tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4850786451894525642012-02-08T03:30:04.798-08:00Living a life of Christian TruthAaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.comBlogger971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-87765204309982615002012-02-08T03:30:00.000-08:002012-02-08T03:30:04.825-08:00

Whenever Timothy Keller writes, I listen. I'll be honest about that up front. But there's good reason for this, because he has written some excellent books, all of which have exceeded my expectations and satisfied my desires from an author. The Meaning of Marriage is no different. This book attempts to be fairly comprehensive in its scope, seeking to appeal both to people who are married

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-64174298949906065742012-01-16T16:30:00.000-08:002012-01-16T16:30:00.445-08:00

You can download John Piper's book, Bloodlines, for free in PDF format (and save it to your Kindle or e-reader device if you have one) right here courtesy of his Desiring God website. I haven't read it yet, but I like Piper's work and am especially intrigued by this title because he describes it as "one of the most autobiographical books I have written. It tells my story from racism to the path

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-80033402555624886612012-01-16T13:28:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:28:45.302-08:00

Every year as a country we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday because of the powerful impact he had on our country's freedom from racial oppression and prejudice. Today, more than 50 years after his death, his life is still a necessary celebration. Though many things have changed in this country, a great many are still the same - especially the deepest caverns of our hearts. This

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-67123063072681435032012-01-14T21:21:00.000-08:002012-01-14T21:21:48.403-08:00

I attended a wedding this afternoon at my church that was a bit unusual. It was not the first marriage for either the bride or the groom. Both of them had recently lost their spouses to cancer after many long years of battling the terrible disease. They had been faithful, Christian marriages that put Jesus first, even until the very end. Image Source And today, they did it all over again. With

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-82196048875279158152012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-11T09:32:57.063-08:00

Thomas à Kempis says in "The Imitation of Christ": Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise... The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely you will be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Now, I desire knowledge and I love to read. If I'm honest, I've found

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-49589619682910284282012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-01T00:01:05.819-08:00

Another year is over and a new one is beginning. If you're like most people, when January comes around you start reflecting on the previous year and making resolutions for change in the coming year. As you reflect, you may discover regrets such as... things you said or did that you wish you hadn't things you wished you said or did but didn't mistakes you made and didn't learn from

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-54825679941340159232011-12-30T12:47:00.000-08:002011-12-30T12:47:11.753-08:00

I love Christmas. The anticipation of Jesus is so heart-warming and never fails to overflow my heart with joy and love. That God came to earth as a human child is almost too much for me to take in, but every year I do so with great fondness. But when Christmas is over, things change. There seems to be a sort of lull that takes over. The hope that once was is gone. It's an interesting shift from

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-47670294457114321942011-12-28T11:55:00.000-08:002012-01-02T15:13:17.393-08:00

Two years ago I decided to begin reading the Bible all the way through each year. I started out last year doing a historical plan and read through the Old Testament according to the Hebrew Bible (which has books arranged differently than our standard Bibles) and the New Testament in order of when they were written. I liked this because it gave me a good understanding and perspective of God's

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-76097894679220491252011-12-13T08:19:00.000-08:002011-12-13T08:35:01.662-08:00

As part of Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program, I received this advance reading copy free in exchange for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, but to simply write my own thoughts/experience on it. It was a pre-release copy and is officially for sale today. First off, let me say that I had a difficult time getting through this book, though I did read it all the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-83736068505036495872011-12-07T06:30:00.000-08:002011-12-14T09:25:19.880-08:00

This will be my last installment of reflections and lessons from my trip to South Sudan. Although this post is last, it was one of the first things to hit me when I returned home to the States. SEA Partners has done a fantastic job of understanding the need for some comforts of home and have made these available for guests that visit Boma. Although they are limited and do not compare to the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-5174222001526385652011-12-06T15:47:00.001-08:002011-12-06T16:11:21.667-08:00

Today is the 8th wedding anniversary of my marriage to my wife, Melissa. This morning I was looking through our photo album with our boys, telling them about what our lives were like when we got married (and before they were born). It brought me way back to those days of excitement, newness, and pure emotion. One of the photos in particular from when we were dating stood out to me. Our faces were

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-37508535780261716822011-11-18T06:30:00.000-08:002011-11-18T06:30:01.133-08:00

Another one of the amazing things I learned from my mission trip to Boma, South Sudan was a realization of how we as Americans, Westerners, and people in general tend to make the Gospel into something it's not - and a vision for what the true message of Jesus is. Here's what I learned: The beautiful children of Upper Boma We make the Gospel too small. We personalize it so that it fits me,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-20879077664247390492011-11-14T12:42:00.000-08:002011-11-14T12:42:50.342-08:00

This is the second installment of a set of reflections on my experience in Boma, South Sudan. In my last post on the subject, I wrote about God's incredible love and seeing it first-hand in a very special way in Boma. Since then, I've reflected some more both privately and in conversations with others (most significantly in my men's small group) and have realized the implications of God's love

