tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13478686065116844742024-03-13T10:19:29.689-05:00Pros Ton TheonCalled into and unto the God who created, redeemed and is perfecting meBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-22412375323841801412009-04-25T03:03:00.003-05:002009-04-25T16:13:01.159-05:00Reading ListHere are the current books I have gotten recently and are in my reading que, in no particular order:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Unfashionable: Making A Difference in the World By Being Different<br /></span>(currently reading) - Tullian Tchividjian<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What He Must Be ...if he wants to marry my daughter </span>- Voddie Baucham JR.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Pursuit of God </span>- A.W. Tozer<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Letters & Papers From Prison </span>- Dietrich Bonhoeffer<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In My Place Condemned He Stood </span>- J.I. Packer and Mark Dever<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Cost of Discipleship </span>- Dietrich Bonhoeffer<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">John Calvin: A Heart For Devotion Doctrine & Doxology </span>- edited by Burk Parsons<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea For Preaching </span>- Contributors<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Reading Scripture With The Church Fathers </span>- Christopher A. Hall<br /><br /><br /><br />Recently Read:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Save Me From Myself</span> - Brian "Head" Welch<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Knowing God</span> - R.C. Sproul<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spiritual Leadership</span> - J. Oswald SandersBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-62962397916028498052009-04-06T23:30:00.002-05:002009-04-07T00:08:19.257-05:00Hope LivesTired, Weary, Jaded<br />Elements of The Fall<br /><br />Feeling so complicated<br />The Cold of apathy's strike<br /><br />In these moments my mind is severed<br />From your cascading kindness on the Cross<br /><br />The blood-soaked Joy You purchased<br />The purposeful passion you awakened in a dead man<br /><br />Is just as true in these moments of confusion<br />Where deceit and lies have stormed the fortress of faith<br /><br />In and out of season<br />You remain<br /><br />The immutable, ever-present reigns<br />Conquering the callouses of depression<br /><br />His steadfastness swallows the weight of worry<br />He is the fullness of Love that shatters loneliness<br /><br />The shadows do not overcome the sun<br />Nor do flames produce ice<br /><br />Life does not die<br />Life produces hope<br /><br />Hope Lives<br /><br />Because of this Precious One - Jesus<br />True Life, life in the Spirit, does not die<br /><br />But in all things brings hope<br /><br />Hope LivesBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-55476805499603875702009-04-01T21:11:00.002-05:002009-04-01T21:32:32.119-05:00ThankfulnessOur God brings beauty in all things.<br /><br />I don't meditate on this truth enough and tend to get caught up in the moment whether it be sinus surgery pain or headaches or (insert whinny discomfort here).<br /><br />As our pastor says frequently, "In Christ we got it going on!"<br /><br />Its sad when one person cuts us off or one electronic device doesn't work properly that our demeanor turns sour and we are anything but thankful.<br /><br />God help me, keep me from this attitude and missing the mark.<br /><br />God help me to see the beauty in the seasons of change coming.<br /><br />God help me to see the providence and purpose in these frustrating setbacks in my day.<br /><br />The future for us is truly bright as children of God and in the here and now we have the Holy Spirit, the guarantee of our inheritance.<br /><br />In the here and now we get the opportunity to enjoy the things of this world that God has given us (not sin or sinful activity).<br /><br />For example: I love summer. Summer is my favorite season. The sun and the heat, the poolside laughter, road trips, water skiing, youth camps, sunshades and throwing a Frisbee.<br /><br />Oh so much to be thankful for, right here, right now.<br /><br />My health, my friends, my brain, my gifts and my opportunities to live, breath - love and preach Jesus.<br /><br />Thank You God<br /><br />Grow in me this heart of thankfulness.<br /><br />H<br />O<br />P<br />EBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-81733927939253122562009-03-28T12:35:00.002-05:002009-03-28T12:38:38.124-05:00Sinus SurgeryI had surgery yesterday...They straightened my septum that was only moderately deviated and then they shrunk my turbinents in my nose that have kept me from breathing almost at all through my nose.<br /><br />Recovery is going well... Just a little pain, but a WHOLE LOT of bleeding.<br /><br />I am taking it easy through the weekend and the first part of next week. I'm seeing the faithfulness of the Lord working through doctors and modern medicine.<br /><br />The lord is healing my body and if he allows I will be able to breath better and possibly my migraines be reduced after the healing process is complete.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-48018224675027351922009-03-25T21:24:00.002-05:002009-03-28T12:35:10.347-05:00Moving at the Speed of LifeI find more beauty each day.