Very Nice...I like

UGA 42 - Florida 30
What a great celebration















I want to hug Knowshon too.










I'm a happy guy

Mike Huckabee

The presidential race is well underway. And though I am not fully convinced of the candidate for me, I have been impressed with what I've seen about Mike Huckabee. Here's a pretty good blog post that sums up what he's all about. And here's the intro from Justin, Joe, and Matthew:

"When it comes to politics, we three are pragmatic idealists. We are dedicated to the pursuit of noble principles and goals while never forgetting that politics is the "art of the possible." Because we are idealists we are choosing to endorse a candidate who most aligns with our principles and values and is most worthy of our sacred trust. Because we are pragmatists we are choosing to endorse the one candidate who we believe is most capable of defeating Sen. Hillary Clinton."

Rosie Thomas...and loneliness

I went to Eddie's Attic last night, along with Bailey and Evan, and saw a pretty incredible show. I went for the amazing voice and songwriting ability of the opener, Rosie Thomas, and was quite thrilled to be able to experience her musical talent. However, Bailey assured me that I would not be disappointed with the main act, Over the Rhine. And I definitely was not. You should check them both out.

Moving back to Rosie, she has a song called "Say Hello" that I'm quite fond of. She didn't play it last night, but I just wanted to point some lyrics within the song. She says:

"Loneliness is just a crime, look each other in the eye...and say hello."

I like that line. It's very true. Eye contact is such a simple way to care for someone who you might not even know.

History of Religion

For those of you interested in a quick version of the spread of religions around the world, check this out:
Thanks to Justin for the link

Willing to be saved by grace

I listened to a song called "Draw my soul to thee" this morning by a favorite group of mine,Red Mountain Music. In it these lyrics really stuck out to me:

"Bid me seek Thy smiling face;
Willing to be saved by grace"

and later

"Teach me to confide in Thee; Thy salvation's wholly free."

These lyrics struck me because most of the time recently, I have not been willing to be saved by grace alone. I find it more comfortable to try to do good things. And of course, when I fail, I suffer much guilt and shame because I can't measure up.

So, that's my prayer today. That I would be willing to let myself to rely completely on Christ's work for my salvation and standing before God.

DG conference 2007

Though I didn't get to go to the Desiring God conference this year, I did take full advantage of the audio resources on their website. I wanted to highlight three talks that I listened to that are well worth hearing:

Four Essentials to Finishing Well by Jerry Bridges

A Call for the Perseverance of the Saints by Helen Roseveare

and of course

Getting Old for the Glory of God by John Piper.

2 things wrong with "Christianity" lately

Child preachers

and

Joel Osteen on 60 minutes.
Here's a good summary of the Osteen segment.

A new addition to my blog

Be sure to check out the new addition to my blog. It's the Recently Read section and is found on the right below my currently reading stuff. Here I intend to rate and briefly review recent books that I have read. My hope is to encourage you to read well. Enjoy!

Embracing Accusation

So, after about a month of listening to it, the new Shane and Shane CD is great! There is one song in particular, lately, that has really given me much encouragement. It's called "Embracing Accusation" (much thanks to Aaron for pointing it out.) Here are some of the lyrics:

"Father of lies...saying,
'cursed are the ones who can’t abide.'
He’s right, hallelujah, he’s right.
The devil is preaching the song of the redeemed,
that I am cursed and gone astray.
I cannot gain salvation...
Embracing accusation.

The devil’s singing over me an age old song
that I am cursed and gone astray
Singing the first verse so conveniently over me,
he’s forgotten the refrain...
Jesus Saves!"

Being very aware of my sin this week, despair began sinking in. The self-talk is very loud, "David, you are so messed up. How can you call yourself a Christian?" Thankfully, the Truth of the gospel hit me in a very fresh way through the words of this song. I am so grateful, not that I do sin, but that sin gives me the privilege of relying fully on Christ for redemption. Man, how freeing it is to know that my sin has nothing to do now with my standing before God. My salvation is already secured in Christ's redeeming work.

So, next time, when "Satan tempts you to despair and tells you of the guilt within," remember that "God the just is satisfied, to look on Christ and pardon you."

Solitude pt. 2

About a year ago, I posted a quote by Os Guinness about solitude. I just recently read another very intriguing paragraph by Dallas Willard (in the Divine Conspiracy). What he says really hits me right now, because I haven't had much of this kind of time. Even when I do manage to create some solitude, my mind is often racing around, making sure I have all my future plans in order. I really needed to be reminded that I am not in control.

"[Solitude and silence] take the world off our shoulders for a time and interrupt our habit of constantly managing things, of being in control, or thinking we are. One of the greatest of spiritual attainments is the capacity to do nothing. Thus the Christian philosopher Pascal insightfully remarks, 'I have discovered that all the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they are unable to stay quietly in their own room.'"

Robby Seay and Brandon Heath

Robby Seay and Brandon Heath are playing Tuesday night (10-2) at Perimeter Church. It should be a great night. Everyone in the area, be sure to make it out.