Heart and Soul for Whom?

“Our youth will be taught to love America with all of their heart and all of their soul.” - President Trump, White House Conference on American History

Mr. President,

It is not a good thing to teach our children this. Our hearts, bodies, minds, and souls belong only to God. We acknowledge righteously wielded government authority as God’s gift of order. We respect the history and culture of the people we live amongst. We study history and celebrate the moments when God’s grace and providence are most evident. However, the hearts of Christians and the hearts of our children can never belong to America.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” (Deut 6:4-9 KJV)

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him [Jesus] a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt 22:35-40 KJV)

Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law. Amen.

Pass auf! Alexa kann jetzt Wir Sind Helden in die USA spielen!

The best chaser after The Color of Compromise and Reading While Black? On the Incarnation by the brilliant, African bishop St. Athanasius. You can’t hate that which God has assumed into himself and redeemed.

My Apple event wish: A headless prosumer ARM Mac. Then, I could finally ditch my iMac, get an external monitor, and have a functional WFH setup that doesn’t take up my entire desk.

Sad that the DNC doesn’t even deny that pro-life folk aren’t welcome in the party. Huge mistake. Orthodox Christians might be a minority, but we are a large enough minority that we can turn national and state elections.

Reading While Black is a powerful testament to the hope of the Gospel given to all people through Jesus Christ. It should be required reading for all American Christians during this political season.

“I [Jesus] tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:35-37 (RSV) — A reminder from our Lord during this tense political season.

Is anyone in my circle familiar with Tennessee alcohol laws? Would it be legal to host a socially-distanced theology on tap in a church parking lot? 🍺⛪

The ACNA should be in conversation with the AMEC, CMEC, and the AMECZ. They are our brothers. We did them wrong in the past. We can, with Christ, bring healing to the heirs of English Christianity.

Do I have anyone in my network who owns or manages (or knows someone who does) a trailer park or apartment complex in Nashville?

I found this CD from college and it did not disappoint.

I finally watched Hamilton. The redemptive ending between Alexander and Eliza was moving and the music was great.

Let us go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia, alleluia. ​ Thanks be to God.

On our way! Today at 2 the bishop will ordain me a deacon. Thanks be to God! It’s been a long journey!

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy each to his brother, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.” Zechariah 7:9-10 (RSV)

Woe to her that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice, she accepts no correction, she does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God. — Zephaniah 3:1-2 (RSV)

An occasional reminder: I enjoy old(er) computers & handhelds. Very interested if you find an older computer or computer accessories. 🤓🖥️

A Word During Coronatide

“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his going forth is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 6:1-3 ʀꜱᴠ