<br /><br />Amidst the relentless depravity and brokenness around me, God gives me the grace to live with an unbroken Spirit.<br /><br />Keep me from sin Lord, Forgive me when I fail, I know I am the problem. I am broken and depraved. Thank you for your sanctifying work. Thank you for love.<br /><br />Living with an unbroken Spirit has been my theme here lately.<br /><br />Its not just some philosophical pondering, its resting yet operating in what and who I know to be faithful and true. I trust you Jesus.<br /><br />The days come whizzing at me like bullets lately, we are moving at the speed of life.<br /><br />The depravity and pain, brokenness and shame, will never overtake the God who conquered sin and death.<br /><br />As these days fly by help me to use each moment and opportunity wisely Lord. Help me to be the passionate man that loves as you love.<br /><br />May I not get caught up in the whirlwind of life, to miss the beauty the grace extended to me to love those around me and to embrace the joys and gifts of life that make much of the Giver!<br /><br />Praise you Jesus, Be magnified be glorified!Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-90095996301202822182009-03-15T19:51:00.003-05:002009-03-15T20:37:33.206-05:00Why?You were given a piece of peace<br />Then I watched you slay a thousand dreams<br />In your wake you hold hope ransom<br />why?<br /><br />The depravity that sits at your feet<br />You would rather pet than kick or beat<br />All I want is to understand<br />why?<br /><br />It doesn't work well if it works at all<br />I sit watching the sand rise and fall<br />As you confess freedom is a religious pipe dream<br />why?<br /><br />The one who gave you the mind to doubt<br />Is the only one who can lead you out<br />Yet you sit in the forest of confusion hanging from limbs of delusion<br />why?<br /><br />If its for freedom that he set us free<br />Why are you so bound in your understanding<br />Why do you find love so confounding<br />Why is the man on the tree not astounding<br />Why does hostility trump humility<br /><br />Why would you rather be caught up in "Me" than lost and found in he..truly free, yes free indeed.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-37755081801224994802009-02-01T01:49:00.002-06:002009-02-01T23:42:52.083-06:00Drink and Be FilledI long for satisfaction<br />in the wastelands of materialism<br />the emptiness that comes with feasting on carnal trash<br />chases me through moments of hopelessness<br />Reeling for lasting anything<br /><br />You find me...<br />In the midst of my nothingness<br />Offering all, at no cost<br />Aware that I have nothing<br />At which to recompense<br /><br />Nothing but nails<br />To crucify you<br />Justifying my condemnation, yet yielding grace<br />The merciful reward, despite myself<br />The blood i drew you purchased my hope.<br /><br />I'm undone in my cruelty<br />Overtaken by my depravity<br />But now lost in your kindness<br />I'm now known and alive<br />You traversed the gulf between us<br /><br />So I may drink and be filled<br />Satisfied beyond understanding<br />Lost, yet found in you<br />My sin you atoned<br />My life you boughtBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-68089359447808330422009-01-29T22:46:00.003-06:002009-01-29T23:23:14.234-06:00Hope Without EndAs good intenders<br />We draw lines in the sand<br />Neat black and white bounds<br />Just in time to watch Grace wash them away<br /><br />Set free from man-made prisons<br />To a hope without end<br />A door that's always open<br />The light that chases the night away<br /><br />Its the words we just can't say<br />Where tears fall in slow motion<br />Trading our smallness<br />For something more beautiful than the apparent<br /><br />So help the broken and the poor<br />Build beds for the aching and the sore<br />Stop the bleeding of lonely hearts<br />Be the love that won't divorce<br /><br />And Maybe tomorrow will look different than today<br />Maybe we can find a way<br />Maybe if we walk His way<br />Into Hope Without End<br /><br />No More<br /><br />T<br />E<br />A<br />R<br />SBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-87073238862269469432008-12-09T19:56:00.003-06:002008-12-16T00:21:00.432-06:00The SeminarianI love learning. I love being academic. I love being practical. Applied academics.<br /><br />Yes, its possible. They aren't so mutually exclusive.<br /><br />I don't want to waste my life talking about wanting to change the world or end poverty or wave the social justice banner. I want to do it.<br /><br />I want to use my brain and use my hands, not just spout rhetoric while the malnourished close their eyes for the last time in a location oblivious to the Starbucks-crazed Americans.<br /><br />Seminary is where I begin this quest. Its my first step of acting in response to the call, privilege, honor and duty to grow an army of Christians to fight with weaponry of love and truth against the injustice and sin that corrupts all - from the family unit to the CEO of corporate America to Capitol Hill.<br /><br />I am incredibly eager to get back in school.<br /><br />I feel I can began to fulfill my purpose in the body of Christ there.<br /><br />I don't want to be known for my brain, but my love. If seminary just builds my knowledge base and doesn't kindle affections for God and His people I feel as though such an endeavor would be counterproductive.