Music Monday - 20090914

In the past i have felt a desire to be more passionate about my God and Savior. I've felt lukewarm for a while about my relationship and pursuit of Christ. Well, let's just say i am 'cooler' than i really wish to be. Due to illness and other reasons the family was not able to make it to church yesterday so i searched for a website that carried sermons from C.J. Mahaney and i found a site called Vimeo. Sovereign Grace Ministries has registered a user name there and have uploaded almost 30 videos of various speakers so i did not narrowly focus on just CJ, but a video titled "Extravagant Devotion" struck a cord with me and i proceeded to watch it on my home PC (with the occasional interuptions, "Daddy, I'm hungry", etc.). Reader, if you have the time i whole heartedly recommend the following video:

As God often does there was a poignant line that struck to the heart of my "dilemma". About 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through CJ says that he is sometimes asked how he is so passionate. This of course made me perk up my ears. His response?

"What do you review and reflect on each day? We all want to feel deeply, but we don’t want to think deeply. There is a relationship between thinking, theologically informed thinking, and feeling."

To my shame i am guilty of allowing my Bible to have dust settle on it. It sits all too often idle on my night stand. It is not dusted off either dusk or dawn. The Bible verse for this sermon is:

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.” And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, [1] as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii [2] and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Mark 14:1-11, ESV)

In his sermon CJ remarks on how everyone in the room was critical of Mary, and what they should have been doing is lining up behind her to do the same. I literally wept at this point. Haven't i been forgiven! Aren't my sins nailed to His cross! Too often i am among the scoffers and not often enough am i sitting at His feet. While i was listening to this sermon the song, Mary Did You Know came to mind... and it is my song for today.

Mary Did you Know? by Mark Lowry - October 1988 Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you. Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God. Oh Mary did you know--- The blind will see, the deaf will hear,the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb---. Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb

? This sleeping child you're holding is the great--I--- AM---. So i ask...

Do you intentionally review and reflect upon the gospel? If not, and i am including myself in this question and statement, do not expect to be passionate about the Savior.

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:14-22, ESV)

A work in progress

Self discipline is hard! When i was in basic training discipline came easy. You did what you were supposed to or you did push ups. Pretty much a no brainer. But as we get older, and we have to actually do things for our selves it gets harder. Why? Because there are fewer boundaries. You can do pretty much what you want. If you don't feel like going to work you don't have to - but there will be consequences. The consequences can help you make the right choice (like the push ups did in basic training), but what about the times when there are no apparent consequences? At least not immediately. I found a verse of scripture referenced in a place i did not expect - but it sort of struck a cord for where my mind has been of late:

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. (Revelation 21:6, ESV)

I have been becoming more "thirsty" (I think, i hope, and i pray this is so) of late. This is a very good thing in my opinion. But as i look around i am not sure where to go to attempt to quench such thirst. Draw from the wrong pool and a poison can set in. By God's grace i have such a wealth of resources to turn to... but i am not sure exactly how to do it. That sounds... odd i'm sure. I'm not exactly sure how to pursue this on my own... and i am even more unsure if/how to approach someone to try and mentor me... especially as it's probably going to be over the web. Verse for today: Revelation 21 : 1-8, ESV Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place [1] of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, [2] and God himself will be with them as their God. [3] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Music Monday - 20080825

I had a hard time choosing a song today. It was a long weekend in that I am beat (tired) today and I actually had a few songs running through my mind. On Saturday I got ready to pour the cement for the footers for my beloved's deck and when I was double checking the holes one of them was off - thus I had to dig a ninth hole. :) I'm telling you what - by the time I was done that 16lb pry bar felt like 50lbs! LOL The whole time I'm digging that hole the song "Sixteen Tons" by Ernie Ford kept running through my head. That's not going to be the song for today though. If you wish, click here to listen/watch it on You Tube (by Johnny Cash). Then yesterday we had a family ministry team meeting at church right after the 11:00 am service. It was a long day mentally for me so I didn't really think of a song. I was just busy getting things done - so much for a day of rest. :( When I dragged my tired bones out of bed this morning the song that started running through my head was "Step by Step" by Rich Mullins...

