Wanderings

2007-04-12T09:34:00.000-06:00

Amazing testimate of God's love.. check it out

http://www.austinstone.org/resources/lifestories/melodyraines.htm

2007-04-11T13:49:00.000-06:00

For the last few days, I unplugged myself from this electronic age and went camping with my friend out at Garner State Park. It was nice to turn off the cell phone, leave the computer at home and relax. Highlights of the trip included campfire conversations, hot cowboy coffee in the cold mornings, watching turkeys, and Nathan and me trying to catch small fish by scaring them into a net (didn’t work). This trip was a much-needed time to “refresh” myself. I spent some time in conversation with God. The scripture that I felt God kept pointing me back to during this time is 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

(Paul speaking)“So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Two things I am reminded of:

1. It’s all about our Lord and His sovereign grace.

2.We need a constant reminder of our imperfection, lest we take our focus off God’s grace and strength, the only true source of hope.

“Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!” (Chris Tomlin)

2007-04-04T10:05:00.000-06:00

Last night, I had the opportunity to hear John Piper speak last night in College Station. He preached over 1 Corinthians 15:19, 30-32, 20. To read a summary of his sermon, go to

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2007/2072_Radical_Effects_of_the_Resurrection/

What impacted me the most was verse 19, "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." Basically, Paul says that the Christian life, without the truth of the resurrection of Christ, is one of a fool. If Christ was not raised from the dead, then our faith is in vain and we are a foolish people because our way of life does not maximize our earthly pleasure. The true Christian life is that of dieing to oneself and living for Christ, not a pursuit of earthly comfort and pleasure. I believe this concept goes right over the heads of many Christians.

Paul was called to suffer greatly for the sake of Christ, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16). What has God asked of you?

2007-04-01T20:28:00.000-06:00

oh, on a now serious note, I witnessed a city easter egg hunt at work yesterday. It was amazing to watch several hours of stuffing eggs and spreading them out over a field destroyed in less than two minutes. Those kids swarmed the field, it was interesting to watch. Also, I had the ?privilege? of watching the Capital Metro Bus rodeo. Interesting. I didn't know such a thing exsisted. The bus drivers compete in an obstacle course involving backing and serpentine obstacles. They gave me a shirt for attending.

2007-04-01T20:23:00.000-06:00

I have been attending a connection group for Austin Stone. The purpose of the group is to help those interested in becoming partners of the church get connected with others and learn about the church in the process. Tonight, we were asked to write our testimony and share. So I figured I would share it with any readers I may have. This is a fairly condensed version, and I could go more in depth on many parts of this testimony, but this covers the basics for now. Of course, my testimony is a life long process of God's work in my life, so stay tuned for updates. But for now, here is what he has done thus far. Enjoy.

My condensed testimony

2007-04-01T20:21:00.000-06:00

My story is a testimony of God’s grace and sovereignty over salvation. Throughout my life, even with all the “advantages” of a Christian upbringing, I have pursued worldly pleasures. Only through the grace of God and His divine intervention have I come to where I am now.

Being brought up in a Christian home, I attended church and a small private Christian school all four years of high school. One could say I was immersed within the Christian “culture” and had every advantage of hearing the gospel message. However, at the age of 16, I came to a point in my life where I started to question any belief I may have had. I felt I had allowed myself to fall under the umbrella of my parent’s beliefs and had not “adopted” the Christian religion for myself. I reached this conclusion during a Ken Freeman revival. Ken asked if anyone was unsure of where they were going after they die. I raised my hand. A girl approached and asked me specifically if I knew where I was going when I die. I said no. She asked if I would like to pray with her. Again, I said no. Later that night, back at home in my room alone, I realized the weight of what I was rejecting and prayed for God to take hold my life. But my struggles did not end here. During my senior year of high school, I was introduced to partying and alcohol.

