The Loving God is Good
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He Is good! For His mercy endures forever. —1 Chronicles 16:34
God is just and righteous and holy. We are not. We are sinners and we can never meet His standards.
But in His love He approaches us. God loves us and He reaches out to us and then restores us back into His image.
Today, we often have a vision of love that is very shallow and limited. We desire a love that wants to be paid back or is only temporary. That’s not the love of God. His love is unchanging. It is consistent. It is inexhaustible. He always loves us, no matter what we do.
What does it mean when the Bible teaches that God is good? It means that God is the final standard of good and all that He does is worthy of approval. Does that mean God is waiting for my approval? No. His goodness is not dependent upon my approval. He is good, whether I agree with it or not. And if God is good, then I have a definition of the meaning of good that will greatly help me in my study of ethics and morality.
What is good? Good is what God approves. Where do I come into this? I don’t. Either I wake up to that fact and acknowledge that it is true, or I foolishly think I am smarter than God.
We who follow God can thank Him for His goodness as we grow in our knowledge of Him and His love.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Showing newest 33 of 35 posts from April 2009. Show older posts
Showing newest 33 of 35 posts from April 2009. Show older posts
Thursday, April 30, 2009
This Hilarious Too! I am so excited...
Literally, I was laughing so hard watching this I am so excited.
Little Bothered by this Compare People on Facebook
Through Facebook people can vote on your strengths and weaknesses through an application called Compare People.
Well I was bothered by one of "my strengths"..."Most Absentee"...really most absentee??? Hmmmm??? How is this a strength first of all? And how did it become a strength of mine?
I am never absent...my philosphy for arriving somewhere is this...if you are not early, you are late.
So this bugs me, most absentee...I don't think my "Facebook Friends" know me very well.
That is it I just had to rant.
Your friends have voted on your strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS:
most reliable
kindest
most absentee
WEAKNESSES:
most studious
most organized
Well I was bothered by one of "my strengths"..."Most Absentee"...really most absentee??? Hmmmm??? How is this a strength first of all? And how did it become a strength of mine?
I am never absent...my philosphy for arriving somewhere is this...if you are not early, you are late.
So this bugs me, most absentee...I don't think my "Facebook Friends" know me very well.
That is it I just had to rant.
Your friends have voted on your strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS:
most reliable
kindest
most absentee
WEAKNESSES:
most studious
most organized
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Quote from CS Lewis
Maegan Stout shared devotion this morning in all staff meeting, Maegan is a huge part of our team, she is one our Amazing Admins. She read and shared her heart from Psalm 98...awesome reminder of our response to all Christ is. We were reminded it is not about who we are but about who Jesus is, Jesus is the Messiah---PERIOD! It is not about our identity, who we are, what we are, or what we do...it is ALL ABOUT who Jesus is...what He has done.
Jesus is the Messiah...He is the Christ...He is Lord...He is Savior. We often say around NCC, Don't let what you have done wrong to keep you from worshipping God for all that He has done right.
Maegan closed out with this quote and I love it, “A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell. But God wills our good, and our good is to love Him (with that responsive love proper to creatures) and to love Him we must know Him: and if we know Him, we shall in fact fall on our faces.”
Let us all become facedown worshippers!
Jesus is the Messiah...He is the Christ...He is Lord...He is Savior. We often say around NCC, Don't let what you have done wrong to keep you from worshipping God for all that He has done right.
Maegan closed out with this quote and I love it, “A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell. But God wills our good, and our good is to love Him (with that responsive love proper to creatures) and to love Him we must know Him: and if we know Him, we shall in fact fall on our faces.”
Let us all become facedown worshippers!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/27/09
Unrighteous Acts
..."Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?" - Nehemiah 5:9
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Babylon. Jerusalem's walls had been destroyed and word had come to Nehemiah that the remnant of his people left in Jerusalem were distressed over the plight of the wall.
Nehemiah was grieved over this situation. He appealed to his king for permission to rebuild the wall. When he got to the city, he found many problems among his own people due to an economic crisis in the region. Among the classes affected by the economic crisis were (1) the landless, who were short of food; (2) the landowners, who were compelled to mortgage their properties; (3) those forced to borrow money at exorbitant rates and sell their children into slavery. It was unlawful for Hebrews to charge interest to other Hebrews.
"Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others" (Nehemiah 5:5).
Nehemiah stepped forward to admonish his people for this wrongful action on the basis that not only was it wrong, but God would respond to such action by making them susceptible to His judgment through the Gentile enemies.
Nehemiah was modeling to each of us a spiritual principle regarding sin. Whenever we sin, we give God permission to unleash the enemy into our souls to deal with that sin. Nehemiah understood this principle and warned the people of what this action would encourage from God. The people repented and returned the money gained through usury.
As Christ followers we must make sure that the life we live are righteous in God's sight. If not, we can expect the enemy to be released to judge that sin. Ask the Lord today if there is any unrighteousness in your faith journey that makes you vulnerable to judgment.
..."Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?" - Nehemiah 5:9
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Babylon. Jerusalem's walls had been destroyed and word had come to Nehemiah that the remnant of his people left in Jerusalem were distressed over the plight of the wall.
Nehemiah was grieved over this situation. He appealed to his king for permission to rebuild the wall. When he got to the city, he found many problems among his own people due to an economic crisis in the region. Among the classes affected by the economic crisis were (1) the landless, who were short of food; (2) the landowners, who were compelled to mortgage their properties; (3) those forced to borrow money at exorbitant rates and sell their children into slavery. It was unlawful for Hebrews to charge interest to other Hebrews.
"Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others" (Nehemiah 5:5).
Nehemiah stepped forward to admonish his people for this wrongful action on the basis that not only was it wrong, but God would respond to such action by making them susceptible to His judgment through the Gentile enemies.
Nehemiah was modeling to each of us a spiritual principle regarding sin. Whenever we sin, we give God permission to unleash the enemy into our souls to deal with that sin. Nehemiah understood this principle and warned the people of what this action would encourage from God. The people repented and returned the money gained through usury.
As Christ followers we must make sure that the life we live are righteous in God's sight. If not, we can expect the enemy to be released to judge that sin. Ask the Lord today if there is any unrighteousness in your faith journey that makes you vulnerable to judgment.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Soundtrack of My Life
I am not sure how many of you have ever thought about your own personal soundtrack for your life. For me it is so easy to look back over my life and different periods to identify where I was at and some of my thoughts and feeling at the time.
I am constantly thinking and identifying those key songs that would make a soundtrack for my life. I can't always put words to my thoughts and feelings, however I feel these songs have summed up my life over the last 35 years. Some of those places are very dark places, some places are very transitional stages, many are time of hope and challenges that I have faced. However, every stage are very real places for me, so I chose very real songs or songs that best give voice to those stages in my life.
I know that many of you who may look at this list may gasp at the choice of songs, again these are stages and areas in my life that have not always been right, pure or place where I had faith. Thes esongs tell stories from the artists who perform, many who are broken and hurt and many currently face many of the same struggles and thoughts that I have gone through over time.
For me, my life has been totally redeemed and I am a work in process, I am still overcoming things in my life. I am redeeming these songs as redemption steps in my personal life and walk. Again, I am not encouraging you or recommending that you listen to these songs.
My Own Prison by Creed
A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today
Just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale
The cage made of steel
Screams fill the room
Alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound
My breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around
My face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence
Expecting no return
Here there is no penance
My skin begins to burn
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
I hear a thunder in the distance
See a vision of a cross
I feel the pain that was given
On that sad day of loss
A lion roars in the darkness
Only he holds the key
A light to free me from my burden
And grant me life eternally
Should have been dead
On a Sunday morning
Banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison
Outside by Staind
And you
Bring me to my knees
Again
All the times
That I could beg you please
In vain
All the times
That I felt insecure
For you
And I leave
My burdens at the door
But I'm on the outside
I'm looking in
I can see through you
See your true colors
'Cause inside your ugly
You're ugly like me
I can see through you
See to the real you
Blind by Korn
This place inside my mind, a place I like to hide
You don't know the chances. What if I should die?!
A place inside my brain, another kind of pain
You don't know the chances. I'm so blind!
Another place I find to escape the pain inside
You don't know the chances. What if I should die?!
A place inside my brain, another kind of pain
You don't know the chances. I'm so blind!
Deeper!.. Deeper!.. Deeper inside me!
To live a life that seems to be a lost reality
That can never find a way to reach.
My inner self
I stand alone!
How deep can I go in the ground that I lay?
If I don't find a way to see through the gray that clouds my mind.
This time I look to see what's between the lines!
Broken by Seether
'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
Broken by Scott Stapp
Why are we overcome with fear?
What if I told you that fear isn't real.
Why are we overcome with death?
What if I told you my friends your doubt
You could live without!
There is a question I want to understand
Why can't everyone tell the truth and learn to love again
Do you know...what it feels like to be broken and used
Scared and confused
Yes I know
One more question...I know time is dear
Is what the world speaks of love really real?
