Dragging someone into court

While working on a study in James 2, I came across an interesting connection. James is dealing with favoritism within the assembly (the word he uses is “synagogue” which is another topic for discussion) and warns against showing favoritism to the rich. 

He argues that: 
  1. The poor have been chosen to be rich in faith
  2. The poor are heirs of the Kingdom
  3. The rich are actually dishonoring those showing favoritism by
  • Oppressing them
  • Dragging them into courts
James, in describing the action of the rich, claims they have been “dragging” them into courts. This word is regularly used to refer to forcefully moving something (a sword in John 18:10 and a net in John 21:6) or someone who will not move (Acts 21:30; 16:19) on their own.
Jesus uses this same expression when referring to our hearts.

John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 12:32 – “ And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
That is a fitting description of what he did for me.

Winter Weekend

One of our favorite activities of the year is the Winter Weekend at IRBC.

As the date approaches we can expect several things:
1. The Question: “How many days until the retreat?”
2. The Weather: Threatenings of storms and cold fronts.
3. The Joke: “I don’t need a toothbrush!”
4. The Reality: Someone forgot (or failed to use) their toothbrush.
5. The Competition: “Will the Waterboys make an appearance this year in floor hockey?”
6. The Game: “Who will win waterspoons?” (As if anyone actually “wins” that game.)
7. The Purpose: Lots of time to laugh, learn, eat, talk, and share what God is doing in our lives.


We were not disappointed this year in any one of those. We thank God for the opportunity to hear God’s Word and reflect upon it in a retreat setting. It was a great weekend.

Twinkle, twinkle, litte faith.

“George Buttrick… was [from 1927 to 1954] pastor of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York. One week he had been off on a speaking engagement and was flying back to New York City. On the plane he had a pad and a pencil and he was making some notes for next Sunday’s sermon. The man seated next to him was eyeing him with curiosity. Finally, the curiosity got the best of him, and so he said to Buttrick, ‘I hate to disturb you—you’re obviously working hard on something—but what in the world are you working on?’ “‘Oh, I’m a Presbyterian minister,’ said Buttrick. ‘I’m working on my sermon for Sunday.’ “‘Oh, religion,’ said the man. ‘I don’t like to get all caught up in the in’s and out’s and complexities of religion. I like to keep it simple. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Golden Rule, that’s my religion.’ “‘I see,’ said Buttrick. ‘And what do you do?’ “‘I’m an astronomer. I teach at the university.’ “‘Oh, yes,’ said Buttrick. ‘Astronomy—I don’t like to get all caught up in the in’s and out’s and complexities of astronomy. Twinkle, twinkle little star, that’s my astronomy.’” Quoted from Bill Turpie in Dever, Mark; Graeme Goldsworthy (2006-04-10). The Message of The Old Testament (p. 940). Good News Publishers/Crossway Books. Kindle Edition.

Rethinking Retirement by John Piper


Rethinking Retirement 
by John Piper
Product Details
Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: Crossway
Date Published: 2008
Free pdf here

Point: Don’t waste your final years by living for meaningless pursuits which quickly fade. Live to love Christ.


Path: Piper encourages believers to persevere to the end through evading two deadly traps. One trap is believing that perseverance in unnecessary. The other trap is that perseverance puts or keeps God on our side. Both are false views.


Sources: By using examples from the ages and Scripture passages, Piper shows the danger and foolishness of living the “American Dream.”


Agreement: Why do we expect and feel as though we deserve retirement? Have any of the great individuals of history ever retired?


Personal App: Am I merely seeking to save my life in my everyday pursuits and goals?


Stars: 4 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.


Note: I didn’t read this because I was worried about my early retirement at age 28.