Saturday, December 13, 2008
Jeremiah 17 Sample #1
Enjoy!
Quick Update
Bridge has laid down vocals for Jeremiah 17. We'll hopefully lay down some others this weekend as Christmas is too quickly approaching. I hope to have a sample of that song within a couple of days. Check out Babione6 for all the latest family blogginess.
R.C.
BTW,
the movie quote was from Ace Ventura, Pet Detective
Saturday, December 6, 2008
3 Columns and New Quick Sounds
"If I'm not back in 5 minutes, just wait longer!" (Bonus points for the first one to tell me from what movie that comes!)
Update & Working On the Look
- have 4 of the 5 songs' guitar track laid down
- gonna lay down some vocals on Saturday (today, I guess)
- been working on the new look - lost some stuff (some on accident, some on purpose)
- thanks to those that have kept asking about the CD
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Change Is Coming...
Friday, November 28, 2008
A Christmas CD
The 5 songs to be included (for now) are:
Covered In the Dust
Forever Is Your Reign
Intimate
Jeremiah 17
And He Shall Be Called
These are always subject to change, but we're pretty confident that these will be the ones on there. So, you, the readers and followers of Sounds From the Batcave, are hereby sworn in as witnesses to this endeavor, and are encouraged, nay, expected to hold us accountable. I would like for you to continually check up on us, and ask us how the CD is coming along.
If you would like to receive a CD as gift this year, or an MP3 download (I think I can do that), then please feel free to sign up. If you would like a CD, then I will ask that you help us out and pay a shipping fee, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Until then, check here for updates on the status of the project, for some musical excerpts, and to keep us accountable to finish the project by the deadline. Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving and thanks for your support.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A Living Room Blog
Saturday, November 22, 2008
"Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Pastors"
Pyromaniacs: The Intolerance of True Religion
Please, please take time to read this post. Why don't we hear sermons like this today?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Quick Sounds
"What I tell you in the dark..."
I read from Matthew 10, verses 16 through 42 this morning, and the above verse caught my attention the most. There were others that pricked my ears and heart this morning, and you'll hear about them a little later, but for some reason, this one really struck a chord. I think, partly, because I can't find any commentary on that verse. It comes in the middle of a paragraph of scripture that has produced more studying than this little verse. But, for whatever reason, God was speaking this to me this morning.
I believe it implies a quiet time. For me, it is early in the morning when it is still dark. I also believe it implies an intimate relationship with the Son (and Father and Spirit), as he will whisper in my ear. I think it can also be indicative of the relationship between Christ and his bride (us - the church).
While this verse speaks of relationship and time together with Christ, it is also obviously a call to action. We are to share what we learn from our saviour. First, we are to spend time, in private (in the dark/whispered in your ear), with him, then we publicly (in daylight/from the roofs) share what he told us. So, today, start to spend time with your Lord, in private, in the dark, and allow him to whisper in your ear, and then share that good news with others. Be encouraged.
Soli Deo Gloria
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Talk Is Cheap Part 2
2Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."It is much easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven," than to say, "Stand up and walk". For when you say that someone sins are forgiven, you can't actually see that. But to tell someone to stand up and walk would require them to actually do it! It's a little thing I like to call "action". Oh, all that talk about forgiving sins and talking a good game is easy. People can't tell if your sins are really forgiven. Bet tell somebody to walk, and they don't do it? Hoo boy, you're in trouble! There's not only not any action, but there's no visible action. People can see that you're a phony, a fake, a hypocrite.
3At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"
4Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7And the man got up and went home. 8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men. - Matthew 9:2-8 (NIV)
Fortunately, Jesus is not phony, fake, or a hypocrite. His words carried his authority. The man actually got up and walked. And his sins were forgiven. Talk is cheap, but the cost of following Jesus is not. We can talk about it all we want, but until we actually (I guess I found the italic button, huh?) get up and walk, and put some action behind our words, then we're just wasting our time. And the time of others. And God's time.
O, God, I don't want to take the easy way out and just talk. I know the cost is high to follow you, but I also know the cost is high to say I do and not. Forgive me when that happens. I'm sorry. I repent of my lazy ways. Help me to get up and walk this day. I love you.
Soli Deo Gloria
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Talk Is Cheap
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
One Thing I Was Made For
My wife.
My destiny is accomplished in serving her destiny and the destinies of my children.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. - Ephesians 5:25-33 (NLT)
The cleansing of the woman comes from the death of the man. That sentence is in my notes from the men's retreat. What really does that mean? Well, the husband is to love his wife like Christ loves the church. Christ loved the church so much, he gave his life for it. I am to die for my wife as well. Daily. Put aside my own feelings and comfort and serve my wife's purpose and destiny. Christ was (and is) so deeply in love with the church (his people - not any building) that it cost him his life - a great expense. Another note from my um, notes: deeply in love at my expense. My wife needs to know that I love her and that I would do anything for her. I'd fight for her and die for her. I've got to live for her. I think of the Bryan Adams song, "(Every Thing I Do) I Do It For You".
Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. This is an all out, unselfish, fully committed, undying, unconditional love. He loved the church so much he died for her. He sacrificed for her. So, how do I sacrifice for my wife? The best way to do this is to ask her. "Babe (or Honey, Sweetheart, Pookie, Wife, Woman, Love of my life, Dear, Baby, Sweet potato pie, or any other affectionate name you have for your wife), how can I serve you? How can I help you to be the woman/mother/wife you want to be - that God has designed you to be?" This may take actually talking to your wife. Once she recovers from falling over, you may have to spend some time in prayer with her. Look out, because all this could lead to her fulfilling the scriptures that are written before the above passage:
21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. - Ephesians 5:21-24 (NLT)
It starts with the husband. The church didn't submit to Christ first. Christ loved the church and gave himself for her first, then the church's response to that is to submit to him. It's a whole lot easier for a wife to submit to a husband she knows loves her more than anything and seeks to serve her above himself. Now, our fleshly side says that it would be easier to love a wife that's more willing to submit to her husband, but that's not how it works. We love Christ because because he first loved us. The church isn't easy to love, either, you know. She can be short-memoried, ungrateful, selfish, nagging, whining, disloyal, and down right rejecting at times, but Christ loves her. We must take our cue from him.
Listen, you start talking and praying with your wife, doing the dishes without being asked, giving her time alone away from the kids, taking out the trash without being asked, picking up your dirty clothes, and other non-selfish things, then you will find a woman more than willing to submit to you. Reminds me of an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" when Ray was vacuuming some drapes and Debra walks up behind him and says, "You have never been more attractive to me."
In attempting to do this, I have discovered just how selfish I have been around the house. I have found that I pout a lot if I don't really get what I want. I dare say that you will, too. But, pouting is not the way of a son of God. A son of God is loving, generous, and unselfish. Pouting does not fit that description.
