Shortly after I started leading Bible studies, I grew a strange desire to buy a sword. I knew of a little shop in a mall about an hour away from the university that sold all manner of blades, so, one day, when I had sufficient funds, I made the trek and purchased an epic battle sword. Sadly, it wasn’t sharpened (which is probably for the best), but it still fit the bill: full scale, heavy metal, and awesome. Between this and another sword I was given in college, I felt much more prepared for war, though I wasn’t swinging either blade against the enemy.
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Focus
The Theology of the Third Wheel
“The third wheel is what makes it a tricycle.” – Michael Scott (“The Office”)
Conform Me
Let me learn to love your voice.
Help me look to things above.
Save me from the selfish choice.
Show me how to walk in love.
Lead me in the way of truth.
Break me from the idol’s hold.
Keep me from the lusts of youth.
Make me, for your kingdom, bold.
Help me keep my vision clear.
Make me humble, meek, and pure.
Help me know that you are near.
Let me, for your name, endure.
Make me always quick to give.
Let me ever testify.
Teach me how to truly live.
Teach me how to truly die.
First thoughts in 2015
How often does my heart long for blessings in time rather than the eternal Lord? I find myself wanting what I can feel and see over what truly lasts. I long for shadows more than the Son.
This year, may that change. I pray that I would look to God at all times in all things. Let me no longer be satisfied with the temporary when eternity is in my heart. Let the Almighty be all my hope and joy and peace. May I seek to glorify him in every action, thought, relationship, exercise, job, etc. I want to live like I’ve been redeemed. I want to want holiness.
God, hear my prayer. Change my desires. Increase my faith. Sanctify my soul. Discipline me. Use me.
I surrender all.
GPS Apps and Temptation
James 1:12-18
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
When the Cell Phone Dies
My cell phone recently died. After some buttons and the ear speaker stopped showing up for work, the device decided to declare software error and tap out for good. It wasn’t a big deal. It’s not the first time I’ve had a phone die on me. But this time, I got the message more quickly. Continue reading
as i learn to walk 