<br /><br />While my application list is not yet finished there are quite a few seminaries I will be applying to.<br /><br />As time goes on, I mercifully get to see a little more of the plan and purpose of God for my life. For such a gift of understanding I am immensely thankful. Much of it I still do not understand and I am equally as grateful there.<br /><br />If God is making me a Bible teacher and pastor I pray only for the grace to be faithful and obedient acknowledging that God is the sole provider and benefactor and I am simply a chosen partner stewarded with the Gospel message.<br /><br />Praise You God!<br /><br />"Command me Lord, then give me what You command" -AugustineBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-92050944834459967502008-11-30T23:17:00.003-06:002008-11-30T23:28:35.019-06:00MusicAs Martin Luther, the great reformer, once said "music is to be praised second only to the Holy Scriptures."<br /><br />Music is an outlet for the inner romance within us. Its a very effective vehicle for that romantic expression whether that be with a girl or our God or an ideal or thought. Its powerful, God-ordained and commanded in Scripture.<br /><br />Here is a song that is being played a lot off of the band's myspace page:<br /><br />Waking Ashland - <span style="font-style: italic;">I Am For You</span><br /><br />Something’s very wrong here<br />Your heart has frozen over<br />And something’s very strange here<br />You've lost all desire<br /><br />The comfort we create to prove we're something<br />But we're starving<br />Screaming in the night cause you want answers<br />From the one<br />And there is hope again<br /><br />Don't give up you're not thinking<br />Don't give up just keep seeking (Oh yeah)<br />And I, I am for you<br />And I, I will love you<br />And I, I am for you<br />And I, I will save you<br /><br />Come and take my face or forever I will walk alone<br />And all the same mistakes<br />Cause I know you, I deny you<br />Days go by and choices still remain forever<br />Right and wrong is black and white<br />The illusions of this world<br />And there is hope again<br /><br />Don't give up, you're not thinking<br />Don't give up, just keep seeking (Oh yeah)<br />And I, I am for you<br />And I, I will love you<br />And I, I am for you<br />And I, I will save you<br /><br />I send my self to you<br />Yes always and always<br />I send my love to you[x2]<br /><br /><br />And I, I am for you<br />And I, I will love you<br />And I, I am for you<br />And I, I will save you<br /><br />You found today, found today, you found today, with your life today<br /><br />A true piano rock band. Its a weird, but catchy sound. A little more emo than I typically embrace, but I can let that go.<br /><br />God thank You for this gift of music.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-79722070642598851872008-11-30T01:43:00.002-06:002008-11-30T02:07:25.846-06:00Preparing for the future...Engaging PostmodernismI am in a stage of preparation. I don't enjoy it naturally.<br /><br />I need the grace of God to give me joy and contentment in this time.<br /><br />I'm preparing to venture out as a minister of the Gospel vocationally.<br /><br />God is developing all aspects of my character right now. Its intense and at times paralyzing to see the weight of my sin and the huge lack of ability I have, forcing me to trust in Him for all things in the moment and ahead.<br /><br />Currently reading: The Truth War by John McArthur<br /><br />I highly recommend this book!<br /><br />The postmodernist view of one's inability to know truth and their certainty of there being no absolute truth is horrifying.<br /><br />This explains greatly how confused and disillusioned our culture is and the depths of our focus turning evermore inward and selfish clinging to anything that will function as an anesthetic for the pain and need of fulfillment in the moment, because under there thinking, nothing is true or certain. So, if it works today -the drug, ideology, relationship, thought etc... use it, use it fast and don't count on it.<br /><br />From such line of thought one can see the despairing selfishness that we are spiraling downward into.<br /><br />The Bible proposes truth and truth is a a person. Jesus - John 14:6.<br /><br />The Bible is not at odds with history or Reason. Almost all of Paul's claims when he preaches and writes to the new testament churches are logic driven.<br /><br />This will be the task at hand I believe for the rest of my life:<br /><br />Defending the faith against:<br /><br />Religious pluralism<br />The Emergent Church Movement<br />Pop Culture Theology -Dr. Phil, Oprah<br />Fundamentalism ideals birthed out of traditionalism rather than Biblical ChristianityBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-16307348685555740682008-11-25T04:25:00.001-06:002008-11-25T04:32:19.666-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qLeGnyh5Il8/SSvToQBCJbI/AAAAAAAAAA8/WXX-xIFqnXQ/s1600-h/DSC03151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qLeGnyh5Il8/SSvToQBCJbI/AAAAAAAAAA8/WXX-xIFqnXQ/s400/DSC03151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272540477214827954" border="0" /></a><br />The Rabbinic Beard.<br />Buddies are really pushing me to go for the Leonidas look.<br />I say no...Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-44315696494739242662008-11-25T02:12:00.005-06:002008-11-28T19:34:38.837-06:00Full CircleThankfulness is a dominant anthem in me right now<br /><br />I have spent the last few days fighting migraine headaches, writing sermons to be preached at a later date, and seeing another facet of the grace and mercy of God.