Monthly Archives: November 2011

Yes, not long ago (let’s say 2,000 years ago) a young man became a model.  Not for GQ but for Christianity today!!

The story of Paul has been a part of my reading these past few weeks.  I’m constantly amazed at his patience and resilience.  His physical endurance was amazing – apparently bow legged, with eyes that may not have been the best.  At best he appears to have been small, but a huge personality.

And so, I’m examining the man for my own life’s sake.  How can I live a life that reflects his reflection – that reflects His reflection?  Paul said, “imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

Reading Paul’s story let’s me get some very tangible approaches to Christian living.  I’m not so much concerned with traveling the world – but that wherever I travel I carry the image of Christ with me.  What are your immediate reflections on who this man was?  Have you heard about him, studied him, sought to understand him?  Let me know!

With our awakening this morning, the outside appeared to be somewhat cool.  And appearances are sometimes deceiving.  The guess was that it was a mere degree or two below freezing. 

The reliable thermometer showed at least ten degrees below freezing.

Now, in this country, a few degrees can make your day.  You feel as though the day is brighter, lighter and warmer (or cooler – depending on which perspective of the thermometer you are using).  The world can gain life, or lose it’s glimmer.   By degrees!!

And so today we donned our coats – which are now switching to winter attire instead of fall coverings.  We had gloves handy and trusted our car to have a warm heater working.

And still, the touch was there.  A bit cool, but a sure sign that in a few months we will feel a new touch.  The touch of spring that leads to summer.

Hope never dies!!

I’m still trying to reconcile a copyright on a 400 year old document.  In my mind I understand the idea of protecting the words and their integrity.  In my heart I’m wondering why the text cannot be freed and speak for itself. 

Imagine if the original Greek manuscript of the New Testament were copyrighted.  Each scribal error would be considered a breaking of copyright – in fact, just copying the original text would have been morally wrong. 

If we had the copyright act transported back to the New Testament times there would have been very few copies available.  All copies would have to have been approved by the original writers – many of whom died without explicit details given as to whether a copy could be made of their writings – although the authors did approve of circulating the original manuscripts.

Personally, I think the integrity of the KJV has withstood millions of copies being made.  In fact, the mere fact that it is one of the most well known English books in the world is testament to extreme copying.  My question?  How many copies were prepared with the express permission of the British monarchy?  Were the rest of the copies bootlegged?  Should they be rounded up and burned as illegal contraband?  OR . . . is there something about the message that far surpasses the matter of control of paper and ink??