However, I went on to graduate high school with a full scholarship to Norwich University, a private military college in Vermont. After my first semester at Norwich, I eagerly returned home with no intention of returning to Norwich. At 1 am New Years morning 2001, I went to a party with some friends. After a few drinks, I decided to go home. On my way home, I was pulled over for a broken taillight and then arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol as a minor. While, this event has had a lasting impact on my life, it was not an immediate turning point. I continued in my pursuit of worldly pleasures, alcohol and sex, continued until last year when the reality of wasting my life hit. On March 3rd of 2006, while away at swift water training weekend with coworkers, I was awaken at 2am in the morning to hear that a member of my fire department, and friend, had just been violently killed in a car accident involving alcohol. God used this event to open my eyes to the tragedy of wasting one’s life in the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Through my job in the fire service, I had seen many lives taken suddenly through events out of their own control. I had heard the elderly speak of how pointless their life of hard work had become when all they had to show for it is bad health in their retirement years. But now, it really began to sink in. God opened my eyes to the fragility of life and how little control any of us have over it. Last year, I read John Piper’s book Don’t Waste your Life. Through the words of John Piper, God has shown me that He is in total control and He has purposefully chosen to gift me with salvation, without any merit on my own part. My eternal perspective has been growing immensely since this moment. I feel my life has been forever changed. It’s comforting to know that my salvation rest in the free grace of God and not on any work or decision I have made on my own. God will prevail and in His glory I will find satisfaction and contentment.

I have made the decision to be baptized this month, and I am praying for God to continue to accomplish His will for my life. I am excited to know that wherever my life leads, God will continue to use me for His glory.

2007-03-27T15:36:00.000-06:00

Well, today has been a much more fun, enjoyable day here at my part time job. We locked a co-worker in the bathroom with one of those stinkbombs you buy at a prank store. Unfortunately, the smell has now made it throughout the whole station, opps. Anyways, I am looking forward to next week, I am on vacation all week, which I am not sure what I am going to do with yet. I may possibly go to Colorado, the coast, or who knows. We shall see.

2007-03-26T14:14:00.000-06:00

"So carry me
I'm just a dead man
Lying on the carpet
Can't find a heartbeat
Make me breathe
I wanna be a new man
Tired of the old one
Out with the old plan"

"Dead Man (carry me)" by Jars of Clay

2007-03-26T13:18:00.000-06:00

AHHH.. it's a bad day. Weather is pooring rain; People won't slow down and avoid wrecking their cars; and I am easily annoyed by a certain individual at work today. What makes it worse, I have to work tomorrow too. It's times like these where you need most to focus on an eternal perspective. Another call. later

2007-03-25T21:07:00.000-06:00

Life just isn't always easy, is it?

Well, good news, I am becoming more plugged into Austin Stone Community Church. I attended a connection class this weekend and met with my connect group today. We will be sharing our testimonies over dinner next Sunday. My group consist of about 6 guys and 6 girls, pretty much all mid twenties. Most seem to be students at UT. Hopefully, I will gain some new friendships through this group.

2007-03-23T21:58:00.000-06:00

On a side note.. one of the guys at work brought in a Wii game consule (the one where you move the controller) and I about threw my shoulder out tonight. It's much more fun than it looks. I played tennis, baseball, boxing, golf, and bowling. Very productive evening at work :).

2007-03-22T22:36:00.000-06:00

You scored as Martin Luther. The daddy of the Reformation. You are opposed to any Catholic ideas of works-salvation and see the scriptures as being primarily authoritative.

Anselm

80%

Martin Luther

80%

Jürgen Moltmann

73%

Jonathan Edwards

73%

Paul Tillich

67%

Karl Barth

67%

John Calvin

67%

Friedrich Schleiermacher

47%

Augustine

40%

Charles Finney

2007-03-21T07:56:00.000-06:00

Well, it's raining, again, and I am thinking about spending some time fishing today while in conversation with God. Something new that I has been weighing on my heart has been the topic of spiritual gifts. I am seeking to discover my gift. During a conversation with my sunday school teacher a couple nights ago, the gift of discernment came up. I am begining to feel this may be one of the more pronounced gifts I have been given. We shall see. Please pray.