<br /><br />If that sounds all together too cliche I invite you to remember, or if you don't know me that well, to embrace the concept, that I am wicked, a finite, sinful, fallible dude. Some of you have seen this more clearly than others. I am not immune to the temptations of lust, greed, selfishness and fear of the unknown. Yet, by the unmerited favor of God I have experienced somewhat of a revival of the spiritual senses. The desire to put to death sin. To put to death anything that is not edifying to others or rooted in directing myself in others toward genuine love and holiness. An extermination of anything that does not lend the fruit of hope of the certain Kingdom that is to come.<br /><br />I am not a leaf at the mercy of a confusing wind that my faith may be found one day and lost the next due to the circumstances of the day, rather I am a child of the most High God who is faithful to Himself through His people, period. Otherwise, A) I am not a child of God or B)He is a liar. There is no evidence for either of these realities. My spirit testifies in alignment with the Word of God that I am a part of the elect and There is no legitimate, water-holding, inconsistency in God that would bring His validity into question.<br /><br />A God with a flawless tract record in the Old Testament and who cowards below humanity to the level of sacrifice before triumphing over the grave in the New Testament silences the most atheistic onlookers.<br /><br />For all of this I am thankful, needless to say. Even when I have a skewed view of my identity, a <span style="font-style: italic;">Lion King</span> moment if you will, I am not lost, doomed, or condemned. God is faithful, even when I am not.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"And from his fullness We have all received grace upon grace"</span><br />- John 1:16<br /><br />I am blown away that this Holy, perfect God looked at this wretched, guilty, wrong doer and was merciful enough not to kill me.<br /><br />But even more so that he not only allowed me to exist, but he gave me real and eternal life through believing in His son who bore the weight of my wrong doings by dying in my place.<br /><br />Still it doesn't end there. He has now called and commissioned me to declare this great act of mercy and grace to others that they might experience the same. He sends me forth as a joyous ambassador of life amidst the brokenness of this world. To declare with His authority the forgiveness of sins. The weight of salvation does not rest on me. I just get to be one along for the ride. Its the Spirit of God working to call them to the Son through me. This reality is simply breath-taking.<br /><br />The God that invites the undeserving to taste in real life and fore-ordains them to be a means of spreading that life. Praise You God!<br /><br />Again. humbled...thankful...overjoyed...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"You are Indescribable, You are beyond expression<br />And I run out of words for you, Can't think that High,<br />So hear my spirit groan in me,<br />A painful sense of urgency,<br />To tell you that you are to me, So High"<br /></span> -Jeff Johnson, <span style="font-style: italic;">"So High"</span>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-85550962634729315082008-10-21T22:47:00.002-05:002008-10-21T22:51:04.929-05:00Going Emo...?I have a beard now...<br /><br />And I just started listening to some different music as of last night with my bud<br /><br />Should I move to wako? Ha! Gotta confess I like being a hybrid of things, with the faithfulness of 1 Corinthians 9:22<br /><br />Great bands:<br /><br />Sherwood<br /><br />We Shot The Moon<br /><br />Waking AshlandBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-74246266344769983612008-10-11T14:59:00.003-05:002008-10-11T15:21:30.720-05:00To Reclaim Love...Had a weird experience yesterday. Weird conversation with one of my buddies who really observed the whole Kate thing more closely than I thought.<br /><br />He just kinda went into what he saw. Without me asking, he just kinda shared his perspective. Thinking about this and trying to at the same time not confront what he said... I finally folded. He was right. She was a cancer.<br /><br />The reality is I loved her or love her how ever you want to look at it. I just chooses now to starve that love. Everyday I choose not to love her. I choose to go against my commitment. It feels blatantly dysfunctional, it is. There is no resolution at this point, she just justifies herself and takes responsibility only as a pr move, it is never functional.<br /><br />I screwed-up by not standing my ground and following and do what I knew was right. I should have ran when she tempted me but I did not. I should have cut ties within that first month.<br /><br />About 4 people, unrelated around me, they all saw the same thing. They came to me about it and it is heart breaking. Mind blowing that its not just advice.<br /><br />The only reason I can explain that I did not is love. That love threatens to keep me here even now. So I must deny it. It is misplaced and it is unclaimed.<br /><br />I must deny the urge to engage in serving her. Deny the desire to be beside her.