The Resurrection

O GOD OF MY EXODUS,
Great was the joy of Israel's sons,
when Egypt died upon the shore,
Far greater the joy
when the redeemer's foe lay crushed in the dust.
Jesus strides forth as the victor,
conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing might;
He bursts the bands of death,
tramples the powers of darkness down,
and lives for ever.
He, my gracious surety,
apprehended for payment of my debt,
comes forth from the prison house of the grave
free, and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death.
Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering is accepted,
that the claims of justice are satisfied,
that the devil's sceptre is shivered,
that his wrongful throne is levelled.
Give me the assurance that in Christ I died, in him I rose,
in his life I live, in his victory I triumph,
in his ascension I shall be glorified.
Adorable redeemer,
thou who wast listed up upon a cross
art ascended to highest heaven.
Thou, who as man of sorrows wast crowned with thorns,
art now as Lord of life wreathed in glory.
Once, no shame more deep than thine,
no agony more bitter, no death more cruel.
Now, no exaltation more high,
no life more glorious, no advocate more effective.
Thou art in the triumph car leading captive thine enemies behind thee.
What more could be done than thou hast done!
THY DEATH IS MY LIFE, THY RESURRECTION MY PEACE,
THY ASCENSION MY HOPE, THY PRAYERS MY COMFORT.
Amen.

- 'The Resurrection' - Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers

Happy Easter Everyone!
Dave

My Google Life

Last week's computer problems really brought home the face that I really am unbelieably reliant on this complicated piece of machinery. Without it, my ministry and life in general grinds to a near standstill. Sure, I can still converse with people face to face, or on my cell phone, but I lose all my sermon notes; half my library which is contained on Logos, not to mention the exegetical capabilities that have been so useful; emails; online sermons; blogs; and so much more.

I've taken the opportunity of this collapse to update my computer setup, including going wireless with my keyboard and mouse, picking up a large monitor that I can use whilst sitting on the couch (honestly, not just lazy, my fused vertebrae make laptops/books rather painful viewing after a few minutes), and picking up some more powerful speakers that I can hear around our little basement suite now that the computer is grounded.

I've also began to use a few different organisational/networking tools; most notable of which are Twitter, Google Reader and Google Calendar.

Twitter: This little micro-blog tool has already thrown up some diamond links. I follow other pastors, authors and theologians as they update their personal lives, research and general thoughts; including links. So far I've been linked to a Sinclair Ferguson lecture on the puritans; a 10 question evaluation tool to determine how missional our church is; a video of Pastor Josh Harris and his family enjoying a day off; stats from the Resurgence website; and lots of insight into the lives of pastors I look up to, appreciate and enjoy.

Google Reader: There's a list of blogs that I read daily on the right-side navigation bar, right here on my blog. If you, my readers, wanted a constant stream from these blogs you would only have to access this blog and then jump from there. I was using bookmarks still! Of course, it's not THAT hard, but Google Reader gathers all the blogs I follow into one place and I can enjoy them from there. Great tool.

Google Calendar: This has been the most useful and practical of my updates. It's helped Amanda and I look ahead at this coming month and plan together. It's also helped me visualise where I'm taking my various ministries over the coming month in regards to meetings, sermons, study topics, etc.

All of these have handy little quick links that allow me instant access. April is looking like a quieter month, which we're looking forward to. Now, because of these helpful little tools, we'll be able to free up even more time.

Pray For My Computer

It seems in the run-up to preaching any Sunday there is always an issue. This week's issue is particularly irritating. There seems to be an issue with my keyboard's 'firmware' that is making the letter 'e' repeat itself constantly, making it impossible to write sermon notes, insert passwords, search on Logos; it's driving me crazy. I spent hours and over $300 yesterday trying to get it to stop. It seems completely random, but happens less now that I am using a Bluetooth Keyboard. If anyone's got any ideas how to fix this I'd love to hear them. I've already had the key taken off and cleaned underneath. On the up side, Cam Dailly is preaching for me tonight to help me focus on Sunday's message. Unfortunately this time has mostly been spent trying to fix my 'e' problem; but I am very much looking forward to sitting back and enjoying my gifted young friend preach tonight.

Twitter Time

You can now follow me on Twitter: 'ReformedDave'.

As for a quick blog update: I'd like to complete a blog post on Spiritual Disciplines and New Media over the next few days, between sermon prep and other ministry related stuff. That should be up before this time next week, Lord willing.

Also, take a look at my new blog roll. These are the blogs I check daily. I hope they can serve you as well as they have served me.

For Not Blogging

It's about time I start blogging again. It's been 14 months and a lot has changed. I'm joining the blogosphere again. Accompany me if you like. Blessings.