2007-03-19T21:04:00.000-06:00

Well, for those that don’t know, lately I have been spending time with a wonderful young lady. While I have enjoyed the time I spent with her, I have been praying for God to guide our relationship, knowing that the answer may very well not lead where “I” desire. I asked for God to slap me in the face with His answer. Tonight, He answered my pray. God has other plans for both our lives. This decision wasn’t easy for me to accept, but I am thankful for the prompt answer.

Even though I may not understand His plan, yet I will praise Him. The path won’t be easy, but He will work all things to His glory, and in His glory, I will be satisfied. Once again, God has brought me back to my knees. How awesome are you
God!

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

With that said, I think it is time to learn to rejoice in singleness for a while.

Are you still struggling to hold on?

2007-03-15T14:15:00.000-06:00

Currently, God is showing me what it means not to rely on my own strength to hold on to Him, but on His strength to hold on to me. Yesterday, on my way to work, I heard a song by Matt Redman, "You Never Let Go." The chorus of this song stuck with me throughout my day, reminding me to trust God, knowing He will never fail. Last night, I commented on my blog how I am grateful for God holding on to my life and had a discussion with a friend on the topic. Then, today, I received the next email newsletter from DesiringGod.org, John Piper’s ministry. It is titled “How Do You Press On to Make It Your Own?” I encourage you to read this letter. I found myself again being reminded of how “our security is not based finally on our grip on Christ, but his grip on us.” (Piper) That would be three occasions within the last two days in which God has told me to trust in His strength, not my own. In fact, I am utterly hopeless without Him.

You Never Let Go
By Matt Redman

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You"

How Do You Press On to Make It Your Own?

You can read or listen to this letter on DesiringGod.org

March 14, 2007

By John Piper

The funeral sermon I preached at my father’s funeral was built around his own sermon, titled “Saved, Safe, Satisfied,” from his book A Good Time and How to Have It. Safe refers to the security of every true believer in Christ. Those whom God saves, God keeps. Satisfied refers to our contentment in Christ himself, not first his gifts.

I made a link between “safe” and “satisfied.” The latter confirms the former. I based this on Philippians 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” In other words, the heart of the true Christian does not coast in a state of contented worldliness after conversion, as though the world were more precious to him than Christ is. The true Christian is safe, but his safety is confirmed in his pressing on to make his final inheritance his own.

Our safety is seen in the words “because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” In other words, our security is not based finally on our grip on Christ, but his grip on us. The crucial thing to see is that the firmness of Christ’s grip on us produces our pursuit of him.“I press on . . . because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Our security does not produce drifting or worldly indifference or spiritual disinterest. So the key practical question is: In what is Paul pressing on?

Just at this point the Christian life shatters or shines. If we answer this wrongly (say, in some legalistic way), we shatter. What does Paul refer to when he says he “presses on,” or more literally, “he pursues”? One answer would be “the resurrection” (3:11). Another answer would be that he pursues “being found in Christ not having a righteousness of his own, but the righteousness from God” (3:9). Another answer would be “the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:14). And finally the answer might be simply Christ, since he speaks of longing to gain Christ (3:8). These would all be true. Paul is pursuing these things.

But none of those answers by themselves gives clear practical guidance for what we do here and now in this “pursuit.” Paul says he is pursuing something. That means that in his life he was doing something specific. What was he doing in this pursuit? What does the eternally secure saint do that confirms he is a secure saint and not a deluded hypocrite?

The most practical answer is given in verses 7-8, which speak of the practical way Paul was pursuing Christ. It says, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Three times he says he “counts” (hēgeomai) worldly gain as loss. He gives three reasons for doing this:

“for the sake of Christ” (v. 7).
“because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (v. 8a).
“in order that I may gain Christ” (v. 8b).

