Tag: christianity

Little Children

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How lovely it is to know and be known by God. This morning I rest in Him, knowing that I am safe and secure in His care, knowing that my future is bright beyond all imagining. And I do not count my future bright because I tabulate up the money or prestige that may one day be mine, nor because I consider all the love that comes my way from those whom I love deeply. Nay, I count my future bright because I look forward with sure hope that I shall one day be sitting in the presence of my God and for all eternity be living in perfect harmony with Him. This eternal life is my hope and my song all the day long. And I do not say it is my hope because of the length of life – if eternity can be defined in length – and the absence of death. That would not be enough. I could not count eternal life my supreme good if this life did not consist in communion with God. Of course, absence of fellowship with God could not in actuality be called life at all. It would be something far worse.

So I circle back and say that this eternal life to which I pin all my hopes and dreams – in realistic fashion since they are based on that real life which was pinned to that real tree oh so many years ago – is a life that fills my heart with song since I know this life will be me sitting at the feet of my Lord in bliss and endless joy. The Spirit within me sings this song and it knows this song since it was the song that it is has written. I know this song because I know the love that my Father has bestowed upon me calling me his very child! Oh such I am! And I know my Father because I know His Son who sweetly calls me every day into deeper fuller communion with Himself in the most perfect symphony of love and grace and sovereign compassion. I know this symphony that I now shakingly lift my voice to sing a minor part because I know Jesus Christ. He is my Shepherd that calls my name and bids me walk along this eternal path towards my home that has been prepared for me. Jesus is the bread that I take and eat in awestruck love knowing what it means that He died for me. Jesus Jesus is my song for now and for all eternity.

Interlude

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Hello, my friends! A quick few thoughts on latest read…

64. Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t by Gavin Ortlund. Many thoughts from this book that are still rolling around in my brain. This book is not written to “prove God” or construct a fool-proof argument for Christianity and I think it was important that the author stated that at the outset. Rather, the author uses an abductive approach to show the reasonableness of holding to theism, ending up by holding forth the attractiveness and sheer loveliness of the Christian faith as centered in the person of Christ. This is a book that spirals from the grand and cosmic to the intensely personal. The mind, heart and conscience are engaged from various perspectives before the author moves into a concise and winsome defense for historic Christianity. And no, the author is not presenting an airtight case that will convince the antagonistic skeptic. Rather, the author seeks to show that holding to theism (and more specifically Christianity) is not inherently unreasonable. Instead, there is a beauty, grandeur and pathos to believing in a God who is also a person, in a person who also walked this earth and died to reconcile us to Himself. There are parts of this book that hurt my brain and I daresay I probably need to read it again at some point to more fully understand all of Ortlund’s points. There are many books that the author referenced and quoted that I now very much want to read (this is a good thing!). And the plethora of movie and book references may be a bad thing for some, but I kind of loved them, as they very much spoke to the current moment in which we now live. This is a book that is a product of its time, speaking to the current ethos in which we live. But more than that, this book is an appeal to the humanity in all of us, asking if this humanity as such is simply a cold by-product of undirected physical processes or if in fact that which resonates within us points to a common story that has an Author. Yes, any book that talks about the origins of the universe, math, music, poetry, conscience and moral objectivity will have my attention. But more than any of that? This book calls us to consider the message of the gospel – and to ask the question of last things and what lingers beyond the veil. At the end, the author calls us to make a choice. This is a book that speaks to the seeker, the one who is seeking to grasp the infinite if in fact the infinite can be grasped. Is it possible?

There are many perspectives and views the author grapples with and at times it seems the author cannot quite do justice to the plethora of philosophical and metaphysical views that swirl in the minds of men. Yet he does try, and I appreciate that he does not shy away from the hard questions and that he attempts to honestly dialogue with those whom he disagrees. This is a beautiful primer to understanding how theism fits in and against the current trendy topics du jour, and if anything, it convinced me that most of modern popular thought is spending most of its time in the shallow end, unaware of the vast complexity of philosophy throughout the ages. This opens my eyes a bit, and reminds me how good it is to continue to read old books and old authors, to seek to avoid the biases that are confirmed when we only read authors who write in our own age. Of course I love the constant references and quoting of Tolkien and Lewis, and of course I love the firm devotion to Christ that the author cannot avoid from letting seep through. Yes, the author firmly holds to the task of speaking to the various philosophical schools of thought on many things, but he cannot help but let his wonder and love at the message of Christianity shine forth.

