What would you tell your 2016 self if you could go back in time for, say, a 5-minute conversation?
On indiscriminate generosity, even (especially?) toward strangers and enemies:
“Generosity is, first, an attribute of God. The Bible describes God as one who “gives to all generously and ungrudgingly” (Jas. 1:5). Paul speaks of “the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 8:9) and sees a specific connection between divine generosity and impartiality (Rom. 10:12). Such a connection may also be implied in Jesus’ parable of the generous landowner (Matt. 20:1–15), in which indiscriminate generosity is presented as scandalous. Specifically, the Bible portrays God as generous in providing humanity with the gifts of nature (Gen. 1:29–30; Matt. 5:45), in offering forgiveness of sins (Ps. 86:5; Rom. 5:6–8), and in responding to prayer (Matt. 7:7–11).
[…]
“Christian teaching also has extolled generosity to strangers and/or enemies. Jesus indicated that there is nothing special about people who do good to their own kind (Luke 6:33); his followers were to be known as people who give to everyone and do good to all, even those who hate them (Matt. 5:42–48; Luke 6:30–36). Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan illustrates precisely this point: those who understand what Jesus means by “love your neighbor” will open their purses and use their money generously to meet the needs of people who do not affirm or even respect their religion (Luke 10:33–35).”
Mark Allan Powell, “Generosity,” in Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics, ed. Joel B. Green (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011), 324.
Looking for an EDC Bible that could be, say, easily tossed in a backpack. Nothing terribly too small, because my eyes are getting older. Maybe a cheap hardcover would be best?
Was planning on quitting Zepbound, at least partially because I expected the cost to skyrocket back up until/unless I we meet our 2026 deductible. However it’s just $25 for my latest refill? So confused. Wondering if it’s worth it to stay on a lower dose for a while longer.
Is there a good dock out there that I could use between a MacBook Pro (work), a Mac Mini (personal), 3 external monitors (each with 2 HDMI inputs), and a wired Kinesis Freestyle 2 keyboard? Right now I’ve got a Tobenone dock but I don’t think the side-by-side USB-C input would work with a Mac Mini.
OK I’ve convinced myself I don’t need more than 512GB of storage for a Mac Mini. But I’m going back and forth between 24GB and 32GB for memory. I think I’d be OK with 24GB since I’m coming from 16GB on my 2016 MBP. But might just spend the extra $200 to be safe? Idk… 🤷
Whenever I start a new notebook, I like to transfer some “cheat sheet” items to the first few pages: list of life domains, self-elicitation questions, morning/evening journal questions, Eisenhower matrix, decision-making questions, nonviolent communication outline, etc. What would make your list?
OK, nevermind, the Lochby A5 Field Folio didn’t feel worth $70 and it arrived pretty scuffed-up. Going with something else.
OK, I’m going to resurrect my email newsletter as “Steele Notes” via Buttondown: buttondown.com/joshuapst…
Should I start a personal email newsletter? I’m thinking weekly. Focus on sharing anything life-enhancing I’ve found or learned or enjoyed throughout the week. Perhaps some thoughts on theology, ethics, and politics sprinkled-in.
Giving the Lochby A5 Field Folio (zipper closure) a try!
Finally utilizing my library’s 3D printing service and it makes me downright giddy. Having them print me a screwdriver handle that fits in/on Harbor Freight’s ICON “Meme Tool” ratchet and bit set! :)
We are reaping the social and political harvest of USA evangelicalism/fundamentalism and its political idolatry of the Right. The fruit is rotten. What does that say about the tree?
Pastors/churches: If you haven’t yet spoken out against the rise of fascism in the United States, the mistreatment of immigrants, etc., what’s your “red line,” as it were, to be willing to “get political” and say something about these things? To specifically call things out and teach, preach, and act against them? Do the threats have to come from the Left? Do they have to apply to you or your loved ones directly? Do they have to negatively affect your church’s budget? What would, even hypothetically, prompt you to say something more direct?
There’s something soul-killing about Jira.
Any companies/services you’d recommend for getting a single hat or t-shirt printed with a custom logo?
Do I stick with the Leuchtturm 1917 A5 dotted for like $25? Or do I go in for the Lochby Field Folio A5 for $70?
Regarding my next personal computer search, I’m currently leaning toward ~$1,500 Mac Mini with 32GB memory and 1TB storage.
On the hunt for my next personal computer. Looking for $1,500 or less, 32GB or more memory, 1TB or more storage. No gaming, but writing, web/software development, Logos Bible Software, basic graphic design, working with text/code/PDFs/images. Apple or Linux. Laptop or desktop. Any specific recs?
What are the most helpful resources for doing quick, detailed topical studies on “What the Bible says about X”? I’ve got a huge physical and Logos Bible/theology library, but most of that was geared toward biblical studies and historical theology. I want good resources for topical analysis.