My Year in Review (Final)

I don't want to write about part three of the year. It was really good, though not without its challenges. Basically school happened. Covenant is going well, better than it has in the past. Cross country was really good. Really happy to be back with West Brow Fire & Rescue. So good to be near friends like Scott and Jamie Laslo, Uganda people, and my brother and sister.

New Movies of the Year:

I watched Dogville and Annie Hall, among other movies, with Steve Larsen in Kansas City back in January. That was so much fun. These were probably the best movies I saw this year.

I tried to read a minimum of 10 books related to Christianity this year. I only made it to 7, but I am happy. I've developed the habit :) I strongly recommend Growing Up Christian by Karl Graustien. It is simple and easy to read, and very important and influential for one's faith. If you have never read theology, please begin with this.

But the book I have truly come to love this year is Holiness by JC Ryle. Its topic and elements are basic Christianity. But even more, the elements discussed are necessary for being a Christian. Ryle shows how holiness and sanctification are essential to being a Christian. He shows the real, deep, narrow path that a true Christian must walk. It is not optional, you either are such a Christian or you are not one at all. Hebrews 12:14b says, "without holiness no one will see the Lord." And I place myself first at the line in need of holiness; this book is convicting. Go forth, buy, and read :

http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/2388/nm/Holiness_Its_Nature_Hindrances_Difficulties_and_Roots_Paperback_

My Year in Review (2)

Uganda through the summer...

Man, what should I say about Uganda. I just completed my cross cultural task here at Covenant, so I spent alot of time thinking and writing about that trip. I don't really want to write down everything I did there either. In general terms, it was a really good trip, though it was difficult. It certainly was a high point of the year, and it has changed me for the better I think. The spiritual fruits in my life are subtle I think, and perhaps slowly developing, but I think (and hope) they are present.

I spent alot of time evangelizing there, and that was good. I wanted it, and needed it. I don't think it is my spiritual gift, but I know I can do it. I really wish I did it here in America, and that can be changed.

I met alot of cool people, Americans and Ugandans, and I still keep in contact with people from both countries.

We got back, and I was sick for a week. Spent the next few weeks doing I don't know what. Readjusting, getting healthy, being a little depressed, confused, and in a surreal daze. 4th of July was good. Spent alot of time at Shawn Vicker's place, which is always nice.

Somewhere around here I realized I wanted to go back to Covenant. The fire academy fell through due to late paperwork on my part, but I am kinda glad. Covenant has been really good this year, and I am getting alot of firefighting preparation here too.

Then I got work with the window washing company again. Overall it was good, though I didn't like traveling all the time. Yet, it made work exciting. It really was kinda fun working all over the U of A campus. I remember spending the hot, muggy evenings running. Such memories.

Then the great backpacking trip with Charlie and Dr. Stevens at Mount Rainier. Such a good trip. Seattle was great too. I really would like to live up there after college. Such a beautifal and exciting place. I'll have to see what God has in store though.

Then Covenant...

A Contrite Repentance

"For You will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

In Psalm 51 David does not disparage the Old Testament ceremonies; rather, he reveals how in and of themselves, the blood offered by the priests avails nothing. Without true sorrow for sin, sacrifices would not cover the guilty person's transgression. Likewise, Jesus has not made atonement for those who do not exhibit repentance in their lives (Heb 10:26).

False repentance, attrition, is being is the sorrow we have for the consequences of our sin without being ashamed of violating God's holy standards.

True repentance, contrition, realizes our transgressions are heinous because they violate God's holy character. God will never despise those who express contrition; He forgives all those who repent in humility (Ps 51:17)

If you have a contrite heart you can be assured that you have been forgiven. If you are sorry that you might get caught, you are in danger of having a false repentance. Ask the Spirit to produce real sorrow for sin in your heart today.

-From the November issue of Tabletalk Magazine, produced by Ligonier Ministries

Album of the Year

Out of all the music I bought this year, I have to give Derek Webb's She Must and Shall Go Free album the award of the year. I primarily chose it because it is the first Christian album from a contemporary Christian artist that I've enjoyed in...years. The music is good and the lyrics are good. "Wedding Dress" is a great song about our unfaithfulness to God; "Lover" is a great song sung from the perspective of Christ; and "She Must and Shall Go Free" is a great song about the church and how Christ has freed us from the debt of our sin. I also liked "Crooked Deep Down" in part because the music sounds kinda like it could have come out of Sun Studio back in the day. I don't like the music from his last two albums, though the lyrics are still good. Ha ha, "I don't listen to the music dad, I just listen to the lyrics." Anyways...

Other good albums I bought this year:
Bill Mallonee: Yonder Shines the Infant Light
Vigilantes of Love: Killing Floor
Bob Dylan: Nashville Skyline