Friday, August 10, 2007

GOSPEL SONNETS - Chapter 1 - Section 1

GOSPEL SONNETS
By Ralph Erskine
Chapter 1
A general account of Man’s fall in ADAM, and the remedy provided in CHRIST; and a particular account of Man’s being naturally wedded to the law, as a covenant of works.

SECTION I. – The FALL of ADAM.

OLD Adam once a heav’n of pleasure found,
While he with perfect innocence was crowned;
His winged affections to his God could move,
In raptures of desire, and strains of love.
Man, standing spotless, pure, and innocent,
Could well the law of works with works content;
Though then, (nor since,) it could demand no less
Than personal and perfect righteousness:
These, unto sinless man were easy terms,
Though now beyond the reach of wither’d arms;
The legal cov’nant then upon the field,
Perfection sought, man could perfection yield
Rich had he, and his progeny, remain’d,
Had he primeval innocence maintain’d:
His life had been a rest without annoy,
A scene of bliss, a paradise of joy.
But subtile Satan, in the serpent hid,
Proposing fair the fruit that God forbid,
Man soon seduc’d by hell’s alluring art,
Did, disobedient, from the rule depart;
Devour’d the bait, and, by his bold offence,
Fell from his blissful state of innocence. (1)
Prostrate, he lost his God, his life, his crown,
From all his glory tumbled headlong down;
Plung’d in a deep abyss of sin and wo,
Where, void of heart to will, or hand to do,
For’s own relief he can’t command a thought,
The total sum of what he can is nought.
He’s able only now t’increase his thrall;
He can destroy himself, and this is all,
But can the hellish brat Heaven’s law fulfil,
Whose precepts high surmount his strength and skill?
Can filthy dross produce a golden beam?
Or poison’d springs a salutif’rous stream?
Can carnal minds, fierce enmity’s wide maw,
Be duly subject to the divine law?
Nay, now its direful threat’nings must take place
On all the disobedient human race,
Who do by guilt Omnipotence provoke,
Obnoxious stand to his uplifted stroke.
They must ingulph themselves in endless woes,
Who to the living God are deadly foes;
Who natively his holy will gainsay,
Must to his awful justice fall a prey.
In vain do mankind now expect, in vain
By legal deeds immortal life to gain:
Nay, death is threaten’d, threats must have their due,
Or, souls that sin must die, (2) as God is true.

(1) Gen. iii 1-6
(2) Ezek. xviii, 4

GOSPEL SONNETS - Preface

GOSPEL SONNETS
By Ralph Erskine

Part 1.

The Believer’s Espousals;
A Poem

Upon Isaiah liv. 5. Thy Maker is thy Husband

PREFACE

HARK, dying mortal, if the Sonnet prove
A song of living and immortal love,
‘Tis then thy grand concern the theme to know,
If life and immortality be so.
Are eyes to read, or ears to hear a trust?
Shall both in death be cramm’d anon with dust?
Then trifle not to please thine ear and eye,
But read thou, hear thou, for eternity.
Pursue not shadows wing’d, but be thy chase
The God of glory, on the field of grace:
The mighty hunter’s name is lost and vain,
That runs not this substantial prize to gain.
These humble lines assume no high pretence,
To please the fancy, or allure the sense,
But aim, if everlasting life’s thy chase,
To clear thy mind, and warn thy heart thro’ grace.
A marriage so mysterious I proclaim,
Betwixt two parties of such diff’rent fame,
That human tongues may blush their names to tell,
To wit, the Prince of Heav’n, the heir of hell!
But on so vast a subject who can find
Words suiting the conceptions of his mind?
Or, if our language with our thought could vie,
What mortal thought can raise itself so high?
When words and thoughts both fail, may faith and pray’r
Ascend, by climbing up the scripture-stair:
From sacred writ these strong espousals may
Be explicated in the foll’wing way.

This is the preface from Ralph Erskine’s Gospel Sonnets. I have greatly enjoyed this book. Ralph Erskine was a pastor of the Secessionist Church of Scotland. He was born March 15, 1685 and died November 6, 1752. I also own two other books of his containing his sermons. Erskine is Calvinistic in his theology, and helped to lead me down that path as well. As I have time, I plan to share sections of Gospel Sonnets here in this blog. I first learned of this book from reading John G. Paton’s autobiography. Paton describes that his father was reading Erskine’s Gospel Sonnets aloud in a garden when a young lady heard him and commented on its beauty. They married, and John was born to them. John Paton’s story is remarkable. So much so that Sheri and I decided to name our fifth child, Paton Valor Southerland in John G. Paton’s honor.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

The Glorious Doctrine of Eternal Damnation

Recently I was challenged by someone, whom I admire greatly, to reevaluate my stance on the biblical teaching on hell. Their claim is that the biblical word for hell is “gehenna.” They go on to state that gehenna was simply a place outside of the city walls of Jerusalem. This was a barren place where the bodies of criminals were burned. It was also where the sinning Israelites offered their children as sacrifices to the pagan god, Molech. Today, they claim it is a beautiful garden. Because of this shared name, they reason that this particular valley of Hinnon is the point of all the teaching regarding hell or gehenna.

