As always excellently written. My oldest grandson, Sean, said I need to challenge my brain (learn a foreign language, learn to play piano, read old classics, read new writers) now that I am nearing my bonus ten. Reading your 'Blog', if that is still the correct term, does that. It challenges me to think. I like that.
I read it along with Aunt Vicki this time. She said something the day before based on the comments of another of my nephews. "It seems that man in the past tried to conform himself to the writings of God while today many see to be trying to conform the Word of God to themselves." It is confirmed and complemented by your post.
The Father in one of my favorite parables never left the ranch. He even came outside spoke to the other son and returned to the party. Jesus never told the woman caught in adultery, "I cannot wait until I am released from the trappings of holiness to be like you." But he loved her.
Thank you Uncle Joe! Honestly, one of my greatest joys is sharing these ideas with friends and family and hearing what they think. So to hear your thoughts is truly a treasure. And thank you Vicki for that insight, it is a very good one. We, who were made in God's image, ever since the fall, have been trying to make God into our image. We have fallen prey to the words of the serpent, "ye shall be as gods." I forget where I heard this but I once heard someone say something like "It took one day to get us out of the garden, and the rest of life on earth to get the garden out of us." Thankfully we serve a merciful God who through His spirit transforms us into His likeness over time. He bears with us. Thank God He is God and not us.
Jeff ~ You have a knack for going deep. Today's post is incredible, as you skillfully travel into culture, with history in hand; then you wrestle a topic like this one only to come out victorious. Again, C.S. Lewis would be proud - better said, you have a modern C.S. Lewis gifting. I pray God's blessing on your mantle, your call, which is to render loud arguments soft, and proud arguments humbled. Your craft is prophetic, yet compassionate, built on a foundation of a life that knows, cares and is not afraid to confront. Keep going Jeff, the world needs what you have to offer. Sincerely, Joel H.
Thank you for reading and offering such encouraging feedback, brother. It means a lot. Making loud arguments soft and proud arguments humbly is certainly a beautiful goal and pursuit, and I certainly try.
Aloha Jeff,
As always excellently written. My oldest grandson, Sean, said I need to challenge my brain (learn a foreign language, learn to play piano, read old classics, read new writers) now that I am nearing my bonus ten. Reading your 'Blog', if that is still the correct term, does that. It challenges me to think. I like that.
I read it along with Aunt Vicki this time. She said something the day before based on the comments of another of my nephews. "It seems that man in the past tried to conform himself to the writings of God while today many see to be trying to conform the Word of God to themselves." It is confirmed and complemented by your post.
The Father in one of my favorite parables never left the ranch. He even came outside spoke to the other son and returned to the party. Jesus never told the woman caught in adultery, "I cannot wait until I am released from the trappings of holiness to be like you." But he loved her.
Again, I so enjoy the way you explain things.
Shalom, Uncle Joe
Thank you Uncle Joe! Honestly, one of my greatest joys is sharing these ideas with friends and family and hearing what they think. So to hear your thoughts is truly a treasure. And thank you Vicki for that insight, it is a very good one. We, who were made in God's image, ever since the fall, have been trying to make God into our image. We have fallen prey to the words of the serpent, "ye shall be as gods." I forget where I heard this but I once heard someone say something like "It took one day to get us out of the garden, and the rest of life on earth to get the garden out of us." Thankfully we serve a merciful God who through His spirit transforms us into His likeness over time. He bears with us. Thank God He is God and not us.
Jeff ~ You have a knack for going deep. Today's post is incredible, as you skillfully travel into culture, with history in hand; then you wrestle a topic like this one only to come out victorious. Again, C.S. Lewis would be proud - better said, you have a modern C.S. Lewis gifting. I pray God's blessing on your mantle, your call, which is to render loud arguments soft, and proud arguments humbled. Your craft is prophetic, yet compassionate, built on a foundation of a life that knows, cares and is not afraid to confront. Keep going Jeff, the world needs what you have to offer. Sincerely, Joel H.
Thank you for reading and offering such encouraging feedback, brother. It means a lot. Making loud arguments soft and proud arguments humbly is certainly a beautiful goal and pursuit, and I certainly try.