Wow. Well. What was going to be a simple little post has turned into a 30 minute lecture on husbands and wives. I started this thing back on Oct. 31st. Oh, well. Bridget, I love you, and God has made me for you. Husbands, you were made for your wife. Let her know that. Be encouraged.
Soli Deo Gloria
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Narrow Gate
For the past few days I have been struggling with being a "professional talker." You know, someone who is considered an "expert" in whatever field, because he/she talks a lot about it, writes a lot about it, puts on seminars or conferences a lot about it, sings songs a lot about it, etc. a lot about it. Not that anyone considers me an expert on anything. I was referring to different people I see on TV or hear on the radio or read on the internet."Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits." - Matthew 7:13-20 NRSV
I can talk about being a believer all I want. I can talk about reaching out to the lost, helping the poor, feeding the hungry. I can say that a believer should do that everyday. I can talk about living a life pleasing to God; I can sing about living a life pleasing to God; I can blog about living a life pleasing to God. But, am I? This passage really convicted me this morning. Where's my fruit? Am I bearing fruit? Can I make jelly from it? (Jesus Jelly?)
Then I realized that to be a true teacher or prophet, and to bear fruit with my life, that it takes actually entering through the narrow gate and traveling down the hard road. I often ask myself, "Why do things have to be so hard?" Well, the answer is because that is the road that leads to life. Oh. The light's a little brighter this morning. I want to be one of the few who find that road. I want to enter the narrow gate. I want others to come with me. Will you?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
VOTE!
don't vote party - vote righteousness
don't vote race - vote righteousness
don't vote sex - vote righteousness
don't vote pocketbook - vote righteousness
don't vote age - vote righteousness
don't vote charisma - vote righteousness
don't vote looks - vote righteousness
don't vote fear - vote righteousness
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34
Father, God, You are God and You are in control. I thank you for the opportunity to elect our leaders. Today, I hand this nation's election over to You. Your will be done, Your kingdom come, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Have mercy on us as a nation, O God. I turn to You. Be our rock and our fortress. I ask for peace and joy in the midst of this tumultuous time. Whatever happens today, You are still my God, and You are still my hope. Thank You for the blood of Jesus; thank You for the love of Jesus. In his mighty name I pray.
Soli Deo Gloria
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Redeem the Day v 2.0
the words:
Orphans all, here the Father's call
to be sons of destiny
An open door to so much more
beyond our history
Here I am; I am just a man
come and speak to me
Lead me on to be a son
who carries forth Your glory
Redeem the day! Redeem the day!
Your people pray, "Redeem the day!"
In all the earth, we find our worth
in the heart of the Father
By His hand we claim the land
as His sons and daughters
Your Kingdom come; Your will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven
Monday, October 27, 2008
Enter the Fight: Round 2
Remember this post? Yeah, well, I thought I had that figured out, too. What I wrote was part of the word the Lord had for me, but it was really more of a personal warning, or a personal call to action: Enter the fight! It was a word for the me entering the men's retreat. And I missed it.
Ron DePriest was great. His messages were stirring, and God was moving, and I really got a lot out of it. Appreciated it. Good stuff. That part was spot on. The rest of the time, well, that's where I feel like I missed it.
Thursday night: I was tired. I'd been up since 4:30, had driven for a little over 2 hours, it was 10 o'clock at night; I was tired. An extremely good friend of mine, Chenson (names have been changed to protect the innocent), and I hadn't eaten, yet. So, we went with Poby to get some dinner. We got back sometime between 11 and 11:30. Quite understandably, I was ready for bed. I had the privilege of rooming with another of my extremely good friends, Poby. However, we had several people come to our room, and after they finally left, Pob and I got our guitars out and actually wrote a song using some words from another song I had and several of our notes from the evening's session. Great stuff! We were up till around 3, I think. Around 6, I get a call from work. I was on the phone twice with them for a total of 45 minutes. Luckily, the first session wasn't until 10, but still, bed late + up early = not a good combo.
Friday: I was tired. Another great session. Poby, Chenson, and I were going to take the afternoon free time to get me registered to vote, get Chenson a GPS for his wife's car, and come back and hang out with the rest of the fellas. Well, we wound up going with Estevie to Guitar Center in OKC. I did get registered to vote, we did get Chenson's GPS, but we got back just in time for dinner. No time spent with other guys (outside my usual "circle of friends"), the pastor, nor the speaker. Not a problem, we still had Friday night.
Friday night: Over by 9-ish. Another great session. More great stuff. So great, in fact, I found Poby afterward and told him I thought we had more writing to do. We went back to the room, pulled out the guitars, and started writing again. A few guys came through. We talked a lot about different stuff. Good time with Poby and with Chenson. Went to bed around midnight-ish (I think). Again, no time spent with the leadership.
Saturday morning: Skip breakfast and show up for the morning's session; the last one. Suddenly I'm hit with the feeling that I've completely missed out on something I was supposed to get. I didn't know what. I still don't. I just had knots in my stomach all morning long. What did I miss? Then the words came floating back into mind: Enter the fight. Had I entered the fight all weekend? I don't know. Suddenly, what was a fun weekend turned into a stressful, spiritual debate. What had I gotten out of the weekend? A song? More time with great guys I already spend a lot of time with? Had I served anybody throughout the weekend? Therein lied my answer. NO.
Realization: I had taken all weekend. Oh, sure, I ran the words for worship every session but the first, I went with Estevie (also a good friend, btw) to Guitar Center, listened to Poby and Chenson, but I never sacrificed anything all weekend. I never helped in the kitchen. I never took out the trash. I never helped any other guy with any other thing all weekend. I never did anything that I didn't want to do. It was a completely selfish weekend. Not the trait of a servant-leader. If that's the kind of leader I want to be, then I completely blew my chance that weekend. That is what I missed, and that is what felt so horrible.
Clarification: I LOVED hanging out with Pobias and Chenson. Always do. In fact, the song Pob and I wrote, we sang in church that Sunday. Our worship team is going to pick it up. Exciting stuff! I cherish that time we got to spend together. I know that was part of what God wanted me to get out of the weekend. I just wish I had taken extra time to seek out the leadership, to give to other guys, and entered the entire fight. You know, get everything God has for me.
So, my encouragement to you comes from Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. 7 Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will
forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your
thoughts.
Just because you think you've got God figured out doesn't mean that you do. Seek Him. Ask Him. Be encouraged. Enter the fight.
Soli Deo Gloria
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thoughts About the Church
Soli Deo Gloria
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A Family Poem
Audience Participation: Which Is Worse?
- Obama or McCain?
- taking another cookie in front of your son or having him call you a cheater for doing so?
- the economic "crisis" or the government "bailout"?
- high gas prices or no car to get you there?
- having to help a lizard give birth or realizing that's not a foot you're pulling on because lizards lay eggs?
