DISQUS

Jack Yan · 3 years ago

The odd cigar is fine, in my book! (I don’t smoke, but it sure doesn’t offend me.)

Jack Yan · 3 years ago

Your friend is right, Randy, about this song. I won’t say more as I don’t want to spoil your Podcast.

Randy · 3 years ago

Good, I am glad you are cool with cigars. I can't handle smoking them too often but with friends ... it's just a fun guy thing to do.

and Jack, please, comment on the podcast. I think folks will be more apt to listen to it if you do.

Jack Yan · 3 years ago

Okeedokey—the comment I originally deleted above was that the Lord can always find people through whom He can communicate His message. They come through the strangest ways and, in Madonna’s case, the most unlikely people. We need to be reminded of that and to maintain an open mind: not all of us are going to get those “Moses moments”, nor does God appear as a guy with a white beard—unless He wants to!

Cheryl · 3 years ago

Interesting pod-cast Randy. Was it a good cigar?

I think sampling popular culture is a must. Popular culture is not familiar with Christianese. We need to speak a language that can be understood. And, you learn so much from observing how people process the questions we all struggle with as eternal beings.

I do think there is a fine line though. I don't want to cause my brother to stumble but I do want to challenge him.

I have been chastised for reading Harry Potter. The woman who chastised me couldn't defend her position because she hadn't read any of the books!?!?!

Pamphlet is a funny sounding word.

Nice Accent.

Jack Yan · 3 years ago

The odd cigar is fine, in my book! (I don’t smoke, but it sure doesn’t offend me.)

Jeremy · 3 years ago

I'm only offended if you smoke cheap cigars.

Jeremy · 3 years ago

I'm only offended if you smoke cheap cigars.

Randy · 3 years ago

Right on Jack.

I would say that while most of us won't glow like Moses, we can undoubtedly encounter God in very personal and intimate ways. That's the kind of God I know. He will meet us in supernatural and spectacular ways if we allow Him to make Himself known. He will also reach each person in the way that they are wired. Some wouldn't believe a burning bush but not deny the still small voice.

Randy · 3 years ago

Jeremy, just say NO to cheap cigars ... although ... I am secure enough to admit that I do like flavored cigars (vanilla and java specifically.)

Randy · 3 years ago

Cheryl, it was a good cigar but the friendship and conversation was so much better. I agree with you on the popular culture not being a stumbling block thing. Completely agree.

I just don't understand those who are critical of those of us who do analyze modern pop culture, and sometimes enjoy it. It's not like we are being fed spiritually by it. That would be a problem.

Madonna will never shape my theology but my Lord will help me understand Madonna and her work.

At the same time, I don't know a single Christian who doesn't engage the culture in some form or fashion and none of it is easier or better than the other.

We all still have to "...capture every thought obedient ..." and be "salt and light" to the world.

Jack Yan · 3 years ago

Randy, you know how sometimes a few words can kick off a lot of things in your head? When you wrote ‘still small voice’ I began hearing ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’ in my head, one of my favourite hymns. I am enjoying that, thank you!

Dan Gonzales · 3 years ago

That's so cool I use Audacity too but I'm not very good at it. (I'm much more of a graphics person.)

I take it you got my cards?

Jack Yan · 3 years ago

God even comes to us in digital clocks. Call me fanciful, but I believe angels cause the 11.11 and 2.22 phenomena. Fortunately, no clock does 6.66.

Dan Gonzales · 3 years ago

That's so cool I use Audacity too but I'm not very good at it. (I'm much more of a graphics person.)
I take it you got my cards?

Randy · 3 years ago

Jack, I think your memory of a song is definitely a work of the Spirit. You can reduce it down to biology and neural imprinting of memories criss-crossing the lobes of your brain ... but I think it is the Holy Spirit that inhabits the synaptic firings which bring about these miracles inside our minds.

Now, this whole clock business... are you serious? 'Cause Jack, now that is some sorta' somethin' kind of theology I have never heard before. :)

Randy · 3 years ago

Dan,

Yes, I did get your postcards up at the office. Thank you for thinking of me while you vacation.

I have been to upstate New York once and to Chicago at least half a dozen to a dozen times. I know both are beautiful in their own unique ways and pray you were refreshed in your travels.

Jack Yan · 3 years ago

Partly serious. I keep seeing these sequences, and I know I normally would not. I began looking it up and apparently a lot of other folks see them, too, though there are a lot of New Age interpretations. I believe I am prompted to see them by either the Big Guy Himself or by one of His messengers. It just happens way too frequently for me.

Randy · 3 years ago

Hmmm... maybe those are times He wants you to pray? Have you ever felt "led" in any particular direction with this observation?

I don't believe in coincidence either. Knowing that our God is a God of order (along with creativity) it wouldn't surprise me if there is a lesson or something in that observation.

George · 3 years ago

I like that madonna song too. i first heard it while on a boring plane ride, a "song" plane (delta owned) where you get to make a mix list of all kinds of music. I heard it and thought it sounded like a worship song, then i told my friends i liked it and they said i shouln't listed to her 'cause she sold her soul to the devil. I'm glad to know another christian i can relate to.

Randy · 3 years ago

Great George, it's good to see you and so glad you can relate :).