Just a note:
This morning was a wonderful time with God. Quiet, alone, and yet full of His presence. On my computer, I have a daily devotional, this has been in there for the longest, but on this day, I was greeted by the Lord through it, in a way I have never before seen. With this devotional, I take it as the Word of the Lord for today, a Word straight from God. It was simple, short, and to the point. All it said was.....
.........launch out into the deep.......... (Luke 5:4)
With that..... Enough said.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
"THESE HANDS" New CD
This year has been a busy year, starting off with the release of "Revive Us" late December 2006. Then "Destiny Blues" April 2007. Going back into the studio and beginning the process of a third CD, "These Hands" another in a trilogy of CD's that has now been released.
All three have their own direction and vision, yet "These Hands" has a message, one that is loud and clear. Early on, while recording, writers block, was a major problem. Yet the desire to write and produce a project was deep in the heart. Through the process of looking at new songs, old songs, and a couple that were written by other artists, the project "wasn't" taking shape. In that, it was, in all actuality "shelved." In and through prayer, God spoke to my heart and said, "Your in the way of this project." Meaning, that, as it was, it was just another CD. With which the decision was made to shelve what had been recorded at that point.
By leaving the project alone, and simply "getting out of the way" God began showing and revealing the vision that was to take place for this project. The CD was to be two fold, a stretch musically for myself as a musician, and secondly, an evangelical outreach. With a message of salvation, repentance, healing, and deliverance. With which song by song, more was added to bring about this vision.
The music on the CD, each song with its own message and each with its own background and challenge. A small tract, with short statements, as well as challenges to examine oneself in light of the salvation God offers through Jesus Christ was printed up for the Jcard insert. Becoming a new step in outreach opportunities. The vision, being pure and true outreach of heart, from God the Father to the listener, young and old.
The prayer challenge of the project became a very interesting approach to writting music. In one case, a prayer of "Lord, of the times I deliberately walked away from you, maybe thumbed my nose at you. When I thought I was right in my thinking, but very wrong in my walk. What was the cry of my heart?" Became a very hard step for writting a song, very emotional, and through which I personally learned that the love of God was bigger and deeper than I had ever concieved. With which a new revelation of Jesus was given to me, to which I found myself falling to my knees and being thankful for.
Two of the songs, have a strong approach of, "Be Not Decieved" by any who would come "as an angel of light" and lead many astray. Also, in this message that maybe we ourselves are to complacent in our walk, that we may have decieved ourselves. These two songs come on hard with the message of "be a man" stand strong against such things!! Yet another song, "Breakthrough" comes with a heavy rock sound, but a message of much depth, a message of "An invisible prison.. without a guard, 'because the jailer is me.'" Pointing to a fact that many times, through vicious cycles and or habits, we place ourselves in prison. Maybe through "unforgiveness" of others, or of ourselves, the jailer in charge of the prison door, is ourselves. Deliverance, is only through Jesus Christ.
"These Hands" as a project, has become a spiritual journey of even my own examination. There is an excitement for this CD, simply because of the fact it is strong with a message of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Our prayers are that it will and can be used to reach the hearts and souls of many who need His love and His grace, maybe His healing and His deliverance.
Please prayer with us over this project. God richly bless you!!
All three have their own direction and vision, yet "These Hands" has a message, one that is loud and clear. Early on, while recording, writers block, was a major problem. Yet the desire to write and produce a project was deep in the heart. Through the process of looking at new songs, old songs, and a couple that were written by other artists, the project "wasn't" taking shape. In that, it was, in all actuality "shelved." In and through prayer, God spoke to my heart and said, "Your in the way of this project." Meaning, that, as it was, it was just another CD. With which the decision was made to shelve what had been recorded at that point.
By leaving the project alone, and simply "getting out of the way" God began showing and revealing the vision that was to take place for this project. The CD was to be two fold, a stretch musically for myself as a musician, and secondly, an evangelical outreach. With a message of salvation, repentance, healing, and deliverance. With which song by song, more was added to bring about this vision.
The music on the CD, each song with its own message and each with its own background and challenge. A small tract, with short statements, as well as challenges to examine oneself in light of the salvation God offers through Jesus Christ was printed up for the Jcard insert. Becoming a new step in outreach opportunities. The vision, being pure and true outreach of heart, from God the Father to the listener, young and old.