- missing out on an opportunity to grow and realizing it or having no clue?
- Barney or "Tickle Me" Elmo?
- two birthdays in two days or a birthday and Christmas in two days?
- waiting for Jesus to return and doing nothing or not knowing Jesus?
- changing a dirty diaper or mopping up the "didn't-make-it-to-the-toilet" mess?
- disciplining your child in front of people or watching someone else not discipline their child?
- singing off key or having no rhythm?
- going to class and having a pop quiz or going to class for an open book test and forgetting your book?
- running ahead of God or dragging your feet?
- taking this survey or ignoring the requests of a friend and repeatedly not commenting on his blog?
Now, go answer before you read my answers.
My Answers:
- Obama - for lots of reasons
- "you cheater" - he said it with this look on his face like he was "gonna do me in"
- the bailout - why are we rewarding greed and bad money-handling again?
- no car - I know walking is good for you, but still
- the realization - this was a story I read from an email - very funny
- again, the realization - it burns to know you could have gotten so much more out of an opportunity
- Barney - I never did like the big, purple dinosaur
- birthday and Christmas - who likes having your present intake cut in half?
- not knowing Jesus - tough one - can there be a tie?
- mopping - at least with a diaper, it's all contained (in theory, anyway)
- watching someone else - you don't help the child learn anything but how to be a spoiled brat
- singing off key - you could still play drums if you had rhythm
- open book - that's just plain off if you don't take your book to an open book test
- running ahead - another tough one - surely there can be ties
- being a heartless friend who reads every blog posted but never comments on anything - but I'm not bitter
BONUS:
not posting in 5 days or realizing nobody reads your blog unless you prod them?
I think you know the answer. Don't you?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Enter the Fight
Yesterday, walking to prayer, these words flashed through my mind:
"Enter the Fight"I was already a little jazzed from a morning espresso, but I was just overall excited about things. Our men's retreat is coming up this weekend, Bridge and I are doing "the special" on Sunday, and I had just successfully arranged a rehearsal with some of what I'm going to call Kingdom Band to play the song on Sunday, too. So, I had a few things going my way.
"Enter the Fight"Ok, so a few thoughts: I didn't figure God was wanting me to pick a fight with someone; I knew that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12), and, at the time, I felt it meant by singing a song I had written. You know, I was entering the fight with a tool or weapon that I had made.
Then, we started to pray. God immediately revealed a whole new world of warfare to me. This was the fight to which He was referring. Believe it or not, prayer is spiritual warfare. God calls us all to enter the fight. We enter the fight by hitting our knees. (How many of you actually hit your knees, or kneel, while praying?)
We also enter the fight in other ways. Singing, writing, painting, building, using your gifts for His glory are all ways to enter the fight. How many of you have been moved by a song, a poem, a good book, a piece of art or photograph, a magnificent structure? Inspiration, conviction, love, mercy - these come from godly things. Condemnation, hatred - these come from ungodly things.
So, you who are prayer warriors; you who are writers, artists, musicians, craftsmen, enter the fight! Stand up and be counted. Remember, "for though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." (2 Cor. 10:3-4)
Your songs may not be sung nor heard by everybody, but you don't stop writing or singing; your books may not be read by everyone, but you don't stop writing; your hand-made jewelry may not be worn by every person, but you don't stop making it. To someone, somewhere, your gifts make a difference. God gets the glory, and that is always a good thing. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." (Eph. 6:10)
Soli Deo Gloria
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Wake Up Call
The IDOP (International Day of Prayer) is coming up November 16. While our nation needs prayer, so do these guys. Check out the web site OpenDoors.
"You cannot pray for revival for one half of the body of Christ while forgettingI don't know who Brother Andrew is, but he is so right. Our praise team worked on a new/old song last night. It talks about hearing God speak and "oh, this changes everything." Yes it does.
the other half which is suffering under restrictions." - Brother Andrew
Soli Deo Gloria
Monday, October 6, 2008
"...therefore...hope..."
I'm currently reading from the gospel of John. This morning was the passage about Jesus turning water into wine. The commentary from my Life Application Bible mentioned how most of Jesus' miracles were the renewing of fallen creation: blind to see, lame to walk, dead to rise, etc.
That is interesting. I guess I never looked that much into it. It makes sense. The Author of Life rewriting a bad story line. Isn't that what he does for you and me? He redeems fallen creation. Thank you, Lord, for being our savior. This from Lamentations 3:21-24:
But this I call to mind,I give you the situation at the station and the men's retreat to ask for your prayers. I give you the passages of scripture to encourage you. Therefore hope.
and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
Soli Deo Gloria
Sunday, October 5, 2008
More Stuff
Ahh, true happiness. There's a lesson in here somewhere. One of many passages of scripture to check out:
"Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5Be blessed; be encouraged; be content.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Political Levity
I'd like to know where yours and mine are too.
Also, check this out. ABC has a test at the below address to see who's campaign statements--McCain's or Obama's--you agree with most. They don't tell you who made the statements, of course, but a statement made by each candidate on the same topic (economy, immigration, judiciary, etc.) will be side by side. You just pick which statement you agree with and, after selecting all 13, you'll find out which candidate's philosophy you support. Try it at:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139
If you're comfortable with it, tell me who you most matched, and I'll tell you who I most matched. I will say that I was surprised to find out that I matched all 13 statements with one of them. Have fun.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Hold Fast
"The Lord your God you shall follow, him alone you shall fear, his commandments you shall keep, his voice you shall obey, him you shall serve, and to him you shall hold fast." Deut. 13:4Great verse, isn't it? I have it written down in three or four different places. Then, a little over a month ago, I came across this little gem in Isaiah:
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.For whatever reason, God wanted me to share these verses with you. Be encouraged. He is with you; He is for you. Hold fast.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:3-4
Thursday, October 2, 2008
My Sacrifice
My morning routine consists of bathroom time, batcave time, bathroom time and leaving. Sometimes, I sneak a breakfast time in there, but not very often. It's just hard for me to eat at 4:30/5 in the morning. Besides, I'm usually hungry again around 10-ish.
My batcave time consists of Bible time, blog time, between-God-and-me time (you knew I had to keep the whole "b" thing going) and body building time. That sounds grand, but it's usually just some push-ups and sit-ups. The only thing really consistent in the the batcave time is the between-God-and-me time. I hit the rest most of the time, but some mornings I may spend more time in the Bible and not get to blog, or vice versa, or I won't build my body, or whatever.
My morning routine seems to get easier everyday. It's still not easy. But it has come a long way from whence I started. I fought God on it for a long time. It's just very, very early. My turning point came one morning (before I started writing down stuff) as I was doing my sit-ups. I remember laying on the floor and asking God why it has to be so hard. You know? I was tired; I was trying to do sit-ups; I wanted to be back in bed. Why are things so hard, God?
