Via Terra

Thirst

2011-07-20T16:34:00.005-04:00

This is one that my Dad and I co-wrote. It was a joy to collaborate with him and my mom on the new album.

Your love is water for my soul

When I thirst I call Your name

By Your Spirit You pour out

the purest love I've ever known

When I think about Your goodness, oh God

my mind reflects on Your mercy

When I see part of Your greatness, oh Lord

I stand in awe of Your sovereignty

In a dry and weary land

where there is no water

my flesh faints for You
my soul thirsts for You

This I Know

2011-07-20T16:30:00.004-04:00

I wrote this song back in 2009, which makes it one of the oldest on the album.

I remember February

winter was warm

hearts were cold

September came

it began to rain

and the pain that was new grew old

Your face shines through the snow

this I know, this I know

Your love finds me in sorrow

this I know, this I know

In my search for happiness
I buried You beneath my guilt

No grave could hold

the wondrous Lord

though Your blood was spilled

Christ came Your love to show

this I know, this I know

Your grace on me will flow

this I know, this I know

Oh what a beautiful day this has become

Incredible

2011-04-24T21:55:00.012-04:00

Click to listen to the new song @ Facebook

Waking up in the morning with you on my mind /

is like swimming in an ocean of dreams and time /

stands still for just a moment and then your gone /

broken glass on the floor /

the picture frame and you remain /

Incredible /

Unchangeable /

All the times we shared are pictures in my head /

some are shattered but I can't sweep them up just yet /

maybe one day we can piece them back one by one /

All I know is I need a savior /

who can wash my eyes before /

I can see you clearly /

Jesus you are /

Incredible /

Unchangeable

Poetry: Deep or Shallow?

2011-02-15T15:39:00.006-05:00

Often, I write in prose form. It started, I think, with a love for music and a desire to write songs of my own. Ironically, very few of my poems become songs. When writing a song, I usually start strumming a chord progression on the guitar, then add the lyrics later. Most of the songs I write are praise songs to Jesus. When writing poetry, though, I start with a blank sheet of paper and think of words, phrases, and ideas that go well together – hopefully sticking to a common theme. Those themes are generally more about relationships, people, joy and sorrow. They are not always void of specific references to God by name, but if I write a poem about a girl, you might not see Jesus' name in it; I hope that the message would still point to his good, holy, just and redeeming characteristics.

So, is poetry deep or shallow? Or, at times, both, or neither? If the same message can be expressed in fewer words, is the shorter version better? If, in an attempt to shorten a message for the sake of time, style, or attention, one omits a vital piece of the message, then the shorter version is certainly worse, if not counteractive. On the other hand, not all poetry simply shortens a broader idea either. Often times, the art form takes on a simple theme, or even just a single word, and, through descriptive terms and alternative angles, portrays that message in a new, perhaps exciting, and hopefully accurate way. I think the Psalms of the Bible provide great examples of poetry both rightly and expressively shortening aspects of God and his glory (see Psalm 100), and descriptively and accurately lengthening our ideas about his love, mercy, wrath, and the relationship between God and man (see Psalm 104).

But I still do not think I have adequately answered the question. Short does not necessarily mean shallow; long does not mean deep. It will be difficult to take on poetry as a whole. It would be similar to taking on painting as an art form to determine whether expressionism is genuine enough, or the classics are expressive enough. Or music – is Rock & Roll too simple? Is Jazz too complicated? I am reluctant to answer the question with “it depends”, but I think it is inevitable. One cannot simply state that most poetry is too shallow or too deep. I could say that most of what I have read is shallow, if it were true. I could say that most of what I have written was intended to be deep, but I would assume that most poets would say the same about their work. If one starts out with the goal of writing shallow, thoughtless poetry, then their audience will most likely be described in the same way. Sometimes, poetry can even seem simple at first, but the reader might interpret something much deeper. The individual experiences of each reader, or hearer, bears much weight on the depth of the message. If I write “She wore a white dress / Her blue eyes gave way to her blue heart”, a third-grader might simply see a bride on her wedding day, but a divorcee on her would-be anniversary might also see a woman who was filled with sorrow and apprehension. Some might say that that is reading too much into it. I will leave it open to interpretation.

She Wears White

2011-02-15T15:33:00.004-05:00

Awakened by the sound of knocking.

I open the door.

There she stands.

If she is real, I am still dreaming.

If she is alive, I must wake up.

Her hair floats in the night sky.

Her eyes put the moon to shame.

Her soft skin, like the horizon, flees my touch.

She wears white.

She never says a thing.

Silence will wake me up again.

She wears white.

I pray for peace.

She wears white.

But does she know what it means?

A New Creation

2011-01-30T02:15:00.006-05:00

I am a tainted portrait.

I am a weary prose.

I am a broken invention.

I am a decaying sculpture.

I am a fading image.

I am a waning symphony.

