Learning from Them

I believe that there is a lot to learn from many in the charismatic movement: their desire to worship God with enthusiasm, using contemporary language; their concern to demonstrate real, practical love to others; and their emphasis on evangelism. I may cringe at some of the methods used, but blanket criticism is not helpful — particularly when I know that so often my worship is cold, my desire to see others saved is non-existent and my love for others superficial.

Regarding one aspect of worship, Exiled Preacher has posted a thoughtful and helpful reflection on "why Reformed believers should not balk at singing hymns by charismatic authors".

He concludes:

I am not happy with much of what goes on under the "charismatic" umbrella. But I recognise that there are genuine godly believers in that movement, men and women who love the gospel. Some are even Calvinistic in their theology. If that is the case, the Spirit is at work in their hearts and lives. He has given these friends the gifts and graces that have produced some wonderful new hymns. If "all things are mine" as a member of the body of Christ, then these hymns are mine to sing just as much as those of Isaac Watts and Vernon Higham.

Teaser 5

What is the next digit in this sequence?

   1, 1, 1, 1, 5, 1, 7, 2, 3, 5

Hint

There's a corresponding sequence: 12, 6, 4, 3, 12, 2, 12, 3, 4, 6

Answer

   11

Explanation

Start with 1/12 (one-twelfth), and then keep adding 1/12. You end up with the sequence 1/12, 2/12, 3/12, 4/12, …. Next reduce each term to its simplest form. This results in: 1/12, 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 5/12, 1/2, 7/12, …. The numerators from these fractions give you the original sequence.

Day Out in Leicester

I have managed to buy a couple of rail tickets that I cannot use. Doh!

If anyone would like them, please let me know. The details are:

6 October 2007
London St Pancras - Leicester 08:55 (arriving 10:04)
MML Advance D (can't change date or time)
Original price £9.00

6 October 2007
Leicester - London St Pancras 15:56 (arriving 17:17)
MML Advance C (can't change date or time)
Original price £7.00

Polar Clock Screen Saver

A while ago (Clever Clocks) I stumbled across the imaginative and strangely relaxing Polar Clock.

I'm glad to see that it's now available as a screen saver. Download it from Pixel Breaker.