I've been listening to the recent Ann Coulter book, Godless: The Church of Liberalism. I've checked out the audio book on cd from our local public library. I love hearing her sensible arguments that shoot so many holes in illogical arguments made in the political arena. She's fun and doesn't shrink back from a fight. It's funny how narrow-minded some supposedly "open-minded" people can be when it comes to the subject of Christianity. The exclusivity claims of Christ really bother people. It's not politically correct to speak openly about an outright hatred for Christianity, but it definitely seems to be prevelant amongst certain circles.
I'm listening to the new album by Iona right now. This brilliant band of skilled musicians always bring their "A Game" to a studio album, and The Circling Hour is no exception. Good times. Joanne Hogg's vocals are like a fine-tuned instrument that mixes well with the progressive and Celtic flavored rock and mesmerizing Pink Floyd-ish music.
I just put the latest issue of Heaven's Metal Fanzine to press late last night. Now it's time to get more organized and face the 23 days left of the next issue of HM Magazine's production schedule. Whew!
I received some good stuff on Monday. I went to a hearing, where I found that I'll get the Agricultural Exemption back on the land here at the HM Ranch, which is going to be farmed by a local guy that currently farms the two lots next to us and the larger lot to the West of us. It's a perfect fit. Sometime between now and January 31st he will have the land plowed and -- depending upon the weather -- will either plant and grow hay or graze cattle on this land. I'll have to pay for the "sprigging" or a fence around the 1 acre of the office's yard around that time. The other piece of good news was seeing the package at the ranch waiting for me, which the Fed Ex courrier had left in a plastic bag by the gate. The brand new issue is cool. I'm very excited about it. The upside-down design of half the mag turned out right. I see recurring themes throughout the magazine and am so thrilled to have been a part of it. Maybe it's the best issue ever (though it is hard to top that 20th anniversary issue that came out last year).
In Genesis 21 we see God fulfill His promise to Sarah and Abraham: Sarah gives birth to Isaac. It was good that God forbad Abimelech from touching Sarah, as there would be no doubt that Isaac was Abraham's child. During a celebration, though, Hagar's son from Abraham -- Ishmael -- began mocking, which upset Sarah. She wanted he and his mother to leave. Abraham was distressed, as Ishmael was his son.
It appears that Abraham was a people pleaser, a peace maker that wanted to avoid conflict. God spoke to him and basically told him to do what his wife asked, also reminding Abraham that the boy would become a great nation, which in a sense, secured his well being. So Hagar and Ishmael took off and wandered in the desert of Beersheba. After the water in the skin (old fashioned water bottle or canteen) was gone, Hagar laid the boy under a bush and went off, sat down and wept. She sobbed.
"God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.' Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink."
Here we see an incredible divine intervention and provision for the father of the Arab nation. What does this mean for one of the world's largest religions (Islam)? Will there ever be peace between Muslims and Jews? Why do they hate Jews? Why do they want Israel wiped off the face of the earth? What about their laws that forbid converting to Christianity? Will there ever be peace with that religion and the rest of the world? Or will it lead to a showdown that destroys everything?
Later on in the chapter we learn that Hagar got Ishmael a wife from Egypt. Abraham also made a treaty oath with Abimelech at a place that was called Beersheba.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at October 25, 2006 11:36 AM