With apologies to this person, who will remain unnamed in this article, I must differ with this interpretation. I suggest, rather, that this valley was named after the place of torment so often described in the scriptures. The very point that bodies, and children, were burned in this place give validity to the thesis that the valley was named after the spiritual place of torment. Contrasted with the idea that a fictitious spiritual hell was confused with this humble valley, the first idea makes much more sense. Why does it make sense that the valley would be named after the literal “hell” of traditional Jewish and Christian teaching? The answer is easy. The concept of a literal, burning hell is central to the teaching of the Bible. From the Old Testament:

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
- Isaiah 5:14

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
- Isaiah 14:9

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth. They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.
- Ezekiel 31:16–17

There are many, many, other references to hell in the Old Testament. There are also countless references to hell in the New Testament, many of which are the direct Words of our Lord.

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
- Matthew 5:22

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
- Matthew 5:29-30

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
- Luke 12:5

Perhaps the most convincing proof of a literal hell from the scriptures is the story that Jesus told concerning the rich man and Lazurus. It is said that you can tell the difference between a parable and a factual account by Christ’s use of proper names when relating actual events. Consider the following passage from Luke 16:20-31

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
- Luke 16:20-31

In this passage we are told explicitly that hell is a place where the dead are in torment. It is a place that not only contains demons, but also reprobate men.

The title of this article is “The Glorious Doctrine of Eternal Damnation.” You may ask, “What’s so glorious about hell?” I’ll tell you. We all deserve this eternal torment. We have sinned against an almighty and an all powerful God. Were we to spend an eternity burning in hell, we could never repay the debt we owe. Yet God, in His infinite goodness and mercy, has elected some, out of His own good pleasure to rescue from such doom and destruction. He paid an enormous price to secure the souls of His elect. The precious blood of His own son was poured out on Calvary. To deny the existence of an actual, physical hell, is to declare that Jesus Christ died in vain! It is to say that the God of the Universe was foolish to send His son to die in order to save His own from a place that doesn’t exist!

To say that everyone will be saved and spend eternity in Heaven is equally appalling. If a man can die trusting in Baal, Allah, Molech, Buddha, or noone at all, and still have eternal life in Heaven, then again, Christ died in vain.

I plead with my friend not to forsake the doctrine of hell. Christ’s death was purposeful. He did save His elect from eternal destruction. The reprobate will spend eternity in flaming torment. To say otherwise is to deny the Word of God.

Friday, July 27, 2007

TV Train Wreck?

I noticed an interesting article that showed up in my inbox this morning.

http://www.gopusa.com/news/2007/july/0727_digital_tv1.shtml

This article claims that as of February 18, 2009 television sets that are not equipped to receive a digital signal will become useless pieces of furniture. That’s interesting. I already view TV sets as useless pieces of furniture.

The article goes on to describe the woes that the senators will feel when their constituents are no longer able to get meaningful communication out of their “idol.” I say, “Hoorah!” Maybe this will be the first step in watching the monster get a black eye. According to the article 61% of the American public is unaware this is going to happen. Count me among that percentage…until today.

My opinion is that nothing (with the possible exception of the government school system) has brought greater harm to Christian families than the infernal television set. This evil monster has stolen billions of hours of otherwise productive time from families. It has taught our children bad language and bad behaviour. Our sin nature teaches how to be evil well enough on its own without the “help” from a television set. The “wholesome” programs of the 1950’s and 1960’s (which were still very big time wasters) gave way to immodest, irreverent, God hating programs of the 1990’s though the 2000’s. I believe the 1970’s through the 1980’s witnessed the transition from the earlier programming to the lewd filth being spewed forth today.

We sold our big screen TV for $25 when we moved from Nashville in 2005. My only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner. My disdain for the TV set runs deep. It seems that no matter where you go these days, we are subjected to the immoral, immodest message that the TV set propagates. You can hardly dine in a restaurant without having one luring your glance toward it. I hate it because I watch it if it is there. It is a tantalizing drug. I find it impossible to deliberately look the other way. Most of the time in these restaurants, if you look the other way then you notice the one mounted on the “other” wall.

So, I sit back with a bit of satisfaction of considering that millions of Americans may be without a signal on February 19, 2009. If only it would just stay that way…sigh. Unfortunately, though, I’m sure that by the end of that week, the majority of these people will have charged whatever they need to on their credit cards to get their set working again. Or even worse…our legislators may give out vouchers for a “free upgrade.” After all, if the people had their media taken away they may actually start thinking for themselves. We wouldn’t want *that* to happen, would we?

As for me and my family, we won’t notice the transition to digital signal. A missing TV set doesn’t care whether digital or analog signals are traveling through the air.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

What Are You Reading?

The other day I was sitting in my car in the parking lot with my windows rolled down reading, as I like to do from time to time when the weather is actually cool enough to do so. A coworker walked by and asked if I were working.

“No. I’m reading,” I responded.

“Harry Potter?,” she asked.

“No. The Bible.”