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-91327078850806214332011-10-18T06:30:00.000-07:002011-10-18T06:30:02.108-07:00

I'm finally able to sit down to write about my trip to Boma, South Sudan. I never would've imagined how much catching up there would be after the trip: sleep, pictures, friends and family, work, bills/income, etc.  It's been pretty exhausting and I wish I could've just returned and begun writing immediately, but God has definitely been graceful in giving me opportunities to reflect quietly in my

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-49905945470402650452011-10-12T12:00:00.000-07:002011-10-12T12:00:21.731-07:00

Well, it's been a little over a week since I got back from Boma and I think I'm finally done adjusting back to Pacific Standard Time and done dealing with jet lag. There's a lot that I've been processing about the trip and the experience there, and I'm very thankful for you all who have prayed and supported me through this. I'm hoping to have enough clarity and direction to write about, so for

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-34032446140856505872011-09-19T06:01:00.000-07:002011-09-19T06:01:00.528-07:00

The send-off at church yesterday (sorry it's a bad photo!) Tomorrow I leave on my mission trip to Boma, South Sudan! Our church had a family gathering last night with a send-off for our team, which was so incredible to be a part of. There are so many people praying and supporting us on this trip; it's really humbling and amazing to see how amazing God works all things together for His glory and

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-20594413519571330502011-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-11T00:01:01.763-07:00

There were several shocking things that resulted from the 9/11 attacks ten years ago. Many innocent lives were suddenly cut short. The country was struck with fear as a target on its back was realized. We discovered that we're not as invincible as we thought. While these are all terrible and all true, underlying them is an even more profound reality that still endures ten years later. After 9/11

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-65980289836006843982011-09-03T08:33:00.000-07:002011-09-09T21:52:58.852-07:00

I was excited to get into this book (which was previously released as Stop Dating The Church) after reading Harris' other release, Dug Down Deep (which I thoroughly enjoyed). I have to admit, though, that I was a little disappointed with this book. While it has some very important concepts, it is very basic and probably not for the long-time Christian. Here is Harris talking about his book via

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-38077323935270559112011-08-03T08:44:00.000-07:002011-08-03T08:44:47.249-07:00

This is my first update in a while, and the first update about my mission trip to Africa. God is without a doubt preparing me for Boma in many different ways. The first is with regard to finances and material possessions. Image Source I wouldn't say that I'm a spender or a hoarder, but my wife has affectionately called me a "pack rat" in the past. While she admits it's more of a joke than

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-59021434136835421162011-07-16T22:33:00.000-07:002011-07-16T22:33:08.519-07:00

God has called me to Africa. How do I know this? Let me tell you the story... Almost five years ago our church got a new teaching pastor, Matt Guerino. When he arrived, he brought with him a heart for a small town in Southern Sudan called Boma. Since he has been on staff, our church has begun supporting SEA Partners to help this town in the name of Christ. Harvest has sent two teams of people to

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-91888276042094742392011-06-23T09:34:00.000-07:002011-06-23T09:43:35.612-07:00

I was fortunate to receive this book prior to its release in exchange for reviewing it for WaterBrook Multnomah. It just released on Tuesday, and let me simply introduce it by saying that it's a book I recommend with confidence. Who's It For: This book is definitely for Christians, as Stanley frequently quotes Scripture passages and explains what they mean to the Christian's heart. That said,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-20793085051453860042011-06-07T13:53:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:53:38.344-07:00

ChristianAudio.com is at it again, offering Joni Eareckson Tada's book "A Place of Healing" as a free audiobook download for the month of June. If you've never downloaded a book from Christian Audio's website, it's incredibly easy and their products are high quality. I've gotten several audiobooks and have been pleased with every one of them. They offer great titles and are continually working to

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-80203274417800638912011-06-03T01:04:00.000-07:002011-06-22T22:36:48.185-07:00

Most of us know Joshua Harris from his best-selling book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" some ten years ago. I certainly remembered that book and was expecting some of the same from this book. He didn't meet those expectations, but that's a good thing. Harris shows how much he's matured in this book and uses his life experiences as a means to lead readers to the same destination he has finally reached

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-68761680845386252822011-05-25T13:43:00.000-07:002011-05-25T13:43:27.011-07:00

I'm currently studying A.W. Tozer's "The Pursuit of God" with my small group, and came across something that made me think about God's Word in a new way. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking his words and causing the power of them to persist across the years... God decreed the death of every man, and no added word has He needed to speak. The sad process of mankind

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-53487168812987654692011-05-10T22:53:00.000-07:002011-06-22T22:37:43.717-07:00

I've wanted to review books on my blog for a while now, and I've done so before but I want to do it more often. So, I'm starting now! I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I have to admit that I wasn't expecting this book to pack such a big punch. In terms of size, it's thicker and meatier than I anticipated, which I think is a good thing

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-91014933632175156562011-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:002011-05-02T18:54:05.881-07:00

