From my morning devotion:

Acts 20:7-10 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

also:

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

To listen to people of some denominations you would think that Acts 2 was the norm for services of the apostolic age church. I submit, brethren, that not only is this a misreading of scripture but also show a lack of historical knowledge in the history of the church.

From a letter of Pliny the Younger to the Emperor Trajan (111-113 AD):

They asserted, however, that the sum and substance of their fault or error had been that they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by oath, not to some crime, but not to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, not falsify their trust, nor to refuse to return a trust when called upon to do so. When this was over, it was their custom to depart and to assemble again to partake of food--but ordinary and innocent food.

This was shortly after the death of the apostle John, they had simple worship services of singing, probably some preaching, and followed by fellowship.

1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

How does it benefit the Church? That's what you should be asking yourself. Worship shouldn't be self centered. Fellowship shouldn't be a time to push agendas. We're all in this together. Be an encouragement!

Lord, help us to be an encouragement to our brothers and sisters in the church. Give us grace to remain humble and speak well. In Jesus name, amen.

Food on Friday: Basic Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks, 1/2 pound) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated [white] sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups (12-ounce package) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE in preheated 375-degree oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

PAN COOKIE VARIATION: PREPARE dough as above. Spread into greased 15"x10" jelly-roll pan. Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Morning Meditations: Sacrifice

From my morning reading:

Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

also:

2 Samuel 24:24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

It is important to make sacrifices to God. Sometimes it comes in the form of money and sometimes it comes in the form of goods. Sacrificial giving is a biblical principal and one of the routes God uses to provide for the church.

Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

God is not a bank. You don't make deposits to get massive withdrawals. This passage isn't about getting rich, it's about God providing for his family.

Lord, help us to give sacrificially. Bless those that give immeasurably. In Jesus name, amen.

Time Waster: Ms. Pac-Man iPod Charging Cover

iPod chargers definitely are a unique entity on anyone’s desk. Allowing you to stand your iPod upright, charge, and maybe play a video at the same time, but they usually aren’t beautiful. I'm surprised no one hasn’t done this before; just cardboard, glue, and some other small items are needed and you have a work of art. Check out his iPod playing a video of game play for a more authentic look.



Ms. Pac-Man iPod Charging Cover

Make one for yourself.

Morning Meditations: Blessing

From my morning devotion:

Genesis 48:9 And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

also:

Genesis 31:55 And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Whatever happened to the blessing of a father? Doesn't mean much to most people in this day and age. At best it is paid lip service as part of a dating ritual or a marriage ceremony. Just a quaint hold over from generations past. I think that this is a biblical principle that needs to come back into use.

Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

He walks in integrity. His children are blessed. Maybe it's because he's been blessing them all his life.

Genesis 27:38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

It's time we turned off the TV, shut down the computer, and start not only blessing our children but also being a blessing to them. Tell them how special they are. Tell them what they can accomplish in their lives. Cast vision for them. You may be surprised what they are capable of with encouragement!

I know it's hard. It requires a lot of unselfish giving. But they are so worth it! Godly children are such a blessing to us!

Lord, help us to be a blessing to our children. Help us to guide, strengthen, and encourage them. In Jesus name, amen.

Time Waster: NES Mini Cabinet

This guy made a mini cabinet for his computer to play emulated NES games:



Nes Mini Cabinet

Learn to make your own.

Morning Meditations: Becoming Berean

From my morning devotion:

Acts 17:10-14 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. 14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

also:

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

These are perilous days. False teachers with slick styles are everywhere. It's more important than ever that we read and understand the scriptures. Otherwise we might fall into false religion. The emerging church, prosperity doctrine, Calvinism, Gnosticism, they're all covered in the scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Let's see what Mr Webster has to say about perfection:

Perfect - Finished; complete; consummate; not defective; having all that is requisite to its nature and kind.

Study the scriptures every day. Read it, listen to it, sing it, preach it to your kids, whatever you have to do, then walk it.

Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

If your church doesn't line up with scripture, no matter how hard GET OUT!!! Just walk away. Don't feel like you have to give an explanation to anyone. You will be able to tell who serves God and who doesn't.

Lord get us up early enough to study the scripture when we first get up. Grant us eyes that can see and ears that can hear. Give us the grace to do what is right. In Jesus name, amen.