The Blog Hill

Quick note

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 15:16:00 +0000

I have taken a small sabbatical as you would all have noticed. The workload of doing all these entries was quite high, and it took a toll on family time. Also, I have had a baby which compounds the time issue somewhat. I do intend to continue blogging the lectionary, however, this time it may be abbreviated, or more selective of the weeks that are blogged. I will need to decide. What I had been doing is unsustainable.

Blessings to all... keep an eye out I will be starting up again soon.

the king of the hill

Returning in the New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 03:58:00 +0000

With the Christmas retail season, I will be taking a break from blogging until the new year. Please take a look at the archives, and return then for more blogging.

have a blessed xmas, and new year.

the king of the hill

Currently Reading - A Time For Trumpets

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:14:00 +0000

A Time For Trumpets by Charles B MacDonald

Charles Macdonald writes a detailed account of the "Battle of the Bulge". I started reading this book yesterday, and it has been captivating. The first cahpetrs recount how Hitler managed to devise an attack on the allied forces during the late part of 1944 in the area of Ardennes in Belgium. Under the cloak of secrecy and a deception campaign, he ammssed forces against the sparse defenses in that area of the front. His intention was to use this attack as a means to retake the port city of Antwerp, which the allies had taken.

What immediately came to mind from the retelling of the story, is how often people become blinded by the consensus. The allied forces completely discounted the idea that Hitler would attack in the Ardennes, because it was felt that an army would not be able to negotiate the area with enough ease to make it productive to the advance of the front. This option for attack came to be held as an undeniable fact. Everybody knew that that was NOT the plan in the minds of the Germans.

How often do we make the same mistake, to believe the majority to our detriment? The majority is not always right?

the king of the hill

Bible Topic Link Page - Save, Free, Redeem

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 22:05:00 +0000

"Save", "Redeem", "Free", "Justify"

The original language links collected here are to give an overall inclusively broad view of the concept "saving" - primarily as it it relates to sin (or metaphorically related to sin, ie "paid ransom"). Blue Letter Bible has cross refernces to all of the verses containing each of the original language words. To view these click of the greek of hebrew word to connect to the appropriate reference page. If you believe there is an original language word that I have missed please email me to let me know. (I believe that there are a number of Hebrew words that I have not referenced.)

Original language definitions sourced from Blue Letter Bible

Related Hebrew Words:

padah - Strong's #06299
1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver
.....a) (Qal) to ransom
.....b) (Niphal) to be ransomed
.....c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed
.....d) (Hophal) redeemed

ga'al - Strong's #01350
1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman
.....a) (Qal)
..........1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer
...............a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance
..........2) to redeem (by payment)
..........3) to redeem (with God as subject)
...............a) individuals from death
...............b) Israel from Egyptian bondage
...............c) Israel from exile
.....b) (Niphal)
..........1) to redeem oneself
..........2) to be redeemed

g@ullah - Strong's #01353
1) kindred, redemption, right of redemption, price of redemption
.....a) kin, kindred
.....b) redemption
.....c) right of redemption
.....d) price of redemption, redemption price

p@duwth - Strong's #06304
1) ransom

yasha` - Strong's #03467
1) to save, be saved, be delivered
.....a) (Niphal)
..........1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered
..........2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious
.....b) (Hiphil)
..........1) to save, deliver
..........2) to save from moral troubles
..........3) to give victory to

y@shuw`ah - Strong's #03444
1) salvation, deliverance
.....a) welfare, prosperity
.....b) deliverance
.....c) salvation (by God)
.....d) victory

malat - Strong's #04422
1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered
.....a) (Niphal)
..........1) to slip away
..........2) to escape
..........3) to be delivered
.....b) (Piel)
..........1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs)
..........2) to let escape
..........3) to deliver, save (life)
.....c) (Hiphil)
..........1) to give birth to
..........2) to deliver
.....d) (Hithpael)
..........1) to slip forth, slip out, escape
..........2) to escape

Related Greek Words:

apallasso - Strong's #525
1) to remove, release, to be removed, to depart2) to set free, deliver

apolutrosis - Strong's #629
1) a releasing effected by payment of ransom
.....a) redemption, deliverance
.....b) liberation procured by the payment of a ransom

aphesis - Strong's #859
1) release from bondage or imprisonment2) forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty

diasozo- Strong's #1295
1) to preserve through danger, to bring safely through
a) to save, i.e. cure one who is sick, bring him through
2) to save, keep from perishing3) to save out of danger, rescue

dikaioo - Strong's #1344
1) to render righteous or such he ought to be
2) to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered3) to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

eleutheroo - Strong's #1659
1) to make free
2) set at liberty: from the dominion of sin