But,

“...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV)

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 ESV)

The Guy with the Guitar (a short, short-story)

2011-01-26T13:53:00.002-05:00

Strumming one last chord on his guitar, the old man on the street tossed the hole-adorned instrument over his shoulder and lethargically began to walk toward the train station. He had not yet noticed the shivering, young shadow behind him. He stumbled to one side, avoiding a collision between his knee and the young man's chin. He felt sorry for the kid, bound to a wheelchair and obviously freezing, but what could he do? Life on the street was hard, and the thinning down jacket he had been wearing for the last three winters was not enough to keep even himself from shivering most nights. This man, young as he was, had to understand; he could not part with his jacket. The old man mumbled a careless apology and trudged on, ignoring whatever it was that the young man was saying. The old man walked almost two blocks before realizing that he had left his favorite harmonica on the window sill where he performed that day. He turned and began to briskly walk back. He was annoyed when two women walked up to him and began to talk to him. He told them he did not have time and began to walk faster. They followed. When they arrived at the window sill, the harmonica was gone. The old man almost put his fist through the window. The older woman, continuing in her kind, soft voice, offered the old man the jacket she was holding. It was a brand new, thick, wool overcoat. He wondered why she had not given it to the young man who had been sitting there, cold, without a coat. She responded that the man, after trying on the coat, declined their gift and pointed them down the road to an older gentleman who seemed to be very cold. The old man complained and called it a trick. He began to rage about the young man who had obviously stolen his precious harmonica. When he asked the woman why she was giving away jackets, she responded by pointing to the church on the corner. He knew what was coming next, but he let her finish her pitch. Later that night the man rolled over and felt something stick him in the side. He reached into his new coat pocket and pulled out a small Bible. He assumed one of the women placed it there. Then, inside the Bible he found a short note. It read:

Dear Sir,

I have been listening to you play guitar and sing for weeks now.

Most days I have to be at work before you are finished. I really

enjoy your music. I want you to have this Bible. I have learned

so much from reading it. I hope you will too. I hope to talk to

you more about it soon. You may have heard about Jesus, but

you have not yet heard what he has done in my life. Looking

forward to hearing you play again soon.

Sincerely,

Caleb (a.k.a. "the guy in the wheelchair")

P.S. - I put your harmonica in the inside pocket.

I made sure the ladies knew to give this jacket

to the guy with the guitar.

What Can Be Known?

2010-12-29T14:27:00.008-05:00

What can be known of truth but that which has been tested?

What can be known of God but that which has been revealed?

What can be known of love but that which has been rendered?

What can be known of heartache but that which has been endured?

What can be known of grace but that which has been received?

What can be received but that which has first been given?

"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

(Romans 3:21-26 ESV)

What are you praying for?

2010-07-13T13:58:00.002-04:00

"What are you praying for that does not make sense - that you will be ridiculed by man - but biblically, in faith, you are praying. It's how you cultivate faith." Adam Thomason

Something God has been reminding me of lately comes from Matthew 7, verses 3 through 5. I have been praying for God to convict others of sin in their life. Of course, I knew beforehand that I would be a major hypocrite if, first, I didn't pray that God would convict me of my own sin. The problem is, I wasn't paying much attention. Sure, I prayed for God to convict me of sin in my life, but before I spent any time listening, I moved quickly into prayers for God to convict someone else. It didn't take long for me to not only forget about my own convictions (and in many cases, go right back to sinning), but to stop praying for those others as well.

Some of you may be wondering how I could have the nerve to pray for God to convict others at all. Shouldn't I be solely concerned with my own screw-ups, and let everyone else do as they do? Let me start by saying that I believe Christians are encouraged - even commanded - to pray for fellow Christians, which includes praying for the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin - that we would seek forgiveness and repent as we are continually sanctified.
(2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Galatians 5:16-25; James 5:13-16).

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that."
(1 John 5:14-16 ESV)

Furthermore, I believe it is also an act of obedience to God for me to pray for the Holy Spirit to convict those who have not yet put their faith in Christ.
(John 16:7-11)

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people...This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
(1 Timothy 2:1-6 ESV)

George Müller explains, far better than I can, the importance of persevering in prayer:

"The great point is to never give up until the answer comes. I have been praying every day for fifty-two years for two men, sons of a friend of my youth. They are not converted yet, but they will be! How can it be otherwise? There is the unchanging promise of Jehovah, and on that I rest. The great fault of the children of God is that they do not continue in prayer; they do not go on praying; they do not persevere. If they desire anything of God's glory, they should pray until they get it."

On a side note (and somewhat unrelated), more from George Müller:

"Now in brotherly love and affection I would give a few hints to my younger fellow-believers as to the way in which to keep up spiritual enjoyment. It is absolutely needful in order that happiness in the Lord may continue, that the Scriptures be regularly read. These are God's appointed means for the nourishment of the inner man....Consider it, and ponder over it.... Especially we should read regularly through the Scriptures, consecutively, and not pick out here and there a chapter. If we do, we remain spiritual dwarfs. I tell you so affectionately. For the first four years after my conversion I made no progress, because I neglected the Bible. But when I regularly read on through the whole with reference to my own heart and soul, I directly made progress. Then my peace and joy continued more and more. Now I have been doing this for 47 years. I have read through the whole Bible about 100 times and I always find it fresh when I begin again. Thus my peace and joy have increased more and more."