She walked away rather quickly after that. I’ve written before that there is very little fiction I find worth reading. Often, even if I do find fiction that is worth reading, I have trouble making time for it amidst all the non-fiction that I have on my “must-read” list.

But Harry Potter? You must be kidding! What is it about this series that would captivate young and old alike? Doug Philips recently wrote an excellent article about this entitled, Dining on Harry Potter, in which he likens this stuff as poison to your soul. I could not agree more.

Let me state for the record that if you name the name of Christ, you have no business reading this filth. If you are a Christian parent and you allow your children to read this filth, then you are a child abuser.

In speaking of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33:6, the scripture states plainly:

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
(2Ch 33:6)

God says these things “provoke him to anger.” Witchcraft falls right in the middle of a whole host of things that God warns will prevent a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Gal 5:19-21)

Witchcraft is not child’s play. It is not something with which to trifle. Witchcraft, whether “good” or “evil,” is all evil. It is from the father of lies. (John 8:44)

You may object saying, “You haven’t even read Harry Potter. How can you soundly condemn it?” I answer you that the scripture gives reason enough to stay far away from this stuff.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(1Th 5:22)

We are told what we are to fill our minds with.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(Php 4:8)

Does Harry Potter fit this bill? I think not.

If your children want exciting fiction to read, there are plenty of better choices than “Harry Potter.” Consider R.M. Ballantyne or G.A. Henty. Both of these authors wrote extensively about adventures that took place in the annals of history. So, as your children (or even yourself!) read these works, not only will they be entertained, but they will gain an understanding of history that is rare among today’s poorly educated youth. Both of these series are available from Vision Forum. We have some of the Henty books. We’d like to order the Ballantyne books. Yet, even with these excellent resources, you must excuse me while I return to my excellent non-fiction reading list, of which I feel will never end. (Ecc 12:12)

Ballantyne
Henty

Monday, July 02, 2007

Normalcy?

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
(Jas 4:13-15)


Ironic it is that on 6/27, I issued a blog entry detailing my plans for the short term future. Though these plans have not changed, another event transpired late on Friday afternoon 6/29. The company for which I work, Dobson Communications Corporation announced that they are being acquired by AT&T. This was quite a surprise. The closing is estimated to take place in the first quarter of 2008.

What this means for the Southerland household remains to be seen. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for Dobson. The management here has been outstanding. Any desire I have had to work for myself has been for reasons other than not liking my job, like those of family heritage and passing on a vision to my children. This could very well be God’s plan for me to launch into business for myself. Whatever happens, I know that He will provide, and I have no need to worry. God is faithful to provide for His own. I know that He will continue to keep me and my family in the palm of His hand.

I will be stepping up my efforts to get that real estate IVR application off the ground. On my last blog, someone made a suggestion of trying to publish the documents I am writing for my children. I may very well explore that possibility. In one way or another God will provide our needs. I have peace that we are walking in His will.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Back to Normalcy

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
(Ecc 3:1)


The month of June 2007 is almost behind us now. I will forever remember this month as the climax of the Jamestown 400 hunt that my family has been involved in since October/November 2006. We have learned a lot of history. Now that it is over, we are telling the story of the things that we’ve learned. I’m scheduled to speak today in my Toastmasters meeting. My topic will be a recap of the spectacular week of June 11-17.

Yet, even as this month ends, I rejoice in many ways that I can now turn my attention to some very important things that have been somewhat neglected over the course of the last seven months.

I believe that the age of 13 holds special significance in the lives of children. I see it as a time where children really begin the transformation from boys and girls to men and women. Because of this, I have purposed to make this birthday special. My oldest child is a girl. My next oldest is a boy. Brittney turned 13 in September 2006 (thankfully before the Jamestown contest ever started!). Michael III will turn 13 in December 2008. For Brittney, I authored a manuscript entitled, “Guidelines for a Southerland Lady.” In this book, I detail expectations that I have for my daughters and the blessings of being a woman of God. My wife and I took Brittney out for a very special breakfast where we presented her with this book and a silver, heart shaped ring, reminding her of the purity that God expects of us, and a tangible reminder that her virginity is saved for her husband. The book details that this goes much further than simply physical involvement, but also includes issues of the heart. Brittney is the oldest of seven children so far. So far she has two little sisters who will eventually be presented with the same, or a very similar, manuscript on their 13th birthdays.

