Mark Driscoll on Adolescence

a quote #1

(From Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline)

"The Christian Discipline of simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward life-style. Both the inward and the outward aspects of simplicity are essential. We deceive ourselves if we believe we can possess the inward reality without its having a profound effect on how we live. To attempt to arrange an outward life-style of simplicity without the inward reality leads to deadly legalism.
Simplicity begins in inward focus and unity. It means to live out of what Thomas Kelly calls "The Divine Center." Kierkegaard captured the nucleus of Christian simplicity well in the profound title of his book, Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing."

words.

I often find myself wanting to write and failing to find the words.

I think in times like these is when I need to be reading, or forcing myself to write... rather than doing neither.

That is all for now.

Proverbs 1:5 & 1:7(and 9:10 I suppose)

Proverbs 1:5 - Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance

Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.)

These should change the way we live.

Do they?

Rediscovering books!

One thing that I set out to do this past summer (for the first time in awhile) was to start reading. At the top of my list was Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne, along with others such as Far As the Curse is Found, recently Just Do Something, and currently Celebration of Discipline. Of course, reading books by other Christian thinkers does not replace reading the Bible, but it certainly gives insight into the Word, along with encouragement, helpful interpretation and practical suggestions for how to apply it to our lives.

I think inherently there is also a danger in reading books that are instructional by nature, as they are (obviously) not the authoritative Word of God. That being said, we must be careful not to consider what we read as authoritative or as "truth," but take it all with a grain of salt and test it against the Word of God.

But for those who even read this, I would implore you to start reading (or continue to read and process) the works of Christian thinkers. There are certainly a lot of books and writers that I haven't touched on and I've only recently read a small number of books, but the ones that I've read have offered unique perspectives that few (if anyone) could offer in such an articulate and through-out way. And I think a growing and changing perspective radically changes the way we live our lives, and in turn, live for God.

So please pick up a good book instead of sitting in front of the TV. I know it's hard sometimes because it's really hard for me, but just read a little bit every day and it will get easier. Think about what you're reading and test it against the Word. Ask for wisdom and discernment and seek first His Kingdom. Here are a few reasons why I think we all should read the works of other Christians (specifically books; blogs are good and all, but sometimes don't give as complete of an argument or are not as thought out).

I was thinking about making a list of reasons why reading books have helped me, but hopefully my writings/reviews/whatevers from books will suffice. I've been incredibly blessed by reading the few books that I have, and hope you will be too.

Currently trying to focus on Celebration of Discipline. Will write on it soon, as I think it also helps me process what I read and make it more concrete in my mind.

Funding.

A post that isn't very thought-out, but a quick post anyways, while it's on my mind...

With college coming to a close soon-ish (well, roughly 6-7 months), the issues of money and finances seems to be a very pressing one. On top of things, I really like the idea of doing short term missions over the summer as well as interning with Food for the Hungry in the Fall; both of which I would have to get a substantial amount of support for. (interning isn't paid, sadly.)

How much should I take into account the finances of these trips? On one hand, God will always provide and if He's calling me to these things I should certainly go and He will make a way, but on the other hand there's a practical side about spending and asking for money (a substantial amount too) on a pretty consistent basis that I can't really ignore. Cash dosen't grow on trees, and most of my friends aren't really supporting themselves yet so I don't know people that have oodles of money ready to help me do what I think God is calling me to.

I guess this is sort of what like doing full-time ministry is; living off the generosity and provision of God through the Church. Guess I didn't realize I've been doing it for all those summers in the past.