Hallelujah is one of the words we sing alot in worship songs but what does it mean? It is a Hebrew word found primarily in the Psalms and it occurs 24 times in the Old Testament. It literally means, praise Yahweh. Yahweh is the name that God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14-15, "14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " 15 God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation."
It's a pretty amazing thought that as we sing 'Hallelujah', we are using the same word the ancient Israelites used thousands of years ago. It is a word that links us to the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. For generation after generation, Yahweh has been opening hearts to Him and His unfailing love and men and women and children have been singing His praises. In 'Hallelujah' both 'praise' and 'Yahweh' combine to make one word. Truly 'praise' and 'Yahweh' are inseparable. You can't really know Yahweh and not praise Him. His character and His works are beautiful and awe-inspiring. So as we sing 'Hallelujah' on Sunday, let's sing it out loud and not hold back. This is our moment, we are the generation that will continue the chain of praise and we will not be quiet. We will praise our God and one day pass that praise on to those who will follow behind us....Hallelujah!
in Christ,
Brian
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Good Life.
In the Ladies bible study covering James we have been challenged day after day and week after week by the words of James in his letter. Talk about conviction, James does not mince words. We came up with two words that would sum up the book and that was, "Live it."
One topic we dissected was "What is the good life".
James 3:13. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
I think my favorite point that Beth Moore made was that it is a life full of mercy. A couple definitions of mercy are "alleviation of distress" and "a disposition to be kind and forgiving".
I like to take this as a challenge to serve people better, to show that love and mercy attitude on a daily basis. And it doesn't have to be anything huge! The other day I stopped to get coffee because I knew I wouldn't make it through my lessons without the caffeine. As I got to the window to pay for my drink I discovered that someone else had already taken care of the charge. Not a big thing, a coffee I could easily afford, but what an unexpected blessing. Just that one event has inspired me to seek out ways to be a blessing to others even just in small ways that aren't overly extravagant. The smaller it is the more personal it can feel.
Let your loving and merciful attitude shine through your day.
Get creative!
Go out and be a blessing.
Hailey
One topic we dissected was "What is the good life".
James 3:13. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
I think my favorite point that Beth Moore made was that it is a life full of mercy. A couple definitions of mercy are "alleviation of distress" and "a disposition to be kind and forgiving".
I like to take this as a challenge to serve people better, to show that love and mercy attitude on a daily basis. And it doesn't have to be anything huge! The other day I stopped to get coffee because I knew I wouldn't make it through my lessons without the caffeine. As I got to the window to pay for my drink I discovered that someone else had already taken care of the charge. Not a big thing, a coffee I could easily afford, but what an unexpected blessing. Just that one event has inspired me to seek out ways to be a blessing to others even just in small ways that aren't overly extravagant. The smaller it is the more personal it can feel.
Let your loving and merciful attitude shine through your day.
Get creative!
Go out and be a blessing.
Hailey
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Awesome (Guest Blog by Greg Johnson) Founder of the David Project
Thanks to my friend Greg Johnson for his guest blog today. Greg is a coach for worship leaders and a consultant to church worship ministries nationwide. Check out their website at thedavidproject.com)
The word AWESOME has emerged as an accepted adjective for all things good. I use it liberally. For instance, there is a burger place in our city called The Counter. Have you ever had one of their hamburgers? Are they AWESOME? Litmus test: Do I have “reverential respect” for them? The new Taken movie - Is it AWESOME? It certainly inspires fear, but mixed with reverence? Did you hear the new Mumford and Sons album? AWESOME? Well, it inspires wonder, as in I wonder why so many people like them. Sorry, just keeping it real.
Unfortunately, because the word has become so commonplace, its meaning is
diminished. In fact, Jesus probably falls into that category. First of all, He tends to fall in a list of things from a good hamburger to a great new song. Second, we have culturally created a perception of Jesus as our friend, buddy, homeboy, in an effort to make him relevant and attractive to the world around us. News flash: He doesn’t need your help to make him seem relevant– in fact, if you look up AWESOME in the dictionary, his picture is right there! As leaders, we have a responsibility to help our people understand the real nature of Jesus. Here are a few AWESOME attributes to help stoke the fire.
1. Jesus is God. He is not simply God’s son. He is God. Colossians 1:15 says that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” That means that Jesus is the full embodiment of God himself. In fact, Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is the “exact representation of the Father.” Jesus himself said over and over that if you see him, you see the Father. Contrast that with other world religions. Mohammed – just a man. Buddha – just a man. Confucius – just a man. Jesus – fully man, but fully GOD. Here is the point: Jesus is not our homeboy, worthy of friendship – He is our God and worthy of worship. That’s magnificent, wondrous, astonishing - AWESOME!