The prayer challenge of the project became a very interesting approach to writting music. In one case, a prayer of "Lord, of the times I deliberately walked away from you, maybe thumbed my nose at you. When I thought I was right in my thinking, but very wrong in my walk. What was the cry of my heart?" Became a very hard step for writting a song, very emotional, and through which I personally learned that the love of God was bigger and deeper than I had ever concieved. With which a new revelation of Jesus was given to me, to which I found myself falling to my knees and being thankful for.
Two of the songs, have a strong approach of, "Be Not Decieved" by any who would come "as an angel of light" and lead many astray. Also, in this message that maybe we ourselves are to complacent in our walk, that we may have decieved ourselves. These two songs come on hard with the message of "be a man" stand strong against such things!! Yet another song, "Breakthrough" comes with a heavy rock sound, but a message of much depth, a message of "An invisible prison.. without a guard, 'because the jailer is me.'" Pointing to a fact that many times, through vicious cycles and or habits, we place ourselves in prison. Maybe through "unforgiveness" of others, or of ourselves, the jailer in charge of the prison door, is ourselves. Deliverance, is only through Jesus Christ.
"These Hands" as a project, has become a spiritual journey of even my own examination. There is an excitement for this CD, simply because of the fact it is strong with a message of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Our prayers are that it will and can be used to reach the hearts and souls of many who need His love and His grace, maybe His healing and His deliverance.
Please prayer with us over this project. God richly bless you!!
Saturday, September 1, 2007
The Spirit and Truth of the Matter
John 4:23-24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshiper will worship the Father in the Spirit and in Truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in Truth.
Spirit and Truth
We must worship God with reverence, attentiveness, having a right purpose of honoring God, while understanding what we are doing. Our mind must be ready, attentive and alert. Our hearts open and ready to recieve, but even more, our willingness to be in His presence, and our desire for His presence.
True worship is knowing, "We were bought with a price...." It is knowing what God has done for each and everyone of us through the Cross of Christ. That we have a Recovery Program, that places us back where we need to be with Him. ABIDING with Him, ENCOUNTERING Him, and through His Word, DISCOVERY of Who He is! Or His REVEALING Himself to us.
We RECOVER to DISCOVER.
The Spirit and Truth of the matter is, God desires and is committed to come to people who will be open to Him and invite Him into their lives and in their hearts. Realization of the fullness of God, is the purpose of true worship. Being open to His presence is the step needed in so doing.
Seeing then, that "we were bought with a price, (we should therefore) glorify God in our body and in our spirit which are His" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
He will ABIDE with you
John 14:15-16
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and BE WITH YOU, ABIDE WITH YOU, FOREVER, the Spirit of Truth.
The proper temple for the indwelling Spirit of Jesus is a heart filled with love for Him and a heart that is living actively for Him. The beautiful thing here, is that with a heart that is open to Him, in His dwelling in us, He says "He will NEVER go away or leave us."
John 14:18
I will not leave you a orphans, I will come to you
He will not leave us in a bereaved or desolate condition.
Matthew 28:20
And surely I am with you, always, to the very end of the age...
Hebrews 13:5
Because God has said, NEVER will I leave you, NEVER will I forsake you.
This is His promise to us. It is the Spirit and Truth of the matter. He will neither withdraw His presence from a heart in love with Him, and one who is active in living for Him. Nor will He withdraw His help, His guiding hand. This is a realization of the fullness of God in our lives! He wants us to know Him! He wants us to experience Him! He wants us to draw near to Him! Now, we have to be committed and desiring to ALLOW Him full access to our lives. We can not be half way open to Him, it has to be ALL the way open!
He desires to ENCOUNTER us! He wants to REVEAL to us a full REVELATION of His fullness in our lives!
Many spend all their monies seeking REHAB, rehab is good, dont get me wrong. I know of several programs that are greatly needed and do well with the people whom they work with. But the greatest "Recovery Program" is the one led and guided by God Himself. His turn around rate is 100%. By that I am saying He can and will completely turn you around and the path of life and set you on a "sure foundation." All that is required is an open and willing heart and spirit. This is the Spirit and truth of REAL worship as well. It is because He loves each and everyone of us so much, He gave everything for us! Think about it!
