Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
These are the two verses that my mom sent to me in an email yesterday.
Every day she takes verses and lessons from her morning Bible study and attempts to share them with me. My usual course of action is to browse over them out of a sense of obligation, and I'll say I'm not proud of that fact.
However, the message of these two verses got stuck in my head for the better part of a day. I've read them each at least one hundred times, and I felt like they had never really meant anything to me beyond the superficial Sunday school application that I had attached to them. I guess it was this realization that lead me to really understand the problem.
Allow me to ramble:
I had a thought the other day: "If someone were to ask me what the most important thing in my life is, what would I say?" My immediate response: My relationship with Christ/trying to grow daily as a man of God.
Really?
I asked myself that question in the shower before I went to CRU. It was the first time that I had been to CRU in months, and I almost ended up not going because I would have rather gone to the gym. Or to Hardee's. The last time I had sat down for a Bible study was buried in ancient sands. The last time that I had prayed over something that didn't involve food was also in the foggy distance. Why?
I realized that I had completely let go of any meaningful connection that I had with the Holy Spirit. I was living life as I wanted and sort of floating through without any real purpose. That's not the way that I was designed to live. I know that my problems by a global standard are about as minor as you can get. However, I have reached a point of uncertainty in many regards. I'm not certain about my current educational situation. I'm uncertain about my job and housing situation next year. I'm uncertain about my long-term goals; career, family, or otherwise.
The problem is that I was trying to rely on myself to lead myself in the direction that myself thought was best. There are too many myselfs in that equation for success to be the result. I am weak, even by human standards. I'm also tired. I can't do it alone and I shouldn't try to.
That is what these two verses are explaining. Ask the Lord and he will provide you with the strength, understanding, and peace that you need to get through the trials. He wants you to connect with Him and trust Him. He doesn't want to trick you or somehow hold you back from fulfilling your potential. Quite the contrary.
That's what I've been missing lately. It has not even been in the back of my mind recently. His will and His purpose for me have taken a serious backseat to my own interests and priorities. When I really analyze it, I don't particularly care for that notion. I've been guilty of pride and placing my desires and plans at the top of the pedestal, without trusting that God knows what's best and is preparing me for what the future may hold.
I'm done with that. Lead me.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
if You could love me as a wife
and for my wedding gift, Your life
should that be all i'll ever need
or is there more i'm looking for
and should i read between the lines
and look for blessings in disguise
to make me handsome, rich, and wise
is that really what You want
i am a whore i do confess
but i put You on just like a wedding dress
and i run down the aisle
i'm a prodigal with no way home
but i put You on just like a ring of gold
and i run down the aisle to You
so could You love this bastard child
though i don't trust You to provide
with one hand in a pot of gold
and with the other in Your side
i am so easily satisfied
by the call of lovers less wild
that i would take a little cash
over Your very flesh and blood
and for my wedding gift, Your life
should that be all i'll ever need
or is there more i'm looking for
and should i read between the lines
and look for blessings in disguise
to make me handsome, rich, and wise
is that really what You want
i am a whore i do confess
but i put You on just like a wedding dress
and i run down the aisle
i'm a prodigal with no way home
but i put You on just like a ring of gold
and i run down the aisle to You
so could You love this bastard child
though i don't trust You to provide
with one hand in a pot of gold
and with the other in Your side
i am so easily satisfied
by the call of lovers less wild
that i would take a little cash
over Your very flesh and blood
Wedding Dress - Derek Webb
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Bro Time
Some of my best friends in the world are in the above picture. They will all be graduating from college after this semester, while I will be staying behind. Not one of these men are what I would consider ordinary. Every one of them are capable of great things, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be influenced by them. Probably the most profound aspect of my college experience has been the company that I have kept.Looking at this picture got me to thinking about mentorship. It's never really emphasized specifically, but we can see examples of it all throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well…”
I've heard it said that mentoring is God's way to lift another toward their full potential. Obviously this kind of thing happens in installments, but I feel like these guys have done more than their fair share. For the past three years, they have been true examples of what it means to not only share your faith with those closest to you, but also share your life, good and bad, with those that you trust. I have some incredible memories thanks to them and the bond that we all formed, and I feel like the best in each of them has had an impact on my own growth.Can't ask for more than that.
I will miss them, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know them, and hope that our friendships will all endure well past the bounds of college graduation.
Thanks guys.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
I would like to repost something, if I may:
The reason that's the first thing i said was not because it's the first thing on my mind. i simply said it first to implicate myself of that which i am very shortly going to blitzkrieg. i am implicated because i would be lying if i said i had not been involved in at least two bitter conversations this week involving this specific matter (and many more involving the current administration, especially shortly after President Obama's inauguration) where absolutely nothing constructive was discussed or even thought about, really. Only an intense dislike, both verbally and mentally, of those in power in Washington, the center of "this great nation."