The answers not of this world but very clear
Look above to find love and you found eternal life
Scars by Papa Roach
I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
And my scars remind me that the past is real
I tear my heart open just to feel
Drunk and I'm feeling down
And I just wanna be alone
I'm pissed cause you came around
Why don't you just go home
Cause you channel all your pain
And I can't help you fix yourself
You're making me insane
All I can say is
Broken by Lifehouse
The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time
I am here still waiting though i still have my doubts
I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out
I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you
Hold Onto the Nights by Richard Marx
Just when I believed I couldn't ever want for more
This ever changing world pushes me through another door
I saw you smile and my mind could not erase the beauty of your face
Just for a while won't you let me shelter you
Hold onto the night
Hold onto the memories
I wish that I could give you something more and I could be yours
How do we explain something took us by surprise
Promises invade love that is real but in disguise
What happens now do we break another rule and let our lovers play the fool I don't know how to stop feeling this way
Never Too Late by Three Days Grace
This world will never be
What I expected
And if I don't belong
Who would have guessed it
I will not leave alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like it's not too late
It's never too late
Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late
No one will ever see
This side reflected
And if there's something wrong
Who would have guessed it
And I have left alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like
It's not too late
It's never too late
Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls
I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
It's Been Awhile by Staind
It's been a while since I could say that I wasn't addicted and
It's been a while
Since I could say I love myself as well and
It's been a while
Since I've gone and messed things up just like I always do
It's been a while
But all that crap seems to disappear when I'm with you
But everything I can't remember as messed up as it may seem the consequences that I've rendered
I've gone and messed things up again
Why must I feel this way? just make this go away just one more peaceful day
Let Me Be Myself by 3 Doors Down
I guess i just got lost
Bein' someone else
I tried to kill the pain
Nothin ever helped
I left myself behind
Somewhere along the way
Hopin to come back around
To find myself someday
Lately i'm so tired of waiting for you
To say that it's ok, but tell me
Please, would you one time
Just let me be myself
So i can shine with my own light
Let me be myself
Would you let me be myself
I'll never find my heart
Behind someone else
I'll never see the light of day
Living in this cell
It's time to make my way
Into the world i knew
Take back all of these times
That i gave in to you
What I've Done by Linkin Park
In this farewell
There’s no blood
There’s no alibi
‘Cause I’ve drawn regret
From the truth
Of a thousand lies
So let mercy come
And wash away
What I’ve done
I'll face myself
To cross out what i’ve become
Erase myself
And let go of what i’ve done
Put to rest
What you thought of me
While I clean this slate
With the hands of uncertainty
It's Not My Time by 3 Doors Down
Looking back at the beginning of this
And how life was
Just you and me loving all of our friends
Living life like an ocean
But now the current's only pulling me down
It’s getting harder too breath
It won’t be to long and I will be going under
Can you save me from this?
Cause it’s not my time I'm not going
There's a fear in me it’s not showing
This could be the end of me
And everything I know
Oh but I won’t go
Second Chance by Shinedown
Tell my mother,
Tell my father
I've done the best I can
To make them realize
This is my life
I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying...
Sometimes goodbye
Is a second chance
Please don't cry
One tear for me
I'm not afraid of
What I have to say
This is my one and
Only voice
So listen close, it's
Only for today
You Found Me by The Fray
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded, surrounded
Why’d you have to wait?
Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, you found me
Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
I wanna run I want to hide
I wanna tear down the walls
That hold me inside
I wanna reach out
And touch the flame
Where the streets have no name
I want to feel Sunlight on my face
I see the dust cloud disappear
Without a trace I want to take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name
Unwritten by Natash Bedingfield
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten, yeah
Metalingus by Alter Bridge
I've been defeated and brought down
Dropped to my knees when hope ran out
The time has come to change my ways
On this day I see clearly everything has come to life
A bitter place and a broken dream
And we'll leave it all, leave it all behind
I'll never long for what might have been
Regret won't waste my life again I won't look back I'll fight to remain:
40 by U2
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long... How long...to sing this song
Walk On by U2
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it, or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
Leave it behind
You got to leave it behind
All that you fashion A
ll that you make All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you feel
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress-up
All that you scheme...
Love Song by Jason Morant
Where can I go
Where can I run from You
You're everywhere
You know all my thoughts
You see through my ways
And still You come to me
And so I sing a love song to You
And so I sing a love song to You
From Heaven above Earth down beneath
Your love rains down on me
You know all my thoughts
You see through my skin
nd still You come to me
And so I sing a love song to You
And so I sing a love song to You
You walk on waves
You run with clouds
You paint the sky for me to see
Your majesty
Your majesty is why I sing
And this is a love song for You
And this is a love song for You
And this is a love song for You
And this is a love song for You
You walk on waves
You run with clouds
You paint the sky for me to see
Your majesty
Your majesty is why I sing
Yes it's all for You
In my life a love song to You
In my life a love song to You
Everything I do In my life a love song to You
In my life a love song to You
In my life a love song to You
I am constantly thinking and identifying those key songs that would make a soundtrack for my life. I can't always put words to my thoughts and feelings, however I feel these songs have summed up my life over the last 35 years. Some of those places are very dark places, some places are very transitional stages, many are time of hope and challenges that I have faced. However, every stage are very real places for me, so I chose very real songs or songs that best give voice to those stages in my life.
I know that many of you who may look at this list may gasp at the choice of songs, again these are stages and areas in my life that have not always been right, pure or place where I had faith. Thes esongs tell stories from the artists who perform, many who are broken and hurt and many currently face many of the same struggles and thoughts that I have gone through over time.
For me, my life has been totally redeemed and I am a work in process, I am still overcoming things in my life. I am redeeming these songs as redemption steps in my personal life and walk. Again, I am not encouraging you or recommending that you listen to these songs.
My Own Prison by Creed
A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today
Just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale
The cage made of steel
Screams fill the room
Alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound
My breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around
My face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence
Expecting no return
Here there is no penance
My skin begins to burn
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
I hear a thunder in the distance
See a vision of a cross
I feel the pain that was given
On that sad day of loss
A lion roars in the darkness
Only he holds the key
A light to free me from my burden
And grant me life eternally
Should have been dead
On a Sunday morning
Banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison
Outside by Staind
And you
Bring me to my knees
Again
All the times
That I could beg you please
In vain
All the times
That I felt insecure
For you
And I leave
My burdens at the door
But I'm on the outside
I'm looking in
I can see through you
See your true colors
'Cause inside your ugly
You're ugly like me
I can see through you
See to the real you
Blind by Korn
This place inside my mind, a place I like to hide
You don't know the chances. What if I should die?!
A place inside my brain, another kind of pain
You don't know the chances. I'm so blind!
Another place I find to escape the pain inside
You don't know the chances. What if I should die?!
A place inside my brain, another kind of pain
You don't know the chances. I'm so blind!
Deeper!.. Deeper!.. Deeper inside me!
To live a life that seems to be a lost reality
That can never find a way to reach.
My inner self
I stand alone!
How deep can I go in the ground that I lay?
If I don't find a way to see through the gray that clouds my mind.
This time I look to see what's between the lines!
Broken by Seether
'Cause I'm broken when I'm open
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
Broken by Scott Stapp
Why are we overcome with fear?
What if I told you that fear isn't real.
Why are we overcome with death?
What if I told you my friends your doubt
You could live without!
There is a question I want to understand
Why can't everyone tell the truth and learn to love again
Do you know...what it feels like to be broken and used
Scared and confused
Yes I know
One more question...I know time is dear
Is what the world speaks of love really real?
The answers not of this world but very clear
Look above to find love and you found eternal life
Scars by Papa Roach
I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
And my scars remind me that the past is real
I tear my heart open just to feel
Drunk and I'm feeling down
And I just wanna be alone
I'm pissed cause you came around
Why don't you just go home
Cause you channel all your pain
And I can't help you fix yourself
You're making me insane
All I can say is
Broken by Lifehouse
The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time
I am here still waiting though i still have my doubts
I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out
I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you
Hold Onto the Nights by Richard Marx
Just when I believed I couldn't ever want for more
This ever changing world pushes me through another door
I saw you smile and my mind could not erase the beauty of your face
Just for a while won't you let me shelter you
Hold onto the night
Hold onto the memories
I wish that I could give you something more and I could be yours
How do we explain something took us by surprise
Promises invade love that is real but in disguise
What happens now do we break another rule and let our lovers play the fool I don't know how to stop feeling this way
Never Too Late by Three Days Grace
This world will never be
What I expected
And if I don't belong
Who would have guessed it
I will not leave alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like it's not too late
It's never too late
Even if I say
It'll be alright
Still I hear you say
You want to end your life
Now and again we try
To just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late
It's never too late
No one will ever see
This side reflected
And if there's something wrong
Who would have guessed it
And I have left alone
Everything that I own
To make you feel like
It's not too late
It's never too late
Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls
I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
It's Been Awhile by Staind
It's been a while since I could say that I wasn't addicted and
It's been a while
Since I could say I love myself as well and
It's been a while
Since I've gone and messed things up just like I always do
It's been a while
But all that crap seems to disappear when I'm with you
But everything I can't remember as messed up as it may seem the consequences that I've rendered
I've gone and messed things up again
Why must I feel this way? just make this go away just one more peaceful day
Let Me Be Myself by 3 Doors Down
I guess i just got lost
Bein' someone else
I tried to kill the pain
Nothin ever helped
I left myself behind
Somewhere along the way
Hopin to come back around
To find myself someday
Lately i'm so tired of waiting for you
To say that it's ok, but tell me
Please, would you one time
Just let me be myself
So i can shine with my own light
Let me be myself
Would you let me be myself
I'll never find my heart
Behind someone else
I'll never see the light of day
Living in this cell
It's time to make my way
Into the world i knew
Take back all of these times
That i gave in to you
What I've Done by Linkin Park
In this farewell
There’s no blood
There’s no alibi
‘Cause I’ve drawn regret
From the truth
Of a thousand lies
So let mercy come
And wash away
What I’ve done
I'll face myself
To cross out what i’ve become
Erase myself
And let go of what i’ve done
Put to rest
What you thought of me
While I clean this slate
With the hands of uncertainty
It's Not My Time by 3 Doors Down
Looking back at the beginning of this
And how life was
Just you and me loving all of our friends
Living life like an ocean
But now the current's only pulling me down
It’s getting harder too breath
It won’t be to long and I will be going under
Can you save me from this?