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshiper will worship the Father in the Spirit and in Truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in Truth.
Spirit and Truth
We must worship God with reverence, attentiveness, having a right purpose of honoring God, while understanding what we are doing. Our mind must be ready, attentive and alert. Our hearts open and ready to recieve, but even more, our willingness to be in His presence, and our desire for His presence.
True worship is knowing, "We were bought with a price...." It is knowing what God has done for each and everyone of us through the Cross of Christ. That we have a Recovery Program, that places us back where we need to be with Him. ABIDING with Him, ENCOUNTERING Him, and through His Word, DISCOVERY of Who He is! Or His REVEALING Himself to us.
We RECOVER to DISCOVER.
The Spirit and Truth of the matter is, God desires and is committed to come to people who will be open to Him and invite Him into their lives and in their hearts. Realization of the fullness of God, is the purpose of true worship. Being open to His presence is the step needed in so doing.
Seeing then, that "we were bought with a price, (we should therefore) glorify God in our body and in our spirit which are His" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
He will ABIDE with you
John 14:15-16
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and BE WITH YOU, ABIDE WITH YOU, FOREVER, the Spirit of Truth.
The proper temple for the indwelling Spirit of Jesus is a heart filled with love for Him and a heart that is living actively for Him. The beautiful thing here, is that with a heart that is open to Him, in His dwelling in us, He says "He will NEVER go away or leave us."
John 14:18
I will not leave you a orphans, I will come to you
He will not leave us in a bereaved or desolate condition.
Matthew 28:20
And surely I am with you, always, to the very end of the age...
Hebrews 13:5
Because God has said, NEVER will I leave you, NEVER will I forsake you.
This is His promise to us. It is the Spirit and Truth of the matter. He will neither withdraw His presence from a heart in love with Him, and one who is active in living for Him. Nor will He withdraw His help, His guiding hand. This is a realization of the fullness of God in our lives! He wants us to know Him! He wants us to experience Him! He wants us to draw near to Him! Now, we have to be committed and desiring to ALLOW Him full access to our lives. We can not be half way open to Him, it has to be ALL the way open!
He desires to ENCOUNTER us! He wants to REVEAL to us a full REVELATION of His fullness in our lives!
Many spend all their monies seeking REHAB, rehab is good, dont get me wrong. I know of several programs that are greatly needed and do well with the people whom they work with. But the greatest "Recovery Program" is the one led and guided by God Himself. His turn around rate is 100%. By that I am saying He can and will completely turn you around and the path of life and set you on a "sure foundation." All that is required is an open and willing heart and spirit. This is the Spirit and truth of REAL worship as well. It is because He loves each and everyone of us so much, He gave everything for us! Think about it!
Monday, July 9, 2007
"Sing and Play Skillfully a New Song"
Psalm 33:1-3
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord with the harp, make music on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully, and shout for joy.
The greatest joy and most fulfilling thing for me is to just love the Lord. Love Him in song, love him while playing my guitar, either with a crowd or by myself. To me, the ultimate love-song, is the one song for Him. The song that, with all heart, shouts praise and worship, from a heart of love to the King of kings, Lord of lords, my Savior Jesus Christ. The song that tells of the love of the Father, that tells of the leading of the Holy Spirit.
But These Songs Are New Everyday
The real beauty in this, is that the songs are not on tape, are not recorded on CD. These songs give birth in the heart, fresh and new everyday. Now as they are birthed, they may become a song that gets recorded, and maybe not a recorded song, maybe just a time of intimate worship with God. But there is one main thing to know, there is also a continual practice of worship that is non-stop. Learning to play "SKILLFULLY" the song of the heart for God. A skillfull player, has had much practice. Practice on learning the instrument in his hands. Stretching in all areas of playing. Same goes with the song, learning to be skillfull in worship, skillfull in our praise. Worship is a day by day love song to the Lord. It is more than music, it is a life-style.
The New Song
With the Lord, each day is fresh and new! With the Lord, our walk is given depth by the worship and praise of our mouths and our hearts. The song is new, because with each day, the skillfull worshiper, finds a new revelation of the fullness of His love. He finds a new reason to bow at the foot of the Savior and raise holy hands and surrender to His awesomeness. With each day, he finds a new revelation that draws him into a deeper relationship with the King of kings. This is because of the deeper understanding of His forgiveness, His healing touch, His deliverance, His love. So the "New Song" finds "New Words and New Meaning." It is a new song of love for the Father.