Michael’s 2008 birthday looms just beyond the horizon. While this will be a time for great rejoicing, this deadline stays in front of me reminding me of what all I need to accomplish on his behalf. Whereas my manuscript for daughters is called, “Guidelines for a Southerland Lady,” my manuscript for sons will be called, “Charges for a Southerland Son.” I put a lot of good advice into my girl’s book. But, for my sons, my efforts are intensified. This has nothing to do with the degree of love I have for my sons vs. my daughters. Rather, God has ordained men to lead their families. As a father, I have a duty to instruct the sons God has entrusted unto me as to how to lead their families. I have put together a rough outline of the book, and have begun to put it together. Though my brother and I have had this idea for about three years, and did a little brainstorming together back then, I seriously began to work on this in November 2006. This date also corresponds to…guess what…the start of the Jamestown 400 contest! So, though I have made some progress, it is now time to buckle down and get this done. My vision is to have the finished work leather bound and embossed with the Southerland coat-of-arms. As Christ is our prophet, priest, and king, I believe that God also requires these three roles for husbands and fathers. I came to this conclusion largely after reading Phil Lancaster’s book, Family Man, Family Leader. Therefore, each section of this book concentrates on “charges” that relate to that particular role. Several duties overlap these roles. However, primarily the section on “prophet” will concentrate on how a man needs to speak vision into his family, as well as carry out discipline. The section on “priest” will show how a man needs to intercede on behalf of his family. This section will also detail how a man should teach his family the scriptures and sound theology. In the “priest” section, I am including the entire 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, with my own commentary after each section. I derived that inspiration from Sam Waldron’s book, A Modern Exposition of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Yet, in “my” version, I will explain why I believe what the confession states, and how it is proper for scripture to be interpreted in this way. If there are areas in which I disagree with the confession, I will list my scriptural reasons for disagreement. The section on “king” will describe the duties of a husband and father in protecting and serving his family. This protection extends to the three parts of a human being: spirit, soul, and body. No facet can be left unprotected or the enemy will exploit that weakness.

The book for the sons will be accompanied by one or more other significant gifts. I am still evaluating my plans in this area, but I love the significance of presenting him with a signet ring, a cloak, and a sword. These details are still in the making, though.

In the midst of these very important plans for my children’s future, I am also inspired to work on becoming self-employed. I have over 13 years of experience developing IVR systems and 19 years of computer programming experience. However, during that time I have always worked for someone else. I have recently discovered a way that I will be able to create and market IVR applications for myself. My first project is a real estate application. When we sold our home in Nashville, our realtor used an IVR system to allow prospective buyers to call a number printed on the sign. The system would give a good description of the property. It would also give very good reports to the realtor to notify them of who was calling the number and how often. My system will do all this and more. This system will notify the realtor (or private owner in a “for sale by owner” situation) via email or telephone call that they have an interested party. My system will allow appointments to be made to see the home. I will be able to offer this service to realtors or private individuals at a very cost effective rate. I will be compensated for my efforts by selling the use of this application to many clients, therefore removing the burden of any one client needing to pay me for my development time. This system will work anywhere in the continental US. (I will be researching whether it is available in Alaska and Hawaii.) I hope to serve a very underserved market of “for sale by owner” clients, as well as offering excellent service to professional realtors. If this sounds like something that you could use, please contact me at mike@mikesoutherland.com. I will be maintaining my full time employment until such time as the Lord blesses me with enough business to branch out on my own.

So, while I was very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Jamestown 400, I’m actually glad that I can get back to “taking dominion” and take my head out of Virginia history books for a season.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Jamestown Report

If any of you were eagerly checking my blog each day for news regarding Jamestown, then I suppose you were disappointed. In reality, we had a great time! However, we were instructed that we could not use the internet at all in the treasure hunt. Whether I could have blogged or not, I'm not sure, but I used that as the excuse to put the blogging on hold for a week. I also had very little time to get on the PC anyway as the days were taken up in hunting for the treasure, and the evenings passed quickly trying to squeeze in here and there a Vision Forum event (or doing laundry! :-) )

I want to devote this space to publically thank Vision Forum and Doug Phillips for the enormous amount of time and effort they and he have put into this endeavor. We will never forget the experience we had searching for the gold, and discovering the providential Hand of God as our true National Treasure along the way. We were able to stay in the hunt until Friday morning, when we were eliminated, leaving only three finalists. My congratulations go out to the Thomas family for winning the treasure, and to all the other finalists who made it to Jamestown for the hunt.

We learned so much history last week. It was an excellent cap to our 7 months of study on Jamestown and Virginia history.

So, thank you Mr. Phillips. Thank you Vision Forum. You are truly a blessing to our family, and to this country.

Monday, June 11, 2007

In Jamestown!

We arrived safely yesterday in Jamestown (Williamsburg actually). We are scheduled to see Colonial Williamsburg this morning. The girls are wearing the Colonial dresses that Brittney made. I’m downstairs in the hotel lobby trying to print some last minute information for the hunt.

We are having a great time so far after visiting some friends in Tennessee along the way. Well, I must run. We’ve got a full schedule ahead of us for this week.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Teddy Roosevelt and Jamestown

We will be leaving for Jamestown tomorrow morning, June 8. Teddy Roosevelt was a speaker at the 1907 celebration. Here is a very interesting letter he wrote to his son Kermit about the event.

