76:. Lessons from Screwtape 1

So, I’ve had SB here the past two days, and i’ll have her til friday, sweet. So I’ve been far away from my computer. But I’m trying to collect my thoughts for Tsunami tomorrow and I’m reading a little more of one of my books, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I wanted to share some things that I’m learning from ole’ Uncle Screwtape that we could all stand to hear.

1. When you pray, attend to God.

In the 4th Letter, he is talking about the all “painful” subject of prayer.

He says, “Whenever they are attending to the Enemy Himself we are defeated, but there are ways of preventing them from doing so. The simplest is to turn their gaze away from Him and towards themselves. Keep them watching their own minds and trying to produce feelings there by the action of their own wills . . . When they say they are praying for forgiveness, let them be trying to feel forgiven. Teach them to estimate the value of each prayer by their success in producing the desired feeling.”

This hit me hard. How often do my prayers sound like this, “God, I want to be more pure. Let me be this. Let me be that. Forgive me.” Do I really want to be forgiven, or do I just need that feeling? Do I really want to be pure, or do I want to put my mind at rest. Check it off my list of things to think of for the day? God wants us to interact with him, not just talk at Him. When we check out in prayer and attend to ourselves, wholly, then its just a self help pep talk. We don’t address God at all. He’s like our little therapist that sits in His chair, nodding His head, being silent. That is not my God.

When we pray we should praise Him for what’s going on. Take our troubles to Him, not mention them like we’re talking about the passing weather. God wants us to talk with Him, not at Him. He wants our hearts, not just our words. My prayers often sound like I’m just trying to cover all the bases and make sure I don’t miss anything I want to work on. Sure I need to take these things to the Lord, but I can never forget what He’s doing and has done for me. I can’t forget His overwhelming love and His care for me. So tonight, when you pray, think about it. A conversation is a two way thing.

Try it.

68:. What I’m Reading . . .

I figured it was time to give you guys an update on what I’m reading now adays. I just finished the Ragamuffin Gospel and I encourage anyone and everyone to get that one. I tend to read a lot of books at once, so here goes:

The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis
– I’ve just recently picked this one back up. The backwards talk is sometimes hard to feel through at night when I’m tired. Very good stuff and makes you think about how you’re living.

Day Trading for Dummies – Ann Logue
– So yea, I like reading this kind of stuff. I’m trying to see where I want to fit in in the world of Finance. I really like learning about markets and how they trade and investments and stuff. Sure, I’m a nerd.

The Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren
– I’ve avoided this book like the plague. I think Tom hit it on the head today when we were talking about it when he said, “I’ve avoided it because it is so popular”. I kinda think its going to be trendy, but our other roommate, Lee, thought it would be a good idea to read it together for Lent. So we’re doing it.

What are you reading?

39:. The Ragamuffin Gospel or I’m a Prodigal Son

So, I’ve been reading this book by Brennan Manning, a very wise and Godly man, called The Ragamuffin Gospel. I think after all he has been through in life, Mr. Manning has a perspective few can attain. He has seen a lot, and has come to see that there is nothing we can offer anyone but Jesus. He is all we have. We are all broken, beaten ragamuffins. Simply put, we have nothing and are nothing without Jesus. Therefore, there is no room for pride or arrogance, only mercy and grace.

A part I read last night right before bed really got to me. Mr. Manning was talking about the prodigal son. Now, i’ve heard this story quite a few times before. But it has never been more real to me than now. The following is an except from the book, a quote from Henri Nouwen …

In my mind’s eye, I See Rembrandt’s painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. The dim-eyed old father holds his returned son close to his chest with an unconditional love. Both of his hands, one strong and masculine, the other gentle and feminine, rest on his son’s shoulders. He does not look at his son but feels his young, tired body and lets him rest in his embrace. His immense red cape is like the wings of a mother bird covering her fragile nestling. He seems to think only one thing: He is back home, and I am so glad to have him with me again. So why delay? God is standing there with open arms, waiting to embrace me. He won’t ask any questions about my past. Just having me back is all he desires. 

God doesn’t want me to wait til i’ve got lust mastered to come back to Him. He doesn’t want me to be all pretty and presentable. He wants me just as I am. Completely, as I am. Its a beautiful thing. Thoughts?

11:. Book Reviews

So, since we’re on the topic of reviewing things, I figured i’d talk about some of the books i’ve been reading….

Boy Meets Girl – Joshua Harris: Now, when most people hear the name “Josh Harris” they have one of three reactions. 1. Josh Who? 2. Ohh my goodness, kissing dating goodbye was the best thing i’ve ever done! or 3. That dude is a kook and i completely disagree with him on everything he’s ever said or will ever say just because of that dumb dating book he wrote. Well, i was kinda in the third group. The whole kissed dating goodbye thing never really was pertinant to my life, even though i guess i did do it for awhile. I guess the idea of formalizing the fact that you aren’t going to date for a while is kinda silly. Dumb that is. Anyways, this book is about the idea of courtship. I don’t really dig that word, so lets say this book is about serious christian relationships. He writes this book presupposing that the relationship you want is heading towards this decision of marriage. Are these two people right for marriage with one another? For me, thats a check. He does a great job of talking about the things, well, we should be talking about with the sig other. My lady and I, Sara Beth, decided to read this together, so that we could be proactive about developing and growing our relationship with each other and making our main focus with this glorifying God. I’d have to say that so far, its done a very great job. It’s allowed us to talk about things we normally wouldn’t think to talk about. Everything from communication styles to what part seeking wisdom should play in the relationship to even what part the cross has in redeeming our past. That section in particular, the part about each other’s past and the cross’ relevance in it has one of the most heart-breaking passages i’ve ever read. Great stuff. I’d say its a great read for young couples who want to learn how to honor God more completely with their relationship.

Sex God (Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality) – Rob Bell: Again, another author that definitely has people on complete opposite sides of the spectrim. Some people eat him up, some people tear him up. I dig him. I love how he explains things and i love his passion for the old testament. Good stuff. So, this book is about how our sexuality relates to God. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but i was definitely hit from many sides on this one. He keeps you interested by bouncing around to all different places to explain what he’s thinking to you. I think the most profound thing the reverend had to say was his remarks on God being the groom and His people being the bride. I’ve never really had this explained to me without it coming off as weird or just awkward. He talks about it so beautifully. He knows how to put it into context. He puts it into the context of the time it was written and the Jewish wedding ceremonies that were tradition. I can’t do it justice, so i won’t really try, but this is a great read to get a better grasp on what our sexuality has to do with God and how taking a step back and looking at it all can make the love story of God that much more amazing.

Music Suggestion of the Day:

The Killers – Sam’s Town: This is a great rock & roll record. They have done a great job shifting their indie rock sound into the main stream. Great guitar sounds matched with beats that get your feet tappin and haunting vocals, a great one all around.