My grandson, Tucker, has a song he sings which has new meaning with each time I hear him singing it. "All uh ooooh" the most beautiful words that can be sang. It will turn the heart of any who are the recipients of that song. The focus of his heart in that three word song has no question on his meaning. "All uh oooh" simply, "I love you."
The Call to Praise and Worship
This passage from the Psalms is a call to praise and worship! It is a call that is reverberated again by Paul.
Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.
This is a call to allow the song of your heart come forth. You need not be an accomplished singer for this, you just need a heart full of love for the Father. You just need a desire to tell Him of all your love and desire for Him. It is every kind of appropriate song, whether psalms like those of the Old Testament, or hymns directed to God or other contemporary songs that sing of His love and His greatness. It is simply the song in your heart whether written or not. It sings for joy and shouts out to the Lover of our souls.
One day recently, while watching a video of a musician, Yanni, who has written many songs that cause the heart to be happy, joyful, whose music can draw on the strings of your heart, cause you to cry out of love, out of security and peace. It was a statement made by a friend with me, "In just watching him, he reeks of music, his whole body, his movements, and the look in his eyes is a song." Yes, you could see and feel the music coming from his soul. But even while watching this, I thought to myself, the hours of practice, the hours of learning to play this song skillfully. I thought of the mastering of the "Art" of that song, the mastering of the "True Heart" of that song. Does your true heart song say, "All uh oooh"?
Have you mastered the "Art" of the song of the heart? Have you mastered the "True Heart" of the song? You might even say, but I am not a musician, I dont play. Thats not what I am saying here. I am speaking of learning to master the skillfull playing of the heart in worship to the Father. Yes, it is heightened when one plays an instrument. But even non-players, have a song. Even non-singers have a song. One beautiful thing God has given each and everyone of us is a voice, and funny too, a whistle. Do you walk around whistling by chance? God has given each and everyone a way of expressing our heart to Him of our love for Him. Even with a whistle can a song of praise and worship be skillfull played, because its from the heart.
I am reminded of a statement made by Joel Osteen about his father, who would walk around whistling because of the joy in his heart. When he was told the song he whistled was the theme from Andy Griffith, his response was, it is the song I am feeling to sing right now, but the real joy is the song I am singing to the Father.
What is your song? What does your heart sing to the Father? Then , as the psalmist said, "Shout for Joy" this song in your heart! What is your song? Once again, I have to ask, Does your song say, "All uh oooh?"
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord with the harp, make music on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully, and shout for joy.
The greatest joy and most fulfilling thing for me is to just love the Lord. Love Him in song, love him while playing my guitar, either with a crowd or by myself. To me, the ultimate love-song, is the one song for Him. The song that, with all heart, shouts praise and worship, from a heart of love to the King of kings, Lord of lords, my Savior Jesus Christ. The song that tells of the love of the Father, that tells of the leading of the Holy Spirit.
But These Songs Are New Everyday
The real beauty in this, is that the songs are not on tape, are not recorded on CD. These songs give birth in the heart, fresh and new everyday. Now as they are birthed, they may become a song that gets recorded, and maybe not a recorded song, maybe just a time of intimate worship with God. But there is one main thing to know, there is also a continual practice of worship that is non-stop. Learning to play "SKILLFULLY" the song of the heart for God. A skillfull player, has had much practice. Practice on learning the instrument in his hands. Stretching in all areas of playing. Same goes with the song, learning to be skillfull in worship, skillfull in our praise. Worship is a day by day love song to the Lord. It is more than music, it is a life-style.
The New Song
With the Lord, each day is fresh and new! With the Lord, our walk is given depth by the worship and praise of our mouths and our hearts. The song is new, because with each day, the skillfull worshiper, finds a new revelation of the fullness of His love. He finds a new reason to bow at the foot of the Savior and raise holy hands and surrender to His awesomeness. With each day, he finds a new revelation that draws him into a deeper relationship with the King of kings. This is because of the deeper understanding of His forgiveness, His healing touch, His deliverance, His love. So the "New Song" finds "New Words and New Meaning." It is a new song of love for the Father.