--------------------------
AT THE JAMESTOWN EXPOSITION

White House, April 29, 1907

Dearest Kermit:
We really had an enjoyable trip to Jamestown. The guests were Mother’s friend, Mrs. Johnson, a Virginia lady who reminds me so much of Aunt Annie, my mother’s sister, who throughout my childhood was almost as much associated in our home life as my mother herself; Justice Moody, who was as delightful as he always is, and with whom it was a real pleasure to again have a chance to talk; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bacon, who proved the very nicest guests of all and were companionable and sympathetic at every point. Ethel was as good as gold and took much off of Mother’s shoulders in the way of taking care of Quentin. Archie and Quentin had, of course, a heavenly time; went everywhere, below and aloft, and ate indifferently at all hours, both with the officers and enlisted men. We left here Thursday afternoon, and on Friday morning passed in review through the foreign fleet and our own fleet of sixteen great battleships in addition to cruisers. It was an inspiring sight and one I would not have missed for a great deal. Then we went in a launch to the Exposition where I had the usual experience in such cases, made the usual speech, held the usual reception, went to the usual lunch, etc., etc.

In the evening Mother and I got on the Sylph and went to Norfolk to dine. When the Sylph landed we were met by General Grant to convoy us to the house. I was finishing dressing, and Mother went out into the cabin and sat down to receive him. In a minute or two I came out and began to hunt for my hat. Mother sat very erect and pretty, looking at my efforts with a tolerance that gradually changed to impatience. Finally she arose to get her own cloak, and then I found that she had been sitting gracefully but firmly on the hat herself – it was a crush hat and it had been flattened until it looked like a wrinkled pie. Mother did not see what she had done so I speechlessly thrust the hat toward her; but she still did not understand and took it as an inexplicable jest of mine merely saying, “Yes, dear,” and with patient dignity, turned and went out of the door with General Grant.

The next morning we went on the Sylph up the James River, and on the return trip visited three of the dearest places you can imagine, Shirley, Westover, and Brandon. I do not know whether I loved most the places themselves or the quaint out-of-the-world Virginia gentlewomen in them. The houses, the grounds, the owners, all were too dear for anything and we loved them. That night we went back to the Mayflower and returned here yesterday, Sunday, afternoon.

To-day spring weather seems really to have begun, and after lunch Mother and I sat under the apple-tree by the fountain. A purple finch was singing in the apple-tree overhead, and the white petals of the blossoms were silently falling. This afternoon Mother and I are going out riding with Senator Lodge.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Second attempt

I'm hoping the first attempt failed because I was setting everything
up. If this post works I should be set up for mobile blogging in
Jamestown!

My first mobile post

In preparation for Jamestown, I'm attempting to post a message to my
blog with my BlackBerry. If you are reading this I was successful!

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Update - Had to publish this one from the blogger site (though the text was preserved)...will attempt another one to see if I can get it to process start to finish on the BlackBerry.

Monday, June 04, 2007

Cardinals and Insanity

THUMP! What was that? THUMP! There it is again!

About 2 months ago, this strange sound started coming from our front door and our back window. When rushing to the door to investigate, a flash of red could be seen as a cardinal fluttered away at the sight of six children coming toward him. At first, this was entertaining. We thought that the bird wanted inside our house. There was talk of opening the door and letting him come in. Then maybe we could capture him and put him in a cage. But we soon realized that this cardinal did not want to come in our house. He was merely “fighting” a perceived enemy that he saw in his reflection. The tell tale evidence soon became apparent on the doors and mirrors of our van, as he left his “calling card” splattered all over our newly washed vehicle. It seems this red bird has enemies all over our yard, including any reflective surface he can find.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Some have attributed this quote to Albert Einstein. Others go further back and credit it to Ben Franklin. Regardless, the truth in this statement is apparent. Are we dealing with an insane bird here? I’m thinking not…but rather that it is his instinct that keeps him pounding his head against glass all day long for over two months now. After watching this and considering it over this length of time, I knew there had to be a spiritual lesson here somewhere. This bird is walking (flying? :-) ) after the flesh. He is relying on his instincts to guide his steps. I was reading in Galatians 5 this morning. Think of this bird fighting his “enemy” and the pain that he surely must be causing himself in this futile effort.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
(Gal 5:14-26)

How often do we strive against one another, acting out fleshly pursuits in a desire to better ourselves at the expense of our neighbour? How many times do we do this to our own demise whereby our attempts at striving end up hurting ourselves? And finally, how often do we continue these behaviours hoping against hope that somehow, someway, our futile efforts will ultimately allow us to “defeat” our perceived enemies?

So, I admonish you, just as Paul admonished the Galatians, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Friday, June 01, 2007

The Hand of God: Our National Treasure

O’er spans of time and plans of God,
Do American progeny expound,
The wondrous works that He has wrought
At the humble site of Jamestown.

In celebration of two hundred years,
Eighteen – ought seven,
Marked the beginning of our cheers,
For God’s blessings thus given.

Then after fifty years had passed,
Virginia stopped to remember,
The hand of God in her past,
And great hope for her future.

Shortly after the turn of century twenty,
America still acknowledged the God of Heaven,
Thanked Him for His blessings of plenty,
And prayed aloud in nineteen ‘o seven.

Though society changed, with technology was driven,
Christian rulers still, with grateful hearts,
In nineteen fifty seven,
In official celebration, praised God for all He imparts.

And here we arrive in two-thousand seven.
Four hundred years have since passed,
Since this country’s first Christians,
Graced the shores of this land so blessed.

