It is a glorious spring day in Pittsburgh. I am loving it and trying my best to take it all in. One of the things I am doing to celebrate the day is listening to some great "spring" music. Jon Foreman, lead singer of Switchfoot, has released a series of EP's based upon the four seasons and today I downloaded, "Spring." These EP's are unlike anything you have heard from Switchfoot. They are acoustically based and formated songs with simple instrumentation and vocals.
Spring includes these six tracks:
* March
* Love Isn't Made
* In My Arms
* Baptize My Mind
* Your Love Is Strong
* Revenge
My favorite is "Your Love is Strong" which is Jon's take on the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 62:11-12 ("One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong and that you, O Lord, are loving..."):
Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong.
So, what are you dong on this spring day?
Stay connected...
Monday, April 07, 2008
Friday, February 23, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Yesterday I experienced the gift of music in a variety of ways. It was an especially fitting day for me as February 11 is the day the Church remembers Caedmon, a member of the great cloud of witnesses that cheers us on. Tradition tells us that Caedmon (d680) loved to listen to music; it thrilled him and other’s people’s stories and songs brought him great joy! However, Caedmon could not play a single note on an instrument, nor could he sing on pitch. As a child his singing was so bad that when he tried to join in a song, everyone else was unable to keep singing.
One night, when Caedmon had left a great feast and had taken refuge in the stable, he had a dream and in it heard a voice saying: 'Sing, Caedmon. Sing some song to Me.' Caedmon stammered in reply: 'I cannot sing.' 'But you shall sing,' replied the voice. 'What shall I sing?' Caedmon asked in wonder. The voice answered: 'Sing the beginning of created things.' And Caedmon, in that moment, attempting to sing, found his stammering tongue had been loosened. He sang a song of praise to the Guardian of Heaven, the Father of glory. And in his dream he was able to sing a song so beautiful that it would make you cry!
When he awoke, the song was still with him. He sang it for God and for himself. He sang it for the stewards. And he sang it for the Abbess Hild, to whom he related his strange story. He sang to her the song he had sung in the night, and she and all who heard were amazed, and agreed 'that heavenly grace had been conferred upon him by the Lord.'
This was the original Caedmon’s Call.
Yesterday morning I received the gift of music as our worship team had opportunity to raise song of praise and love to our great God. It is a true joy making music with our team and it delights my soul.
Last night I watched the 49th Grammy’s with my son Sam (a gifted musician in his own right). We had fun together not only watching the performances but providing our own critical commentary along the way. Some of my highlights:
Yesterday I experienced the gift of music in a variety of ways. It was an especially fitting day for me as February 11 is the day the Church remembers Caedmon, a member of the great cloud of witnesses that cheers us on. Tradition tells us that Caedmon (d680) loved to listen to music; it thrilled him and other’s people’s stories and songs brought him great joy! However, Caedmon could not play a single note on an instrument, nor could he sing on pitch. As a child his singing was so bad that when he tried to join in a song, everyone else was unable to keep singing.
One night, when Caedmon had left a great feast and had taken refuge in the stable, he had a dream and in it heard a voice saying: 'Sing, Caedmon. Sing some song to Me.' Caedmon stammered in reply: 'I cannot sing.' 'But you shall sing,' replied the voice. 'What shall I sing?' Caedmon asked in wonder. The voice answered: 'Sing the beginning of created things.' And Caedmon, in that moment, attempting to sing, found his stammering tongue had been loosened. He sang a song of praise to the Guardian of Heaven, the Father of glory. And in his dream he was able to sing a song so beautiful that it would make you cry!
When he awoke, the song was still with him. He sang it for God and for himself. He sang it for the stewards. And he sang it for the Abbess Hild, to whom he related his strange story. He sang to her the song he had sung in the night, and she and all who heard were amazed, and agreed 'that heavenly grace had been conferred upon him by the Lord.'
This was the original Caedmon’s Call.
Yesterday morning I received the gift of music as our worship team had opportunity to raise song of praise and love to our great God. It is a true joy making music with our team and it delights my soul.
Last night I watched the 49th Grammy’s with my son Sam (a gifted musician in his own right). We had fun together not only watching the performances but providing our own critical commentary along the way. Some of my highlights:
The Police’s version of their classic “Roxanne”
Christina Aguilera nailing James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World”
Emily Robinson of the Dixie Chick’s doing a great impression of the girls from the Robert Palmer video
Smokey Robinson doing “Tracks of My Tears” and Lionel Richie singing “Hello”
Gnarls Barkley’s haunting version of “Crazy”
Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend and John Mayer performing together (especially Mayer’s ripping guitar solo at the end of “Gravity”)
Let me close with the words of Bono:
“Music is worship; whether it’s worship of women or their designer, the world or its destroyer, whether it comes from the ancient place we call soul or simply the spinal cortex, whether the prayers are on fire with a dumb rage or dove-like desire, the smoke goes upwards to God or something you replace with God. Usually yourself.”
Think about it! Thanks be to God for the gift of music!