Osama bin Laden was claimed for dead by President Obama last night, and the killing was not accidental. Since watching the news broadcasts about it, I've been wrestling quite a bit with how I as a Christian should respond from a biblical perspective. Thankfully, God has used some of my favorite bloggers and writers to speak on this and give me some guidance. I found these especially helpful, and

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-75394048813060207852011-04-24T08:06:00.000-07:002011-04-24T08:06:16.810-07:00

Image Source On Friday we mourned the death of our Lord and Savior, commemorating the absolute solitude and silence He experienced in order to fulfill God's just wrath for our sins. Now we have the blessing of the full revelation God's will - that Jesus conquered death by death and He is risen! Many saints have written on the subject of Christ's resurrection. I'm not attempting to add anything

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-6928439087134143742011-04-22T07:47:00.000-07:002011-04-22T07:47:00.581-07:00

Today, Good Friday, Jesus Christ fulfilled the first part of God's two-part plan to overcome sin and death in the world. He did what He came to do, just as He said: "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28) "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10) "I came that they may have life and have it

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-88643269559312714342011-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:002011-04-18T07:51:00.200-07:00

In a few days, Christians around the world will celebrate Easter. This is the day we remember as one of the most important events in human history. But first we also remember Good Friday, the day that necessarily precipitated Easter yet is so difficult to comprehend. To be honest, a lot of the time I don't want to think about Jesus' suffering because that would mean looking at my own shame.

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-87716321673603920892011-03-21T21:54:00.000-07:002011-03-21T21:54:43.283-07:00

Image Source One of the most scandalous parts of the Gospel has got to be that Jesus associated Himself with scumbags (by the world's standards) and not only ate dinner with them (Mark 2:15-17), but proclaimed that these will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 21:31-32) and that He died to forgive them of their sins (Romans 5:6-10). I don't know about you, but I'm offended by this! If you

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-64286914648392781522011-03-15T18:00:00.000-07:002011-03-15T18:00:19.009-07:00

Something I've wrestled with in my life, particularly the past few months, is trying to understand what the purpose is behind all this "life" stuff. Some people have extravagant lives and others of us have had to work incredibly hard just to be able to look in the mirror and claim, "normal." Image Source I got to thinking about this lately, and realized that the definitions of "normal" and "

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-22192541100346909062011-03-04T08:46:00.000-08:002011-03-04T15:18:35.773-08:00

This has been a tough week for me - one of those "Can't I just escape to some tropical island for a week?" kinds. As I was thinking about this idea of a "timeout from life," I ran into Stefano Langone from American Idol and was reminded so gracefully that God alone is my refuge and my relief (Psalm 94:22). It's so easy to get burdened down with life's trials and feelings of defeat, like I have

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-3622387217249421252011-02-22T22:50:00.000-08:002011-02-22T22:50:55.229-08:00

Image Source My last post focused on graceful suffering - the art of enduring hardship in a God-honoring way. This post will focus on the direction and destination of suffering - purposeful suffering. It's important to consider the purpose of suffering because if I'm not careful, my pain and grief can take me in a direction I mean not to go; worse yet, I may end up in a place I do not desire

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-68277545309008972842011-02-09T10:33:00.000-08:002011-02-09T10:33:27.831-08:00

I've been learning a lot lately about pain and healing, particularly about how to go through it in a graceful way that allows my faith to remain not only intact but to be stretched and grow in ways that bring deeper meaning and purpose to my life and relationship with God. Needless to say, this is a very personal post and I hope that sharing my heart with whoever reads this will encourage you to

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-26731941556788772902011-01-18T20:59:00.000-08:002011-01-18T20:59:45.983-08:00

The Gospel is God's great gift to us. It has the power to take us from the depths of sorrow into the glory of the presence of God. But how does this happen? I would like to propose that it changes people by giving us... Meaning. Even though we live in a world of sin and brokenness, Jesus came into this world and changed everything. Only in relationship with God through Jesus can real life begin

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-18313504053798758672011-01-17T11:26:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:26:34.627-08:00

Today in America we honor and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. by observing this day as a holiday. There were many things King did to fight injustice and stand up for the weak, which had tremendous impacts on American history. Image Source Image Source His greatest work was not for American history, however, but for God's kingdom. This letter, written November 4, 1956, is still a relevant

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-8908420783395407222011-01-04T15:40:00.000-08:002011-01-04T15:40:41.047-08:00

I'm re-posting this after reading it on Randy Alcorn's blog because it's so incredible as a reflection on what God was doing in 2010. The credit goes to Randy for posting it, but also to his friend, Tim Challies, who posted it on his blog. The following is directly from Randy's blog. Please watch the entire video, it's worth it (if you can watch without tears of joy in your eyes)! My friend 

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-54868805254529300872010-11-24T07:03:00.000-08:002010-11-24T07:03:00.187-08:00

