20111228 1641
I have a question.
I've been thinking along this line for a while now. One of the things I'm most in awe about is the marriage supper of the Lamb. Or, more accurately, what happens after that. Humanly speaking (that is, morally), after marriage, the two "become one flesh". And since marriage is a shadow of what is to come, as are many things the Lord gives us, and since it's essentially the final act mentioned in Scripture, I'm quite awaiting it. In a few days, I'll be a twenty-seven year virgin, and as I have no real experience with the act, I do know that the entire world has corrupted itself with sex since men have lived on it--nations have even been justly destroyed because of sexual corruption, so the pleasure must be pretty good. And if it's that humanly satisfying, how much more satisfying will it be with Christ Jesus? Not that it'll be sex, of course--like I said, it's a foreshadowing. The church is the bride of Christ, that is, all of us combined--all of us, as a single entity; therefore, it won't be a physical penetration, but something spiritual, and much higher than I can currently fathom--but not completely beyond imagining. If anything, our imagination is for this exact purpose--to span the great, hidden things of God--and not to indulge in our flesh. Moreover, humanly, sex is (should be) performed frequently, not once. But, spiritually, everything happens only once: one creation, one salvation, one marriage (and all that marriage means)--it's astounding, marvelous.
And so, the question: can I sing passionately about my Lord, and, if so, shouldn't I? Is that not the thing I should most desire? Is it not the *last* thing stated: "The Spirit and the bride say, Come! (Revelation 22:17)" Not "the brother" or "he that desires judgment" or even "the close, personal friend" but *the bride*. There is a book in the Bible that suggests this very thing, but, personally, I find it at least a little flawed, because I wouldn't even say to the human woman I desire, "You remind me of my horse (Song of Solomon 1:9)". But I've been desiring to sing a new song to my Lord...and I think that this may be the path that I shall take.
I have a question.
I've been thinking along this line for a while now. One of the things I'm most in awe about is the marriage supper of the Lamb. Or, more accurately, what happens after that. Humanly speaking (that is, morally), after marriage, the two "become one flesh". And since marriage is a shadow of what is to come, as are many things the Lord gives us, and since it's essentially the final act mentioned in Scripture, I'm quite awaiting it. In a few days, I'll be a twenty-seven year virgin, and as I have no real experience with the act, I do know that the entire world has corrupted itself with sex since men have lived on it--nations have even been justly destroyed because of sexual corruption, so the pleasure must be pretty good. And if it's that humanly satisfying, how much more satisfying will it be with Christ Jesus? Not that it'll be sex, of course--like I said, it's a foreshadowing. The church is the bride of Christ, that is, all of us combined--all of us, as a single entity; therefore, it won't be a physical penetration, but something spiritual, and much higher than I can currently fathom--but not completely beyond imagining. If anything, our imagination is for this exact purpose--to span the great, hidden things of God--and not to indulge in our flesh. Moreover, humanly, sex is (should be) performed frequently, not once. But, spiritually, everything happens only once: one creation, one salvation, one marriage (and all that marriage means)--it's astounding, marvelous.
And so, the question: can I sing passionately about my Lord, and, if so, shouldn't I? Is that not the thing I should most desire? Is it not the *last* thing stated: "The Spirit and the bride say, Come! (Revelation 22:17)" Not "the brother" or "he that desires judgment" or even "the close, personal friend" but *the bride*. There is a book in the Bible that suggests this very thing, but, personally, I find it at least a little flawed, because I wouldn't even say to the human woman I desire, "You remind me of my horse (Song of Solomon 1:9)". But I've been desiring to sing a new song to my Lord...and I think that this may be the path that I shall take.
20111205 2246
Mark 4:18-19 AMP
"And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word; then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamor and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless."
I find it amusing that my camera focused on the shears I was using instead of the plant I was holding. Shears are not the way to destroy this plant. It's actually quite beautiful in its resiliency. Cut of its head, and it grows another. And that root just keeps growing. I once walked through a burnt section of woods (because I don't get to do that very often, and burnt woods are actually pretty interesting since the floor becomes bare), and I came upon such a root. Looked like a tree trunk. It must have been ancient (as far as climbing thorny vines go). It was still alive, too.
I have no doubt that these are the kind of thorns that Jesus was talking about. The cares of the world come up; they don't ask for your permission to grow all over you, and you cannot ignore the cares as if they don't exist. You have to ruthlessly deny them right to your vital energy--root them up. Irradicate them. You can't just chop off what you can see once and hope that's enough (it won't be).
Thing about the good soil is is that it wasn't made good once and left that way--good soil is tended soil. Thorny soil is forgotten (or ignored) soil. The longer you live with the thorns, the more it hurts when you finally decide to rid yourself of them. Rips off all your little leaves. It's (probably) never fatal (if done carefully), but it sure smarts. But the world really only cares to climb all over you.
Mark 4:18-19 AMP"And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word; then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamor and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless."
I find it amusing that my camera focused on the shears I was using instead of the plant I was holding. Shears are not the way to destroy this plant. It's actually quite beautiful in its resiliency. Cut of its head, and it grows another. And that root just keeps growing. I once walked through a burnt section of woods (because I don't get to do that very often, and burnt woods are actually pretty interesting since the floor becomes bare), and I came upon such a root. Looked like a tree trunk. It must have been ancient (as far as climbing thorny vines go). It was still alive, too.
I have no doubt that these are the kind of thorns that Jesus was talking about. The cares of the world come up; they don't ask for your permission to grow all over you, and you cannot ignore the cares as if they don't exist. You have to ruthlessly deny them right to your vital energy--root them up. Irradicate them. You can't just chop off what you can see once and hope that's enough (it won't be).
Thing about the good soil is is that it wasn't made good once and left that way--good soil is tended soil. Thorny soil is forgotten (or ignored) soil. The longer you live with the thorns, the more it hurts when you finally decide to rid yourself of them. Rips off all your little leaves. It's (probably) never fatal (if done carefully), but it sure smarts. But the world really only cares to climb all over you.
20111205 1700
I joined a gym, today: Planet Fitness in Gainesville, Florida. First gym membership I've ever had. Well, technically I was a member at the YMCA in Orangeburg, SC, for one day a couple years ago, but I just remembered that. Hundred six bucks for a year. And free pizza on first Mondays (what an opportune day to start my membership). And a free t-shirt. These guys know how to start with me off with a bang, I'm telling you. :d
I joined a gym, today: Planet Fitness in Gainesville, Florida. First gym membership I've ever had. Well, technically I was a member at the YMCA in Orangeburg, SC, for one day a couple years ago, but I just remembered that. Hundred six bucks for a year. And free pizza on first Mondays (what an opportune day to start my membership). And a free t-shirt. These guys know how to start with me off with a bang, I'm telling you. :d
20111120 1601
November 11, 2011: the day I died.
