CrossLife

Living Below Normal

mreed — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:18:49 +0000

I heard a message yesterday that hit me like a ton of bricks. Jack talked about speaking to a young man who, by his own testimony was doing “O.K.” When questioned about his struggles with pornography however he admitted he had good weeks and bad ones. “But it’s OK, you know we all struggle with it.” At that monument I suddenly realized I had lost something in recent years. It’s been a long time since I have heard leaders stand up and say “I don’t go there”.
I remember the first time, years ago, a leader in the church admitted that they struggled with sin just as I did. It was so encouraging at the time and it lead me to stop condemning myself and just get to work for Jesus. I have swung too far that way though. Either trying to encourage a struggling brother or feign modesty it is rare for me to say “no, by God’s Grace, I do not participate in that sin. We need leaders who will stand up and proclaim “Not me, not anymore!” We have stopped encouraging each other to victory for the sake of being able to “relate”. If we are not willing to set the bar all the way to perfection, like Jesus told us to (Matthew 5:48), then we will be content to judge ourselves against our peers and not our devine Example.

As leaders we must strive to be able to say, as Paul did: Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. Philipians 3:17

Song for parents

mreed — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:31:21 +0000

This made me cry today.

When My Heart is Overwhelmed

mreed — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:47:49 +0000

When My Heart Is Overwhelmed from Reality on Vimeo.

Favorite Song Right Now

mreed — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:52:24 +0000

I try not to share songs with people because everybody has different tastes. What is awesome and powerful to me might say nothing to you. Never the less this is my musical prayer most mornings.

03-The-Motions.mp3

Please don’t steal this song, if you must have it just post the word “donate” in the comments and I will pay for a copy on your behalf.

A Stirring Admonition

mreed — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:21:14 +0000

A friend sent me this quote from the late William Buckley. It is a profound reminder of the great love He has for us and our hearts natural reaction. “We do not abandon reason, we merely recognize its limitations. We reason to the existence of God, it is revealed to us that His Son was also the incarnation, and that such was His love of us that He endured a torture excruciating in pain, and unique in aspect” the God of hosts, mutilated by His own creatures, whom He dies forgiving, loving. Can we do less? Yes, we do less, but we must try to do more, until we die. – William F. Buckley, Nearer My God

Changing face of American Religion

mreed — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:29:56 +0000

As many of you know, as a general practice, I avoid domestic news outlets. Instead I rely on various European sources not the least of which is BBC World. There are two benefits to this practice. First I easily avoid all the silliness that the American networks label and report as news but is in fact merely pop culture. The second is a fresh perspective. People outside the U.S. do see things differently. Even in the most American like country of Great Britain their take on world and national events are often surprising and even insightful. Because of there distance from it they can sometimes see the forest where we only see the trees.Case in point, and my point for this post, is a recent report on “the Change in American Religion”. It’s a five minute segment I found very chilling. Rev 3:15-16. Please let me know what you think. Download MP3