Onward. To "Conservative Christians." i am beyond appalled, and have approached disgust and anger, at the reaction you have given against not only this most recent bill, but against President Obama and his administration. It is legitimate hatred that many have given the President. The very same hatred given to President Bush during his term, over which you all weeped and wailed and gnashed your teeth.
Do i agree with President Obama's politics? Certainly not. Have i called my senator to voice any opinion besides the vote I cast in November, 2008? Certainly not, and as such is the case i find have no real grounds to complain about this recently passed bill. Have you called your senator? Can we complain about politicians not listening to us if there is nothing for them to hear?
Do you "Conservative Christians" agree with this healthcare bill?
It is EXTREMELY AND LOUDLY APPARENT THAT YOU DON'T. THE ECONOMY IS GOING TO FALL APART; OUR CHILDREN ARE GOING TO GROW UP IN A SOCIETY TOTALLY DEVOID OF SENSE AND MORALS; AND WE SHOULD MOVE TO NEW ZEALAND. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OUT OF COURTHOUSES. HOMOSEXUALITY IS MUCH, MUCH WORSE THAN THE PORNOGRAPHY ON MY HP LAPTOP. IN FACT, IT IS MUCH WORSE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, AND THAT IS WHY I TREAT ANY NON-HETEROSEXUALS AS IF THEY ARE NOT REALLY HUMANS. I KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY AND THAT'S WHY I DO NOTHING BUT WATCH FOOTBALL WHILE MY WIFE COOKS AND CLEANS ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THE WAR IN IRAQ IS GOD'S WILL. YOU CAN'T NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORIST SONS OF BI...GUNS.
I LOVE JESUS.
really?
We--yes we, you and i, whether we are conservative or liberal or confused--we cannot continue in this manner. i am as guilty of the spewing of hatred as anyone else, but after being pointed to the following i don't see how myself or anyone who seeks to make Jesus' name famous can refuse to change the way we view those in leadership of our country.
Romans 13:1-7
i write this stuff because i've been charged, convicted and declared guilty--by my own actions--of that which i lament. i just want us to realize that what we have been in the habit of doing has built so many walls against the gospel that we now have this term, "Conservative Christian," which is the subject of much derision in our society. Much of the response we've received is the only response we could expect to be given to a grace-less group of people claiming to have been saved by Grace. Jesus was not a politician. He was not a conservative. He was not liberal. He was God. He is God. And here's the thing: He is in control. He is worthy of trust. He will take care of His sheep, even when it seems like the wolves outnumber the fold two to one. So be a responsible citizen. Vote and try to attain a clear conscience when you do. But think very, very carefully before you enter the political realm, for there is much harm that can be done there.
Jesus is King, and to His Kingdom there will be no end. "
-The one and only Jared Korver
"3/24/10
get over the sun.
i would first like to say that i have a great number of doubts about the passage of the recent healthcare bill, the greatest of which is in regards to it actually fixing anything.The reason that's the first thing i said was not because it's the first thing on my mind. i simply said it first to implicate myself of that which i am very shortly going to blitzkrieg. i am implicated because i would be lying if i said i had not been involved in at least two bitter conversations this week involving this specific matter (and many more involving the current administration, especially shortly after President Obama's inauguration) where absolutely nothing constructive was discussed or even thought about, really. Only an intense dislike, both verbally and mentally, of those in power in Washington, the center of "this great nation."
Onward. To "Conservative Christians." i am beyond appalled, and have approached disgust and anger, at the reaction you have given against not only this most recent bill, but against President Obama and his administration. It is legitimate hatred that many have given the President. The very same hatred given to President Bush during his term, over which you all weeped and wailed and gnashed your teeth.
Do i agree with President Obama's politics? Certainly not. Have i called my senator to voice any opinion besides the vote I cast in November, 2008? Certainly not, and as such is the case i find have no real grounds to complain about this recently passed bill. Have you called your senator? Can we complain about politicians not listening to us if there is nothing for them to hear?
Do you "Conservative Christians" agree with this healthcare bill?
It is EXTREMELY AND LOUDLY APPARENT THAT YOU DON'T. THE ECONOMY IS GOING TO FALL APART; OUR CHILDREN ARE GOING TO GROW UP IN A SOCIETY TOTALLY DEVOID OF SENSE AND MORALS; AND WE SHOULD MOVE TO NEW ZEALAND. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OUT OF COURTHOUSES. HOMOSEXUALITY IS MUCH, MUCH WORSE THAN THE PORNOGRAPHY ON MY HP LAPTOP. IN FACT, IT IS MUCH WORSE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, AND THAT IS WHY I TREAT ANY NON-HETEROSEXUALS AS IF THEY ARE NOT REALLY HUMANS. I KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY AND THAT'S WHY I DO NOTHING BUT WATCH FOOTBALL WHILE MY WIFE COOKS AND CLEANS ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THE WAR IN IRAQ IS GOD'S WILL. YOU CAN'T NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORIST SONS OF BI...GUNS.
