I ramble a bit today....because i didnt post yesterday

Exodus 33:19b I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
I am in amazement today gents...as is some dude in Oregon. I told Brandon about this yesterday, but it just ties into this scripture and come to life for me today. I have this goofy facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1058034416). For those of you who dont know what that is....its because we are all too old. I shouldnt have one..... I think i may be the oldest guy in facebook (until alex gets one). But its really cool, because you find others based on where you went to high School, College, Work History, Organizations you belong to....and its very viral, meaning....friends see other friends, then they know you and "request" to be your friend.....its all quite interesting and addicting.
Anyway, I had 750 in my graduating class in High School....and to date there were 4 other people from that class on facebook ( a testament to our age and the age of those on FB) but i check back occasonally to see if by chance some other loser i knew has got a page. well, yesterday i found an old friend. THe last i remember of him was partying with him graduation night. (not a good scene) He was probably like me in High School, saved but didnt live like it. Anyway, he is pastoring a really cool church in Oregon (http://www.foothillsstayton.org/) . I listened to a sermon of his yesterday and was WOWed. I often joke about some of the people in HS wouldnt believe i am doing what I am doing now.....same for him. So i called him and we had a great conversation. I told him I was actually giddy/encouraged/humbled/excited/wowed at the prospect of God using us....Exodus 33 about God having compassion on whom i will have compassion.... its true....its not about who Tray Pruet or Alex Shootman or (insert your name here) believes is worthy.....Brandon told me yesterday...."no one is going to get HIS glory. He used the least of these. Don't we know?" and its true.

John 5:39You diligently study[c] the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Here is a scripture I have never read. The Jews knew the law...they all had an understanding of the word of God and believed that by possessing it....knowing it.....they held the keys to the kingdom. Jesus is quick to point out, that although they know the word....they dont possess the impetus to come to Christ. Head knowledge and God moving in your heart are two different things. Ties perfectly back to the Exodus Scripture......God has mercy on who He will have mercy and Compassion on who He will have Compassion. (I feel so Cavinist today)

Thank you God for using us. letting us play a small part in what you are doing here in Austin. God, continue to move in the hearts of the folks in South Austin, break peoples hearts, humble them, make your name known, draw ALL men unto yourself..... let us be be diligent in your work. God I pray for these men, their families, our church family. I lift my friend Tim up to you....continue the work you started in him, protect him, his family, his ministry.