The Concentration of Personal Sin

July 3rd, 2008

Verse: “Woe is Me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” – Isaiah 6:5

Quote: “When I get into the presence of God, I do not realize that I am a sinner in an indefinite sense; I realize the concentration of sin in a particular feature of my life.”

It is easy for us to confess that we are “sinners”; it is often used as a sign of humility among believers.  But when we are communicating with God, He won’t settle for such a generic label.  His Spirit presses until you confess that particular area of your life His light has revealed.  Then, as you give that part of you completely over to God, He will lay open to you a different area.  Be honest with yourself before God, and watch how He works in your life.

The Conditions of Discipleship

July 2nd, 2008

Verse: “If any man come to Me, and hate not…he cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:26

Quote: “Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Chamber’s goes on to say that too many times we get devoted to the cause of Christ, instead of the person of Christ.  Your obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ should transcend all other relationships and ideals until He is your single focus.  Everything else will fall into place.

The Inevitable Penalty

July 1st, 2008

Verse: “I assure you that you won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.” – Matthew 5:26 (NLT)

Quote: “The moment you realize God’s purpose, which is to get you rightly related to Himself and then to your fellow men, He will tax the last limit of the universe to help you take the right road.”

When I read that quote, I picture God in heaven looking down to earth.  His eyes squinted, canvasing the scene of my life with anticipation, awaiting my signal at any moment.  His hand is stretched out behind Him keeping the anxious, battle-ready angels in line, though He never takes His eyes off me.  The white horses are uneasy, sensing the inevitable mission.  They shake their heads and stamp the ground as a gust of smoke shoots out of their nostrils.  Even the fury of the earth awakens as dark clouds billow in underneath while lightning forms inside them.  Then, His eyes widen as I fall to my knees and cry out for Him, and before I can fully pronounce His name, He thrusts His arm forward and roars “Now!”, as His limitless army rushes to my side.

The idea that God will use everything within His power to help me live the life He set out for me is nothing new, but sometimes something can remind me in a way that brings a freshness to the thought of it.  Today that was Oswald Chambers.

The above verse attached to today’s devotion is from Jesus’ sermon on the mount.  The context is being thrown in debtor’s prison for not settling accounts with someone.  Once you are there, you cannot get out until every last bit of debt has been paid.  Chambers likens this to the inevitable consequences, or penalty, for avoiding the urgings of the Holy Spirit.  His scrutiny will remain on you until you realize your need for God and cry out for His help.  Then, well, you get the idea.

Let’s get this party started

June 30th, 2008

I’ve been meaning to get consistent with blogging, but just never found the motivation.  This morning I had an idea for a consistent blog (we’ll see how long this lasts).  Everyday (mostly) I read Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for is Highest.”  I have so for the past few years, and especially this year, I try to find a quote in each day’s writing to highlight and put in my journal.  My goal for this blog category is to post those quotes, and hopefully expound on them a little.  So here’s todays: 

Title: Do It Now

Verse: “Agree with thine adversary quickly.” – Matthew 5:25 

Quote: “From our Lord’s standpoint it does not matter whether I am defrauded or not; what does matter is that I do not defraud.” 

One of my favorite thing about reading Chambers, is that he is always quick to point out that in order to live the life Christ has designed for us, we must be willing to deny our rights to ourselves.  You will here me use that saying a lot, because I feel that it is crucial to the Christian life.  The above quote exemplifies that ideal: It is more important to protect Christ’s image than our own.

Long time

April 25th, 2008

I’m not sure how long it’s been since I posted.  I’m sure I could go look at the date on my last one, but that would defeat the purpose of this being a super quick post.  My sister has been urging me to blog more consistently (among other things, i.e. facebook).  So here is my first effort towards being a consistent and purposeful blogger. 

Triple Nazi

October 18th, 2007

I really need to figure out how this stupid blog thing works.  I tried to copy and paste an email, and it turns out weird, stretching sentences to the full width of the column among other things I couldn’t seem to change.

Anyway I get an email about a month ago telling me to “cease and desist” distributing the Mac dashboard widget I made for using the copyrighted name ” TRIPLE YAHTZEE”.  I never really did anything about it because Apple pulled the widget off their site, but I got a new email this morning so I decided to pull my front page down until I can get around to changing the name and graphics of my widget.  How does “Triple Nazi” sound?

I’m giving this game away for free, not charging anything, and these guys come after me.  Boo on them.  Oh well, eventually I’ll get around to changing the name and stuff and putting it back out there.  Until then, any alternate spelling or naming ideas are welcome.

Peace out. 

who’s teaching who?

August 22nd, 2007

My 16 year old nephew is one of the coolest people I know.  I have been mentoring him for the past month or so on wednesday nights, and even though I don’t know what I’m doing, I love it.  I think I’m learning as much from him as he is from me.  He has such a great way about him, and although he is a very young Christian, he is making great strides.  He’s the kind of guy who can walk up to anyone and strike up a conversation.  I wish I had that boldness.  Our upbringings couldn’t be any more different, but he has taken what was given to him and come out the other side stronger.  I admire his courage and loyalty.  I’m not sure exactly what he hopes to gain from hanging out with me, but I appreciate our time together.

The best movie I’ve seen in a while.

August 21st, 2007

I just saw the most hellacious (dictionary.com 1st definition) movie!  I don’t even know how to explain why it was so amazing.  It was like a Korean Shaun of the Dead.  Like a more intense and abruptly funny Kung Fu Hustle.  It was Jaws meets, well, it was like a funnier Jaws.  If you’ve ever appreciated a serious movie with unexpected shots of drollery (dictionary.com again), you mos def must watch The Host.  There were a handful of scenes where I literally doubled over laughing, and it was while people were dying.  The comedy was so well placed that when it’s funny you forget you’re watching a sci-fi/thriller/horror movie.  But at the same time, the story is extremely gripping and resolves completely unlike a comedy ever would.  If you can’t sit through a movie with subtitles then don’t even think about it.  But if you liked any of the movies I mentioned, or even just like to watch movies with really good cinematography, then please go rent this movie.

apple owns me

August 9th, 2007

i just bought an iPhone.  we’ll see how this goes.

losing is only half bad

August 9th, 2007

There’s something bitter sweet about getting completely lost in a book.  Sitting in my favorite chair with the perfectly selected song playing an indispensable supporting role behind the pages until the melody breaks through, and during a brief intermission, I’m transported somewhere completely and distinctly different before returning to the story.  Then like waking from a dream that would have lasted forever, the book closes—reality begins.