Stay connected…
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
OPPORTUNITY BASED EMOTIONS
One of my developmental goals this year is to grow in my emotional engagement. The other day I received a short but powerful email from The Human Performance Institute:
"Being fully engaged requires that you are emotionally connected, mentally focused, physically energized, and spiritually aligned in what really matters. The emotional dimension consists of two types of emotions: survival-based and opportunity-based emotions.
Survival-based emotions involve feelings of anger, fear, revenge, anxiety or insecurity. These negative emotions provide a very low quality of energy.
Opportunity-based emotions involve feelings of adventure, challenge, confidence, enjoyment and gratitude. These positive emotions provide the highest quality of energy, making it possible to fully ignite your talent & skills in what matters most to you.
Tip: When engaging in something or with someone that is very important to you, do whatever it takes to bring opportunity-based (positive) emotions to the moment. For example, think about the positive outcome that you would like to see happen. Generating positive energy ensures that you can be fully engaged in that situation or with that individual."
Today I had the opportunity to put this advice into action. I have a regular weekly meeting with a group that up to this point has been draining me. The last couple of weeks I have walked into this meeting with a variety oif survival-based emotions. This afternoon I worked hard to enter into the experience with a sense of challenege and adventure and it made all the difference for me (and I hope for the others involved).
Does any of this resonate with you? How do you stay engaged emotionally in demanding situation and contexts?
Stay connected...
One of my developmental goals this year is to grow in my emotional engagement. The other day I received a short but powerful email from The Human Performance Institute:
"Being fully engaged requires that you are emotionally connected, mentally focused, physically energized, and spiritually aligned in what really matters. The emotional dimension consists of two types of emotions: survival-based and opportunity-based emotions.
Survival-based emotions involve feelings of anger, fear, revenge, anxiety or insecurity. These negative emotions provide a very low quality of energy.
Opportunity-based emotions involve feelings of adventure, challenge, confidence, enjoyment and gratitude. These positive emotions provide the highest quality of energy, making it possible to fully ignite your talent & skills in what matters most to you.
Tip: When engaging in something or with someone that is very important to you, do whatever it takes to bring opportunity-based (positive) emotions to the moment. For example, think about the positive outcome that you would like to see happen. Generating positive energy ensures that you can be fully engaged in that situation or with that individual."
Today I had the opportunity to put this advice into action. I have a regular weekly meeting with a group that up to this point has been draining me. The last couple of weeks I have walked into this meeting with a variety oif survival-based emotions. This afternoon I worked hard to enter into the experience with a sense of challenege and adventure and it made all the difference for me (and I hope for the others involved).
Does any of this resonate with you? How do you stay engaged emotionally in demanding situation and contexts?
Stay connected...
Saturday, February 03, 2007
TURNING ON THE LIGHTS
Have you ever felt you were stumbling around in the dark? Or maybe wishing you could get your life going in a different and healthier direction? I sure have.
This morning these words from Isaiah 58 grabbed my attention:
“Do this and the lights will turn on and your lives will turn around at once. (Isaiah 58:8, The Message).
Wow – do this and the lights will turn on. What must I do?
The word of the Lord:
“Break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.” (Isaiah 58:6-7)
Let’s go turn some lights on!
Stay connected…
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS
Yesterday was my birthday - 47. I had a great day. Here's what a guy like me does on his birthday.
I began the day with a good friend of mine, Terry Mann (pastor of Fountain Park Church) doing what we do every other Monday morning - drinking large amounts of coffee, kicking around life and ministry, and encouraging one other to be all that God intends us to be. One of yesterday's highlights was the finalization of our travel plans for a trip together to LA in May to attend ORIGINS. I participated last year and I am looking forward to sharing the experience with Terry, as he is one of the biggest dreamers I know.
During the mid-day I gathered with about a dozen other missional leaders at the home of Scott Sunquist (professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) for the second missional pastor’s cohort. This is a brand new group that I am involved with and we are committed to traveling together on the path of solid biblical and theological reflection on the practice of leadership in the local church. Yesterday our topic of conversation was Missional Hermeneutics and we discussed some ideas found in Lesslie Newbiggin's, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. It was good to wrap my mind and heart around some of these ideas.
Taking full advantage of a 75 degree afternoon, I hit the road for a 45 minute run. Over the past three months I have made a commitment to getting the body back in shape and apart from nagging back pain, things are going pretty well. I have been leveraging the time to take in some podcasts and yesterday I listened to a dynamic talk from Mark Batterson, speaking about the God story behind the opening of their coffee shop in Washington, DC. Talk about a venti dream – wow!
Birthday dinners are big in our household and we typically hang out at Outback. Yesterday was no different. The Outback special and lots of brown bread make us very happy. I was even treated to an Aussie version of Happy Birthday.
After dinner, our Ministry Coordination Group gathered for our monthly meeting in the atrium of the Galleria. One of our leaders baked a cake for me (white cake – yes!) and I was truly blessed as team members took time around the table to pray for me. Thanks to Marlaena for carving out the meeting time and space to celebrate with me.