My grandson, Tucker, has a song he sings which has new meaning with each time I hear him singing it. "All uh ooooh" the most beautiful words that can be sang. It will turn the heart of any who are the recipients of that song. The focus of his heart in that three word song has no question on his meaning. "All uh oooh" simply, "I love you."
The Call to Praise and Worship
This passage from the Psalms is a call to praise and worship! It is a call that is reverberated again by Paul.
Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.
This is a call to allow the song of your heart come forth. You need not be an accomplished singer for this, you just need a heart full of love for the Father. You just need a desire to tell Him of all your love and desire for Him. It is every kind of appropriate song, whether psalms like those of the Old Testament, or hymns directed to God or other contemporary songs that sing of His love and His greatness. It is simply the song in your heart whether written or not. It sings for joy and shouts out to the Lover of our souls.
One day recently, while watching a video of a musician, Yanni, who has written many songs that cause the heart to be happy, joyful, whose music can draw on the strings of your heart, cause you to cry out of love, out of security and peace. It was a statement made by a friend with me, "In just watching him, he reeks of music, his whole body, his movements, and the look in his eyes is a song." Yes, you could see and feel the music coming from his soul. But even while watching this, I thought to myself, the hours of practice, the hours of learning to play this song skillfully. I thought of the mastering of the "Art" of that song, the mastering of the "True Heart" of that song. Does your true heart song say, "All uh oooh"?
Have you mastered the "Art" of the song of the heart? Have you mastered the "True Heart" of the song? You might even say, but I am not a musician, I dont play. Thats not what I am saying here. I am speaking of learning to master the skillfull playing of the heart in worship to the Father. Yes, it is heightened when one plays an instrument. But even non-players, have a song. Even non-singers have a song. One beautiful thing God has given each and everyone of us is a voice, and funny too, a whistle. Do you walk around whistling by chance? God has given each and everyone a way of expressing our heart to Him of our love for Him. Even with a whistle can a song of praise and worship be skillfull played, because its from the heart.
I am reminded of a statement made by Joel Osteen about his father, who would walk around whistling because of the joy in his heart. When he was told the song he whistled was the theme from Andy Griffith, his response was, it is the song I am feeling to sing right now, but the real joy is the song I am singing to the Father.
What is your song? What does your heart sing to the Father? Then , as the psalmist said, "Shout for Joy" this song in your heart! What is your song? Once again, I have to ask, Does your song say, "All uh oooh?"
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
"The Heart of God"
Luke 15 "Parables on the Heart of God"
Jesus told parables that countered out confused picture of God the Father. In three of these parables, Jesus dealt with our inclination to focus more on our guilt than on God's grace.
"The Parable of the Lost Sheep" (Luke 15:1-7)
It reveals that in the heart of God "No one is Unimportant." God is never so preoccupied with "saved" people that He is unconcerned about the one who is at risk. Instead, he will leave the 99 and go find that one sheep. When found, He carries that sheep back to the fold.
In one major way, this is our reason for Praise and Worship. We have a Savior, a Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, who cares so much about us, He reaches out continually to bring us in. WE have a great need to understand that we are each and every one, a precious sheep in His eyes!
Notice close, "And when he finds it, he JOYFULLY puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors and says, 'Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep." There is in no way an attitude of exclusiveness in God's heart. In other words, when others will not reach out, He will. When love is in short supply, His is full. There is great joy in God's heart, as there is great joy in heaven, each time a lost sheep is found.
Yes, this speaks of sinners, turning from their way, and coming to the Lord. But, also, this is sheep who already are in the fold, and wander off, slip and slide on the roadside, and are led astray by some circumstance or situtaion. His heart rejoices over the fact, we are IMPORTANT and the fact that we are FOUND. We are never "unimportant."
"The Parable of the Lost Coin" (Luke 15:8-10)
Here, we learn and see God's glad anticipation of being "REUNITED" in a working partnership with us. We need to learn that the reason for the woman's eagerness to find the lost coin is that it was on the order of an engagement ring, a part of a set of 10 coins woven together as a necklace at her wedding. That coin, speaks of her value to her husband. Who she is in his eyes.
It also, speaks the same from her father, in the same way.
