Worship Confessional March 31, 2008

I know I say this every week…..but I really mean it every week.  Yesterday was GREAT!  Bro. Keith’s message was right on about the Holy Spirit (and not grieving the Holy Spirit).  While listening to him speak, I couldn’t help but wonder why God never gave up on me.  I bet many of us were thinking the same thing.

The music was really good yesterday.  I can see where I’ve grown quite a bit as a leader over the last few months.  And of course, I can see many areas where I still need a lot of work.  I realize that we’re all our own worst critics, but isn’t that how we grow?  Even in the things that went exceptionally well yesterday, I’m thinking of ways to expound on them and make them even better.

Here’s who we had yesterday:

Raymond – piano

Bryant – electric guitar

Zack – bass guitar

Josh – drums

Vocals – Speedy, Shalyian, Becky, Bryant

Something really exciting yesterday – we introduced our new ensemble!  They were an awesome addition to the team.  Having that vocal backing really made an obvious difference even on the first day.  They sang with confidence and with excellence and I am so thankful for their willingness to serve.  I am sincerely hoping to see this ensemble continue to grow.  Any vocalists interested in joining, please contact me.  You can find my info on the back of any church bulletin or you can leave a comment here and I’ll get in touch with you.

Here’s our set list for the week:

Let It Rise

Revelation Song

How Great is Our God (Chorus)

Holy, Holy, Holy

All Things Are Possible

The transition from Revelation Song to How Great is Our God didn’t go quite like I had planned.  I came in too early and messed it up so we had to start it again.  Thankfully, I am able to laugh at myself (because I realize I can be a total dork sometimes) and didn’t get all upset.  I laughed, suggested that we try that again and the congregation had a good laugh.  Though recovery was quick and even fun, I would very much like to see that never happen again.  lol

Holy Holy Holy was done acapella.  It was VERY moving.  The congregation really opened their hearts and it was beautiful to see.  We can’t do acapella music every week, but that’s definitely something we’ll do again someday.

By far, the most fun of all was when we did the fantastic praise song “All Things Are Possible.”  The only other times I’ve seen smiles that big in the congregation is when we’ve done “No One Like You.”  Finding a really upbeat praise song is not an easy task and when you find one that your congregation likes, it’s like a precious jewel.  Well they really liked this one.  I’m so glad too, because it’s one of my favorites.  Since it was the first time we’ve done that song, people were watching the words pretty closely, but they were still really involved with it.  Hands clapping, voices singing, big happy smiles everywhere…it was great! 

I have a video to the song in my side bar over there ——->.  Check it out.  What I love about this song is not only the fun, upbeat music (and that it’s a total blast to sing!), but the lyrics really shout out praise.  I love that!  There is just something wonderful about saying to the Lord, “You are amazing” and then singing His Word back to Him.  The lyrics totally make me smile. 

Okay, so that’s it for this week’s worship confessional.  Check back as the week progresses.  I’ll be sharing my heart on the importance of serving in a ministry and a few other issues that are close to my heart.  Until then, y’all have a wonderful rest of your day!

Growth March 29, 2008

I know it’s late and I should be sleeping right now, but I’ve got something on my mind.  I’ve been thinking about how so many people seem so steeped in biblical knowlege and how I sometimes feel so immature in my own faith compared to them.  Some of the theological things I read get so heavy that I have to stop reading before I develop a headache.  lol  I read about how people are frustrated that today’s worship songs aren’t “deep” enough or that today’s typical sermon isn’t theological enough to stimulate their minds…..while I’m saying that today’s christian music is speaking what my heart feels and I’m sitting on the front pew every Sunday soaking up every word of the sermon.

I’ve been in church my entire life.  I’ve been marinated in the Word and surrounded by God’s love since I was a baby.  My family is filled with mighty men & women of faith.  With such a firm foundation, one would think that I’d never feel this way.  But sometimes I really do.