I made it home by about 8:30 PM which left enough just time to open a few presents and share in the traditional poppy seed cake (my favorite passed along by my Grandmother Timm now lovingly baked by my wide Patty). I received some special birthday cards including three handcrafted cards, one designed by my daughter Hannah (an art student at Mercyhurst College), a “Bono wishes you a Happy Birthday” card from my son, Sam (including a classic image of Bono from the early ‘80’s) and a family portrait from Abby. My two sons had a secret mission after dinner and they returned with a special gift, an autographed copy of Mike Greenberg’s book, Why My Wife Thinks I am an Idiot. I am a big Mike and Mike fan (much bigger Greenberg than Golic) and my son Nathan discovered that Mike happened to be signing books last night at the local Barnes and Nobles. That was pretty cool!
And what better way to top off a birthday than with a compelling episode of 24. Yeah, Logan cried (but so did Jack) – best hour on TV.
As my younger brother Rob said to me earlier in the day, we getting older, but better (well at least he said that about himself). Amen to that.
Stay Connected…
Yesterday was my birthday - 47. I had a great day. Here's what a guy like me does on his birthday.
I began the day with a good friend of mine, Terry Mann (pastor of Fountain Park Church) doing what we do every other Monday morning - drinking large amounts of coffee, kicking around life and ministry, and encouraging one other to be all that God intends us to be. One of yesterday's highlights was the finalization of our travel plans for a trip together to LA in May to attend ORIGINS. I participated last year and I am looking forward to sharing the experience with Terry, as he is one of the biggest dreamers I know.
During the mid-day I gathered with about a dozen other missional leaders at the home of Scott Sunquist (professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) for the second missional pastor’s cohort. This is a brand new group that I am involved with and we are committed to traveling together on the path of solid biblical and theological reflection on the practice of leadership in the local church. Yesterday our topic of conversation was Missional Hermeneutics and we discussed some ideas found in Lesslie Newbiggin's, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. It was good to wrap my mind and heart around some of these ideas.
Taking full advantage of a 75 degree afternoon, I hit the road for a 45 minute run. Over the past three months I have made a commitment to getting the body back in shape and apart from nagging back pain, things are going pretty well. I have been leveraging the time to take in some podcasts and yesterday I listened to a dynamic talk from Mark Batterson, speaking about the God story behind the opening of their coffee shop in Washington, DC. Talk about a venti dream – wow!
Birthday dinners are big in our household and we typically hang out at Outback. Yesterday was no different. The Outback special and lots of brown bread make us very happy. I was even treated to an Aussie version of Happy Birthday.
After dinner, our Ministry Coordination Group gathered for our monthly meeting in the atrium of the Galleria. One of our leaders baked a cake for me (white cake – yes!) and I was truly blessed as team members took time around the table to pray for me. Thanks to Marlaena for carving out the meeting time and space to celebrate with me.
I made it home by about 8:30 PM which left enough just time to open a few presents and share in the traditional poppy seed cake (my favorite passed along by my Grandmother Timm now lovingly baked by my wide Patty). I received some special birthday cards including three handcrafted cards, one designed by my daughter Hannah (an art student at Mercyhurst College), a “Bono wishes you a Happy Birthday” card from my son, Sam (including a classic image of Bono from the early ‘80’s) and a family portrait from Abby. My two sons had a secret mission after dinner and they returned with a special gift, an autographed copy of Mike Greenberg’s book, Why My Wife Thinks I am an Idiot. I am a big Mike and Mike fan (much bigger Greenberg than Golic) and my son Nathan discovered that Mike happened to be signing books last night at the local Barnes and Nobles. That was pretty cool!
And what better way to top off a birthday than with a compelling episode of 24. Yeah, Logan cried (but so did Jack) – best hour on TV.
As my younger brother Rob said to me earlier in the day, we getting older, but better (well at least he said that about himself). Amen to that.
Stay Connected…
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
EARTH AND DIRT AND YOU
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of this 40 day season of preparation the Church calls Lent. As many of you know, I am not a huge liturgical kind of guy, but this day does hold special significance for me and as I reflect upon it this morning I am reminded of the incredible mystery of God's love and grace for me (and us) in Christ Jesus - love and grace that takes up residence in this very body.
This morning in our Momentum for Life study we were talking about the "E" in DRIVE which stands for Eating and Exercise. We read together Paul's words from 1 Corinthians 6:
"Didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Didn’t you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body" (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, The Message).
Wow - our bodies are dwelling places of the Holy Spirit and the vessels through which Christ's work is accomplished in this world. In another text Paul calls our bodies, "jars of clay." How could this be?
On this day in many traditions, ashes are offered to the faithful and presented to the people of God with these words: "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ."
Those words remind me of my origins. I am dust, but oh what precious dust. God has breathed His very life into me, His very Spirit living in me.
Over the past couple of months, this truth has come alive for me through the words of a song by the David Crowder Band called "Wholly Yours" (I have discovered that when God really wants to get my attention God uses a song). The bridge of “Wholly Yours” contains these words:
But the harder I try
The more clearly can I
Feel the depth of our fall
And the weight of it all
And so this might could be
The most impossible thing
Your grandness in me making me clean.
And then concludes with this tag (but oh what a precious tag it is) - I am filled with earth...and dust...and You.