exagorazo - Strong's #1805
1) to redeem
.....a) by payment of a price to recover from the power of another, to ransom, buy off
.....b) metaph. of Christ freeing the elect from the dominion of the Mosaic Law at the price of his vicarious death
2) to buy up, to buy up for one's self, for one's use
.....a) to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own

exaireo - Strong's #1807
1) to pluck out, draw out, i.e. root out
2) to choose out (for one's self), select, one person from many3) to rescue, deliver

lutroo - Strong's #3084
1) to release on receipt of ransom
2) to redeem, liberate by payment of ransom
.....a) to liberate
.....b) to cause to be released to one's self by payment of a ransom
.....c) to redeem
.....d) to deliver: from evils of every kind, internal and external

lutrosis - Strong's #3085
1) a ransoming, redemption
2) deliverance, esp. from the penalty of sin

rhoumai - Strong's #4506
1) to draw to one's self, to rescue, to deliver
2) the deliverer

sozo - Strong's #4982
1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
.....a) one (from injury or peril)
..........1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
..........1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
.....b) to save in the technical biblical sense
..........1) negatively
...............a) to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment
...............b) to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance

soteria - Strong's #4991
1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation
.....a) deliverance from the molestation of enemies
.....b) in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the souls safety or salvation
..........1) of Messianic salvation
..........2) salvation as the present possession of all true Christians
..........3) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.

soterion - Strong's #4992
1) saving, bringing salvation
2) he who embodies this salvation, or through whom God is about to achieve it
3) the hope of (future) salvation

charizomai - Strong's #5483
1) to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify
.....a) to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent
.....b) to grant forgiveness, to pardon
.....c) to give graciously, give freely, bestow
..........1) to forgive
..........2) graciously to restore one to another
..........3) to preserve for one a person in peril

the king of the hill

These are a few of my Favorite Things - Music - Agnus Dei

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 05:00:00 +0000

My favorite worship song is "Agnus Dei" as performed by Third Day. At the first Sonfest festival in 2001, I heard them lead the crowd in worship... it was not a concert. One of the moments of the night was when the played this song, and the thousands there sang...

Agnus Dei
Alleluia, Alleluia
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia, Alleluia
For our Lord God Almighty reigns

Holy, Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy
Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy Is the Lamb
Worthy Is the Lamb
Amen

Holy, You are holy
King of kings, Lord of lords
You are holy
Holy, you are holy
King of kings, Lord of lords
I worship you

the king of the hill

Bible Topic Link Page - Angels

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 03:13:00 +0000

Angels
Related Hebrew Words:
mal'ak Strong's #04397
Definition (via Blue Letter Bible)

1) messenger, representative

a) messenger

b) angel
c) the theophanic angel

Related Greek Words:
aggelos Strong's #32
Definition (via Blue Letter Bible)

1) a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God

Related Bible Passages:
The folowing passages are links to passages that refer to Angels. I recommend using the Blue Letter Bible links above, as they have word cross references.

Genesis 16:7
Exodus 3:2
Matthew 1:20, 2:13, 19, 28:2
Luke 1:11, 2:9
John 20:12
Acts 8:26, 10:3, 12:7, 23, 27:23

the king of the hill

An Internet Explorer User Decides to be Unfaithful

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 02:14:00 +0000

I am so sorry Bill, you know that I have been faithful to you and your products from the day I betrayed Apple and bought a PC... Please forgive me for downloading a different browser than the one you readily provided for me. I had was so enamored with your IE software that until today when it started to fail on me I had not considered using a different browser. So seeing that I have been enormously faithful to you with all my other software, I hope that you will understand when I say that I am NO LONGER COMING BACK TO USE YOUR PIECE OF #$@#!

Ok, now that I have got that off my chest, Internet explorer kept dying on me today, after reinstalling it just a month ago. I have been looking at the number of people coming through my site surfing on Mozilla Firefox, so rather than reload IE, I decided to step away from Microsoft and try out this browser. I don't know much about it, but downloading and installation was a cinch. The look is a little disorienting, and my blog looked somewhat different to how I had seen it before. With time I am sure it will be as familiar as IE was.

Cheers... to new beginnings!

the king of the hill

Bloginality

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 01:11:00 +0000

Well, finally I decided to take one of these tests that you see when you surf the Blogspace. This is the Myers-Briggs personality type.

My Bloginality is INFP

Woohee... tell me something I didn't know already...

BTW - INFP is far superior to all other personality types. We are all geniuses that laugh inside at the foibles of the rest!

the king of the hill

These are a few of my Favorite Things - Music

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 02:48:00 +0000

Recorded just before he died, the first time I heard this song, it brought tears to my eyes. I had not heard much of Rich Mullins music, but this song was powerful.