Cause it’s not my time I'm not going
There's a fear in me it’s not showing
This could be the end of me
And everything I know
Oh but I won’t go
Second Chance by Shinedown
Tell my mother,
Tell my father
I've done the best I can
To make them realize
This is my life
I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying...
Sometimes goodbye
Is a second chance
Please don't cry
One tear for me
I'm not afraid of
What I have to say
This is my one and
Only voice
So listen close, it's
Only for today
You Found Me by The Fray
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded, surrounded
Why’d you have to wait?
Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, you found me
Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
I wanna run I want to hide
I wanna tear down the walls
That hold me inside
I wanna reach out
And touch the flame
Where the streets have no name
I want to feel Sunlight on my face
I see the dust cloud disappear
Without a trace I want to take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name
Unwritten by Natash Bedingfield
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten, yeah
Metalingus by Alter Bridge
I've been defeated and brought down
Dropped to my knees when hope ran out
The time has come to change my ways
On this day I see clearly everything has come to life
A bitter place and a broken dream
And we'll leave it all, leave it all behind
I'll never long for what might have been
Regret won't waste my life again I won't look back I'll fight to remain:
40 by U2
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long... How long...to sing this song
Walk On by U2
You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom
Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it, or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight
And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on
Leave it behind
You got to leave it behind
All that you fashion A
ll that you make All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you feel
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress-up
All that you scheme...
Love Song by Jason Morant
Where can I go
Where can I run from You
You're everywhere
You know all my thoughts
You see through my ways
And still You come to me
And so I sing a love song to You
And so I sing a love song to You
From Heaven above Earth down beneath
Your love rains down on me
You know all my thoughts
You see through my skin
nd still You come to me
And so I sing a love song to You
And so I sing a love song to You
You walk on waves
You run with clouds
You paint the sky for me to see
Your majesty
Your majesty is why I sing
And this is a love song for You
And this is a love song for You
And this is a love song for You
And this is a love song for You
You walk on waves
You run with clouds
You paint the sky for me to see
Your majesty
Your majesty is why I sing
Yes it's all for You
In my life a love song to You
In my life a love song to You
Everything I do In my life a love song to You
In my life a love song to You
In my life a love song to You
What Are You Listening To?
Here is my current playlist of music that I am listening to through out the day...this doesn't include worship music that listen to during devotion and times of reflections, I will post that later.
As you can tell I have broad range of music that I listen to, with my ADD I need to variation.
What are you listening to? Any matches on my list? Are you more diverse?
Chris's Current Playlist
It's Not My Time - 3 Doors Down
Sing Along - Virginia Coalition
Calling All Angels - Train
Africa - Toto
Sowing the Seeds Of Love - Tears For Fears
Shout - Tears For Fears
Awakening (Live) - Switchfoot
Up for Anything - A Suffocating Signal
You, Me and the Bourgeoisie - The Submarines
I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow (Band Version) - The Soggy Bottom Boys
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Conner
Careless Whisper - Seether
You Better Pray - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.
Driver 8 - R.E.M.
Alive - Pearl Jam
Your Love -The Outfield
Shattered (Turn the Car Around) - O.A.R.
3 AM - Matchbox Twenty
Undeniable - Mat Kearney
I Alone - Live
Heartless - Kanye West
Baptize My Mind - Jon Foreman
Lord, Save Me from Myself - Jon Foreman
I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues (Live) - Johnny Cash
Prisoner of Hope - Jars of Clay
Fire And Rain - James Taylor
Carolina In My Mind - James Taylor
Secure Yourself - Indigo Girls
Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
Blood and Fire - Indigo Girls
In the Pines (Live) - Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends
Barely Breathing - Duncan Sheik
(I Just) Died in Your Arms - Cutting Crew
Lost+ (feat. Jay-Z) - Coldplay
Wherever You Will Go - The Calling
Not Enough - Caedmon's Call
Ironic Alanis Morissette
Head Over Feet Alanis Morissette
Thank You Alanis Morissette
Sunburn -Muse
Falling Down - Muse
I Will Follow (Live, Paradise Theatre - March 1981) - U2
Gloria (Live - Hammersmith Palais - December 1982) - U2
Closer to Love - Mat Kearney
No Line On the Horizon - U2
Get On Your Boots - U2
Spotlight - Mute Math
Metalingus - Alter Bridge
Amen Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus
All Summer Long - Kid Rock
Broken Road - 12 Stones
Second Chance - Shinedown
Breaking Inside - Shinedown
Let Me Be Myself - 3 Doors Down
The Way I Am – Staind
Blind - Korn
Never Too Late - Three Days Grace
Scars - Papa Roach
Broken (iTunes Originals Version) - Seether
What I've Done - Linkin Park
It's Been Awhile - Staind
Believe -The Bravery
Broken - Scott Stapp
If Everyone Cared - Nickelback
Savin' Me - Nickelback
One Last Breath - Creed
Broken - Lifehouse
Beautiful Love (Acoustic) - The Afters
Hold Onto the Nights - Richard Marx
This Is Who I Am - Third Day
Outside - Aaron Lewis & Fred Durst
Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls
Unwritten (Stripped Acoustic Version) [Bonus Track] - Natasha Bedingfield
You Found Me - The Fray
Walk On - U2
"40" - U2
Where The Streets Have No Name - U2
Paint It Black - U2
Fortunate Son - U2
Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses (The Temple Bar Remix) - U2
Down to the River to Pray - Alison Krauss
I'll Fly Away - Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch
Rocky Top (Single Version) - Osborne Brothers
When You Come Back Down - Nickel Creek
The Lighthouse’s Tale - Nickel Creek
As you can tell I have broad range of music that I listen to, with my ADD I need to variation.
What are you listening to? Any matches on my list? Are you more diverse?
Chris's Current Playlist
It's Not My Time - 3 Doors Down
Sing Along - Virginia Coalition
Calling All Angels - Train
Africa - Toto
Sowing the Seeds Of Love - Tears For Fears
Shout - Tears For Fears
Awakening (Live) - Switchfoot
Up for Anything - A Suffocating Signal
You, Me and the Bourgeoisie - The Submarines
I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow (Band Version) - The Soggy Bottom Boys
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Conner
Careless Whisper - Seether
You Better Pray - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Face Down - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.
Driver 8 - R.E.M.
Alive - Pearl Jam
Your Love -The Outfield
Shattered (Turn the Car Around) - O.A.R.
3 AM - Matchbox Twenty
Undeniable - Mat Kearney
I Alone - Live
Heartless - Kanye West
Baptize My Mind - Jon Foreman
Lord, Save Me from Myself - Jon Foreman
I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues (Live) - Johnny Cash
Prisoner of Hope - Jars of Clay
Fire And Rain - James Taylor
Carolina In My Mind - James Taylor
Secure Yourself - Indigo Girls
Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
Blood and Fire - Indigo Girls
In the Pines (Live) - Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends
Barely Breathing - Duncan Sheik
(I Just) Died in Your Arms - Cutting Crew
Lost+ (feat. Jay-Z) - Coldplay
Wherever You Will Go - The Calling
Not Enough - Caedmon's Call
Ironic Alanis Morissette
Head Over Feet Alanis Morissette
Thank You Alanis Morissette
Sunburn -Muse
Falling Down - Muse
I Will Follow (Live, Paradise Theatre - March 1981) - U2
Gloria (Live - Hammersmith Palais - December 1982) - U2
Closer to Love - Mat Kearney
No Line On the Horizon - U2
Get On Your Boots - U2
Spotlight - Mute Math
Metalingus - Alter Bridge
Amen Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus
All Summer Long - Kid Rock
Broken Road - 12 Stones
Second Chance - Shinedown
Breaking Inside - Shinedown
Let Me Be Myself - 3 Doors Down
The Way I Am – Staind
Blind - Korn
Never Too Late - Three Days Grace
Scars - Papa Roach
Broken (iTunes Originals Version) - Seether
What I've Done - Linkin Park
It's Been Awhile - Staind
Believe -The Bravery
Broken - Scott Stapp
If Everyone Cared - Nickelback
Savin' Me - Nickelback
One Last Breath - Creed
Broken - Lifehouse
Beautiful Love (Acoustic) - The Afters
Hold Onto the Nights - Richard Marx
This Is Who I Am - Third Day
Outside - Aaron Lewis & Fred Durst
Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls
Unwritten (Stripped Acoustic Version) [Bonus Track] - Natasha Bedingfield
You Found Me - The Fray
Walk On - U2
"40" - U2
Where The Streets Have No Name - U2
Paint It Black - U2
Fortunate Son - U2
Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses (The Temple Bar Remix) - U2
Down to the River to Pray - Alison Krauss
I'll Fly Away - Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch
Rocky Top (Single Version) - Osborne Brothers
When You Come Back Down - Nickel Creek
The Lighthouse’s Tale - Nickel Creek
Friday, April 24, 2009
A1:8 Kingstowne, Fairfax, Springfield, Woodbridge and Occoquan
I have a huge desire and passion to see six or seven A1:8 Neighborhood Small Groups get started through the NCC Kingstowne location this summer.