I LOVE JESUS.
really?
We--yes we, you and i, whether we are conservative or liberal or confused--we cannot continue in this manner. i am as guilty of the spewing of hatred as anyone else, but after being pointed to the following i don't see how myself or anyone who seeks to make Jesus' name famous can refuse to change the way we view those in leadership of our country.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
Romans 13:1-7
i write this stuff because i've been charged, convicted and declared guilty--by my own actions--of that which i lament. i just want us to realize that what we have been in the habit of doing has built so many walls against the gospel that we now have this term, "Conservative Christian," which is the subject of much derision in our society. Much of the response we've received is the only response we could expect to be given to a grace-less group of people claiming to have been saved by Grace. Jesus was not a politician. He was not a conservative. He was not liberal. He was God. He is God. And here's the thing: He is in control. He is worthy of trust. He will take care of His sheep, even when it seems like the wolves outnumber the fold two to one. So be a responsible citizen. Vote and try to attain a clear conscience when you do. But think very, very carefully before you enter the political realm, for there is much harm that can be done there.
Jesus is King, and to His Kingdom there will be no end. "
-The one and only Jared Korver
Still Life
I'm not quite sure how to best approach this next topic. It stems from a culmination of events and contemplations that I have been sifting through for almost a year and a half now. I suppose I will just write candidly and let my thoughts flow onto the page as my mind wanders.
We have lost all perception of what love is to be in our society. The simplicity and purity of it has become tainted by the bend of culture and the influence of preconceived notions. It has become a game in which short term success and satisfaction outweighs the greater purpose of caring for someone who has an incredible impact on your heart. This represents a complete aberration in one of the most simple acts known to man. Within the context of love, romantic or otherwise, the basis of human nature is voluntarily contrasted. The desire to selflessly consider the needs of another before the needs of yourself contradicts any assumed instinct toward self-betterment. Why, then, are such feelings entertained and pursued? The answer must rest within the simple devotion that one is willing to express in order to be a part of someone's life in a significant way, and in turn have them be a part of theirs.
I believe that this love is an extension of an unconditional love poured into us by a God who expressed his care through the greatest gift of all. Understanding that this love is channeled from such a greater source, we come to appreciate the magnitude and power of such action and its implications. It surely is not something to be taken lightly, but instead an ability worthy of gratitude and adequate effort.
I will talk plainly and simply for this next bit:
If you have been granted the opportunity to be with the one that you care for most, if you can look them in the eyes and tell them how you truly feel about them, then you are indeed blessed. Cherish them and give them the care that they deserve. Do not take them for granted. Respect them, put them first, guard their heart, uplift them. Be a representative of the love that God has shown down upon his creation, and reflect that love in all its simplicity, beauty, and purity. Do not taint such a special thing with selfish desires and petty doubts. Do not let the influences of external agents or prior circumstances undermine that gift.
I will talk more on this subject later.
We have lost all perception of what love is to be in our society. The simplicity and purity of it has become tainted by the bend of culture and the influence of preconceived notions. It has become a game in which short term success and satisfaction outweighs the greater purpose of caring for someone who has an incredible impact on your heart. This represents a complete aberration in one of the most simple acts known to man. Within the context of love, romantic or otherwise, the basis of human nature is voluntarily contrasted. The desire to selflessly consider the needs of another before the needs of yourself contradicts any assumed instinct toward self-betterment. Why, then, are such feelings entertained and pursued? The answer must rest within the simple devotion that one is willing to express in order to be a part of someone's life in a significant way, and in turn have them be a part of theirs.
I believe that this love is an extension of an unconditional love poured into us by a God who expressed his care through the greatest gift of all. Understanding that this love is channeled from such a greater source, we come to appreciate the magnitude and power of such action and its implications. It surely is not something to be taken lightly, but instead an ability worthy of gratitude and adequate effort.
I will talk plainly and simply for this next bit:
If you have been granted the opportunity to be with the one that you care for most, if you can look them in the eyes and tell them how you truly feel about them, then you are indeed blessed. Cherish them and give them the care that they deserve. Do not take them for granted. Respect them, put them first, guard their heart, uplift them. Be a representative of the love that God has shown down upon his creation, and reflect that love in all its simplicity, beauty, and purity. Do not taint such a special thing with selfish desires and petty doubts. Do not let the influences of external agents or prior circumstances undermine that gift.
I will talk more on this subject later.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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