Tag parable

February Issue of ‘Pop Goes the Gospel’

Allen Frederick 5 Comments

'Pop Goes the Gospel'

'Pop Goes the Gospel'

Welcome to the February 28, 2009 edition of  ‘Pop Goes the Gospel’. The intersection of God and culture. A confluence of everyday life and the extraordinary. The crossroads of heaven and earth. Each month we offer up a select group of posts from across cyberspace that points us heavenward. This month’s edition is smaller than past editions due to some faulty links from those who submitted material for this edition. If you submitted an article and do not see it here this is probably the reason it was excluded. Anyway, less is more starting with this month’s feature article. Take time to read and comment on each article and by the end of your journey you will have been enriched. Now on with the carnival.

This Month’s Feature Article

Raffi Shahinian presents The Parable of the Cancer Cell posted at parables of a prodigal world.I enjoy doing this carnival each month because I get to read some really outstanding articles. Raffi has done a masterful job in this modern day parable and therefore receives the honor be being the feature poster this month. Be sure to congratulate Raffi for earning the rare distinction of ‘feature post’. Perhaps you can earn a spot at the top next month! Send in your BEST post for our next issue and see if it rises to the top. Use this post as an example in capturing the essence of “Pop Goes the Gospel”. Raffi captured that essence exactly.

In Media

Sarah Scrafford presents 100 Enlightening Bible Study Blogs posted at Christian Colleges.A list of lists. Apparently bloggers at Christian Colleges have a great deal of time on their hands as they produce several list articles on a regular basis. So this month here is yet ANOTHER list from the prolific listers at Christian Colleges blog. Perhaps you will find something there beneficial.

In Church Life

Angelawd presents Is Christianity Sexist? posted at angelawd, saying, Never one for running from controversy Angelawd opens a huge can of worms by tackling the “sexism” of the bible. This is sure to garner a comment frenzy. Let your voice be heard regardless of which side of the issue you find yourself. Tough subjects are not taboo here at “Pop Goes the Gospel”.

Yolanda Lehman presents LOVE POURED OUT (Alabaster Box) posted at Ain’ta That Good News?!.Yolanda, a first time contributor to this blog carnival offers up a challenge to us all. Are we being broken and poured out with Love for our savior? Have our alabaster boxes been broken for Christ, or are we saving the good stuff for ourselves? Probing points to ponder and pontificate upon.

In Culture

Andy Deane presents posted at How to Study the Bible – 40 Bible Study Methods!, saying, “Pastor Andy Deane’s new book, Learn to Study the Bible, teaches you forty different step-by-step Bible study methods to help you discover, apply and enjoy God��s Word. Each practical method has a handwritten example to demonstrate to make it easy for you to follow the steps. Learn how to study the Bible with so much variety that you’ll never get into the rut that routine brings ever again.

Rich Bordner presents Don’t Put God in a Box « The Pugnacious Irishman posted at The Pugnacious Irishman, saying, Cliches abound in our society. Rich points out the overuse of cliches are oft times simply masks used to avoid any debate concerning controversial issues. In particular Rich points out the overuse of the phrase “Do not put God in a box” in defending lifestyle choices. He points out the bias usually associated with this particular cliche. See what you think. And be sure to share some comment love.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of ‘Pop Goes the Gospel’ using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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The Raven: A MODERN FABLE By Richard L. Provencher

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

From the pen of a ready writer:

Today I thought I would offer an article from guest writer Richard L. Provencher. From time to time I like to feature an article from another writer from whose writing I gain personal inspiration or some spiritual insight. This fable tells the story of a rather unusual raven who never stopped trying to be all she could be. No matter how many times she tried and failed she did not give up on the hope of one day reaching her dream-to soar higher than any raven has ever soared  before. She wanted to reach the highest and tallest tree in the valley. She was an upwardly mobile raven.

What lessons will you glean from this modern day bird tale? What insight can you glean from the wings of this fable? What can you learn from the lesson learned from this young raven? Now let the fable begin

raven Halfway up the Spruce tree young Raven had a special view of the valley. Raising her beak, she could easily see a rushing creek fill several large ponds.

Even narrow trails, where deer zigzagged though the forest. If only her feathers could carry her to taller trees, she might reach higher than what looked like snow above.

Her wings were too weak to fly up and see.

Raven sensed something different existed beyond the high rise of land.

She was stubborn and tried over and over during practice flights. Falling onto the ground with a thump was often repeated as her beak poked into the grass.

Tired wings kept her airborne only so far, or high. Other ravens were content to live in this valley.

Why wasn’t their friend happy too? Was it really important to reach the tallest trees? Who cared what might be outside their valley?

Yes, they thought Raven was a bird with impossible dreams.

Families of ravens were busy spending much time looking for food. After hours of searching they rested on branches, waiting for the sun to set.

But young Raven wanted more. It wasn’t enough to shriek into the wind that often pushed her around in the sky. She hoped for much more.

Practicing long distance flying had its difficulties. Plopping onto the ground brought her into an area inhabited by foxes, coyotes and hawks. And wolves ate anything that looked tasty.

Young raven did indeed look yummy.

Continue reading “The Raven: A MODERN FABLE By Richard L. Provencher” →