I know we’re not supposed to compare ourselves to other people, but there are some attributes that I see in others that I REALLY want for myself.  Here are a few examples:

1.  My pastor’s wife, Annette, is one of the most humble people I’ve ever met.  I told her once that I admired her because I knew it couldn’t be easy being a pastor’s wife, but she handled everything with such grace.  She responded that she really doesn’t do anything.  What?!  I was recently at her house and she only sat down once the entire time I was there.  She anticipated the needs of every guest, enjoyed her children and smiled the whole time.  I have trouble remembering to offer my guests a seat!  lol 

2.  Our Executive Pastor, Bro. Curtis, really impresses me.  He too is very humble, but what I admire most is his fairness.  He is completely fair in all situations.  I have to force myself not to respond by emotion, but to stop and think before acting.  He thinks things through, looks at all sides of a situation and doesn’t make a decision until all information has been gathered and assessed.  Gee, I barely slow down long enough to realize that there is more than one possible outcome to an action.  lol

3.  Paul, writer of several books of the New Testament, really interests me.  He was an all or nothin’ kinda guy.  When he started a project, he didn’t stop until it was completed.  I can’t tell you how many half-finished projects are in my house right now.  And he understood, I mean REALLY understood so many issues that I struggle with.  But it seems that he conquered most of his shortcomings while I still daily struggle with mine.

4.  My husband, Rodney, is what some of us would call a “new” christian.  He was saved almost 2 years ago.  Now every time he reads something new in the Bible or learns something new at church, it’s like an “AHA!” moment for him.  He immediately applies the new knowlege to his life, without question.  His faith is astounding to me.  I’ve been a Christian half my life and I still struggle with lots of things.  For him, it’s immediate surrender.  For instance, over a year ago Bro. Keith preached about tithing.  After the service, Rodney and I were in the parking lot and I asked if he wanted to talk about it.  He said, “What’s there to talk about?  God’s Word says to do it so that’s what we’re going to do.”  WOW!  Who does that?!?!?!

There are so many more, but I’ll stop there.  That’s enough to give you the general idea of what I’m talking about.

So I look at all these people and I say, “How does it come so easy for them when I have to work SO HARD at it?”  As a christian, shouldn’t these things come very naturally for me?  Well, on the one hand the answer is an obvious “no.”  Of course they’re not going to come naturally to me, because my personality is very different from these people’s.  I’m a sanguine and I fit that personality profile perfectly.  I also have different gifts and talents than they do.

But on the other hand, the answer should be “yes” right?  After all, the same Spirit that lives in them, lives in me as well.  The same Spirit is molding and shaping me into the image of Christ just as it is them.  So why do they seem so far ahead of the game than me?  Is it because they’ve been doing it longer?  Not necessarily.  I don’t know her history, but Annette and I are about the same age.  Is it because they’ve had better teaching?  Possibly, but we’re all under the same teaching now and have been for a few years. 

So what’s the difference?  I just don’t know.  I spend time in the Word daily.  I spend time alone with the Lord daily.  His praise is always on my lips and His Word really is living in my heart.  So I just don’t know what the difference is.

But here’s what I do know:

1.  I am totally sold-out to the Lord.  Everything that I ever was, everything I am and everything I ever hope to be is completely His.  My thoughts, my desires, my dreams, my joys, my heartaches, my everything.  It’s all His.  I love Him.  I don’t know any other way to say it.  I just plain love Him.

2.  I am very aware of His working in my life.  I know where I was compared to where I am and it’s obvious that I’ve grown.  My Nanny paid me a huge compliment yesterday when she said to me, “You are definitely growing in the grace of the Lord.”  So the rate of growth may be slow compared to some others, but I do recognize that there is growth.

3.  My greatest desire is to know Him more, to love Him more, to serve Him more.  Wherever He wants me and whatever He wants me to do, I’ll go and I’ll do.  It’s not always easy (in fact, it rarely is), but that’s not important to me.  What’s important is giving it all to Him.  And He promised that the Holy Spirit would equip me with everything I need to do His work.  I trust that. 

4.  I know that in His eyes, I am beautiful.  Not because I’m anything special compared to others and not because of anything I’ve done.  I’m beautiful to Him because I’m His.  I’m His daughter.  I’m the apple of His eye….His pride & joy.  He has thoughts of me.  That’s amazing!

You know, I’m really not comparing myself to others.  I just wonder why on some issues, others seem to have it all together while I struggle with it.  But I guess with other issues, maybe I’ve got it together where some people struggle.  I don’t know.  I just know that I love Him and He loves me.  And I’m getting there….slowly but surely.  I’m getting there.