2. Jesus is Creator. Again, in Colossians 1, Paul states, “By Him (Jesus) all things were created…” Let that sink in for a sec. If Jesus created it all, then Genesis takes on a whole new meaning to me. Who said, “Let there be light?” Jesus. Who said, “Let us make man in our image?” Jesus. Who walked with Adam in the garden? Jesus. That’s mind-blowing, staggering, amazing - AWESOME!
3. Jesus is Lord. Paul goes on to say that Jesus is over all things, “…whether power or rulers or authorities…” Translated: Jesus has no equal. Period. A common misunderstanding pits Jesus against Satan. You know, Jesus is on the right (a blonde hair, blue-eyed republican) while Satan is on the left, in an epic battle for supremacy of the universe. (It’s a joke people! Keep reading.) Biblically speaking, however, the enemies of Jesus are his “footstool.” (Mt.22:43-44). Jesus has complete and utter supremacy of the universe. He is Lord! We can wrangle over political positions on facebook for the next few weeks until we are blue, or red, in the face, but Jesus is still Lord over it all. That’s formidable, imposing, overwhelming – AWESOME!
So, this weekend, as we convene in our houses of worship, let’s seek to re-capture the true nature of AWESOME-ness as we focus on JESUS, our God, Creator and Lord. And, by the way, The Counter does have REALLY GOOD burgers.
The word AWESOME has emerged as an accepted adjective for all things good. I use it liberally. For instance, there is a burger place in our city called The Counter. Have you ever had one of their hamburgers? Are they AWESOME? Litmus test: Do I have “reverential respect” for them? The new Taken movie - Is it AWESOME? It certainly inspires fear, but mixed with reverence? Did you hear the new Mumford and Sons album? AWESOME? Well, it inspires wonder, as in I wonder why so many people like them. Sorry, just keeping it real.
Unfortunately, because the word has become so commonplace, its meaning is
diminished. In fact, Jesus probably falls into that category. First of all, He tends to fall in a list of things from a good hamburger to a great new song. Second, we have culturally created a perception of Jesus as our friend, buddy, homeboy, in an effort to make him relevant and attractive to the world around us. News flash: He doesn’t need your help to make him seem relevant– in fact, if you look up AWESOME in the dictionary, his picture is right there! As leaders, we have a responsibility to help our people understand the real nature of Jesus. Here are a few AWESOME attributes to help stoke the fire.
1. Jesus is God. He is not simply God’s son. He is God. Colossians 1:15 says that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” That means that Jesus is the full embodiment of God himself. In fact, Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is the “exact representation of the Father.” Jesus himself said over and over that if you see him, you see the Father. Contrast that with other world religions. Mohammed – just a man. Buddha – just a man. Confucius – just a man. Jesus – fully man, but fully GOD. Here is the point: Jesus is not our homeboy, worthy of friendship – He is our God and worthy of worship. That’s magnificent, wondrous, astonishing - AWESOME!
2. Jesus is Creator. Again, in Colossians 1, Paul states, “By Him (Jesus) all things were created…” Let that sink in for a sec. If Jesus created it all, then Genesis takes on a whole new meaning to me. Who said, “Let there be light?” Jesus. Who said, “Let us make man in our image?” Jesus. Who walked with Adam in the garden? Jesus. That’s mind-blowing, staggering, amazing - AWESOME!
3. Jesus is Lord. Paul goes on to say that Jesus is over all things, “…whether power or rulers or authorities…” Translated: Jesus has no equal. Period. A common misunderstanding pits Jesus against Satan. You know, Jesus is on the right (a blonde hair, blue-eyed republican) while Satan is on the left, in an epic battle for supremacy of the universe. (It’s a joke people! Keep reading.) Biblically speaking, however, the enemies of Jesus are his “footstool.” (Mt.22:43-44). Jesus has complete and utter supremacy of the universe. He is Lord! We can wrangle over political positions on facebook for the next few weeks until we are blue, or red, in the face, but Jesus is still Lord over it all. That’s formidable, imposing, overwhelming – AWESOME!
So, this weekend, as we convene in our houses of worship, let’s seek to re-capture the true nature of AWESOME-ness as we focus on JESUS, our God, Creator and Lord. And, by the way, The Counter does have REALLY GOOD burgers.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Today is the Day.