Step by Step Oh God, You are my God And I will ever praise You Oh God, You are my God And I will ever praise You I will seek You in the morning And I will learn to walk in Your ways And step by step You'll lead me And I will follow You all of my days Oh God, You are my God And I will ever praise You Oh God, You are my God And I will ever praise You I will seek You in the morning And I will learn to walk in Your ways And step by step You'll lead me And I will follow You all of my days And step by step You'll lead me And I will follow You all of my days

This song sings of the ideal. Something I know I do not do 100% every day. I want to be ever praiseful, I want to be ever mindful of where He is leading me, I want to seek Him morning by morning. The truth does not waver though. Jesus is always my God, and He will always lead me. Praise God that I am redeemed, and I am being conformed into His image day by day. Verse for today: Revelation 7 : 9-12, ESV After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Wordless Wednesday

Some of my blogging friends use pictures for today... for me it's just that I am pretty beat down today. Very, very tired - so I will add a picture today and wish you all a great Wednesday! By Mr. Kunstler: - When I finally decided to paint the Battle of New Market, I knew I wanted to incorporate a number of important visual elements into the painting. They included a terrible thunder storm, the VMI students participating in a valiant fashion, and a former Vice President of the United States as commanding General for the Confederates. On visiting the Battlefield, I went step by step through the battle with Director Ed Merrill and Curator Keith Gibson. I was struck by the charm and beauty of the Bushong House on the Battlefield. If I came in close on the students near the house, they would simply be marching in parade ground precision past the building and I knew this would not make an interesting picture. However, in wandering around the Battlefield where General John C. Breckenridge had his command post, I realized I could do it all - show Breckenridge, show an artillery battery in action near the command position, utilize the lightning as a light source, show the students and feature the Bushong House in this one painting. I was sure this was the solution to the problem of how to say "New Market" to the viewer in a dramatic and interesting way. With the torrential downpour, the main effect I was after was wetness. The rain would have washed the mud off men and horses as fast as they were being covered with it. I had also never seen a painting of anyone with the rubberized blankets in use at the time and decided to put one on General Breckenridge. I find the difficulties of fighting a battle under these circumstances truly amazing. Imagine trying to keep track of the enemy, keep your powder dry and your weapons in working order, and control your horse with the lightning, thunder and gunfire. These were some of the things I tried to capture in Thunder in the Valley. I hope I have succeeded. Verse for today: Revelation 19 : 6-10, ESV Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

And the angel said [2] to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant [3] with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Not Exactly 'Revelation' type stuff but...