"It wouldn't be a sacrifice if it was easy."
Whoa. You answered me? I'm sacrificing for You right now? Talk about an attitude change. Here I was thinking I was just going through some tough times, and God saw it for what it really is. It's a season. And, during this particular season, some sacrifices have to be made. So, me getting up every morning to have my time alone with God is a sacrifice. You know, Psalms talks about bringing the "sacrifice of praise." And look at Romans 12:1
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to
present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is
your spiritual worship."
Even now, what can I say? My early morning hours are an act of spiritual worship to the creator of the universe. I'm sure it's much sweeter to His ears now. I don't gripe and complain nearly as much as I used to.
What is your act of spiritual worship? Is God asking you to sacrifice anything right now? Remember, it's a season; seasons change. God is here, lovingly walking you through this time, and He's already in the next season lovingly waiting for you. Are you kicking and screaming your way through this time? I was. Maybe it would help if you could see it for what it is. A season. A season of sacrifice. Your living sacrifice; your spiritual worship. Be encouraged.
Soli Deo Gloria
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Instinct
As he stumbled, his feet stayed put on the step they were on, and his knees hit the step below. Then, as he's falling forward, sure to do a face plant into the tiled, lobby floor, he quickly releases everything from his grip and springs his arms forward to catch himself before he hits ground zero! Wow! It was actually pretty cool; like a superman discovering his powers, or something. He stayed there, with legs up on the stairs and hands on the ground holding himself up like a strong ninja move, or something.
I said, "whoa, buddy, are you alright?" He said that he was, and I helped him back up and gave him a high-five for his actions. His papers and gameboy were ok, too. I couldn't believe his wits. He was aware enough to let go of everything in his hands to catch himself and keep from getting hurt. I just knew he was a goner. You know, what 4 year-old kid knows to drop his gameboy and save his hide? I was impressed with his instinct.
A few days later I was driving and heard the Gloria Gaynor song, "I Will Survive". I immediately thought of the episode with my son and his instinct of self-preservation - his instinct to survive. I guess that instinct comes naturally to us. Or, at least, to most of us. Adam and Eve had to develop that instinct after they sinned. One of the first things they did was fix some clothes to hide their nakedness.
Yeah, looking out for "#1" usually comes pretty easily. What's not so easy is looking out for the other guy, or taking care of others. That's more of a pastoral instinct. A pastor is more like a shepherd. He is to care for, feed, protect, and love his sheep. Jesus is the Great Shepherd. This particular instinct came naturally for him. It's not so easy for us. We have that other instinct with which to compete.
A pastoral instinct comes from spending time with God. The more we read his words to us, the more we talk to him in prayer, the more time we spend with him, the more we become like him. While some people are given an extra grace and anointing to pastor, the pastoral instinct is one that, I believe, can be developed in anybody. But like anything else worth having, it takes time and discipline to learn. Some learn it easily; some don't. But, it is the instinct that needs to prevail.
Don't get me wrong. An instinct of self-preservation is important, too. Especially if you're stumbling down some stairs. But, when it comes to dealing with other people, we need to learn to sacrifice a little. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) If people looked out for their fellow man more than themselves, I believe this world would be a much better place in which to live. Don't you? Let's show the world His love. Let's develop the right instinct.
Be encouraged.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Happy Birthday, Bobo!
- his birthday (born in OKC on September 27, 1998 - I was a very proud dad)
- it took him forever to sleep through the night (I mean forever - thankfully, we learned from him and had the others sleeping through the night within a few weeks)
- he once stuck some keys in an electrical socket outside my office in KY (I could hear him hitting the wall with the keys, but didn't think about a socket until he got real quiet before he started crying really loudly)
- he would pronounce the letter W "double doo!" (he spent a weekend or something with my parents who taught him his letters - that one was his favorite)
- he loved the American flag (he always shouted "A flag! A flag! A flag!" until we finally acknowledged that he was seeing a flag)
- he was George Washington in a school "play" (I think it was President's Day or something in either the first or second grade - he read a few lines)
- he had to have glasses (there was a prophet at our church who was healing some people of eye problems - glasses, etc., he stood for a moment, then sat down and said that he liked his glasses)
- his violin recital (he's really gifted)
- playing baseball (he had the highest on base percentage on the team, because he kept walking, and he was a pretty decent second baseman)
- his prophetic word (wow, what a word spoken over him - if you want to hear it, make your request known in writing and send $1 to.... - just kidding about the dollar, but it's worth hearing, just not on this blog - sorry)
There they are. My wife calls him Bobo on her blog, so we will too. Happy birthday, Bobo! I love you, buddy.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Love Note Day
To my wife:
I love you. I can't describe it any better than that. You are my sunsushine. You make me happy; you can make me mad, but you don't do that very often. You put up with me. God has said that our marriage was a miracle; well, I'm glad it's our miracle. I'm proud of our children. You are a wonderful mother, and you'll only get better. Thank you for 10 1/2 years of marital bliss (most of the time)! I love you.
To my children:
I love you. You guys are the best. From #1 son to baby girl, you are my pride and joy. You are so much fun, and I love coming home to a family excited to see me. Thanks for being so cool! I love you.
To my family ('rents and others):
I love you. Thank you for your love and support throughout my life. Thank you for loving my little family. Thanks for letting us use your pool and cable and internet and sugar and kool aid and Oreos and everything else. You guys are my foundation. I love you.
To my friends:
I love you. Whether you're a new friend or one who's been with me through the permed hair and Speedo stages of life, you are one of my most valued treasures. Thank you for making me laugh, for laughing with me and at me. You are the best. And I'm sure you owe me money. I love you.
To my God:
I love You. You saved my life. You are my rock, my fortress, my provider, my savior, my joy and my strength. You are the Ancient of Days. You are the Alpha and Omega. You are awesome. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me and bringing me this far. I look forward to continuing our journey together. You are life. I love You.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Huh
Morning time with God - great scripture passages - nothing.
Prayer at church - nothing.
All day long - waiting, listening - nothing.
Was God not talking to me today? Was I expecting too much? What happened? Where's the beef?
You know, I could go all psycho and think God doesn't love me today, and that I've heard all I'm going to learn. But, I'm not. Curious, and honestly, a little disappointed, but not upset or frustrated or anything like that. Just wondering. Out loud. Or at least online. Huh.
No More Sleepy Prayers
My only option then is to completely rely on God. So, I pray. "God be my strength, and my sustenance. Be my joy, and give me energy for the day." Oh, it is very easy to lay my head down on my desk and snooze for another 30 minutes, or so. But, I know that God wants to meet with me. And I want to meet with Him.