Note close, the significance is that often, shamed by our sin, we may run and hide from God, oblivious to His love but also unaware that He sees us as desirable, needed to complete a set. He has plans that include us, and without us, His plan is crippled. The rejoicing, is because we are desired and valued by the Father's heart.
"The Parable of the Lost Son" (Luke 15:11-24)
Here we see God's plans for "Complete Restoration." This is a glimpse into God's heart, revealing a Father who is WAITING for the son's return. He does not make the son grovel at his feet, does not half heartedly accept the son's approach, and he does not hold him at an arm's length to test him for sincerity. Instead, he gives a warm, glad and immediate embrace, the best robe, gold ring, sandals and a jubilant "welcome home" party.
The heart of the Father is this, Glad and rejoicing that you are home!
Here are three reasons for our need of Praise and Worship. Three reasons that show His love and care, as well as His concern for us personally! You are greatly loved! You are desired!
You are Needed! God's heart is about each and everyone of us individually, and includes us into His plans. You are the apple of His eye!
Jesus told parables that countered out confused picture of God the Father. In three of these parables, Jesus dealt with our inclination to focus more on our guilt than on God's grace.
"The Parable of the Lost Sheep" (Luke 15:1-7)
It reveals that in the heart of God "No one is Unimportant." God is never so preoccupied with "saved" people that He is unconcerned about the one who is at risk. Instead, he will leave the 99 and go find that one sheep. When found, He carries that sheep back to the fold.
In one major way, this is our reason for Praise and Worship. We have a Savior, a Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, who cares so much about us, He reaches out continually to bring us in. WE have a great need to understand that we are each and every one, a precious sheep in His eyes!
Notice close, "And when he finds it, he JOYFULLY puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors and says, 'Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep." There is in no way an attitude of exclusiveness in God's heart. In other words, when others will not reach out, He will. When love is in short supply, His is full. There is great joy in God's heart, as there is great joy in heaven, each time a lost sheep is found.
Yes, this speaks of sinners, turning from their way, and coming to the Lord. But, also, this is sheep who already are in the fold, and wander off, slip and slide on the roadside, and are led astray by some circumstance or situtaion. His heart rejoices over the fact, we are IMPORTANT and the fact that we are FOUND. We are never "unimportant."
"The Parable of the Lost Coin" (Luke 15:8-10)
Here, we learn and see God's glad anticipation of being "REUNITED" in a working partnership with us. We need to learn that the reason for the woman's eagerness to find the lost coin is that it was on the order of an engagement ring, a part of a set of 10 coins woven together as a necklace at her wedding. That coin, speaks of her value to her husband. Who she is in his eyes.
It also, speaks the same from her father, in the same way.
Note close, the significance is that often, shamed by our sin, we may run and hide from God, oblivious to His love but also unaware that He sees us as desirable, needed to complete a set. He has plans that include us, and without us, His plan is crippled. The rejoicing, is because we are desired and valued by the Father's heart.
"The Parable of the Lost Son" (Luke 15:11-24)
Here we see God's plans for "Complete Restoration." This is a glimpse into God's heart, revealing a Father who is WAITING for the son's return. He does not make the son grovel at his feet, does not half heartedly accept the son's approach, and he does not hold him at an arm's length to test him for sincerity. Instead, he gives a warm, glad and immediate embrace, the best robe, gold ring, sandals and a jubilant "welcome home" party.
The heart of the Father is this, Glad and rejoicing that you are home!
Here are three reasons for our need of Praise and Worship. Three reasons that show His love and care, as well as His concern for us personally! You are greatly loved! You are desired!
You are Needed! God's heart is about each and everyone of us individually, and includes us into His plans. You are the apple of His eye!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
You Just Cannot be Silent Anymore!
With Such Love the Father Reached out For You.
With the Father doing this for each and everyone of us, why are we so silent? Why are we asleep when we need so much to be awake to all that is going on around us? So many desire with everything in them to strip us of this that we hold so precious, our faith, prayer, His Word, His Commands, and we are silent to it, we dont speak up, why is this?
There are those who say that we offend with the ways of the Lord. What if for a moment we spoke up and say that the world and its ways offend us? But still, why are we so silent? Why don't we proclaim from the rooftops, from the mountains, that Jesus Christ is Lord of lords, and King of kings? Its past time that the Church wake up! Its past time that we stop allowing our "freedom" in Christ to be stolen! Its time more than ever before, to be loud about this Love that is beyond all loves!