<br /><br />I tell misplaced, early committed love "no" to welcome in what is coming. What is already here :)Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-35141496111632260512008-10-09T19:18:00.002-05:002008-10-09T19:23:16.202-05:00Another thought...A thought that God gave me through my time with Him today was profound and I want to share. This all stemmed from mediating on holiness. It is where we are at as a church in scripture, specifically in a series over 2 Timothy.<br /><br />The thought:<br /><br />"Holiness is the root of Happiness," without holiness happiness is unauthentic and a short-lived lie.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-84526055157800605872008-10-09T18:56:00.002-05:002008-10-09T19:16:53.313-05:00Being a Godly manA thought I had today with God:<br /><br />We submit to God because he is worthy of our submission. He is honorable, revered, full of love and grace. but more than simple attributes the core of who God is makes Him worthy of our submission. Not because of what he gives or does but because of who he is "God almighty." That makes Him worth submitting to not just worth it as an optional thing, but compels and even commands our submission.<br /><br />Application:<br />Am I a guy really worthy of a lady submitting to? I mean not because of what I could do for her or provide for her or impress her....anyone with enough money and "Hitch" training can do that... but Is my person, and character someone that a God-seeking lady could look to and honestly say 'it's my joy to submit to you because of WHO you are"<br /><br />That is the Biblical standard us single men have to evaluate ourselves with and I know that such a standard I can't attain without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Me submitting to Christ)<br /><br />Help me God for me to submit to you rather than adventure out on my own. It is my sinful nature to disregard you. Help me to submit continually to you.<br /><br />Help my future wife to go against her sinful nature after the fall of rebelling against me (see Gen 3:15-16) and empower her to live in submission.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-4344569533797335652008-10-08T01:33:00.002-05:002008-10-08T01:43:42.201-05:00Love WinsSuch a bold reality<br /><br />Love really does win<br /><br />We don't lose. We don't die<br /><br />We have an advocate. Not that we have paid off or bribed<br /><br />Not that is obligated to us.<br /><br />But by his own sovereign choice has chosen us (Romans 8&9)<br /><br />Before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1)<br /><br />We don't have to clean ourselves up to come to God. He extends grace. Sometimes that grace is in the form of discipline but none-the-less its a gift that restores us into intimacy with him.<br /><br />Thank You for being big enough God. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, to love, to hope and not just hope blindly but take heart in faith (the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">assurance</span> of things hoped for - Hebrews 11)<br /><br />May I rejoice in the victory that You have secured Jesus. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Love Wins</span> Hallelujah!! death where is your sting?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Love Wins</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Love Wins</span><br /><br />Love WinsBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-71722396016074464382008-10-04T15:43:00.002-05:002008-10-05T02:40:32.507-05:00Reflecting On This JournalI just finished a journal. A journal that I have had longer than most. A journal full of many things. Because of this I used the last couple of pages as a reflection page on the journal as a whole, what came out was rather humbling. God is Good. Below is the final reflective entry.<br /><br />Reflections of this Journal:<br /><br />This time has been varied and confusing at many points because of my sin.<br />I have seen Jesus and I have seen death.<br />I have written of love and lust.<br />Selfishness and sacrifice.<br />I have known both chaos and contentment<br />Joy and defeat.<br />I have raised my weaponry in defense and I have abandoned those weapons before the throne.<br />Hatred emptied into the gulf of love to never be identified again.<br />I have learned by experience of what it is to actually be able to echo Paul's words of being content in all things.<br />Its not a measure of pretty words to gauge the place of my heart and its not the performance of my actions or the success of the endeavor ventured in.<br /><br />It truly is a matter of belief<br />A matter of faith in the unseen, the Bigger than I.<br />To know that I am not but that He has enabled me that I am.<br />No fear can fence me<br />No lady can limit or liberate me<br />For its the grace of the King that draws the peasant into His courts.<br />This journal has revealed more than I can share.<br />It has not revealed all yet.<br />I am still learning how the past teaches one's eye to see the beauty of the present and evoke the heart into prayer and praise for the future.<br />I don't know of certainty apart from God. and placed in man's ventures.<br />I don't believe it exists<br />I do however renounce the fear that lies to the Christian.<br />The fear that gives a small perspective of God and a large view of man's discovery of hope.<br />I want to instead walk in His ways<br />Know Him and be known by Him<br />To love them for He has loved me.