Tyler & my brother Jess went bike riding a couple Saturdays ago, and Jess put up a link on the site his friends update with their adventures. They go riding quite often. Check out their site for more stories and pictures.

(I should have pix of me shooting a Russian sniper rifle soon…you’ll have to check back to see)

This is all taken from an article written by Wendy Alsup, which can be found on the Resurgence website.

She writes about what the ideal woman should look like if we are pursuing Our Father’s definition of what a “helper” truly is. She pushes into our Biblical definitions, and encourages us to analyze if we are pursuing them (or even ignoring them).

A woman of God is blessed with the extremely important role of faithfulness, loyalty, support, and intimacy with those that are in her life as leaders, most of all her husband. A God-seeking woman isn’t hindered by these things, but set free as she is embraced in her femininity and allowed to express that in strength, and also submission to a Godly man.

Wendy writes:

So let’s consider God’s example on this issue of Help. Do you see yourself exhibiting God’s characteristics or the contrasting ones? In Exodus 18:4, God our help defends (in contrast to attacking or ignoring the fight altogether). In Psalm 10:14 God our help sees and cares for the oppressed (rather than being indifferent and unconcerned). In Psalm 20:2 and 33:20, God our Help supports, shields and protects (rather than leaving unprotected and defenseless). In Psalms 70:5, God our Help delivers from distress (rather than causing distress). In Psalm 72:12-14, God our Help rescues the poor, weak, and needy (rather than ignoring the poor and needy). And in Psalm 86:17, God our Help comforts (rather than causing discomfort or avoiding altogether). God’s example reveals a high and worthy calling for women as helpers suitable to their male counterparts. We are called to show compassion, to support, defend and protect those in our care, to deliver from distress and to comfort. We are called to be conduits of God’s grace in our families and churches. We are called to be like God Himself – see Matthew 10:25 (KJV):

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord…

I tried to embed a video of Mark Driscoll speaking about Joel Osteen’s teaching, but it messed up the layout of my website, so I have to post a link here.

I’d recommend watching it if you have heard of Osteen, have seen one of his many best-seller books (I just saw it in Parables on Tuesday), or have heard of the Prosperity Gospel, the idea that God just wants us to be happy and blessed. Or perhaps if you have heard teaching that is summed up as ways that you can improve yourself to be better.

I don’t believe that that is the Gospel - it is sin management, instead of a lifestyle of repentance and faith, complete dependence and hope in Jesus Christ alone for redemption, and transformation.

Driscoll is known for his very forthcoming style, and although he is a sinful man, just like myself (except a woman), and I don’t think he’s perfect, I really respect and appreciate him a lot. Many of the people I respect also respect and learn from him. I believe he is teaching the Gospel, so check it out if you’re interested.