April...Thus Far

The month of April is only a few days old, and I must say it has treated me well.  Part of that kind treatment has been in the efforts of yours truly to make the best of any situation.  This isn't easy as I am prone to depression, self-pity, and a martyr syndrome of sorts.  However, I try to deal with each situation in the moment, and believe God will allow everything to work out for the sake of His kingdom.  Last week was tough with the many work projects on my "plate", but I trudged through it like a real trooper.  This week has been so easy, I sort of miss the challenge of the week before.  Maybe this is my oasis of rest to re-energize and to reset the spiritual compass toward God.  This afternoon was my "Tuesdays With Morrie", read the book by Mitch Albom if you're not familiar with the phrase, with a friend.  Each Tuesday afternoon, with a few exceptions, we meet at the smoke shop for fellowship over a smoke.  Last week he loaned out a book titled The Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Louis Wilken.  It is a fascinating historical perspective of the then-contemporary critics of Christianity while it was in its infancy.  Wow, what a book!  Thankfully I'm grounded enough in my faith to not have it shaken by what opponents of the new religion had to say, for they bring up many great points.  My friend and I had some time to discuss the content of the book, and of how the early Christian apologists developed and cultivated good arguments to defend the faith.  This is certainly a great read, and I highly recommend this book.  A word of caution, however.  The book by Wilken is not for new believers, but for those who are slowly gaining maturity in their relationship with Jesus.  One byproduct of reading this book is the realization I must know the reasons why I believe what I do.  Another result from reading this work is the opening of my eyes to what others truly believe concerning Christianity.  For example, Porphyry scoured the Scriptures and probably knew them equally, if not better than, the apologists of the day.  He wanted to incorporate the role and legend of Jesus in to his already embedded Roman religion.  Unfortunately, Jesus plus something else will never work.  In the book of Acts, the writer emphatically states there is no other Name by which one can be saved.  Again, this book is phenomenal.  Please read this book if you get the chance or have the opportunity.  As of this writing, I am winding down my day.  In a few minutes I'll light up my pipe and smoke a bowl of Dunhill 965.  What a delight and joy to look forward too.  Have a great evening, and I hope the month of April has treated you well thus far.

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