Unless You Knew Her

2010-07-11T12:41:00.002-04:00

Winter subdues her happiness

The warm sun is temporary

Merely a drug - August Euphoria

Unless you knew her

Saw her face shine

Unless you knew her name

Unless you bore her pain

April: An eternity away

Who's embrace will warm her soul?

Passion fades with the dawn

Hunger, thirst, discontent

The woman at the well

Everyone knew her name

But knew not of her pain

A compassionate stranger

gave her living water

Keep Your Light On Me

2010-07-07T02:45:00.004-04:00

Waiting for a new day to begin

Don't know what to look for

Darkness precedes the dawn

Led by the sound of Your voice

I'm just not that good 'a listener

You would scream if it would help

Keep whispering

Train my ear to hear Your call

Why do I run to the sound of destruction?

Your directions point to life

The Liar shows me shortcuts leading to death

Keep Your light on me

Ignite Your Spirit in me

Jesus, the way, the truth and the life

James 1:5-8

2010-03-31T00:20:00.005-04:00

(v.5) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Now for that small, yet very significant word "but"...

(vs. 6-8) "BUT let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

I have either overlooked or ignored verses 6-8 in the past. I certainly never applied them to my prayer life in any significant way. I am not sure if I even know what it means to "ask in faith, with no doubting." God has helped me a ton over the past several months to trust Him more, but NO doubting? Not even a little bit? That's hard for me.

Almighty God, help me to trust You, fully.

(see also Matthew 7:7-11)

Feeble. An attempt.

2010-03-24T01:51:00.018-04:00

An attempt to say /
what I could not say /
My mouth left dry /
eyes crying in fear /

Melancholy but not empty /

not completely empty /

A door stands atop a mountain /
floating on a grief colored sea /

Behind it, my soul hides /

At the bottom of the evening sky /

you and I became day and night /

A wall blocks the door /

The door is locked /

The lock is on fire /

Your passion melts the key /

My hands are made of dead leaves /

that have fallen from a tree /

My heart reaches for a hammer /

to knock down the damned wall /

Despair for joy /
Grace replaces /
Jesus knocks down walls.

Just a Reminder

2010-03-05T11:50:00.007-05:00

"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you - unless you believed in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Why did the Corinthians need to be reminded of the gospel that Paul preached to them? We're talking about The Apostle Paul here! He preached to them the good news of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Were they not fully convinced? How much time had past, I wonder, between the time he first preached to them, and the writing of this letter? In some ways, though, the length of time doesn't matter; even if it were only a matter of days, I would be equally as guilty as the Corinthians. It amazes me how quickly I forget God's grace and salvation.

I'm not alone in my roller-coaster-like faith...

Even a man as close to God as King David had his ups and downs. In Psalm 21, David writes: "O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults! You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips." Then, one chapter later, in Psalm 22, he writes: "My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?"

Fear, doubt and despondency...

These are not to be taken lightly. Satan wants us to be consumed with ourselves, with our feelings and emotions. I'm not saying it is a sin to feel pain or sorrow, but we cannot allow those feelings to lead to despair and disbelief. We have to keep going!

Ephesians 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and inthe strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore...(check out the armor of God!)

...and read Hebrews 12

We are not expected to go alone...

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly inChrist’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as youshare in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you."

John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

John 16:32-33 "Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Luther & Driscoll put it far better than I can...

2010-02-11T09:17:00.005-05:00

"Ask and examine your heart diligently, and you will find whether it cleaves to God alone or not. If you have a heart that can expect of Him nothing but what is good, especially in want and distress, and that, moreover renounces and forsakes everything that is not God, then you have the only true God. If on the contrary, it cleaves to anything else, of which it expects more good and help than of God, and does not take refuge in Him, but in adversity flees from Him, then you have an idol, another god." - Martin Luther

Mark Driscoll on worship:
http://theresurgence.com/worship_spiritual_disciplines

Without getting into every single thing that I worship on a daily basis, I will say this: It is a struggle for me to keep God first in my life. I don't think I am going out on a limb by saying that, as the greatest of Christian men and women, past and present, fully admit that they struggle as well. So, why is it so hard to talk about? We are all in a constant battle against the devil, temptation, and sin, but why does it seem as though pride is that one sin that keeps us furthest from God? I say "seems" because all sin keeps us infinitely apart from God, but pride, I think, in some ways, is like a gateway drug. If pride wins, and I begin to worship myself, then all the other sinful, temporary pleasures of this world will inevitably follow. I am so thankful that God is a just, good and sovereign God; He is the God of all grace who cares for us and wants us to humbly come to Him in repentance of our sins. Then, Jesus, in all His glory, washes our sins away and makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God.

The following verses have been, without question, my favorite and the most helpful to me over the past several months.

"⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ⁸Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:6-11

Right Fear

2010-02-02T17:39:00.008-05:00

from Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan

"True or right fear is discovered by three things:

1. By it's rise - it is caused by saving convictions for sin.

2. It driveth the soul to lay fast hold of Christ for salvation.

3. It begetteth and continueth in the soul a great reverence of God, his word and ways, keeping it tender and making it afraid to turn from them to the right hand or to the left, to anything that may dishonor God, break it's peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the enenmy to speak reproachfully."

Job 28:28

Psalms 111:10

Proverbs 1:7; 9:10

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mazakar/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Bright Side (Praise, Praise, Praise)

2010-01-24T17:07:00.009-05:00

I've seen the bright side of night /

I've seen the dark side of day /

Prayers lead to tears lead to prayers /

I've heard a baby's laugh /

I've heard a mother's cry /

Prayers lead to tears lead to prayers /

I've raised my hands to grace /

I've bowed my head to justice /

Praise leads to joy leads to praise /

Your joy becomes mine /

I will sing Your praise /

Your grace on me shines /

I'm singing praise, praise, praise!

I'm singing Jesus' praise!

More or Less

2009-12-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

We are moral-less /
No more, no less /
so says the scientist /
about our humanness /
But what if God created us? /
Would our sins, by Him, be blessed?

Untitled

2009-12-24T11:00:00.001-05:00

The cage is warm to the calloused soul /
Lust is sweet to the bitter eye /
With delusive smiles she does intrigue /
holding captive the heart of man /

Brothers, where are your sisters? /
Look at their pictures /
Remember the innocent daughters /
Hold on to what they taught us /

Love shares not it's bed with hate /
Shame clenches tight upon men's lips /
The very bodies that are on display /
are the sisters and daughters Christ came to save.

Abrasive, or A Gift

2009-12-18T16:10:00.008-05:00

Choking on /
abrasive cries /
A face to help /
words or thoughts /

Kindly gifts /
worthless aid /
Time for bed /
Time her pain /

You go /
so I don't have to.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbyfleur/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Tears

2009-12-01T08:44:00.009-05:00

You are not alone in your tears...

Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.

God sees your tears...

Psalm 56:8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?

We are called to cry with each other...

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Don't let your tears turn into anxiety...

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

...or self-pity...

Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.

Face trials with joy?

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Jesus Christ suffered, cried, died, and conquered...

Hebrews 2:14-18 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that He helps, but He helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

I cannot think of a better way to encourage a brother or sister in Christ than to show them the following verses:

2 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Praise God for His word!

a poem: Sinful

2009-10-06T10:13:00.013-04:00

My right arm ripped away /
perverted am I to long for its return /
when in the absence of it /
my soul has been reborn.

check out Matthew 5:29-30, and, if you have time, Romans 6

Reflection Heavenly

2009-09-10T15:35:00.000-04:00

My reflection heavenly? /
May this life not be in vain /
What image will my soul unveil /
Let Your grace shine, though I fail /

How to display Your wonder /
What do I have to offer? /
Always falling short of holy /
Oh, Lord, I am not worthy /

Let not the trees dance better /
A bird's song bring more delight /
What can I give my mighty Lord? /
My life, my God, You restored /

Let my words magnify /
Let my thoughts edify /
Jesus Christ stands before me /
Let my praise be for Your glory

2009-09-10T07:42:00.003-04:00

Jonathan Edwards said one of the most convicting things I have ever heard when he said the following:

“Our external delights, our earthly pleasures, our ambition and our reputation, our human relationships, for all of these things, our desires are eager, our appetites strong, our love, warm and affectionate. When it comes to these things our hearts are tender and sensitive, deeply impressed, easily moved, much concern and greatly engaged. We are depressed at our losses and we are excited and joyful about any worldly success or prosperity. But when it comes to spiritual matters, how dull we feel. How heavy and hard our hearts. We can sit and hear of the infinite length and height and breadth and love of God in Christ Jesus, of His giving of His infinitely dear Son, and yet sit there cold and unmoved. If we are going to be excited about anything, shouldn’t it be our spiritual lives? Is there anything more inspiring, more exciting, more lovable and desirable in heaven or on earth than the Gospel of Jesus Christ? We should be utterly humbled that we are not more emotionally affected than we are in the church.”

Thanks to Pastor David Platt from The Church at Brook Hills for pointing me in the right direction.

Today, I neglected to...

2009-09-03T09:07:00.005-04:00

...eat breakfast;
study for that test.

...get to work on time;
smile at the kid in line.

...drink plenty of water;
write to my great-grandmother's daughter.

...forgive whomever hit my car;
comfort the drunk at the bar.

...read the Bible;
care for my rival.

...call my brother;
hold the child with no mother.

...knock on my neighbor's door;
clothe the poor.

...kiss my nieces on the cheek;
encourage the guy they call "freak".

...feed the homeless man;
give my friend a hand.

...bring the lonely widow dinner;
fix my coworker's busted printer.

...pray for my sister;
tell my mom I missed her.

...admit I was to blame;
thank God for the rain.

...tell the world that Jesus lives,
and, also, that He forgives.

Tomorrow, God, I pray that You will help me to...

Where Are You?