Image Source Thanksgiving is almost here! I've put a great deal of thought and prayer into this holiday, particularly as many people I know have been counting their blessings over the past few weeks on Facebook. For me, though, Thanksgiving seems to point to something much greater than itself. I cannot celebrate this holiday of giving thanks to God without anticipating the greatest gift of all:

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-11334427710936038722010-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:002010-10-06T13:13:32.694-07:00

I don't do this often, but I thought that after hearing this message from Francis Chan at the 2010 Desiring God Conference, everyone should hear it. It's a powerful message, one that every Christian should hear and never forget because it's at the heart of the Gospel. Please take the hour or so to listen to this message and allow God to speak to you about how He's calling you to respond. Also,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-29548837786142631672010-10-01T07:35:00.000-07:002010-10-06T06:50:35.463-07:00

Image Source Yesterday I got a text message from my wife informing me that she got an unexpected bill. My initial feelings were anger, frustration, annoyance, disappointment, and fear. How could you let this happen? Why weren't you more careful? How are we going to pay for this? These were all the thoughts running through my head, filling my heart at the same time. Thank God, however, for my

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-52731983223082101362010-09-15T13:57:00.000-07:002010-09-15T13:57:07.953-07:00

Have you ever thought about how creation and grace are connected? I mean, other than the fact that once creation was completed, grace was ready (and needed) to take the stage? I hadn't thought about it too much before until recently either. Image Source I should preface this post with this: I don't have the education or intellectual capacity like legitimate theologians and pastors do, and I'm

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-10127426630908254892010-09-08T16:47:00.000-07:002010-09-08T16:47:36.614-07:00

I was hit this morning with news that brings a significant financial impact to my family. My initial reaction was deep anxiety and fear. What are we going to do? How are we going to make this work? I thought to myself, amidst other racing thoughts. I tied up my running shoes and took off for a run to clear my head and work some of these thoughts out. Image Source When I first hit the pavement,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-75211534484920148322010-08-12T10:14:00.000-07:002010-08-12T10:25:08.453-07:00

Today's run was hard. Yesterday felt so easy, natural, and effortless compared to today. I even found myself praying with more difficulty: "God, I just don't feel very good today... help me feel better." Image Source But that prayer struck me and I started reflecting on it. Why was I less enthusiastic for God's strength and guidance today, the day I needed it most? After some more thought, I

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-80276658975161564382010-07-23T16:56:00.000-07:002010-07-23T16:56:41.105-07:00

I've had some great discussions lately with friends about trusting God and it sparked me to think about (and now write about) this in more detail. The questions I've gotten sound something like this: "Things in my life are really hard right now and I don't know what to do. Sometimes I feel like I hear God telling me this or that, but I just don't know if that's Him or me. When I do know, it's

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-23006887779180789472010-06-08T15:52:00.000-07:002010-06-08T15:52:07.142-07:00

It is of utmost importance that we seek to live our lives from the proper perspective. Common sense tells us this every day, such as going to work. Many people dislike their jobs but plow through the days and weeks knowing that the paycheck makes it all worth it (mostly, anyway), because it provides basic needs. If we reacted to each moment, it would produce chaos and ultimately dysfunction. In

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-87882053006488037892010-05-08T14:10:00.000-07:002010-05-08T14:10:15.286-07:00

I found this song via Pandora this week and wanted to share the beauty of the message. It's written by Kathryn Scott, an Irish native and well-known worship leader. You can listen to the song here: http://www.verticalmusic.com/audio/06%20I%20Belong.mp3 And here are the lyrics:"I Belong" Not angels nor demonsNo power on Earth or HeavenNot distance nor dangerNo trouble now or everNothing can take

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-11915255813309452772010-04-26T08:51:00.000-07:002010-04-26T08:51:17.856-07:00

There are two things that I think I could get everyone on earth to agree with: We are all interested in the pursuit of life (whatever definition we use to define "life" with, such as success, happiness, peace, joy, etc.) There is always something that seems to get in the way of that pursuit If we take these premises, if you will, as givens then we can consider the ways we go about answering the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-82863218537743281972010-04-03T15:13:00.000-07:002010-04-03T23:14:37.488-07:00

A friend recently posted a conversation he had with his wife about Holy Saturday - the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in which Christians around the world lament Jesus' death on the cross yet anticipate His rising from the grave the following day. The unique position of Holy Saturday makes it extremely relevant to everyday life here in 2010 because it parallels our current position

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-10019766810982480482010-03-30T09:11:00.000-07:002010-03-30T09:18:27.039-07:00

A friend recently told me that he is struggling with temptations and recurring "sins" that he has troubles letting go of. In thinking about my response (it was via the internet), I was reminded of my Pastor's sermon a few weeks ago regarding the doctrine of hope - that to embrace a hope rooted in faith in Jesus, means to be able to fall in love with Him; however, we must first fall out of love

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-76080424475555139442010-03-15T08:10:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:10:37.268-07:00

