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.

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.

"Just Do Something"

Just finished reading Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung.

I thought it was a superb read.

In particular I think it challenged a lot of things that for many years I've taken for granted as the "correct"-ish way to do things, make decisions, and overall live my life... and is a pretty solid book.

Some key points that stuck out to me that I want to try to hold on to and would like to share with the few who read this. Everything is in a nutshell and explained much better (in the book) and clearly than below.

1. God is not as concerned with our amoral decisions as He is with us being sanctified and worshiping Him and loving Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. A lot of times I (and I think many people) worry a lot over decisions that aren't necessarily "right" or "wrong"; some examples might be deciding what job to take after college, or deciding what college to go to. We worry about whether the decision we make is going to be according to God's will or not, but what He probably cares more about is that we love Him and glorify Him while we take that job or go to a certain school. This was a good wake-up call for me to focus on the things that are important, and not stress too much over things that aren't as important.

2. I need to be willing and ready to take risks for God. Not being able to do so is (I think) a form of not trusting God. Is my heart in the right place? Is what I'm doing Biblical? Am I glorifying God by and through what I'm doing? If those 3 answers are yes, maybe I should just do it. Maybe I should just go abroad after I graduate and throw myself out there and struggle and maybe be a little lonely and do what I can to glorify and worship God in another country and culture. Maybe inaction is not a form of laziness or a lack of wisdom/discernment like I thought; maybe it's a form of distrust in the Lord. Maybe because I'm not 100% that God is "calling" me to do certain things, I don't do it. Maybe I wait to reach out to a younger brother, when really I should just take the risk and love God and love people. I'm not going to feel "called" to everything that I do in life, but that doesn't mean that God won't be glorified.

3. Wisdom is something to be sought after, and does not always come with more information. I don't know what to say after this. It's something to be prayed for and asked for, and beings with a fear of the Lord. Maybe after I meditate and read proverbs 1-2 (ish) more I'll have more to write about this.

There are a lot of other really great things that the book talks about, but I would highly recommend it to everyone for a good (or simply different) perspective on obeying God's will, and in turn, living life. Regardless, I think it helps take another look at how we go about each waking day.