What I'm Reading: Psalm 40

"I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3

No matter what you're going through, God is there with you. Through good times and bad, let Him be your comfort.

We all have difficult times. You are not the only one. Through these times, it is important to lean on Him and remind yourself of His goodness.

"You are For Me" by Kari Jobe and "Never Once" by Matt Redman have been tremendous helps to me. I hope you'll listen and find hope as well.

God's Kindness Leads to Repentence

I've mentioned before about growing up in legalism. Words cannot describe for me the tightening feeling I have when I think of it. It truly brings about a physical feeling within.

Religious people do like to make long lists of rules. I grew up with the long list of rules. Sing hymns, check. Wear skirts, check. Don't smoke, check. Wear a suit and tie to church, check. Ugh, it makes me nauseous. Jesus had the final say, so why are people trying to add to his word? Religion only leads to despair and hopelessness and makes us feel inadequate. Religion brings arrogance and pride when we accomplish the list of rules. Jesus brings humble joy.

When I watched this video with Mark Driscoll I felt that tightening feeling, but also felt so relieved and happy that I am no longer a part of legalism's bondage.





God's kindness will lead us to repentence. Romans 2:4

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19




Kindness by Chris Tomlin

Open up the skies of mercy and rain down the cleansing flood
Healing waters rise around us and hear our cries Lord, let 'em rise

It's your kindness Lord that leads us to repentence
Your favor Lord is our desire
It's your beauty Lord that makes us stand in silence
Your love, your love, is better than life

We can feel your mercy falling, You are turning our hearts back again
Hear our praises rise to heaven, and draw us near Lord, meet us here

It's your kindness Lord that leads us to repentence
Your favor Lord is our desire
It's your beauty Lord that makes us stand in silence
Your love, your love, is better than life

Crazy Love

I started reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan about a month or so ago. I haven't consistently read a chapter a day or even a chapter a week. I've found myself reading here and there and I find myself going back to reread, highlight, and think upon things.

If you've followed this much neglected blog since the beginning, you'll know that I've felt that we've missed something. Having grown up in a very much legalistic, religious, rule-based church has left me wondering, seeking, and frustrated. Wondering where we went wrong, seeking more of a relationship with Him, and frustrated at the legalistic judgment that took so long to remove from my head.

If you've ever wondered if we're missing something, then this book is for you.

From the preface:

This book is written or those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do.

I hope reading this book will convince you of something: that by surrendering yourself totally to God's purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and in the next. I hope it affirms your desire for "more God" -- even if you are surrounded by people who feel they have "enough God." I hope in inspires confidence if you have questioned and doubted the commitment of American church. I want to affirm your questioning, even while assuring you there is hope.

Are you satisfied with thinking you're doing ok by avoiding drinking, sex, drugs, smoking, and pornography or do you desire more of Him? Are you desperately seeking?

Called a Christian?

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. ~Acts 11:26

Jesus followers did not name themselves Christians. They were named by the others who saw their lives lived out each day. What if this were the same today? Is Christian simply a title you give yourself because that is how you want to be identified or could people call you a Christian by looking at your life?

Bible Burning

I received this video today via email. It invoked a lot of different feelings within me. I am in shock of their ignorance, ashamed of the same name that we share, grief for those that will be harmed through their acts, and anger for further harming the cause of Christ.

I'm not afraid to be different from the rest of the world, but it has to be for the right cause. Christ didn't come to burn books. He came to give the greatest gift imaginable.

It saddens me to think of those that will further harden their hearts towards Christianity because of this book burning. Think of how many lives could be touched if we were to put this same passion towards helping the sick, the poor, and the hurting. What kind of mark would we leave with others if we chose a servant's heart?

Lord, please help my actions and intentions to be pure so that I may help soften people's hearts toward You.

Everything Glorious

I just found this video on youtube. It's the David Crowder band performing at the 2008 Dove Awards. It made me smile because they are so random and funny.

Try ChristianTuner.com

If you're looking for Christian music, then try ChristianTuner.com. You'll find a collection of Christian radio and TV stations, programs, MP3 downloads, and podcasting links on the internet. It's nice to click on a link and choose your favorite music genre.

Thought for Today

It helps to remember this verse when being tempted. No temptation is strong enough that we can't walk away from it.

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
~I Corinthians 10:13

Confused at God's Purpose

Have you ever wondered why God put you in a particular circumstance? I don't mean a random occurence, I mean when you know that you've followed God's plan and you still have no idea what the purpose was. I hope that makes sense.

I'm in such a place right now. God called us to a place for a short amount of time. We uprooted our family and we worked so hard while we were there. It was exhausting. Now, we're moving on and I'm happy about it, but I'm left wondering why God would call us to a place for such a short time.

Have you ever felt this way?

Satan's On My Back Tonight

Tonight I feel like a failure
Satan is all over my back
He's bringing up dirt he has on me
And I'm under such attack

He knows the wrongs I've done
And the mistakes I've made
He's using them to hinder me
In my guilty thoughts I wade

I know that Jesus loves me
And I know that He died for me
I love Him and I serve Him
I'm clinging to His truths to set me free

Satan has no hold on me
I'm clinging to those thoughts
I know tomorrow will be better
I just have to remember the cross

2008 copyright by me