A Note to My Readers

As you may have noticed last week I published a rather focused article in a very focused category (Marriage and Divorce, and Theology, respectively). That post, and the posts that are planned to follow every Friday, have been in the works for quite some time. Actually, just the idea. The articles themselves are written in an afternoon, but the idea of publishing my papers that relate to theology, church history, and the Bible has been something that I have wanted to do for quite some time, but I struggled with how to execute the idea. Last week I just ran with the idea, the smallest portion of it, and clicked “publish.”

Since then I have gained a few new subscribers (welcome!), and I assume this is because of their interest in the academic focus I have decided to take this website. As a result of the new readership, I have started another website for the random things that have found their way here for the past several years (pictures of coffee, cigars, random thoughts, etc). Now that this site has a clear purpose (well written and though provoking articles meant to ignite a passion for studying God’s Word, in one way or another), I feel that it will be best to not post the random pictures here, but on the site that I have created specifically for that reason.

Meet: The Finer Grinds. There you will find what I used to publish here. Consider this site to be the unfocused, unfiltered Aaron. So, if you enjoy drinking coffee with me, or at least seeing the coffee I drink, among other things, head over to The Finer Grinds and subscribe via email.

Thanks for understanding this move and I hope you will stick around on both sites for the content that I create for you.

Cheers,

Aaron

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Growing on Purpose

Mark 4:24-25 (New King James Version)

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

You will reap what you sow. That is what I see here. Ever wonder why God never seems to speak to you? Here’s your answer! Have you been speaking to Him, putting forth effort?

“With the same measure”, MacArthur notes, is speaking to the spiritual growth the disciples had noticed. This growth is a direct result of their efforts. “They would reap as they had sown.” The second part is even more encouraging, “Whoever has” taken spiritual truths and applied them to their life, “more will be given.” Take spiritual truths, apply them faithfully and more truths will be given to you…to apply faithfully!

This is the spiritual growth equation!

Effort+Faithful Application=Growth

This is exactly what I want.

Pray. Follow. Live. Lead.

Placed With Care

One thing that I know for a fact is that God does not put us places, or in circumstances, without having something in mind.  There is always a reason for us being where we are.  I have believed this every since the summer of 2004 when I made a huge mistake.  Ever since that time in my life I have taken a closer look at where I am at currently and I always ask God, “What do you have in mind for me this time?” because I know that He has a reason for it.  Always, without fail. 

Its good to ask yourself questions like that, ask God too.  Why are you where you are now? What purpose are you serving? How can God use you where you are at? If you can’t think of anything, then ask God to help you out, he’ll show you, believe me!

God is always with purpose, everything He does has one.  Without purpose, what’s the point? There is none.  By finding why you are where you are, you will not only understand yourself (and God) a little more, but you will be equipped with the knowledge to make a difference.  No matter what the reason is, what the circumstance is, you can make a difference. Not everyone around you is going to know your purpose, or even their own, so once you know what it is, it is up to you to use that knowledge (and use it wisely!). 

When you have been equipped with a purpose you will look at your “world” in an entire different light.  You will have direction, even if it is for a short period of time, and you will have some idea of where you are going, to what end you are doing things for. 

Take some time to examine where you are at right now in your life.  Question each place, each event, and put a purpose behind it.  If you can’t figure it out, ask God.