Here is what Pastor Heather posted on her blog this week and echo completely her sentiments...
I'm so excited about our A18 Neighborhood Groups this summer! We are asking every small group to be based on a neighborhood-- a geographical neighborhood (where you live), a marketplace neighborhood (where you work), or an interest neighborhood (where you play). For six weeks, these groups will follow a sermon-based curriculum that focuses on discovering you are neighbors are, what it means to love them, and how we can show love and share the Gospel in a practical way.
We provided a training at our recent summit to cast the vision and give guidelines for leading these groups.
If you are interested in leading a A1:8 Neighborhood Small group this summer and you attend the Kingstowne location email me at chris.jarrell@theaterchurch.com
Love to get you connected with more information.
NCC's Spring Leadership Summit: Heather Zempel from National Community Church on Vimeo.
Here is what Pastor Heather posted on her blog this week and echo completely her sentiments...
I'm so excited about our A18 Neighborhood Groups this summer! We are asking every small group to be based on a neighborhood-- a geographical neighborhood (where you live), a marketplace neighborhood (where you work), or an interest neighborhood (where you play). For six weeks, these groups will follow a sermon-based curriculum that focuses on discovering you are neighbors are, what it means to love them, and how we can show love and share the Gospel in a practical way.
We provided a training at our recent summit to cast the vision and give guidelines for leading these groups.
If you are interested in leading a A1:8 Neighborhood Small group this summer and you attend the Kingstowne location email me at chris.jarrell@theaterchurch.com
Love to get you connected with more information.
NCC's Spring Leadership Summit: Heather Zempel from National Community Church on Vimeo.
Daily Caffeination 04/24/09
The All-powerful God
"There is nothing too hard for You." -Jeremiah 32:17
Is God's power limited? Scripture tells us over and over that God is omnipotent, which means all-powerful.
Even when Job was in pain and distress, he said to the Lord, " 'I know that You can do all things. No plan of Yours can be thwarted' " (Job 42:2 NIV).
The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed God's power: " 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You' " (Jeremiah 32:17).
The archangel Gabriel reassured Mary by saying, " 'With God nothing will be impossible' " (Luke 1:37).
Now you see how silly it is when we say something like, "I have tried everything, and now all I can do is pray." Now all you can do is turn to the all-powerful God, the Creator of the universe, who happens to love you a lot.
What do you mean, that's all you can do? That's the first thing you should do.
Before we do anything else, we should turn our troubles over to God, because nothing is too hard for Him.
Nothing is impossible. Nothing is beyond His reach. Nothing is beyond His ability.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
"There is nothing too hard for You." -Jeremiah 32:17
Is God's power limited? Scripture tells us over and over that God is omnipotent, which means all-powerful.
Even when Job was in pain and distress, he said to the Lord, " 'I know that You can do all things. No plan of Yours can be thwarted' " (Job 42:2 NIV).
The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed God's power: " 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You' " (Jeremiah 32:17).
The archangel Gabriel reassured Mary by saying, " 'With God nothing will be impossible' " (Luke 1:37).
Now you see how silly it is when we say something like, "I have tried everything, and now all I can do is pray." Now all you can do is turn to the all-powerful God, the Creator of the universe, who happens to love you a lot.
What do you mean, that's all you can do? That's the first thing you should do.
Before we do anything else, we should turn our troubles over to God, because nothing is too hard for Him.
Nothing is impossible. Nothing is beyond His reach. Nothing is beyond His ability.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/23/09
The All-knowing and Ever-present God
You... are acquainted with all my ways. -Psalm 139:3
What is God like? Where is He? Does He know everything?
Two key attributes of God are found in Psalm 139. We read these words from King David:
O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways . . .Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:1--3, 7--10)
From this psalm and other passages in Scripture, we learn that God is omnipresent (He is everywhere) and that God is omniscient (He is all-knowing).
Now that can be comforting or frightening, depending on your relationship with God. If your relationship with Him is close, it's very comforting to know that no matter what you face in life, God will be there for you.
Whatever happens in your life, you can remember that it comes through the screen of His love with your best interests in mind. Remember that as you go through the difficulties of life.
You can have confidence in the knowledge that you are never alone. The all-knowing and ever-present God is with you.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
You... are acquainted with all my ways. -Psalm 139:3
What is God like? Where is He? Does He know everything?
Two key attributes of God are found in Psalm 139. We read these words from King David:
O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways . . .Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:1--3, 7--10)
From this psalm and other passages in Scripture, we learn that God is omnipresent (He is everywhere) and that God is omniscient (He is all-knowing).
Now that can be comforting or frightening, depending on your relationship with God. If your relationship with Him is close, it's very comforting to know that no matter what you face in life, God will be there for you.
Whatever happens in your life, you can remember that it comes through the screen of His love with your best interests in mind. Remember that as you go through the difficulties of life.
You can have confidence in the knowledge that you are never alone. The all-knowing and ever-present God is with you.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/22/09
Who Is the Lord?
And Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord?" -Exodus 5:2
Who is God? Thousands of years ago the Pharaoh of Egypt asked a question that is still being asked by many.
It was, " 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go' " (Exodus 5:2).
I think that by the time Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Pharaoh had a better understanding of who exactly God is.
"Who is God?" is not an easy question to answer, because we are trying to grasp the infinite with the finite. We are trying to grasp something far beyond our mental capacity.
I have often said that if God were small enough for our minds, He wouldn't be big enough for our needs.
Until the day we see Him face to face, there are things about God we are never going to completely understand. For instance, I believe that God is holy, but I don't understand everything about His holiness. I also believe God is a triune being--He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But that is hard for us to grasp.
The apostle Paul put it clearly when he said, "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).
So yes, there is coming a day when it will all make sense. At the same time, though, with the help of the Holy Spirit, there are many things that we can and should know and grasp about God. After all, knowing what God is like is foundational to knowing God Himself.
Knowing God and making Him known is the essence of being a Christian.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
And Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord?" -Exodus 5:2
Who is God? Thousands of years ago the Pharaoh of Egypt asked a question that is still being asked by many.
It was, " 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go' " (Exodus 5:2).
I think that by the time Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Pharaoh had a better understanding of who exactly God is.
"Who is God?" is not an easy question to answer, because we are trying to grasp the infinite with the finite. We are trying to grasp something far beyond our mental capacity.
I have often said that if God were small enough for our minds, He wouldn't be big enough for our needs.
Until the day we see Him face to face, there are things about God we are never going to completely understand. For instance, I believe that God is holy, but I don't understand everything about His holiness. I also believe God is a triune being--He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But that is hard for us to grasp.
The apostle Paul put it clearly when he said, "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).
So yes, there is coming a day when it will all make sense. At the same time, though, with the help of the Holy Spirit, there are many things that we can and should know and grasp about God. After all, knowing what God is like is foundational to knowing God Himself.
Knowing God and making Him known is the essence of being a Christian.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Huge Props to Two Creative People
I am constantly amazed at people I get to do ministry with at NCC and the wonderful, creative, brilliant and influential people that I am in community with here at NCC. National Community Church has some of the most amazing and talent individuals that I know of anywhere.
I want to recommend two individuals who absolutely rock with some amazing skills! If you are looking for an awesome photographer or if you are looking for an amazing designer, sketch artist, digital artwork or had drawn illustration, these two people are absolutely incredible.
For photography contact Joe Portnoy (he has done our family photos, he has also done many of our friends' weddings) - www.snaptography.net
For sketch, digital artwork or hand-drawn illustrations Dylan Byrd is your guy (Dylan did Steph Modder's artwork for her CD cover) - www.byrdinflight.com
Check both of their sites out and contact them.
I want to recommend two individuals who absolutely rock with some amazing skills! If you are looking for an awesome photographer or if you are looking for an amazing designer, sketch artist, digital artwork or had drawn illustration, these two people are absolutely incredible.
For photography contact Joe Portnoy (he has done our family photos, he has also done many of our friends' weddings) - www.snaptography.net
For sketch, digital artwork or hand-drawn illustrations Dylan Byrd is your guy (Dylan did Steph Modder's artwork for her CD cover) - www.byrdinflight.com
Check both of their sites out and contact them.
Daily Caffeination 04/21/09
Determined Purpose
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. -Philippians 3:8
What is your determined purpose in life? Everyone has one. Some of us declare it, and others of us just practice it.
But we all have something that is our purpose in life--something that gets us up in the morning, something we live for, something we would even be willing to die for.