In Hebrews chapter 3 it says, '12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily,as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.' Everyday the Devil, working with the distractions of the world and the lusts of the flesh, is attempting to lure us away from God's path (just like he has been doing throughout history since Eden).
We have a critical role to play in this drama and that is the role of the encourager in another person's life. There is someone you know today that is being crushed by lies about their worth and identity that needs a timely word of truth in love from you. There is someone today that is allowing their heart to be enticed by sinful pleasures and desires that just needs a word from you that reminds them of who they are and that there is no real life outside of our Heavenly Father (just like the prodigal son discovered).
I love the word 'Today' in this verse. Today is the day to encourage for tomorrow may be too late. In Proverbs 3 it says, '27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you.' So if the Lord puts someone on your heart today then don't delay but give them that encouragement!
in Christ,
Brian
We have a critical role to play in this drama and that is the role of the encourager in another person's life. There is someone you know today that is being crushed by lies about their worth and identity that needs a timely word of truth in love from you. There is someone today that is allowing their heart to be enticed by sinful pleasures and desires that just needs a word from you that reminds them of who they are and that there is no real life outside of our Heavenly Father (just like the prodigal son discovered).
I love the word 'Today' in this verse. Today is the day to encourage for tomorrow may be too late. In Proverbs 3 it says, '27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you.' So if the Lord puts someone on your heart today then don't delay but give them that encouragement!
in Christ,
Brian
Friday, October 19, 2012
Grateful.
Last night we ended our concert of worship expressing our grattitude to God and singing '10000 reasons for my heart to find' to bless and thank the Lord. Grattitude is the only logical response to the extravagant love and forgiveness that God has given us through the cross. I am a parent now of a 6 year old boy and an 8 year old daughter. It seems like most of the money we make goes straight to my kids in the form of extra curricular activities, food, clothes, and countless other things. Being a parent has made me even more grateful for my own parents. I realize that there is no way I could ever possibly pay them back for the all the money they have spent on me in my lifetime. The best gift I can give them is a sincere thank you and acknowledgement of the sacrifice they have poured out to raise me well.
The same is true with God. I love the lyric from the song 'Here I am to worship' where it says, 'And I'll never know how much it cost to see my sins up on that cross.' It is true. We could never possibly pay God back for what Jesus purchased for us at the cross. Jesus completely paid for our entire sin debt. Through the scourging and the nails, He was paying for every careless word I've spoken, every evil thought I've generated in my mind and every hurtful action I've done with my body. Truly, 'Jesus paid it all' and I have paid nothing. I have contributed exactly zero percent to my salvation and right standing with a holy God. I can therefore take exactly zero percent credit. The only appropriate response to such extravagant love and forgiveness is extravagant gratefulness and humility. So let us go out today as a grateful people exalting our great and mighty God!
in Christ,
Brian
The same is true with God. I love the lyric from the song 'Here I am to worship' where it says, 'And I'll never know how much it cost to see my sins up on that cross.' It is true. We could never possibly pay God back for what Jesus purchased for us at the cross. Jesus completely paid for our entire sin debt. Through the scourging and the nails, He was paying for every careless word I've spoken, every evil thought I've generated in my mind and every hurtful action I've done with my body. Truly, 'Jesus paid it all' and I have paid nothing. I have contributed exactly zero percent to my salvation and right standing with a holy God. I can therefore take exactly zero percent credit. The only appropriate response to such extravagant love and forgiveness is extravagant gratefulness and humility. So let us go out today as a grateful people exalting our great and mighty God!
in Christ,
Brian
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Bless The Lord.
Bless the Lord, Oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, oh my soul
Worship His holy name
When interviewed about one of his newest songs Matt Redman described the difference between God blessing us and us blessing the Lord by restating John Piper's summation that,
"when God ‘blesses’ us we are in a sense being added to, and having our lives enriched. But of course when we say we “bless the Lord,” it’s different; we’re not adding to God or enriching Him in any way, we are simply recognizing his richness and bounty, and expressing our thanks and praise for it."
This particular song is based on Psalm 103 as it attempts to list the many reasons we have to thank and bless the Lord for all His mercies and the grace He shows us.
Psalm 103:1
Bless the Lord, O my soul
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
I hope you are prepared to come worship in numbers tonight.
I hope you are unprepared to come worship tonight but that you do and God does something incredible in your heart anyway.