I had been limping along for a week before the Lord struck the final blow. This morning, I attended my funeral with Christ, with the angels of heaven surrounding. I cried as I shoveled the dirt over my lifetime of willfulness--not because I'll miss it, but because dying hurts, because the realization of why Christ died hurts a lot, because understanding what it cost God cannot go in unfelt.
I accept my new name: The Temple of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 2:19-20 AMP
For I through the Law [under the operation of the curse of the Law] have [in Christ's death for me] myself died to the Law and all the Law's demands upon me, so that I may [henceforth] live to and for God. I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
November 11, 2011: the day I died.
I had been limping along for a week before the Lord struck the final blow. This morning, I attended my funeral with Christ, with the angels of heaven surrounding. I cried as I shoveled the dirt over my lifetime of willfulness--not because I'll miss it, but because dying hurts, because the realization of why Christ died hurts a lot, because understanding what it cost God cannot go in unfelt.
I accept my new name: The Temple of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 2:19-20 AMP
For I through the Law [under the operation of the curse of the Law] have [in Christ's death for me] myself died to the Law and all the Law's demands upon me, so that I may [henceforth] live to and for God. I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
20111116 0834
Ruth is my favorite story in all of Scripture. It wasn't always. However, when I was a teenager, a lady came to a small church conference in Okeechobee and taught the book of Ruth--and the Lord, from that day, opened my mind to understand it.
I cry every time I read it; I cry *more* every time I read it. I read it this morning and my heart wouldn't stop, having to pause several times because I couldn't read (I read aloud) through the convulsions that accompany sobbing. It'll be God's mercy if I can make it through that book again.
What! a testament of God's mercy and grace! Naomi-- How many of us are like her? "Call me not Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. (Ruth 1:20)" How many of us misunderstand God's mercy and grace? She couldn't see it; her perception was turned inward and all she could see was the suffering that comes with the dark heart of man. Perhaps that's why this book hurt so good this morning, because that's exactly the attitude I was indulging in, yesterday.
Then comes Ruth. Ruth is the most beautiful woman in the Bible; no one else compares. Love poured out of this woman:
"Urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts me from you. (Ruth 1:16-17)"
and confidence:
"Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor. (Ruth 2:2)" *I shall find favor.*
and more love:
"she showed her mother-in-law what she had gleaned, and she also brought forth and gave her the food she had reserved after she was satisfied. (Ruth 2:18)"
and *more* love:
"All that you say to me I will do. (Ruth 3:5)" She had absolutely no selfish ambition, no selfish goals. Would that I were like Ruth!
And Boaz is such a gentleman, such a godly man. He was not looking for or desiring it, and the Lord brought into his life the most precious woman that the world had ever known.
I have so much to learn; so much to appreciate. Bless the Lord.
Ruth is my favorite story in all of Scripture. It wasn't always. However, when I was a teenager, a lady came to a small church conference in Okeechobee and taught the book of Ruth--and the Lord, from that day, opened my mind to understand it.
I cry every time I read it; I cry *more* every time I read it. I read it this morning and my heart wouldn't stop, having to pause several times because I couldn't read (I read aloud) through the convulsions that accompany sobbing. It'll be God's mercy if I can make it through that book again.
What! a testament of God's mercy and grace! Naomi-- How many of us are like her? "Call me not Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. (Ruth 1:20)" How many of us misunderstand God's mercy and grace? She couldn't see it; her perception was turned inward and all she could see was the suffering that comes with the dark heart of man. Perhaps that's why this book hurt so good this morning, because that's exactly the attitude I was indulging in, yesterday.
Then comes Ruth. Ruth is the most beautiful woman in the Bible; no one else compares. Love poured out of this woman:
"Urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts me from you. (Ruth 1:16-17)"
and confidence:
"Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor. (Ruth 2:2)" *I shall find favor.*
and more love:
"she showed her mother-in-law what she had gleaned, and she also brought forth and gave her the food she had reserved after she was satisfied. (Ruth 2:18)"
and *more* love:
"All that you say to me I will do. (Ruth 3:5)" She had absolutely no selfish ambition, no selfish goals. Would that I were like Ruth!
And Boaz is such a gentleman, such a godly man. He was not looking for or desiring it, and the Lord brought into his life the most precious woman that the world had ever known.
I have so much to learn; so much to appreciate. Bless the Lord.
20111020 1338
I love how my Lord uses my circumstances to teach me about Himself. If I will pay attention to Him instead of the things that are happening, it's always a sweet, simple, "Learn of Me."
Matthew 11:28-30
For instance, I was making some tea this afternoon, measuring it out by the teaspoon. The teaspoon is hooked onto a ring with several other spoons, and what should have been plainly obvious to me--that the ring and spoons were not manufactured together--wasn't; I thought that the ring was solid. So, as I was rinsing off the spoon after I had finished using it, I shook the water off only to be surprised as the spoon fled into the sink, leaving the rest of the spoons and an unclasped ring in my hands. The ring snapped together.
"Joshua, how do you get learning about the Lord out of that?"
Failing to realize that the ring could come apart was a crude oversight on my part. Or, you could say that thinking it was solid was a crude assumption. Either way, I had no intention of ever thinking differently until the Lord broke it in my hand. The small things matter to God. The kingdom of God is built on a Lamb.
I love how my Lord uses my circumstances to teach me about Himself. If I will pay attention to Him instead of the things that are happening, it's always a sweet, simple, "Learn of Me."
Matthew 11:28-30
For instance, I was making some tea this afternoon, measuring it out by the teaspoon. The teaspoon is hooked onto a ring with several other spoons, and what should have been plainly obvious to me--that the ring and spoons were not manufactured together--wasn't; I thought that the ring was solid. So, as I was rinsing off the spoon after I had finished using it, I shook the water off only to be surprised as the spoon fled into the sink, leaving the rest of the spoons and an unclasped ring in my hands. The ring snapped together.
"Joshua, how do you get learning about the Lord out of that?"
Failing to realize that the ring could come apart was a crude oversight on my part. Or, you could say that thinking it was solid was a crude assumption. Either way, I had no intention of ever thinking differently until the Lord broke it in my hand. The small things matter to God. The kingdom of God is built on a Lamb.
20110929 1342
I'm about to completly redesign my site, again; I'm talking from the code up. Actually, more the code than anything. Which actually amuses me, because the general observer doesn't really care about what's underneath as long as it works. The idea has actually been simmering in me for a while, now. The site's still not simplified and efficient enough for my liking. What I'll be doing is hardly new. Then again, what is?
I'm about to completly redesign my site, again; I'm talking from the code up. Actually, more the code than anything. Which actually amuses me, because the general observer doesn't really care about what's underneath as long as it works. The idea has actually been simmering in me for a while, now. The site's still not simplified and efficient enough for my liking. What I'll be doing is hardly new. Then again, what is?