Once Upon a Time Whispers Whispers in the Dark

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A few books this Monday afternoon!

59. Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. Still one of the best books Sanderson has written. It stands next to Way of Kings as the best the Stormlight Archive has to offer, and I almost considered placing it first! But I shall not be rash. This book does start out a little bit slow and it’s not perfect by any means, but oh boy the story it tells is a fun one. And once it gets going? It moves. All my favourite characters are at the top of their game here. Dalinar is fantastic, Adolin comes into his own, Kaladin has all his requisite ups and downs and I still love him…and this is probably Shallan’s best book. Which makes sense, since this is her book after all. I love seeing her grow here, even though sometimes she drives me crazy with her recklessness. But she is fantastic. The interludes are fun and worthwhile (always so many good nuggets to unpack!) and though parts of this story confuse me here and there as I don’t always remember all the Stormlight lore, I still love seeing how everything gradually starts to come together. This book is definitely one of the best books Sanderson has ever written and I’ll always be happy to return to it for my fantasy fix.

60. Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves. Sometimes one just must meditate more upon the person and work of Christ, you know? Recently a dear friend recommended this one to me and it has been a joy to read it – slowly! – over the past few months. A book like this is almost devotional in nature, really. Don’t gulp it quickly. Enjoy, savour, meditate upon the truths unpacked about Christ in this really rather small work. At times the prose in this one can be rather purple and I winced a few times at the florid phrasings…but I am almost certainly the last that should accuse others of such. Grateful for those who write such works as aids to necessary and encouraging meditation upon Christ. Reading a book such is this is far more profitable than most things we tend to fill our time with in this day and age.

61. Five Points – Towards a Deeper Experience of God’s Grace by John Piper. A slim volume extolling the truths and virtues of God’s sovereign grace. At first blush, it may appear this book is simply a defense of what is commonly called “Calvinism” – a system of soteriology commonly tied to reformed theology. And perhaps in a way it is, but it is certainly not attempting or trying to mount a comprehensive defense of the doctrines of grace. Instead, Piper here seeks to illuminate and introduce the reformed understanding of salvation to those who may not fully understand it. I would recommend this book heartily to any – Christians or non-Christians alike – who seek to understand more what the Bible teaches about the way of salvation. Piper seeks to increase our devotion to God and joy in our knowledge of Him as we more fully understand what God has done for us and the salvation that He calls us to. Understanding these truths should not result in a dour and combative Christian – oh no! – but rather a deeper understanding of God’s way of salvation should bring overwhelming thanksgiving and joy to those who know themselves to be a child of God! I will not summarize this book – yes it talks about the infamous “Five Points” of Calvinism, and yes, it gets slightly technical at times. Even so, sometimes I wished for a more intense and deeper dive into what the Word says about salvation. That’s not what this book is. This book is an introduction into the beliefs of reformed soteriology and attempts to kindle our love for God afresh as we learn more about Him. This is not merely an academic pamphlet. This is a work written to increase our devotion and faith in the love of our Lord, encouraging us as we walk this path our God has placed before us. Grateful for works such as this, am definitely eager to read this one again at some point soon.

Hawkeyes

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Currently in Starbucks, even though it’s a bit late in the afternoon. My feet are itching to leave and enjoy the sunlight!

But I did want to write a few words – you’re not complaining, right? I got a couple new CDs that I ordered today, listening to one of them now – such gorgeous and heart-enlivening music!! I’m so excited that I can’t help but share them with you. Once you see the track list, you’ll understand why I love them so. Listening right now to And Can it Be sung by thousands of voices…oh for that glorious day where we all shall sing together to our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever and ever and ever. And ever. Amazing love, how can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me????


1. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
2. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him
3. A Debtor to Mercy Alone
4. Hallelujah, What a Saviour
5. Mercies Anew
6. Before the Throne of God Above
7. Come Thou Almighty King
8. Immortal, Invisible
9. Like a River Glorious
10. The Look
11. I will Glory in My Redeemer
12. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

And if that isn’t enough…the live album from Together for the Gospel 2008.


1. A Mighty Fortress is our God
2. It is Well with my Soul
3. How Firm a Foundation
4. Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
5. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
6. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
7. How Sweet and Aweful is the Place
8. My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
9. I will Glory in my Redeemer
10. Arise, my soul, Arise
11. The Power of the Cross
12. My Song is Love Unknown
13. And Can It Be
14. There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
15. Before the Throne of God Above
16. In Christ Alone

So yeah. Couldn’t help but share.