10,000 reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord,
Hailey
Oh my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, oh my soul
Worship His holy name
When interviewed about one of his newest songs Matt Redman described the difference between God blessing us and us blessing the Lord by restating John Piper's summation that,
"when God ‘blesses’ us we are in a sense being added to, and having our lives enriched. But of course when we say we “bless the Lord,” it’s different; we’re not adding to God or enriching Him in any way, we are simply recognizing his richness and bounty, and expressing our thanks and praise for it."
This particular song is based on Psalm 103 as it attempts to list the many reasons we have to thank and bless the Lord for all His mercies and the grace He shows us.
Psalm 103:1
Bless the Lord, O my soul
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
I hope you are prepared to come worship in numbers tonight.
I hope you are unprepared to come worship tonight but that you do and God does something incredible in your heart anyway.
10,000 reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord,
Hailey
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
3 C.S. Lewis Quotes on Worship.
As I prepare myself for the Concert of Worship this Thursday night at StoneBridge, I was doing a search for great quotes on worship.
Once again, I was struck by the brilliance and simplicity of C.S Lewis
Here are the three quotes that jumped out at me.
1. " We are not bodies with souls, but rather souls with bodies."
We must feed the soul. It requires great nourishment.
Our problem, as C.S. Lewis said, is "not that we desire too much, but that we desire too little. Our appetites are not too big; they’re too small."
(oops, guess that makes 4 C.S Lewis quotes)
The appetites of our bodies are small in comparison to the passion that is required to satisfy our souls. Our souls are meant for eternity and only the Eternal God can fill us.
Psalms 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Isaiah 26:9
My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
2. "It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men."
Jesus said, Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in their midst. As we gather this Thursday for worship, it is so God can more completely reveal Himself to us, as we celebrate His presence together.
A bonfire burns powerfully, providing much light and warmth to a great many people.
3. The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in
God which made David dance."
Psalms 35:9-10a
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord
and delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim,
“Who is like you, Lord?
Psalms 37:4
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This week I look forward to expressing "delight" in the Lord.
Like the Psalmist, with whole being I want to exclaim, "Who is like the Lord?"
Look out, I may put on my dancing shoes.
Joe
Once again, I was struck by the brilliance and simplicity of C.S Lewis
Here are the three quotes that jumped out at me.
1. " We are not bodies with souls, but rather souls with bodies."
We must feed the soul. It requires great nourishment.
Our problem, as C.S. Lewis said, is "not that we desire too much, but that we desire too little. Our appetites are not too big; they’re too small."
(oops, guess that makes 4 C.S Lewis quotes)
The appetites of our bodies are small in comparison to the passion that is required to satisfy our souls. Our souls are meant for eternity and only the Eternal God can fill us.
Psalms 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Isaiah 26:9
My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
2. "It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men."
Jesus said, Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in their midst. As we gather this Thursday for worship, it is so God can more completely reveal Himself to us, as we celebrate His presence together.
A bonfire burns powerfully, providing much light and warmth to a great many people.
3. The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in
God which made David dance."
Psalms 35:9-10a
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord
and delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim,
“Who is like you, Lord?
Psalms 37:4
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This week I look forward to expressing "delight" in the Lord.
Like the Psalmist, with whole being I want to exclaim, "Who is like the Lord?"
Look out, I may put on my dancing shoes.
Joe
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
A Long Journey.
Whitney and I are about 6 months or so into our adoption journey. Already I have a whole new appreciation for anyone who has adopted a child for sure. Some of the events on our timeline have included making the decision to adopt, filling out initial paperwork, going through phone interviews, communicating our decision to friends and family, getting medical work done, filling out more and more paperwork, trusting God for finances, getting fingerprinted, spending 4 hours in pscycological evaluation, spending 4 hours in our homestudy, and of course doing more paperwork and fundraising. All of this and we are still in the beginning stages of this whole process. How amazing it will be after all of this planning, praying, and sacrificing to finally one day in the future get to that point where we pick this little orphan up in our arms and say welcome home my child.
I love what it says in Ephesians 1, "4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure" In other words, before God even created the world His plan was to adopt us as His forever children. I think our journey to adopting a child is long but it is nothing compared to God's plan to adopt us. Over thousands of years God was going through His adoption journey which included calling Abraham, giving him a child, raising up a special people for Himself, patiently enduring their errant ways, graciously giving His law and prophets to speak for Him, and eventually sending His perfect Son into the world as a baby to live for 33 years in a human body and ultimately to suffer beyond words by laying His own life down. This is what God planned and endured to complete our adoption so that He could pick you and me up as orphans and through Christ say, 'Welcome home my child.'
in Christ,
Brian
p.s. On a final note, Whitney and I want to say thankyou for many who have supported us along this journey and donated items for the garage sale this past Saturday. We invite you to follow along in our journey at our blog at http://bwejdunn.blogspot.com/ and if you can come hang out with us on Oct 27th (6-9 PM) for an adoption fundraising party for us and the Bramletts at the Bridge (StoneBridge Student Building).