And maybe it’s okay if I get a headache while reading the deep theological debates.  I don’t have to be a scholar to recognize the love He has for me.  And that’s what’s most important to me…His love…His presence. 

And maybe it’s okay if I don’t seek any deeper meaning in worship songs beyond, “I love you, Lord.”  Because that’s really what my heart is saying.  “I love You, Lord.  I love everything about You.  And I just want to know You more so that I can love You more.  I love You.” 

I’m not saying that I don’t want to keep growing.  I think it’s pretty obvious that I think continued growth in knowlege & faith is very important.  But maybe right now, at this time in my life, He just wants me to stay focused on His love for me and my love for Him.  After all the pain of the last year, maybe this time of “just loving” is the healing balm my heart has needed. 

Alright, I’m done rambling.  What are your thoughts?

Pet Peeves March 27, 2008

Pet peeves.  We all have them.  Go ahead and admit it….it’s okay.  I promise I won’t judge you.  I’ve sure got plenty of my own.  lol  Here’s the short list….

1.  People who drive below the speed limit in the left lane. 

2.  My precious husband dropping his dirty socks two inches in front of the hamper.  C’mon, is it really that difficult?

3.  My kids leaving the front door open.  Do they really think we can afford to air condition the whole neighborhood?!  (OMGosh I sound like my mother!)

4.  Finding myself sounding like my mother.   rofl

5.  My kids leaving the freezer door open while putting ice in their glass.  (see #3)

6.  Those emails that say “If you don’t forward this to 10 people within 10 minutes, you will have bad luck for the rest of your life.”  Sorry, they get deleted just ’cause they got on my nerves with that.  lol

7.  Angry checkers in the grocery store.  (Hey, I know you probably had a bad day, but I might have too…and I know your feet hurt, but mine might too.  I make you this promise, I will return your smile and I’ll even compliment you on your pleasant demeanor.  Just start with the smile.)

8.  Staying on hold with ***insert big business name here**** for 45 minutes only to be hung up on.  ARGH!

Okay, so why I am I sharing this with you tonight?  Because I made it through an entire day without even one of these things happening!!!!  It may never happen again, so I’m going to just soak up the moment.  My husband actually managed to put his socks IN the hamper, nobody went too slow in the passing lane, the lady at the grocery store was super nice, the kids even closed the front door every single time they went out of it.  Okay, so they didn’t do so great with the back door, but for my kids this is still a monumental thing.  lol

So today I hope that you each have a “peeve free” day.  Whatever your peeve may be, I hope it stays away from you all day. 

Worship PreFessional March 27, 2008

For those who haven’t noticed yet, I placed a disclaimer in my sidebar.  I felt it might be wise to go ahead and do that.  You see, just like the disclaimer says, I’m just one person with a million thoughts who chooses to share my heart with others.  Many of my posts seem almost incoherant to me, let alone profound.  But I would hate for someone to read them and get the impression that I’m speaking for all of Christendom.  lol  So to reiterate, these are only MY thoughts.  Okay, end of disclaimer.  lol

And now on to the prefessional……

Practice went really great tonight.  I was very excited to see some people come out for the new ensemble.  Not as many showed up as I had originally expected, but that’s okay.  The one’s who came are passionate about worship and that’s exactly what I was praying for.  And this is a very good beginning for our ensemble.  They already added so much to our practice & I am looking forward to seeing them in action on Sunday morning.

Our practice went very well tonight.  We learned a new song, reviewed some well known ones and even worked on a couple of new arrangements.  I was especially excited to have some time to work specifically with the vocalists tonight.  We hashed out a few parts and that’s always fun for me. 