20110928 2254
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him." The look of Jesus will mean a heart broken for ever from allegiance to any other person or thing. Has Jesus ever looked at you? The look of Jesus transforms and transfixes. Where you are "soft" with God is where the Lord has looked at you. If you are hard and vindictive, insistent on your own way, certain that the other person is more likely to be in the wrong than you are, it is an indication that there are whole tracts of your nature that have never been transformed by His gaze.
My Utmost for His Highest, September 28
That struck a chord. I want Him to look at everything.
"And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)"
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him." The look of Jesus will mean a heart broken for ever from allegiance to any other person or thing. Has Jesus ever looked at you? The look of Jesus transforms and transfixes. Where you are "soft" with God is where the Lord has looked at you. If you are hard and vindictive, insistent on your own way, certain that the other person is more likely to be in the wrong than you are, it is an indication that there are whole tracts of your nature that have never been transformed by His gaze.
My Utmost for His Highest, September 28
That struck a chord. I want Him to look at everything.
"And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)"
20110921 0953
It amazes me how irritating my writing was in 2005. I'm frequently moved to delete everything that offends me but I continually decide to leave it for humility's sake. All of my old emails, though--those were deleted.
It amazes me how irritating my writing was in 2005. I'm frequently moved to delete everything that offends me but I continually decide to leave it for humility's sake. All of my old emails, though--those were deleted.
20110905 1709
One of my new favorite things to do is to play StepMania, by myself on Versus, giving each of my hands a different difficultly level. It really tests hand and finger independence and coordination. 8D
One of my new favorite things to do is to play StepMania, by myself on Versus, giving each of my hands a different difficultly level. It really tests hand and finger independence and coordination. 8D
20110903 1834
I've been enjoying Lilypond immensly, recently. I've also been using it with the Frescobaldi editor. Oh, and Linux is a superior operating system (I'm using Ubuntu Studio. That's my three cents for now.
I've been enjoying Lilypond immensly, recently. I've also been using it with the Frescobaldi editor. Oh, and Linux is a superior operating system (I'm using Ubuntu Studio. That's my three cents for now.
20110903
The fun thing about music... is pretending that you can do it better. I thought to myself, "Aha, I shall invent a new musical shorthand." Three and half months later and I have no idea what it means.
Showers, however-- showers I have always benefitted from. I remember completely my notation, now...and why I only used it once. 0 is the root. The rest of the numbers are halfsteps from the root. The 0/5 indicates that the note is below the root. The - indicates that the note is held longer.
The fun thing about music... is pretending that you can do it better. I thought to myself, "Aha, I shall invent a new musical shorthand." Three and half months later and I have no idea what it means.
Showers, however-- showers I have always benefitted from. I remember completely my notation, now...and why I only used it once. 0 is the root. The rest of the numbers are halfsteps from the root. The 0/5 indicates that the note is below the root. The - indicates that the note is held longer.
20110829
Psalms 23:3-4 AMP
He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me.
I find it amusing--and fitting--that the paths of righteousness run through the valley of the shadow of death.
Psalms 23:3-4 AMP
He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me.
I find it amusing--and fitting--that the paths of righteousness run through the valley of the shadow of death.
20110813
Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP
Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP
Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
20110812
Romans 12. 1 Corinthians 12. Ephesians 5.
...
The Lord has been bringing quickly to my understanding what being part of His body means, recently. I haven't been doing my job, really. Most of my life I've stood and watched--not necessarily judging, but not really *doing* anything. I'm not aware of any extrasensory organ on the body that I could be akin to; I've only been fooling myself. The *healthy* body is completely interconnected, yet I've acted as some independent cell.
This changes now.
Romans 12. 1 Corinthians 12. Ephesians 5.
...
The Lord has been bringing quickly to my understanding what being part of His body means, recently. I haven't been doing my job, really. Most of my life I've stood and watched--not necessarily judging, but not really *doing* anything. I'm not aware of any extrasensory organ on the body that I could be akin to; I've only been fooling myself. The *healthy* body is completely interconnected, yet I've acted as some independent cell.
This changes now.
20110731
We were singing "Where I Belong" in church today, and during the chorus we started belting out "Delight in me." And that rumbled something pretty deep in me. Has every time. It brings to mind a couple things: one,
James 4:5 AMP
Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit with a jealous love?
and, complimentarily, something Oswald Chambers said,
"The only Lover of the Lord Jesus is the Holy Ghost, and He sheds abroad the very love of God in our hearts. (http://www.myutmost.org/07/0702.html)"
And so it impresses my eyes to water every time, because I'm not singing it, but it is that One deep inside of me, the Holy Spirit of God.
We were singing "Where I Belong" in church today, and during the chorus we started belting out "Delight in me." And that rumbled something pretty deep in me. Has every time. It brings to mind a couple things: one,
James 4:5 AMP
Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit with a jealous love?
and, complimentarily, something Oswald Chambers said,
"The only Lover of the Lord Jesus is the Holy Ghost, and He sheds abroad the very love of God in our hearts. (http://www.myutmost.org/07/0702.html)"
And so it impresses my eyes to water every time, because I'm not singing it, but it is that One deep inside of me, the Holy Spirit of God.
20110722
Isaiah 26:3
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
Isaiah 26:3
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
20110719
I have the supreme fortune of always being able to later laugh at what I write. Bless the Lord.
I have the supreme fortune of always being able to later laugh at what I write. Bless the Lord.
20110719
It's moments like these that I feel like writing poetry, again.
"Is this feeling brought on by enchantment or disillusionment, Joshua?"
Disillusionment, mostly.
"And is this a happy or sad feeling, Joshua?"
Wait, can I change my answer?
"Uncertainly has brought about a lot of poetry in this world."
Crappy poetry.
"[laughs] Most of the time."
Joshua-talks-to-himself, you're not really helping the matter.
"Am I? I do believe you started the conversation. You were looking for help but didn't know whom to talk with; maybe you don't really trust anyone yet with these heart issues."
Nice guessing, doc. Maybe the poetry will help me vent.
"You don't want to spill your soul all over the Internet?"
Not in so many words. I think I feel sympathy now for persons that treat the Internet like a message in a bottle, casting their gift on the electric shores, hoping that their penned soul reaches and is accepted by their desire. Hoping, in delusion, because the bottle, when thrown, doesn't go three feet from them. In actuality, they wait for the person to walk by, pick it up, and read it, because they're really just too cowardly to say it.
"Very poetic."
Great, and I didn't start yet. Thankfully, I don't feel like writing poetry now. In fact, I feel like shaking myself. What a stupid mood to be in. :)
It's moments like these that I feel like writing poetry, again.
"Is this feeling brought on by enchantment or disillusionment, Joshua?"
Disillusionment, mostly.
"And is this a happy or sad feeling, Joshua?"
Wait, can I change my answer?
"Uncertainly has brought about a lot of poetry in this world."
Crappy poetry.
"[laughs] Most of the time."
