Movie night

The Nativity Story (2006)

Today's verse

Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Micah 5:1-2 (KJV)

Today's verse

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2:1-12 (KJV)

Wave of the future?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology will be offering free online courses starting in the spring of 2012. These courses will be offered to students both inside and outside the MIT community.

I am working towards a MS in mathematics through an online program, so this is of great interest to me. I would love to take coursework in such topics as abstract algebra, topology and complex variables. I would also be interested in any special education courses.

Like it or not, more and more college-level coursework is being offered online. In the fall of 2012 I will be teaching an online trigonometry course. Until now, this has been available only through traditional classroom instruction and "blended" courses (a mixture of classroom instruction and video conferencing).

The barriers to education are falling. So grab your computer and start learning!

(h/t: Instapundit)

Today's verse

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)

Reading list

A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens.

Today's verse

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-5, 14 (KJV)

Today's verse

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 (KJV)

Today's verse

And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Exodus 18:20 (KJV)

Today's verse

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

Canadian Parliament applying pressure on the government of Pakistan to release Asia Bibi.

I am not sure what to make of this. On the one hand, the fact that Canada's Parliament is doing anything at all about this issue is amazing. The cancer of multiculturalism is far more widespread in Canada than in the United States. Given the endless fretting about appearing "Islamophobic" (which is defined as any criticism of Islam whatsoever), this news is is as surprising as watching the sun rise in the west.

On the other hand, these sorts of governmental actions are almost always a kind of public dismissal of the issue, a polite way of saying, "We don't really give a damn." I suspect the actions of Canada's Parliament will end up have the same legal force as (say) a resolution declaring December as National Dill Pickle Month. The plight of Christians worldwide being persecuted, tortured and murdered is not really a concern to progressive governments, however much they may gas to the contrary.

In short, we must put our faith in God, not the princes of this world.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:18-21 (KJV)

Today's verse

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding

Proverbs 2:6 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

A Muslim lawyer in Pakistan estimates that 95% of the blasphemy cases have no merit.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalm 14:1 (KJV)

Today's verse

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Proverbs 30:5 (KJV)

When does counterculture become culture?

Dan Gainor has a good article on how the media has suppressed traditional values in order to elevate the so-called countercultural. I say "so-called", since cohabitation, filthy language, tattoos, hooking up, body-piercings, violent movies, violent music, and violent games are now the norm for many young people. Christianity is the true counterculture, and it takes real courage for someone to buck the media-driven culture that is all around us.

It should also be noted that "media" means movies, talk shows, sitcoms, so-called reality TV shows, magazines, newspapers, and news programs. The difference between (say) CBS Evening News and The Daily Show has become minimal at best. The media is increasingly in the business of manufacturing reality - or attempting to.

At any rate, it is hard to agree to the media's proposition that what they term "countercultural" is some daring form of independence and bravery. If everyone is a rebel, then just what are they rebelling against?

Update on Asia Bibi

Asia Bibi has reportedly been the victim of an assault while still in prison. The attack took place in October.

Key quote:

A female prison officer assigned to provide security for a Christian mother of five who was sentenced to death on “blasphemy” charges beat her earlier this month, sources said.

Sources in Pakistan’s Sheikhupura District Jail said Asia Noreen, also known as Asia Bibi, was beaten on Oct. 5 by a prison officer identified only as Khadeeja, allegedly because of the Muslim officer’s anti-Christian bias, while other staff members deployed for her security looked on in silence.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

Islamists win big in Egypt

This is not good.

Please pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt. Their life, which is already harder than anyone in the West can imagine, is about to become a living hell.

Today's verse

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

Psalm 6:2 (KJV)

Today's verse

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

Movie night

Desert Fox (1951).

Today's verse

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Psalm 104:24 (KJV)

Today's verse

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalm 50:14-15 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

Former minister Sherry Rehman has been appointed Pakistan's ambassador to the United States. Rehman has worked to reform Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws.

Key quote:

A British newspaper had reported that with two of three Pakistani politicians who opposed the blasphemy law assassinated, friends of Sherry Rehman now fear for her life. She has been advised by government ministers to leave Pakistan, the report said. (Note: the two murdered political leaders are Punjab governor Salman Taseer and minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti)

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Good news from Michigan!

Two abortion centers, the Health Care Clinic in Delta Township and the Women’s Choice Clinic in Saginaw, have been closed. The closure resulted from a lawsuit filed in Eaton County Circuit Court by Bill Schuette, the Attorney General for the state of Michigan.

Key quote:

The action comes as the result of an Attorney General investigation into allegations of improper medical records disposal at the clinics. In addition to the lawsuit filed today, Schuette referred evidence uncovered by investigators suggesting possible regulatory violations to the Bureau of Health Systems and the Bureau of Health Professionals, agencies within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Today, Schuette’s office informed LifeNews that the permanent dissolution of Health Care Clinic, of Delta Township, and the affiliated Women’s Choice Clinic, of Saginaw, has taken place. The top attorney said they had been “operating without the proper physician ownership required by State law.”

Despite its brave talk about "comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable", the secular media is too often the docile and obedient bootlickers of powerful lobbying groups like the abortion industry. The close of these two abortion centers represents an actual victory for the weak and powerless.

Please pray for those who fight against the genocide of abortion.

UPDATE: the HTML code for the link has been fixed.

Today's verse

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

Jonah 2:9 (KJV)

Happy birthday Tanzania!

Mungu ibariki Tanzania!

Persecution of Christians in Kenya

Former Somali converts from Islam living in Kenya find themselves still in danger.

Please pray for Christians facing persecution.

Today's verse

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7 (KJV)

Today's verse

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; and the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 19:15-19 (KJV)

Movie night

Texas Rangers (1936).

Today's verse

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

Psalm 102:1-2 (KJV)

Today's verse

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 14:14 (KJV)

Reading list

Coincidences, Chaos, and All That Math Jazz, by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird.

Today's verse

O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

Psalm 6:1-4 (KJV)

Today's verse

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Isaiah 40:28 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

Asia Bibi remain unbroken. Her faith in Christ sustains her.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

Psalm 35:1 (KJV)