Hard to Get
You who live in heaven
Hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth
Who are afraid of being left by those we love
And who get hardened by the hurt
Do you remember when
You lived down here where we all scrape
To find the faith to ask for daily bread
Did You forget about us after You had flown away
Well I memorized every word You said
Still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath
While You're up there just playing hard to get

You who live in radiance
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin
We have a love that's not as patient as Yours was
Still we do love now and then
Did You ever know loneliness
Did You ever know need
Do You remember just how long a night can get?
When You were barely holding on
And Your friends fall asleep
And don't see the blood that's running in Your sweat
Will those who mourn be left uncomforted
While You're up there just playing hard to get?

And I know you bore our sorrows
And I know you feel our pain
And I know it would not hurt any less
Even if it could be explained
And I know that I am only lashing out
At the One who loves me most
And after I figured this, somehow
All I really need to know

Is if You who live in eternity
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in time
We can't see what's ahead
And we can not get free of what we've left behind
I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears
All the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret I can't see how
You're leading me unless
You've led me here
Where I'm lost enough to let myself be led
And so You've been here all along I guess
It's just Your ways and
You are just plain hard to get.

Many Christians are afraid to express any anger towards God, believing that somehow in the process they are expressing a lack of faith. This song to me speaks perfectly of how we often feel, that is a longing for God to move quicker, to reveal our future, to sooth our sorrow. All the while their is a belief in God. A faith that says 'nevertheless'.

the king of the hill

Blogging with a head cold...

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 02:37:00 +0000

Well, I succumbed to the first cold of the season. Making my final thoughts for this week's lectionary reading post has been a little slow, and I feel I should just crawl up in bed and sleep. Hmm, that doesn't seem like such a bad idea...

the king of the hill

Influencers in My Life - He made us read and read and read...

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 04:46:00 +0000

In the fall of 1996, I attended a Bible College in Seattle. I did a post-graduate one year accredited study course in biblical studies. If I were to name a time when I was most challenged and stretched in my faith, the school year of 96-97 would be it. Much of that challenging and stretching I owe to one man who came from somewhat a different background to the other professors I had. He had the belief that we as students had the ability to read enormous amounts of material, digest and ponder on it, and summarize what we had learned into concisely written form to answer a number of questions he had prescribed. Rev Peter Lai in that one year, had me read me more in one quarter than I had in my whole under-graduate degree in Australia - maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but it certainly felt that way. I made the fortunate mistake of opting to take a custom designed reading course in which I would study the theology of church growth. I say mistake because Peter Lai was my supervisor, who assigned the amount of reading I would undertake that quarter. I was to read whole book on church growth each week, submit my weekly summary report of what I had learned, and then at the end of the quarter, submit a mini-thesis which summarized what I had learned about the Theology of Church Growth. It was fortunate because that one course, along with a parallel course entitled the Theology of Mission (yes the overlap was considerable) helped me to view church life, evangelism, missiology, and my own experiences with clarity. A clarity which has stuck with me permanently.

Peter Lai, in his method of teaching, raised my expectations of what I was capable of accomplishing. For that I am indebted. If you read this Peter, thank you.

the king of the hill

Who Has Influenced me In My Life?

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 04:35:00 +0000

This is a link page to all of me posts on people who have personally been an influence on my life...
The man who kicked me up the Butt!
He made us read and read and read...

the king of the hill

Influencers in My Life - The Man Who Kicked My Butt!

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Sun, 05 Dec 2004 19:31:00 +0000

This is the first of a number of tribute pages to people who have had a large influence on my life. Meet the man who I met for the first time in the early nineties, when he came on a visit to do youth ministry training with Lutheran Youth of Queensland. On that visit he talked about M Scott Peck's book, "The Road Less Travelled". It came at a time when I was searching for answers to where I was headed in life. At one point in the weekend retreat, he laid out a number of his books, and I picked up Peck's book, to browse through it. He noticed and he came over to me and said that he wanted me to have his copy of the book. It was a gesture I have remembered which impressed me greatly. The copy he gave me is filled with personal notes in the margins and a encouraging note in the cover which he made before handing it off. The one thing I took from that book was the idea that - life is hard, and it is only when we accept that premise, life actually becomes somewhat easier to live.

His name is Dick Borrud. On his second visit to Australia in 1995-96 I was at a training event again where Dick was introducing us to his ministry called "Five-Alive". It was at this event that Dick gave me my kick up the backside. He gave me a picture of what my life would be like if I did not make some changes. Dick put out an invitation (to this day I do not know if he seriously thought that I would accept it) to spend the summer at his camp in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I accepted his invitation and so in the summer of 1996 I travelled to the US, for the best three months of my life. Not only did I meet my wife there (right where the closest shadow starts on the left side of this photo), but I also got my life in order.