Over the weekend, while I was out enjoying time with my family at an unusually slow pace, I found out that a sequel to a game that I really liked was coming out. Despite my real lack of time to get too deep in any one game I went ahead and put a deposit for both the game and the strategy guide. Before I make the "big reveal" I wanted to ponder the similarities in interests I seem to have. Fair reader, perhaps you can help me figure out why? If not, maybe you will enjoy similar things... Way back in High School I had a tradition of spending New Years Eve with a friend of mine nicknamed 'Tynie". We were both social misfits in our school so we enjoyed each other's company. One year we watched "Damnation Alley" as one of many movies we watched. I remember this movie in particular because while we were watching it my foot brushed an orange peel on the floor while we were watching the "Salt Lake City" scene, and I vaulted over the ottoman I was leaning against and landed on the coach behind it. LOL But these were the years when I was really getting into movies. Other movies I really got into where "Mad Max" and "The Road Warrior". What I did not realize was that it was becoming a defining moments, and a trend in my likes and dislikes of genres. But the movie I 'loved' the most was "The Terminator". I remember my friends and I walking over six miles each way, in the summer heat to go and watch this movie. I was captivated by the future scenes of John Connor running through the post apocalyptic wastes of some city in the future. Dodging evil robots, and trying to defend what was left of human civilization. Even back then I remember wanting a 'Terminator' movie set in the future, and it looks like my hope of such a thing will finally come to be realized next May. "Terminator: Salvation", starring Christian Bale, will finally hit the theaters next year. I doubt it will be as good as I want it to be, but I will watch it nonetheless. Both the 'teaser' and the first promotional trailer can be found at IMDB. Of the three movies that have been released so far, "Rise of the Machines" (3) is my favorite. Last year's Fox's "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" was an awesome (IMO) series and I am really looking forward to the upcoming season. So far I've not established a pattern so much as just an affinity for certain style of movie so I shall move on. Starting in my High School years I also got into a table top war game called "Warhammer 40,000". By this time in my life I was getting bored with Dungeons & Dragons and I had recently joined the Army National Guard. Having been exposed to several other Bookshelf games (i.e. Tactics II, Napoleon, Air War, and Squad Leader), I liked the idea of having a three dimensional representation with the pieces. But what really caught my eye was when a 'rule set' for a game called 'Confrontation' came out circa 1990. This game eventually became 'Necromunda'. This game is a 'squad level' skirmish game set in a future world where cities have grown into the skies and are now called 'hives'. Where the game takes place is in the 'lawless zones' of the 'underhive' where things are not kept up and decay is the rule in regards to resources. When a supplemental rule article came out for the "Ash Wastes" it immediately caught my eye. The "Wastes" in this 'world' are a place where millennium upon millennium of industrial waste has ruined and made toxic the entire planet surface not covered by the massive hive-cities. Yet there are those who carve out a living outside the walls. These are the backdrops of my short stories (both inside, and out of the cities). I was interested enough to help proof read, and write some specific stories, for a rewrite of the 'Ash Wastes' rules supplement about a year or so back. My interests in this area is not limited to movies and board/tabletop games. On my recent vacation I had run out of reading material so I was perusing one of the overpriced bookstores in the Dallas airport and came across a book in a series by William Johnstone (the title escapes me right now). But there are about a dozen or so books - all based on a post-apocalyptic America. I have read only three chapters and I have put it down because I want to start the series from the beginning! I'm not sure how much I will really like, but it's caught my attention. So, finally back to my original comment about this game I want to get - even though I do not have all that much time to actually play it... The game is called Fallout 3 (the video above is the promotional deal from the company). I got hooked on the first one in the series back when I was on active duty. It was already an old game then, but I ate it up anyway. I also picked up the second in the series, but I never finished it. Now I hear that there is yet another Fallout game that is a turn based tactical game as well. I will probably go ahead and get the game, even though it will probably take me years to finish it. What prompted this blog entry today is I realized yesterday this 'theme', if you will, of my interest in movies, books, games, etc. I wonder if there is an underlying reason. I mean, I was even drawn to the part in "Mere Christianity" where the 'hero' is seeing a writers vision of what hell might be like. I don't have delusions of grandeur that I would somehow survive such events, let alone be some kind of hero in such a setting. Quite the opposite. I'm pretty sure I'd be killed off pretty quick. Why is it that I am drawn to such a genre. I am not repulsed by my interests... just interested in my interest. If that makes sense. Other movies that I like, "The Postman", and "Blast From the Past". There was a lot more that came to mind while I was typing this up, but I couldn't keep it all straight. Besides, I think I've gotten across what I was thinking. Verse for today: Revelation 6 : 12-17, ESV When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave [5] and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Music Monday - 20080721

Wow, I think it's been almost a month since my last "Music Monday" post. :-( Well, here is my entry for today:

Praise You In This Storm Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms I was sure by now God, You would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining As the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with You" And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away CHORUS I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am Every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry You raised me up again My strength is almost gone How can I carry on If I can't find You As the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with You" And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away CHORUS I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth (repeat) CHORUS Though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm 2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Music (BMI) (adm. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) / Banahama Tunes (ASCAP) (adm. by Word Music, LLC)

I have lost count how many times I have failed to do this. Although I have been getting better at this... I think. I am not really in the middle of a storm - per se - but yesterday I was beginning to question just how much I have filled my life with "noise". So much so that I wonder if I am hearing His voice any more. At least lately. Verse for today: Revelation 21 : 3-8, ESV And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place [1] of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, [2] and God himself will be with them as their God. [3] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Warning - interesting times up ahead

How does that old Chinese curse go, "May you live in interesting times"? Well, I think America is getting payback for all that work that was done in the 1800's, early 1900's in getting the railroads up and running.