How wonderful, how mysterious, how gracious is that?
Stay connected...
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of this 40 day season of preparation the Church calls Lent. As many of you know, I am not a huge liturgical kind of guy, but this day does hold special significance for me and as I reflect upon it this morning I am reminded of the incredible mystery of God's love and grace for me (and us) in Christ Jesus - love and grace that takes up residence in this very body.
This morning in our Momentum for Life study we were talking about the "E" in DRIVE which stands for Eating and Exercise. We read together Paul's words from 1 Corinthians 6:
"Didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Didn’t you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body" (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, The Message).
Wow - our bodies are dwelling places of the Holy Spirit and the vessels through which Christ's work is accomplished in this world. In another text Paul calls our bodies, "jars of clay." How could this be?
On this day in many traditions, ashes are offered to the faithful and presented to the people of God with these words: "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ."
Those words remind me of my origins. I am dust, but oh what precious dust. God has breathed His very life into me, His very Spirit living in me.
Over the past couple of months, this truth has come alive for me through the words of a song by the David Crowder Band called "Wholly Yours" (I have discovered that when God really wants to get my attention God uses a song). The bridge of “Wholly Yours” contains these words:
But the harder I try
The more clearly can I
Feel the depth of our fall
And the weight of it all
And so this might could be
The most impossible thing
Your grandness in me making me clean.
And then concludes with this tag (but oh what a precious tag it is) - I am filled with earth...and dust...and You.
How wonderful, how mysterious, how gracious is that?
Stay connected...
Monday, February 27, 2006
SEX AND THE SUBURBS
Yesterday morning we concluded a seven week journey into the depths of our being as males and females created in the image of God. It's been an amazing process, draining yet energizing. A number of people questioned my sanity - "seven weeks on sex, what are you going to talk about for all those weeks?" Believe me, I just scratched the surface. If you would like to listen to any of the messages, check out our podcast site, Thinking Out Loud.
Special thanks to Rob Bell for turning me on to a great book, "The Holy Longing" by Ronald Rolheiser. These words served as a center piece for our series:
"Sexuality is the energy inside of us that works incessantly against our being along…Sexuality is a beautiful, good, extremely powerful, sacred energy, given us by God and experienced in every cell of our being as an irrepressible urge to overcome our incompleteness, to move toward unity and consummation with that which is beyond us. "
Here are the six books I leveraged in my study and preparation. If you are interested in delving deeper into the topic, I would encourage you to take a look at any of them. You'll be glad you did.
Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity (Laureen Winner, 2005, Brazos Press)
Winner writes not as a theologian or a Biblical scholar, but as a female follower of Jesus (read her journey through Judaism to Christianity in her book, Girl Meets God) living in the midst of a sexually saturated society.
Sexual Ethics: An Evangelical Perspective (Stanley Grenz, 1990, Westminster John Know Press)
Stan is one of the most important theological voices in the missional and emerging church movement. While his earthly work was completed with his unexpected death last year, his writings continue to shape the mind and heart of the community of faith. Stan was my theological mentor during my doctoral studies and his pursuit of sound theology was always to the glory of God and in service to the Church.
The Unauthorized Guide to Sex and Church (Carmen Renee Barry, 2005, W Publishing Group)
Barry’s book includes a historical sketch of the development of the community of faith’s perspective on sexuality from Old Testament times, through Jesus’ ministry and the evolution of the Church in Western civilization. As she discusses issues that at times have divided the church she writes, “Our responsibility as maturing Christians is to learn, to think, to ponder, to pray…and to allow the Holy Spirit to change us into more exact likenesses of Christ through the process.”
The Holy Longing (Ronald Rolheiser, 1999, Doubleday)
What can a single, celibate, Catholic priest teach Protestants about sexuality? Quite a bit actually. The primary purpose behind the book isn’t really about sexuality but rather the search for an authentic Christian spirituality. There is a great chapter on sexuality and spirituality near the end of the book but I would encourage you to read it all!
Sex for Christians (Lewis Smedes)
A classic book written in 1970’s in the midst of the sexual revolution by an evangelical psychologist, ethicist, and theological thinker (who was also one of John Ortberg’s primary mentors). While you may not agree with all of Smedes’ conclusions (and the language is a bit dated), this is an important contribution to the literature.
Sexual Character: Beyond Technique to Intimacy (Marva Dawn,1993, William Eerdmans Publishing)
Dawn is a reformed theologian with a Ph.D in ethics and the Scriptures from Notre Dame. She is a prolific author and her journey includes numerous physical challenges. In this book, Dawn explains the difference between social sexuality and genital sexuality and discusses the forces in our technological society that jeopardize true intimacy. Thoroughly biblical and yet very practical - the book raises questions that apply to issues like friendship, marriage, divorce, dating, homosexuality, and abortion.
Stay Connected...
Yesterday morning we concluded a seven week journey into the depths of our being as males and females created in the image of God. It's been an amazing process, draining yet energizing. A number of people questioned my sanity - "seven weeks on sex, what are you going to talk about for all those weeks?" Believe me, I just scratched the surface. If you would like to listen to any of the messages, check out our podcast site, Thinking Out Loud.
