A New Narcissism?

A very good article that dives into finding what positives and negatives might exist within the realm of online social networking. It is a long read, but very much worth it for any person who currently uses some type of social networking site or wants to understand the draw (and possible negative ramifications) of such places.

Virtual Friendship and the New Narcissism

Check-Lists And Bullet-Points.

I've been thinking about freedom lately. What it means to live a life of liberty. Not having to watch my back. Not wondering if the scales are tipping one direction, about to drop me off.

I've also been thinking about the Bible. What is its purpose in our lives? I imagine its here for our benefit - but what is that? Should something happen in our daily(-esque) reading of the Bible? What?

Here's my writings, from my notebook, from this morning:

I've been thinking lately about the amazing, overwhelming amount of freedom that we have in Christ. This morning, as I was thinking about relationships and how best to "do them" (discernment, guidance, etc.) I wondered whether the Bible was ever meant to be a step-by-step "rulebook" or even a concise "guidebook" or if, in reality, God gives us broad statements like "love" and then lets us work out the details by trusting Him, listening to Him, walking with Him, and simply living. In this way, maybe the Bible is meant to introduce us to the person who will speak to us rather than the one who has already spoke all, definitively, for good.

My friend Brad shared a verse with me today, Hebrews 3:15, that I think speaks to this:

// ...[T]oday, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion. //

To those of us who have heard his voice, who have laid aside our causes for rebellion, there now exists a loving call to do, as Paul admonishes in Romans, what is God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.

That will is being revealed to us daily - if we would search for it in Scripture and listen to the Spirit who, even now, is speaking.

May the Lord give you wisdom and discernment as you seek to know his will for your life.

A Prayer.

Father,

Give me ears to hear
And eyes to see
The telling of
Your majesty

Then my heart
Will surely be
Joy-filled
To follow Thee

In Jesus, I ask

The Conquering Lion.

Lauryn Hill

// The conquering lion shall break every chain
The conquering lion shall break every chain
Give him the victory again and again and again and again...
The conquering lion he's gonna break all of those chains if you just let him //

Up-Down.

Lord,
Lift me where i fall short.
Humble me where i stand tall.
I don't want balance, though.
I'm looking for abundance.

Vision Of You.

from Shane and Shane - Vision of You

// Awaken what's inside of me.
Tune my heart to all You are in me.
Even though You're here, God come.
And may the vision of You be the death of me.
And even though You've given everything,
Jesus come. //

Trust.

// noun. assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. //

Looking back on the past three years, I can see many times where God has given me great reason to trust him. In fact, in hindsight, it is a very easy thing to trust the Lord - to see his wisdom, faithfulness, and goodness.

But foresight is a completely different matter altogether.

There are things happening in my life, and coming up, where I completely realize that:

1. Situations are beyond my control.
2. I am powerless to change this fact.
3. I must make a choice.

I can retreat into the darkness of despair, anxiousness, fear, doubt, and self.

Or I can embrace joy by trusting the revealed nature and purpose of my God.

One of these is easier, but is also what I consider the wrong choice.

So. I will cast my anxieties upon him, because he cares for me. I will trust him for his daily provision and protection. I will believe what he has told me and shown me.

I will deny myself. I will take up my cross daily and follow him. I will put to death the negative, natural tendencies and embrace the sanctifying, spiritual realities.

I will trust Jesus. So long as he gives me a spirit to do so.