And listening to these songs now, how my heart is encouraged and my soul is lifted up! I have had a long and weary week, full of trials. My heart has been burdened and my soul downcast. Yet now as I praise my God in song and thought…there is such a peace in my heart. A peace that surpasses all comprehension. Oh how blessed are we. I seriously am so overwhelmed by the goodness of my Lord in granting me such peace and encouragement this afternoon. If I could weep…

So last night as I came home from work tired and discouraged, I decided to go for a run in the crisp autumn air as the sun gloriously set. That was definitely much enjoyed! Afterwards had a sweet talk with Dad and then showered before my dinner of frozen pizza and spinach salad(ok, maybe not the most elaborate dinner, but it sure tasted good!!).

Now this morning was sadly filled up with being at work and trying to keep the reins steady on my wildly careening project. Thankfully was only there about four hours and now I’m here at Starbucks(could not give up my Saturday Starbucks!). Been here for a couple hours now and really should be leaving soon…but no, a few more words. These songs(now listening to Before the Throne of God Above) are seriously amazingly powerful. I’m…a bit emotional listening to them. Just finishing reading a letter from Mom, too – received very timely today! Oh what a joy to read the six pages from her. Oh joy, oh bliss. Love you, Mom!! 🙂

Now my peppermint mocha is a bit cold, so it must be about time to go. And my CD is on the last song(In Christ Alone). It must be a sign.

Farewell, all. Grace and love and peace. Hope in the Lord. Sing and dance and wonder at what amazing love we are blessed with so. Peace.

A cloud floats free from filmy sea to frozen sky,
Rainbow croons of crimson peace and truest glory,
An apple tree blossoms white in silent beauty,
And upon the land a song of love is lifted.

Blood so perfect, blood so true,
How oh how could Christ love us so?
Story written, love anew –
Glories and wonders and beauty!
Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords
King Almighty and He Who Will Reign Forever,
Song of my heart and Poem of my soul,
Jesus my God.

Cross-roads

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My mug is almost dry of mocha deliciousness and my body is aching to go back up into the sunlight this gloriously bright Saturday! And yet I sit here and write, the reasons for which are murky in the recesses of my mind. But maybe it’s just been too long since I’ve properly written, or maybe it’s just because I have too many thoughts swirling around and they’re in need of release. Or maybe it’s just because I’m in a talkative mood? (Or whatever word would be more appropriate for the written word!) Perhaps my muse is just a bit over-caffeinated? Surely not. Anyways, almost half twelve here and that is quite late enough to spend here in the depths of Starbucks.

But briefly now(who am I kidding?), saw Dark Knight Rises last night with Alec and Chris and Jo…most intense. Epic. Heart-pounding(seriously, the music had my adrenaline pumping pretty much the whole movie). Did I love it? Hard to say, as it is a rather dark movie(like the previous two). But this movie ended in the light. And for that, I do think I can safely say I enjoyed it much. It contained echoes of terror, glimpses of hope. I think I can safely say it’s my favorite movie the year, thus far. Which isn’t saying much, since I think I’ve only seen three to four this year. But still.

And now that the previous paragraph(as disjointed as it was) is over, time to return to my fleet-footed thoughts. This past week at work has been both stressful and God-glorifying. Truly, if God is for me(as He most truly is!), what can mere man do to me?? This is the height of rhetorical questions. And while my future still seems but a haze to me, it is not the dim fog of fear, but merely the misty wind of the unknown. I cannot – shall not – ever doubt that my future is anything but good. Because I serve a good God. Because I serve a living God.

And truly, my thoughts wander far afield yet again. But it is good to write. My fingers have been idle too long.

A road that winds over the banks
of fog and fear and fires below,
seems to end in mists and sand and
trails off into deepest shadow.

But never doubt! Why do I cry
when I do not wander alone
or whisper unheard or even
sink deep into my bed unknown.

A road that lies over the mounts
of lies and hope and cruelest pain
shall surely not end in terror
but proceed upward, home again.

It is good to rest this gorgeous day. It is good for me to be here.

And now, up into the sunlight do I go. Have a most beautiful day, my most treasured friends!