I love what it says in Ephesians 1, "4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure" In other words, before God even created the world His plan was to adopt us as His forever children. I think our journey to adopting a child is long but it is nothing compared to God's plan to adopt us. Over thousands of years God was going through His adoption journey which included calling Abraham, giving him a child, raising up a special people for Himself, patiently enduring their errant ways, graciously giving His law and prophets to speak for Him, and eventually sending His perfect Son into the world as a baby to live for 33 years in a human body and ultimately to suffer beyond words by laying His own life down. This is what God planned and endured to complete our adoption so that He could pick you and me up as orphans and through Christ say, 'Welcome home my child.'
in Christ,
Brian
p.s. On a final note, Whitney and I want to say thankyou for many who have supported us along this journey and donated items for the garage sale this past Saturday. We invite you to follow along in our journey at our blog at http://bwejdunn.blogspot.com/ and if you can come hang out with us on Oct 27th (6-9 PM) for an adoption fundraising party for us and the Bramletts at the Bridge (StoneBridge Student Building).
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Best Part of the Day.
Today, as people were coming to church, the flood gates opened. It was a torrential down pour. In North Carolina, where I'm from, we would call it, "a toad strangler."
Quite a few folks just couldn't make it to church. Some streets were literally closed by police. However, for the one's that did make it to the parking lot, now the goal becomes getting into the church, without looking like they just came out of the Jordan river in their Sunday best.
So the church's porte-cochère was in full use, as people dropped off their families, then parked the car. Some had brought umbrellas, some not.
I stationed myself with a few others, opening car doors, helping with young kids, handing out "loaner" umbrella's. All while the rain is pouring down. The pace was frenetic, with a long line of cars, but everyone was cheerful and happy to help each other.
As I reflect on what was a great day, (apart from the Texans having a tough night)
I really enjoyed most the time spent helping folks get into the church as dry as possible.
I was reminded of this quote, "The only really happy people are those who have learned how to serve.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here for?
Rick had it so right, the more other focused I am, the happier I become. Perhaps a little ironically, as I ran in from the car line to do the Sunday "welcome," Brian was leading the song "Happy Day."
When we serve Christ and others, it really is, a happy day!
Joe
Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ’
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. ’
Quite a few folks just couldn't make it to church. Some streets were literally closed by police. However, for the one's that did make it to the parking lot, now the goal becomes getting into the church, without looking like they just came out of the Jordan river in their Sunday best.
So the church's porte-cochère was in full use, as people dropped off their families, then parked the car. Some had brought umbrellas, some not.
I stationed myself with a few others, opening car doors, helping with young kids, handing out "loaner" umbrella's. All while the rain is pouring down. The pace was frenetic, with a long line of cars, but everyone was cheerful and happy to help each other.
As I reflect on what was a great day, (apart from the Texans having a tough night)
I really enjoyed most the time spent helping folks get into the church as dry as possible.
I was reminded of this quote, "The only really happy people are those who have learned how to serve.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here for?
Rick had it so right, the more other focused I am, the happier I become. Perhaps a little ironically, as I ran in from the car line to do the Sunday "welcome," Brian was leading the song "Happy Day."
When we serve Christ and others, it really is, a happy day!
Joe
Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ’
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. ’
Friday, October 12, 2012
Are You Ready For The Moment?
You know all it takes is one moment to change everything. Sometimes that change is negative. I think about the moments in my life when I have snapped and said something I deeply regret to someone I care about. I think about the moments when I've made a decision too hastily without waiting on God for wisdom and direction, and as a result, I live with painful consequences. Sometimes the change is positive. I think about those moments when I've responded to a nudge from God and prayed with someone or shared a word of encouragement or turned the TV off and gave my undivided attention and listening ear to someone. In those moments, God's presence sweeps over the situation bringing the life of His Spirit.
In Colossians 4:2-5 it says, '2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.' Paul saw the power of each moment that God gave him. He saw each moment as an opportunity to share the message of Jesus with someone. He saw each moment as a chance to display the love of Christ to that person who was watching him and was skeptical about Christians. He saw each moment as a chance to use his words to build others up and not tear them down.