So my conclusion is that what Paul is pursuing in Philippians 3:12 is ultimately Christ himself. And the most essential practical strategy of this pursuit is to count Christ himself as supremely valuable (“because of the surpassing worth”) and to count everything but Christ as worthless by comparison.

This means that the way we confirm our eternal security is by daily pursuing more satisfaction in Christ. This is the link between “safe” and “satisfied.” We take steps to increase our treasuring of Christ’s superior worth. This is the most crucial evidence that we are eternally secure—that “Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

And what is the main practical strategy that Paul mentions in this pursuit? His answer is: Count all else as rubbish in comparison to Christ. This word count is a mental act that involves resolving, deciding, purposing, judging. (See its use in Philippians 2:3, 6, 25). So we look upon our money, our homes, our jobs, our families and friends, our plans for retirement or vacations, our health, and our lives, and we declare, “These things are as rubbish compared to the value of knowing Christ.”

Then we act on that “counting Christ superior.” 1) We take steps to know him as well as he can be known, since the knowledge of him is more precious than anything. 2) We regret our weak affections for him, and we confess this to him as sin. 3) We abhor the wandering tendency of our hearts, and we resolve after seasons of failure to pursue again the superior treasure of Christ. 4) We pray for God to incline our hearts toward the value of Christ and away from the (innocent) treasures of the world (Psalm 119:36; 90:14). 5) We treat other treasures as less valuable than Christ. That is, we make decisions about lifestyle and the use of time and money and energy in a way that speaks of Christ’s superior value.

One of the great blessings of seeing the Christian life this way is that it protects us against licentiousness and legalism. It opposes licentiousness because all our energy is aiming at holy delights, not worldly ones. And it opposes legalism because the efforts we are making to confirm our security (“I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own”) are not efforts that draw attention to our worth or our merit, but are efforts that draw attention to Christ’s worth.

Test yourself. The question is not whether you are perfect. Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect” (3:12). Neither he nor we will be perfect in this life. The question is: Are you pressing on to make Christ your own? That is, are you resolving day by day to count Christ as your supreme treasure and count everything else as rubbish by comparison?

Treasuring Christ with you,

Pastor John

2007-03-14T19:38:00.000-06:00

Ok… so what’s been going on in my world? Well, for those that don’t know, I have been off work for the last 5 days. Let me see if I can recap the some of the highlights. Friday night, I competed in a competitive game of “Apples to Apples” (which I won ;)) and slept through a movie called “The Scoop.” Saturday, I socialized my puppy by taking him to a festival in Leander and PetsMart. Sunday, I ate dinner at Chili’s with 4 cool ladies. Monday, I had lunch with Lauren at Bear Creek Café then took Duke to the lake with Amber and her dog. And finally, I spent Tuesday in Liberty Hill helping out around my parents place interrupted by a run to Weir to pick up about 70 pounds of deer meat for $80. Now, I find myself back at work for 48 hours.

Here’s a short catch up on the rest of my life. As for the school thing this fall, still researching, praying, and applying. As for my readings, I am still working on Tender Warrior. I also purchased Christianity Through the Centuries and Systematic Theology. They have been added to my never-ending list of books to read. As for my walk with God, well... good thing He never lets go! How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!

"I Stand Amazed (how Marvelous) lyrics"

By Chris Tomlin

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Chorus:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

2007-03-09T13:55:00.000-06:00

It's a beautiful day today, about 75(ish) degrees with partly cloudy skies and a cool breeze. Duke (my dog) and I went to the river this morning. Then, I went to my place down in Austin and rode about 15 miles on my mountain bike around downtown Austin with my friend, Jason. Finally, we stopped at Phil's Icehouse for lunch and beer.. good day. I just wish the weather would stay this way for awhile.

