The basics:
My name is Scott. I live in Dallas. I’m 28 years old. When I have time and can afford it I take some classes at Redeemer Seminary (formerly Westminster Theological Seminary, Dallas). And if Dallas had beaches I would enjoy long walks on them. I’ve been working two part-time jobs to help make ends meet while taking classes, but I’m currently praying about what to do next in my life (hopefully something in church planting).
Follow me on Twitter, yo! Username is TheSaltyDawg. (College nickname. I dunno. Maybe I’ll change it.)
—————————————————————————–
“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
-Psalm 34:1
The story is told in Luke 17 of ten lepers who saw Jesus passing along one day. Being lepers and thus outcasts, they respectfully stood a good distance from Jesus and shouted to him, asking for mercy. In his mercy, Jesus healed them and instructed them to go present themselves to the priests. As soon as they left they discovered that they had been healed from their wretched disease. But one of the lepers, upon seeing his healed body fell back and returned to Jesus, falling at his feet and giving him thanks for what he had done for him.
This tenth leper has become a hero of mine. Its one thing to use the things God has given us. It’s something else entirely to turn back and praise him for such things. To recognize God as the source of all good things is a spiritual discipline worthy of pursuit for every Christian, from the greatest of saints to the newest of believers. Joy and thankfulness are inseparable. It has become my ambition in life to be a man who is grateful for much. I hope and pray that my life would be characterized by Psalm 34:1, that the world would look at my life and say that the praise of God was continually in my mouth. Furthermore, it’s my desire to inspire all people to live in such a way as this.
May we never treat God’s gifts as gods themselves, but as the brilliant echoes of a merciful God who shouts “GRACE!” and “MERCY!” to the creatures he serves. May we habitually turn back as we continually journey forward. May we recognize all of his goodness in our lives and give him praise for it all, to his glory and our joy. May we look to his open hand, which satisfies the desire of every living thing! To GOD be the glory, for all he’s done, is doing, and will ever do.
“What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?”
-Psalm 116:12
#1 by matt on June 5, 2008 - 7:57 am
I must suggest Christians and Atheist to read this book “The End of Reason” by Dr. Ravi Zacharias. This book forces the reader’s mind to do the critical thinking that is so lacking in Christianity today. It should also be considered required reading for the atheist who has never really looked at a logical argument for the existence of God, or the Christian who has never really critically analyzed his own faith. Check out more information on The End of Reason here
#2 by Ron Rilee on March 2, 2011 - 5:50 pm
Scott, I am part of that group of hits yesterday, and appreciate your caution in the review. Might I ask your religious persuasion(Calvinist, Arminian?) so as to know you better. For the record, I am a 59 year old male who lives in the Portland, OR suburbs. We currently attend a Calvary Chapel after leaving a church we helped plant when they headed down heresy highway. They are big followers of the 7 mountains and the associated movement, as well as having books of the month by Bill Johnson, Patricia King and Kris Vallotton.
#3 by Tracy on March 12, 2011 - 6:32 am
I really appreciate your into….I love the story of the 10th Leper….reading your thoughts…lifted my heart to praise Him in the midst of some hard circumstances. Thank you. I look forward to your post on Love Wins.
#4 by pastor Tom on March 12, 2011 - 4:57 pm
Dude, enjoying your reviews. Where do I sign up for your RSS feeds to your blog?
#5 by thetenthleper on March 15, 2011 - 6:36 pm
Thanks Tom! I’m going to be honest: I have no idea. I’m going to be even more honest: I’m not even sure what RSS is. Let me check into it and see what I can do!
#6 by Jacob on March 15, 2011 - 5:28 pm
Hey Scott, found your blog through all the Love Wins stuff. I write a similar blog, and am interested in chatting with you about blogging. Any chance we could e-mail (or gchat if you have it)? Feel free to delete this comment if you’d like.
#7 by Buddy on July 18, 2011 - 1:00 pm
Scott- I enjoy your site. It has inspired me to study the story of the 10th leper for an upcoming Bible study. Press on, brother!
#8 by Fallon on August 25, 2011 - 5:56 am
Hi Scott!
I also found your blog while searching for ‘Love Wins’ reviews. I was pleasantly surprised to find so much more than your thoughts on Bell’s book. I really enjoy reading your blog. I find myself agreeing with everything you write, nodding my head, and saying a lot of ‘mhmm’s’ aloud. So much of what you write needs to be read and understood by people today. I just have to say that I’m SO proud of you as a sister in Christ. You’re unfailingly honest about what it means to be a Christian and the struggles that we go through. You’re also very talented at expounding upon the Word in a clear and understandable way. Bravo! I hope the Lord continues to direct people to your blog because it has surely blessed me. Keep doing what you’re doing and hold onto this verse.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6
Feel free to email. God bless!
Fallon