I need to be prepared today for the moments God brings me. The starting point is realizing that on my own, I will blow it. Left to myself, I will crack under pressure. I desperately need God to help me today to represent Him well. I need to devote myself to prayer....dependent prayer...one step at a time...so I am watchful and thankful. In this state of mind, I will be ready when the moment comes.
In Christ,
Brian
In Colossians 4:2-5 it says, '2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.' Paul saw the power of each moment that God gave him. He saw each moment as an opportunity to share the message of Jesus with someone. He saw each moment as a chance to display the love of Christ to that person who was watching him and was skeptical about Christians. He saw each moment as a chance to use his words to build others up and not tear them down.
I need to be prepared today for the moments God brings me. The starting point is realizing that on my own, I will blow it. Left to myself, I will crack under pressure. I desperately need God to help me today to represent Him well. I need to devote myself to prayer....dependent prayer...one step at a time...so I am watchful and thankful. In this state of mind, I will be ready when the moment comes.
In Christ,
Brian
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Concert of Worship.
Things are really beginning to get busy around the office as we enter the final stretch of preparation for our Fall Concert of Worship. There are lights to be programmed, backgrounds to be picked, and rehearsals to be had. But in the midst of all that I know that I'm not the only one who is already super excited about a night full of worship.
One of the so songs we will sing this weekend as well as at the concert is Great I Am. Here's a powerful image from the song
The mountains shake before Him
The demons run and flee
At the mention of the name
King of majesty
James2:19
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe- and shudder!
October 18 we have to opportunity to rally together to loudly proclaim the majesty, glory and honor of the great I Am and learn about the missions projects going on to serve His people.
I hope you're warming up your voices
Hailey
One of the so songs we will sing this weekend as well as at the concert is Great I Am. Here's a powerful image from the song
The mountains shake before Him
The demons run and flee
At the mention of the name
King of majesty
James2:19
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe- and shudder!
October 18 we have to opportunity to rally together to loudly proclaim the majesty, glory and honor of the great I Am and learn about the missions projects going on to serve His people.
I hope you're warming up your voices
Hailey
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
CALLING - Guest Blog by Greg Johnson, Founder of the David Project.
(Thanks to my friend Greg Johnson for his guest blog today. Greg is a coach for worship leaders and a consultant to church worship ministries nationwide. Check out their website at thedavidproject.com)
CALLING. This is a word tossed around in the church world frequently today. You hear it a lot in the phrase, “I feel called to…” The problem is, it has replaced the phrase “I want to…” for spiritual effect. I can actually hear Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride proclaiming, “You keep using that word … I do not think it means what you think it means.”
Let me clarify – when I speak of calling, I am talking about the spiritual urging by God toward a specific purpose. This is not to be confused by the “callings” of our culture, pursuing a purpose that looks like a spiritual calling, but really only serves the flesh, which is actually a “wanting.” I have had several conversations recently with young worship leaders that feel “called” to a traveling worship ministry, and the fame and notoriety that goes with it. One worship leader actually responded to my question about their call to ministry with, “You know, I feel called to a ministry like Tomlin and Crowder.” My thought was, “Who wouldn’t feel called to that?” Looking back on my ministry career, I totally get the draw toward the road, but I’m not sure that it is a “calling” as much as a “wanting.” Added to that, there is also a huge trend toward embracing the culture as worship leaders, meaning our speech and conduct tend to mirror our culture more than mirroring the way of Jesus. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, and I’m not sure that it’s what God called us to be as leaders or people. So, here a few questions to help qualify a Godly calling in your life.