I'm finishing up reading Colson's book "The Faith" with my small group, an excellent book that all Christians should read. One section sparked a flurry of brainwave activity: "Therapy can only help you deal with a problem; transformation fixes the problem."As a therapist, of course, I wanted to defend my profession with reasons such as "therapy does actually help people become more effective at

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-71608832685262214252010-02-23T22:38:00.000-08:002010-02-23T22:38:06.733-08:00

I've had a unique opportunity today to contemplate God's mercy. I woke up today in pain. It was my back. Anyone who's ever had back pain knows how debilitating a back pain is; simple, everyday duties like getting dressed or walking up stairs become a lesson in courage. Well, I happened to be in the book of Numbers today (reading the Bible in a year) and had been thinking a lot lately about

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-10319248779897770092010-02-08T08:06:00.000-08:002010-02-08T08:06:26.888-08:00

The sermon at my church yesterday was on the doctrine of man; specifically, that mankind is (1) uniquely like God and (2) represents Him. The main points were: Nothing else in creation is made "in God's image" We are like God morally, rationally, spiritually, and relationally God has made us and we represent, or reflect, Him Obviously this is not new information, and is not something I haven't

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-3532698821386850642010-02-06T21:09:00.000-08:002010-02-07T21:32:13.705-08:00

Knowing God is quite an experience, let me tell you. It's not your typical relationship. In fact, sometimes it feels like less of a relationship and more like a journey. Maybe that's because the word "relationship" seems too narrow to describe what it's like to know God. It feels like I'm stuffing a month's worth of clothes into a small duffel bag. It's a good thing, though - knowing God. I love

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-88812012431716624942010-01-06T08:34:00.000-08:002010-01-06T08:34:54.318-08:00

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-57835298208172994862010-01-04T10:24:00.000-08:002010-01-04T10:24:24.574-08:00

Before I jump into making some New Year's Resolutions for 2010, I want to reflect on 2009 to inform and guide me. Here are some things that I've observed and learned from the last year of the decade: God is sufficient for all. Despite tough economic times, we all learned a difficult but important lesson: the only thing we can (and should) rely on is God. His love and grace is enough to sustain

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-83689342043858696462009-12-28T08:09:00.000-08:002009-12-28T08:09:54.788-08:00

My church is encouraging everyone to read through the bible in 2010, so I found a guide online (credit to ewordtoday.com) and integrated it into a Google Calendar. Calendar Description: Read through the Bible in one year. Read the books of the Bible as they were written historically according to the estimated date of their writing. This uses the order of the Hebrew Bible (Law, Prophets, Writings)

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-18031794431721932812009-12-25T00:33:00.000-08:002009-12-25T00:35:05.282-08:00

Emmanuel, You came to us to live; O God with us, Your life a gift to give While we were still broken. Emmanuel, Creator far away; Lord Jesus Christ, Was born to us this day Fulfilling words long spoken. Rejoice! All angels and saints rejoice! Turn your hearts to the Lord on High. Rejoice! In heaven and earth rejoice! Lift up your voice to Christ Divine. Emmanuel, Born in a humble place; Light

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-26371024354196157672009-12-24T12:37:00.000-08:002009-12-24T12:37:27.283-08:00

As my 60 Days of Humility come to a close, I would like to reflect on where God has taken me: Week 1: True relationship with God is being broken me in perfect Him. Week 2: Perfection is God - not something that I can attain but a relationship of abiding in Him, so that He can be what I am not. Week 3: Relationship with God is built on trust - faith that He will be true to His promises. Week 4:

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-25300629809020883152009-12-23T14:52:00.000-08:002009-12-23T14:52:18.408-08:00

Just as through one man (Adam) came sin and death, forgiveness and life also come through one man (Jesus, the second Adam). -Paraphrase of Romans 5:12-19 Think about that for a minute. Have you ever known rules or even laws to change because of the wreckage of a single person? How many times are those rules or laws overturned because of the obedience of another single person? The power of

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-50656932259058226352009-12-11T09:01:00.000-08:002009-12-11T09:01:12.106-08:00

Last weekend was my anniversary with my wife, and with short vacations brings lots of work to catch up on! So my excuse for not having blogged much recently is that - a worthy cause, if I may say so (at least for my wife's sake!). In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee thanks God that he is not as bad of a sinner as the tax collector,

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-63317650321675826612009-12-02T11:48:00.000-08:002009-12-02T11:48:43.721-08:00

Dear God, Thank you for creating such a wondrous, beautiful world that reflects you. Thank you that you did not hold back but made incredible mountains, deep valleys, vast oceans, diverse plants and animals, and even us, whom you gave all these things to. Thank you for sustaining everything by the power of your Word. Thank you for not giving up on us. Thank you that when you gave us everything

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-20851979119586617622009-11-29T21:42:00.000-08:002009-11-29T21:42:45.207-08:00

