HARMLESS THOUGHTS

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The Bible would never need a place to say... "Go to Church."  Even though there is a place that says as much, it is not a necessary statement once you begin to understand, not only what Church is about, but congregating together with other believers is a natural result for those who really see the works of God. Consider this Psalm: "Praise the LORD!      I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,         in the company of the upright, in the congregation.      Great are the works of the LORD,         studied by all who delight in them." (Psalm 111:1-2 ESV)

It dawned on me today... I have two very difficult jobs. Now, if you know me, and you know my two jobs... you are probably thinking... "duh." For those of you who do not know me or do not know me that well, allow me a moment to tell you about my two jobs.

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We have seen that God's love always observes the boundaries of his righteousness. Even in redemption, god takes enormous pains so that in showing love he may be just (Romans 3:26). the sacrifice of Christ ensures that God's redemption is both loving and righteous, so that Scripture can even appeal to God's righteousness as a ground for the forgiveness of sins, and thus God's righteousness becomes a form of love. But it is also God's righteousness that ensures  the final punishment of those who reject his love, that is, his wrath against them. Without the wrath of God against those who finally disbelieve, God's love is no longer righteous. So God's righteousness binds together his love and his wrath. God's righteous love must be wrathful, if at the end of history there remain any unrepentant people.  John Frame, Systematic Theology pg. 275

This is a review for Christian Audio's version of Living in the Light: Money, Sex, and Power by John Piper.  Money, Sex, and Power is John Piper's newest book release. I just finished listening to Christian Audio's version of this book as read by Rick Souer. In this book John Piper asserts that Money, Sex, and Power have been given to us, as good gifts from God, for our enjoyment but also for His Glory. He also asserts that these three gifts are highly volatile and dangerous to our lives and our souls. In as much as they can bring God great glory, when ordered and orchestrated according to God's plan, they can also bring great ruin when they swing toward the center of our desires. Pastor John begins this book by defining the terms: money, sex, and power. He then goes on to describe the specific dangers that each of these good gifts can pose in our lives and what the destruction might look like, to varying degrees, as each person might succumb to worshiping any on...

Been having a tough week? Has it been difficult, challenging... hard? Could it be described as a "crap-shoot"? The best thing for you this weekend is not fishing, camping, or vacationing. You will not find what you need by partying, playing games, drinking, having sex, hanging out with friends, running that 5k, or even taking that extra nap. Many of these things are good, and can and should be enjoyed in the right context... but you will not find in any of these the thing you need the most after your difficult week. Instead, go to a church this weekend that will preach to you the good news of Jesus Christ: the truth that you can enjoy absolute rightness with God through the work of Jesus. Go to a church to hear the gospel preached... not because you don't know it, but because you are prone to forget it and need to hear it again and again. You will have no real joy in your life until you enjoy the righteousness of God through the k...

Here is my review of When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper and read by David Cochran Heath. I have made no secret of the fact that the last few months of my life I have battled a certain melancholy spirit like I never have before. This hasn't been the most trial-fraught time of my life by any means, but this dark cloud has followed me at all times and has shadowed all I have done. I have clung to Jesus, but sometimes it has felt like: just barely. So, it was a very providential moment when I rediscovered that I already had the audio version of this book, and it was just waiting to be listened to. As many people know, John Piper's flagship book is Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. That is a fabulous book, but I have found that, like many others, I don't need convincing that I should desire God as the greatest good. Instead, I find in myself that as much as I know this is true, I don't always feel it. Is there something wron...

I have been married for twenty years... today. There are so many things that I could blog about in regards to this anniversary. I want to say wonderful things about my wife... the wife of my youth. I could write of her beauty or her strength. I could tell you of the wonderful wife and mother that she is and continues to be and to excel at. I would be happy to wax eloquent of her great love for me and my great love for her. I would speak amiss if I failed to mention her spiritual depth and insight, especially as it pertains to her amazing ability to see through things and find the truth that is buried deep in the human heart: She is truly the best Biblical Counselor I know. If I told you of all of these things... I would only be scratching the surface of this multi-faceted woman that I am married to. I could also tell you of our time together. Twenty years is not a short amount of time, you know. I could discuss the good days and the difficult days or the ups and downs of a real mar...

Today is day two of no energy drinks... I have been filling up my big cup with ice water at the beginning of the day. The headaches aren't too bad... no blurred vision... I haven't attacked anyone... that I can remember... the water is actually tasting good. If I get the shakes... I will let you know.

Today is the day... Today is the day that I will stop drinking energy drinks. I know that they probably aren't the best thing to drink. I have known this for a long time... but then I read the back of the can... and realized that I might have been overdosing on energy drinks for the last several months. I am fairly certain that I will be going through withdrawal. I will give you updates ...

Here are a few new cards that I have doodled. Most of these happened in the last couple of weeks. The rocket ship one says, "... to the moon." on the inside. The one that says, "You're Beautiful... " says, "... to all eyes." on the inside. I also think that I am going to add, "Let's put down some roots." on the front of the card with the tree, that currently doesn't say anything.  click to enlarge I have also been making some mini-cards. They might work well for gift cards... Well... now you know what I do when I am watching TV. If you like any of these, they will soon be available for purchase at my mom's shop, The Weaver's Daughter , in Covington, IN.

When you hear the phrase,  "Living the good life..."  What do you think of?