As usual, I’m not going to tell what songs we’ll be doing, but I just have to share this with you…..it’s gonna be HOPPIN!!!!  The new song we’re introducing is SO MUCH FUN!  It’s one of those praise songs that I love so much….you know, the ones where you just gotta sing to the top of your lungs.  Woohoo!  Okay, I’ll stop now.  lol

Our sweet Jennifer was at practice tonight.  She made me promise that if we were going to do her favorite song that I would let her sing.  lol  We’re doing that song this week and I was not the least bit surprised when she showed up for practice.    Of course, she’s about 10 months pregnant, so I don’t even know if she’ll make it to Sunday morning.  lol

I had to attend an important meeting before practice tonight, so while I was there with the praise team, Raymond (God bless Raymond!) was with the new ensemble, hashing out parts.  I left the meeting early and by the time I made it to practice, the new ensemble was already completely familiar with the music and ready to work on parts and arrangements.  It was great!  And by the time practice was over, we were all very confident in the music.  Sunday is gonna be awesome!

A Conversation with Nanny March 26, 2008

I attended a staff meeting tonight.  I love going to them.  I learn so much from the other members of our team and the planning is always refreshing.  I know, you wouldn’t think so, but it is.  I always leave the meeting energized.

After the meetings, I always visit my grandmothers.  They both live in the same apartment building, so I get to spend time with both of them in one night.  Love that!  And they both crack me up.  I spend my whole night laughing with them.  Tonight, I ended up spending a ton of time with the one I call “Nanny.”  This woman is filled to the brim with wisdom and biblical knowlege.  I could sit and learn from her for hours.  Well, that’s pretty much what I did tonight.  I didn’t get home until 10pm!  lol

So Nanny and I talked about a lot of things.  Because of that, I have a million things running through my head right now.  Forgive me if I ramble.  I’m kind of sorting through my thoughts as I type here. 

One thing we talked about was free will.  I am amazed that God would choose to give us free will.  I mean, He is omnipotent & omnipresent (He knows all and is in all places).  He IS what real power is.  When He created us, He could have very easily chosen not to give us free will.  And yet, here I am, with the choice to love Him or ignore Him.  And because of that, I love Him even more.  None of my children have ever turned their backs on me.  I can’t imagine the pain that must cause.  And if I had control over it, I would NEVER choose to give them the opportunity to do it.  And yet, when choosing to give us free will, the Lord knew that it was a possibility that we would not choose to love Him.  The magnitude of that is so far beyond my understanding, I should just shut up about it now. 

Another thing we talked about was the signs of the return of Jesus.  We talked about how in Matthew ch. 24, the disciples were asking Jesus to tell them how they would know when He was returning.  He told them what to look for.  Go read it.  It’s really impressive.  But we focused our conversation on the return of the Jews to Isreal.  That conversation turned to the history of the Jewish people.

Nanny was telling me that one of her neighbors is a Jewish man (by birth, not necessarily by faith) who knows nothing of his heritage.  She and I were both shocked that he would not know such a rich history of his own people.  So she’s been sharing with him the stories of such great men as Joshua, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, David, etc.  We got to talking about some of those amazing stories and how we can learn from them and apply those lessons to our own lives. 

And that conversation led to our continual learning from the Bible.  Isn’t it funny how you can read chapter in the Bible and it change your entire life.  And then two or three years later you can read the same exact words and it change your life in an entirely different way?!  The Word is still alive and active.

And that conversation got us talking about how Jesus is the Word and He is ALIVE!  He conquered death and the grave and through Him we can have eternal life!!!!  So since He is the Word and He is alive, it makes perfect sense that the Word (scripture) is alive and active and still changing lives today.  My life, your life, all our lives!

And that conversation got us talking about how when you are saved through grace, the Holy Spirit enters in and begins to change you from the inside out.  And suddenly your focus changes.  Now keep in mind my Nanny is in her 80’s.  But she told me tonight that she’s like an artisian spring (did I spell that right?).  She said you can put your hands over the opening of the spring to try to hold the water in, but the water is so powerful that it pushes through your fingers and gets out anyway.  You just can’t hold it in.  She said that the Holy Spirit is like that inside her….she can’t hold it in.  She can’t help but witness to the people she comes in contact with.  There’s no holding it in.  She says that she knows not everybody wants to talk about it, but she can’t help it.  It just keeps pouring out of her! 

So that made me think of an email that I got from a friend of mine earlier this week.  If you’ve read through all of my crazy thinking, then you deserve a little treat.  I’m going to share this email tidbit with you.  I hope it encourages you like it encouraged me.  And remember, if my Nanny (in her 80’s) can still be used as a powerful witness for the Lord, so can you!!!!!  Now on to the email…..