To be up front I consider myself a Conservative, but after taking a couple of those online test things I found out I am really a Centrist. What ever that means now a days. The first election I ever voted in was for Reagan's second term. I have traditionally voted for his party (I dare not spell it out for fear of ending up on some mailing list), but I REFUSE to vote "straight ticket".

The up coming election in the United States is a pivotal race, and to be honest no one candidate has sold me. Although one has me concerned with some past issues, and I am not going to go into specifics here. For me I feel that everyone needs to know what is important, and how each candidate stands for. They need to make EDUCATED choices and not just punch a ticket because their political party is on the ticket.

But I feel the same way about anything you believe in. Don't just swallow the pill because it is offered. Pick up the pill, ask questions about the pill. And not just superficial ones, ask secondary, and deeper questions. Find out the why the first answers are true, and same for even the secondary ones.

There is only one just ruler, and that is God. And no matter how much we disagree with our leaders, both present and past, we must acknowledge that it was God who allowed that person to rule. For whatever reason, it had a purpose. No matter what, the world will continue to suffer under the influence of sin. And that will not end until Jesus returns.
Verse for today:
Revelation 6 : 1-4, ESV
Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

Musical Monday

Easter influenced my song choice this week. :-) I remember hearing this song for the first time back when I used to go to Covenant Life Church. Sovereign Grace Ministries has inspired, recorded, and publish many a great song to worship our Lord and Savior by. Bob Kauflin also has a wonderful blog dedicated to worship in the local church (I encourage those who love to sing to check it out - Worship Matters). I know music is highly subjective, and there are a wide range of preferences when it comes to worship within the body of Christ, but I really feel (and believe) that these men have a heart for God rarely encountered.

This song speaks mostly about about Black Friday, and all that Christ accomplished on the cross. I also want to acknowledge that without His resurrection on Eastern morning it is unlikely we could feel the impact of that accomplishment as deeply almost twenty centuries later.

I Come by the Blood
Words and music by Steve and Vikki Cook
As recorded on Songs for the Cross Centered Life

You are the perfect and righteous God
Whose presence bears no sin
You bid me come to Your holy place
How can I enter in
When Your presence bears no sin?
Through Him, who poured out His life for me
The atoning Lamb of God
Through Him, and His work alone
I boldly come

I come by the blood, I come by the cross
Where Your mercy flows
From hands pierced for me
For I dare not stand on my righteousness
My every hope rests on what Christ has done
And I come by the blood

You are the high and exalted King
The One the angels fear
So far above me in every way
Lord, how can I draw near
To the One the angels fear?
Through Him who laid down His life for me
And ascended to Your side
Through Him, through Jesus alone
I boldly come

© 1994 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Word Music

Most of who I am as a Christian I owe to that group of churches known as Sovereign Grace Ministries. They are not perfect, nor do they claim perfection or some superior insight of God. But through their humility, and the personal examples of their leaders, I have been deeply impacted and affected. Scripture shows that leaders, especially leaders within the church (aka the Body of Christ) are held responsible for those in their charge (not responsibility for their salvation, but responsibility for how they led them). For my short stay within their "sphere" - I have been greatly changed, and I am still greatly affected, so in turn - those who stumble across these meager words are also affected. But ultimately it is not the leaders of Sovereign Grace Ministries who deserve the credit. It is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who all praise, and glory, and honor belong. Because without Him we are nothing, we could not call the Father our God. We would have no object of worship. So to Him be honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Verse for today:
Revelation 5 : 11-14, ESV
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Musical Monday

On the way home from visiting with my brother, and the rest of my family, DD3 wanted to listen to "her music CD". It's a praise and worship CD that she got from either her music classes, or from VBS. I can't remember right now. I just know that she doesn't like the 1st song on the disc so we always start with track 2. 8-)

Anyway, as we were traveling down the road I could hear her singing and even clapping - to the annoyance of her two older brothers. It really warmed my heart. But it is 'killing' me now... I can't remember the song! I can hear her voice, and I can remember one line of the words... but that does not seem to be enough to find it on the WWW! Arrgh! 8-)

Anyway, this song is also on the disc, and I did hear her singing this one, it's just not my first pick:

Here I am to worship lyrics by Tim Hughes

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in Heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

I cannot adequately express how much joy fills my heart when I hear her little voice sing. But in a way it's bitter sweet. Both of my sons (well, more so DS2, than DS1) used to sing out loud as well, but both of them would get upset when my beloved or I would acknowledge their sining in any way. DD3 does too, but not as much. Last night when I heard her singing I kind of bopped my head to the music, singing under my breath so she would not hear me and then stop her own. She then started clapping.