The picture you see, is a pencil drawing that came to our office from an inmate in prison. I believe it is a loud statement of love. It was something that was deep in the heart of this person who may have been inspired by a message of love from a ministry who came to the unit where he was at. When this came to us, I found myself taken by the detail in the drawing. From the scar in His hand, to the tree of life in our hand. With this picture, I will say that I can preach a message about what it is that God has done for us! You see, I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, rather I am thankful! Are you thankful? Can you speak up loudly about the Love that was demonstrated on that Cross at Calvary?
When there are many who in other countries who have been threatened, killed because of their faith, told to shut down their churches or be destroyed, we can not sit back and say nothing! We have to speak up! If we dont, then that very thing will be on our doorstep! Trust me, its presence is here! Just remember what took place not too long ago, 9/11.. We were silent when other freedoms were stripped! We cannot be silent any more! No prayer here, can't preach there, the commandments removed, and the Church did not stand up. Where are you people of God?
I Refuse to be Silent!
As a minister of the Gospel of Christ, I refuse to be silent! But let me ask, what about you? When God the Father spoke so loudly from that Cross, does it not move you? That drawing is not just a picture, it is a statement! Let me ask, is your life a statement? If so, what about? And if so, how loud? Stand up for the truth! Share the REAL truth! Jesus loves and He saves!!
Recently a question was asked of many students in college, a simple yes or no question. The results were horrible, some 80% answered "NO" to the question, "Are you born-again?" This is scary, in the fact that so many lay down each night without the reality of what life is all about. This is sad too, because too many who do know are being too quiet. Church, you just cannot be silent anymore! Lives of many need to know this one truth, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish" (John 3:16). Yes, granted each individual has a right to say no to this truth, but many need to hear it, and the Church needs to speak it!
Others Need to Hear!
For the lives of others, and for the freedom of others, we, the Body of Christ need to spread this truth loudly! The truth that there is a hand that reaches out to everyone of us with love and life, that He can only bring. Be bold, be strong, be loud about His love!! Somewhere there is a life that simply needs to know this Love, may even be next door of where you live. May even be where you work everyday. May be where you go and associate daily. May even be sitting across from you at the table every night! As the one songwriter best put it, "Jesus is standing at the door knocking, and we can't even get out of bed!" This is a shame!!! May I quote another song, "Get up! Stand up! Stand up for your right!" DONT GIVE UP THE FIGHT!! It is the fight for freedom! It is the fight for life! It is a fight for love! Many need it, WILL YOU GO?
Saturday, June 16, 2007
"Our God is a Consuming Fire"
Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken...
This is something that should ring in your heart, stir your spirit, rattle your inner being. We are looking in the face of God, we are worshiping the One Who is the Almighty, and through Him, "We are RECIEVING a kingdom that cannot be shaken! It is all His! His is the kingdom, it belongs to Him! Its the Kingdom of God! Its "HEAVEN" where one day we will live for all enternity! Are you ready?
The inheritance that belongs to Christians and the awesomness of God make worship and grateful prayer our logical actions. Listen, it says since we are recieving this kingdom, "LET US BE THANKFUL..." One translation states, "Let us have grace.." We are to be thankful and in grace, whereby we may serve God "ACCEPTABLY." By that, we are to be, well-pleasing in serving Him. This is to be with "reverence and awe" or "with reverence and godly fear." One other way to put it would be, with "reverent caution," lest we should offend God. Our worship is in reverent caution, it is with grace and very thankful.
In these blogs, we have been dealing with "Aggressive Worship." We have looked at several short lessons concerning this topic. But within this lesson comes a deeper thought. In our worship, is this where we are? Are we thankful? Are we in grace serving God acceptably? Are we well-pleasing in serving Him? This cuts deep, for many do not comprehend the depth of this one fact. Many do not wish to comprehend. But we have great need in so doing. This should be the greatest desire of our hearts in our worship of God. The reason is found in verse 29.
"For our God is a consuming fire."
