I read about how you touched them and they were healed
Or even if someone just touched your cloak
they were forever changed.
You let a broken women bathe your feet in her tears
And you washed your best friend’s feet.
I'm just wondering though did you ever just hug people
I mean I know that it's a silly question and all
I'm sure you would have why wouldn’t you
But its one of those things that was never mentioned that got me thinking about it
And how whenever there was a touch from you sins were forgiven and sickness fell.
I think I’m caught up in my sins
last time I checked all my body parts were properly working,nothing special here
I am just a kid with a heavy heart these passing sunrises and sunsets
I don’t think our encounter would have ended up in your gospels or anything
Because all I really need is a hug.
And that's ok for me to imagine right?
That’s not conflicting with any sort of theology is it?
Ok good... then hug me.
But not one of these side ways one arm around the neck type hugs
Or the ghetto right hand clasp fists elbows to chest pat pat on the back back
Or you put your right arm over my left arm
and I put my right arm under your left arm and we make this weird sort of diagonal thing
No none of those.
BEAR HUG ME MAN
Take your old school carpenter arms and throw them over my upper body
leaving my arms dangling underneath yours somewhere
and I can barely move them because your squeezing me so hard.
But don’t pick me up and make my back pop because I hate it when people do that.
And hold me, hold me here in your arms until I start to cry because
I WANT TO CRY
But I just can’t seem to do it on my own.
I have been teary eyed once recently but not even enough for a drip down my cheek.
There's just hurt in my soul that needs to be purged
so hold me here in this hugging pose
until the pain is flowing from my eyes and nose.
-Bradley Hathaway
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Death or Love.
So me and some friends have been studying Genesis... and I love reading a book from beginning to end.. not skipping around and pulling out things here and there... but reading it verse after verse.. I'm starting to see so many things that I've missed before.
I was reading chapter 9 and I came across verse 6, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." I was a little disturbed by this... I mean it makes sense... it's just... but it seems harsh. I've also been very interested in the different positions on the death penalty lately.. so I've been seeking what God's view might be on the issue. And it seems to be quite clear in this verse.
However, I decided to look a little deeper into the good book. Matthew 5 had a lot to say. Jesus talked about anger saying... "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement. Again, anyone who insults his brother is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.(v. 21-22)
Then in Matthew 5: 38-43..."You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
So what's the deal? Do God and Jesus have different views on this subject? But how can they.. aren't they the same? My thoughts exactly. But I don't think this is a contradiction.. and I don't think big G changed his mind either. No, I think it's quite similar to what we see throughout the entire story of the bible.
In the Old Testament, there are many many rules and laws of the land from God. In fact, the Mosaic Code consists of 613 laws! And of course, Moses received the 10 commandments as well. But again I look at the New Testament... when Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is, he simply says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matt 22:36-40) So we see that Jesus almost boils down all these laws of do's and dont's into 2 simple commands. Love God. Love People. I think Jesus is almost saying, do these 2 things.. and you won't have to worry about keeping all the laws.
I will never fully understand God.. I will never fully know how he thinks... but I do know that God sent his son... and I do know Christ died for me.. and he died for you. JC showed the greatest act of love.. and he tells us to show the same to his Father and to others. And even though I mess up.. huge... I know I have someone who will plead my case to the Father... I know Jesus will stand between me and the God whom I have separated myself from because of my sin and he will say, "This is my child, whom I died for." And I will undeservedly be shown the amazing mercy and grace and love of my heavenly Dad.
"Through His humanity, Jesus Christ is able to mediate, that is, to go between man and God and represent man to God. As a mediator, Jesus reconciles man to God; He brings man back into fellowship with God." (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
This is the Gospel.
I was reading chapter 9 and I came across verse 6, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." I was a little disturbed by this... I mean it makes sense... it's just... but it seems harsh. I've also been very interested in the different positions on the death penalty lately.. so I've been seeking what God's view might be on the issue. And it seems to be quite clear in this verse.
However, I decided to look a little deeper into the good book. Matthew 5 had a lot to say. Jesus talked about anger saying... "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement. Again, anyone who insults his brother is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.(v. 21-22)
Then in Matthew 5: 38-43..."You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
So what's the deal? Do God and Jesus have different views on this subject? But how can they.. aren't they the same? My thoughts exactly. But I don't think this is a contradiction.. and I don't think big G changed his mind either. No, I think it's quite similar to what we see throughout the entire story of the bible.
In the Old Testament, there are many many rules and laws of the land from God. In fact, the Mosaic Code consists of 613 laws! And of course, Moses received the 10 commandments as well. But again I look at the New Testament... when Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is, he simply says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matt 22:36-40) So we see that Jesus almost boils down all these laws of do's and dont's into 2 simple commands. Love God. Love People. I think Jesus is almost saying, do these 2 things.. and you won't have to worry about keeping all the laws.