Three Steps to Summer

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I’m in Starbucks and getting ready to move out and do some shopping, but before then – wanted to write at least a small update! Had a pretty good week at work, quite possibly my least stressful week in quite some time! And the whole city(and country) is going a bit crazy over the upcoming Queen’s Jubilee(sixty years IS a long time, I suppose), so I’m looking forward to going over to the Smart’s for a Jubilee party on Tuesday night.

This morning I’ve been relaxing with my reading(classic Proverbs with some Ezekiel for good measure, plus a letter from dearest Laura!) and doing some tune-up on my laptop. For some reason, Windows has gobbled up some 28 GB of hard disc space, drastically eating away at my free space. Not cool, Windows. Not cool at all. So got to do some cmd prompt wizardry and free up some 15 GB of that. Excellent. Felt like I was back in high school – been a while since I’ve actually been able to use any of my computer knowledge!!

Also just downloaded some Andrew Belle music(graciously introduced to him by Steph – many thanks. *bows*) Great summertime music – oh I love “In Your Sleep”! I’m attempting to compile a summertime CD for my work driving pleasure, but I’ve only been able to find 12 suitable songs – tragic! Any suggestions?

Now, I really think I’ve been in Starbucks quite some time, so about time to go. Before I do though, you all should read through some of the prophets. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel…quite intense. The Book of Isaiah is grand, majestic and awe-inspiring. The Book of Jeremiah is tragic, mournful and almost depressing. And the Book of Ezekiel is enigmatic and tears-inducing. Of course, those are just my surface impressions, but reading them through is as encouraging an exercise as any I’ve done in some time, as much as they can bring me to feel such great sorrow. We are not that different now, than the stone-faced and hard-hearted people of Israel. Good to balance the prophets with some classic Thessalonians(always so encouraging!) Just read Ezekiel 22 today – seriously, go and read it. The sins of the people are grave. And the Lord will not forestall his wrath forever, although His compassion and lovingkindness are indeed greater than the skies and stretch further than the east is from the west. That I would be a man who would stand in the gap before the Lord. This is my prayer.

And now that that unexpected profusion has come to an end…it is time for me to flee Starbucks to the light of a Scottish afternoon!

A quiet night

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This lovely Saturday evening slowly winds on. Been a beautifully sunny day and now as the sun slowly sets, I have some potatoes in the oven and a book at my side. Ah what a night! I think this is my first quiet night to myself in quite some time…you know how nice it is to just rest and read and have some time to yourself? Well, that’s my desire tonight. And I think it just may come true!

By the way, I completed my 25th year yesterday. What.

And before I sign off the internet for the night, some lovely words I’ve been reading in Owens –

“Should I engage into the consideration of this love of Christ, which was the great means of conveying all the effects of divine wisdom and grace unto the church,-that glass which God chose to represent himself and all his goodness in unto believers,-that spirit of life in the wheel of all the motions of the person of Christ in the redemption of the church unto the eternal glory of God, his own and that of his redeemed also,-that mirror wherein the holy angels and blessed saints shall for ever contemplate the divine excellencies in their suitable operations;-I must now begin a discourse much larger than that which I have passed through.”

Beautiful. And if I can just sum that up in a few words of my own…what bliss it is to know the love of our Father and be known by Him. What a pure and more perfect peace is given to us that are at rest in Him. What joy is ours! With uplifted eyes and eager faces do we gaze upon the manifest glories of our Lord. We cannot help but shudder in anticipation of that day when we will be in the very presence of God. We cannot help but to lose ourselves in the love of Christ. There is nothing now better in this life. Ne’er will there be.

A white knight

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And what a lovely Saturday evening it is! I don’t think I shall write too many words tonight, but thought it’d been a touch too long since I’ve last updated y’all! This evening, I currently have lasagna in the oven, perfuming the apartment most nicely. I hadn’t planned on making it, but me and Rosemary were talking about it last night and so I got this craving…and yes, when I was in the store, couldn’t resist buying everything I needed for the king of meals. Of course it’s not as good a lasagna as the one I’ll be having a few weeks, when I’m home in Florida!!! Yes, that’s right – don’t know if I told you all previously about my plans(Well, I’m sure most of you reading this already know!), but I’m flying back to Tampa on the 5th and staying through the 15th! Going to be in Tampa for most of my vacation, but will be in Gainesville for Robert and Cindy’s wedding!! Wow, I still STILL cannot believe Cindy is getting married…I still remember when I was a senior at UF and she came in, such a crazy little freshman…and now she’s about to embark upon one of the greatest adventures – married life. Can’t wait for the wedding!