Joshua-talks-to-himself, you're not really helping the matter.
"Am I? I do believe you started the conversation. You were looking for help but didn't know whom to talk with; maybe you don't really trust anyone yet with these heart issues."
Nice guessing, doc. Maybe the poetry will help me vent.
"You don't want to spill your soul all over the Internet?"
Not in so many words. I think I feel sympathy now for persons that treat the Internet like a message in a bottle, casting their gift on the electric shores, hoping that their penned soul reaches and is accepted by their desire. Hoping, in delusion, because the bottle, when thrown, doesn't go three feet from them. In actuality, they wait for the person to walk by, pick it up, and read it, because they're really just too cowardly to say it.
"Very poetic."
Great, and I didn't start yet. Thankfully, I don't feel like writing poetry now. In fact, I feel like shaking myself. What a stupid mood to be in. :)
20110714
I moved to Gainesville, FL, Saturday, and last night was the first night since I've been here that I've dreamed.
I moved to Gainesville, FL, Saturday, and last night was the first night since I've been here that I've dreamed.
20110713
The Lord is doing something in me. I feel Him twisting, turning me inside. I wonder if this is what a butterfly feels like. ... Or a mother.
Romans 8:26 AMP
So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
This route of thinking suggests that I should enjoy these feelings. So be it. Amen.
The Lord is doing something in me. I feel Him twisting, turning me inside. I wonder if this is what a butterfly feels like. ... Or a mother.
Romans 8:26 AMP
So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
This route of thinking suggests that I should enjoy these feelings. So be it. Amen.
20110711
"I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure and purpose [...] Yes, I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed it, and I will do it. (Isaiah 46:9-11)"
"I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure and purpose [...] Yes, I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed it, and I will do it. (Isaiah 46:9-11)"
20110710
Get this. I've just acquired a cellular phone, and reading though the little booklets that also came in the little box that the phone was in, I read this:
The FCC requires that wireless devices be operated in accordance with FCC rules [...] Severe punishment can result from failure to comply [...] No person shall utter any obscene, indecent, or profane language by means of radio communication.
I believe that that law has been broken as much as speed limit law.
Get this. I've just acquired a cellular phone, and reading though the little booklets that also came in the little box that the phone was in, I read this:
The FCC requires that wireless devices be operated in accordance with FCC rules [...] Severe punishment can result from failure to comply [...] No person shall utter any obscene, indecent, or profane language by means of radio communication.
I believe that that law has been broken as much as speed limit law.
20110703
Today, I finished another book that I borrowed from the church library: A Tale of Three Kings, by Gene Edwards. Excellently written book. I generally avoid media that takes artistic liberties with Scripture, but this is certainly a book that I would recommend. I'm writing down a few choice lines for memory.
"You can easily tell when someone has been hit by a spear. He turns a deep shade of bitter. David never got hit. Gradually, he learned a very well kept secret. He discovered three things that prevented him from ever being hit. One, never learn anything about the fashionable, easily-mastered art of spear throwing. Two, stay out of the company of all spear throwers. And three, keep your mouth tightly closed. In this way, spears will never touch you, even when they pierce your heart."
"Legalism's nothing but a leader's way of avoiding suffering."
"Authority from God is not afraid of challenges, makes no defense, and cares not one whit if it must be dethroned."
"Righting the wrongs always becomes secondary to ascent to power."
"In the spiritual realm, a man who will lead a rebellion has already proven, no matter how grandiose his words or angelic his ways, that he has a critical nature, an unprincipled character, and hidden motives in his heart. Frankly, he is a thief. He creates dissatisfaction and tension within the realm, and then either seizes power or siphons off followers. The followers he gets, he uses to found his own dominion. Such a sorry beginning, built on the foundation of insurrection. No, God never honors division in His realm."
"Men who lead rebellion in the spiritual world are unworthy men."
"I seek His will, not His power. I repeat. I desire His will more than I desire a position of leadership."
Today, I finished another book that I borrowed from the church library: A Tale of Three Kings, by Gene Edwards. Excellently written book. I generally avoid media that takes artistic liberties with Scripture, but this is certainly a book that I would recommend. I'm writing down a few choice lines for memory.
"You can easily tell when someone has been hit by a spear. He turns a deep shade of bitter. David never got hit. Gradually, he learned a very well kept secret. He discovered three things that prevented him from ever being hit. One, never learn anything about the fashionable, easily-mastered art of spear throwing. Two, stay out of the company of all spear throwers. And three, keep your mouth tightly closed. In this way, spears will never touch you, even when they pierce your heart."
"Legalism's nothing but a leader's way of avoiding suffering."
"Authority from God is not afraid of challenges, makes no defense, and cares not one whit if it must be dethroned."
"Righting the wrongs always becomes secondary to ascent to power."
"In the spiritual realm, a man who will lead a rebellion has already proven, no matter how grandiose his words or angelic his ways, that he has a critical nature, an unprincipled character, and hidden motives in his heart. Frankly, he is a thief. He creates dissatisfaction and tension within the realm, and then either seizes power or siphons off followers. The followers he gets, he uses to found his own dominion. Such a sorry beginning, built on the foundation of insurrection. No, God never honors division in His realm."
"Men who lead rebellion in the spiritual world are unworthy men."
"I seek His will, not His power. I repeat. I desire His will more than I desire a position of leadership."
20110702
I just finished a book that I borrowed from church, recently, entitled: The Tongue, A Creative Force by Charles Capps. There were a couple very iffy spots in there that should not have been written. Leaving them out would not have hurt the message in the slightest; leaving them in was a lapse in wisdom, because those statements of his cannot be supported by Scripture. However, in all the book, three phrases stood out to me as being particularly inciting and apt:
"I don't deny the existence of disease. I deny the right of that disease to exist in this body, because I'm the body of Christ."
"(From Jesus, to Charles) I have told my people they can have what they say, but they are saying what they have."
"That mustard seed has faith in the ability that resides on the inside of it, not in the hull that surrounds it."
I just finished a book that I borrowed from church, recently, entitled: The Tongue, A Creative Force by Charles Capps. There were a couple very iffy spots in there that should not have been written. Leaving them out would not have hurt the message in the slightest; leaving them in was a lapse in wisdom, because those statements of his cannot be supported by Scripture. However, in all the book, three phrases stood out to me as being particularly inciting and apt:
"I don't deny the existence of disease. I deny the right of that disease to exist in this body, because I'm the body of Christ."
"(From Jesus, to Charles) I have told my people they can have what they say, but they are saying what they have."
"That mustard seed has faith in the ability that resides on the inside of it, not in the hull that surrounds it."
20110526
Byarrrrr. I like the idea of animating. But when it comes down to drawing even twelve frames per second...
Byarrrrr. I like the idea of animating. But when it comes down to drawing even twelve frames per second...