The next time you feel like God can’t use you, just remember…..

Abraham was too old

Isaac was a daydreamer

Jacob was a liar

Leah was ugly

Joseph was abused

Moses had a stuttering problem

Gideon was afraid

Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer

Rahab was a prostitute

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

David had an affair and was a murderer

Elijah was suicidal

Isaiah preached naked

Jonah ran from God

Naomi was a widow

John the Baptist ate bugs

Peter denied Christ

The Disciples fell asleep while praying

Martha worried about everything

The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once

Zaccheus was too small

Paul persecuted Christians

Timothy had an ulcer….AND

Lazarus was DEAD!!!!

God can use us to our full potential.  Besides, we aren’t the message….just the messenger.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. – Matt. 5:16

Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exhalted among the heathen, I will be exhalted in the earth. – Ps. 46:10 

Revelation Song…My Testimony March 25, 2008

****Disclaimer**** I am no theologean.  I am only one person, with a million thoughts, who chooses to share my heart with others.  I understand that people will disagree or want to debate some of this.  That’s okay.  I’m only sharing my heart and hope that it will prompt someone to search the scriptures in an effort to have a more clear picture of Who Christ is.  ***end disclaimer****

“Revelation Song” is the song that people most often request that I sing.  You may not recognize it by the song title, so here are the lyrics for the chorus…..

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.  With all creation I sing praise to the King of Kings.  You are my everything and I will adore you.”

Ah!  Now you know what I’m talking about!  lol  But now I’m going to share something with you that you didn’t know.  This is my personal testimony about the Revelation Song.  My prayer is that you will seek the answers for yourself, so that you can have a personal revelation of your own.

A couple of years ago, I began grappling with an issue that could not be ignored.  I was questioning if Jesus truly was worthy of praise.  Let me clarify that….I knew that He was the Son of God and I was so incredibly grateful for the gift of salvation that He gave me.  But was He worthy of worship?  In my heart, I felt that He was, but I needed to KNOW.  I needed to know what the Bible said.  Was I wrong to worship Him?  Was I taking away from God when worshiping His Son?

So I prayed.  I asked Him to show me just Who He is.  I wanted NO doubt to remain.  I wanted such absolute certainty that I would NEVER EVER question again.  If He were deity, I needed to KNOW it.  If He were not deity, I needed absolute knowlege of that fact.

I started searching the scriptures, beginning in the Old Testament.  Everything I found directed me to how great and awesome God is.  He is the Creator of all things.  He is the Author of the Word.  Everything kept pointing me in the direction of magnifying God.

Then I got to the New Testament.  Although I grew up reading these verses, they never affected me like they were now.  I was SHOCKED at the claims Jesus was making.  He outright said that He was the Word.  Then that would mean that He created all things.  That wasn’t the only bold claim He made, but it was one that really shocked me.  He also said that He and the Father were One.  But if they are one and I am worshiping one, then am I not also worshiping the other?  I began to get confused.

And here’s another thing that really surprised me….every time one of the disciples did something wrong, Jesus was quick to correct them.  But when they referred to Him in the same manner as the Father, He never once corrected them.  WHAT?!  Could He really be worthy of praise?  Again, in my heart I felt He was, but I needed to KNOW.  And then I was given revelation…..

In reading the book of Revelation (what an appropriate name!), Chapters 4 & 5, my life was changed forever.  There was such a clear description given of Jesus that I read this with wide eyes and total awe!  By the time I finished reading, I discovered that I was standing (I’d started out seated) with one hand holding the Bible and the other hand raised in worship.  I hadn’t even realized that I’d gotten up!  HE IS WORTHY!!!!!  It was so clear, so obvious, that I could never EVER question it again!

One of the key things that I saw was that the elders kept referring to God on the throne and …here’s the key….the Lamb (Jesus) in the midst of the throne.  WOW!  Also, the elders outright said that the Lamb was worthy of praise.  Now this is important….God does NOT share His glory with anyone….He said so.  But here He is, sharing His glory with the Lamb.  WOW!!!!  There’s tons more in there.  Please read it!  You’ll be astounded!!!