This song really speaks to what Christ really did go through to achieve what we couldn't. How can we wrap our minds around the fact that He was there in the beginning. He was safe, he was protected. But He gave it up to step into time and to show the way to His very creation. The very same creation that rejected Him. I will gladly spend eternity singing praise to Him, and trying to learn just how much it did cost Him.
Verse for today:
Revelation 7:9-12, ESV
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Well, take 2 on what bag to get...

It turns out there were not enough little nooks and crannies in it. HAHA - so, I sent it back to Ranger Joe's this afternoon. Instead I've ordered a 3-Day Pack from US Cav:


I know the ladies who sometimes visit are going to laugh, but I sent the bag back that I was talking about last week. And it is funny, but this bag will really serve me better than the other one. Although these pics show the 'ACU' pattern, but I ordered it in black. I'm going to be in the Guard too short to get the most out of the 'usual' color. So, instead of a military man I'll look more like a security/police officer. Well, that's neither here nor there, but it was part of my ramblings today.

And now I'm out of time... my mind just went blank. I hope you all have a grace filled weekend, enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit's presence.
Verse for today:
Revelation 18:1-10, ESV
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory And he called out with a mighty voice,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
For all nations have drunk [1]
the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,

“Come out of her, my people,
lest you take part in her sins,
lest you share in her plagues;
for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
and God has remembered her iniquities.
Pay her back as she herself has paid back others,
and repay her double for her deeds;
mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.
As she glorified herself and lived in luxury,
so give her a like measure of torment and mourning,
since in her heart she says,
‘I sit as a queen,
I am no widow,
and mourning I shall never see.’
For this reason her plagues will come in a single day,
death and mourning and famine,
and she will be burned up with fire;
for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.”

And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,

“Alas! Alas! You great city,
you mighty city, Babylon!
For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Musical Mondays

Welcome to another glorious week in the Lord! God I love to praise you! \o/

This weekend I had the priviledge to spend a little over four hours drive to/from a conference for the National Guard. I was able to span the radio and listen to some of the Radio stations that are dedicated to Christ, that I've not had a chance to listen to in a while. Yesterday, as I was just beginning the 2+ hour return trip my song for this week came on the radio and it immediatly drew me in, and reminded me of my time when I was deployed back in 2002.

A little back ground... while I was on active duty I often spent a lot of time in my room (since I am not into going to the NCO club, or drinking with the others in their rooms, I would frequent the PX (post exchange - or military equivilant of Wal Mart). One one such trip I picked up Michael W. Smith's DVD "Worship". I played that DVD over, and over, and over again. So much so that I actually worried about somehow wearing it out. Any way, on that DVD the song "Agnus Dei" is really moving to me. I almost always slow down or stop what I am doing to reflect on my relationship with God. The words are pretty simple...

- - alleluia, alleluia

For the lord God almighty reigns

Alleluia, alleluia

For the lord God almighty reigns

Alleluia

Holy, holy are you lord God almighty

Worthy is the lamb

Worthy is the lamb

You are holy, holy are you lord God almighty

Worthy is the lamb

Worthy is the lamb

Amen

The words may be simple, but the image and meaning behind them are quiet powerful to me. And Mr. Smith does a really good job in singing it. I am going to work on learning how to imbed the video's into my blog, so stand by for an update (I hope). But here is a link to the YouTube video.

Edited note: Ok, here is my attempt to add the video...



Verse for today:
Revelation 5:11-14, ESV
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Musical Monday - a day late

My appologies for not having kept up with the very thing I am trying to start! Musical Mondays! No good excuse, just poor explinations... but I am here today, to pick up where I left off, even if it's a day late this week.