20110524
For the first time in possibly my entire life my butt is not larger than my chest. Measured it this morning: 38-33-38.
Also, happy birthday, mom.
For the first time in possibly my entire life my butt is not larger than my chest. Measured it this morning: 38-33-38.
Also, happy birthday, mom.
20110522
I thought it was curious when I opened the freezer and saw breasts.
I thought it was curious when I opened the freezer and saw breasts.
20110516
Finished a book recently--a couple weeks ago, actually--entitled, Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord. Excellent book. Unfortunately it seems it's the abridged version. I plan on looking it up to see what I missed out on. The book, in a wonderfully concise fashion, goes over all the (more accurately) references to our Lord in Scripture, often concluding with a brief prayer. Again, an excellent piece of literature.
Finished a book recently--a couple weeks ago, actually--entitled, Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord. Excellent book. Unfortunately it seems it's the abridged version. I plan on looking it up to see what I missed out on. The book, in a wonderfully concise fashion, goes over all the (more accurately) references to our Lord in Scripture, often concluding with a brief prayer. Again, an excellent piece of literature.
20110512
Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6). Curious verse. :)
Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6). Curious verse. :)
20110504
Drew some fun stuff, today. Could say I was feeling "creative". Honestly, I've been carrying around a couple of these ideas for months. Today, however, the *reality* of those ideas was created, which is worth infinitely more than an idea. Ideas, in all actuality, are worth next to nothing. Kind of like potential energy. Or potential in general. "That boy's got potential" is a euphemism for "That boy's not using what he has". Anyway...
Drew some fun stuff, today. Could say I was feeling "creative". Honestly, I've been carrying around a couple of these ideas for months. Today, however, the *reality* of those ideas was created, which is worth infinitely more than an idea. Ideas, in all actuality, are worth next to nothing. Kind of like potential energy. Or potential in general. "That boy's got potential" is a euphemism for "That boy's not using what he has". Anyway...
20110503
I've got pieces of April, but it's a morning in May. Anyone that recognized that as a verse from a Three Dog Night song gets bonus points.
I've got pieces of April, but it's a morning in May. Anyone that recognized that as a verse from a Three Dog Night song gets bonus points.
20110503
So what do you do when you mess up dessert? Well, I change its form if possible--just like the double chocolate roulade I made this morning. It turned into something that you eat out of a cup. Really. I think the recipe is at fault. Way too much booze for my taste, too.
So what do you do when you mess up dessert? Well, I change its form if possible--just like the double chocolate roulade I made this morning. It turned into something that you eat out of a cup. Really. I think the recipe is at fault. Way too much booze for my taste, too.
20110429
For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your dealings will return upon your own head. (Obadiah 1:15)
For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your dealings will return upon your own head. (Obadiah 1:15)
20110428
Amos 9:7
I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt, but have I not brought the Philistines out of Caphtor and the Syrians from Kir?
I love the book of Amos. I love how the Lord continually affirms His almightiness in it. I have so many things to say about this I'm having difficulty making it concise. :D Praise the Lord Who alone is God; Your will be done.
Amos 9:7
I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt, but have I not brought the Philistines out of Caphtor and the Syrians from Kir?
I love the book of Amos. I love how the Lord continually affirms His almightiness in it. I have so many things to say about this I'm having difficulty making it concise. :D Praise the Lord Who alone is God; Your will be done.
20110427
For behold, He Who forms the mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what is his thought, Who makes the morning darkness and treads on the heights of the earth--the Lord, the God of hosts, is His name! (Amos 4:13)
For behold, He Who forms the mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what is his thought, Who makes the morning darkness and treads on the heights of the earth--the Lord, the God of hosts, is His name! (Amos 4:13)
20110427
If God does not [give you what you want], it is because you are not abandoned enough to Him; there is something you will not do. (My Utmost for His Highest, April 27)
If God does not [give you what you want], it is because you are not abandoned enough to Him; there is something you will not do. (My Utmost for His Highest, April 27)
20110426
Shall misfortune or evil occur and the Lord has not caused it? (Amos 3:6)
It is a sad thing when men forget that the Lord is all powerful. They continually tell the Lord what He is, and refuse to acknowledge when He reveals Himself as something contrary to their beliefs. "Can I not do what I want with what is mine? (Matthew 20:15)" All things are Yours, Lord (Revelation 4:11); do with me what You will; glorify Your Son in me. Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15).
Shall misfortune or evil occur and the Lord has not caused it? (Amos 3:6)
It is a sad thing when men forget that the Lord is all powerful. They continually tell the Lord what He is, and refuse to acknowledge when He reveals Himself as something contrary to their beliefs. "Can I not do what I want with what is mine? (Matthew 20:15)" All things are Yours, Lord (Revelation 4:11); do with me what You will; glorify Your Son in me. Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15).
20110424
Had a great Easter. The Hills (and Paulette), in the Name of the Lord be blessed. The Bowkers, in the Name of the Lord be blessed. Praise the Lord.
Had a great Easter. The Hills (and Paulette), in the Name of the Lord be blessed. The Bowkers, in the Name of the Lord be blessed. Praise the Lord.
20110422
Iron sharpens iron.
But you're TUNGSTEN!
Iron sharpens iron.
But you're TUNGSTEN!
20110414
I made my first ladyfingers today.
I made my first ladyfingers today.
20110406
I've resuscitated a good number of frogs in my life. Brought back another one this morning. I opened the door for the cat to come inside and a little frog squeezed out from under the doorway, covered in debris. So, I picked him up, grabbed my tweezers, and went to work removing all the hair and cobwebs he had accumulated, a rough night. Then I rinsed him off in warm water, continuing to pick off the small bits, while he slowly revitalized: first his sides started undulating, then his eyes perked up, then his throat started moving again, finishing, as frogs do, with an excited dive into the sink. He landed in the pan mom had cooked eggs in this morning, so I rinsed him off again. After I saw that his left leg was coming back to life (he had had it splayed out), I diagnosed him as recovered and set him back outside.
I've resuscitated a good number of frogs in my life. Brought back another one this morning. I opened the door for the cat to come inside and a little frog squeezed out from under the doorway, covered in debris. So, I picked him up, grabbed my tweezers, and went to work removing all the hair and cobwebs he had accumulated, a rough night. Then I rinsed him off in warm water, continuing to pick off the small bits, while he slowly revitalized: first his sides started undulating, then his eyes perked up, then his throat started moving again, finishing, as frogs do, with an excited dive into the sink. He landed in the pan mom had cooked eggs in this morning, so I rinsed him off again. After I saw that his left leg was coming back to life (he had had it splayed out), I diagnosed him as recovered and set him back outside.
20110405
Colossians 3:5
So kill the evil desire lurking in your members: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry.
Kill. Not *pray about it* or *put up with it*, but KILL. Mortify. Slay. We are not as ruthless with ourselves as we ought to be.
Colossians 3:5
So kill the evil desire lurking in your members: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry.
