Coming Soon: The Progressive Book Report

Trying a new tactic here with this idea of the progressive book report.

Instead of the usual "what I think" blog and my plan of exhibiting the works of my own pen (both of which are, let's face it, largely self serving) perhaps we can learn something. And as I have not recently made the time to finish my ever-in-progress novels.... Well, here we are.

Lest you think this is some sort of boring, 25 post tome, let me put you at ease. First, I never do anything that is boring... That would be boring. Second, I don't have the time to bore you with a 25 posts of nonsense. Thirdly, by choosing titles that are interesting, helpful and maybe slightly controversial, boring shouldn't be a problem.

What do I mean by "progressive book report?" Well its a book report that is progressively revealed. A tidbit here and there as I wade through the paragraphs, pages and chapters.

So basically, its what I want to say about what I read that isn't boring and is (in true Sunshine fashion) the bottom line.


To be continued...

Coincidence? I think not....

You think I would have learned by now. 

How often do we mock the Israelites from days gone by for thier lack of faith, and yet, commit the very same offense every day?

Guilty as charged.

It's my turn to teach children's church this week and once again, it's a lesson I have yet to fully grasp. Exactly what I needed to hear, the very principal I keep trying to master in my own strength.

Coincidence? I think not.

He's guiding me through the desert just as He did so many years ago with His people of old, and I keep tripping over the manna.
But here I am again, smiling at GOD'S faithfulness and groaning over my own insanity. Definition: doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result.

Bless God for his grace to repeat offenders!

Who's the Rebel?

Amazing song by the theologically lyrical, Lecrae:

Rebel Intro
Lecrae


Jesus was a rebel, a renegade, outlaw/ A sanctified troublemaker but He never sinned, naw/ and He lived His life by a different set of Rules/ the culture ain’t approve/so you know they had they had to bruise em/ that’s the way they do/ man, they swear they so gangsta but everyones the same/ everybody do the same stuff/ tattoos, piercing/ smokin’ up and drinking/ money and sex plus them extravagant weekends/man if that’s the high life/ I’ll puff puff pass that/ you leave evaporated like you missing a gas cap/ I guess I’m passed that/ I am in rebellion/ I’d rather have a dollar in my pocket than a mill-ion/ I’m scared to worship money, and my wants over Elyon/ I’ll remain a rebel while the rest of them just carry on/this is what I live fo/ this the hill I’m buried on/ if Jesus is the truth/ that means one of us is VERY wrong/ think about it

No glory in me/ all glory to the King on the throne (Jesus)/ you either love Him or leave Him alone but you can’t do both/ yeah, I know you heard that once in song/ I pray you hear 10 mo fo ya gone/ hey listen up, holmes/ stage is the corner/ crowd is the streets/ And I rap the bread of life cause they dyin’ to eat/

I’m a rebel you know the kind that die in the street/Cause you refuse to conform, won’t eat the kings meat yeah/ Christ rebelled by shunning the cultured/ He eatin’ with sinners/ givin Pharasies ulcers/ He never got married, He was broke and plus homeless/yeah that’s the God I roll wit/ ya boy gotta wife and no I neva cheated/ I’m prayin for humility whenever I get heated/ forget about the drugs/ rebel against pornography/ this ain’t how it oughta be, homie/ this is how it’s gotta be/ A rebel

   It's really an interesting point of view, if you think about it. The world's message is "stand out, be different, be yourself." But if you read the fine print what it really says is "stand out to what WE say is different, be yourself only if it doesn't affect me, conform." Not quite the same. There is a line that's not listed above for some reason, that says: "Everyone is sining, so it's no longer rebellion to sin." Novel idea...
True rebellion in our culture today is following God and living sacrificially for Him.

  

Visit "Reach Records" -www.reachrecords.com- where I snagged the lyrics, and even if rap/hip hop isn't your style, you can read through their songs and still get the message.

"Not Askin' Why"

Dear God, I know You’re there

My God, I know You care.

Here it hurts, I just can’t breathe

But Your Word says you’ll never leave.

My head says I know I can trust you

But my heart feels like it’s pierced through.

I know by the Book these thoughts don’t fly,

But the hard part God, is not askin’ why.

I don’t deny my view can be flawed

But I know You, you are a faithful God.

How come through my pain, I can’t see clearly?

God I know You, that You love me dearly.

It’s dark in the valley but I’m not alone.

It’s these selfish thoughts to which I am prone.

Your Word says you know it all God, you can’t lie.

But the hard part God, is not askin’ why.

How can we win this? It can’t be done solo.

It’s always been Your will I want to follow.

Who You really are Lord, is all I want to see.

You didn’t ask why on Calvary.

The valley is over; I’m here on the hilltop

You came through God; your provision does not stop.

Knowing why isn’t all it’s cracked up to be

As long as you God, get all Your glory.

Does the why really matter, when it’s all said and done?

Who really cares as long as we won?

So for now it’s all over, now I can fly.

By Your Grace God, I don’t need the why.