I listen to music all the time. Pretty much whenever I get the chance, but I still struggle with what I want to share on Mondays. This morning, just as I was getting to work the song I've chossen for today came on. I almost sat and listened to it, but I was already running a little late. My song for today is by Mercy Me, titled "Bring the Rain".

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Holy, holy, holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

How many times have I prayed for God to reveal His glory through me? Or asked for Him to do His work in me? When I first came to KNOW him, when I confessed that I am a sinner and asked for Him to come live in me, accepting His substitution for my payment, did I not say that I trust Him ultimately? But how often have I held back? How often have I feared what He might do? I trust Him with my soul, but not my flesh?!?

The book of Job has been a long time favorite, and I know - at least intellectually - that God is ultimately trust worthy. This song really speaks to me about how truly trustable God is, and that even in the midst of the storms of life, God is there. He is there to not only calm the waves and wind, but He controls them as well. In the opening chapters of Job is shown that the enemy can only move so far. In Romans His word shows that He uses ALL things for our ultimate good.

This song really moves me, and it reminds me that if God were to bring a storm (even more than a light 'sprinkle') that I can trust Him, that I can stand in the midst of the raging wind and water, and look to the heavens and rejoice. Our time on this earth is incredibly short in the light of eternity...

Verse for today:
Revelation 21:5-8, ESVAnd he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Musical Monday

Welcome, this is the first of what I hope to become a tradition here at my humble 'dojo'. I really enjoy music. I could have it on in my house, car, work place, where ever - pretty much 24 hours a day. The type of music I listen to will depend on what mood I am in, and generally what is the easiest to get into my ears.

Music is a powerful thing. It is not merely entertainment. It has power to shape your mood. It has power to affect your thoughts. It is my belief, that it can even penetrate to your very soul. I believe that because I can notice changes in my emotions, and thought patterns that deviate from (what I consider) my norm. Sometimes right away, sometimes not for days. While many of you may, or may not, agree with me on this last point - it is the primary motivator for me to begin what I will call 'Musical Mondays'. While my blogging skills are not very well developed, I am always willing to learn and grow, so I am also hoping that this will help in that regards. For now, I am limited to jsut text. In the future... who knows. (One things for sure, it will never include me singing... that would just drive you all away ;-) )

The very first song I wanted to blog about has got to be my all time favorite, Amazing Grace. Since I do not have to worry too much about copyright on this classic hymn here they are:

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...

my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear...

the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...

we have already come.

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...

and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be...

as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...

bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise...

then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

As a born again, evangelical, reformed, charismatic Christian these words stop me in my tracks pretty much every time I hear them, no matter what form I hear them in. I remember as a very 'young' Christian "hearing" these words for the first time (you know when you actualy feel the words, and not just listen to them...) I actually cried. Although, I still don't cry at this song, it does still bring me to a point of meditation and reflection.

Now when I listen to it I think of me... "...that saved a wretch like me...", lost then found, sight, fear, hope, protection, promise, hope. When I hear this song it moves me like no other song has. God's grace... even now I am distracted as I try and write this.

When I respond to the question, "How are you", and I respond like my old pastor and modern day example of a man I would aspire to be like CJ Mahaney - "better than I deserve" - too often (in my opinion) I will get some kind of response like I am being too hard on myself. That I deserve only the best things in life. But if one is completely honest with oneself do we really deserve anything?

From God's point of view what am I on my best day, apart from Christ's work on the cross, what am I? A sinner. Uterly contemptable in God's sight. It was only by His grace that the plan of Christ coming to the earth, and the revelation of God to my heart and mind. It is God's grace that even helps me in the daily struggles that I experience when I stumble and sin. This song reminds me that it is not only God's grace that saved me, but that it is His grace that sees me through the daily struggles of life. And that is not all. There is the grace that will see me through to spend all of eternity in His presence, enjoying Him, and being given to continually enjoy the gift of music, singing His praise.



