Self-Deception

The scary thing about getting older and craftier is that you're capable of talking yourself into ANYTHING. You're also capable of working yourself into a frenzy so that you believe things that aren't really true. Sin is deceiving. . . . . .And, when we don't go back to the Word, and don't immerse ourselves in a church (not simply attending) we have no bookends to keep our thinking and our life in the margins. Our protection from self-deception is a reality-based self-view, this can only be found through Jesus who is "the Way, Truth, and Life". The Word, and community around the Word, helps us see ourselves correctly

It's almost like Kleptomania. . . you can steal so much, and enjoy it so much that you actually start to believe that all that stuff is yours. To the outside world, it looks crazy and they think that person needs help. However, the kleptomaniac doesn't see it. This is also true with Child-rearing, (which is a whole other post. . .longer. . . but we aren't doing that anymore :) ) You can get so stressed and overwhelmed that you start to take things personal that your kids are doing (as if they're out to get you). You can start to say how you "have no time" for anything, and you need more rooms in your house, etc. . .. . I've been there.

You can talk yourself into anything, even about yourself. . . . scary.

Good word

"It's not so much about mastering the bible, as it is letting the bible master you". --D.A. Carson


tru dat.


I've also heard in the past. . . ."when you read the bible, let the bible be reading you".

Mea Culpa

So, even though I was about 2 miles from the Boulder fires all day. . . I had no idea any of that was going on until about 5 o clock. . . . . way, way after my last post.

Apologies to all who are affected by the winds and thus, fires. If I would've known that was going on, I wouldn't have posted my last post. Please know that any of you are welcome at Jody's and my house in Erie, and let us know if anyone needs help with a car or whatever as well.


Sorry about that!

Aaron

Mighty rushing wind

The wind is epic in Colorado today. It was actually 101 mph up on Berthoud Pass this morning, which is like having a hurricane with no rain. Insane.

It kind of gives a great picture for those of us who live here of the Holy Spirit, especially in Acts 2 when the Spirit fell on the disciples and it sounded like "a mighty rushing wind". When you can't walk straight outside. . that's mighty and rushing :) So, soak it up Coloradoans! I know it's annoying at 2 a.m., . . but just think about the power of the Holy Spirit, and how unseen things carry great power and strength.

Random maturity thoughts

It's hard to be bold and yet charitable. . .humble and yet convinced. That's the challenge for our generation. . . .don't be a limp-wristed, believe anything, egg-shell walker. But, don't be a jerk while you "contend for the faith". In fact, make sure you're contending for something that's worth contending for. We must have conviction, and we must have charity towards those we disagree with. Especially if you're in some sort of pastoral role,. . be careful when you "bind the conscience" of others. It's part of the gig. . but make sure that you're not going beyond the bible when you bind someone's conscience, else we become like the pharisees who "tied large burdens around men's necks". Some folks need to be rebuked on an issue in their life. . some folks need to be comforted. . . . .to discern who is who takes maturity.

Random sports thoughts

Bronco fans: we live with Jay Cutler, we die with Jay Cutler. We have a mini-Brett Favre on our hands who will perhaps win a super bowl, but who will also lose some games with bone-headed interceptions. This is who Jay Cutler is. . .he's a gun-slinger. My only concern with him is his ego/pride in front of his teammates. If you look at Favre/Young/Marino/Brady, etc. . they obviously have a huge ego as well, but you'll never see them pout/call out/sweat in front of the team. Cutler has a ways to go there.

Random Texas football thought while watching the game tonight: How the heck is Quan Cosby 26? I've always wanted to go back and play for my high school team again to right some wrongs. . but this is ridiculous. . . he's between 4 and 6 years older than everyone he's playing against. Someone explain to me how this happened? When Cosby entered college, Terrelle Pryor (the OSU quaterback) was in 6th grade. huh???

New format

So, the blogging thing didn't really go as I planned it to. Basically, my mind works like this. . . . I get an idea, have about 200 ideas within 30 seconds and then get intimidated to write it down because I won't have time to organize my messy head into something cohesive, and thus worthy of anyone reading it.

So, I decided to switch it up a bit. I'm going to do more posts, but shorter. . . like really short. I'll probably just say what I'm thinking and leave it at that. I'm going to limit myself to two paragraphs, (roughly the size of this post). This isn't an original idea. There are some great "concept" blogs out there, like "22 words" by Abraham Piper. The concept is pretty obvious there. I won't have that much self control, but I will try to write short enough things so that I won't psych myself out of starting. :) And, no, this isn't a new year's resolution.
Talk to you sooner!
Aaron