....Or just connected?
Its odd that I write this post via my BlackBerry. None the less here goes.
I have a face book page, 2 email accounts, 2 blogs, and a Twitter account and I have many friends who blow that out of the water! Are we over connected? is there such thing?
I really feel that there is a fine line here and I have had to ask myself the question, "is it a status thing?" " Do I want to come across as well known or popular with all the friends that I have accumulated on face book and twitter?" "Am I after some sort of recognition or self worth in all of this?"
Generations before us got along great without any of this. In fact, I would argue better! Reason being is that they didn't have 20 different ways to back out of an obligation (without confrontation) like we have now.
I think its based on the person really. If all of it went away tomorrow would you be alright? How would you get along?
3.31.2009
3.27.2009
"The mind of Hope"
Mike Giroux
The Mind of Hope
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
• Your thought life is powerful.
"A thought is action in rehearsal."
Romas 12:2
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Corinthians 2:16
16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"[a] But we have the mind of Chris
2 Corinthians 2:10
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
Romans 8:6
6 The mind of sinful man[a] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
Philippines 2:5-11
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
"I want to be God dependent so I can be man affluent."
The Mind of Hope
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
• Your thought life is powerful.
"A thought is action in rehearsal."
Romas 12:2
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Corinthians 2:16
16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"[a] But we have the mind of Chris
2 Corinthians 2:10
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
Romans 8:6
6 The mind of sinful man[a] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
Philippines 2:5-11
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
"I want to be God dependent so I can be man affluent."
3.24.2009
legalize drugs...???
I just read an article on CNN that suggests legalizing drugs. The argument is rather simple and straight forward and is spurned for the escalation in violence in Mexico.
I, in no way, endorse illegal drug use of any sort, but this makes me curious. If drugs were legalized would drug related violence stop? I think not. The fighting would simply shift gears in order to take another persons stash.
I have been perplexed however that the country I live in has legalized a substance (alcohol) that kill tens of thousands of people every year and there is seemingly nothing done about it.
I think if you get a DUI or anything of the sort you loose your privilege to drive for five years....no questions asked. Rant complete!
I, in no way, endorse illegal drug use of any sort, but this makes me curious. If drugs were legalized would drug related violence stop? I think not. The fighting would simply shift gears in order to take another persons stash.
I have been perplexed however that the country I live in has legalized a substance (alcohol) that kill tens of thousands of people every year and there is seemingly nothing done about it.
I think if you get a DUI or anything of the sort you loose your privilege to drive for five years....no questions asked. Rant complete!
3.18.2009
philosophy; Is it a waste?
I am currently standing, or sitting, amongst the writings of Nietzsche, Kant, Sarte, Plato, etc...and the question that ran through my mind was, "Is this all a waste?" If all of it disappeared today, right now, would the world be hurt?
I can hear my atheist's counterparts chompping at the bit on this one. Let's hold off on more questions though and try and tackle this. It should be interesting. And as the kids across the pond say...cheers.
I can hear my atheist's counterparts chompping at the bit on this one. Let's hold off on more questions though and try and tackle this. It should be interesting. And as the kids across the pond say...cheers.
3.16.2009
distracted...
Not me, at least, not right now.
I believe that it was Kevin Spacey who said, "The greatest trick that Satan ever pulled was convincing people that he doesn't exist." Or something like that. Its from a movie that I can't remember the name of. None the less its a profound statement.
The creation of distraction is satans greatest accomplishment.
I write this as I sit in my favorite coffee shop. I am looking around and observing all of the people. Admittedly this is one of my past times...observing people. I know I know it sounds rather "stalker esq" but just track with me. I see people of all walks of life being so distracted. Distracted with themselves, others, money, sex, spirituality, reading, family and everything else. I find it interesting, sad and dis heartening all at once. If only we would loose ourselves of ourselves and walk freely through life.
Blinded by life is this generation. Blinded by self and the pursuit there in.
God has such an awesome destiny for all of our lives. We just have to rid ourselves of this world and time and focus on God. Matthew 16:25.
I believe that it was Kevin Spacey who said, "The greatest trick that Satan ever pulled was convincing people that he doesn't exist." Or something like that. Its from a movie that I can't remember the name of. None the less its a profound statement.
The creation of distraction is satans greatest accomplishment.