Special thanks to Rob Bell for turning me on to a great book, "The Holy Longing" by Ronald Rolheiser. These words served as a center piece for our series:
"Sexuality is the energy inside of us that works incessantly against our being along…Sexuality is a beautiful, good, extremely powerful, sacred energy, given us by God and experienced in every cell of our being as an irrepressible urge to overcome our incompleteness, to move toward unity and consummation with that which is beyond us. "
Here are the six books I leveraged in my study and preparation. If you are interested in delving deeper into the topic, I would encourage you to take a look at any of them. You'll be glad you did.
Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity (Laureen Winner, 2005, Brazos Press)
Winner writes not as a theologian or a Biblical scholar, but as a female follower of Jesus (read her journey through Judaism to Christianity in her book, Girl Meets God) living in the midst of a sexually saturated society.
Sexual Ethics: An Evangelical Perspective (Stanley Grenz, 1990, Westminster John Know Press)
Stan is one of the most important theological voices in the missional and emerging church movement. While his earthly work was completed with his unexpected death last year, his writings continue to shape the mind and heart of the community of faith. Stan was my theological mentor during my doctoral studies and his pursuit of sound theology was always to the glory of God and in service to the Church.
The Unauthorized Guide to Sex and Church (Carmen Renee Barry, 2005, W Publishing Group)
Barry’s book includes a historical sketch of the development of the community of faith’s perspective on sexuality from Old Testament times, through Jesus’ ministry and the evolution of the Church in Western civilization. As she discusses issues that at times have divided the church she writes, “Our responsibility as maturing Christians is to learn, to think, to ponder, to pray…and to allow the Holy Spirit to change us into more exact likenesses of Christ through the process.”
The Holy Longing (Ronald Rolheiser, 1999, Doubleday)
What can a single, celibate, Catholic priest teach Protestants about sexuality? Quite a bit actually. The primary purpose behind the book isn’t really about sexuality but rather the search for an authentic Christian spirituality. There is a great chapter on sexuality and spirituality near the end of the book but I would encourage you to read it all!
Sex for Christians (Lewis Smedes)
A classic book written in 1970’s in the midst of the sexual revolution by an evangelical psychologist, ethicist, and theological thinker (who was also one of John Ortberg’s primary mentors). While you may not agree with all of Smedes’ conclusions (and the language is a bit dated), this is an important contribution to the literature.
Sexual Character: Beyond Technique to Intimacy (Marva Dawn,1993, William Eerdmans Publishing)
Dawn is a reformed theologian with a Ph.D in ethics and the Scriptures from Notre Dame. She is a prolific author and her journey includes numerous physical challenges. In this book, Dawn explains the difference between social sexuality and genital sexuality and discusses the forces in our technological society that jeopardize true intimacy. Thoroughly biblical and yet very practical - the book raises questions that apply to issues like friendship, marriage, divorce, dating, homosexuality, and abortion.
Stay Connected...
Monday, February 20, 2006
THE GOAL IS SOUL
Yesterday afternoon we launched our first Soul Cafe at Aldo Coffee in Uptown Mt. Lebanon. To borrow a phrase from a large coffee company based out of Seattle, our “venti dream” is to take worship outside the walls of the church and move it into the marketplace - to develop a coffee house liturgy you might say. We were pumped to fill the place up with people and even more to fill the place up with soulful music and conversation. The 90 minute experience was a mixture of music, guided discussion around the tables, a brief message on soul and more music.
Anybody out there doing this kind of thing? I would love to dialogue with you about the possibilities. “For what does it profit a person to gain the whole world but lose their soul?” (Jesus).
Stay connected…
Yesterday afternoon we launched our first Soul Cafe at Aldo Coffee in Uptown Mt. Lebanon. To borrow a phrase from a large coffee company based out of Seattle, our “venti dream” is to take worship outside the walls of the church and move it into the marketplace - to develop a coffee house liturgy you might say. We were pumped to fill the place up with people and even more to fill the place up with soulful music and conversation. The 90 minute experience was a mixture of music, guided discussion around the tables, a brief message on soul and more music.
Anybody out there doing this kind of thing? I would love to dialogue with you about the possibilities. “For what does it profit a person to gain the whole world but lose their soul?” (Jesus).
Stay connected…
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
WORSHIP LEADERSHIP AS AN ART FORM
“I believe being a worship leader is the highest of all art forms, to worship and call people into the presence of God.”
-- U2 frontman Bono, discussing Christian and secular music with a small group of reporters after the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday February 2
What do you think about this statement?
Stay Connected...
“I believe being a worship leader is the highest of all art forms, to worship and call people into the presence of God.”
-- U2 frontman Bono, discussing Christian and secular music with a small group of reporters after the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday February 2
What do you think about this statement?
Stay Connected...
