Dead Man (Carry Me) by Jars of Clay

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

When we sing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms", we sing it like it's an upbeat hymn that gives us the feeling of lifted up because any leading brother usually starts off in fast tempo. Lifted up as in encouraged and fear driven out of our hearts. It is rightly so. The lyrics reflects the promises made by God.

But what if we sing it in slow tempo? Somehow, it elates the sense of peace and awe.

When you listen to it, it might give a new spin on the well-beloved hymn. It starts with simple piano melody then adds the string orchestra, and lastly, the raw Southern folk woman's voice genuinely exudes the soul that seeks everlasting promises of God.

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms.
He restores my soul.

O how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I Want To Be Alone (Dialogue) by Jackson C. Frank

The life of Jackson C. Frank is tragic but out of it, he wrote beautiful songs. This song has simple arpeggio and his voice ring his soul along with brilliant words.

David Foster Wallace: This is Water

Logic is Not Your Friend

It should be. Logic is good. Logic helps you figure out the uncertainty. Most of the time.

There's seem to be antagonistic attitude toward logic in Christian circle. When someone points out the flaws in the system of belief called Christianity, the believers will defend it to the end, not with a conclusion based on irrefutable evidences but with hearty words of brand loyalty. (Think of Mac vs PC fanatics)

I went to a debate between RIT Skeptics and RIT Intervarsity Christian Fellowship years ago. I wanted to know the both sides to the question "Does God exist?" It was a biggest event of the year because the auditorium exceeded its capacity. It was filmed for those who missed it. I didn't retain much of it because I was confused the whole time. I remember the questions were thought-provoking and the answers were odd from either side. I felt it was more of Skeptics asking Intervarsity questions, even some of them were unnecessary and mocking which should degrade Skeptics' credibility in discourse. Christian audience were no better.

One of the questions was about logic. Skeptics thought that to believe in God is to forfeit logic. To have faith is to forfeit logic. They implied that to be a Christian is to be stupid because it made no sense.

That's quite big of an arrogant assumption there, Skeptics. And you didn't do well either in the debate, if you asked me. Most of your questions didn't really pertain to the topic of the debate. Hence, the state of confusion I was in at the debate.

If you were to successfully make your case that would trump the Intervarsity panel, here is the letter. You might leave them quiet and unable to counter your argument.

The letter kind of remind you Rob Bell's controversial book Love Wins, doesn't it?

I've been thinking critically much more than I have before while I'm reading the Bible for the second time. Coincidentally, this letter popped up in my RSS feed. The reason I said "coincidentally" is this letter lines up with my latest thoughts. Until then, I couldn't quite make my thoughts into understandable paragraph and I was grateful to see this letter. I was relieved.

I hope this would set a milestone in my journey in faith. Hey, identifying my "problem" is a start. Logic is my friend. Doubt is my friend. It helps weed out false beliefs from true beliefs. I know God likes to help out with that. It's part of the process of becoming "hot"... or "cold". It means more study and meditation! I'm sure there is a letter that would "counter-argue" that letter already. I hope.

Meanwhile, I need to practice more on being a servant to the needs, only if I truly love Jesus to the point of loving people as Jesus loves them. But practice will help me to love him more. You know, like a vicious cycle of hate except hate is love. Matthew 25:31-46