Dick, when you read this. Thankyou. I don't know if I have said it before, but thankyou. You have been an inspiration, and I know that God used you in a way that cut through any pretense, and brought me to a place I needed to be, before His throne of mercy. To Him be the praise!

the king of the hill

A Recipe Blog... now here's something we can all enjoy!

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Sun, 05 Dec 2004 19:29:00 +0000

A recipe blog! I just started surfing Blogexplosion and I came across this blogsite. This is about the most unique site I have come across while surfing BE... Posting recipes that you have tried and know to be good. The great part with a blog is the level of interaction, you could read people's comments on how the recipe turned out, or get a tip or two, on some part of the process. I almost feel motivated to start another blog where I could put up some of my own favorites... boiled eggs, toast, and the ever popular cup of filter coffee!

Seriously though, evryone who knows me personally, knows how I like awesome food. I look forward to dropping in and spotting something I'd like to try myself. If you like food (who doesn't) you might want to try it out...

the king of the hill

Michael W Smith Concert

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Sun, 05 Dec 2004 05:53:00 +0000

Well, I just returned home from a very nice Michael W Smith Christmas concert at the Xcel center here in the Twin Cities. Despite my wife being a conscientious budgeter, and chosing to get the cheapest tickets possible, I enjoyed the music. Smith has a way of bringing time worn carols to life, and his own music on top is a treat. My favorite song of the night though was the solo by one of the Point of Grace singers.

Note to my dearest wife... next time lets splurge and get a little closer to the stage...

the king of the hill

Link Page - Christian Organizations

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:52:00 +0000

This is a link page for Christian Organizations.

Voice of the Martyrs

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to organizations of which I have no background knowledge. You should include a description, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - Christian Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:46:00 +0000

This is a link page for blogs that are entirely or somewhat focused on Christian Topics.

Textweek.com
Another Man's Meat
Avoiding Evil.
brad's.reveries
Cheryls Journal
Daddypundit
Listen to the Ryan!
rose island lighthouse
Sheep in Wolfs Clothing
The Journey
Thin Spaces
Wittenberg Gate

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to blogs of which I have no background knowledge (as minimal as it can be from reading entries). You should include a link, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - Business

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:34:00 +0000

This is a link page for blogs/sites that are entirely or somewhat focused on Conservative Political Comment.

Reflections of a Business-Driven Life
Small Business Trends
Blog Business World - Wayne Hurlbert takes the approach of Blogs as a Business, even the personal blog. A Good Read.

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to blogs/sites of which I have no background knowledge (as minimal as it can be from reading entries). You should include a link, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - IT/Blog Related

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:32:00 +0000

This is a link page for sites/blogs that are entirely or somewhat focused on Information Technology, or Blogging.

Easy Bake Weblogs
GeekLog
The Social Networking Weblog
TJ's Weblog
Blog Business World - Wayne Hurlbert takes the approach of Blogs as a Business, even the personal blog. A Good Read.

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to blogs/sites of which I have no background knowledge (as minimal as it can be from reading entries). You should include a link, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - Media Watcher

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:30:00 +0000

This is a link page for sites/blogs that are entirely or somewhat focused on commenting on media coverage of events.

Accuracy In Media

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to blogs/sites of which I have no background knowledge (as minimal as it can be from reading entries). You should include a link, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - Politics

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:27:00 +0000

This is a link page for political party sites and sites related specifically to governance. (These sites are not commentary or editorial in nature)

Project Vote Smart
Republican Party

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to sites of which I have no background knowledge. You should include a description, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - Media Organizations

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:20:00 +0000

This is a link page for Media Organizations.

NEWS.com.au
The Australian Newspaper

the king of the hill

Link Page - Conservative Political Comment

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:17:00 +0000

This is a link page for blogs that are entirely or somewhat focused on Conservative Political Comment.

Between Two Worlds
Brainpost
Captain's Quarters
Conservative Eyes
Cowgirls Do The News
headland
Liberty Just In Case
Louisiana Conservative
MartiniPundit
Michael the ArchAngel
Random Thoughts
Speaking My Mind
The Left Ain't Right
Townhall.com
Uncle Jack

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to sites of which I have no background knowledge. You should include a description, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - Talk Radio

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:14:00 +0000

This is a link page for talk radio sites.

Hugh Hewitt
Northern Alliance Radio

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to organizations of which I have no background knowledge. You should include a description, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill

Link Page - Pro-Life Organizations

noreply@blogger.com (MinnesotaAussie) — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 07:00:00 +0000

This is a link page for Pro-Life Organizations.

New Life Family Services

Do you fit this category? Have a site that you think I might want to include? Know of a good site that should be here? Mail Me! me with the address, and let me check it out... or add it into comments. I will not link to organizations of which I have no background knowledge. You should include a description, and explanation of your endorsement.

the king of the hill