What happens when you ask God? When you seek Him? Or when you knock at His door? It will be given to you; you will find; it will be opened (Matthew 7:7). This is a basic summary of week five of my humility journey. What I found this week was so incredible, powerful, life-changing, profound, and yet so simple: the Gospel. But it was in context - the context of my life. God showed me how even in

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-24563015518177709202009-11-23T08:54:00.000-08:002009-11-23T08:54:10.728-08:00

As I enter into the halfway mark of my 60 Days of Humility, I am also ushering in Thanksgiving and the upcoming season of Christmas - my long awaited goal and the long awaited Messiah that God promised us. There are many things to be thankful for - family and friends, shelter, clothes, food, jobs, health, etc. - and it is certainly good to give thanks for these things. However, I believe that the

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-21388423323409607692009-11-22T15:10:00.000-08:002009-11-23T01:05:44.214-08:00

The more I walk in humility with God, the more I'm realizing I have to give up... scratch that... the more I'm realizing there is that needs giving up. It's funny how God opens our eyes to things we've probably seen or heard before, but only now experience them as though for the first time. When I got married, I learned very quickly that my new married life had become a relationship of

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-13120486866842385062009-11-19T08:56:00.000-08:002009-11-19T08:56:09.259-08:00

A couple months ago I wrote about eating as a spiritual discipline. I'm following that up now with exercise as a spiritual discipline, as it has taught me some important lessons in my faith journey. Perseverance There are many times I wake up tired, a little stiff or sore, and unmotivated. My first thoughts turn to reorganizing my weekly exercise routine to accommodate today's laziness. One week

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-41884043201397903622009-11-15T15:00:00.000-08:002009-11-15T15:00:39.264-08:00

This past week was quite a roller coaster. My schedule and routine were interrupted, which really threw me off. I didn't feel quite "right" or "myself" because of this. However, part way through the week I realized it and wondered to myself why it had to be like this. The answer, as usual, was me. Knowing God So there is important distinction I've learned this week as I continue my 60 Days of

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-36363081886071685052009-11-09T09:43:00.000-08:002009-11-09T09:43:45.453-08:00

I've completed two weeks of this journey in humility, and I am so thankful for God's guidance and wisdom. His light is shining in my heart and life, revealing stuff that needs to be brought to the light. I hope that my journey encourages you to continue on in yours, all for the glory of God. Created Perfect Let's go ahead and put it out there: I want to be perfect. We all do; God created us this

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-64571273286709764642009-11-06T08:48:00.000-08:002009-11-06T08:48:40.321-08:00

I wrote an article for Griff Lindell over at his blog on Thoughts About Leadership.He was kind enough to let me Guest Blog there. He's got a blog that's full of biblical insight on leadership. As I was reading some of his posts, I was listening to the radio and... well, you'll just have to read the article below. Servants and Leaders  A few weeks ago I was listening to a Christian radio station

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-52019399387085986272009-11-03T07:10:00.000-08:002009-11-03T07:10:00.596-08:00

The first week of a focus on humility is in the books, and God has already blessed me more than I expected. The most basic thing I've been learning is that relationship is a huge component of humility. What is a relationship with God? I've known God for several years and have trusted Him in many aspects of my life. I've prayed, read my Bible, and participated in fellowship at church. None of

Aaronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516670725011103564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-48939350999711538802009-10-26T11:04:00.000-07:002009-11-02T07:42:53.888-08:00

My wife's cousin, baby Griffin (Griff), is seriously ill. He has cephalitis - inflammation in his brain and nerve tissue in the back, lower part of his brain - and is unresponsive. He has a twin sister, Sabine, who is also sick hopefully with just a cold or a treatable flu. The family will be setting aside time at 12noon PST today (in about one hour from now) to pray together for baby Griff.

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-50143929301183292492009-10-24T15:04:00.000-07:002009-10-24T15:04:50.484-07:00

Dependence on GodToday marks the first day of my journey of humility and total dependence on God. I don't know where I'm going but I'm relying on faith as the disciples did in John 14:4-6: "And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." Humility

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-2755755429628752352009-10-23T08:50:00.000-07:002009-10-23T08:53:51.820-07:00

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul discusses immorality among believing Christians. He explains that the people of the church have become "arrogant," not "mourning" for the immorality but allowing it to exist within their body (1 Cor 5:1-2). The remedy? "The one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst," (v. 2). That raises an interesting question: Is it ever okay to excommunicate believers

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-18164055534542520512009-10-17T17:19:00.000-07:002009-10-18T15:11:51.522-07:00

I'm down to about 7 days until my journey begins. I've been preparing in prayer, study, and discussion with others. Recently I started reading Humility by Andrew Murray, and I discovered something significant; something unsurprising about pride that I should've known before or at least been cautious about. Afterall, Satan is very deceptive. On the very first page of the book, Murray starts off

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-6807188541519215062009-10-12T09:31:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:32:41.963-07:00

A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about Life being about God, and promised some practical ways to make your life about Him. Here are some questions for you to answer to help make your life about God. These questions are directed towards a fundamental belief system of faith: 1. Do you understand and give thanks to God for creating you and everything around you? God's nature is that of Creator,

