Here’s a new song I wrote after talking with God and trying to figure out the whole Christian walk. The song is based off of First John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him…“. The song isn’t finalized, but I wanted to share a little of what I’ve been learning and trying to figure out. The lyrics are below as well. To God be the glory.
These are a few short videos from our trip to Dani’s dad’s house in Colorado. We had a great time there, and drove up there with Amy and Luke, Dani’s sister and brother-in-law.
For Christmas I asked my wife, Dani, to get me the book In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. A few men at my church have read it, and it’s been an integral part of where they are today. I also picked up a copy of No Compromise, The Life Story of Keith Green from my dad. It was on the dining room table at the fam’s house and I started reading. I wasn’t able to put either book down.
Both of these books talk about people who are radical about what they believe and how they live their lives. It’s inspiring, motivational, convicting, and scary. In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day talks about how some of the most inspiring people in history are the most daring, the ones who take risks. This book embodies the idea that without risk there is no gain. I think the book takes it one step further and says that if you don’t take risks there are negative repercussions. No Compromise talks about Keith Green’s journey to find truth and meaning. It’s a passionate life story of a passionate man. The book talks about ideas that are radical even to today’s standards of what being a Christian means. If you read this book looking for answers, you won’t come away the same. You might even leave with more questions than answers.
I think that part of what Dani and I are called to do is to help others understand why we are doing what we are doing. I want others, both Christians and non-Christians, to come to share our passion and desire to see people believe in the One who is greater than themselves.
One of the things that Dani and I have been learning about is the idea that, as Christians, our involvement and relationships with other people go beyond pleasing ourselves. They go beyond staying in the city where our parents live. They go beyond the college where we graduated. They go beyond a two-week mission trip. We are not to be self-pleasing, self-aggrandizing, self-fulfilling. Our love for Jesus should be reflected in how we love our neighbor, not ourselves. (matthew 25:40-46, 1 john 2:3-6)
So today was pretty crazy. Dani woke up to a giant knock on the door! I answered the door and was reminded by a friend from the worship team at church that I was late. Our alarm hadn’t gone off. I was supposed to be at church at 7:30 am. He knocked at our door at 8. So needless to say, I was pretty frantic while getting a shower, clothes, my bass and heading to the church.
This Sunday was also the day that Dani and I were supposed to talk before our home church about what we will be doing in Germany. So we needed to get up. I was very happy that they sent someone to wake us up, but was also pretty upset at myself—ugh.
This is a song I received after God overwhelmed me with His love. I was lead to read John 1:11-14. It talks about how God welcomes all those who believe in His name into His family. And that we, of our own flesh, cannot enter in any other way.
This is the last post about my decision for going to Germany, and the process that I went through. I’m sure there is alot more I could talk about, but these few posts were simply a way for me to share with you my journey. There will definitely be more about what Dani and I are both going through.
I think this next step in my journey was pretty important, and still is. I am probably going to struggle with feelings of not being the provider for my family. I know I’m supposed to trust God, but I’ve been trying to be the provider for so long now, it’s how I think.
So, I’m praying that God helps me to see that He is big (Proverbs 30) and that my eyes are opened to the flawed pursuit of stability in wealth.
Israel's TweetsGot home around 2:00 this morning and woke up around 8:45 for another appeal. So we are pretty tired, and in need of coffee!
Drinking coffee at Cafè Brazil in McKinney. So needed some. Not much sleep last night.
Our Third Newsletter - We're at 50%! - http://eepurl.com/kbY1
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@Bhirschy hurray for visas!!!
Dani's TweetsSupport update. http://tinyurl.com/ntoean
Sometimes I try so hard to stay awake when I should really just go to bed.
It's been a really good week. I'm so thankful for that.
Another post on the blog. http://tinyurl.com/ntoean
Just finished up part two of the support post. http://tinyurl.com/ntoean
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I think we’ll have a new camera soon to make it easier to take quick pics.
