thoughts on life and faith
"The only truth is music" - Jack Kerouac I was 16 and my life was falling apart. At least that is how I remember feeling. The truth is, within the years of youth lay a thousand tiny tragedies. In this I envy teens, for they live a life of valleys and peaks. This is where a … Continue reading All Music is Spiritual
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29) On most days I don't feel redeemed. "Saved", "rescued", "born again" are all distant identities in these times. There is a spiritual plane I seem to float just under, choosing instead to busy myself in the temporary. It is so easy to discredit the … Continue reading The Tattoo of God
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:25-27) Election season is both painful and comical. It is the time of … Continue reading The Politician in us All
"Jesus Christ knew the only way to the crown was through the cross. The only way to resurrection was through death." - Timothy Keller Jesus The King This past week I spent some time in Mark 5. In this interesting and heartbreaking passage, Jesus is confronted with the urgency of life and death, yet stands patient and … Continue reading The Infuriating Timing of God
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the lord in the land of the living! 14Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14) Faith takes courage. To believe something as utterly ridiculous as Christ and the Bible takes an incredible amount of steel in … Continue reading The Courage of the Ridiculous
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)" "You never seem happy" the acutely honest barista said perceptively. Like a bucket of ice water, this hurt as much as it jolted me back to life. Granted, she said this in the dead of morning prior to a caffeine rush. I like … Continue reading Carpe Diem and the Barista
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) This verse is offensive. It stops just short of a Hallmark greeting or a yellowing "Hang In There!" poster in a decaying library. I have been thinking a lot about tragedy. The … Continue reading The Offensive Tragedy of Christ
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6) Romans 8 is … Continue reading Advice From Darwin
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . . 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:31-32, 36) There has always been a deep urge in me to bolt. It is a top fear of mine to … Continue reading Freedom In Traffic
"The culture says you have to be free from any obligation to really be free. The modern view of freedom is freedom from. It's negative: freedom from any obligation, freedom from anybody telling me how I have to live my life. The biblical view is a richer view of freedom. It's the freedom of—the freedom of … Continue reading The Freedom to Love
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