2007-03-06T18:34:00.000-06:00

Hillsong United - Fire Fall Down Lyrics

You bought my life with the
Blood that You shed on the
cross
When You died for the sins of men
And You let
out a cry
Crucified now alive in me

These hands
are Yours
Teach them to serve as You please
And I’ll
reach out desperate to see
All the greatness of God
May my soul rest assured in You

I’ll never be the
same
No I’ll never be the same

‘Cause I know
that You’re alive
You came to fix my broken life
And I
sing to glorify
Your holy Name
Jesus Christ

You’ve changed it all
You broke down the wall
When I
spoke and confessed
In You I’m blessed
Now I walk in
the light
In victorious sight of You

Your fire
fall down
Fire fall down
On us we pray
As we
seek
Show me Your heart
Show me Your way
Show me
Your glory

2007-02-27T16:58:00.000-06:00

So I need some prayer on a major decision I need to make over the next few months. Over the past few years, I have been struggling with whether or not to go back to school full time. For about the last six months, the possibility of being offered a job with the Austin Fire Department supressed my urge to go back to school. About two weeks ago, AFD announced that they were cutting the next class size down from 40 to 13 people. Adios AFD. So now, without AFD's tempting employment offer, I am free to dream(?) about school once again. And dream I have. Today, I filled out the FAFSA and browsed the web concerning a few schools of interest. So please pray that I make a wise, final choice in this matter, and that I keep God the center of my focus.

2007-02-27T15:09:00.000-06:00

“You don’t waste your life by where you work, but how and why.” (John Piper, Don’t Waste Your Life)

“It is pure invention that pope, bishops, priests and monks are to be called the "spiritual estate"; princes, lords, artisans, and farmers the "temporal estate." That is indeed a fine bit of lying and hypocrisy. Yet no one should be frightened by it; and for this reason -- viz., that all Christians are truly of the "spiritual estate," and there is among them no difference at all but that of office, as Paul says in I Corinthians 12:12, We are all one body, yet every member has its own work, where by it serves every other, all because we have one baptism, one Gospel, one faith, and are all alike Christians; for baptism, Gospel and faith alone make us "spiritual" and a Christian people.” (Martin Luther – excerpt from “An Open Letter to The Christian Nobility”)

Fake your space

2007-02-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I just saw this on the news and I couldn't believe my eyes.. people can pay to have fake friends added to their myspace page. The service will also add comments on your page which is suppose to make you more popular. How low can we go?

Guidance

2007-02-26T14:33:00.000-06:00

Right now, I am sitting in a rocking chair on my parent's porch, where all you hear is an airplane overhead, birds chirping, and the dogs chewing on their sticks. It's a beautiful day.

Our God is an awesome God with a good sense of timing. I sat down yesterday and attempted to write about my struggle of allowing God to guide my life. Look what I received today -

"A Men's Devotional" email sent by Tyndale House Publishers.

Something Better than Guidance

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Isaiah 58:11

Though the Bible never uses the word guidance, it does speak of a Guide. We may seek guidance, but God provides something better—himself.

Many of us struggle to understand and discern God’s guidance for our lives. We ask questions like: Should I marry or not? Should I marry this person or that person? Should I have another child? Should I join this church or that one? Which profession should I follow? What job should I take? Is my present line of work the one to stay in? Herein lies the major distortion of knowing and doing God’s will. Does God lead and direct in these areas? Yes. Does he come out and overtly tell us what to do? Rarely.

So how does God guide us? Consider these principles:

God’s guidance concerns itself more with our steps than our overall journey.
God’s guidance is more preoccupied with the present than with the future.
God’s guidance has less to do with geography and more to do with morality.
God’s guidance is more interested in our character than our comfort.
God’s guidance is not insider information.
God’s guidance is that we pursue the Guide more than guidance.

In seeking God, his plan will be revealed. His way will lead back through his Word. If the step is more critical than the journey, and the present is of greater consequence than the future, and the Guide more essential than the guidance, what is needed? We need to know the right step to take. We need to know what we must do in the present. We need to know the Guide. God does not guide us magically; he guides us relationally. Therefore, the Bible must be studied so we may become acquainted with the ways and thoughts of God. God’s aim is that we become his companions who walk with him. He already knows us. Now he wants us to understand and know him. The more we understand him, the more real our relationship will be with him and the more likely we are to keep in step with him in the direction he is taking us.

