deeply, slowly.

how deep the father's love for us,
how vast beyond all measure
that he would give his only son
to make a wretch his treasure.

how great the pain of searing loss,
the father turns his face away.
as wounds which mar the chosen one
bring many sons to glory.

it was my sin that held him there
until it was accomplished.
his dying breath has brought me life,
i know that it is finished.

i will not boast in anything;
no gifts, no power, no wisdom.
but i will boast in Jesus Christ,
his death and resurrection.

Shad and Dallas Green

someday...

..i want to do this with my wife.

curveballs.

its so easy to make plans and assume that they will be realized. to bank on something and plan on things going off without a hitch. when things are easy in life, we expect them to continue to be. or at least i do.

something i've been learning is how we are not in control of this life. we often will put things in place to maintain a sense of control but those things are frail and can vanish in a moment. when we put those things in our lives, its all too easy to begin feeling independent. no need for God, no need for his grace, no need for his involvement.

i am reminded today that i am not in control of this life. things can come up unexpectedly and catch us off guard, totally relient on God for our next steps. and i think that is right where He wants us.

(trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding. in all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. proverbs.3.5-6)

called.

i was created by God, but i ain't wanna be like him, i wanna be him.

the jack sparrow of my caribbean.

i remember the first created being,

and how he shifted the blame on his dame

for fruit he shouldn't have eaten.

and now look at us all out of Eden,

wearing designer fig leaves make believin.

but God sees through my foolish pride,

and how i'm weak like Adam, another victim of lucifer's lies,

But then in steps Jesus,

All men were created to lead but we needed some one to lead us,

more than a teacher, but somebody to buy us back from the darkness,

you can say he redeemed us, taught us that real leaders follow God,

finish the work cuz we on our job.

Taught us not to rob, but give life,

love a wife like Christ loves the church,

without seeing how many hearts we can break first.

I wanna be like you in everyway, so if I gotta die every day,

unworthy sacrifice,

but the least i can do is give the most of me,

because being like you is what i'm supposed to be.

they say you came for the lame, i'm the lamest. i made a mess but you say you'll erase it. i'll take it.

they say you came for the lame, i'm the lamest. i broke my life but you say you'll replace it. i'll take it.

-lecrae Just Like You

always refreshing

this. i love it.

the rock.

Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labors of my hands, can fulfill thy laws commands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to thy mountain fly; wash me savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgement throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.

(Rock of Ages)

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, in whom I trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

a real struggle

'don't let your feeelings dictate your faith, let your faith dictate your feelings.'

a friend posted this and even though it is short, it speaks volumes to me. hopefully to you too.

Brett Dennen-Make You Crazy Video (official version)

if you haven't heard of brett dennen, now you have.
check him out; lot of fun to listen to.

Don't copy the behaviors and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will begin to know God's will for you-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12.2

Thinking through this in these next weeks.

SHAD

i was introduced to this guy a while back and i love it. name's shadrach kabango, from london, canada. speaks french and english and raps a mix of both. he's gotten some recognition from different secular critics but lives his christian faith out through his music. give him a listen and enjoy.