So now I had a very clear picture of His majesty and worthiness.  There could be no room left for questions.  All answers had been given.  All doubt had been removed.  From that day forward, my greatest desire has been to worship.  In all I do, I want to bring glory to Him.

After this amazing revelation, my friend Kevin Williams sent me a song to listen to.  Kevin has excellent taste in music, and the same passion for leading worship that I have, so I knew it would be a great song.  But nothing could have prepared me for the shock of hearing that song for the first time.  It was EXACTLY the same scriptures that had so clearly shown me the majesty of Christ.  WOW!!!!!!!  Someone took my personal revelation and turned it into a song!!!!  (okay…that’s a bit much, but that’s exactly how it felt  lol).  Before the first stanza was complete, I was on my knees in worship.  By the end of the song, I was standing, singing to the top of my lungs, pouring out all my heart for my Savior. 

**side note**  Kevin, you didn’t know it at the time, but you blessed my life immeasurably by the simple act of sending me a song.  Thank you!!!!   ***end side note**** lol

A few months later, Glen Whatley (our worship leader at the time) asked me to sing that song for an Easter service at church.  Again, I was blown away!  Glen didn’t know about how that song had affected me, so he probably didn’t understand my blabbering about how excited I was.  lol  I was literally falling over myself with excitement.  Yeah, I can be a dork.  lol

So that Easter Sunday, I stood in front of my congregation, filled with love for them and overflowing with the love of Christ, and poured out my praise on Him.  He is the Word and we used His Word to worship Him.  SUCH A POWERFUL THING!!!!  And we worshiped.  We opened our hearts and we showered Him with our praise.  And the Holy Spirit rained down on us like fire.  It was an amazing moment shared among believers! 

So that’s it….my personal testimony about the Revelation Song.  And each time I sing it, I am reminded anew just how WORTHY He is.  I hope that everyone reading this will take the time to read those Scriptures and open your hearts to Him.  And the next time we sing this song at church, pour out your heart in a fresh wave of worship.  For HE IS WORTHY!

ANNOUNCEMENT March 23, 2008

We are forming an ensemble!!!!  Anyone interested in singing, please call or email me.  My contact information is listed on the back of every church bulletin.  Or you can leave a comment her eand I’ll get back in touch with you. 

The basics:

 The ensemble will essentially sing with the praise team each week and also provide special music on occassion.  We have a different set list each week, so you’ll never get bored with the music.    You will practice with the praise team each Thursday night and be given a practice cd to rehearse with each week.  Any new music will be sent in advance, so you will have an opportunity to learn it before practice.

The commitment:

We ask that you be available and committed to attending practice on Thursday nights and at least one service on Sunday mornings. 

The benefits:

I could go on all day about the benefits, but I’ll keep it simple here.  When you begin to use your gifts and talents in service to the Lord, you will be amazed at the blessings.  The feeling of fulfillment is wonderful.  And knowing that you’ve served your Lord and your congregation is beyond anything that I could describe.  Also, you’ll develop relationships, even close friendships, with members of your church family.  That alone is powerful!  And finally, you’ll find that worshiping all week in preparation for Sunday morning will cause Sunday singing to flow naturally from you, as an extension of the worship you’ve experienced all week.  Your relationship with the Lord will deepen and you will be blessed.  Okay, I’ll stop now. 

I’m very excited because people are already signing up.  I can hardly wait to see who all the Lord brings into this ensemble.  It’s gonna be great!  So if this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, just let me know. 

Not Your Typical Easter Sunday March 23, 2008

OMgosh!  We were packed in there like sardines this morning.  It was FANTASTIC!!!!!!  While we’re sharing the building with Truthway Church, we’re only having one service.  That means we’re sitting pretty close to each other.  lol  But April 13th we will go to two services.  The new service times will be 9:30am and 11:00am.  The church will also look a bit different since we won’t have two sets of drums, two sets of speakers, etc etc etc.  We’ll have a lot more room then.  And also, there’s plenty of room for us to expand so that’s good.

Raymond was leading the music this morning.  Here’s who we had…..