Strike up the band! Blow the horns!
Come celebrate this year!
Yet governmental response forlorn,
For God they no longer fear.

For instead of praises to our God,
And honor to our Christian parents,
Political correctness now is shod,
Upon the souls of tyrants.

Yet God has purposed for Himself a remnant,
Silence: We’ll have no such thing!
Christ’s Bride the Church Triumphant!
Declare the Mercies of our King!

We teach our children of God’s plan,
And how it came to be,
That on the shores of Jamestown’s land,
Came forth Christianity.

The names upon our lips we articulate,
Include those mighty saints of old,
Captain Smith, Pocahontas, Richard Hakluyt.
Men and women, Christian stories told.

So Celebrate, across this land
Proclaim His mighty deeds!
History shows His Providential Hand,
National treasure thus received.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Did He Purchase Us on Layaway?

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
(Act 20:28)


When I bring up the topic of God’s predestination, and the Lord Jesus Christ dying only for His elect, I routinely run into quite a bit of opposition. The problem is that Arminianism is alive and thriving within our culture today. After all, that seems more “fair,” doesn’t it? An Arminian makes the claim that the Lord Jesus Christ died for every last man, woman, and child on Earth. All we “have to do” is to accept Him, and we are automatically counted among His people. I have taught my children that “fair” is a socialistic concept. To counter that idea of “fair” one need not read further than Matthew 20:1-16.

The problem with the Arminian doctrine is this: If Christ died only to give the possibility of salvation to everyone, but did not actually secure the salvation of any, then His blood did not actually make any sort of “purchase” at all.

If you go to the store and purchase an item, you don’t have to wait for that item to “choose” to jump in your basket. Even if you are purchasing a live animal, your purchase is not contingent upon the animal’s will. The item is selected by the purchaser and it is purchased at the agreed upon price. The only time a purchase is made and possession is not granted is if you are doing a layaway plan. In a layaway plan, only part of the purchase price is paid. Delivery of the item does not occur until the price is paid in full.

So, did Jesus’ blood pay the price in full? Or do we need the sinner to come along and add his part as well?

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
(1Pe 1:18-20)


When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
(Joh 19:30)


Jesus paid, in full, the price for His elect. The price was His own blood. His blood paid all the cost for His elect, and none beyond that. We know that not everyone is saved. Even the Arminians admit that. Only heretical universalists teach that all are saved. So then, we see that Jesus died for an actual chosen elect foreordained from the foundation of the world, not for some theoretical possibility of a group of people consisting of some arbitrary number. For no one would “choose Christ” without the Spirit drawing him. Thus, Christ would have died in vain.

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Psa 53:2-3)


So, if you are in His Kingdom, praise God! He has chosen you, for you never would have chosen Him of your own accord.

Monday, May 07, 2007

Jamestown – Here We Come

The excitement is building at the Southerland residence. Exactly one month from tomorrow, we are heading to Jamestown (by way of Dallas) in order to celebrate our nation’s 400th birthday.

Our travel arrangements are still somewhat ambiguous. We were going to borrow a travel trailer, but after discovering that it would drop our gas mileage in our van from about 10 mpg down to about 6, I’m thinking that wouldn’t be a smart move.

I do have reservations, though I am continuing to explore better options. In spite of the costs and the long trip ahead of us, we are really looking forward to meeting up with like minded families across the nation as we join Vision Forum in their “celebration” of 400 years (unlike the official “commemoration” sponsored by government officials). For more information, check out http://www.jamestown400th.org.

We hope to visit with a few friends in Tennessee on the way to and from Virginia. We also hope to be coming home with 400 gold coins, the grand prize of the Jamestown 400: Our National Treasure Hunt sponsored by Vision Forum. But most of all, we hope to learn more about history (as we have since starting this contest back in October), and to make history by participating in a once in a lifetime centennial celebration at Jamestown.

I have learned so much about so many characters from American history. John Smith, Pocahontas, John Rolfe, Rev. Robert Hunt, Richard Hakluyt, George Washington, Elias Boudinot, Christopher Newport, and on and on. I was familiar with some of these names before this hunt. Yet, I stand today much more informed about my history than I ever was taught in my government school (elementary, high school, *and* university). I rejoice that I am able to teach these things to my children. Actually, they are learning it for the first time, right alongside me. This trip to Jamestown is going to be the biggest “field trip” we’ve ever taken.

Why are we going to Dallas first? Well, I’ve got a 20 year high school reunion there. I’m looking forward to seeing many of my friends whom I haven’t seen for at least 10 years (at the 10 year reunion), and some that I haven’t seen for 20. I wonder if any of them have discovered the path of homeschooling. I wonder if any of them are learning any of the great things I have discovered in the past 7 months. I’m sure I’ll talk about it a bit while there. For that weekend will be the penultimate summer event for 2007. Later that week will find us as a family of eight, so far, walking the sod where America was founded 400 years ago and celebrating with other Christian, homeschooling, and child loving families. Jamestown is likely to be overrun with 15 passenger vans in a celebration where our family size is typical. If you’ve never been to a Vision Forum sponsored event, it’s a blast. We had a great time last August at the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp. I expect the Jamestown Celebration to be even better.