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
INDESRCRIBABLE
Ok, truth be told - Chris Tomlin is one of my favorite worship leaders. I know he is missing from my list on the right side of this page, but that will be fixed shortly. This past Sunday about 30 of us from Christ Community Church trekked to the North Hills of Pittsburgh to spend an evening with Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Louie Giglio for the Indescribable Tour. When an amazing evening of worship. Scripture, music, a huge sound system, captivating visuals, and a powerful message from Giglio, all guided and directed by the Holy Spirit, formed a beautiful mosaic of devotion to our God.
Here’s why Chris is one of my favorite worship leaders: he writes memorable songs. He is masterful at crafting a melody that quickly becomes a part of you, freeing you to bring your song of worship before the Lord. When we put our worship set together for last Sunday’s worship gathering, we decided to do a bunch of Tomlin songs in honor of his visit to Pittsburgh (we did the same with Matt Redman songs the week before). As I reviewed our catalogue of songs, I was amazed at how many of Chris’songs we actually sing.
I thank God for songwriters and worship leaders like Chris and Matt; they are indeed true gifts to the Church. Join me in raising a prayer of thanksgiving to our great God. “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good - His love endures forever!”
Stay Connected…
Thursday, January 26, 2006
DEVOTION
Well, we are into week two in our early morning study of Michael Slaughter's book, "Momentum for Life." There are about a dozen of us gathering on Wednesday mornings at 6:30 AM to discuss what we are reading and learning about self leadership. Slaughter says, "if you can't lead yourself, you won't be effective in leading others. Self leadership precedes strategic leadership." While the early hour is just about killing me physically, it truly is time well spent with my sisters and brothers.
Yesterday we talked about devotion. Slaughter defines devotion as, "a focused time of being fully presence to God's presence." I struggle with this understanding on a couple of levels. One, I'm not sure that I have ever been fully presence to God's presence, in fact I'm not sure I could even handle that. Maybe I am lowering the bar, but my hope and prayer is day by day I will learn to become more present to God's presence.
The other point for me is the tension I find in Slaughter’s writing compared to another book I have begun reading, Michael Frost's "Seeing God in the Ordinary: A Theology of the Everyday." While I understand the value and importance of a focused time period of Scripture study and prayer, I don't want my devotion of God to be put into the box of a daily quiet time. My deep desire is to become more aware or to use Slaughter's words, more present to God's presence in every single moment of the day.
There is a recurring line in the movie Vanilla Sky, a haunting voice that implores "open your eyes..." May it be so.
Stay connected...
Well, we are into week two in our early morning study of Michael Slaughter's book, "Momentum for Life." There are about a dozen of us gathering on Wednesday mornings at 6:30 AM to discuss what we are reading and learning about self leadership. Slaughter says, "if you can't lead yourself, you won't be effective in leading others. Self leadership precedes strategic leadership." While the early hour is just about killing me physically, it truly is time well spent with my sisters and brothers.
Yesterday we talked about devotion. Slaughter defines devotion as, "a focused time of being fully presence to God's presence." I struggle with this understanding on a couple of levels. One, I'm not sure that I have ever been fully presence to God's presence, in fact I'm not sure I could even handle that. Maybe I am lowering the bar, but my hope and prayer is day by day I will learn to become more present to God's presence.
The other point for me is the tension I find in Slaughter’s writing compared to another book I have begun reading, Michael Frost's "Seeing God in the Ordinary: A Theology of the Everyday." While I understand the value and importance of a focused time period of Scripture study and prayer, I don't want my devotion of God to be put into the box of a daily quiet time. My deep desire is to become more aware or to use Slaughter's words, more present to God's presence in every single moment of the day.
There is a recurring line in the movie Vanilla Sky, a haunting voice that implores "open your eyes..." May it be so.
Stay connected...
Friday, January 20, 2006
JOINING CHRIST IN THE WORK OF RECONCILIATION
Tonight and tomorrow, our Gulf Coast Team members will be preparing for their experience by gathering together at Jumonville Conference Center outside of Uniontown. They will be learning, praying, and building connections with one another that God will leverage as they travel to the Gulf region on February 11. Even as you read these words, would you please take a moment to pray for their time together?
While I will not be traveling with them to the Gulf region, I do feel like I am a part of the team and have a role to play in partnering with them. So tomorrow morning I will arise early and trek to Jumonville (ascend the hill of the Lord) to spend time with them vision casting, encouraging, and sharing what I hope and pray will be empowering words from God.
Here's the word I am stuck on today; it's from Colossians 1:
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels; everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. He was supreme in the beginning and is leading the resurrection parade; he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe, people and things, animals and atoms, get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross. (Colossians 1:15-23, The Message).
The reason our team is headed to the Gulf region is to join the work that Christ is already doing putting together the broken and dislocated pieces of that part of the world. How cool is that?!
And you know what - the more I think about it - we can join Christ wherever and whenever He is about His reconciling work. How cool is that?
Stay connected...
Tonight and tomorrow, our Gulf Coast Team members will be preparing for their experience by gathering together at Jumonville Conference Center outside of Uniontown. They will be learning, praying, and building connections with one another that God will leverage as they travel to the Gulf region on February 11. Even as you read these words, would you please take a moment to pray for their time together?
