J. Christ, you are my sanity and clarity....

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15)
 

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. (Psalm 118:5)
 

Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path. 

There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

The world cries for men who are strong--
strong in conviction, strong to lead, to stand, to suffer.
I pray that you will be that kind of man--
glad that God made you a man,
glad to shoulder the burden of manliness in a time when to do so will often bring contempt.

wrote this entry a year and a half ago and it's truer than ever today:

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February 6, 2008

I don't feel that deep, deep, WILD sorrow anymore. It's still within me. But it doesn't consume me anymore. I think this is a good thing. I think.

The thing is, I am so in love with God.

I don't think anything or anyone could take that away from me. And that, or should I say He, is my one advantage. My one secret in getting through life.

I am so imperfect. The moments when I fully realize my depravity...it's mindblowing. I pray that you will show me how to pray. How to live. How to be. I am so strong, God, because of You. In many ways, we've made it. We've made it.

Let the battle begin.

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God, in his grace, teaches me the same lessons over and over again and that is exciting (and fortunate) to me

if i could just feel Your touch,
could i be free?

raise me up from this grave,
touch my tongue and then i'll sing

joyfully i'll run to you

Yet this I call to mind
   and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.

thank you, God.

It's your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It's an open door
It's your life

Are you who you always said you would be?
With a sinking feeling in your chest
Always waiting for someone else to fix you
Tell me when did you forget

It's your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It's an open door

To live the way that you believe
This is your opportunity
To let your life be one that lights the way

It's your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It's an open door

It's your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It's an open door
It's your life
It's your life

“No Holy Spirit = no true Christianity! You must have the Spirit in you, as well as Christ for you, if you are ever to be saved. God must be your loving Father, Jesus must be your known Redeemer, the Holy Ghost must be your felt Sanctifier...” (J.C. Ryle)