I will never fully understand God.. I will never fully know how he thinks... but I do know that God sent his son... and I do know Christ died for me.. and he died for you. JC showed the greatest act of love.. and he tells us to show the same to his Father and to others. And even though I mess up.. huge... I know I have someone who will plead my case to the Father... I know Jesus will stand between me and the God whom I have separated myself from because of my sin and he will say, "This is my child, whom I died for." And I will undeservedly be shown the amazing mercy and grace and love of my heavenly Dad.
"Through His humanity, Jesus Christ is able to mediate, that is, to go between man and God and represent man to God. As a mediator, Jesus reconciles man to God; He brings man back into fellowship with God." (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
This is the Gospel.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Go! Iceland.
Music from Iceland is like nothing else... so weird... so awesome.
This is a clip of Bjork's show from ACL about a month ago... so crazy.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Questioning Religion...?
I question things a lot... little things... other people... and yes even god things.
Someone said to me today that they thought it was weird that I am the type of person who questions things because of "how religious I am". He didn't mean that I just accept and believe anything... but I guess typical Christians don't question thing as much as non-Christians.
I picked up a book at Barnes and Noble the other day called "Why I'm Not a Christian". I only read a little bit of the book but I found it extremely interesting. The author had a lot of questions and thoughts... which I very much disagreed with... but I think it's good to see other sides of things and where people are coming from... and it also helps me to really dig into my faith and understand what I believe and why.
Just from reading a chapter of that book, I think the author probably had some bad experiences with "Christians" or at least has seen Christianity mis-represented one too many times. It brought back a lot of thoughts of my own experience as a Christian...
I used to think Christianity was about religion. Period. It was about going to church (check), reading the bible (check), living a morally good life(check). Rituals. Religion. And oh how unfulfilling that was. Empty religion.
Then, I questioned.
And I realized this revolutionizing point: "It's not about religion, it's about a relationship". Christ-followership. Intimacy with Jesus. Loving people. Obedience springing from love, not a check-list springing from conviction and duty. Following blindly with my life, not doing my monthly act of service. Letting my heart be broken with the things that break His heart, not ignoring others and only focusing on me me me.
Relationship not religion.
And it's so not empty.
It's so more than fulfilling too.
It's Beautiful... the most beautiful thing there is.
Someone said to me today that they thought it was weird that I am the type of person who questions things because of "how religious I am". He didn't mean that I just accept and believe anything... but I guess typical Christians don't question thing as much as non-Christians.
I picked up a book at Barnes and Noble the other day called "Why I'm Not a Christian". I only read a little bit of the book but I found it extremely interesting. The author had a lot of questions and thoughts... which I very much disagreed with... but I think it's good to see other sides of things and where people are coming from... and it also helps me to really dig into my faith and understand what I believe and why.
Just from reading a chapter of that book, I think the author probably had some bad experiences with "Christians" or at least has seen Christianity mis-represented one too many times. It brought back a lot of thoughts of my own experience as a Christian...
I used to think Christianity was about religion. Period. It was about going to church (check), reading the bible (check), living a morally good life(check). Rituals. Religion. And oh how unfulfilling that was. Empty religion.
Then, I questioned.
And I realized this revolutionizing point: "It's not about religion, it's about a relationship". Christ-followership. Intimacy with Jesus. Loving people. Obedience springing from love, not a check-list springing from conviction and duty. Following blindly with my life, not doing my monthly act of service. Letting my heart be broken with the things that break His heart, not ignoring others and only focusing on me me me.
Relationship not religion.
And it's so not empty.
It's so more than fulfilling too.
It's Beautiful... the most beautiful thing there is.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Listen.
Well I guess it's been about a week... since I was last on here... yea, not that long... but I usually post pretty often...
Maybe it's because I have nothing to post about... but that's not really true... more of the reason is that I feel like I've been going 500 miles an hour... school, church, homecoming, stuff. It's tough.. cause I haven't been with my friends in forever. And if you know me at all, you know that's beyond important to me. I need them.
But back to the 500 miles an hour thing... so basically I realized today that I've been pretty ignorant of a lot of things since I'm doing so much... I've neglected sleep, homework, friends (not on purpose).. and today I sadly realized... God. I've been ignoring God... well I mean I've been reading His word and praying... but just not listening. Basically I've been having a one-way conversation... all me... none of Him. Yea, pretty lame relationship I know.
I ignored the nudging of the Holy Spirit today... later I paid the consequence. And I'm glad that happened.. because it made me realize my ignorance... but it really sucks that it had to come to that for me to listen... or even think about listening for that matter. I think I just need to be silent.