<br />May the love of Jesus Christ compel me<br /><br />I pray that this may be helpful to some that you can read betwen the lies of this world and push past them to the Hope of God, through the Grace of the Son, Communicated by the Holy Spirit.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-35493863556907159312008-10-03T00:05:00.003-05:002008-10-03T00:24:27.478-05:00Hootie Goes Country!So I have always loved Hootie and The Blowfish....I have always loved the guys voice and the emotion they convey about such a vast variety of things in their music.<br /><br />Well the front-man Darius Rucker released a solo album awhile back and I just got it today! I read he has a huge love for country music!? Well, his new album definitely has a huge country influence. Some may even classify it as country! I am so enthralled with this album. Its very, very, different than what I normally listen to.<br /><br />There is a song about being at the brink of death and its really unique. It would make more sense how distinct it is if you heard it. Here are the lyrics.<br /><br />Hope They Get To Me In Time<br />Artist: Darius Rucker<br /><br />I'm eight years old<br />Daddy's cuttin' my hair<br />Aqua Velva on his hands.<br />Momma's in the kitchen<br />Got fried green tomatoes<br />Poppin' in the pan.<br />I see a home run, a goal line,<br />Holding my friend gettin' baptized.<br />I see her beautiful face under that veil<br />As she's walking down the aisle.<br /><br />I can hear the sirens comin'<br />Smell the gasoline and smoke.<br />I'm pinned against this steering wheel<br />Pretty sure my arm is broke.<br />I can see the flames and my life<br />Flashing right before my eyes.<br />I hope they get to me in time.<br /><br />I could see the headlights swerve<br />So I cut the wheel to the right.<br />Last thing I saw was that bottle turned up<br />As he crossed that center line.<br />I see tiny hands, brown eyes<br />Fallin' to sleep to that lullaby.<br />And you slide over next to me<br />As I turn out the lights.<br /><br />I can hear the sirens comin'<br />Smell the gasoline and smoke.<br />I'm pinned against this steering wheel<br />Pretty sure my arm is broke.<br />I can see the flames and my life<br />Flashing right before my eyes.<br />I hope they get to me in time.<br /><br />Please Lord, I'm beggin' you<br />Don't let me go like this.<br />There's so much left that I want to do<br />So much I don't want to miss.<br /><br />I can see the flames and my life<br />Flashing right before my eyes.<br />I hope they get to me in time.<br />Just get to me in time.<br />Please get to me in, in time.<br /><br />God help me to remember that life is a Vapor. May James' words compel me to expend everything you give me for the cause of your kingdom. To feel less weighed by the disgust of the person and events of the past in order to not jeopardize the hope and donation of today.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-71197417842791822172008-09-30T23:29:00.002-05:002008-09-30T23:44:58.859-05:00Choosing To "Stop Painting Pictures of the Past"Such a great song...<br />Thanks God<br /><br />She is such a liar deceiving so many. First and foremost herself. She takes pseudo-responsibility just to redirect the blame. She has talked herself into believing her own lie, her parents as well. She kept and lied so much. If only her dad knew the half of it.<br /><br />I am thankful God is a God of justice... that I can rest in no one getting a free ride who claim to be "of the faith".<br /><br />She can't be faithful even to herself. She is beginning to bleed the lie that defines her.<br /><br />So humbling to be a part of such stupidity. "Let her go screw someone else up" said my mom.<br />"Go and put up with her crap" <br /><br />So thankful for redemption. Not that just appears like Christ or that poetically re manufactures his life, but that really believes He is who he says He is and that love compels us.<br /><br />The "Pictures of The Past" that I am painting are growing ever distant. I am so thankful shes has proved herself meaningless a waste of a brain and illegitimate adulterated compassion. I wonder what philosopher she chose to follow today. Anne Lamont, Buber, Malcom X, Budda, or Ghandi.<br /><br />help me to choose to not dislike her when I think of her.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-76850928489189958262008-09-08T00:35:00.003-05:002008-09-08T00:51:16.577-05:00Defending Trinitarian DoctrineThe Following is a paper for a pre-seminary/vocational ministry preparation class that I just started at the church I attend. The pastor leads this clas and every week assigns a difficult real-world ministry situation to wrestle through an defend using only Scripture the actual text and any word study tools are the only resources allowed. (no commentaries, discussions, sermon quotes etc...) Each week we have to turn in this paper and it can only be one page to make us be concise when running into these issues with people. Also we are assigned several chapters of J.I. Packer's manifesto <span style="font-style: italic;">"Knowing God"</span> to read and be ready to discuss.<br /><br />The first ministry scenario is as follows:<br /><br />You have been asked to explain the Trinity to a group of college students who are new believers. They are trying to figure out what it means when we say that God is a "trinity," where we find the teaching in Scripture and how the "Trinity" is different from polytheism. How will you teach these new believers about their God? What kind of illustrations will help you explain the Trinity to them? Remember these are new believers.