The Apostle Paul's determined purpose was to know the Lord. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:7--8).
Paul recognized the wonder of becoming more intimately acquainted with Him. God can be known. Not completely grasped. Not completely understood. But at the same time, God can be known in a personal and a very real way.
What a great purpose in life. I hope it's yours.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. -Philippians 3:8
What is your determined purpose in life? Everyone has one. Some of us declare it, and others of us just practice it.
But we all have something that is our purpose in life--something that gets us up in the morning, something we live for, something we would even be willing to die for.
The Apostle Paul's determined purpose was to know the Lord. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:7--8).
Paul recognized the wonder of becoming more intimately acquainted with Him. God can be known. Not completely grasped. Not completely understood. But at the same time, God can be known in a personal and a very real way.
What a great purpose in life. I hope it's yours.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Monday, April 20, 2009
Steph Modder
Here is Steph Modder, a great friend, teammate, worship leader, amazing musician and an awesome artist.
This is a great example of someone who is creative, talented and brilliant I get to come to work with everyday.
Steph just released her first CD, a decade in a making. She is able to live out her dream. Last night at her CD release party she absolutely rocked it out and did a fabulous job.
Check out her music and her beautiful artistry at www.stephmodder.com
Here is a video from her concert last night with the title track Hope's Got Me..go online and buy her full album!
I get to say I am not only a Steph Modder fan, but a Steph Modder friend...thanks Steph for who you are and all that the Lord has enabled you to do.
Hope's Got Me from Joe Portnoy on Vimeo.
This is a great example of someone who is creative, talented and brilliant I get to come to work with everyday.
Steph just released her first CD, a decade in a making. She is able to live out her dream. Last night at her CD release party she absolutely rocked it out and did a fabulous job.
Check out her music and her beautiful artistry at www.stephmodder.com
Here is a video from her concert last night with the title track Hope's Got Me..go online and buy her full album!
I get to say I am not only a Steph Modder fan, but a Steph Modder friend...thanks Steph for who you are and all that the Lord has enabled you to do.
Hope's Got Me from Joe Portnoy on Vimeo.
What An Amazing Life!!!
I have said this many, many times but I am living out my dreams and probably the most blessed person ever.
1. Have an amazing wife
2. Have awesome and adorable little boy
3. Have an incredible job/calling - I do what I love
4. Joy and honor to serve with the greatest team ever assembled (creativity, brilliance, spiritual sensitivity, talented, and me)
5. Get to serve the coolest and the most amazing people at NCC (I am able to speak into some of the most influential people lives and get to be a part of some the most significant days in their lives)
What an amazing life I am able to live!
THANK YOU GOD!
1. Have an amazing wife
2. Have awesome and adorable little boy
3. Have an incredible job/calling - I do what I love
4. Joy and honor to serve with the greatest team ever assembled (creativity, brilliance, spiritual sensitivity, talented, and me)
5. Get to serve the coolest and the most amazing people at NCC (I am able to speak into some of the most influential people lives and get to be a part of some the most significant days in their lives)
What an amazing life I am able to live!
THANK YOU GOD!
Daily Caffeination 04/20/09
I Believe God
Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God.-Acts 27: 25
One night on a storm-tossed ship in the Mediterranean, the apostle Paul headed toward Rome. He had been persecuted and imprisoned, and he was going to appear before Caesar for judgment.
On the way, a horrendous storm came up. It was so bad that the sailors on the ship thought they were going to die. They hadn't seen the sun or stars for days; they didn't know where they were.
But Paul was able to stand up on the deck of that tempest-tossed ship and say to that fearful crew,
"I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me." (Acts 27:22--26)
It's a wonderful thing when we as Christians can say those words, "I believe God."
It's especially good to be able to say that in this crazy world that seems to get darker and stormier and even more wicked. In fact, we are living in a time when wrong seems to be right and right seems to be wrong. Everything is turned around.
But God is eternal, He never changes. He said to the prophet Malachi, " 'I am the Lord, I do not change' " (Malachi 3:6). We can trust Him. Like the apostle Paul, we can say, "I believe God."
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God.-Acts 27: 25
One night on a storm-tossed ship in the Mediterranean, the apostle Paul headed toward Rome. He had been persecuted and imprisoned, and he was going to appear before Caesar for judgment.
On the way, a horrendous storm came up. It was so bad that the sailors on the ship thought they were going to die. They hadn't seen the sun or stars for days; they didn't know where they were.
But Paul was able to stand up on the deck of that tempest-tossed ship and say to that fearful crew,
"I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me." (Acts 27:22--26)
It's a wonderful thing when we as Christians can say those words, "I believe God."
It's especially good to be able to say that in this crazy world that seems to get darker and stormier and even more wicked. In fact, we are living in a time when wrong seems to be right and right seems to be wrong. Everything is turned around.
But God is eternal, He never changes. He said to the prophet Malachi, " 'I am the Lord, I do not change' " (Malachi 3:6). We can trust Him. Like the apostle Paul, we can say, "I believe God."
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Friday, April 17, 2009
Kick Off INFLUENCE Series this Weekend with Shaun Alexander
We kick off our influence series this weekend. Really want to encourage NCCers to invite or evite a friend. Remember, church is a tag team sport.
Here's a link to send an evite to a friend.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Every man is a hero and an oracle to somebody.” That means that everyone influences someone. During this four-week series, a wide variety of influencers will inspire us to leverage our influence for kingdom purposes.
This week's guest is NFL MVP, Shaun Alexander.
Daily Caffeination 04/17/09
Do You Love Me?
And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." -John 21:17
Simon Peter did love the Lord, even though he had denied Him. But no longer would he boast of his love for Jesus.
That is always a wise thing to do. Never boast of your love for God. Instead, boast of His love for you.
Don't tell me how much you love Him, how much you have done for Him, how wonderful of a servant you are. No--tell me how much He has done for you, how much He loves you, all that He has worked out in your life.
How can we tell if a person loves the Lord?
A person who loves the Lord will long for personal communion with God. The psalmist said, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God" (Psalm 42:1).
A person who loves the Lord will love the things He loves and hate the things He hates. The apostle Paul wrote, "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).
A person who loves the Lord will long for the return of Jesus. The apostle John prayed, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).
A person who loves the Lord will keep His commandments. Jesus Himself said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
If you really love God, it will be shown in your life. "'Do you love me?' Jesus said to Peter. And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You' " (John 21:17).
And Jesus is still asking that question of all of us. "Do you love me?" I wonder what our answer would be.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." -John 21:17
Simon Peter did love the Lord, even though he had denied Him. But no longer would he boast of his love for Jesus.
That is always a wise thing to do. Never boast of your love for God. Instead, boast of His love for you.
Don't tell me how much you love Him, how much you have done for Him, how wonderful of a servant you are. No--tell me how much He has done for you, how much He loves you, all that He has worked out in your life.
How can we tell if a person loves the Lord?
A person who loves the Lord will long for personal communion with God. The psalmist said, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God" (Psalm 42:1).
A person who loves the Lord will love the things He loves and hate the things He hates. The apostle Paul wrote, "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).
A person who loves the Lord will long for the return of Jesus. The apostle John prayed, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).
A person who loves the Lord will keep His commandments. Jesus Himself said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
If you really love God, it will be shown in your life. "'Do you love me?' Jesus said to Peter. And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You' " (John 21:17).
And Jesus is still asking that question of all of us. "Do you love me?" I wonder what our answer would be.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Looking forward to Reading this Book
This is from Ben Arment's blog History in the Making - http://www.benarment.com/history_in_the_making/2009/04/controversial-book-by-skye-jethani.html
I am looking forward to reading this book by Skye Jethani
I love what Skye had to say...ALL Pastors should take this to heart and live this out in their life and ministry.
If we are going to make a difference in our world for the Kingdom of God, we complement and work together for a GREATER CAUSE, instead living in competition with one another.
Controversial Book by Skye Jethani
Without a doubt, Skye Jethani's The Divine Commodity has been Commodity one of the best and most provocative reads of 2008 for me. It's a scathing analysis of what church has become. Today is a blog tour for Skye - who is the managing editor of Leadership Journal, so I asked him a question:
You wrote about the move among churches from collaboration to competition. I totally see this. In fact, the very churches that advocate cooperation seem to be the most ruthless at gobbling up "market share." How do we get back from here?
"This can be answered from a number of altitudes—theologically, socially, relationally, etc.—but let’s tackle this question on the practical level. Churches communicate their real values by what they do with their time, space, money, and people. If we’re going to get serious about cooperation, then it must impact all four of these elements. Here are some examples....
"Time—What if the church allotted some of the pastoral staff’s time to help another church in the community? For example, one church has an experienced youth minister and the church across town has just hired a 22-year-old fresh out of bible school to lead their youth group with virtually no ministry experience. For the first church to release their youth pastor 2 hours every week to mentor the younger guy would represent an investment of time.
"Space—Most church buildings are woefully underutilized six days every week. Why not invite other area churches to use your facilities, particularly churches that don’t have their own buildings? I know of some churches that use their facilities to “incubate” new congregations before they launch out in the community.
