Your actions follow your beliefs.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Quotes to Question
- "'Your job is the relentless pursuit of who God has made you to be. And anything else you do is sin and you need to repent of it.'"-pg. 114
- "I am not defined by what I am not."-pg. 115
- "Why blame the dark for being dark? It is far more helpful to ask why the light isn't as bright as it could be."-pg.166
- "If the gospel isn't good news for everybody, then it isn't good news for anybody."-pg.167
- "One of the illusions of faith is that at some point we get it all mapped out and things get smooth and predictable. It is not true. The way of Jesus is a journey, not a destination. On a journey, the scenery changes. A lot."-pg.168
Curious? Check out the book Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Windgazers
God is Mystery.
And we say that because
Life is a mystery.
So if God is Mystery,
and God made Life,
then Life is . . . what?
Exactly. And we all try so desperately,
passionately,
excruciatingly,
(or sadly not quite that much,
or tragically not at all)
to search out the mystery.
We label life. We speculate on love (our favorite topic).
We try to fit
God in our heads instead of
our hearts in His hands (the latter is
a safe and spacious fit. No, not safe.
Maybe safe. And space might not have
anything to do with it. But it’s a
right fit.
The right fit.)
And the mystery is never solved,
because there is no Mason or Holmes,
even though we all try, and that’s
who we’re all striving to be:
Detectives of Reality, PLUS—or maybe x10 to the highest power.
And some are painters,
some, musicians,
some, crafters or biologists or historians,
or some writers,
and the colors, the notes, the tools,
the formulas, the fossilized choices—
and especially words, those wisps
of thought that are the reaching
arms of the mind—all of these
are the portals of humanity:
the portholes through which we
peer to get a better glimpse of
the land we’re inevitably approaching,
all of us.
From this, the ship Existence, we strain our eyes,
pushing our sight past the sea-spray
and the seaweed and the salt
caked on our windows.
The notes,
the words,
the colors,
the choices—
they all are not quite enough.
But they’re the only bridges we have.
In seeking out as best we can,
The Question-Maker, the Mystery Land—
The Eternity of this: ?
or maybe this: .
(who knows?)—the best
we can do is pianos, pens,
paintbrushes, and the past and present.
From here to there,
they’re the only bridges we have,
these tendrils from us to the edge of . . .
just what, we have no real clue.
That’s why we keep reaching.
That’s why we should never stop.
Bind yourself to the sky, like a lover,
and let nebulas—where suns are birthed—
be the playground you know you want,
where Mystery is your favorite slide.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." Prov. 25:2
And we say that because
Life is a mystery.
So if God is Mystery,
and God made Life,
then Life is . . . what?
Exactly. And we all try so desperately,
passionately,
excruciatingly,
(or sadly not quite that much,
or tragically not at all)
to search out the mystery.
We label life. We speculate on love (our favorite topic).
We try to fit
God in our heads instead of
our hearts in His hands (the latter is
a safe and spacious fit. No, not safe.
Maybe safe. And space might not have
anything to do with it. But it’s a
right fit.
The right fit.)
And the mystery is never solved,
because there is no Mason or Holmes,
even though we all try, and that’s
who we’re all striving to be:
Detectives of Reality, PLUS—or maybe x10 to the highest power.
And some are painters,
some, musicians,
some, crafters or biologists or historians,
or some writers,
and the colors, the notes, the tools,
the formulas, the fossilized choices—
and especially words, those wisps
of thought that are the reaching
arms of the mind—all of these
are the portals of humanity:
the portholes through which we
peer to get a better glimpse of
the land we’re inevitably approaching,
all of us.
From this, the ship Existence, we strain our eyes,
pushing our sight past the sea-spray
and the seaweed and the salt
caked on our windows.
The notes,
the words,
the colors,
the choices—
they all are not quite enough.
But they’re the only bridges we have.
In seeking out as best we can,
The Question-Maker, the Mystery Land—
The Eternity of this: ?
or maybe this: .
(who knows?)—the best
we can do is pianos, pens,
paintbrushes, and the past and present.
From here to there,
they’re the only bridges we have,
these tendrils from us to the edge of . . .
just what, we have no real clue.
That’s why we keep reaching.
That’s why we should never stop.
Bind yourself to the sky, like a lover,
and let nebulas—where suns are birthed—
be the playground you know you want,
where Mystery is your favorite slide.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." Prov. 25:2
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Favorite Verses
These are some Bible verses that have been important to me in my walk with God. If you need a label, we'll call them my "life-verses." As you'll probably notice, this is a much longer list than four or five. I found that once I started skimming the Bible for favorite verses, it was hard to stop:
John 17:3--Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Zeph. 3:17--The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Heb. 12:1-3--Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses [see chapter 11], let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Phil. 4:4-8--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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Prov. 3:5-6--Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Ps. 37:3-4--Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Ps. 34:14--Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Rom. 12:9--Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Ps. 51:10--Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Ps. 119:9;105--How does a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. . . . Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Prov. 4: 23--Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
2 Cor. 4:16-18--Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Col. 3:1-2--Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Isa. 32:8--But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.
Prov. 16:9--In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Prov. 19:21--Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Matt. 6:33--But seek first his kingdom and his righeousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Luke 9:23-25--Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
I Pet. 1:13--Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hopes fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Josh. 1:9--Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
John 15:5--I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 10:10--The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Ps. 46:10--Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
I John 4:18--There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives outfear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Col. 3:23--Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
I Cor. 16:13-14--Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
I Cor. 10:31--So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Jas. 1:19-20--My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.
II Tim. 1:7--For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
I Pet. 3:15-16--But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Jas. 1:22--Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Other passages: Eph. 3:16-21; Rom. 7:7-8:39; Rom. 12; Mark 12:28-31; I Cor. 13; Gal. 5-6; Matt. 6:19-21; Matt. 7:24-27
John 17:3--Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Zeph. 3:17--The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Heb. 12:1-3--Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses [see chapter 11], let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Phil. 4:4-8--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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Prov. 3:5-6--Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Ps. 37:3-4--Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Ps. 34:14--Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Rom. 12:9--Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Ps. 51:10--Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Ps. 119:9;105--How does a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. . . . Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Prov. 4: 23--Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
2 Cor. 4:16-18--Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Col. 3:1-2--Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Isa. 32:8--But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.
Prov. 16:9--In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Prov. 19:21--Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Matt. 6:33--But seek first his kingdom and his righeousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Luke 9:23-25--Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
I Pet. 1:13--Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hopes fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Josh. 1:9--Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
John 15:5--I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 10:10--The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Ps. 46:10--Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
I John 4:18--There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives outfear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Col. 3:23--Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
I Cor. 16:13-14--Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
I Cor. 10:31--So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Jas. 1:19-20--My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.
II Tim. 1:7--For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
I Pet. 3:15-16--But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Jas. 1:22--Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Other passages: Eph. 3:16-21; Rom. 7:7-8:39; Rom. 12; Mark 12:28-31; I Cor. 13; Gal. 5-6; Matt. 6:19-21; Matt. 7:24-27
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