2009-08-20T08:30:00.003-04:00

Have you ever called out for someone only to realize that they were standing right behind you? That's how I felt today when I yelled out to God for not "being there" for me when I needed Him. He said, "I'm right here!" I felt pretty foolish. I know He is always with me. So, what's the problem? Why is it that I don't "feel" God's presence sometimes when things aren't going great? Is it me? Or, is God trying to teach me something? I know not to expect everything to be easy. I know to rely on God during trials. I guess knowing those things and putting them into practice are two different things. Thankfully, God is much more patient than I am!

God, I pray that You will help me to pray. When the hour, day, or week is tough, give me peace that passes all understanding, that I might bring glory to Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:7-11
⁷But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. ⁸We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Comfort My Soul

2009-08-13T22:28:00.000-04:00

If the night ends / and joy's still gone /
have I waited in vain / or was I just wrong /
If morning comes / still full of tears /
have I cried out in vain / Lord, did You not hear /

Oh! My God! / forgive my doubt /
I need You Lord / please hear me now /
Oh, my God / uplift my soul /
Loving Father please hold me now /

When the night ends / joy fills my soul /
For I called out Your name / and You made me whole /
Morning is here / a brand new day /
I will lift up this song / Your name I will praise /

Jesus - Glorious!
Father - God of All!
Spirit - Faithful One!
My King I adore Your name

(You) Fade to Blue

2009-06-27T11:54:00.010-04:00

Sleep comes / the moon falls /
Now I fly to her /
Night sky / fades to blue /
Now I fly to her /

She answers the door /
wearing sleepless nights on her face /
She falls in my arms /
I fall out of sleep; into space /

I hear her soft song /
a lament for my longing heart /
I cannot touch her /
Now I wake and we drift apart /

I dream of angels /
I dream of you /
I dream of our home /
and fade to blue /

You fade to blue /
Tonight, tonight /
I'll fade to you

Another Song of Redemption

2009-06-21T14:05:00.003-04:00

This is another song of redemption /
I fall to my knees in adoration /
What can I say to lift You up /
My words are never enough /

Lord help me to be stronger /
I cannot go on any longer /
I will praise You every day /
just don't know how to get through today /
When everything seems so wrong /
I hear You say that I still belong /

I will fall at Your feet /
It's You Lord that I seek /
And when I feel too weak /
You hold me to Your cheek /
and say I love you, My child

Look

2009-06-01T17:21:00.006-04:00

I look to the wind / it blows me down /
I look to the sky / it burns my eyes /
I look to the sea / it washes over me /
I look to the cross / now I'm no longer lost /

I was dying / You heard me crying /
You died for me / and now I can see /

You look down on me from /
Your throne up in Heaven /
You walk next to me /
You say I'm not alone /
in this crazy world /
that for now I call home /

O Lord, I lift my soul to You /
God, I trust in You /
Teach me Lord, all of Your ways /
For You are the God of salvation /
On You I will wait all the day

$oul

2009-06-01T17:04:00.003-04:00

You look familiar / Do I know you? /
I thought I saw you / in last night's dream /
You're not who you seem / I'm not a fool /
I know it was you / Nothing you say is true /

I'll buy a lie / if you sell it cheap /
It'll cost my soul / In Hell to weep /

But my life's not for sale /
because although I fail /
My savior gave His life /
His blood, the ultimate price

Amelia

2009-05-23T01:09:00.001-04:00

I miss you / Where are you? /
Could it be that / you know that /
I'm okay / Are you okay? /

What kind of girl / could lock up my heart /
throw away the key / and leave me in the dark /

Amelia you were light / Amelia you were warm /
I can't see without you / I'm caught in your storm /

Did you try / to feel my /
intense pain / did you gain /
what you need / without me? /

As long as you are happy / satisfaction smothers joy /
Can you truly be happy / when all you think about is...?

A Defying God

2009-04-25T11:33:00.002-04:00

Acts 12:11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."

I love that last part. We see God delivering His people from the hands of tyrants all throughout the Bible, but I think I can relate a little bit better to having expectations defied. We as Christians tend to have our own expectations of what God is going to do before He miraculously does something completely different, and far better than what we could have imagined. That's not to say that most of us don't believe in an all-powerful God, but no matter how powerful I imagined Him yesterday, today He is showing me that that box just was not big enough.

Recreant for a Dream

2009-03-10T07:28:00.007-04:00

Before we said goodbye /
I kissed You on the cheek /
You were off to save the world /
I was far to weak /
All I knew was what I wanted /
thirty pieces I had counted /
My desire for wealth and honor /
sent God's lamb to the slaughter /
A coward, I am /
I betrayed the Son of man /
My name isn't Judas /
but it was God's Son I kissed /
I want to know You /
I want what I want, too /
Oh God, who can glorify /
when all I care about is I?

No Voice

2009-03-03T15:25:00.002-05:00

Lifeless, her body lies in the dark /
Her hands are still warm /
Blood falls to the floor /

Murder! He buries his guilt once more /
His hands are stained red /
No one sees his shame /

Her mother didn't name her /
Her father didn't care /
God holds her in His arms /
naming each precious hair /

God please rescue /
those without a choice /
This prayer I cry /
for the child with no voice.