1. Who is doing the calling? It’s pretty simple. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) If you are not in daily, transforming relationship with Jesus, spending unhurried time with him, don’t kid yourself. God will not call you to do something for Him if you are not intimate with Him. Because modern worship has become so popular today, our culture has set the criteria for the calling: musical gifting, killer hair, quirky charisma and swag apparel. That is a calling … to ROCK STARDOM. The X factor in worship leading is Jesus. So, if you aren’t going to spend daily time with Jesus, get out now and save yourself heartache and/or embarrassment when you are exposed. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I don’t recommend it. Look at it this way; somewhere, there’s a cover band looking for a vocalist with your mad skills…
2. Who will benefit from this calling? Simply put, it’s not about you. Humility is the number one trait of a worship leader called by God, which means less you, more Jesus. If your “calling” is all wrapped up in furthering your career, getting your name out there, then God may use you for a season, but it will only be to serve His purposes, and it will likely be short-lived. Maximus, in the movie Gladiator, says it well to Commodus: “The time for honoring yourself will soon come to an end.” Here’s one way to test the calling: Is the spiritual call so strong that you have to pursue it, regardless of financial gain or wide exposure? If so, this means there is no opportunity, or gig, beneath you. In fact, if you feel called to be a worship leader or player, yet you never give of yourself sacrificially (unpaid), then you are likely living out a “wanting.” I hear the verse, “A man is worthy of his hire” (1Timothy 5:18) used as the standard for compensation. That’s true, but being paid as a worship leader or player should be viewed as a privilege, not an expectation. If God wants you to be paid, He will open those doors – He doesn’t need your help to make that happen. Can worship leading be a career? Of course, but that is completely up to God, not you. Faithfully serve whenever and wherever the opportunity arises, with a servant’s heart, and God will honor it. Unfortunately, that attitude is fairly uncommon in the worship world today, but very attractive and refreshing, so you’ll likely be busier living out your calling than you ever dreamed. Remember, God is no respecter of geography – He is at work in the church of 200 and the church of 2000, and there are a ton more of the former than the latter. He is at work in the grass hut and the convention center. If the Godly calling is there, it may or may not involve an arena filled with worship-crazed young people.
3. What will this calling cost me? Again, in the words of Jesus, “If anyone is going to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) A call to follow Jesus is a call to die. In every way. It is a call to personal holiness. A call away from compromise. We are ALL called to personal holiness, but ESPECIALLY those who call themselves leaders. This is where I missed the mark for a very long time. A couple of years ago, I had few boundaries with regard to my speech (off-color jokes, cussing), my eyes (what I watched or looked at) and my ears (what I listened to), all of which affected my heart. I routinely justified it all in the name of relevance. However, Jesus didn’t call me to be relevant, he called me to be like him. Please don’t check out here. This is not about legalism - it is about authenticity and leadership. If your personal life doesn’t mirror your stage persona, then it is falsehood and people know it. If your relationship with Christ is not moving you toward a life of personal holiness, it is powerless and ineffective. Am I saying that living out a Godly calling means you can’t get your “slur” on, tell dirty jokes and go see The Campaign this weekend? Yes, that is what I’m saying. It is the price of being a Godly leader. A Godly calling will likely fly in the face of cultural relevance and force you to make some decisions about who you are going to be. The way of Jesus is the narrow path; the road less traveled. Here’s the deal: you can do whatever you want – you just can’t do it and follow Jesus. It’s the difference between living out a cultural calling versus a Godly calling.
Those are just a few thoughts on the subject of calling. I need to underscore that I share from the standpoint of one who lived out “cultural calling” for many years. God has only captured my heart on this subject over the last year or so. There’s a lot more to say, but I’ll stop here and let you join the discussion. How does this track with you? How do you define Godly calling, and how are you living it out?
CALLING. This is a word tossed around in the church world frequently today. You hear it a lot in the phrase, “I feel called to…” The problem is, it has replaced the phrase “I want to…” for spiritual effect. I can actually hear Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride proclaiming, “You keep using that word … I do not think it means what you think it means.”
Let me clarify – when I speak of calling, I am talking about the spiritual urging by God toward a specific purpose. This is not to be confused by the “callings” of our culture, pursuing a purpose that looks like a spiritual calling, but really only serves the flesh, which is actually a “wanting.” I have had several conversations recently with young worship leaders that feel “called” to a traveling worship ministry, and the fame and notoriety that goes with it. One worship leader actually responded to my question about their call to ministry with, “You know, I feel called to a ministry like Tomlin and Crowder.” My thought was, “Who wouldn’t feel called to that?” Looking back on my ministry career, I totally get the draw toward the road, but I’m not sure that it is a “calling” as much as a “wanting.” Added to that, there is also a huge trend toward embracing the culture as worship leaders, meaning our speech and conduct tend to mirror our culture more than mirroring the way of Jesus. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, and I’m not sure that it’s what God called us to be as leaders or people. So, here a few questions to help qualify a Godly calling in your life.