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-77344298447574362632009-10-06T09:07:00.000-07:002009-10-06T09:07:54.984-07:00

I've been writing on this blog for some time now, but I don't think I've actually defined what I mean by "Trutheran" Christianity. Well, I'm here to clarify and hopefully delineate what it is and is not. What "Trutheran" Christianity Is Not First and foremost, it is not a trend or a following. In fact, it's actually a response to "emergent," postmodern, hipster trends in Christianity that

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-41682447418057999402009-10-01T12:48:00.000-07:002009-10-01T12:48:47.068-07:00

I've been thinking about this more and talking to some people since committing myself to 60 Days of Humility. I wanted to share some of those things that have come up: When pride is found, I want to immediately name it, confess it to God, and ask for forgiveness to anyone I've hurt as a result of it. I want to increase my awareness of God's presence, so while I'm surrendering myself to Him I also

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-50011172145376123812009-09-30T07:59:00.000-07:002009-09-30T08:05:17.161-07:00

Okay, so it's not really. At least that's what we've made of God's original creation. He created life, gave it to us, and then we made life about ourselves. Welcome to sin. But that's not the way it was supposed to be. God is the Creator and Source of life, so when He creates and gives life, the created entity is meant to reflect Him and make a statement about Him, not about the created entity

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-68875965774818088802009-09-23T13:05:00.000-07:002009-09-24T08:37:50.422-07:00

One of my favorite authors, Randy Alcorn, has written a book called "If God Is Good," which released just last week. In it, he discusses God's plan for suffering and evil, and how to biblically address these problems in the world.In his latest post (which includes a YouTube video), he talks about God being sovereign over evil and suffering, and allowing it for good, as Paul explains in Romans 8.

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-17529704098504818762009-09-23T06:08:00.000-07:002009-09-23T07:59:37.738-07:00

1 Timothy 4:7-10 gives instructions to "train yourselves to be godly." Why is training important if we have been justified by faith alone, as Paul puts it (Ephesians 2:8-10)? If we are going to be perfectly redeemed at the creation of a new heaven and New Earth, then why should I practice discipline?I can think of three very important reasons why:1. Training develops a healthier understanding of

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-46065266332294441332009-09-15T09:27:00.000-07:002009-09-15T09:27:43.740-07:00

First off, the most important thing I want to make clear about this post is that it's not about me. In fact, it's the opposite: it's about God - more of Him.Sweetly Broken - Album Version...I've been thinking about this for the past month or so, and especially interested after a particular section in Mere Christianity where C.S. Lewis describes what pride is (the greatest evil), why it's so

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-50225124611616797352009-09-13T10:31:00.000-07:002009-09-13T11:11:08.156-07:00

This morning I read Parade magazine's article with Dan Brown on power, religion, and conspiracy (it's online, too, right here). One of the questions, "Are you religious," stuck out to me not because of the question but because of his answer. Brown explains that he was raised Episcopalian and when he had questions (naturally) as a kid that went unanswered, he sought answers elsewhere.That's a

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-24146167881659395772009-09-07T08:34:00.000-07:002009-09-07T23:33:22.731-07:00

So I've been on this diet for the past week, and have one more week of the "boot camp" aspect of it until I get more daily calories (the first two weeks help you lose more weight right away). I've actually seen some good results in my weight, but more importantly I'm learning an important lesson.Cooking and eating healthier foods, in smaller portions, and being conscious of what I eat, does not

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-35297896922905612042009-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:002009-09-07T23:23:26.217-07:00

The Harvest church service today was in Isaiah 9, and ran us through Isaiah 9:6 which got me thinking about the name Wonderful Counselor (since I am a counselor by profession).In doing some research about this name, I discovered that Judges 13:18 also uses the same name to describe an angel. When asked what his name is, the angel replied, "Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding." The

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-60158856555465187682009-09-02T21:02:00.000-07:002009-09-07T23:36:44.640-07:00

I read this quick little book a couple weeks ago and am finally getting around to writing a book review (I also finished Lewis' "Mere Christianity," so check back for that book review, too).The basis of the book is that Jesus was described as being "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14), and that in order to be effective followers we, too, must be full of grace and full of truth. Alcorn, in his

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-91770981236451504442009-08-29T08:14:00.000-07:002009-08-29T08:41:04.414-07:00

As I was driving home late from work last night listening to the radio, a song came on (see below) that talked about giving God an offering of self - laying the self down as a gift to Him. A brief thought hit me that I had no awareness existed in me: why would God want that gift, it seems cheap?It was truly an Ah-Ha moment as I took another moment to think about that thought (metacognition,

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-44240781999113511842009-08-26T08:13:00.000-07:002009-08-27T11:36:45.328-07:00