I hope to see you there. If you see us, flag us down and say, “Hi.” I’d love to meet in person some of you who read my blog.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Blessed Beyond Measure

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
(Psa 127:3-5)

When considering the blessings that the Lord gives to His people, there is nothing in this life that compares with the blessing of children.

As parents, children are a constant reminder of our relationship with our Father. They are dependent on us. They are in constant need of training and discipline. We love them unconditionally. They are naturally self centered, but it brings joy to our hearts when we see them have consideration for others. We are thrilled when they reciprocate the love we show to them. Yet, we go on loving and caring for them even when they don’t show it.

Children build a multigenerational heritage and allow us to take dominion over the land and over the society in which we live. The birth rate on average in the U.S. is just slightly over 2.0 children per household. This is a stagnated birth rate. We are barely replacing ourselves as we pass on. There is much corruption in our land that severely needs reformation. This won’t happen on its own. It takes a populace that cares about its Christian heritage and is willing to stand up to all the sodomites and feminists that would seek to destroy our country. When Christians declare that God is the giver of life and resist all efforts at “controlling” their birth rate, it will not take long before we can take over key leadership positions in our government and make a real difference. For out of sheer numbers, we can carry the majority in just a few short years. We shall truly be able to speak with the enemies in the gate.

Children are the only thing in this life that we can take with us to Heaven. What a vile thing it is to trade the blessings of children for the luxuries of this life! Quite literally, it is the trading of our “birth right” for a mess of pottage, as Esau did so long ago. Our society feels that they must have all the highest quality “stuff” and children are a hindrance to this goal. Day Care is quite expensive. If we were to have more than one or two children, then it would cost more to care for them than what Mom earns. We couldn’t let that happen, could we? Wake up Church! The cars, the boats, the televisions, the lake homes, the whatevers will all burn up some day. They will perish. But those eternal souls God has entrusted to our care will live forever. Yet sadly, even professing Christians fail to see this truth. They see children only as an expense. It never occurs to them that children are an asset. They are most definitely a spiritual asset. Very often, they can be a financial asset as well. In days of old, children worked together to prosper the family. If we would make this our goal once again, then suddenly the most wealthy families would be those families who have the largest amount of children, working to create a lasting business that they know they will inherit someday.

I say all this to lead up to my joyous announcement. We have recently found out that we are expecting our seventh blessing from the Lord! Not everyone has rejoiced with us in this news. Yet, we are undaunted. God’s blessing abounds within our family. It is possible for a single income family to raise seven (or more) children these days. It all boils down to a matter of priorities.

Our little blessing should arrive sometime around the first part of November 2007. He or she will be born into a family with three older brothers and three older sisters. This little baby will have a mother and a father who have desired him from before he was ever conceived. We are the recipients of God’s greatest blessings that He ever gives His people in this life.

Monday, April 02, 2007

What Concord Hath Christ with Belial?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
(2Co 6:15-17)


This Sunday, April 8, is known throughout the world as “Easter.” Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Why?” What does “Easter” mean anyway? If you do a word search with your Bible software, you’ll find just a single reference to it in the King James Bible in Acts 12:4. However, the Geneva Bible as well as most other translations rightly translate this as “Passover.” The word, “Easter” (actually unbiblical) comes from the name of the goddess “Ishtar.” Surprisingly enough (not really), Ishtar was the supposed goddess of fertility. Easter falls on the Spring equinox when the length of the day and the night are equal. The length of the days continue to increase until the middle of summer, when the days start decreasing in time until the day and the night are equal again at (guess) Winter solstice (or Christmas...sound familiar?). Thus, all the supposedly “Christian” symbols of new birth that allegedly point to the resurrection of Christ are, in reality, symbols of the fertility goddess, Ishtar. Why bunnies? Why eggs? I ask you once again, “What concord hath Christ with Belial?”

Has God marked out a single day where we are to annually celebrate the risen savior? I say, NO! The risen savior is glorious enough that we are to live every day to His glory! Additionally, God has given us 52 days a year, specifically to set aside our work and to spend time in focused worship to our risen savior! The Lord rose from the dead on the first day of the week. This Christian Sabbath *is* the ongoing celebration of both His birth and His resurrection. Yet, the world has taken these events and subscribed them to pagan holidays, and relegated the acknowledgement of them to just two days a year. The devil, conniving as he is, has worked to insure that not only do Christians fail to acknowledge Christ’s birth and resurrection on the Lord’s Day. But he has also managed to get them to acknowledge these events on established pagan holidays and compromise their faith by denigrating it with pagan symbols. The Church has not eschewed them as they ought. Rather, they have embraced these symbols and formed traditions surrounding them. Contrary to popular opinion, it isn’t “cute” to watch your little three year old daughter running around in her ruffled dress picking up colored Babylonian fertility symbols all in the name of celebrating Christ’s resurrection.

