I've listened to the song many times, but isn't it interesting that even though I can sing the words, I've never really listened to the song or paid attention to the words and their meaning.
Jars of Clay is a great band, and their song "Two Hands" hit me for the first time today. Here's some of the lyrics I pulled off the web:
I use one hand to pull closer
The other to push you away
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
I have a broken disposition
I’m a liar who thirsts for the truth
And while I ache for faith to hold me
I need to feel the scars and see the proof
And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation
Of our souls
And if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts
We’ll lose control
This song reminds me of the call to integrity and authenticity - two things that are almost unheard of in post-modern America. And the great part is, that God's got it under control. If we can only give up that old, broken-down self, He has something new in mind for us - a new self that is based on the perfection of His Son. Pretty cool!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Re-design
Being that I haven't updated the design and "look" of this blog in ages, I'm trying out some new looks. Beware, it may change often until I find something I like! Modern blogging technology rules. It's so much easier then it used to be!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Psalm 147 - Ian's Paraphrase
This is a response to Psalm 147 I once journaled that I turned into a song; well, half a song actually. There really isn't a chorus yet. But here you go none-the-less:
In my strength have I sought after life’s delights,
“If only these idiots would listen to me.”
Yet I have not the strength to change the one life
I have power over my own.
Oh to echo Paul’s sentiment,
“Why do I do the things I do not wish to do!”
But in God, will I find my true strength,
to expose every one of my weaknesses.
He will make me strong, he will rebuild me,
with him as my footings, my foundations.
I will hope to put my hope in him,
Then will I be held in honor.
Praise the Lord! I will praise His name!
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Addictions
I admit it. I'm an addict. If Merriam-Webster's definition is accurate (: to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively) then I am addicted to many things:
1. Facebook. Hours spent pouring over the lives of people I will probably never again have a meaningful conversation with. Pics. Posts. Likes. Comments. Nuff said.
2. Soccer. There is no greater pull on my time that I am completely obsessed, habitually surrendering myself to every tidbit of info on, even in off-season. Sounders, MLS, Donovan, Dempsey, Altidore, Howard, Everton, EPL, USMNT, etc, etc.
3. Gaming. I love computer games. And here' the funny thing, I'm a mac guy and most games don't play on macs. So, instead of playing these wonderful games, I instead, watch endless streams of NS2 (www.unknownworlds.com/ns2) and SC2 (Starcraft!). At least with World of Warcraft, I ended up playing a bunch!
And after all of my addictions (and I haven't covered food, spending time with the family, and the outdoors) I am left completely empty most of the time. I spend hours devoted to a game that I will never play, and I realize that in the end, that game will have added very little, if anything, to my life.
So, what would my life look like if I chose to become an addict to something else, if I chose the one thing that does matter, that will give something in return for utter devotion? What would the world look like if we all became addicted to being a disciple of Jesus the Christ?
It's been said that Gandhi rejected Christ after meeting too many Christians, but what would it have looked like if he had seen Christians, Christ-addicts, people obsessed with building relationship with the Healer, the Saving-grace of my life, the one man who always seem to reach out to the lonely, broken-hearted, and hurting?
The world would be a different place! Become a person today who can't help but habitually devote your life to Christ! Let's change the world today - starting with our self first!
1. Facebook. Hours spent pouring over the lives of people I will probably never again have a meaningful conversation with. Pics. Posts. Likes. Comments. Nuff said.
2. Soccer. There is no greater pull on my time that I am completely obsessed, habitually surrendering myself to every tidbit of info on, even in off-season. Sounders, MLS, Donovan, Dempsey, Altidore, Howard, Everton, EPL, USMNT, etc, etc.
3. Gaming. I love computer games. And here' the funny thing, I'm a mac guy and most games don't play on macs. So, instead of playing these wonderful games, I instead, watch endless streams of NS2 (www.unknownworlds.com/ns2) and SC2 (Starcraft!). At least with World of Warcraft, I ended up playing a bunch!
And after all of my addictions (and I haven't covered food, spending time with the family, and the outdoors) I am left completely empty most of the time. I spend hours devoted to a game that I will never play, and I realize that in the end, that game will have added very little, if anything, to my life.
So, what would my life look like if I chose to become an addict to something else, if I chose the one thing that does matter, that will give something in return for utter devotion? What would the world look like if we all became addicted to being a disciple of Jesus the Christ?
It's been said that Gandhi rejected Christ after meeting too many Christians, but what would it have looked like if he had seen Christians, Christ-addicts, people obsessed with building relationship with the Healer, the Saving-grace of my life, the one man who always seem to reach out to the lonely, broken-hearted, and hurting?
The world would be a different place! Become a person today who can't help but habitually devote your life to Christ! Let's change the world today - starting with our self first!
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