Ever feel like you need one of those? I do.

A mulligan? A do-over?

I think I’m gonna take one here on the site. In August. Everyone needs a nice fresh start once in a while. I’m not so sure that things are going to look very much different, except that I plan to write a little more often. I think I’ve got a few good excuses for not posting. I might even write about those… in August. So come back in August.

Oh, and if you’re in need of a redo on a much deeper level, check out my friends over at People of the Second Chance. They specialize in that kind of thing.

See you in August.

Wow.

Two months since my last blog post. I’ve been somewhat immersed in the busyness of life for the last couple of months so I haven’t done much writing. Well, at least not on here. I’ve probably written about 50 pages of philosophy papers since my last post. Let’s just say writing here hasn’t been much of a priority. I suppose this is just a post for the sake of posting. I still haven’t quite got in a rhythm yet.

Stay tuned… Who knows? I might post again before July 21

Yesterday I posted about Jon Acuff’s book Stuff Christians Like. I wrote a review for it on Amazon and thought I’d share it here.

Do you have enough lettuce to support Jon Acuff’s shoe fetish? Well, apparently I do because I jumped all over this book when I found out it was coming out. I didn’t just buy it to support his shoe fetish. Actually, I don’t even think he has one (or at least I hope not) but what he does have is an incredible sense of humor. If you don’t believe me, just go here and read the introduction to this book on Jon’s site.

http://stuffchristianslike.net/2010/03/read-the-introduction-to-the-stuff-christians-like-book/

As you can see that wasn’t my random reference to a Fergie lyric. It was actually Jon’s doing. I’m sure you found yourself laughing within the first few lines of that introduction. I guess what I’m really here to let you know is that the rest of the book is no different. You will laugh out loud at almost every line.

If however you need further proof of Jon’s knack for the hilarious take a look at this post from his website that bears the same name as this book. The book is actually the result of 2 years worth of posts on the website. Jon shares his 7 favorite posts on the link below.

http://stuffchristianslike.net/2010/03/2-years-of-stuff-christians-like/

The last thing I’ll say is that within the pages of this book you’ll not only find laughter but a man who is honestly seeking God. When we seek God we often find that it’s necessary to take ourselves a little less seriously. Christians are not known for their ability to laugh at themselves. I think reading Jon’s book is a great way to take a step towards doing just that. In the process of taking yourself a little less seriously you might find that you end up taking God a little more seriously.

I’m not that funny of a guy.

However, Jon Acuff is extremely funny.

Don’t believe me? Go check out his website called Stuff Christians Like.

After that you’re going to want to go here and buy his book.

It doesn’t come out for a few more days but you can pre-order it or even wait and go support your local Christian bookstore such as LifeWay (sorry about that shameless plug for my employer).

You can even follow Jon on twitter @prodigaljohn.

You won’t be disappointed.

I’ve had a few people ask me which podcasts I recommend or listen to on a weekly basis. As you’ll see, there’s a mixture of weekly podcasts from churches/pastors and some leadership podcasts as well. I don’t agree with all of these guys completely as far as doctrine goes but I don’t think I’ve ever met someone I agreed with COMPLETELY on every point of doctrine. In my opinion, these are some of the best church leaders in America right now. They’re all passionate about lifting up the name of Jesus so I have no qualms about recommending them on here. I’ll post a direct link to the podcasts on iTunes along with my personal description of each below.

Catalyst Podcast

One of the best podcasts out there as far as I’m concerned. They always have great content, hilarious banter and wonderfully relevant interviews with some of the best leaders in America. They just released their 91st episode and I’ve listened to EVERY one of them so far. It’s been one of the most vital parts in my growth as a young leader over the last couple of years.

Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast

You can’t think Catalyst without thinking Andy Stanley. Mr. Catalyst as he’s called by the guys on the Catalyst podcast is one of the best (if not the best) leaders out there. If you want to grow as a leader, listen to this podcast. Period.

North Point Ministries: Andy Stanley

This one is a collection of sermons from Andy Stanley. In addition to being a great leader, he may be one of the best communicators in the country. I always end up saying, “Why didn’t I see that?” after everyone one of his sermons. Great content.

North Point Community Church

If you haven’t had enough Andy Stanley yet then this one is for you. Most sermons here will be from Andy but there will also be a series or two sprinkled in from Jeff Henderson. Jeff is a great communicator and there’s no quality drop off when he’s got the mic. Also, there will be some other great communicators in the mix from time to time.

The Passion Podcast

Another one of the few podcasts of which I’ve taken the time to listen to every episode. The official podcast of the Passion movement, it’s essential to keeping up with what is going on within that movement of college students. If you don’t know Passion Conferences or haven’t heard the Passion CDs then get out from under the rock you’ve been under and go here.

Passion City Church

Formerly called the Passion Messages Podcast, these are talks straight from the heart of the Passion Movement and Louie Giglio. Louie is one of the few guys that I really “trust” when it comes to pointing people to anything he does. I know his heart is that the name of Jesus be made famous and if you have any doubt of that just listen. You’ll hear it in every message.