Kill. Not *pray about it* or *put up with it*, but KILL. Mortify. Slay. We are not as ruthless with ourselves as we ought to be.
20110405
Inability to sleep last night gave me reason to get up and read a book I had been given recently, The Carpenter's Journey, by Sigmund Brouwer. For the most part, I thought it was overwritten and flowery, with too many artistic liberties taken with the Scripture. However, some of it was well written and the latter half of the book was definitely better than the first. One article in particular was my favorite:
"There is something peculiar about human nature. In almost inverse proportion, the more off-kilter our stance, the more strenuously we defend it--justification requires further justification for the self-deception to survive."
Inability to sleep last night gave me reason to get up and read a book I had been given recently, The Carpenter's Journey, by Sigmund Brouwer. For the most part, I thought it was overwritten and flowery, with too many artistic liberties taken with the Scripture. However, some of it was well written and the latter half of the book was definitely better than the first. One article in particular was my favorite:
"There is something peculiar about human nature. In almost inverse proportion, the more off-kilter our stance, the more strenuously we defend it--justification requires further justification for the self-deception to survive."
20110322
Boy, Ezekiel 16 is a powerful and powerfully visual chapter.
Boy, Ezekiel 16 is a powerful and powerfully visual chapter.
20110317
Ezekiel 13:3,6 AMP
Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! They have seen falsehood and lying divination, saying, The Lord says; but the Lord has not sent them. Yet they have hoped and made men to hope for the confirmation of their word.
Ezekiel 13:3,6 AMP
Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! They have seen falsehood and lying divination, saying, The Lord says; but the Lord has not sent them. Yet they have hoped and made men to hope for the confirmation of their word.
20110312
"Consider the lilies of the field" - they grow where they are put. Many of us refuse to grow where we are put, consequently we take root nowhere.
--Oswald Chambers,"My Utmost for His Highest", January 26
Since the first day I stepped into South Carolina, I have not wanted to be here; every time I've been away and had to come back, I've never did it with joy, except on the occasion that I did it with expectation--with a plan I thought would soon again get me out of here. After six years of sifting me, the Lord has finally revealed (that is, I have finally identified myself with) the root of my obstinacy. It has to die, that old tendril that nourishes itself with poison. I am here, in South Carolina. I realized this back in January when I read the devotional, but I felt like writing about it now, in a moment of contemplation.
Whichever way God engineers circumstances, the duty is to pray. Never allow the thought - "I am of no use where I am;" because you certainly can be of no use where you are not.
--Oswald Chambers,"My Utmost for His Highest", October 17
"Consider the lilies of the field" - they grow where they are put. Many of us refuse to grow where we are put, consequently we take root nowhere.
--Oswald Chambers,"My Utmost for His Highest", January 26
Since the first day I stepped into South Carolina, I have not wanted to be here; every time I've been away and had to come back, I've never did it with joy, except on the occasion that I did it with expectation--with a plan I thought would soon again get me out of here. After six years of sifting me, the Lord has finally revealed (that is, I have finally identified myself with) the root of my obstinacy. It has to die, that old tendril that nourishes itself with poison. I am here, in South Carolina. I realized this back in January when I read the devotional, but I felt like writing about it now, in a moment of contemplation.
Whichever way God engineers circumstances, the duty is to pray. Never allow the thought - "I am of no use where I am;" because you certainly can be of no use where you are not.
--Oswald Chambers,"My Utmost for His Highest", October 17
20110312
The Bible characters fell on their strong points, never on their weak ones.
--Oswald Chambers,"My Utmost for His Highest", April 19
I don't think I realized what that statement meant until yesterday.
The Bible characters fell on their strong points, never on their weak ones.
--Oswald Chambers,"My Utmost for His Highest", April 19
I don't think I realized what that statement meant until yesterday.
20110309
Then again, maybe it's more like riding a horse. Romans 7:25.
Then again, maybe it's more like riding a horse. Romans 7:25.
20110308
Lamentations 3:24-28 AMP
Lamentations 3:24-28 AMP
20110306
Cursed be he who does the work of the Lord negligently (Jeremiah 48:10).
Cursed be he who does the work of the Lord negligently (Jeremiah 48:10).
20110228
Genesis 4:7 AMP
If you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.
The only option is total war. There is nothing good to come from sin; no benefit should ever be expected from any allegiance with it. To master is to conquer; there can be no compromise. Sin has to be beaten down until there is nothing left. That won't happen in our mortal life. The Lord--the only Master--causes sin to remain as a purifier, to separate those that love Him from those that don't. "If a man loves me [...] (John 14-15)" "To him that overcomes [...](Revelation 2-3)". Love is most clearly revealed in action, and the Lord expects that action to be bold.
Genesis 4:7 AMP
If you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.
The only option is total war. There is nothing good to come from sin; no benefit should ever be expected from any allegiance with it. To master is to conquer; there can be no compromise. Sin has to be beaten down until there is nothing left. That won't happen in our mortal life. The Lord--the only Master--causes sin to remain as a purifier, to separate those that love Him from those that don't. "If a man loves me [...] (John 14-15)" "To him that overcomes [...](Revelation 2-3)". Love is most clearly revealed in action, and the Lord expects that action to be bold.
20110228
Genesis 4:3-5 AMP
And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, but for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard.
I was pondering over this passage of Scripture last night when the Lord revealed it to me. I've read commentary regarding this verse--trying to justify the selection of God--that has never sat well with me. The commentary directly under this passage in my Bible, in fact, argues that Cain's offering was not accepted because Cain offered the fruit of the ground, the same ground the Lord cursed. But there's nothing in Scripture that testifies to that. Not even in the next passage where God is speaking directly to Cain.
Genesis 4:5-7 AMP
So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.
Where did the Lord mention anything about the particulars of his offering? God's beef was with Cain; the reason for His rejection of his offering is spelled out in the next verse.
Genesis 4:8-9 AMP
And Cain said to his brother, Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. And the Lord said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?
Cain hated his brother, Abel. This was no fit Cain had, some act of passion born from a rejected offering. While there is nothing written (for us, that is) to chronicle the events of their brotherhood preceding this event, I believe--I'm convinced--there is an abundance of evidence in these few verses to show that Cain's hatred for his brother was there before the offering incident, and the Lord's judgment was based on--as it always is--the heart of the offerer. God did not accept Cain's offering because Cain had sin in his heart.
If you do well, will you not be accepted?
Genesis 4:3-5 AMP
And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, but for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard.
I was pondering over this passage of Scripture last night when the Lord revealed it to me. I've read commentary regarding this verse--trying to justify the selection of God--that has never sat well with me. The commentary directly under this passage in my Bible, in fact, argues that Cain's offering was not accepted because Cain offered the fruit of the ground, the same ground the Lord cursed. But there's nothing in Scripture that testifies to that. Not even in the next passage where God is speaking directly to Cain.