Raymond on keys & vocals

Bryant on guitar

Josh on drums

Vocals:  Speedy, Jovan, Kathy & Becky

And here’s our set list:

This is the Day

He is the King

I Will Enter His Gates

I Love You

Amazing Grace

Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate

And now I have to go.  My family is loading up in the van and they have informed me that if I don’t hurry up, they WILL go to lunch without me.  So I’d better run.  I’ll be back later with some thoughts about this morning’s service and more.  Until then, y’all have a wonderful Easter Sunday.  Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Before Anything Was….HE IS March 22, 2008

There are so many things on my mind tonight that I hardly know where to begin.  I’ve spent a good part of the day in worship today and the Lord always speaks to me most clearly when I’m exhausted from worship and have to be quiet.  I won’t go into all the things He’s been speaking into my life, but I do want to share one thing with you.

Today, I was overwhelmed with an awareness of Who He is.  Let me clarify a bit.  I’m not talking about how He is, or what He’s done for me, or anything like that.  I’m talking about WHO HE IS.  I recently heard Jeff Deyo say in a lesson he gave that we humans like to classify and categorize things.  He said he (and I can identify with this) kind of thought that the categories went from the one cell amoeba, to the caterpiller, to the monkey, to the human, to the angel, to God.  **keep in mind that I’m paraphrasing here**  He went on to say that the truth is that God is soooooo far above anything we can comprehend & that really we are in the category of the caterpillar compared to God.  That made sense to me.

See, God is not One to be categorized.  Like He told Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.”  Think about that for a minute.  HE IS.  Period.   There was no beginning to Him.  There is no end.  HE IS.  There is nothing that could even come close to comparing to Who He is.  HE IS.  Everything else in all creation had a beginning.  We can spend all day debating just what that beginning was, but none debate that there was actually a beginning.  God has no beginning.  HE IS. 

Another thing that astounds me is that He does not change.  He is exactly the same today as He was when He parted the Red Sea.  Numbers 23:19 says “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind.  Does He speak and then not act?  Does He promise and not fulfill?”  1 Samuel 15:29 says “He who is the glory of Isreal does not lie or change His mind;  for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”  These scriptures speak volumes to me.  Truly, when has He ever changed?! 

And here’s one I really didn’t understand for a long time, but now finally have some small understanding of ….. He is holy.  Click this link to see how different dictionaries define the word “holy”….. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/holy .  The reason I only have some small understanding of this, I think, is because my mind has only limited capacity to understand holiness.  We often refer to someone as a holy man, or to something as a holy object.  But the Lord is soooo much more than that.  He IS holiness.  He is what holy is.  See, I told you, I can barely comprehend it, let alone describe it.  Which brings me to my next point.

He is so far beyond anything we could ever begin to understand or explain.  He is so amazing, so awesome.  He is Almighty God, my redeemer, my hope, my salvation, my life, my lord, my safe place, my strength, my immovable rock.  He IS love.  He is worthy of all praise, all honor.  He is everything.  HE IS.

I am still in absolute awe of Him.  I am overwhelmed that He would want to have a personal relationship with me.  If I hadn’t experienced Him for myself, I never could have believed it.  But He reaches out to me, me?! and covers me in His love.  It’s overwhelming.

There’s so much more I want to share with y’all, but I’ll stop for today.  Be sure to check back as the weekend and next week progress.  I’ve got a testimony to share with y’all, some more thoughts on worship and some specific thoughts on Christ Jesus.  I’m really looking forward to that.   

Well It Was a Good Theory March 20, 2008

As you know, my plan yesterday was to chill out and do nothing.  It was a great idea in theory….impossible to put into practice.  I ended up with more work than anyone could complete in one day.  Oh well….it was worth a shot.

So today Rodney was going to take the kids to the zoo for a few hours.  That would have at least given me some time to chill out.  It didn’t work.  I found myself doing some worship team work and then got a phone call from Rodney.  Beau had tried to run away from him in the zoo, so they came home.  They’ll try again tomorrow.  So will I.

Tonight is our LIFE Group and worship team practice.  We’ve got a lot of ground to cover in preperation for our Sunday service and I’m looking forward to getting busy with it. 

Not much interesting to share with y’all today.  I’m really just checking in to say hello.  But tomorrow, I’ll have the worship pre-fessional and also some thoughts on worship.  See y’all then!