So, I read a little; I pray a little. I read a little, I pray a little. I don't close my eyes - that could be dangerous. I look at things I've written down over the past couple of days (which is quite a bit, actually). I start searching through my notes: several ideas for blogs, or lessons, or sermons, or something. I start looking up different scripture, like a treasure hunt. I start praying in the spirit. I suddenly find myself awake and not near as sleepy. The Lord has given me strength and energy for this morning meeting. Don't get me wrong, I could go back to sleep pretty easily. But the trick now is I don't want to go back to sleep.
The past few times I've had the privilege to pray with a group of people have been interesting. One meeting, I walked in after they had already started praying, and the room was quiet. At first, I was afraid I had missed an ominous announcement or something. The prayers seemed timid; everything lacked punch or enthusiasm, or something. God was stirring in me. I didn't want to come in with some big, boisterous prayer, but I felt God was wanting more out of what was going on. So, I started quietly, but then allowed the Spirit to build up. I kept hearing, "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Be alert! Be alert! Be ready! Be ready!" I could tell as I was praying, that the Spirit started moving among the others. It was as if new life had been breathed into the soul of our prayer time.
Just a few days later, I had a similar experience. The first couple of people to pray prayed long, relatively boring prayers. Had I kept my eyes closed, I would have fallen asleep. I know this because I suddenly jerked up after a couple of minutes of "meditation." Embarrassed, I opened my eyes and looked around to see if anybody noticed. Satisfied, that I wouldn't undergo any significant ridicule for sleeping through prayer time, I decided I better keep my eyes open. In fact, I got up and started walking around. Again, I could hear the words, "Wake up! Be ready!"
So, I wrote this down: Do I have a blood lust? What is this desire to wage war on the enemy? This passion? This burning, yearning for more - NO MORE SLEEPY PRAYERS! Wake up! Be alert! Jesus is coming!
Oh, I really want to press in to God. Press in to the things He has for us. Jesus is preparing a place for his bride; His bride (us, the church) should be preparing for his return! We don't want to be found asleep and unprepared do we? I sure don't. Wake up, church! No more sleepy prayers!
Father, help us to find the balance between this passion for more and the rest we find in Your tenderness. Your love is amazing, and Your grace is sufficient. Wake us up. No more sleepy prayers.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Music Permit
Amazing how quickly we forget the original meaning or intent of a rule or law. We do it today with the seperation of church and state, and so many other things. I received this email from my father yesterday:
THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WAS INSTITUTED TO LESSEN OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL. NOTE: IN 2008 THE BUDGET FOR THIS DEPARTMENT IS NOW AT $24.2 BILLION A YEAR. THEY HAVE 16,000 FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND APPROXIMATELY 100,000 CONTRACT EMPLOYEES. What do they do?????
How quickly we forget. Reminds me of the pharisees. In being so strict in following the law, they forget why they were following it in the first place. So strict, so literal. No room for interpretation. No room to use your brain and do the right thing at the right time. Thank You, Lord, for Jesus and His love. Thank You for Your grace.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sharp Dressed Man
On my morning show, there is a segment called "Eddie's Stuff". Our AM morning personality comes over, and for 10 minutes, or so, gives us his unusual "stuff" for the day. Today, he talked about the "Shower Suit". It's a suit made of 100% wool and is supposed to dry very quickly. You can shower in it or hang it up and run water over it. It's designed with the always-on-the-go business exec in mind. So, the song I played following "Eddie's Stuff", and tying in with this last story of the morning was, indeed, "Sharp Dressed Man."
All of that to get here:
I look good today. Seriously. Khaki, flat-front pants, nice, button-down green striped shirt. I look sharp. I am, indeed, a sharp dressed man. However, before you get too jealous of my wife, please know, that when I sit down, my pant legs hike up to about my knee. Well, maybe not that high, but I do, in fact, look like I have "high-waters" on. Yes, a lot of sock is showing. Fortunately, my socks are similar in color to the pants, but still. Yikes! It's like they don't fit right or something.
Lesson: humility
You know, just a bit of humility to keep me from getting "too big for my britches."
Be encouraged.
P.S.
Learning from my "10 Lessons", I wrote this little anecdote down this morning, so I wouldn't forget it. Aren't we all glad I did?
Don't answer that.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Top 10 Lessons I'm Learning
09. be professional (echoes #10)
08. even if the cat's away, God is still watching (so do your job anyway)
07. tithe (the first fruits of your money and your time - give God the first part of your day)
06. spend time with God (you can't get to the next level without Him)
05. pray with your kids (teach them early)
04. pray with your spouse (stand in agreement)
03. do what your wife says (this is a lifelong lesson)
02. communicate with your spouse (makes things a whole lot easier)
01. write it down (Habakkuk 2:2 - you can't remember it all)
Friday, September 19, 2008
29 Reasons Why I Love My Wife
- she's hot (I seriously could end here)
- she can sing (you need to hear her)
- she makes beautiful babies (have you seen our children?)
- she's a great mother (to 4 kids!)
- she's a good cook (creamy baked chicken, baby!)
- she lets me make her laugh (maybe she's just laughing at me)
- she's desperately in love with Jesus (I'm not jealous)
- she washes my clothes and cooks my meals (this is a good thing, people)
- she rearranges our house at least once month (change is good)
- she's not the neatest painter (seriously, check her clothes and look at the ceiling)
- she loves to decorate (seriously) (and she's good at it)
- she sings a lot around the house (see #2)
- she shows me things only I get to see (and I like what I see)
- let's just call this one an elaboration of #13 (4 kids, natch)
- she prays for me (Lord knows I need it)
- she prays with me (important to stand in agreement)
- she prays with our children (see #4)
- she likes to watch movies with me (so what if I like "Pride and Prejudice"?)
- she blogs a lot (check it out here)
- she talks a lot (this can be a good thing)
- she likes to make music with me (have you heard some of our songs?)
- she had the words, "pastor's wife" spoken over her in high school (we were just given the pastoral nod this past weekend) (more on that later)
- she bought me at my fraternity's date auction (I'll let her tell you what I cost) (she got a good deal)
- she loves my family (and they love her)
- she likes to buy things (but only when we have money) (which isn't very often)
- she likes to buy me things (not as much as I'd like for her to, though)
- she likes to look pretty for me (I did a "top 5" today on my show - #2 was "women are infinitely more concerned about what they wear then men are; in fact, if you met us at the door naked, you wouldn't hear a complaint from us)
- she's my Bridy Girl (and my sunsushine)
- she loves me (I couldn't ask for anything more)
When she turns 30 next year, I'll add another one. I love you, Bridy Girl!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Mmmm...Love What You Eat
Back in Montgomery, TX, we lived just a couple of miles from a Quizno's Sub. Oh, yes, life was good. Here in Altus, OK, we had a couple of Subways. No Quizno's. Till now!!!!!! WoooHoooo!!! Let the fun begin, baby!