"Money—This one is a no brainer, but often the most contentious. Francis Chan has led his church to create a budget in which 50% of their income is given away. I know a church led by Greg Shipman in Columbia South Carolina that has regularly given large checks to neighboring churches. And in my own area, outside Chicago, there’s a new church plant that’s made the news for giving away 100% of their offerings. Many churches feel threatened when a new congregation is planted in their town, why not help get it started by putting some dollars behind it? Turn a “competitor” into a “cooperator.”
"People—Here’s what gets me really excited. Most churches believe that in order to have an impact in the community they need to start ministry programs. In some cases this may be true, but why does everything have to be under our church’s banner? Rick McKinley from Imago Dei in Portland, Oregon, likes to say “No logo, no ego.” As people in your church sense God’s calling and discern their giftedness, why not engage them outside your church’s programming? If First Baptist down the street already has a homeless ministry going, why do you have to start one at your church? Instead, send your volunteers who are passionate about caring for the homeless over to First Baptist to help. In fact, what if a church began with a commitment to launch no programs that already exist with a 5 mile radius? Instead the church commits to releasing God’s people to help build and support the efforts already underway by their brothers and sisters who happen to worship in different location on Sunday. That is real cooperation."
I am looking forward to reading this book by Skye Jethani
I love what Skye had to say...ALL Pastors should take this to heart and live this out in their life and ministry.
If we are going to make a difference in our world for the Kingdom of God, we complement and work together for a GREATER CAUSE, instead living in competition with one another.
Controversial Book by Skye Jethani
Without a doubt, Skye Jethani's The Divine Commodity has been Commodity one of the best and most provocative reads of 2008 for me. It's a scathing analysis of what church has become. Today is a blog tour for Skye - who is the managing editor of Leadership Journal, so I asked him a question:
You wrote about the move among churches from collaboration to competition. I totally see this. In fact, the very churches that advocate cooperation seem to be the most ruthless at gobbling up "market share." How do we get back from here?
"This can be answered from a number of altitudes—theologically, socially, relationally, etc.—but let’s tackle this question on the practical level. Churches communicate their real values by what they do with their time, space, money, and people. If we’re going to get serious about cooperation, then it must impact all four of these elements. Here are some examples....
"Time—What if the church allotted some of the pastoral staff’s time to help another church in the community? For example, one church has an experienced youth minister and the church across town has just hired a 22-year-old fresh out of bible school to lead their youth group with virtually no ministry experience. For the first church to release their youth pastor 2 hours every week to mentor the younger guy would represent an investment of time.
"Space—Most church buildings are woefully underutilized six days every week. Why not invite other area churches to use your facilities, particularly churches that don’t have their own buildings? I know of some churches that use their facilities to “incubate” new congregations before they launch out in the community.
"Money—This one is a no brainer, but often the most contentious. Francis Chan has led his church to create a budget in which 50% of their income is given away. I know a church led by Greg Shipman in Columbia South Carolina that has regularly given large checks to neighboring churches. And in my own area, outside Chicago, there’s a new church plant that’s made the news for giving away 100% of their offerings. Many churches feel threatened when a new congregation is planted in their town, why not help get it started by putting some dollars behind it? Turn a “competitor” into a “cooperator.”
"People—Here’s what gets me really excited. Most churches believe that in order to have an impact in the community they need to start ministry programs. In some cases this may be true, but why does everything have to be under our church’s banner? Rick McKinley from Imago Dei in Portland, Oregon, likes to say “No logo, no ego.” As people in your church sense God’s calling and discern their giftedness, why not engage them outside your church’s programming? If First Baptist down the street already has a homeless ministry going, why do you have to start one at your church? Instead, send your volunteers who are passionate about caring for the homeless over to First Baptist to help. In fact, what if a church began with a commitment to launch no programs that already exist with a 5 mile radius? Instead the church commits to releasing God’s people to help build and support the efforts already underway by their brothers and sisters who happen to worship in different location on Sunday. That is real cooperation."
A Song that Brings Conviction
I have this song on my playlist and I have heard atleast 20 times....for whatever reason the song just resonated with me and brought some conviction to my heart and motives.
This is a great tune, great lyrics...let these words truly speak to you, let them grab a hold of your heart. Allow it to check your heart and motives as you go through each day of your life.
You, Me and the Bourgeoisie
The Submarines
Here I am with all the pleasures of the first world
Laid out for me who am I to breakdown?
Everyday I wake up,
I choose Love
I choose Light
And I try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Oh my baby don't be so distressed
Were done with politesse
It's time to be so brutally honest about
The way we know we long for something fine
When we pine for higher ceilings
And bourgeois happy feelings
And here we are in the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Plastic Bottles
Imported Water
Cars we drive wherever we want to
Clothes we buy it's sweatshop labor
Drugs from corporate enablers
We're not living the Good life
Unless we're fighting the Good fight
You and Me just trying to get it right
In the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Love can free us from all excess
From our deepest debts
Cause when our hearts are full we need much less
Yea i know we long for something fine
When we pine for higher ceilings
And bourgeois happy feelings
But Here we are in the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Here we are in the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
When we wake up do we realize how fortunate we are and as Christ followers do we care about the injustices of those who do not have, people that are being taken advantage of because of our excess and we still complain when we don't have enough or the name brands.
Everyday we must choose Love, choose Light. To choose love, we must be willing to show love to others, as we love other the way Christ loved us all, then we choose Light, we are able to illuminate the Light of God and the Light of God's justice for the world to see.
We must stop being proud in what we have materially and allow God to use us to bless others who are not as fortunate.
Ps. 140:12. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
Is. 25:4. For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress.
Lev. 19:15. "You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly."
Luke 12:44. "Sell your possessions and give alms; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Ezekial 28:1-5 -1 Then this message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, give the prince of Tyre this message from the Sovereign Lord:
“In your great pride you claim, ‘I am a god!
I sit on a divine throne in the heart of the sea.’
But you are only a man and not a god,
though you boast that you are a god.
3 You regard yourself as wiser than Daniel
and think no secret is hidden from you.
4 With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth—
gold and silver for your treasuries.
5 Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich,
and your riches have made you very proud.
Check out my friend and office mate, John Hasler's blog - http://justicetabernacle.wordpress.com/
This is a great tune, great lyrics...let these words truly speak to you, let them grab a hold of your heart. Allow it to check your heart and motives as you go through each day of your life.
You, Me and the Bourgeoisie
The Submarines
Here I am with all the pleasures of the first world
Laid out for me who am I to breakdown?
Everyday I wake up,
I choose Love
I choose Light
And I try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Oh my baby don't be so distressed
Were done with politesse
It's time to be so brutally honest about
The way we know we long for something fine
When we pine for higher ceilings
And bourgeois happy feelings
And here we are in the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Plastic Bottles
Imported Water
Cars we drive wherever we want to
Clothes we buy it's sweatshop labor
Drugs from corporate enablers
We're not living the Good life
Unless we're fighting the Good fight
You and Me just trying to get it right
In the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Love can free us from all excess
From our deepest debts
Cause when our hearts are full we need much less
Yea i know we long for something fine
When we pine for higher ceilings
And bourgeois happy feelings
But Here we are in the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Here we are in the center of the first world
It's laid out for us, who are we to break down?
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
Everyday we wake up
We choose Love
We choose light
And we try, it's too easy just to fall apart
When we wake up do we realize how fortunate we are and as Christ followers do we care about the injustices of those who do not have, people that are being taken advantage of because of our excess and we still complain when we don't have enough or the name brands.
Everyday we must choose Love, choose Light. To choose love, we must be willing to show love to others, as we love other the way Christ loved us all, then we choose Light, we are able to illuminate the Light of God and the Light of God's justice for the world to see.
We must stop being proud in what we have materially and allow God to use us to bless others who are not as fortunate.
Ps. 140:12. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.
Is. 25:4. For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress.
Lev. 19:15. "You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly."
Luke 12:44. "Sell your possessions and give alms; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Ezekial 28:1-5 -1 Then this message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, give the prince of Tyre this message from the Sovereign Lord:
“In your great pride you claim, ‘I am a god!
I sit on a divine throne in the heart of the sea.’
But you are only a man and not a god,
though you boast that you are a god.
3 You regard yourself as wiser than Daniel
and think no secret is hidden from you.
4 With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth—
gold and silver for your treasuries.
5 Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich,
and your riches have made you very proud.
Check out my friend and office mate, John Hasler's blog - http://justicetabernacle.wordpress.com/
Daily Caffeination 04/16/09
Test of Your Character
"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." -Psalm 37:6
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. The test: being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The workplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." -Psalm 37:6
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. The test: being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The workplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/15/09
Gone Fishing
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." -John 21:3
How many times have you wanted to leave your problems behind, get away from it all, and hang the "Gone fishing" sign on your office door?
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were waiting in Galilee for Jesus as He had instructed them. Not knowing what else to do, they decided, under the leadership of Peter, to go out and fish.
The apostle John tells the story like this:
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3--4)
Well, these disciples went out fishing and they caught nothing. That was not a bad thing. But Jesus had them catch nothing to prove a point, which was the futility and uselessness of living our lives without the direction and blessing of Jesus.
You can aim at your goals. You can work hard in business, work hard at everything you hold dear, and still your dreams may not be fulfilled because you did not have the Lord direct your life. You did not invite Him to bless your plan or, more importantly, direct you in your plans.