I write this as I sit in my favorite coffee shop. I am looking around and observing all of the people. Admittedly this is one of my past times...observing people. I know I know it sounds rather "stalker esq" but just track with me. I see people of all walks of life being so distracted. Distracted with themselves, others, money, sex, spirituality, reading, family and everything else. I find it interesting, sad and dis heartening all at once. If only we would loose ourselves of ourselves and walk freely through life.
Blinded by life is this generation. Blinded by self and the pursuit there in.
God has such an awesome destiny for all of our lives. We just have to rid ourselves of this world and time and focus on God. Matthew 16:25.
Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with the harp;make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;he is faithful in all he does.5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;let all the people of the world revere him.9 For he spoke,and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations.12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,the people he chose for his inheritance.13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army;no warrior escapes by his great strength.17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,even as we put our hope in you.
the bludgeoning of Grace
Its been awhile and things seem to have fallen silent on this front. Things in life have been overly hectic. Hospital visits, out of work from week to week and seemingly a never ending flow of...well...life and all that it has to offer. Its interesting how this subject of grace is so versatile in nature. Grace extends its touch out in so many ways and yet we confine it so swiftly.
I was having a hard time thinking of a title for this."The Abuse of Grace" didn't seem to carry the weight that I was after. But then the imagery of the Juggernaut came into mind. He doesn't abuse or beat ....he bludgeons, everything he touches! And how often have we, do we, are we, bludgeoning grace in our own lives? I am not claiming that the Juggernaut is tantamount to sin....that would be silly.
Romans 6:1-2
1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
As a Christian we have died to sin just as Christ has. When Christ died on the cross that was it. This is the ultimate example of God's grace. That while were(Romans 5:8) still sinners Christ died for us.
This grace of God is never ending. This being the case why not continue to sin? What's it matter? He will always be there...right? Right. He will always be there but will you. God's grace IS never ceasing but is your patience for your self never ceasing? Can you continue to screw up and knowingly sin and expect to live a good Godly existence? No. Plan and simple.
The fact is that we were not created for this sin that we live in. We were made in God's image(Genesis 1:26) and His likeness.
The very fact that God is perfect and sin cannot exist around Him or within Him ought to tell us this fact.
Grace is a beautiful thing. "Unmeritted favor" is a beautiful description. We don't deserve it. We shouldn't receive it and so often we mis appropriate it in our lives. And all the while our Creator is standing by waiting for us to turn and run back into His arms.
We in our lives need to cease this bludgeoning of God's abundant grace. Stop living in guilt from sin. Stop lying to ourselves and saying that we can deal with it whens it blatantly obvious that we cannot.
This chapter from the book of Psalm lays it out very concisely.
Psalm 32
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin,my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. 6 Therefore,let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment. 7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.You surround me with songs of victory. 8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” 10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. 11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure
I was having a hard time thinking of a title for this."The Abuse of Grace" didn't seem to carry the weight that I was after. But then the imagery of the Juggernaut came into mind. He doesn't abuse or beat ....he bludgeons, everything he touches! And how often have we, do we, are we, bludgeoning grace in our own lives? I am not claiming that the Juggernaut is tantamount to sin....that would be silly.
Romans 6:1-2
1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
As a Christian we have died to sin just as Christ has. When Christ died on the cross that was it. This is the ultimate example of God's grace. That while were(Romans 5:8) still sinners Christ died for us.
This grace of God is never ending. This being the case why not continue to sin? What's it matter? He will always be there...right? Right. He will always be there but will you. God's grace IS never ceasing but is your patience for your self never ceasing? Can you continue to screw up and knowingly sin and expect to live a good Godly existence? No. Plan and simple.
The fact is that we were not created for this sin that we live in. We were made in God's image(Genesis 1:26) and His likeness.
The very fact that God is perfect and sin cannot exist around Him or within Him ought to tell us this fact.
Grace is a beautiful thing. "Unmeritted favor" is a beautiful description. We don't deserve it. We shouldn't receive it and so often we mis appropriate it in our lives. And all the while our Creator is standing by waiting for us to turn and run back into His arms.
We in our lives need to cease this bludgeoning of God's abundant grace. Stop living in guilt from sin. Stop lying to ourselves and saying that we can deal with it whens it blatantly obvious that we cannot.
This chapter from the book of Psalm lays it out very concisely.
Psalm 32
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin,my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. 6 Therefore,let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment. 7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.You surround me with songs of victory. 8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” 10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. 11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure
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