<br /><br />My response:<br /><br /> Ministry Scenario One: Explaining and Defending Trinitarian Doctrine<br /><br /> The “Trinity” is a Threefold expression of the single God of the Christian faith - Identified by the Hebrew name “Yahweh” which directly translated means “I am Who I Am” (Ex 3:14). In the English translation of the Old Testament Scriptures “Yahweh” is typically translated contextually as “God” or “LORD.”<br /> The term “trinity” is not explicit mentioned in scripture, yet the meaning of that term is found throughout scripture as mentioned in this discussion. My definition for the Trinity is: ONE God manifesting himself in three distinct, yet equal persons, specifically God The Father, God The Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit. “One” is emphasized because Christianity is a monotheistic religion (Ex 20:3; 34:14). This on the surface may seem contradictory due to the fact that we as Christians, in accordance with the Scriptures, believe in three distinct persons that are one being. The Trinity however, is not polytheistic. Polytheistic belief systems involve “deities” that either compete with each other or have limited territories of authority, i.e. Greek Mythology’s Zeus, god of the sky and Aphrodite god of love, beauty and sex; Thor, god of thunder in Norse Paganism or more commonly the vast variety of gods in Hinduism, all of which were “gods” of certain things. The difference between the previously mentioned polytheistic beliefs and the monotheistic Christian faith is that the members of the Trinity are three distinct but interconnected persons who jointly express the complete person, character, and attributes of “Yahweh” or God (1Tim 6:13-16; Acts 4:24). Moreover, unlike many of polytheistic systems God is totally sovereign over all things and completely self-sufficient. Also, the Trinity does not compete within itself or with other “deities” such as dualism, the belief that there are essentially two equal gods in opposition with each other and we exist in the midst of their feuding.<br />This triune God works in orchestration with all members of the Trinity to accomplish the works and will of God such as salvation (being saved) and sanctification (the process of a believing person’s life being transformed and conformed to the teachings of the Bible). Just as one person can or may express himself in multiple ways (i.e.: a recreational hunter, who has a job as a construction worker, and serves at his church as a deacon), each member of the Trinity reveals a unique role, or a unique facet of God to man. You could think of a proverbial symphony where God the Father (seen in the Bible as Shepherd, Creator, Judge, Ps.23:1; Gen 14:19, 18:25) is the conductor, Jesus Christ (the atoning sacrifice for man’s sin, the image of the invisible God Col. 1:15; Heb 10:12) is the instruments by which the alluring music is played, and the Holy Spirit (in the Bible - Helper Jn 14:6; intercessor Rom. 8:26) being the actual music and message conveyed to the audience - us!. Yet, the Bible makes very clear that the persons of the trinity are distinct and individual not just moods or emotions or activities of God, but His very being (power, authority and purpose) manifested in three forms all equally involved the world and are not created but ever present (Gen.1:3). Each of these persons of the trinity reveals to man’s limited understanding (Is. 55:8) who God is, highlighting and conveying his attributes, character, and purpose. We can see some of the specific functions of the Trinity in Galatians 4:6 “…God (Father Grk - theos) has sent the Spirit (Grk - pneuma) of his Son (Grk - huios)…” The context here is Paul speaking to believers at Galatia about the redemptive work of Christ where he shows God The father (identified by “his”) sent a separate member of the trinity - the Spirit, which is of the son -see Jn 14:26. Here we see The Father sending the Spirit of the Son to enable believers to cry ‘Abba Father” Here the distinct but unifying functions of the trinity are expressed - we may cry out to the Father through the Spirit, because of the work of the Son.<br /><br />Note:<br />I believe John 14:26 is the most compelling verse for the existence and function of the Trinity within the bounds of the Bible. Here You see much like the Galatians passage the Trinity being present and relating to each other as well as see the members of the Godhead accomplishing the mission of God.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-40261386257167578172008-09-02T02:29:00.008-05:002008-09-02T02:42:59.044-05:00A Notable QuoteSo I'm about to finish a really rocking book called "Evangelical Truth" by John Stott a very reformed Anglican that I have always heard is a very Spirit-filled theologian. They were right - This man speaks with such simple yet profoundly constructed thoughts that you find yourself reading the same page over and over, soaking in all of its contents. The book is just over 120 pgs yet it is extremely theologically weighty. One of the most engaging and enlightening reads I have partaken in in quite awhile. He is most certainly a scholar of teh scriptures. Check out this quote:<br /><blockquote><br /><blockquote>The same choice confronts all Christian communicators today. On the one hand we can we can flatter people and tell them what they want to hear, namely that they are fine people and can win salvation by their own effort. We develop what could be called a pussy-cat ministry, for we stroke them until they purr with pleasure. Or on the other hand, we can tell them the truth which they don't want to hear, about sin, guilt, judgment and the cross, and so arouse their hostility. In other words, either we are unfaithful in order to be popular, or we are willing to be unpopular in our determination to be faithful -John Stott "Evangelical Truth" pg. 83</blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote><br />Just mind-blowing how deep that statement cuts. Its very applicable to our cozy pulpits that give scraps to the congregation's selfish desires rather than extend the rightful invitation to feast on Christ.