1. Who is doing the calling? It’s pretty simple. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) If you are not in daily, transforming relationship with Jesus, spending unhurried time with him, don’t kid yourself. God will not call you to do something for Him if you are not intimate with Him. Because modern worship has become so popular today, our culture has set the criteria for the calling: musical gifting, killer hair, quirky charisma and swag apparel. That is a calling … to ROCK STARDOM. The X factor in worship leading is Jesus. So, if you aren’t going to spend daily time with Jesus, get out now and save yourself heartache and/or embarrassment when you are exposed. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I don’t recommend it. Look at it this way; somewhere, there’s a cover band looking for a vocalist with your mad skills…
2. Who will benefit from this calling? Simply put, it’s not about you. Humility is the number one trait of a worship leader called by God, which means less you, more Jesus. If your “calling” is all wrapped up in furthering your career, getting your name out there, then God may use you for a season, but it will only be to serve His purposes, and it will likely be short-lived. Maximus, in the movie Gladiator, says it well to Commodus: “The time for honoring yourself will soon come to an end.” Here’s one way to test the calling: Is the spiritual call so strong that you have to pursue it, regardless of financial gain or wide exposure? If so, this means there is no opportunity, or gig, beneath you. In fact, if you feel called to be a worship leader or player, yet you never give of yourself sacrificially (unpaid), then you are likely living out a “wanting.” I hear the verse, “A man is worthy of his hire” (1Timothy 5:18) used as the standard for compensation. That’s true, but being paid as a worship leader or player should be viewed as a privilege, not an expectation. If God wants you to be paid, He will open those doors – He doesn’t need your help to make that happen. Can worship leading be a career? Of course, but that is completely up to God, not you. Faithfully serve whenever and wherever the opportunity arises, with a servant’s heart, and God will honor it. Unfortunately, that attitude is fairly uncommon in the worship world today, but very attractive and refreshing, so you’ll likely be busier living out your calling than you ever dreamed. Remember, God is no respecter of geography – He is at work in the church of 200 and the church of 2000, and there are a ton more of the former than the latter. He is at work in the grass hut and the convention center. If the Godly calling is there, it may or may not involve an arena filled with worship-crazed young people.
3. What will this calling cost me? Again, in the words of Jesus, “If anyone is going to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) A call to follow Jesus is a call to die. In every way. It is a call to personal holiness. A call away from compromise. We are ALL called to personal holiness, but ESPECIALLY those who call themselves leaders. This is where I missed the mark for a very long time. A couple of years ago, I had few boundaries with regard to my speech (off-color jokes, cussing), my eyes (what I watched or looked at) and my ears (what I listened to), all of which affected my heart. I routinely justified it all in the name of relevance. However, Jesus didn’t call me to be relevant, he called me to be like him. Please don’t check out here. This is not about legalism - it is about authenticity and leadership. If your personal life doesn’t mirror your stage persona, then it is falsehood and people know it. If your relationship with Christ is not moving you toward a life of personal holiness, it is powerless and ineffective. Am I saying that living out a Godly calling means you can’t get your “slur” on, tell dirty jokes and go see The Campaign this weekend? Yes, that is what I’m saying. It is the price of being a Godly leader. A Godly calling will likely fly in the face of cultural relevance and force you to make some decisions about who you are going to be. The way of Jesus is the narrow path; the road less traveled. Here’s the deal: you can do whatever you want – you just can’t do it and follow Jesus. It’s the difference between living out a cultural calling versus a Godly calling.
Those are just a few thoughts on the subject of calling. I need to underscore that I share from the standpoint of one who lived out “cultural calling” for many years. God has only captured my heart on this subject over the last year or so. There’s a lot more to say, but I’ll stop here and let you join the discussion. How does this track with you? How do you define Godly calling, and how are you living it out?
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The Good Confession.
I loved getting to celebrate with so many this past Sunday as kids, youth and adults came forward to be baptized. Baptism is a powerful moment in your life because it is a moment of going public with your faith and confessing Jesus before others. The Bible says that we are to not be ashamed of Jesus. Once we make that decision and we let others know about it, we are marked people. We now accept the blessings of Christ and the persecution that the world will bring at us just like it persecuted Jesus.
In Paul's first letter to Timothy in chapter 6 he writes, "12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." So for us who have repented of our sins and been baptized into our new life that is hidden in Christ, we need to be ready to put on our armor today and to take hold of the eternal life given to us. Right before this verse Paul is warning Timothy about how the love of money is the root of all evil. Today, let's remember our confession before others, and be different from the world. Let's be people who love God and not money and who are ready and prepared to stand firm and not be moved for the cause of Christ.
in Christ,
Brian
In Paul's first letter to Timothy in chapter 6 he writes, "12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." So for us who have repented of our sins and been baptized into our new life that is hidden in Christ, we need to be ready to put on our armor today and to take hold of the eternal life given to us. Right before this verse Paul is warning Timothy about how the love of money is the root of all evil. Today, let's remember our confession before others, and be different from the world. Let's be people who love God and not money and who are ready and prepared to stand firm and not be moved for the cause of Christ.
in Christ,
Brian
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