Quotes

2007-02-25T22:24:00.000-06:00

“The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
C.S. Lewis

“100 per cent of us die [physically], and the percentage cannot be increased.”

C.S. Lewis – **I say some never live.*

“God is not interested in the American Dream.

But millions of people still waste their lives pursuing the short-term pleasures of this world. They have never discovered that God’s steadfast love really is better than life.

Our desire is that Jesus Christ would explode into your life and produce a single, holy passion for his name. In this passion, you will be set free from small dreams and weak visions. Christ will be so valuable to you that it will feel like no loss at all to give your life to his cause. You will come to the end and realize that you have everything if you have him.

Jesus says in the book of Mark, ‘Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.’

You have one life. For your own sake and Christ’s, don’t waste it.”

John Piper – www.DesiringGod.com

Amazing Grace

2007-02-23T16:43:00.000-06:00

"My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour." – John Newton

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

- John Newton

I have a new respect for this song. John Newton had many men (slaves) tortured and killed aboard his ship. But God extended His grace to Mr. Newton, and his eyes were opened.

Go watch the movie “Amazing Grace.”

LASIK

2007-02-23T07:16:00.000-06:00

Well, everything seems to be going great with my eyes. It seems my vision is 20/20. Pray that I remain cautious around my eyes though. I bumped them once yesterday putting on my awesome sleeping googles. That was a little scary (the bump that is). Well, I am off to go to my follow up appointment. Thanks for the prayers. The doctor was having a wonderful day. And y'all should know, Lauren is a wonderful friend. She took me to my appointment, guided me while I was blind, and even put drops in my eyes for the first few times. She's cool. :)

LASIK

2007-02-21T16:54:00.000-06:00

For those of you that don't know, I will be going under the laser tomorrow. Pray for the Doctor, please! I hope his day goes well.

Perseverance

2007-02-20T14:39:00.000-06:00

Currently, I am reading Tender Warrior by Stu Weber in which the question, ‘what is a real man’, is discussed. Weber considers manhood to built on four pillars: King-Warrior-Mentor-Friend. Weber describes a tender warrior as one who “watches out for what lies ahead; keeps his commitments, no matter how painful; has a tender heart beating beneath his armor; understands he responsibility to his wife, children, and friends; recognizes that he is ‘under higher orders’.”

So far, having read through chapter 4, Weber has briefly explained the four pillars of manhood and discussed the quality of perseverance in a true man. Job is an awesome example of a man who stands strong and perseveres in hard times. Men need to be more like Job and stand strong, knowing God is in control, and be joyful in knowing that God will be glorified. One area that perseverance has been declining is in marriage. It is sad to see how high the divorce rate has climbed. Men are not taking their vows and commitments seriously. Men have lost sight of God’s intention for marriage. Marriage is not about “possessing” a woman who “completes you” and “fulfills all your needs.” Marriage is supposed to imitate the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church. This relationship is all about forgiveness, commitment, and joy.

America is becoming more and more selfish every day.

Blog Dedication

2007-02-20T00:39:00.000-06:00

The intent of this blog is simply to share the wanderings of my mind as the Lord works in me. I pray that in all I do and say, I bring glory to God. I humbly acknowledge that only through the grace of God is this blog able to exist.

Jesus commands in Matthew 5:16 "..Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heavan ."

Wanderings

My condensed testimony

Are you still struggling to hold on?

Hillsong United - Fire Fall Down Lyrics

Fake your space

Guidance

Quotes

C.S. Lewis – *I say some never live.

John Piper – www.DesiringGod.com

Amazing Grace

LASIK

LASIK

Perseverance

Blog Dedication

C.S. Lewis – **I say some never live.*