And of course, being back home with the fam will be pretty sweet. Y’know.

Anything else I can update you on? Well, work is going much as usual – hectic and crazy. Yet my Lord God gives me a most supreme peace and I cannot deny His goodness to me! And while work takes up far too much of my time and I don’t get to see other people that often, the times I have with my friends, I treasure dearly. Wednesday nights at church are indeed one of my favorite times at the week, plop in the middle of my week…what an oasis of love and rest. I talked with Dominic this week a bit(I’m going to be speaking on Isaiah 40 in a few weeks, so he was giving me some pointers – pray for me!!) and I shared with him my sometimes uncertainty as to my future and for God’s plans for my life. While I know my Father has indeed a most glorious future and hope for me, yet my heart sometimes rebels and wonders. Oh why do our feeble minds offer battle to the words of almighty God? I know not. Yet I do. While we live in this world, these earthly temples of ours still cling to the sweetly tempting and faintly beautiful things therein. Yet does our soul and our spirit cry out within us for the fulfillment and glory that awaits us. Come Lord Jesus! Come.

And now that I’ve written far more words than I intended, and allowed my mind to drift to the far beyond…it’s time for me to take the lasagna out of the oven to set. These bodies of ours do need food, after all – and if food, it might as well be deliciously magnificent, so say I!

Have a most beautiful evening, my friends, my brothers, my sisters.

A cup of chocolate

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And a brief few words from me before I dive into my lovely Thursday night reading. Just had a good meal of leftover pork chops, potatoes and green beans and now enjoying my hot chocolate as John watches the football(Man U vs. Ajax, 1-1, 49th minute for anyone interested!). Had yet another crazy day at work, but I cannot complain when I am so abundantly blessed!! Last night had a beyond lovely time at church(still going through Revelation – the letter to the church at Sardis – oh so convicting and yet I loved it so) being encouraged by the Word of God and being encouraged by His people. May all of us become ever more driven by the passion to know our Lord more and to seek after Jesus and to gaze into His glorious face! May our hearts burn ever hotter and may our lives glow ever brighter with the Spirit that is poured out upon us so mightily. May we be so washed in the love of Christ and so aware of His beauty that we cannot help but follow after Him in the sheer bliss of being His. Oh inexpressible joy!

And I totally didn’t mean to spiral into such an outpouring…but thus goes my heart.

And going back to last night…after such an amazing time at church, came home, but did I do the sensible thing of eating dinner and going to bed? Of course not. Instead I walked the sidewalks near my flat as I conversed with my dear friend back in Florida…ah how sweet an evening it was! And though I never did get dinner last night, it was all worth it.

And now, with my brief words said, it’s reading time. And maybe time for another cup of cocoa.

Love you all, ever so much.

Peace.

Dreams of love

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And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
The Son of God, who has eyes like
a flame of fire, and His feet are like
burnished bronze, says this:
‘I know your deeds, and your love
and faith and service and perseverance,
and that your deeds of late are greater
than at first. But I have this against
you, that you tolerate the woman
Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess,
and she teaches and leads My bondservants
astray so that they commit
acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed
to idols. I gave her time to
repent, and she does not want to repent
of her immorality. Behold, I will
throw her on a bed of sickness, and
those who commit adultery with her
into great tribulation, unless they repent
of her deeds. And I will kill her children
with pestilence, and all the
churches will know that I am He who
searches the minds and hearts; and I
will give to each one of you according
to your deeds. But I say to you, the
rest who are in Thyatira, who do not
hold this teaching, who have not known
the deep things of Satan, as they call
them- I place no other burden on you.

Nevertheless, what you have, hold
fast until I come. He who overcomes,
and he who keeps My deeds
until the end, to Him I will give
authority over the nations; and he
shall rule them with a rod of iron, as
the vessels of the potter are broken to
pieces, as I also have received authority
from My Father; and I will give him
the morning star. He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to
the churches.’

Oh what sweet words!! Something that’s really hit me hard lately…how can we compartmentalize our lives so, and be so self-satisfied in our own accomplishments. How can we so easily tolerate and even praise the evils of this world? Oh let us overcome. Let us hold fast to the the words of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. And let us praise His most glorious name! He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.