Verse for today:
Revelation 5:11-14, ESV
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

The Objective and the subjective

A week or so back (I'm pretty sure it was on the 7th) I was getting ready for church. I had the TV on (I use it to sometimes help me pull out of my slumber) and Pastor Joel Osteen was on. As I've mentioned in the past, I am not a reall big 'fan' of Pastor Osteen's message, but his broadcast is so much better than say news or even sports (gasp!) when I am trying to wake up and get myself and my family ready for church. Anyway, I was still fairly groggy when I heard, "...and he changed God's mind". That pretty much snapped me out of my half-asleep state. "What do you mean he changed God's mind?" I thought to myself. I couldn't have heard a Pastor say that a man, any man, changed God's mind, did I? I grabbed the remote, scrolled through the listings and saw that Pastor Orsteen's broadcast was going to be played on a different station during the next half hour. I quickly jumped in the shower so I could catch the sermon from its beginning, and I could then hear the entire message in context. Meanwhile all kinds of thoughts are jamming through my mind. To be totally honest, I was distracted as I "monitored" Pastor Osteen's broadcast the second time, and time has faded the 'edges' from my memory, but the item that I had concern with was his use of a passage from 2 Kings. God's prophet was told to go to the king and inform him that he would die. When the prophet confronts the king with this terrible news, the king pleads with the prophet (and thus with God indirectly), citing all that he had done to tear down the idols left behind by his father. How he had turned himself, and Isreal, back to the one true God. And that is when I heard it again, "...and He changed God's mind." I want to be perfectly clear in my next point... how is it possible for a man to change God's mind?!? We are finite, He is infinite, we are mortal, He is immortal, we are limited in what we know, He knows all things from all times, we are subjective, He is objective. I went back and read throught this account (2 Kings 20). I do not see God's mind changing, I see a king changing. I see a message being recorded for those whom come after. The story of Jonah - the whole purpose of Jonah going to Ninivah was not to destroy those people, but to bring a message of hope. The angels that went into Sodom and Gemorah were sent there to see if they could be redeemed. I feel that such messages, that man can change anything about God, are dangerous. It says that God can be molded into what we want. That He can be formed into a God who serves the creation instead of creation serving the Creator. If such a thing where possible how could we ever trust a God who changes at the whims of others - especially if there are two of us who may disagree on something. God's Word is clear: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8, ESV) God has known each of us, not just those called to His Son, but all of His creation. He knows all of our days... "in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (Psalm 139:16, ESV). Therefor He is not surprised when the king of Isreal weaps and repents, God is not surprised when the people of Ninavah put on sack cloth and throw ashes on their heads - nor is God surprised when we are convicted of our sin and fall on our knees to beg forgiveness at His alter. I don't think Pastor Osteen's intent is in anyway to distort or mislead God's people. I really believe his intent is not to paint a misleading image of the Lord. I fully believe his intent is to have people believe in themselves, to pull themselves up by their boot straps (so to speak), and take a proactive role (from their subjective point of view) in their relationship with God. But what I think would have served Pastor Orsteen's congregatin better, and those who are in the audience of his weekly broadcasts, is to preach that it was not God who changed, but the king's heart and his view of God. The message of sin, and the terrible consequenses of them, is not to drag a person down into the mud to wallow in self pity - but it is to shed light on what Christ has actually accomplished on the cross. The gospel is not about what we accomplish, but what He accomplished. God knows it all. He knew it all before He even formed the earth. He does not change, but He uses our circumstances to change us (Romans 8:28-30). So when the Holy Spirit speaks to you (either through a 'prophet', or His Word, or just a 'gut feeling'), and you see the circumstances changing after you have reacted, remember it is not because God has changed - but it's because God was using something to change you, and He is revealing the change through external means. Verse for today: 2 Kings 20:1-6, ESV In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.”

Have you ever been thirsty?

I mean really thirsty? Over the years I have been discovering that there is a thirst that truly no amount of water, or any other liquid, can satisfy. But what I have failed to do, well two things actually, is really dive in and satiate that thirst - or learn how to cultivate such a thirst (which is actually done by the former).