Now, Quizno's is more expensive, but if you can swing it - swing for the fences, baby! (I know I've said "baby" twice now - I may say it a couple more times, so get ready, baby!) (see?)
Quizno's opened yesterday, so the line is still to the middle of Main St., but oh, baby, are those good sandwiches! Anyway, just had to share. Be encouraged! (to go to Quizno's and get me a Black Angus Steak on Rosemary Parmesan bread.....
....
...
....
...
BABY!!!!!)
Plus, check out the new poll! (and vote!!!!)
Monday, September 15, 2008
My 9/11 Post
I know that today is September 15, but I wanted to post something about 9/11. When today's "One Big Happy" cartoon came out, I thought it would be apropos to go ahead and post something. (wow - that's the second time this morning that I've used that word) Here's the cartoon:
9/11 Timeline
(All times EDT)
Please note that the precise times may vary, depending on the source. For this report we used the timeline from the FBI, Time magazine, ABC and Washington Post.
7:59 a.m.: American Airlines Flight 11 takes off from Boston’s Logan International airport with 95 people onboard.
8:14 a.m.: United Flight 175 takes off from Logan with 65 people onboard.
8:20 a.m.: American Flight 77 takes off from Dulles near Washington, D.C., carrying 64 people.
8:21 a.m.: Flight 11’s transponder is turned off. Shortly afterward, the plane turns south toward N.Y.C.
8:40 a.m.: The FAA notifies NORAD that Flight 11 has been hijacked.
8:41 a.m.: United Flight 93 takes off from Newark with 44 people aboard.
8:43 a.m.: The FAA notifies NORAD that Flight 175 has been hijacked.
8:46 a.m.: American flight 11 slams into the World Trade Center’s north tower at 400 mph.
8:50 a.m.: The first New York Fire Department trucks arrive at the World Trade Center.
8:52 a.m.: F-15s from Otis Air National Guard Base are scrambled.
9:03 a.m.: Flight 175 crashes into the World Trade Center’s south tower at more than 500 mph.
9:16 a.m.: The FAA informs NORAD that Flight 93 may have been hijacked.
9:21 a.m.: The FAA notifies NORAD of a suspected hijacking of American flight 77.
9:31 a.m.: Bush makes his first public statement saying the country has suffered an “apparent terrorist attack.” He asks for a moment of silence.
9:37 a.m.: American Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.
9:45 a.m.: The FAA orders the shutdown of U.S. airspace, a first in U.S. history.
9:48 a.m.: The U.S. Capitol and White House are evacuated.
9:55 a.m.: Bush leaves Florida on Air Force One. He phones Vice President Dick Cheney and puts the entire U.S. military on high alert. He also receives word of the plane crashes at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
9:59 a.m.: The south tower of the WTC collapses.
10:03 a.m.: Flight 93 crashes into the ground near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
10:10 a.m.: A portion of the Pentagon collapses.
10:28 a.m.: The north tower of the WTC collapses.
1:27 p.m.: A state of emergency is declared in Washington D.C.
2:30 p.m.: The FAA announces that there will be no U.S. commercial air traffic until noon EDT September 12 at the earliest.
2:51 p.m.: The Navy dispatches missile destroyers to New York and Washington.
3:07 p.m.: Bush convenes the National Security Council, holding a videoconference with council members in Washington from his bunker at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
5:20 p.m.: Building 7 of the World Trade Center complex collapses.
6:54 p.m.: Bush arrives at the White House aboard Marine One, the helicopter used to take Bush from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to the South Lawn.
8:30 p.m.: President Bush speaks to the nation, telling Americans: “Thousand of lives were suddenly ended by evil... These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”
· 343 firefighters died (60 of them were off-duty).
· 23 police officers died.
· 75 Port Authority employees perished – including 37 of their own police officers.
· 10 bystanders were killed by falling debris.
· 16 people escaped the south tower from above the floors where the plane hit.
· None escaped the north tower from above the floors where the plane hit.
· 18 survivors were found in the debris – 12 fire fighters, 3 police officers and 3 civilians. All were found by September 12th.
· 2,823 – the total number of dead.
· Total cost of the destruction estimated at $60 billion.
· 3.1 million man-hours went into the rescue and recovery over an eight-month period.
· 1.8 million tons of debris was cleared from the site.
· The 110-story south tower was reduced to a four-story pile in just 10 seconds. It registered 2.3 on the Richter scale.
· The second tower collapsed in just eight seconds.
· More than 300,000 tons of steel, concrete and glass hit the ground.
The plane that crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, hit a section that had recently been renovated and was still only partially occupied. Authorities say the death toll would have likely been much higher if the area had been fully occupied. The crash caused a gash on the west side of the Pentagon measuring 30 yards wide and 10 yards deep; 185,693 square feet were damaged and 37,161 square feet were destroyed. Three of the five Pentagon rings were damaged. It cost $501 million to repair the building; repairs were finished within a year of the attack. The Pentagon Memorial will be unveiled today on the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attack. It’s being called “The Park.” The memorial’s focus is 184 benches built over a pool of water – 59 of the benches face the Pentagon and represent the passengers killed on American Airlines Flight 77. The remaining 125 benches face the opposite direction to memorialize those killed in the building. Each is engraved with the name of one of the people killed.
It was tough to get through it. Our AM station morning guy, couldn't even read it. I played an audio montage after I read the timeline. He tried to read the timeline after the audio montage, which was a 13 minute montage of several radio stations in Manhattan from 9/11/01. It's amazing how much it still affects me (all of us, I'm sure) 7 years later.
I've got some great stuff to post later (probably tomorrow). Be blessed.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Front Fell Off and An Oklahoma 911 Call
THE FRONT FELL OFF:
On August 19th 2007, an oil tanker off the coast of Australia split in two, dumping 20,000 tons of crude oil. Senator Collins, a member of the Australian Parliament, appeared on a TV news program to reassure the Australian public. This actual interview is so funny, you'd swear it was a “Monty Python” skit.
AN OKLAHOMA 911 CALL:
Friday, September 12, 2008
Head....Swimming....
First, yesterday. 9/11. I read a timeline of the events and played a radio montage from various stations in Manhattan from the day of the event on my show. It was very, very tough. Even now, 7 years later, it still affects me.
Second, yesterday. At work by 5:45a, a remote from 1p to 4p, doing the public address for three Jr. High football games starting about 4:15p and getting home around 9:30p. Only to get up and be at work by 5:30a this morning.
Third, this week. Our church's staff meets every morning in the theater for prayer at 9. Anyone is welcome to come Tuesdays through Fridays (the staff prays just as a staff on Mondays). I try to go as often as I feel I can get away from the station. I made everyday this week. I do enjoy praying with those guys and gals. It's good stuff.
Fourth, my thought keeps developing. The whole "our fears are fueled..." bit. It has now evolved to
"Our fears are fueled and our faith is felled when we forsake the Father's favor."
