Discussions
This is simply a page for interaction. I’m interested in what God has put in your heart, your observations, your questions, your insights. My hope is that we can get some interesting conversations going that will nourish all of us. Just use the reply box at the bottom to add your thoughts.
Just to get the ball rolling, I’ve added a page of some books and movies that have shaped me over the years. Are there favorites you would add to my list? I’m always looking for good, inspiring stuff.
Had a discussion with an old friend recently. Would be interested in your thoughts on when has a person quit honoring Scripture as the word of God and passed into falsely worshiping the scripture rather than God.
Thanks! G Pollett 2/7/2012
George! Thanks for the excellent question! Just noticed it today. I’ll need some time to think about it before commenting.
Thanks Don for thinking on it. Look forward to hearing your thoughts. George
Hey George. Well I’ve obviously taken way too long to get back to you. I keep hoping for some flash of brilliant revelation, but at this point I think I’ll just have to say that the difference between one who makes an idol out of the written word, and one who gives it proper place and honor is the difference between life and death, legalism and freedom, drudgery and grace, religion and relationship. The Word, properly received, should point us to a relationship with a person. Those who content themselves with a relationship with the Bible are missing the life, joy, and freedom that go along with love and relationship. We’ve both been there, and we both know lots of others who continue to be contented with knowing lots of information about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit without entering into the dance. You can’t dance with a book, no matter how true and perfect it is! (Maybe that’s the flash I was waiting for).
Don I noticed on your Books & Movies page that you had read a book by Henri Nouwen. I just finished a book by him entitled “In the Name of Jesus” I thought of you during my read, cause it shifts our whole paradigm of what “effective” ministry looks like in the church today, and how Jesus calls us to be servant-leaders. The book expounds on that subject. A very good… no maybe a must read for leaders of all sorts involved in ministry. Hope you’re doing well!
Thanks for the note, Jim. You’re a constant encouragement to me. I read that book years ago, and I’m thinking it’s the one about his experiences caring for the profoundly disabled young man. Is that the one? It was a moving read. Maybe I need to revisit it. We need to talk and catch up soon. I’ve got a piano concert tomorrow afternoon. After that I’ll take a deep breath.
Yes that is the one Don. After looking at your reading list, I finally got the 52 lies book, plus the beautiful mess book you recommended. I am reading the 52 lies one right now. Amazing how our cliches take on the mantle of truth, eh? I guess if a lie is repeated often enough it does just that. I shared some of them with my pastor friend. You kinda get some funny looks when you mention some of this stuff. I am just on a truth-seeking journey; to better understand grace and to be able to walk in it. That’s my story. Let’s talk soon
Don, I read this am Ps 145, and 3 verses stuck out to me: v11 “they will tell of the glory of your kingdom”; v12 “so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the GLORIOUS SPLENDOR of YOUR KINGDOM” & v13 “your kingdom is an eveasting kingdom”. All very innaresting IMHO
Don, I just read your reply to my question about honoring/worshipping Scripture. I have come to a similar conclusion but you say it so much more beautifully than I do. Studying this has made me realize that it is often easier for me to pursue the knowledge of the Scriptures than it is to pursue the One that the Scriptures are about. May God keep calling me to more love for Him and less for myself. How I wish I had spent more of my life truly in love with Jesus.
Hey George! I think almost every one of us have spent time in the religious jungle. I’m just happy to have found my way out, and with such good company! I love our conversations, especially when they’re face to face. Hope to be in Florence before too long!