The Son Shines

2009-02-23T18:09:00.003-05:00

There's a gray sky in my heart /
The wind blows cold air /
through my frail lungs /
I can barely breathe /
without You right here /

Ray of hope push away /
the clouds of doubt in my soul /
Son of God I speak Your name /
Jesus Christ make me whole /

There's a blue sky in my heart /
Like a bird I'll fly to You, /
so I can ask You why /
You saved a wretch like me /
from my storm of sin /

Ray of hope pushed away /
the clouds of doubt in my soul /
Son of God I spoke Your name /
Jesus Christ made me whole /

The Son shines bright within my soul /
and I will praise the One who made me whole

The Search

2009-02-20T02:28:00.005-05:00

There's a way back / it captured our hearts /
the longing for more / consumed our weary minds /

Where is our heart? / Where is our mind? /
Why do we long / for less and more? /

Should we give / to those who need? /
Should we die / only to succeed? /

Why am I free? / Why am I still in need? /
Why am I free? / Why do You still call me? /

Because I am Yours / You push me forward /
You teach me honor / I cry out for You /

Jesus, You died / Jesus, You're alive /
Jesus, You proved that You are my GOD!!!

What does God want me to do? FOLLOW

2009-02-11T21:24:00.001-05:00

In the New King James version of the Bible, some form of the word follow is mentioned 82 times in the four gospels alone, and another 61 times in the rest of the New Testament. It sounds to me like Jesus was trying to tell us something. These two verses especially stood out to me: Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. That word daily motivates me, scares me, saddens me, and encourages me all at the same time. What a calling! It is exciting to think about the fact that the God of creation is commanding me to follow Him. It's also sad to think about just how often I fail at it. Thankfully, I am following a gracious, just, and merciful God; He promises to love me even when I stumble.

What does God want me to do? CONFESS

2009-01-09T22:03:00.014-05:00

Wait! There's more??? What could you possibly have to say now? You walked away, leaving no doubt that you thought you could make it on your own. I watched you abuse the gift I gave you. I heard you lie from the bottom of your heart. The direction that you took left you blind and lost. Now you want to make amends. What do you think I should do?

Dear God, I have something else to tell You. I know I turned my back, thinking I could make it on my own. I threw it all away for lies and sin. I was blind and lost. I hate my old ways. Forgive me.

1 John 1:9 | If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 10:9 | If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

___ ___ ___

Have you ever stopped to think about what that word confess means? Is it simply recognizing that we have sinned and asking God to forgive us? Is it the same as repentance? The Greek word for repent, metanoia, means "to change your mind". The Greek word for confess, homolegeo, means "to say the same as", or to say we feel the same about that sin as God does. God hates sin; not only that, but He is the opposite of sin. We should hate sin and strive to be disparate from it as well. When I confess my sins to God, that same passionate disgust for those sins should be found in my heart. He will forgive us. No matter what our past looks like, He will forgive our sins when we believe in His Son, Christ Jesus.

Absolute Truth

2009-01-04T23:59:00.000-05:00

Pastor Jack talked about "Absolute Truth" today. Is it real? Where does it come from? If you believe in God, you may or may not be surprised, but will certainly be saddened by the response of today's society (see video below). According to many, absolute truth comes from "inside us"; it comes from "culture", or "the majority", or it might not even exist!

Is everything relative? Absolutely not! Pastor Jack made a good point, and I will paraphrase: If absolute truth is based on society or culture, or even what is inside of those who are determining it, then what is the basis for right or wrong; good or evil? Was Adolf Hitler's truth good or evil? What about a cannibalistic tribe, is their truth good? If one does not base morals on an absolute truth, then they are basing their morals on shifting, shaking ground.

"Truth matters because lies are destructive."

"Truth matters because God is truthful."

Matthew 5:33-37
Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

If you are seeking Absolute Truth, I encourage you to check out some of these links:

Check out this video

Lasting Savior

2008-12-10T03:25:00.009-05:00

Jesus, I want to resemble You / I fall on my face /
Hold my hand / Seize my heart /
Give me rest / Give me peace /
Where do the weary go? / To where do the hungry turn? /
Jesus, rescue me again / You are my lasting savior /

Jesus, I want to love like You / I don't have the courage /
Hold my hand / Seize my heart /
Give me hope / Give me strength /
You provide refuge, Lord / You offer shelter from the rain /
Jesus, revive my frail heart / You are my lasting savior /

God conquered my sin / God will overcome /
You conquered the grave / You will overcome /
My lasting savior, Jesus

Why?