<br /><br />Oh may we be faithful rather than popular!<br /><blockquote></blockquote><br /><blockquote></blockquote>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-46552574745283327472008-09-01T18:14:00.005-05:002008-09-02T02:29:40.650-05:00Kate and Brian McLarenSo recently talking to my ex I realized how much her and Brian McLaren are alike...Not identical for sure but very similar.<br /><br />The way they talk and "converse" or "post". My ex was born to be emergent. She has no personal centrality of truth, has mentioned in the past on numerous occasions how she doesn't believe in a literal hell or believe in scripture as "correctly interpreted" but sides with deconstructionism. She embraces most postmodern precepts and its reaction to modernity with little reservation. All of these things I don't agree with. Does that make me better or superior - not remotely.<br /><br />My ex and I think differently. She is a rocking person and will accomplish something I believe at some point significant for the kingdom.<br /><br />To her and Brian's (def not to be confused of me) credit they are very Christ like in social issues namely the poor and the oppressed. But that is the only doctrine they seem to stand on.<br /><br />The controversial, offensive and definitive-truth-Christ, is absent in their paradigm. The mentality of Jesus being harsh or telling somone that they are going to hell is either omitted from their Bible or inconsequential to them. Calling them dogs, mocking them (yes, Jesus used sarcasm) would never come from the pulpit of Brian McLaren, yet Kate is a pretty clever wielder of sarcasm.<br /><br />Now my ex I think would get around this by saying that Christ relates in a 'more hippy" way to her than I. Well If there is a Christian standard outside of the Bible I am jealous that she has discovered it and not I. People love to justify thinking and the judgments that they make even when they clearly contradict the Bible.<br /><br />I am a liberal when it comes to love and people and conservative when it comes to the Bible and its doctrine being the final authority on faith and practice for my life.<br /><br />I love to live in the tension because my God is bigger than ideologies. I see him more clearly when I stop trying to align with segmented streams of thought and read the Bible and live it for what it teaches.<br /><br />I am not making an active attempt to be a rebel or seeking to conform.<br /><br />That being said when those around me McLaren or my ex or Pagitt or whoever refuses to follow all or accept all of Jesus' teachings AND call themselves BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIANS then THEY self-label themselves heretics.<br /><br />It is very difficult for me to embrace some of God's very offensive teachings in the Bible such as God hating Esau from before he was born or letting lepers die or Lazarus die, but I must accept it as truth through faith or the Bible loses credibility and we are put as believers in the midst of an argument of subjective beliefs for which we have no standard.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347868606511684474.post-34405564590230271942008-09-01T01:00:00.002-05:002008-09-01T01:20:07.042-05:00Thoughts on the Accuser - A Girl Oblivious To Me.I'm confuzzled...<br /><br />So my ex-girlfriend talks about how she is so "afraid of me" and that "I intimidate her." Just polling the audience of people that know me...<br /><br />Have I ever been threatening to anyone?<br /><br />In all of my actions and activity to the opposite sex I have never threatened or hurt anyone or anything. She wants to psychoanalyze me in hopes of finding something to hang her hat on. Come on... I really don't know her. I have 11 months to look back on with question marks. I have another female to put in the category of "may be untruthful and dangerous to anyone who gets within hearts reach"<br /><br />I hate I was deceived. I wish I was more discerning.<br /><br />Thank God I didn't marry her. I could only imagine what would be going on now if we were still together and I was still trusting her a s she would tell me she was going to do xyz and "just trust me"<br /><br />Discernment has been a huge profitable lesson. She had the guts to call me scary and intimidating.<br /><br />God would you maximize my mind in you that I would be consumed with you.<br /><br />God through this conversation bitterness has begun to creep back up and I dont want it to take hold of my heart when we have battled together to forgive and forsake the past to use its knowledge to build a brighter and mightier future.Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01745674825421002183noreply@blogger.com0