While I will not be traveling with them to the Gulf region, I do feel like I am a part of the team and have a role to play in partnering with them. So tomorrow morning I will arise early and trek to Jumonville (ascend the hill of the Lord) to spend time with them vision casting, encouraging, and sharing what I hope and pray will be empowering words from God.
Here's the word I am stuck on today; it's from Colossians 1:
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels; everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. He was supreme in the beginning and is leading the resurrection parade; he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe, people and things, animals and atoms, get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross. (Colossians 1:15-23, The Message).
The reason our team is headed to the Gulf region is to join the work that Christ is already doing putting together the broken and dislocated pieces of that part of the world. How cool is that?!
And you know what - the more I think about it - we can join Christ wherever and whenever He is about His reconciling work. How cool is that?
Stay connected...
Monday, January 16, 2006
PRIDE (IN THE NAME OF LOVE)
For Dr. King...
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come, he to justify
One man to overthrow
One man caught on a barbed wire fence
One man he resist
One man washed on an empty beach
One man betrayed with a kiss
Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
Stay Connected...
For Dr. King...
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come, he to justify
One man to overthrow
One man caught on a barbed wire fence
One man he resist
One man washed on an empty beach
One man betrayed with a kiss
Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
Stay Connected...
Saturday, January 14, 2006
SEX
Tomorrow morning our community of faith begins a seven week series on sex. It's entitled Sex and the Suburbs: Discovering God's Design for Our Sexuality. The past couple of weeks I have been very busy preparing for the series (so that's why I haven't been posting - not true) and I have to admit I am pretty pumped up. As we kick this off, let me share two thoughts, one from Scripture and the second from an awesome book by Ronald Rolheiser.
There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, "The two become one." Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever--the kind of sex that can never "become one." (1 Corinthians 6:16-17, The Message).
"Sexuality is the energy inside of us that works incessantly against our being alone. Sexuality is a beautiful, good, extremely powerful, sacred energy, given us by God and experienced in every cell of our being as an irrepressible urge to overcome our incompleteness, to move toward unity and consummation with that which is beyond us" (Ronald Rolheiser, A Holy Longing)
I hope you will take a moment and pray for our community as we enter this holy space. Let's all take off our shoes because the ground we are standing on is indeed holy ground and sacred space.
Stay connected...
Tomorrow morning our community of faith begins a seven week series on sex. It's entitled Sex and the Suburbs: Discovering God's Design for Our Sexuality. The past couple of weeks I have been very busy preparing for the series (so that's why I haven't been posting - not true) and I have to admit I am pretty pumped up. As we kick this off, let me share two thoughts, one from Scripture and the second from an awesome book by Ronald Rolheiser.
There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, "The two become one." Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever--the kind of sex that can never "become one." (1 Corinthians 6:16-17, The Message).
"Sexuality is the energy inside of us that works incessantly against our being alone. Sexuality is a beautiful, good, extremely powerful, sacred energy, given us by God and experienced in every cell of our being as an irrepressible urge to overcome our incompleteness, to move toward unity and consummation with that which is beyond us" (Ronald Rolheiser, A Holy Longing)
I hope you will take a moment and pray for our community as we enter this holy space. Let's all take off our shoes because the ground we are standing on is indeed holy ground and sacred space.
Stay connected...
Friday, December 30, 2005
WHO ARE YOU BECOMING?
I’m pretty energized as 2005 comes to a close. You see I’m wired up with a future orientation – what was happened doesn’t interest me nearly as much as what will happen. Possibilities and potential – the what could be(s) of life – that gets my heart pumping. I think that is why these words from the prophet Isaiah resonate with me:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Now you may be thinking that I have an addiction to the new, new thing; I lovingly like to call it spiritual ADD.
The reality is that all of us are in a state of becoming. The big question is, “what kind of person are you becoming, spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, and intellectually?” Check out what the Apostle Paul said to the Christ community in Philippi:
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
We are people in process.
Alex McManus at Into the Mystic, turned me on to a site that I will be utilizing over the next couple of days as I move into 2006 (BTW - next week I will be taking four days of solitude at a friend’s river house to read, pray, study, make music, commune...). Here’s what Alex wrote:
“If you could send an email to your future self 1 year from today, what message would you send? What message would you send to your future self in 5 years? 20 years? Whatever your message, you can send it to your future self via futureme.org. As the New Year approaches, and we think about who we’ve been in times past and the people we want to become, try this exercise: what email message would you send not only to yourself but to those you love? Your spouse or your kids?”
As the curtain is drawn on 2005 and the New Year begin why not take some time and prayerfully write a letter to your future self. Ask God to guide you through the process and to help you answer this question, “what kind of person are you becoming?”
Stay Connected…
I’m pretty energized as 2005 comes to a close. You see I’m wired up with a future orientation – what was happened doesn’t interest me nearly as much as what will happen. Possibilities and potential – the what could be(s) of life – that gets my heart pumping. I think that is why these words from the prophet Isaiah resonate with me:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Now you may be thinking that I have an addiction to the new, new thing; I lovingly like to call it spiritual ADD.
The reality is that all of us are in a state of becoming. The big question is, “what kind of person are you becoming, spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, and intellectually?” Check out what the Apostle Paul said to the Christ community in Philippi:
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
We are people in process.
