Loving Jesus

I finished Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller this evening, and again as I have blogged about in the past, I highly recommend picking it up, especially if you consider yourself a highly staunch political conservative. Yes, I really believe politics can get in the way of loving Jesus. Look for it on Half.com and Amazon, I'm sure you'll get a good deal. I got my copy at a half-priced bookstore in Pittsburgh for like $4. Anyway, there was an interesting set of quotes at the end of the last chapter that I wanted to pass along for you to chew on:

"I think the most important thing that happens within Christian spirituality is when a person falls in love with Jesus."

...with that being said...

"I know our culture will sometimes understand a love for Jesus as weakness. There is this lie floating around that says I am supposed to be able to do life alone, without any help, without stopping to worship something bigger than myself. But I actually believe there is something bigger than me, and I need for there to be something bigger than me. I need someone to put awe inside of me; I need to come second to someone who has everything figured out" (p.237).

I can't really follow this up with anything other than how true it all is. It's really hitting home with me right now.

Doxology

A doxology is defined as "A liturgical formula of praise to God". At the end of Romans 16, Paul sums up his letter of justification through faith by giving a beautiful doxology that I think is a great connection between God's greatness and our need for Him:

"Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith - to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen."

Haiti Earthquake Relief

Just wanted to pass along two different organizations that you could donate towards to help minister to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti last week. They include:

Compassion International

-donate here: http://bit.ly/8aps1E

Convoy of Hope

-donate here: http://bit.ly/8EiNAH

Large amounts are wonderful, but I understand that sometimes funds are limited. Even as little as a dollar helps. I would encourage you to chose one (or both) of these and get involved and help turn this catastrophe into an opportunity for the Gospel to go forward in a place that needs it a lot. I've donated to both of these organizations so don't worry if the web addresses seem a little shady. I know there are a lot of hoaxes out there but I promise you that both of these are legit. If you still don't trust the links just go to there websites and go from there.

Until we speak again...