A reference to this verse is found in (Deut. 4:24) "For the Lord God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God." This sounds scary, as well as it should. But there is a beautiful thought within this. His fire may bring judgment to the wicked, but it builds humility, faith and purity in those who seek an even deeper relationship with Him. He will often use our circumstances, our problems, failures, maybe people in our lives... as fuel for this "REFINING FIRE," but His flames never burn out of control. It burns and it builds. As gold being set ablaze to bring out the pureness of the gold, God wants to burn away the dross of our lives, and bring forth purity within, faith within, and humility within.
When Scriptures speak of God as a jealous God. it means that He desires us in the purest and most relentless way. His is a jealousy that humankind can never know, for God is the only one who has a right to be jealous, because He is the only one who is perfect in love. His jealousy is not controlling, it is releasing. It is His Holy commitment to us. It is because of His deep love for us, and His deep desire for us. But we also need to know, His jealousy is an absolute intolerance of anything that would divide our affection and thereby forfeit His best for us. Therefore,nothing in any way should come between our relationship with Him. Nothing should, in any way, be allowed that can offend this jealous love.
He wants "ALL" of us, not just a little.
I am reminded of an old poem, penned by St. John of the Cross, "Living Flame of Love." Its a fire that burns, yet molds. Even as we said, it never burns out of control, but even its temperature is kept where His best is the result. Its a fire that as we allow it to shape us, He is the result that comes forth.
You are deeply loved! Allow that fire to burn deep into your soul. You will never be the same!
Allow Him to set your life on fire!!!!
Therefore, since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Since we are recieving a kingdom that cannot be shaken...
This is something that should ring in your heart, stir your spirit, rattle your inner being. We are looking in the face of God, we are worshiping the One Who is the Almighty, and through Him, "We are RECIEVING a kingdom that cannot be shaken! It is all His! His is the kingdom, it belongs to Him! Its the Kingdom of God! Its "HEAVEN" where one day we will live for all enternity! Are you ready?
The inheritance that belongs to Christians and the awesomness of God make worship and grateful prayer our logical actions. Listen, it says since we are recieving this kingdom, "LET US BE THANKFUL..." One translation states, "Let us have grace.." We are to be thankful and in grace, whereby we may serve God "ACCEPTABLY." By that, we are to be, well-pleasing in serving Him. This is to be with "reverence and awe" or "with reverence and godly fear." One other way to put it would be, with "reverent caution," lest we should offend God. Our worship is in reverent caution, it is with grace and very thankful.
In these blogs, we have been dealing with "Aggressive Worship." We have looked at several short lessons concerning this topic. But within this lesson comes a deeper thought. In our worship, is this where we are? Are we thankful? Are we in grace serving God acceptably? Are we well-pleasing in serving Him? This cuts deep, for many do not comprehend the depth of this one fact. Many do not wish to comprehend. But we have great need in so doing. This should be the greatest desire of our hearts in our worship of God. The reason is found in verse 29.
"For our God is a consuming fire."
A reference to this verse is found in (Deut. 4:24) "For the Lord God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God." This sounds scary, as well as it should. But there is a beautiful thought within this. His fire may bring judgment to the wicked, but it builds humility, faith and purity in those who seek an even deeper relationship with Him. He will often use our circumstances, our problems, failures, maybe people in our lives... as fuel for this "REFINING FIRE," but His flames never burn out of control. It burns and it builds. As gold being set ablaze to bring out the pureness of the gold, God wants to burn away the dross of our lives, and bring forth purity within, faith within, and humility within.
When Scriptures speak of God as a jealous God. it means that He desires us in the purest and most relentless way. His is a jealousy that humankind can never know, for God is the only one who has a right to be jealous, because He is the only one who is perfect in love. His jealousy is not controlling, it is releasing. It is His Holy commitment to us. It is because of His deep love for us, and His deep desire for us. But we also need to know, His jealousy is an absolute intolerance of anything that would divide our affection and thereby forfeit His best for us. Therefore,nothing in any way should come between our relationship with Him. Nothing should, in any way, be allowed that can offend this jealous love.
He wants "ALL" of us, not just a little.
I am reminded of an old poem, penned by St. John of the Cross, "Living Flame of Love." Its a fire that burns, yet molds. Even as we said, it never burns out of control, but even its temperature is kept where His best is the result. Its a fire that as we allow it to shape us, He is the result that comes forth.
You are deeply loved! Allow that fire to burn deep into your soul. You will never be the same!
Allow Him to set your life on fire!!!!
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