Genesis 4:5-7 AMP
So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.
Where did the Lord mention anything about the particulars of his offering? God's beef was with Cain; the reason for His rejection of his offering is spelled out in the next verse.
Genesis 4:8-9 AMP
And Cain said to his brother, Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. And the Lord said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?
Cain hated his brother, Abel. This was no fit Cain had, some act of passion born from a rejected offering. While there is nothing written (for us, that is) to chronicle the events of their brotherhood preceding this event, I believe--I'm convinced--there is an abundance of evidence in these few verses to show that Cain's hatred for his brother was there before the offering incident, and the Lord's judgment was based on--as it always is--the heart of the offerer. God did not accept Cain's offering because Cain had sin in his heart.
If you do well, will you not be accepted?
20110225
So I've been eating olive oil like something else, recently. I'm talking, on average, half a cup a day. That's 112 extra grams of fat per day. And I've been losing body fat. Haha. Yes, I've been exercising more intensely than usual, but I've lost more fat by eating more fat than when I didn't. Maybe I was actually deficient before.
"So why did you start eating more fat, Josh?" Well, I like the way the extra virgin olive oil changes the broth in my soup golden. There's also something very amusing about just dumping the bottle instead of cautiously tipping it. Also, I read somewhere (no, I don't remember exactly where at the moment) that eating fat helps prevent muscle catabolism. Yeap. No, I do not know how, but it sounds reasonable enough. The body will eat muscle if it has to. But I want to grow muscle. :P
So how has it worked so far? Well, so far it's only been a couple weeks. And while my measurements really haven't changed, I've become visibly more defined. The day is coming where I won't have to flex my abs to see that they're there. :)
So I've been eating olive oil like something else, recently. I'm talking, on average, half a cup a day. That's 112 extra grams of fat per day. And I've been losing body fat. Haha. Yes, I've been exercising more intensely than usual, but I've lost more fat by eating more fat than when I didn't. Maybe I was actually deficient before.
"So why did you start eating more fat, Josh?" Well, I like the way the extra virgin olive oil changes the broth in my soup golden. There's also something very amusing about just dumping the bottle instead of cautiously tipping it. Also, I read somewhere (no, I don't remember exactly where at the moment) that eating fat helps prevent muscle catabolism. Yeap. No, I do not know how, but it sounds reasonable enough. The body will eat muscle if it has to. But I want to grow muscle. :P
So how has it worked so far? Well, so far it's only been a couple weeks. And while my measurements really haven't changed, I've become visibly more defined. The day is coming where I won't have to flex my abs to see that they're there. :)
20110222
And having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13)
And having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13)
20110221
20091217 131528 Shermaine: so what are you up to?
20091217 131626 Joshua: Talking a girl out of dying...
Haha... Wow. I just read that in my Live Messenger message history and the matter-o-factness of it amused me.
20091217 131528 Shermaine: so what are you up to?
20091217 131626 Joshua: Talking a girl out of dying...
Haha... Wow. I just read that in my Live Messenger message history and the matter-o-factness of it amused me.
20110221
Jeremiah 5:25 AMP
Your iniquities have turned these blessings away, and your sins have kept good from you.
It is interesting to see iniquities and sins as not only ideally but externally disrupting the goodness of God, going before a person and physically resisting the good will of God for that life. It is as if a man comes by delivering a gift, but Iniquity, like a sentry, steps in front of him and says, "Sorry, but the person you're looking for does not live here anymore." And the deliverer goes away. And guess what, that guy actually personally invited Iniquity to be his doorman. And who's Iniquity to turn down a job? His reward is his work. If only we were that content with doing the will of God.
"Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work. (John 4:34 AMP)"
Jeremiah 5:25 AMP
Your iniquities have turned these blessings away, and your sins have kept good from you.
It is interesting to see iniquities and sins as not only ideally but externally disrupting the goodness of God, going before a person and physically resisting the good will of God for that life. It is as if a man comes by delivering a gift, but Iniquity, like a sentry, steps in front of him and says, "Sorry, but the person you're looking for does not live here anymore." And the deliverer goes away. And guess what, that guy actually personally invited Iniquity to be his doorman. And who's Iniquity to turn down a job? His reward is his work. If only we were that content with doing the will of God.
"Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work. (John 4:34 AMP)"
20110218
Never let the sense of failure corrupt your new action.
--"My Utmost for His Highest", February 18
Never let the sense of failure corrupt your new action.
--"My Utmost for His Highest", February 18
20110215
And this is what so many amateurs actually do. Faced by a serious enemy threat, they content themselves with finding a move which will parry the immediate danger, without considering whether that move will serve their plan, or actually make it impossible of execution. They forget in the stress of the fight that they too had a plan, and perhaps a thoroughly good and sound one, and throw away all their chances of carrying it out.
--Eugene Znosko-Borovsky, "How Not To Play Chess"
This book is so beautifully written it's nearly ridiculous; not the book itself, but the correlation to human life, the exact shortcomings we cause in the practical areas of our lives. We take our eyes off the goal--the prize--Christ--onto an immediate threat, forsaking the wealth that comes with Him. Unlike in chess, thankfully, gratefully, after repentance, the Lord often lets us go on with the blessing of humility, with the loss of pride instead of something necessary for life. Not always, though. But even if the latter is the case, at least we do have something to look forward to in eternity, even if we lose this game.
And this is what so many amateurs actually do. Faced by a serious enemy threat, they content themselves with finding a move which will parry the immediate danger, without considering whether that move will serve their plan, or actually make it impossible of execution. They forget in the stress of the fight that they too had a plan, and perhaps a thoroughly good and sound one, and throw away all their chances of carrying it out.
--Eugene Znosko-Borovsky, "How Not To Play Chess"
This book is so beautifully written it's nearly ridiculous; not the book itself, but the correlation to human life, the exact shortcomings we cause in the practical areas of our lives. We take our eyes off the goal--the prize--Christ--onto an immediate threat, forsaking the wealth that comes with Him. Unlike in chess, thankfully, gratefully, after repentance, the Lord often lets us go on with the blessing of humility, with the loss of pride instead of something necessary for life. Not always, though. But even if the latter is the case, at least we do have something to look forward to in eternity, even if we lose this game.
20110215
NAKED BEANS!
NAKED BEANS!
20110214
What must we infer from this? That many amateurs have never seen or heard of this trap? Probably most know it or have been shown it, but they have forgotten all about it, because they never made the principle underlying it their own, nor imagine that it could ever be brought off against them, never really understood it, and so failed to recognize it in another context.