So often we will think, It's my life and my future and my career and my family and my money. We forget that we belong to God.
We need to remember--it's God's life. It's His future.
He is so gracious and loving. He wants to guide and direct your steps. Did you know that? God has a custom-designed plan just for your life.
Keep that in mind as you think about your future. Say, "Lord, what do You want me to do? I don't want to go fishing and pull up empty nets. I want You to direct me. I want You to guide me."
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." -John 21:3
How many times have you wanted to leave your problems behind, get away from it all, and hang the "Gone fishing" sign on your office door?
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were waiting in Galilee for Jesus as He had instructed them. Not knowing what else to do, they decided, under the leadership of Peter, to go out and fish.
The apostle John tells the story like this:
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3--4)
Well, these disciples went out fishing and they caught nothing. That was not a bad thing. But Jesus had them catch nothing to prove a point, which was the futility and uselessness of living our lives without the direction and blessing of Jesus.
You can aim at your goals. You can work hard in business, work hard at everything you hold dear, and still your dreams may not be fulfilled because you did not have the Lord direct your life. You did not invite Him to bless your plan or, more importantly, direct you in your plans.
So often we will think, It's my life and my future and my career and my family and my money. We forget that we belong to God.
We need to remember--it's God's life. It's His future.
He is so gracious and loving. He wants to guide and direct your steps. Did you know that? God has a custom-designed plan just for your life.
Keep that in mind as you think about your future. Say, "Lord, what do You want me to do? I don't want to go fishing and pull up empty nets. I want You to direct me. I want You to guide me."
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Monday, April 13, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/13/09
A Second Chance at Easter
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" -Matthew 28:9
The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that God provides second chances.
When Jesus was crucified, it came as a shock to His followers. They just did not seem to understand that He would be crucified and rise again on the third day. When the Crucifixion actually took place, it shattered their faith.
But after His resurrection we see the risen Lord seeking out these discouraged, disheartened disciples to revive them, to reignite them.
How easily Jesus could have written them all off and said, "You didn't stand by Me in My greatest hour of need; now I am not going to stand by you in yours." But no--the Lord sought to restore them.
When Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus early in the morning, the angel told her that the Lord had risen. As she and the other Mary "went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' " (Matthew 28:9). She found the living Lord, who restored her hope and purpose in life.
Thomas missed the meeting when Jesus had appeared to the other disciples, but He reappeared when Thomas was back with the group. How gracious of Jesus to condescend to the skepticism of one single man. It almost appears that He came to that meeting simply to restore Thomas.
Remember the two discouraged disciples on the Emmaus Road? As He spoke to them, their deadened hearts began to reignite. "And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?' " (Luke 24:32). Jesus went out of His way to restore their hope.
Maybe you have doubts or fears today. The same Jesus who restored Mary, the disciples on the Emmaus Road, and the skeptical Thomas, will restore your faith. You too can discover that Jesus gives second chances.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" -Matthew 28:9
The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that God provides second chances.
When Jesus was crucified, it came as a shock to His followers. They just did not seem to understand that He would be crucified and rise again on the third day. When the Crucifixion actually took place, it shattered their faith.
But after His resurrection we see the risen Lord seeking out these discouraged, disheartened disciples to revive them, to reignite them.
How easily Jesus could have written them all off and said, "You didn't stand by Me in My greatest hour of need; now I am not going to stand by you in yours." But no--the Lord sought to restore them.
When Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus early in the morning, the angel told her that the Lord had risen. As she and the other Mary "went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' " (Matthew 28:9). She found the living Lord, who restored her hope and purpose in life.
Thomas missed the meeting when Jesus had appeared to the other disciples, but He reappeared when Thomas was back with the group. How gracious of Jesus to condescend to the skepticism of one single man. It almost appears that He came to that meeting simply to restore Thomas.
Remember the two discouraged disciples on the Emmaus Road? As He spoke to them, their deadened hearts began to reignite. "And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?' " (Luke 24:32). Jesus went out of His way to restore their hope.
Maybe you have doubts or fears today. The same Jesus who restored Mary, the disciples on the Emmaus Road, and the skeptical Thomas, will restore your faith. You too can discover that Jesus gives second chances.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/09/09
A Permanent Reminder
"Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself." -Luke 24:39
What did the resurrected body of Jesus look like? The Bible tells us that after Jesus' cruel torture, crucifixion, and three days in the tomb, He was recognizable, and that His followers knew who He was.
We know that He had a body of flesh and bone. Jesus told the disciples, "Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have" (Luke 24:39).
We also know that Jesus ate food. Imagine the surprise of the disciples when the risen Lord appeared to them and then said, "Have you any food here?"
"What?" they must have been thinking. But they gave Jesus a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb, and He ate it (see Luke 24:41--43).
His resurrected body also could be touched and felt. When the women were returning from the empty tomb, "Behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him" (Matthew 28:9).
Then, when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room, He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing" (John 20:27).
This tells us that in His resurrected body, Jesus still wore the marks of the crucifixion. And He will wear those marks, even in eternity (see Zechariah 12:10).
I think this is to remind us of how we got there. We will not be in heaven because of our good works. We will be there because of His shed blood, because spikes were driven through His hands and feet for us.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
"Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself." -Luke 24:39
What did the resurrected body of Jesus look like? The Bible tells us that after Jesus' cruel torture, crucifixion, and three days in the tomb, He was recognizable, and that His followers knew who He was.
We know that He had a body of flesh and bone. Jesus told the disciples, "Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have" (Luke 24:39).
We also know that Jesus ate food. Imagine the surprise of the disciples when the risen Lord appeared to them and then said, "Have you any food here?"
"What?" they must have been thinking. But they gave Jesus a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb, and He ate it (see Luke 24:41--43).
His resurrected body also could be touched and felt. When the women were returning from the empty tomb, "Behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him" (Matthew 28:9).
Then, when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room, He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing" (John 20:27).
This tells us that in His resurrected body, Jesus still wore the marks of the crucifixion. And He will wear those marks, even in eternity (see Zechariah 12:10).
I think this is to remind us of how we got there. We will not be in heaven because of our good works. We will be there because of His shed blood, because spikes were driven through His hands and feet for us.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Great Easter Worship Music
Yesterday, during our Big Idea meeting our creative team was discussing and thinking through our worship set this Easter Sunday. So it got me thinking what good worship songs are out there that both celebrates Jesus our risen Savior and doesn't look back at the Cross, but looks ahead at the new life we share with our resurrected King.
Songs that are worshipful, celebratory, and high energy.
Here some that I came up with...
Happy Day by Fee
Blessed the Lord by Jeff Deyo
My Savior Lives by Desperation Band or Ross Parsley
My Savior, My God by Aaron Shurst
God You Reign by Lincoln Brewster
Salvation Is Here by Hillsong United
Any other thoughts? I am looking for more of modern/recent songs, I know there a bunch of great hymns out there...
By the way, please no Arise My love by Newsong. :-)
Songs that are worshipful, celebratory, and high energy.
Here some that I came up with...
Happy Day by Fee
Blessed the Lord by Jeff Deyo
My Savior Lives by Desperation Band or Ross Parsley
My Savior, My God by Aaron Shurst
God You Reign by Lincoln Brewster
Salvation Is Here by Hillsong United
Any other thoughts? I am looking for more of modern/recent songs, I know there a bunch of great hymns out there...
By the way, please no Arise My love by Newsong. :-)
Daily Caffeination 04/08/09
No Longer on the Outside
Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. . . .-Matthew 27:51
Take Me In by Kutless
Take me past the outer courts
Into the Holy Place
Past the brazen altar
Lord I want to see your face
Pass me by the crowds of people
And the Priests who sing your praise
I hunger and thirst for your righteousness
But it's only found in one place
Take me into the holy of holies
Take me in by the blood of the Lamb
Take me into the holy of holies
Take the coal, touch my lips, here I am
If I could have been present at certain moments in history, one event I would like to have seen was the veil of the temple being torn in two.
In the inner court of the temple in Jerusalem, in the Holy of Holies, was the Ark of the Covenant. That was where the high priest would go once a year to offer atonement for the sins of the people. A veil, a very thick, woven curtain, separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple.
When Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, that heavy curtain was torn from top to bottom. It was not ripped from bottom to top, as though a man were ripping it. Instead, it was ripped from top to bottom, because God was ripping it.
God was saying, "You no longer are on the outside. You can come in. My Son has made a way for you."
The apostle Paul explained how we can now draw near to God:
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (Hebrews 10:19--22)
The veil was torn. Jesus is now our Intercessor. We don't have to go through a person to reach God anymore. We don't have to go through rituals anymore. Instead, Jesus made a new and living way for us to reach God.
Jesus paid it all. And that is so important to remember.
Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
Thank you Lord for giving us free access to you, thank you for paying the full price for our sins through Your precious blood. There is no better place to be than being in the holy of holies, in Your presence. Jesus Precious Name, the Name above every name. Amen
Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. . . .-Matthew 27:51
Take Me In by Kutless
Take me past the outer courts
Into the Holy Place
Past the brazen altar
Lord I want to see your face
Pass me by the crowds of people
And the Priests who sing your praise
I hunger and thirst for your righteousness
But it's only found in one place
Take me into the holy of holies
Take me in by the blood of the Lamb
Take me into the holy of holies
Take the coal, touch my lips, here I am
If I could have been present at certain moments in history, one event I would like to have seen was the veil of the temple being torn in two.