Sometimes we don't forget, we just plain ole rebel.
Fifth, Ike. He sure is causing a lot of trouble. This morning during prayer, one of the pastors was praying concerning Ike, and I had a vision of hundreds of little groups, just like ours, gathered together to pray. It was like a line of defense up and down the Gulf Coast. Then, another man there started to pray and asked if we dared to rebuke the storm. Jesus did. Why not us? So he rebuked the storm. I then realized that this "line of defense" was for more than just Ike. The groups spread all over the world. War was being fought in the spiritual realm, and it was goose-pimply to see believers praying with us and for us from around the globe.
Sixth, this blog. In my own vain efforts to sound so spiritual and profound, I lose sight of the personality that God has given me. I love to laugh. My whole family does, as do most of my friends. Yet, I'm so serious on the blog. I'm sorry, guys. I shall try to do a better job of just being me. Oh, don't get me wrong. I am spiritual and profound, but just not all the time. So, I will try to blog more, and just see where God leads things. Sound good?
Seventh, I like odd numbers.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
An Interesting Twist
"Our faith fails when we forget how much we're favored by the Father."
WE are his chosen, treasured, special, personal possession! How quickly and often we forget that. God's people, the Hebrews, forgot that rather easily, too. The exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land is rife with grumbling, complaining, whining, and turning away from God. The theme of forgetting continues through the New Testament. The pharisees are prime examples of people who had absolutely no memory of God's favor for his people.
Later in the afternoon, the thought was developed a little more.
"Our fear is fueled, and our faith fails when we forget how much the Father favors us."
Quick, little example: Peter, walking on water, focuses more on the waves than on Jesus, his fear takes over, his faith falls, and he starts to sink. Now, side note, he is the only one to have stepped out of the boat, so props for Peter, there. God couldn't show his favor (love, mercy, grace) any better than by sending his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners. He not only loves us, he likes us.
Now, here's the twist. This morning whilst praying, it hit me - this is not just a word for the church - it's a PERSONAL WORD.
Whoa.
God just wanted to remind me, that I am treasured by the Most High God. My own faith fails, and my own fears are fueled, whenever I forget that the Father will never forsake me. I even had a word spoken over me back in March dealing with the same thing. Here's a clip of what Paul Costa had to say:
Interesting twist, huh? Be encouraged.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A New Look & A Few Prayer Requests
Some prayer concerns:
- my parents' church as they vote on whether or not to dissolve their relationship with their pastor this coming Sunday
- the pastor
- our church's praise team
- my wife as she continues to be a part of the praise team (and is absolutely marvelous)
- our church in Montgomery (TX)
- those in the wake of all the hurricanes and tropical storms
- the country as we seek to elect a new president this November (Oh, God, please don't give us the president we deserve)
- our friends as they prepare to move to Altus from Hobart
- our friends starting a new church (and life) in NYC
- God's Kingdom come, his will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
Thanks for praying with me.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A Peculiar People of Power
Now, I'm breaking out a previous sermon and tweaking it just a little. You'd think since I've given it before, I would do a bang up job this time. We'll see. The sermon is based on a poem written by Andrew Jones. Sorry, not the baseball player (he's not doing very well this season at all), but a pioneer in the missional and emerging church scene, particularly in Europe.
The last line of the poem is the title for my sermon:
We are his wonderful signature
a sign of his favor
his presence
power
to change
the world back
to how it should be
healed and harmonious
a peculiar people of power
A short synopsis of the message:
The Greek word used in the new testament, peripoiesis, (bonus points for correct pronunciation or at least the funniest) means a valued personal possession, which is worth obtaining and worth preserving. The King James Version uses the word "peculiar" to translate it. Why? Because the original meaning of that word was, "private property, special; belonging exclusively to one person or group." That's a far cry from today's odd, strange, or queer.
So, in 1 Peter 2:9, when Peter calls us a peculiar people, he doesn't mean strange or odd (although we seem to take it that way). He's telling us that we are treasured by God, belonging exclusively to him. That's way cooler than God's strange little people!
The power comes from the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
So, stand up! Be strengthened! You are not called to be a queer people for some distant deity, you are a treasured possession of the Most High God, full of the power of the Holy Spirit. You are a peculiar people of power!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Waiting On God
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
30 Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
That comes from the NRSV, by the way. It's also the basis of the song "Everlasting God" by Chris Tomlin. He's one of a couple of different guys who sings it anyway. That song was my personal theme song back in the summer of 07. I may pull it back out. Seems fitting for these times, as well.
I bring up waiting on Lord, because when he speaks something, he doesn't always give a sense of timing. He may have said to me, "Preach for me," but he didn't say, "quit your job at the radio station and start preaching anywhere and everywhere you can."
In the meantime, I will be preaching this coming Sunday in the church in which I grew up. I spoke there a month or two ago, but I hope to do a better job of it this time. I think I have a little more "authority" this time around. You know, a command from God and all.
I also found some quotes that are interesting. John Wesley had considered giving up preaching when he spoke with Boehler. Boehler's advice was to, "Preach faith till you have it; and then, because you have it, you will preach faith." And then a quote that I attributed to Wesley, but actually came from St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
So, there you go. I'm getting stronger right now. (from waiting on the Lord, natch) Peace be to you, and check out my wife's pics with her new camera. She's very excited. Until we meet again, I'll be found waiting on God.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Hearing God Speak
Yesterday, on the way back from Taco Bell with food for my wife and parents, I drove past one of the local EMS stations. An ambulance pulled out with lights flashing and sirens blaring, followed by an EMS truck. Moved to say a prayer for the wisdom and skills of the EMTs to help save a life, emotions started welling up inside of me.
Earlier this year, I had a prophetic word spoken over me, and in it God said that he had given me his mind - that I had a brilliant mind.
So, I said, "Father, You have given me your mind, would it be too much to ask for your heart also? You ask for my heart and mind, can I not have both your heart and mind?"
"I gave my life for you. Will you give me yours?"
I drove on. What a question. More emotions.
"Father, I give You my life. All I have is yours. I give you my
heart, my mind, my life - it's yours. Whatever You want."
"Preach for me."
Tears. "One more time; I don't want to miss it."
"Preach for me."
By this time, I'm doing everything I can to keep from looking like I'm having an emotional break down inside my car. Even now, the emotions fight their way out. I am Yours, O God.
"Preach for me."
Wow.
When I delivered the food to my parents house, I tried to wipe away the tears before entering, because I didn't want my mother to think that getting Taco Bell for them was a distressful time for me.
