Category: Culture

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“Who do you say that I AM?”

Originally Posted: Monday, March 06, 2006
Mood: lyrical
Now Playing: Other people talking
Topic: the character of God

Currently Reading
CUCKOO’S EGG
By Clifford Stoll
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OK. I’m going to do this thing….I’m finally going to post. Wow, three months is a long time. A lot happens within that time. I can’t fill in everything. I guess this’ll be like starting over. It is time to start over. Hmmm…I like that. Starting over. Much like Jesus lets us do. I like that He covers and gives second chances and lets us start over. I need that. I know that I’m not the only one. Continue reading ““Who do you say that I AM?””

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Hearing God’s Voice

Originally Posted: Thursday, December 08, 2005
Mood:  quizzical
Now Reading: Clowning in Rome
Topic: the character of God

Currently Listening
Lay It Down
By Jennifer Knapp
7. You Remain
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I knew it. Why am I listening this? I know that it tears me apart every time I hear it. Tears. I love Jesus, but sometimes the lies and feelings that we have seem so real. Real enough that even sometimes the lies seem strong enough to win against the truth that I must acknowledge. Continue reading “Hearing God’s Voice”

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Night and Day

Originally Posted:Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Reading: Clowning in Rome
Topic: Living in the Epic Story


Currently Listening
Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture
By Original Soundtrack
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Well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. I think I can start posting more now. I think that I can break the silence.

I guess I should start with what God is doing in my life. The only way to do this adequately is to draw back. About two weeks ago I wrote this. For those who don’t know, I got away. I went and stayed in the middle of the woods, alone, for two nights. I needed adventure and could sense it. I needed to get away and wrestle with God on some stuff, and that seemed the remedy for it. That seemed where I could meet Him. It was good. Continue reading “Night and Day”

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Antioch Belton – Beatitudes – Matthew 5:5-8

See My Powerpoint Notes For This Talk Here

  1. The big idea of this passage is that Jesus inverts our world. He pushes against everything else we would trust in so that we will trust in Him. Are you trusting Jesus? How are you trusting Jesus? This leads to your greatest joy, your greatest happiness.
  2. Matthew 5:5-8
  3. Matthew 5:5
    1. Meekness Defined
      1. The biblical greek word for meek is different from the common English. When we think of meek, we think of those who are timid. That’s not a good picture. The better picture is that of a bridled horse, or a commanding military officer sparing a prisoner. Power under control. Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God’s strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness.
      2. http://biblesuite.com/greek/4239.htm
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    2. Psalm 37:7-13
      1. Our Inheritance Comes From Him
    3. Romans 4:13
      1. Trust Him
    4. Luke 1:46-55
      1. Mary Sang a Song of Trust
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  4. Matthew 5:6
    1. Hunger
      1. This same word for hungry is used in Matthew 4:2 after Jesus was done fasting. He knew what this meant.
    2. 1 Peter 2:2-3
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  5. Matthew 5:7
    1. Mercy
    2. If we’re not merciful:
      1. at best, it speaks to a lack of revelation
      2. at worst, it speaks to a lack of relationship with God
        1. Matthew 6:14-15
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  6. Matthew 5:8
    1. New Heart
      1. Ezekiel 36:24-26
    2. A Gift for You
      1. Ephesians 1:13-14
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    3. You’re a New Creation
      1. 2 Corinthians 5:14-20
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    4. All God’s Wrath Was Poured Out
      1. Romans 8:1-4
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Inner Workings

Originally Posted: Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Mood: not sure
Now Playing: Jars of Clary: Redemption Songs
Topic: Living in the Epic Story


Currently Reading
Ragman – reissue : And Other Cries of Faith (Wangerin, Walter)
By Walter Wangerin
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Hmmm…so it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Little over a month. How do I do it? Awkward moments have happened. Mainly, I had a man randomly walk up to me while in Walmart and speak Klingon while trying to let me know that Krystals’ mini hamburgers are good. Also, I have convinced a friend that she is awkward but in a good way. I like you, internal dialogs at Starbucks are funny and weird. Continue reading “Inner Workings”

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Identity and Solitude


Originally Posted: Friday, September 30, 2005
Mood: not sure
Now Reading: Henry Nouwen: The Way of the Heart
Topic: The Romance of God


Currently Listening
Upbeats & Beatdowns
By Five Iron Frenzy
14: A Flowery Song
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Well, it’s been a week since I’ve posted. Interesting days. Cold front has come through. It’s nice to have actual fall weather for once. New things that I’ve been learning. Conviction that God is bringing. I hate that I’m not good. I love the grace that Jesus gives me. Been learning of solitude. It’s good. I’m convicted. Change that I need. Continue reading “Identity and Solitude”

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Looking into His eyes

Originally Posted:Thursday, September 22, 2005
Mood:  not sure
Now Playing: Glorious: Revelation Song
Topic: martyrdom and adventure

Currently Reading
The Way of the Heart : Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry
By Henri J. M. Nouwen
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Ok, so here goes. I don’t know. I’ve been sick the last few days. Now I’m better. My voice is back. Silence is good. I have a friend who just started speaking again. He took a vow of silence for a week. I’m very proud of him for sticking with it. Time seems endless now. Things seem…mundane. Yeah, that’s a good word…mundane. Mundane is OK. Continue reading “Looking into His eyes”

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We Are Not Owed

It’s time for a guest post!! Here’s one from Jonathan Jones. Jonathan is a Doctoral student, Worship Leader, and student of the grace of God. When he’s not being a musical genius, you can probably find him working, teaching on grace, or being that guy playing guitar on campus. Point being, he’s cool AND smart. That’s a 1-2 punch combo folks. You can check out the blog he writes at http://jonathanmichaeljonesblog.blogspot.com/ or follow him on Twitter @j_mjones

I was recently in the context of a corporate worship service where the people prayed for healing of a man with cancer. It is clear from scripture that we should do this. Nevertheless, although God is perfectly capable of healing someone of sickness, we are not owed that. Continue reading “We Are Not Owed”