2008-12-05T04:06:00.006-05:00

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why"? Or, this is probably more relevant, when was the last time you asked yourself, "Why"? Or, when was the last time you asked God, "Why"? If you are like me and most people I know, it was, most likely, only a few minutes ago, but that's just normal - and wise, I might add. One of our first words as children was "why". How else were we supposed to find out about things like: why the sky is blue; why you can't have dessert before dinner; why dogs and cats lick themselves; and why God created us all so different? I'm still wondering about those first three! God wants us to have faith in Him. He wants us to trust Him. He also wants us to learn from Him. When we ask Him for answers, He gives them to us. You've heard it before; the answers are "Yes", "No", and "Maybe" or "Wait" - Wait? That stinks! I am 29-years-old, and I don't think I am even close to mastering the art of waiting. So, I will probably keep getting "Wait" as an answer, not necessarily as punishment for my lack of patience, but as instruction to help me grow. Which brings up another question I ask quite often: How do I become a better man?

I think I'm going to be sick

2008-11-12T09:34:00.015-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. — You better watch out. There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.

In lifting lyrics from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the Washington-based group is wading into what has become a perennial debate over commercialism, religion in the public square and the meaning of Christmas.

"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

To that end, the ads and posters will include a link to a Web site that will seek to connect and organize like-minded thinkers in the D.C. area, Edwords said.

Edwords said the purpose isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds." READ MORE

___ ___ ___

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place, and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

What Do You Think?

2008-11-06T13:57:00.015-05:00

What do you think about...

...food?
It tastes good, usually. It's a necessity for living. But, what if you didn't have any? What would you do to get it? What if your kids didn't have any? What would you do to get it for them? You could go for a while without it, but after a couple of weeks, you would become desperate.

...water?
It tastes good, usually! It's a necessity for living; even more so than food. What if you didn't have any water? You would only have a few days, at the most, to stay alive. None of this is news to anyone, I'm sure, but what would you do? If a situation presented itself that required you to sin in order to get that which would keep you alive, would you sin?

...Jesus?
He is the bread of life. He is the source of living water! John 16:33 says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I get goosebumps every time I hear that! "My God is mighty to save"!

___ ___ ___

"My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."
1 John 2:1-6

The Death of One (10-16-08)

2008-10-28T11:48:00.007-04:00

The death of one / brings life to another
Is it life worth living / When you're dead inside?

Cry for mercy / Always remember
the one that was killed / didn't get that chance

Her beating heart / was afraid of nothing
Her beautiful hands / held on to her mother

She was created / in the image of God
Her soft lips and bright eyes / were truly a wonder to see

___ ___ ___

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139:13-16

October 7, 2008

2008-10-28T11:47:00.001-04:00

Right now, I am packing my bags. And, for the first time in my life, I'm packing my bags with the intention of moving to a new state (I'm pretty sure my mom packed my bags when I was 4, and we moved from West Virginia to Ohio!). North Carolina, here I come!

Although I am excited, there is a greater feeling, at this moment, of sorrow. If ever there was a point in my life that would best be described by the word "bittersweet", this would be it. The decision to leave Ohio was not an easy one. It ranks up there with the hardest decisions ever. Many of you know just how long it took me to finally make up my mind. I prayed; I sought the wise advice of close friends and loving family. God said, "you have to choose". That frustrated me! I wanted Him to tell me. My desire to live close to my family, weighed heavily on my heart. How could I choose one over the other? I didn't! I chose the place that I knew would be best for what I had planned for the future. God is good.

So, once again, I say, "Thanks" to those of you who supported me through it all. Your prayers and encouragement, and God's hand, were my anchor during the roughest storm yet.

Go(help)d (10-03-08)

2008-10-28T11:46:00.006-04:00

Third cup of coffee / It's time for bed
Crawl into space / You're in my head

Thirsty for her / Faking a smile
Nothing to do / It'll be a while

Let's go play / It's a dry day
But it's raining in my heart / You are right
we'll go tonight / But it's already dark here

Whisper out loud / but no one hears
Shout in my head / Scream through the tears

She's in a box / Full of his lies
Fictional joy / holds out my cries

God help her / God help me
God is my refuge / and my strength
My very present / help in trouble
He utters His voice / and the earth melts

(Psalm 46)

God On His Throne (10-02-08)

2008-10-28T11:45:00.008-04:00

You are truth / I am lies
You are hope / I am doubt
You are love / I am hate

God You are perfect / You are holy
You sit on Your throne / ruling the universe
I will praise Your awesome name

God! I sing out for You
No one compares to Your glory
God! I cry out to You
Your light shines brighter than the sun
God! I call out to You
and worship Your holy name

You are peace / I am fear
You are joy / I am despair
You are love / I am hate

Apart (09-29-08)

2008-10-28T11:43:00.003-04:00

Slowly following indefinite emotion
Lost, a minute from...

Home is where the heart is
Miles from where...

I live in this world or on this world
I breathe the...

Air is cold, then hot
Just like I am happy, then...

Empty love and pity are the enemy
Love your enemies
Pity and Love have become...

My friends have gone home to live with their hearts
I will go on living apart from mine

*I read this again a little less than a year after I wrote it and I noticed that it lacked any concept of redemption. Obviously, I wrote this during a time when I wasn't feeling very redeemed. These lyrics seem confusing, even to me, but I think they describe pretty well, where I was at in my spiritual journey at the time. Thankfully, God pulled me out of this despairing time.