As I wrote in my last post, I helped out at a teen camp last weekend and was extremely moved by the experience. When the campers left to head back home, a wave of emotion came over me. I was physically tired, which was part of it, but the main feelings were sadness, frustration, and anger.I had been thinking about how these kids were experiencing the camp, and reflecting on what it's like to be

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-43422112327451772472009-08-21T14:41:00.000-07:002009-08-21T15:05:30.926-07:00

I'm helping at a camp this weekend for boys who are in the foster care system. When they arrived this morning, I was observing carefully. The hesitancy, uncertainty, and insecurities ran wild on their faces and in their body language. But the love of the staff burst right through those walls and made nearly every one of those boys smile through warm cheers.During one part of the singing time, one

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-545506455015522492009-08-09T22:04:00.000-07:002009-08-09T22:52:09.930-07:00

Today at Harvest, Matt answered the question "How could God love everyone and not let everyone into heaven?" The short answer is that on judgment day either we will say to God, "Thy will be done," or God will say to us, "Thy will be done." Essentially, we choose our own destiny.One question that's come up in discussing this topic with my sister-in-law, Zondra, is this: How could people who have

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-42774536904982511602009-08-08T17:57:00.000-07:002009-08-09T21:18:13.448-07:00

I've been thinking about shame a lot the past week. I work as a counselor, helping people through various trials in life, and one of the greatest struggles I see people dealing with is shame. Of course, this exhibits itself in many different ways - addictions, violence, affairs, work, and numerous other aspects. However, underlying all of those behaviors - or symptoms - lies shame.What is shame?

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-42182684242611919972009-08-05T07:26:00.000-07:002009-08-06T13:00:42.670-07:00

I just finished this book and have to say it is, without a doubt, a must-read for all Christians. It's the kind of book that gets you fired up about your faith simply by helping you understand what it is you believe (or don't, but really should re-think that...) and why it's important.Colson (and Fickett) present orthodox Christianity in an appealing, truth-oriented fashion that is free from

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-12242299975142134302009-07-31T17:39:00.001-07:002009-07-31T19:12:02.153-07:00

Because He is God and we're not.That's the simple answer. I'm writing this post in response to my beloved friend Ellen's latest blog entry, Grace Like Rain. It made me think of this truth about human satisfaction and eternal perspective - one that Pastor Matt stresses over and over again (okay, so he's just the messenger; it's really God's message).Why is it that we are never satisfied with our

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-62786898387635175172009-07-27T17:07:00.000-07:002009-07-28T02:31:51.537-07:00

By Our Love - Christy NockelsWhen people talk about you, how do they describe you? Aside from physical descriptors, what do people say to identify you? How are you known or remembered by others?These are some of the thoughts I've had lately since listening to an incredible song by Christy Nockels called "By Our Love." How do people know who I am? Does this fit with who I want people to know me by

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-57692431059513138912009-07-26T14:19:00.000-07:002009-07-31T20:11:39.863-07:00

Today Kurt walked us through Psalms 146-150, wrapping up the book of Psalms. There were some incredible and memorable points he directed us to, worth mentioning here to revisit a little later:1. True Praise comes from the proper perspective. -We need to have a long-term perspective (Psalm 146:2-5; 150:2a).Mortal man acts in short-term; God acts over time. -We need a breadth of perspective (

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-72243501113213866072009-07-25T11:54:00.000-07:002009-07-28T02:18:34.227-07:00

Last Sunday, Matt asked Harvesters to take time this week to think about who God is and bask in His "lawn sprinkler of love," and then to give Him thanks. I've been thinking a lot about this and wanted to share some of those thoughts.When I first started this, I found it really difficult to take myself out of the equation. I wanted to give Him thanks for something He's done for me or thank Him

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-23208040749789194692009-07-24T00:01:00.000-07:002009-07-28T02:19:15.209-07:00

Lately I've been caught up in two pieces of my Christian life - the sinner and the savior. I think it's because I've been reading The Faith by Chuck Colson, and really thinking hard about who God is and who I am in relation to Him. My thoughts turn to what a terrible person I am without Him, and how many mistakes I make in life. I'm completely humbled, in comparison with Holy God, and realize my

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-55602261093102332232009-07-19T13:19:00.000-07:002009-07-19T21:27:07.347-07:00

I always like to reflect on sermons on Sunday, so I thought I'd start here. I'm not going to cover the whole thing, since that's already been done (much better than I ever could). Instead, I'm going to expand on some other points and apply them.Let's start with the first point - that God loves differently than we do. We tend to understand God through our own lenses of experience, which is usually

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485078645189452564.post-6959324209888858842009-07-19T02:24:00.000-07:002009-07-28T02:19:45.154-07:00

I've actually wanted to do this for a while, but for whatever reason I haven't yet. I'm generally more apt to respond to other people's intelligent and thought-provoking ideas, rather than create them myself, so this is a little bit of a stretch for me. I hope it becomes fruitful for both you and me... maybe that's been the reason I haven't stepped out in this type of a blog before? I can tell

Aaronnoreply@blogger.com1