Long ago, I started in youth ministry. Always wanted to preach. Always wanted to pastor my own church. (birth)
As time wore on, that desire evolved. I started saying things like, "I know I'm called to ministry, but I don't know what kind of ministry." Eventually, after 10+ years in "the ministry", I left. I knew it was time to not be on staff at a church for awhile. (death)
I'm in radio. I enjoy it most of the time. I help with the sound at the church. I've got a group of buddies with whom we hang out and discuss God things. In fact, we just went camping to hang out with God this weekend. Then, unexpectedly, God shows up on the way home from Taco Bell.
"Preach for me." (resurrection)
Will you help me pray this through? I understand that preaching for God is not necessarily the same as pastoring a church. I've also had apostolic words spoken over me, by the way, so I know that there are a plethora of ways to preach for God. (bonus points to those of you who immediately thought of The Three Amigos when you read the word plethora)
Thank you for praying. Thank you for listening (reading). It's life changing... It's humbling... Hearing God speak.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sounds From the Batcave
Here are we, once again
gathered in your name
We're here to sing, once again
praises to your name
we lift your name on high
we lift your name on high
Worthy are You, Lord
Mighty is your name
Holy is your word
Forever is your reign
Now the sketch for "A Vision Song"
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Vision Song
scattered generation
waiting on your spirit to move
Oh, God, fill our hearts with a
current revelation
of how to show the world your love
And we sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!
Alleluia to the Lamb!"
Oh, God, to your throne, help us
lead our generation
yearning for your spirit to move
Oh, God, fill our hearts with the
joy of celebration
as we show the world your love
And we sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!
Alleluia to the Lamb!"
We cry, "Holy! Holy! Holy!
is the Lord, God Almighty!
Worthy is the Lamb of praise!"
We cry, "Holy! Holy! Holy!"
is the Lord, God Almighty!"
With lifted hands and voices raised
Cry out, "Holy! Holy! Holy!
is the Lord God Almighty!
Worthy is the Lamb of praise!"
We cry, "Holy! Holy! Holy!
is the Lord, God Almighty!
Worthy is the Lamb of praise!"
Oh, God, be the voice of this
chosen generation
ready for your spirit to move
Oh, God, send us out ready to
take back every nation
as we show the world your love
And we sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!
Alleluia to the Lamb!"
And we sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!"
We sing, "Alle, Alleluia!
Alleluia to the Lamb!"
Sunday, August 24, 2008
In Progress
- gathering timbers (Haggai 1:8)
- The Kingdom Project (preparing for the ministry God has for us)
- more music (finally writing again - fresh inspiration and motivation)
- Kingdom Quest (the evolution of a book I've been pondering/writing for over a year)
- fixing the link to the internet stream of KQ106 (now have the engineer and station manager working on this)
- writing this blog (sorry for the long stretch of silence)
A Blessing
the LORD Make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NRSV)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sincere Apologies
I'm sorry. I did not mean to give misinformation. As soon as the KQ106 link is working, you will be the first to know.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Try It Now
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Good Morning
It doesn't seem to be working properly at this moment, but not many of you are up and ready to listen to the radio right now, anyway. So, give this a try sometime, and feel free to email me at rc@kwhw.com during the show with any requests and/or dedications.
If the above link doesn't work, just go to www.kq106.com and find the link on the right side of the page.
Monday, August 11, 2008
A Question
Acts 9:31 says:
Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (NRSV)
Now let's look at the question again. Do we in the American church live in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit?
Please, I look forward to your thoughts.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Skip Carey Part 2
The following are a short tribute to Skip Carey from MLB.com and his most classic (and my favorite) two calls for Braves baseball.
The Tribute:
THE Call: I was praying so hard during this game. I was in my bedroom watching, and my parents were watching in the living room. There were two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the Braves were down by a run with Sid Bream, one of the slowest men in the game on second base representing the winning run, and Fransisco Cabrera was at the plate. Did I mention there were two outs? Barry Bonds was in left field for the Pirates. Fortunately, he's never been known for his throwing arm. No movie could ever touch this script.
I don't think I ever jumped so high or cheered so loud in my life. I flew into the living room, "did you see that?!!" My mom was whooping and hollering, too. My dad was trying to get us to calm down. I still get teary-eyed every time I see this clip.
The Championship: It was a Saturday night. I was doing my request show in KKVO radio in Altus, OK. My parents recorded the game for me. I remember asking them at one point what the score was. 1 - 0. The tape was waiting for me on my bed when I got home after midnight. I watched with great anticipation. It was well worth the wait.
The only World Series Championship Skip Carey got to call. It'd be cool to call a championship someday. Any kind of championship. I often wonder if I'll get to celebrate this again. If I do, it won't be the same without Skip Carey calling it.
But I do know that I will enjoy it. ;)
A Poem
As the sun sets on another day
So it does on the old way
If with dawn comes morning bright
Then we shall chase God's new light
If tomorrow brings a darkened sky
Then we shall trust that God is nigh
For it matters not what the day may bring
God is on his throne, the reigning king
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
How Much More
One thing bothers me a little about watching so much HGTV. Granted, other channels, including my beloved TBS, has this problem too, but we watch a lot of HGTV, so I shall pick on them. So much programming surrounding homosexual couples. Hear me. It is simply the lifestyle that bothers me. Plus, the gay men HGTV, and others, put on tv seem, well, gay. I'm sure these are fabulous people, but their lifestyle is in direct opposition to God. This is not my point.
This is: "If [we] then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts,... how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13 NRSV
See, tonight on Deserving Design With Vern Yip, two female roommates received a new home office and guest room. I don't know if they were gay. Unfortunately, anymore, one assumes they are before finding out. Two women, living together, on HGTV... That's not the point.
This is: Their sexual preferences aside, it got me to thinking about how much God loves us. The purpose of these shows is to give someone a blessing. Be it a new kitchen, bathroom, whatever. Houses are remodeled and redesigned, and the recipients are usually ecstatic. So, take a homosexual couple, their lifestyle in direct opposition to God, they still receive a blessing. A new this; a remodeled that. I know the couple doesn't have to be homosexual to be in sin. We don't always know if and when we see the ones who are having an affair on their spouse, or the ones who cheat at work, or the ones who are in to drugs and alcohol, and so and so forth.
As I was watching this show, God just spoke the following verse to me.
Matthew 7:11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV)
Luke 11:13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (NIV)
I really don't think the two women were "a couple". Just roommates. But the point remains the same. If we who are evil, homosexual, alcoholic, abusive, promiscuous, deceiving, etc, can give good gifts to those who are also evil, then how much more will the Father, who is not evil by the way, give to us who ask!
Luke 11:9-10 (Amplified Bible)
9So I say to you, Ask and [a]keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and [b]keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and [c]keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you.
10For everyone who asks and [d]keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and [e]keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and [f]keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.
So, if those who are living in sin can be blessed in such a way, how much more does God want to bless those who are actually trying to live for him. How much more will he bless those who chase after him? Why don't we take hold of that more often? Can you imagine how much more? How much more!