It's Out Of My Hands

     Once again, I will be going AWOL from the internet. This time will be much shorter than the last. I cannot give details now, but suffice it to say that the events surrounding my departure are definitely God's handiwork. When I return, I will tell you where I have been and what God has been up to in my life. For now, all I can tell you is that this song by Matthew West perfectly describes how I feel. (Except for the part where he says, "There You go healing these scars." Then all I can think about is that line in Kung Fu Panda 2....) Anyway, here are the lyrics:

Post Tenebras Lux!

-ST

Life in the Past Lane

   

    I live so much of my life in the past and future. So few minutes of my day are spent thinking about the present. Most often, my thoughts are, “I’ve gotta get this done before….” Or, “I wish I hadn’t done that….” 

    It’s not that planning for the future or learning from the past are bad (in fact, the Bible says we should do those things), but when I am dwelling on my plans or regrets – that’s not good.

     Here’s what the Bible says:

Ephesians 5:15-16
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (ST: Stay focused. We are in a war.)

James 4:14-15
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." (ST: Trust eliminates fear of the future. The ability to see my life in the light of eternity gives me the perspective I need to put things in proper order. People are more important than “getting things done.”)

Matthew 6:33-34
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (ST: Yup.)

Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (ST: “Anxious for nothing,” including past regrets and future worries. I need to dwell on true things, things that are here and now that I can do for God’s glory.)

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (ST: So why worry over what is beyond my control? “He is on His throne and firmly seated,” as my father says.)

      I hope this encourages you to seize, not just the day, but every moment.

Post Tenebras Lux!
-ST

Fiction: Is It Worth It?

     I am writing a book. It is in the science fiction genre. My goal for the book has always been higher than simple entertainment. I want my book to glorify God, not just make a reader happy. But every once in a while I wonder, "Is it worth it?"

     There are some who say that fantasy and science fiction are a means of escape. That we use fiction to "get out" of the world for as long as we can. They say that much of modern day fiction is causing us to pull away from reality. That we are forgetting that this world has real consequences and requires us to take real responsibility. 

     God has often used fiction in my life to draw me back to Him. But I have also often been distracted by fiction.

     If, as Christians, we are to keep our eyes focused on Christ, then how does fiction, and entertainment in general, fit in? I don't think God wants us to live dull, boring lives. But if glorifying God more means abstaining from time-wasting entertainment, then surely He will bless those who obey. The question is, does God want me to?

     This is one of those areas where Christians will never totally agree, I think. And that's fine, because we aren't supposed to agree on everything. But I want to hear all the views.

     Is fiction worth it? Is writing fiction, reading fiction, and watching fiction on the TV worth the time we give it? What say you?

Happy Monday, Everyone!

     Proven fact: Mondays are not as cool as Flippy, Floppy, Fruity, Futterwacken, Fantastic Fridays. But the best thing to do when faced with the adversity of an upcoming week is to make fun of it. Thus, I give you Julian Smith:

Flippy, Floppy, Fruity, Futterwacken, Fantastic Friday!

     Listen, I'm just getting in on the apparent trend. Fairly Funny Friday, Short and Sweet Friday, Filk Friday, and Friday Fun are all current posts on blogs I am following. So here is my clever Friday post. Ta-da.

     So, are you... looking forward to the weekend?

     Sorry. It just had to be done.

     I am going to have a bonfire with some friends tonight. What are your weekend plans?

Post Tenebras Lux!
-ST