NewSpring Church Audio

Perry Noble’s intensity and passion is truly unmatched. Add to those qualities an insatiable desire for the glory of God and the upbuilding of His kingdom and you’ve got this podcast. I LOVE listening to Perry preach. Gets me fired up every time! Check it out!

Perry Noble Leadership Podcast

This one is fairly new but it’s good. I’ve followed Perry’s blog for a while and can’t wait for this podcast to pan out a little more. Stay tuned!

Mars Hill Church: Mark Driscoll Audio

Mark Driscoll is a somewhat new one for me but I love listening to this guy. If you want some historical context and straight up Bible teaching and preaching listen to this guy. He loves Jesus and it’s evident when you hear him talk.

Desiring God Sermon Audio

If you don’t listen to John Piper, well then I just feel sorry for you. The glory of God is absolutely central to this man’s life and preaching. Listen to him and thank me later.

Well, that about does it. This isn’t a ranking but simply a list. For what it’s worth, I also love listening to Francis Chan’s podcast but it hasn’t been working for about a week so I couldn’t include a link.

That’s what I’m listening to, what about you? What are you listening to?

Also, let me know what you think about the list. Anything I should consider adding?

Sometimes life leads you to a choice. The poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost comes to mind. Those famous few lines everyone seems to remember:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

I stood there at the proverbial fork in the road for a long time. Toying with which path to take. Counting the cost of each. And then, after all my contemplation and with seemingly little more assuredness than the day I first came to the fork, I chose.

I wondered, “Did I make the right choice?”

I had left so much behind at that fork in the road and it seemed the farther I walked down this new road the more I cast all things familiar to the side. Often I missed these things.

Again, “Did I make the right choice?”

I looked back and saw friends who were still there trying to decide or had taken a the other road. People I loved. Holding on to the things I once loved but had now let go.

“Did I make the right choice?”

The farther down the road I walked, the more I realized how solid it was. It is a good road. Farther still and I realized the things I had missed were more than replaced by things I would never have to give up. Wonderful things. Eternal things.

“Yes.”

With each step my love for the road and the things it offered grew as my love for things of the past dwindled. Yet, my love for the people at the fork and on the other road did not dwindle. It grew. There was an aching desire for them to also take this road.

“It’s the right choice.”

I realize now that I didn’t really choose the road. The Road chose me.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. – James 1:18

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. – Matthew 7:13-14

There is absolutely no feeling like the one at the end of a day like today.

There are so many of my days where it seems I look back and feel like I messed up so many things. Those days I don’t like to think much about what I’d say to God when I handed the day He gave me back to Him. The words “I’m sorry” seem to be all I can muster some days. Those days I’m thankful for His mercy and grace because it means I don’t have to be good enough to please Him.

Then there are days like today. Today was a good day. At the end of today I was happy to hand my day back to God. It’s similar to how it feels when you’ve found that perfect gift for someone and you just can’t wait to give it to them. I feel like when I hand those days to God I can say, “I did everything I knew to do for You with this.” Those days I’m thankful for His mercy and grace because I know I’m not good enough to have a day like that without Him.

His grace is enough. For our good days and our bad days.

Stop. Whatever it is you’re doing online. Wherever your little clicker was headed to next just redirect it straight over to Amazon and buy Crazy Love by Francis Chan. No seriously. You can thank me later.

Actually, you know what? If you’re the first person to tweet the line below by the end of the day Friday (February 5, 2010) I’ll send you a copy for free. (United States only. No international shipping. Hey, give me a break, I’m a college student.)

“@MattBeard I’m Oh So Crazy for some Crazy Love!”

After you tweet that line, I’ll get with you to find out your info.

Thanks! Can’t wait to see who wins!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I started the Life Journal Reading Plan through YouVersion on my iPod Touch this year. It’s one of those “read the Bible in a year” type of things. What I like about it is that you get a mixture of Old and New Testaments every day.

While reading through Luke the other day I noticed something in Luke 15:1-2.

Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Jesus was being muttered about because of the company that He kept. They weren’t the “right” kind of people. They were “sinners”. All I can say to that is thank God that Jesus keeps the company of sinners. I definitely fit into that category. We can all be thankful that what the religious leaders said was true. That Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Here’s the thing though. Ephesians 5:1-2 reads,

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I’m supposed to imitate God’s love through Jesus. That implies that I should also welcome sinners and eat with them. Plainly put, I should have friends who don’t believe in Jesus. That makes me (and I’m guessing most Christians) uncomfortable. We like to get in our “holy huddle” with other Christians and stay there. We would rather risk someone going to hell than risk someone muttering about us.

Two questions came to mind when I read Luke 15:1-2:

Are people muttering about me?

Am I keeping the company I should be keeping if they aren’t?

What do you think?