Nonsensical Ramblings of Mark

I was listening to a lecture by RC Sproul on Marxism and something dawned on me that I had never thought of before. It has to do with how we characterize ourselves as a species and how I think we should be defined instead. This is all born from a feeling that I just can't shake that we make far too much of ourselves. Now, according to science, the species of primate that we as humans belong to is Homo Sapiens. I have issues with that statement but that is not what this post is about. Homo Sapiens, in Latin, is roughly translated as "wise man". In other words, what sets us apart from all other species of primate (or other "Homo" that, presumably, existed before us) is that we have attained a higher level of cognitive ability that is characterized as "wise". Now, also presumably, that was our designation for the lack a better term. Given that we were classified as such during the Age of Enlightenment I rather think that it was more carefully considered. ...

'Cause I was built for glory, I was made to last God formed these feet to walk golden streets when this hard life is passed Say, "He's doing well on the other side" if anybody asks Say I was built for glory, I was made to last.   Built for Glory, Made to Last - The Lost Dogs I have been to my share of funerals and some rather significant ones of late. Out of everything that is presented at the ones I have attended there is nothing I hate more than the grave site. In fact, I would rather carry 100 caskets 100 miles than spend a single minute staring at one perched a top the hole left by freshly dug ground. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing comforting seeing the body during the calling hours as it lies unzipped from the soul. But somehow it seems less jarring than the grave. At least I can see it. At least it us "up here". At least it is not in darkness disintegrating and dissolving to dust. It never looks perfect, natural, or even close to alive, b...

We have certain hymns and services, which we say daily, of Lord and thanks to God for His marvelous works; and some forms of prayer, imploring His aid and blessing for the illumination of our labors, and the turning of them into good and holy uses.  -  Francis Bacon, The New Atlantis When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:3 We humans are a creative and curious lot aren't we? Dedicating our time, attention, and money to eradicate this disease or to delve into the intricacies of the farthest reaches of the universe we never cease to amaze ourselves with what we are able to accomplish. It seems to be something that drives is as creatures, as humans, to subject ourselves to this wanton, unbridled curiosity. It is both fair and fitting for us to invoke God for his illumination and empowerment of and in our pursuits. But, if our prayers stop there, I fear that they will fall on deaf ears. By vi...

This may be a multi-part post. It really depends on how far I get in this one or how bored I get of the topic after this is posted. Thinking about my present state of perfection in my God-given position (my past, present, and future salvation) and my imperfection in practice (genuine screw up and far too-often sinner) I find myself a man still in need of a savior. My need for Christ did not cease when I placed all of my trust in him to unite me with God through the forgiveness of my sins. It continues to this day as he perfects me through the struggles I have against my tendency to sin, offend, and even screw up the plumbing. And God would have it no other way. Tucked away in the New Testament are Paul's teachings on boasting about his own weaknesses. Now, when I boast, I call to my mind, and others' minds, certain things that are true about me or that I think are true about me. Usually these are positive things that I think merit my contemplation and I invite others to contemp...

I chase after personal peace and prosperity to the detriment of my soul. As long as my world is not rocking this way or that and as long as I have enough money in my pocket I hum a happy tune and know that life is good. The peace and affluence of this world is far too cheap a substitute for that which is offered in Christ. I overlook the riches of heaven and am far too easily pleased with the trappings of earth. But why? Because Jesus Christ does violence to the darkness in my soul. The war that rages in my heart is that which God himself commands for he is far too jealous for me, his child, to leave me to my own devices or for me to attach myself to another god and father. His trajectory is ever towards himself and, thus, ever towards me. My vanity leads me deeper into myself and farther from the love that he has shed in my heart. Peace and prosperity will be my lot for he has willed it. The source of it will only be found in him. He would have it no other way for it is for his glory ...

If there is anything that the last year, and even present circumstances, is showing me is that I live in a post truth world. I may be stepping into it a bit, but I find truth in the following two statements: The current crop of COVID vaccines does not protect me from the virus. The current crop of COVID vaccines protects me from the virus. This is where I find us operating today. These statements are true and we talk past each other when we keep repeating them over and over again and never go beyond them or to the next level of information or data that would lend credibility to both of them. God doesn't want me to live here, but I can't control how others handle the truth. I can only claim responsibility for how I do that and, quite frankly, I don't do it well. I consider a verse like James 5:16 where he writes:  "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective....

 We don't know what happens when we die, we only know we die too soon.  The Verdict, Joe Jackson We are going to be wrapping up a sermon series at Northridge Church soon that has focused on trust. Namely, the trust we should have in God given his character and track record. There has been something that has bothered me for a while now. I mean, I have trusted God with my salvation. What I mean is that I believe that there is a heaven and a hell and I am placing my entire trust in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of my sins that he offers to me for my admission into heaven. This is the most important decision I will ever make (even more important than my marriage!) and my full trust is in Christ. So, the question is, why do I struggle to trust him in less significant things? Like to provide for my daily needs, my job (if I were to ever lose it), or in the relationships that my family has with others? Why have I ceded the reins of my eternal destiny to him, but not the mundane le...