So, let me encourage you to go to church this Sunday (like most professing Christians), but if you can find one, visit an assembly where this Lord’s Day will be like every other Lord’s Day this year. Avoid the pagan compromise and the Romish tendency to form it into a high, holy day, not commanded by God.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Five Smooth Stones, Five Golden Hemorrhoids, and Five Golden Mice

And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
(1Sa 17:39-40)

Every since I’ve heard the story of David and Goliath I have wondered why David took five smooth stones out of the brook. I’ve also heard many people give their reasons for this. Maybe it was a lack of faith in that he thought he may miss four times before hitting his mark. Maybe it serves as an example that we should be “equipped” regardless of the level of our faith. Some have suggested that Goliath had 4 brothers and David was preparing to take all of them out. Finally, I’ve heard in charismatic circles that the five stones could have represented the “five fold ministry” of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. The problem with each of these suggestions is that they are really just a guess.

Now, I can’t claim that I have a definite answer to this age old question. But what I can claim is that I noticed something today in the Word of God that could possibly give an explanation to “why five stones.” Prior to the famous David and Goliath incident, Israel warred with the Philistines. Israel, in trying to “conjure up” a victory, decided without instruction from God, to go get the ark of the covenant to “help them out.” (I Sam. 4:3) As expected, this man inspired idea did not work and the ark of God was captured by the Philistines. Apparently the Philistines did not learn the lesson that the Israelites had been taught of God. They placed the ark of God into their own pagan temple thinking that its presence would bring them good fortune. However, the opposite effect was had. Not only did their idol god, Dagon, continue to fall on its face before the ark, the Philistines were stricken with severe hemorrhoids on account of them keeping the ark in their possession. (I Sam. 5) In chapter 6, the Philistines had had enough. They were preparing to send the ark back to its rightful owner. Their pagan priests suggested that they send it back with a trespass offering of five golden emerods (hemorrhoids) and five golden mice. We see in verse 17:

And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;
(1Sa 6:17)


What caught my eye was Gath. Gath is where Goliath was from. (I Sam. 17:4) So, could it be that David suspected there may be a giant for each of the five Philistine cities that had been plagued by God over the issue with the ark? Yes, this is still a guess. However, I base this guess on preceding scripture. After all, shouldn’t we always turn to scripture to interpret scripture?

Friday, March 09, 2007

Lung Cancer Vaccine

Consider this scenario…

Merck, Inc. has just released a brand new vaccine that will inoculate people against the dreaded disease of lung cancer. Now, the drug hasn’t been tested or proven yet. But none-the-less, it is a vaccine. Hooray! Now, everyone in the country can start smoking again! No worries about the dreaded consequence of lung cancer. After all, Merck has assured us that their vaccine works.

Now, suppose there is a certain Texas governor, who for this article will remain unnamed, who just so happened to receive a $5000 contribution from Merck, Inc. for his reelection campaign. How could this very grateful governor return the favor for this contribution? Well…although it is illegal to sell cigarettes to minors, and there has been a major push through public service ads to discourage smoking by minors, we “all” know that kids are going to smoke anyway, no matter what we tell them. So, this very grateful governor has a wonderful idea! Let’s force all sixth grade aged children to receive this vaccine before we allow them to enroll in their friendly neighborhood government school! What a service this will offer to children! Now parents can sleep well at night knowing that if these children light up after being told not to, at least their lungs will remain healthy. Side effects? Who knows? But, the most important thing is that Merck, Inc. survives another day to bring us more miracle drugs.

Far fetched you say? Well, this scenario has played itself out with only one difference. The disease being battled isn’t lung cancer. It’s human papillomavirus. And the students targeted for this campaign contribution payoff are limited to females signing up for government indoctrination at their local Texas public school. This Texas Governor, who I have already promised not to name (initials….RP), by executive order has mandated that all sixth grade girls receive this brand new, untested vaccine. It makes no difference that HPV is only contracted through sexual contact, which should not be happening at least within the walls of the school. It makes no difference that parents of “good children” don’t want this drug injected into their little girl. If people want to take the “free education” offered by the government, they will succumb to this treatment.

Christian groups are up in arms about this. Letter campaigns have been organized to write to this supposedly conservative Governor Per..(oops almost slipped)… encouraging him to return to the conservative platform that he campaigned on. He needs to be reminded that parents are the ones who should decide what, if any, vaccines their children receive. Of course, coming to his defense, it is most likely assumed that parents gave up these rights when handing their children off to the state for their education anyway. Right or wrong, this seems to be happening on a much broader scale than just vaccines. Regardless, it’s hard to argue with big money. I have a feeling that a $5000 contribution is only the tip of the iceberg.

So, if you are a Texan living in Texas…unlike myself living in Indian Territory…call your state congressman and senator. Call the Governor’s office. Express your disapproval. But more importantly, reclaim your parental authority by pulling your children out of an abusive organization that would inject drugs into your child against your will. If you are concerned about HPV, teach your children abstinence from sex. After all, we seem to trust that approach in regard to smoking. Abstinence produces amazing results, whether we are talking about lung cancer or HPV.