transformation of joy

I got so excited talking about this with a friend today that I had to post.

One of the biggest transformations for me has been the ability to experience joy. For many years I felt guilty about indulging or enjoying my time. I always felt like I should be doing something productive or important or "worthy" with my free time.

Now that I've been studying the bible and devouring tons of christian articles, books, and videos I've reached a point where I need downtime. I need to step away from the hard hitting deep thinking stuff and enjoy myself. I feel guilt free to enjoy that time.

This may seem crazy to some, and may hit a nerve with others. I'm finding so much in my life to be grateful for and to enjoy. I'm sure it's a combination of a lot of things, but for me it has a lot to do with feeling like my time is being spent in worthwhile endeavors and that makes me able to enjoy my free time more.

the time is near...

I hear a lot about "the time is near," and I've heard lots about the end of the world coming soon. Thought I'd give my own view on this topic.

It really shouldn't matter to you if the world is ending soon or not. Your life is. Our lives are so short and fleeting, we really need to look at it that way. The end is nigh - so shouldn't you be doing what you need to be doing every day? For me that means pursuing God and the gospel. It means striving to learn what He taught us in the bible. Striving to be a better man, and to worship and praise Him.

So forget the details - and focus on what you know. You know your life is going to end. It's going to happen faster than you think - ask any of your elders how their life seems to go by faster and faster the older they get. Our elders have so much wisdom to impart, if we would just learn to ask, listen, and heed.

bible reading craze

I've been devouring the bible lately, and haven't made time to post on here. It doesn't mean I'm going to stop posting, it just means I'm busy.

If you read my facebook you'll know that I loved Job - what an awesome book. I'm also partial to the following chapters in Psalm 20, 37, 49:12-13, and 63. I haven't finished the book of Psalm yet, but I'm enjoying it as well. Also check out Nehemiah chapter 9.

All of these are available on the net - I'm reading the NIV version at youversion.com, but there is also net.bible.org and biblia.com (I just learned about this last one and haven't had a chance to really check it out).

Anyways, I hope some of you enjoy the above chapters, they really spoke to me!

Praise our Lord! Thank Him for everything! God bless!

J

pride

Something I've been struggling with is pride. The idea that I know "better" than the Word. The idea that I can know, understand and even negotiate with the Word.

These aren't vague words, these are some very specific and clear things to me. If I pray and ask for answers they are as clear as the nose on my face. I find myself trying to push the limits of the Word. This is pride in the sense that I think I know whats best, and/or right for me. God has laid out what is right and wrong in the bible.

Isaiah 64:6 (NIV) states, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." We will always sin, we are imperfect, and that is why Jesus died for us.

I'm learning to let go. To realize that I cannot be perfect, that there is a higher power, a frame of reference. Most importantly, I don't have to be perfect! He walked this world, He never sinned, and He died so that I may have eternal life and a relationship with God.

Thank you Lord for all you do.