--Eugene Znosko-Borovsky, "How Not To Play Chess"
If that isn't a word from God, then God doesn't speak. How many Christians live dilapidated, spiritually deficient lives! All because they are either ignorant in Scripture, or, when they read it, they count it as no more real than fiction--just pretty words in a pretty book. They fail to make the promises of God theirs, when they are theirs by right--by birth--REBIRTH--and they suffer accordingly, all the while not understanding why. It's because they won't understand; they choose not to. And the enemy loves that. To catch a person in the same trap time after time is never tiring; one never gets bored of it. He simply increases his boast, "Ha! Got you again!" And he's right. Praise the Lord.
The importance of a combination such as this had never been properly explained to them.
That's the following sentence, which carries an equally pertinent rebuke to preachers. The Lord said "make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19)", not "make converts". Indoctrination isn't enough--they must be made to understand--to understand the cost, to understand why Christ died, why He had to, how it was the only way. In that same vein, Christ is hardly taught apart from John 3:16; they think that's enough and move on to more "practical" sermons about tithing and healing--business and blessings--how to get what you want from God for only pennies a day. The Lord said the great commandment is, "You must love the Lord your God with all (Matthew 22:37)". Anybody who has ever actually loved rightly spits as such heartless sermons--they miss the point: Christ. These are things that we should already be picking up on in our own study, as the Spirit speaks with us, and not what's preached on Sunday. No sinner coming in will benefit from such things. A preacher must convict his hearers, and the only thing that does that is Christ.
What must we infer from this? That many amateurs have never seen or heard of this trap? Probably most know it or have been shown it, but they have forgotten all about it, because they never made the principle underlying it their own, nor imagine that it could ever be brought off against them, never really understood it, and so failed to recognize it in another context.
--Eugene Znosko-Borovsky, "How Not To Play Chess"
If that isn't a word from God, then God doesn't speak. How many Christians live dilapidated, spiritually deficient lives! All because they are either ignorant in Scripture, or, when they read it, they count it as no more real than fiction--just pretty words in a pretty book. They fail to make the promises of God theirs, when they are theirs by right--by birth--REBIRTH--and they suffer accordingly, all the while not understanding why. It's because they won't understand; they choose not to. And the enemy loves that. To catch a person in the same trap time after time is never tiring; one never gets bored of it. He simply increases his boast, "Ha! Got you again!" And he's right. Praise the Lord.
The importance of a combination such as this had never been properly explained to them.
That's the following sentence, which carries an equally pertinent rebuke to preachers. The Lord said "make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19)", not "make converts". Indoctrination isn't enough--they must be made to understand--to understand the cost, to understand why Christ died, why He had to, how it was the only way. In that same vein, Christ is hardly taught apart from John 3:16; they think that's enough and move on to more "practical" sermons about tithing and healing--business and blessings--how to get what you want from God for only pennies a day. The Lord said the great commandment is, "You must love the Lord your God with all (Matthew 22:37)". Anybody who has ever actually loved rightly spits as such heartless sermons--they miss the point: Christ. These are things that we should already be picking up on in our own study, as the Spirit speaks with us, and not what's preached on Sunday. No sinner coming in will benefit from such things. A preacher must convict his hearers, and the only thing that does that is Christ.
20110208
What's that? That, my friend, is a peanut butter brownie sandwich. What's carbs got to do, got to do with it?
What's that? That, my friend, is a peanut butter brownie sandwich. What's carbs got to do, got to do with it?
20110203
Old Dan Tucker was a mighty man.
Washed his face in a frying pan.
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel.
Had a toothache in his heel.
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker.
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker.
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker.
You're too late to get your supper.
Probably my favorite song (at least, the most memorable) from my elementary school music sessions with Mrs. Jackson. Yes, I did grow up a Missouri hillbilly.
Old Dan Tucker was a mighty man.
Washed his face in a frying pan.
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel.
Had a toothache in his heel.
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker.
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker.
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker.
You're too late to get your supper.
Probably my favorite song (at least, the most memorable) from my elementary school music sessions with Mrs. Jackson. Yes, I did grow up a Missouri hillbilly.
20110121
Beans just aren't beans without tails, anymore. :)
Beans just aren't beans without tails, anymore. :)
20110117
A few pictures from Christmas in Gainesville. The Lord bless Matthew, Carol, and Norman, my family. My friends.
A few pictures from Christmas in Gainesville. The Lord bless Matthew, Carol, and Norman, my family. My friends.
20110109
My aunt Kathy gave me a book for Christmas, "Six Hours One Friday" by Max Lucado, 1989. Max is a pretty good author and I haven't read this one before. Some of the quotes are particularly keen:
"Failure invites finger-pointing and buck-passing. A person may be out of money, out of a job, and out of friends, but he is never out of people to blame."
My aunt Kathy gave me a book for Christmas, "Six Hours One Friday" by Max Lucado, 1989. Max is a pretty good author and I haven't read this one before. Some of the quotes are particularly keen:
"Failure invites finger-pointing and buck-passing. A person may be out of money, out of a job, and out of friends, but he is never out of people to blame."
20110105
Oh yeah, I also want to mention a site with quality sling information on it that I utilized: Timothy Potter's Seek Ye. Come to find out, he's also a brother, and that incited my joy. It's always a joyous ocassion when I find intelligent information on the web (or anywhere) given and maintained by a Christian. The Lord bless you, Tim.
Oh yeah, I also want to mention a site with quality sling information on it that I utilized: Timothy Potter's Seek Ye. Come to find out, he's also a brother, and that incited my joy. It's always a joyous ocassion when I find intelligent information on the web (or anywhere) given and maintained by a Christian. The Lord bless you, Tim.
20110101
My fourth sling--made from mason line (#18). Pouch woven continuously.
pouch: 1 1/8" by 4 1/4", twelve (plus six) strands plus one for the warp
working length: 55", twelve strands
I intended to flat braid the pouch instead of warping an extra thread through there, but if I had done that, the pouch wouldn't have been wide enough for my liking. So I added a loop of six more strands onto the sling at the pouch and warped as usual. My prettiest sling yet and just the right length. The orange marks were there as a visual where to start and stop the pouch--not pretty, but I'm glad I did it. Frankly, I'm a little tired of making them, though. Learnt a good deal about braiding and knots from it, though. :)
My fourth sling--made from mason line (#18). Pouch woven continuously.pouch: 1 1/8" by 4 1/4", twelve (plus six) strands plus one for the warp
working length: 55", twelve strands
I intended to flat braid the pouch instead of warping an extra thread through there, but if I had done that, the pouch wouldn't have been wide enough for my liking. So I added a loop of six more strands onto the sling at the pouch and warped as usual. My prettiest sling yet and just the right length. The orange marks were there as a visual where to start and stop the pouch--not pretty, but I'm glad I did it. Frankly, I'm a little tired of making them, though. Learnt a good deal about braiding and knots from it, though. :)
20110101
New year, new page. I never imagined I'd be in South Carolina this long. Good Lord, Your will be done.
New year, new page. I never imagined I'd be in South Carolina this long. Good Lord, Your will be done.
©2005-2011 Joshua Wright