I love this poem... He listens... and so should I.
Silence
What’s happening here?
I was once so alive and now I’m so full of dread and almost dead
Show me your wounded head that has led to communion with the father
But where did he go?
His presence seems farther and farther away each day but I’m trying so hard to steer his way
Yet still lonely and confused on this cold hard ground I lay
Speak to me wise mouth and say “it’s all good kid, it’s nothing that you did, and though it feels like I’m not here with you right now just be still and silent and listen for that sound..
Shhh..
Did you hear it?
Listen again.
Did you hear it?
That silent voice that just spoke nothing, that is me, I’m listening to your plea with open ears
Counting all your tears flowing from your irritated eyes
Searching the skies looking for that hope that beyond there lies.
Oh you young worrisome sparrow, find rest
Lay your battered head upon my omnipresent breast and make it your nest
No strong cold wind could ever blow and carry you from this your home
Look around, see the life shooting up from the ground
Spring colors springing fourth and celebration of your trusting
It’s a constant process this is
Growing you into the man you are to become
But when you sense the setting of the sun know it is only rising and has just begun
Now go fourth, sing songs of faith, and lift up others in the midst of this race
And if you can’t keep the pace or lose sight of my face
Know that I’m always near so you need not fear
But don’t worry about all that right now
Just sit here and enjoy the peace I offer in my silence
When I am silent I am listening, and not abandoning.
-Bradley Hathaway
Maybe it's because I have nothing to post about... but that's not really true... more of the reason is that I feel like I've been going 500 miles an hour... school, church, homecoming, stuff. It's tough.. cause I haven't been with my friends in forever. And if you know me at all, you know that's beyond important to me. I need them.
But back to the 500 miles an hour thing... so basically I realized today that I've been pretty ignorant of a lot of things since I'm doing so much... I've neglected sleep, homework, friends (not on purpose).. and today I sadly realized... God. I've been ignoring God... well I mean I've been reading His word and praying... but just not listening. Basically I've been having a one-way conversation... all me... none of Him. Yea, pretty lame relationship I know.
I ignored the nudging of the Holy Spirit today... later I paid the consequence. And I'm glad that happened.. because it made me realize my ignorance... but it really sucks that it had to come to that for me to listen... or even think about listening for that matter. I think I just need to be silent.
I love this poem... He listens... and so should I.
Silence
What’s happening here?
I was once so alive and now I’m so full of dread and almost dead
Show me your wounded head that has led to communion with the father
But where did he go?
His presence seems farther and farther away each day but I’m trying so hard to steer his way
Yet still lonely and confused on this cold hard ground I lay
Speak to me wise mouth and say “it’s all good kid, it’s nothing that you did, and though it feels like I’m not here with you right now just be still and silent and listen for that sound..
Shhh..
Did you hear it?
Listen again.
Did you hear it?
That silent voice that just spoke nothing, that is me, I’m listening to your plea with open ears
Counting all your tears flowing from your irritated eyes
Searching the skies looking for that hope that beyond there lies.
Oh you young worrisome sparrow, find rest
Lay your battered head upon my omnipresent breast and make it your nest
No strong cold wind could ever blow and carry you from this your home
Look around, see the life shooting up from the ground
Spring colors springing fourth and celebration of your trusting
It’s a constant process this is
Growing you into the man you are to become
But when you sense the setting of the sun know it is only rising and has just begun
Now go fourth, sing songs of faith, and lift up others in the midst of this race
And if you can’t keep the pace or lose sight of my face
Know that I’m always near so you need not fear
But don’t worry about all that right now
Just sit here and enjoy the peace I offer in my silence
When I am silent I am listening, and not abandoning.
-Bradley Hathaway
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Motha' T.
Yea so I'm reading about Mother Teresa... she's pretty awesome. Like no joke.. one of the most selfless people in history... with the extreme exception of Big JC himself.
I found something really interesting that she wrote about in her person diaries... She talked about the fact that Jesus thirsts for us. I have never really heard that said before... She says, "Not only He loves you, even more-He longs for you. He misses you when you don't come close. He thirsts for you..." What an amazing way to express God's desire for us. He thirsts.
John 19:28 says, "Jesus, knowing that all was finished, said, "I thirst."' Jesus said this as He took some of his last breaths on the cross... and then some of the Romans held a sponge of vinegar up to His mouth... stupid Romans. That makes me laugh. I mean seriously, Jesus endured more pain than any human should... and did not complain once. Do they really think He's gonna ask for a drink NOW? No... this was a different kind of thirst... as Mother T said, "He spoke of His thirst- not for water- but for love, for sacrifice." God thirsts for these things... and He thirsts for us. Another brilliant quote of Mother...'"I thirst" is something much deeper than just Jesus saying "I love you." Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you- you can't begin to know who He wants to be for you. Or who He wants you to be for Him."
