New Photos.
I've uploaded about 10 new pictures (depending on how long it's been since you've visited my Flickr). Please stop by and leave comments. Thanks!
My Flicker Photos
Life As A Tax Collector.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14, ESV)
How often, recently, I have felt like the tax collector. And, how often have I been the Pharisee.
This parable has stuck in my mind since I heard it again recently. It’s one of those gems that you often read in the Bible that doesn’t quite shimmer for you the first time around. I am often amazed how alive, relevant, and new the Bible can seem with every message I hear.
But why the tax collector? Is it because he is shown to be the “hero” of this story?
I relate to him because I share his same approach to God. I feel that my place is face down before Christ, beating my breast, begging for His mercy. I can’t lift my eyes to his beauty because I have perverted its value time and again with my choices. I long for humility while I puff myself up with arrogant pride.
And yet God loves me.
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10, ESV, emphasis mine)
So I plead to God for both – His mercy, and His love.
His mercy brings life.
His love is better than life.
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” (Psalm 63:3, ESV)
Oh, to love God like he deserves. What a treasure to have. What a goal to seek. What a life to live.
Check These Gentlemen Out.
Common Grounds turned out to be a very wonderful night tonight - due in total part to being introduced to the best band we've seen there since we started checking out Monday and Friday night gigs: Redefined (click the name to hit their site). These guys are absolutely amazing live, and their EP definitely captures a lot of that. I would strongly recommend hitting their site and listening to the songs - they have a nice acoustic sound, reminiscent of Shane and Shane (I know, I was totally surprised myself). If you happen to be coming to Ichthus this year, they'll be playing Saturday morning, 10:45 A.M @ The Edge Stage. Give me a ring if you want to meet up (when June rolls around).
That's Right...
...this man has a milk crate on his head. It was his chosen disguise to rob a convenience store.
High marks for creativity. Higher marks for being one of the greatest things I've ever seen.
To Those That Remain.
My apologies to anyone who might still be coming by here every now and then looking for an update - I have numerous things I want to write, and a few drafts just sitting around, but other things have had my attention lately. My putting off of school has given me quite a bit of time to waste, or spend outside the walls of my room doing other things I enjoy but haven't had the time for. However, that break from a regular schedule of schoolwork also lends itself to many nights of long hours catching up.
Anyway - I just wanted to let whomever might still be bearing with me know that there will soon be something new here...and, hopefully, the new will continue to come. But, it might be a bit of a wait (and so, by soon, I mean to ask for everyone to hold on).
Until I am able to bring anything here - please take a chance to read this article from Relevant. I don't have the time to write about it now, but it reflects a lot of things that have been on my heart lately - things that God is continually showing me and pointing me to.
Paul in Athens
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