Psalm 63:1-4, ESV O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

I actually do feel such a thirst. It is stronger on some days than others, but it is always there. And yet it is never truly satisfied. If anything the thirst grows more and more prevelant. I have been told that a man can be driven insane by such cravings. Oh to be driven to such an extreme... but without going to the extremes of the cults that pollute God's truth. A heart like Billy Graham or Charles Spurgeon. In the end I struggle with even seeking to satisfy this thirst. I allow the world to seep in and rob me of my desire. And not just the world, I war with my own sin nature. Heavenly Father thank You that I am even aware of this thirst, of this need. Thank You that You have opened my mind and my heart to the fact that there is even such a need, and then not only shown me how to meet this need - but then provided it as well. Your word, in Romans 1, is clear that all of creation is aware of this need in one way or another. I do not even begin to know how to fathom the how, or why, you have revealed Your Son to me - but I fall on my knees in praise and thanksgiving, in fear and in trembling, at the works of Your hand. Lord God I ask for Your forgivness for the times I fear man more than I fear You. Lord I ask for a renewed passion, a new thirsting, to seek and to serve You. Lord God I pray for a renewing, yet again, of my mind and my heart. That I would firm up and press on. Lord, may all that I desire be to hear you say on that day, 'Well done' - for there will be no higher praise. I ask this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, and may it all be done in accordance with Your perfect will, and all of it for Your glory. Amen. Verse for today: Revelation 1:17-18, ESV When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Backtracking a little

Last week I wrote about how my son lost being allowed to go on a fieldtrip this past Monday. Originally we told DS2 that if he lost the fieldtrip that he would also lose the time we were going to the same recreational park. We did this because at first DS2 was saying, "I don't have to obey at school because I am going to the same park with mom & dad. After talking through this with my beloved we decided to allow DS2 to go ahead and go with us this past weekend. We continue to train him, but we thought it best to allow him to go. That's all I have for today... Verse for today: Revelation 22:8-21, ESV I John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant [4] with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, [5] so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. [6] Amen.

Juggling Prosperity

Where is the balance? Or is there one? This Sunday we congratulated our graduating seniors from both college and high school. It is a tradition to send them out with prayers as they begin the next step of their lives. But the sermon got me to thinking about the balance between having and not having. The verse from yesterday was Jeremiah 29:11-13, esv:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare [2] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

The first concern I had was that this verse was essentially preached out of context with what the rest of the chapter was talking about. These words of comfort come within the context of the Isrealites being in the middle of their captivity. There was no mention of trials, no mention of these blessing to take place. The second concern I had was when I briefly thought about the "name it and claim it" type of preachers. They too preach that God wants to prosper us as His children - which He does. I jsut don't think it will be in the ways one would typically expect. I'm pretty sure Job did not feel like he was being blessed when he was in the middle of the torment. I'm pretty sure the disciples were not feeling prosperous when the various factiosn hunted them down and killed them one by one in their vain attempts to silence the preaching of the gospel. What of the saints and believers today who suffer hunger and persecution around the world for their faith? Why are they not being "blessed" with prosperity? The answer is that our true rewards are not seen in this life. They are not fully realized this side of Heaven. And we do not know the full meaning of prosperity yet. I think we as Chrisitans, especially those of us who live in the United States, need to realize that we are being tested with the gift of prosperity. Think about these two examples:

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. [6] And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44, esv)

and:

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! (Luke 18:18-24, esv)

These are two examples of what God considers to be the ideal. The wealthy may be able to put hundreds of dollars into the offering whereas the poor may only be able to place a dollar or two. What God sees is not the number of dollars (or Pesos, or Yen, or whatever) but the percentage of the whole. Whether it is being done in faith or with joy. What I want to tell the graduates, and my fellow believers, is that it is true. God does want to bless you with prosperity. but do not look to your own, or the worlds definition of what it means to be prosperous. Because God also says, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”. On that last day there will be untold numbers ahead of me. I am grateful with what God has blessed me with, I just pray that if He asks me to lay them all down that I would do so. Willingly, and with a joyful heart. What I am concerned about in my own life is, where is the balance? I do bring my tithes and offering into the storehouse of God (Malachi 3:6-10), but I also know I am not perfect in this. I also know I am not condemned because I am not perfect. But where am I holding on to what God has asked me to give up? Do I have an extra 'cloak' to give to my brother without? Am I hording up my wealth where rust and moth can destroy? These are my daily struggles when it comes to my own material prosperity. Verse for today: Revelation 3:15-22, ESV “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”