I'll Be Awake (08-22-08)

2008-10-28T11:40:00.001-04:00

Your eyes tell the story / Say what you mean
Don't hold back / I'll be awake when you're ready
Your heart never lies / Don't distance yourself
Just let it out / I'll be awake when you're ready

My eyes are closed / I listen to your voice
I'll cherish this moment / Your place in my heart
hasn't changed at all / I draw close to you
I feel your hand in mine / I'll never let it go
This dream of mine / hasn't changed at all

My eyes tell the story / I've been up all night
I won't hold back / I'll be awake when you're ready
My heart never lies / And I still love you
Please come back / I'll be awake when you're ready

My eyes are open / I see the pain
I close them / and you've changed

Good Intentions (03-30-07) VIDEO

2008-10-28T11:38:00.006-04:00

Click above or here to watch the video
__

Life is full of good intentions
I don't know why you think I tried
But I didn't try

Life is full of misconceptions
I don't know why you think I lied
But I didn't lie

Come to my side and I'll show you why
Why what I said wasn't a lie
I promise I'll try

Life is full of good intentions
I don't know why we didn't try
I guess you died

Life is full of misconceptions
I don't know why you had to lie
But at least you cried

Not Okay (06-26-08)

2008-10-28T11:36:00.003-04:00

*I wrote this in Chicago. I obviously had more than just site seeing on my mind.
___

This is the last time / I swear it'll be over soon
If I can't have just one more / How will I ever bloom?
Just one more time / Why is that always the way?
She needs just one more / and then she'll be okay

We'll go back soon / Maybe we can find our way
Just want to see how far it'll last / Let's try alone for one more day
No! No more / I will never let you be okay
There is so much more / beyond this life of fear

I know, I heard Him / but do you really think He cares?
We've already made it this far / It'll be okay; we'll get there
I promise you won't be okay / And if you choose to turn
back to His way / He will give you life.

He's My God (c. 2004)

2008-10-28T03:10:00.002-04:00

From the depths I have cried / Lord here my voice
Listen to my cries for mercy / If you recorded my sins
How could I stand? / Hear my songs of praise

You are the reason I sing / Your praise fills the earth
Your word formed the Heavens / Your grace lifts me up

So now I sing to my God in Heaven
I sing to my Lord on high
He will be with me through all of my trials
And that's how I know He's my God

From the depths I have climbed / You heard my voice
And lifted me off the ground / You forgave my sins in full
Now I stand / Singing songs of praise

I know the Lord is great / He is greater than all gods
He lifts fog from the earth / He sends lighting with the rain
and breathes out the wind

(Psalm 130: 1-4; Habakkuk 3:3)

Beautiful (Sept. 2002)

2008-10-28T03:06:00.004-04:00

You are everything to me / I look into your eyes and see
Something beautiful in you / Everything is beautiful with you

Put your hand in mine / and I'll never let you go
Hold me tight tonight / so I can feel you by my side
and that's when we'll know / We have each other

I look into your eyes and see / You're the only one for me
There's something beautiful in you / I just want to show you my love

The Call (c. 1996)

2008-10-28T03:00:00.004-04:00

*This is the first song I ever wrote. I performed it at a Salem Church of God youth retreat in the mid-'90s.
___

I gave you a call / You decided no way
My desire for you / was nothing new
You could care less / You wanted your way
My desire for you / You know that it's true

I want you - to give me your life
I need you - to live your life for Me
Why won't you - turn your life around
and love Me 'til the end
I'll give you life

I heard Your call / I'll give it a try
My desire for You / is nothing new
You care for me / I want Your way
My desire for You / You know it's true

I love You - and give You my life
I'll serve You - and live my life for You
You saved me - and turned my life around
You've loved me through it all

You gave me life

Via Terra

Thirst

This I Know

Incredible

Poetry: Deep or Shallow?

She Wears White

A New Creation

The Guy with the Guitar (a short, short-story)

What Can Be Known?

What are you praying for?

Unless You Knew Her

Keep Your Light On Me

James 1:5-8

Feeble. An attempt.

Just a Reminder

Luther & Driscoll put it far better than I can...

Right Fear

Bright Side (Praise, Praise, Praise)

More or Less

Untitled

Abrasive, or A Gift

Tears

a poem: Sinful

Reflection Heavenly

Today, I neglected to...

Where Are You?

Comfort My Soul

(You) Fade to Blue

Another Song of Redemption

Look

$oul

Amelia

A Defying God

Recreant for a Dream

No Voice

The Son Shines

The Search

What does God want me to do? FOLLOW

What does God want me to do? CONFESS

Absolute Truth

Lasting Savior

Why?

I think I'm going to be sick

What Do You Think?

The Death of One (10-16-08)

October 7, 2008

Go(help)d (10-03-08)

God On His Throne (10-02-08)

Apart (09-29-08)

I'll Be Awake (08-22-08)

Good Intentions (03-30-07) *VIDEO*

Not Okay (06-26-08)

He's My God (c. 2004)

Beautiful (Sept. 2002)

The Call (c. 1996)

Good Intentions (03-30-07) VIDEO