I think that last statement is interesting..."who He wants you to be for Him." Mother Teresa seemed to get this too... she wrote about what she thought the job of a missionary for Christ is to be... she said our aim should be "to satiate the thirst of Jesus" and "to quench the infinite thirst of a God made man... by our love." God thirsts for us... and we are to satisfy... to completely suffuse... to drown His thirst.
I found something really interesting that she wrote about in her person diaries... She talked about the fact that Jesus thirsts for us. I have never really heard that said before... She says, "Not only He loves you, even more-He longs for you. He misses you when you don't come close. He thirsts for you..." What an amazing way to express God's desire for us. He thirsts.
John 19:28 says, "Jesus, knowing that all was finished, said, "I thirst."' Jesus said this as He took some of his last breaths on the cross... and then some of the Romans held a sponge of vinegar up to His mouth... stupid Romans. That makes me laugh. I mean seriously, Jesus endured more pain than any human should... and did not complain once. Do they really think He's gonna ask for a drink NOW? No... this was a different kind of thirst... as Mother T said, "He spoke of His thirst- not for water- but for love, for sacrifice." God thirsts for these things... and He thirsts for us. Another brilliant quote of Mother...'"I thirst" is something much deeper than just Jesus saying "I love you." Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you- you can't begin to know who He wants to be for you. Or who He wants you to be for Him."
I think that last statement is interesting..."who He wants you to be for Him." Mother Teresa seemed to get this too... she wrote about what she thought the job of a missionary for Christ is to be... she said our aim should be "to satiate the thirst of Jesus" and "to quench the infinite thirst of a God made man... by our love." God thirsts for us... and we are to satisfy... to completely suffuse... to drown His thirst.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Da Word.
The bible is so crazy... like the other day Amanda showed me a whole chapter in 1 Corinthians she found...it seemed like we had never even read it before. It was like God straight talking to her... like He just wrote it down. The living Word of God foreal.
And yesterday, I was going through the Old Testament and there were little books in there I've never even looked at. I'm really excited to start studying the O.T. because I don't read it as much as I should... and I'm pretty sure it's important.. I mean it's the bible Jesus read right?
It's kinna funny... the other day, someone at school told me that her teacher wouldn't let her read her Bible during our "designated reading time". The teacher told her she had to read a novel. I would have loved to ask her teacher some questions...
"Ok what.. so you want me to read some Nora Roberts romance novel? Well, actually the Bible is full of romance. In fact, it's the greatest love story ever." Or... "Would you like me to read a murder story? Well, the Bible includes one of the most brutal types of murders in history.. Crucifixion on a cross." Or maybe... "Should I read a mystery novel? Well, the Bible includes the greatest mystery... one that is still unsolved. The mystery of how God could love me and you, sinners, so much that He would die for us."
I have to say though... I do agree that the Bible is not just a novel... no it's definitely far more than a good book you read from beginning to end and then add to your bookshelf... like I said before it's the living Word of God... it's alive in our hands. We hold such a power... and so many times I forget that God's Word.. his voice to me... is right here in my grasp. Ephesians 6 calls it our sword. No wonder that teacher made my friend put her Bible away... no weapons allowed at school right?
And yesterday, I was going through the Old Testament and there were little books in there I've never even looked at. I'm really excited to start studying the O.T. because I don't read it as much as I should... and I'm pretty sure it's important.. I mean it's the bible Jesus read right?
It's kinna funny... the other day, someone at school told me that her teacher wouldn't let her read her Bible during our "designated reading time". The teacher told her she had to read a novel. I would have loved to ask her teacher some questions...
"Ok what.. so you want me to read some Nora Roberts romance novel? Well, actually the Bible is full of romance. In fact, it's the greatest love story ever." Or... "Would you like me to read a murder story? Well, the Bible includes one of the most brutal types of murders in history.. Crucifixion on a cross." Or maybe... "Should I read a mystery novel? Well, the Bible includes the greatest mystery... one that is still unsolved. The mystery of how God could love me and you, sinners, so much that He would die for us."
I have to say though... I do agree that the Bible is not just a novel... no it's definitely far more than a good book you read from beginning to end and then add to your bookshelf... like I said before it's the living Word of God... it's alive in our hands. We hold such a power... and so many times I forget that God's Word.. his voice to me... is right here in my grasp. Ephesians 6 calls it our sword. No wonder that teacher made my friend put her Bible away... no weapons allowed at school right?
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