In the inner court of the temple in Jerusalem, in the Holy of Holies, was the Ark of the Covenant. That was where the high priest would go once a year to offer atonement for the sins of the people. A veil, a very thick, woven curtain, separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple.
When Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, that heavy curtain was torn from top to bottom. It was not ripped from bottom to top, as though a man were ripping it. Instead, it was ripped from top to bottom, because God was ripping it.
God was saying, "You no longer are on the outside. You can come in. My Son has made a way for you."
The apostle Paul explained how we can now draw near to God:
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (Hebrews 10:19--22)
The veil was torn. Jesus is now our Intercessor. We don't have to go through a person to reach God anymore. We don't have to go through rituals anymore. Instead, Jesus made a new and living way for us to reach God.
Jesus paid it all. And that is so important to remember.
Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
Thank you Lord for giving us free access to you, thank you for paying the full price for our sins through Your precious blood. There is no better place to be than being in the holy of holies, in Your presence. Jesus Precious Name, the Name above every name. Amen
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/07/09
Understanding Our Own Calling
..."If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me." - John 21:22
Jesus was talking to Peter after he had just had a very important encounter with Him-one of the last meetings the two would have. This was the third time Jesus had shown Himself to the disciples after His resurrection. It is the famous dialogue between Jesus and Peter in which Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Jesus followed by commanding, "Feed My sheep." Jesus went on to foretell of Peter's future death. As they were walking together, John was with Peter and Jesus. Peter asked Jesus about John and whether he would die also. Jesus reacted sharply to Peter's comment, telling him not to worry about what John's role or purpose was in life. All Peter had to do was worry about fulfilling his own purpose.
As Christ followers we tend to measure our success on whether we have achieved a certain position or stature in life. The temptation to believe that someone is blessed if they have achieved prominence is always confronting us. In His discussion with Peter, Jesus was getting at the very heart of the matter of a person's calling. Peter was worried about whether his friend John was going to get the same lot in life as he was. Jesus told him it should not be his concern. He was to concern himself only with one thing: his own calling before God.
Are you tempted to compare yourself with where others are in their life? Are you dissatisfied with where God has you right now? Be of good cheer-"[be] confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).
..."If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me." - John 21:22
Jesus was talking to Peter after he had just had a very important encounter with Him-one of the last meetings the two would have. This was the third time Jesus had shown Himself to the disciples after His resurrection. It is the famous dialogue between Jesus and Peter in which Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Jesus followed by commanding, "Feed My sheep." Jesus went on to foretell of Peter's future death. As they were walking together, John was with Peter and Jesus. Peter asked Jesus about John and whether he would die also. Jesus reacted sharply to Peter's comment, telling him not to worry about what John's role or purpose was in life. All Peter had to do was worry about fulfilling his own purpose.
As Christ followers we tend to measure our success on whether we have achieved a certain position or stature in life. The temptation to believe that someone is blessed if they have achieved prominence is always confronting us. In His discussion with Peter, Jesus was getting at the very heart of the matter of a person's calling. Peter was worried about whether his friend John was going to get the same lot in life as he was. Jesus told him it should not be his concern. He was to concern himself only with one thing: his own calling before God.
Are you tempted to compare yourself with where others are in their life? Are you dissatisfied with where God has you right now? Be of good cheer-"[be] confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).
Monday, April 06, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/06/09
Warriors in the Battle
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood...-Ephesians 6:12
A spiritual battle wages in our world today; and God is looking for men and women who are ready to go into that spiritual battlefield and make a difference.
The battle has been raging since the very beginning, as Satan has tried to keep us apart from God. The apostle Paul described this spiritual struggle when he wrote, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
The devil has always opposed Christ, and he will oppose those who follow Jesus Christ.
One of Satan's strategies was to try to stop the Messiah from arriving in the first place. Remember in the book of Exodus when Pharaoh commanded all of the Hebrew baby boys to be killed? That was Satan's plan to wipe out the tribe the Messiah would come from. Satan tried again with Haman in the book of Esther and with King Herod who killed all those babies in Bethlehem, intending to stop the arrival of the Messiah.
Well, those plans didn't work, but the battle continued.
Certainly the devil was at work when Judas Iscariot betrayed the Lord for 30 pieces of silver. You might have thought that Satan was basically successful when nails went through the hands and feet of Jesus on the cross.
But as the devil hammered home those nails he was hammering home his own defeat, because it was the blood of Christ that redeemed us.
Thank God today for that redemption! Let's be warriors in the battle.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood...-Ephesians 6:12
A spiritual battle wages in our world today; and God is looking for men and women who are ready to go into that spiritual battlefield and make a difference.
The battle has been raging since the very beginning, as Satan has tried to keep us apart from God. The apostle Paul described this spiritual struggle when he wrote, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
The devil has always opposed Christ, and he will oppose those who follow Jesus Christ.
One of Satan's strategies was to try to stop the Messiah from arriving in the first place. Remember in the book of Exodus when Pharaoh commanded all of the Hebrew baby boys to be killed? That was Satan's plan to wipe out the tribe the Messiah would come from. Satan tried again with Haman in the book of Esther and with King Herod who killed all those babies in Bethlehem, intending to stop the arrival of the Messiah.
Well, those plans didn't work, but the battle continued.
Certainly the devil was at work when Judas Iscariot betrayed the Lord for 30 pieces of silver. You might have thought that Satan was basically successful when nails went through the hands and feet of Jesus on the cross.
But as the devil hammered home those nails he was hammering home his own defeat, because it was the blood of Christ that redeemed us.
Thank God today for that redemption! Let's be warriors in the battle.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Daily Caffeination 04/04/09
Valuable to God
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. -2 Corinthians 4:7
Is low self-esteem really the problem with society today? I think we need to have a proper understanding of the way things are.
First of all, I recognize in myself I am a sinner. But I also recognize that when Christ came into my life He gave me value. He put His treasure in an earthen vessel, or in a jar of clay, which is my life.
And now, with a new confidence and boldness, I have something to offer, because He has made me someone of value.
A great writer can write on an ordinary piece of paper and suddenly it is valuable. A great artist can take a canvas and make a beautiful painting on it that is priceless. It isn't the paper that's valuable, or the canvas. It's what the poet wrote on the paper. It's what the artist painted on the canvas.
The apostle Paul knew that the value of the work he was doing for the Lord was not due to his own ability, but due to the power of God at work in him. He wrote to the church in Corinth, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).
God wrote His name on you when you gave your life to Christ. He invested Himself in you. That's why you can make a difference.
God wants to use you, and He has a place for you--a part for you to play, a seed for you to sow, a call for you to answer.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. -2 Corinthians 4:7
Is low self-esteem really the problem with society today? I think we need to have a proper understanding of the way things are.
First of all, I recognize in myself I am a sinner. But I also recognize that when Christ came into my life He gave me value. He put His treasure in an earthen vessel, or in a jar of clay, which is my life.
And now, with a new confidence and boldness, I have something to offer, because He has made me someone of value.
A great writer can write on an ordinary piece of paper and suddenly it is valuable. A great artist can take a canvas and make a beautiful painting on it that is priceless. It isn't the paper that's valuable, or the canvas. It's what the poet wrote on the paper. It's what the artist painted on the canvas.
The apostle Paul knew that the value of the work he was doing for the Lord was not due to his own ability, but due to the power of God at work in him. He wrote to the church in Corinth, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).
God wrote His name on you when you gave your life to Christ. He invested Himself in you. That's why you can make a difference.
God wants to use you, and He has a place for you--a part for you to play, a seed for you to sow, a call for you to answer.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries
Friday, April 03, 2009
Broken Again...
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
Disciples so often get into trouble;
Psalm 34:17-19 (The Message)
Broken Again by Another Animal
ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
Disciples so often get into trouble;
Psalm 34:17-19 (The Message)
Broken Again by Another Animal
Nothing
Seem to be just what I've become
With every ounce of faith I give
Still feel it all coming undone
Day by day
I feel you slippin’ away
The more I crumble
The more I need to pray
All the things you try to hide
And every time you had to lie
I’m broken
Every smile I had to fake
And every time I want to break
I’m broken again
You can’t break me (You can’t break me)
You can’t break me (You can’t break me)
You can’t break me
You can’t break me
You can’t break me
Why do we as Christ followers say to God you can't break me? Why do we try to hide behind
superficial masks? I think the hope of a Savior who was broken for us can bring healing to our
brokenness is amazing.
For me I come to God daily acknowledging my brokenness and I pray that He would bring
wholeness to my life, that He would bring to a place of complete surrender to His will.
I am so grateful for the King of the broken, the bruised, the battered, the abused, the downcast,
He is the King of all.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (New International Version)
King of the Broken by Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis-Chapman, Stuart Garrard, Israel Houghton,
Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick,Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith
Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech
Lover of the wounded
Defender of the weak
Friend of the forgotten
You wipe our tears away
Heal us
Forgive us
Restore our hearts again
Fill us
Breathe upon us
Jesus, Jesus
King of our hearts
King of the broken
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