Alex McManus at Into the Mystic, turned me on to a site that I will be utilizing over the next couple of days as I move into 2006 (BTW - next week I will be taking four days of solitude at a friend’s river house to read, pray, study, make music, commune...). Here’s what Alex wrote:
“If you could send an email to your future self 1 year from today, what message would you send? What message would you send to your future self in 5 years? 20 years? Whatever your message, you can send it to your future self via futureme.org. As the New Year approaches, and we think about who we’ve been in times past and the people we want to become, try this exercise: what email message would you send not only to yourself but to those you love? Your spouse or your kids?”
As the curtain is drawn on 2005 and the New Year begin why not take some time and prayerfully write a letter to your future self. Ask God to guide you through the process and to help you answer this question, “what kind of person are you becoming?”
Stay Connected…
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
GETTING CHRISTMAS RIGHT...
It was just about a month ago when I raised this question before our community of faith – “what would it take for you to wake up on December 26 to be able to say to yourself, ‘this Christmas, I got it right?’” Well, it is December 28, I thought it would be good to share some of my thoughts and invite you to join in as well.
One of the things I shared with my congregation was the fact that our goal should not be a perfect Christmas; that is simply setting oneself up for failure. A more realistic goal was to find movement toward getting it right, a more Christ-centered and Christ-honoring celebration. Believe me, I certainly didn’t get it perfect (not even close); I had my moments of anxiety, self-centered thinking, irritation with people, counting the days until it would all be over…but in the midst of it I did discover some movement.
One of the biggest movements for me this December was the fresh realization that I have control over very little and that indeed much of what is going on around me is a part of the cosmic spiritual battle between the forces of the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. I shared a talk entitled, “Peace on Earth?” which centered on the world into which Jesus was born, a world ruled and dominated by the Roman Empire. The peace of Rome was fueled by violence, oppression, and injustice and the Prince of Peace came to confront, disarm, and dismantle this evil empire. The implications and reverberations from this event are still being felt today.
A friend of mine shared some wisdom with me (via John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat”). She reminded me that we all need God-sized challenges, the kind of challenges where only God could bring the victory. Otherwise, we become very confident on our own abilities to stay in control and make things happen. One night lying in bed I realized that one of the situation I am facing is indeed a spiritual battle; the best of my ability has failed to produce any real, substantive change. Break-through will only come as the result of God’s power sweeping in and saving the day. Now sure, I have a part to play, but really what’s needed most is the power and peace of God to come into this situation and reign (reminds me of Jesus words, “this one will only come out through prayer and fasting”).
This Christmas I gave fewer wrapped gifts; I gave a number of costly (life giving kinds of gifts through world Vision) and had some fun giving symbolic gifts to a few close friends. Most of all I tried to give more of myself. On Christmas Day, my wife Patty had to work the 3-11 PM shift which left me alone with my in-laws at Christmas dinner; not the most comfortable place for me. I made the conscious decision to give the gift of my presence to two of my nephews. I don’t see them very often and seldom really speak with them. I spent some quality one-on-one time with each of them where I tried my best to become present to them, to listen and learn what’s going on in their lives. It blessed me and I pray it touched their lives in a small way as well.
What about you? Did you discern any movement toward getting Christmas right this year? I would love to hear some of your stories.
Stay Connected…
It was just about a month ago when I raised this question before our community of faith – “what would it take for you to wake up on December 26 to be able to say to yourself, ‘this Christmas, I got it right?’” Well, it is December 28, I thought it would be good to share some of my thoughts and invite you to join in as well.
One of the things I shared with my congregation was the fact that our goal should not be a perfect Christmas; that is simply setting oneself up for failure. A more realistic goal was to find movement toward getting it right, a more Christ-centered and Christ-honoring celebration. Believe me, I certainly didn’t get it perfect (not even close); I had my moments of anxiety, self-centered thinking, irritation with people, counting the days until it would all be over…but in the midst of it I did discover some movement.
One of the biggest movements for me this December was the fresh realization that I have control over very little and that indeed much of what is going on around me is a part of the cosmic spiritual battle between the forces of the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. I shared a talk entitled, “Peace on Earth?” which centered on the world into which Jesus was born, a world ruled and dominated by the Roman Empire. The peace of Rome was fueled by violence, oppression, and injustice and the Prince of Peace came to confront, disarm, and dismantle this evil empire. The implications and reverberations from this event are still being felt today.
A friend of mine shared some wisdom with me (via John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat”). She reminded me that we all need God-sized challenges, the kind of challenges where only God could bring the victory. Otherwise, we become very confident on our own abilities to stay in control and make things happen. One night lying in bed I realized that one of the situation I am facing is indeed a spiritual battle; the best of my ability has failed to produce any real, substantive change. Break-through will only come as the result of God’s power sweeping in and saving the day. Now sure, I have a part to play, but really what’s needed most is the power and peace of God to come into this situation and reign (reminds me of Jesus words, “this one will only come out through prayer and fasting”).
This Christmas I gave fewer wrapped gifts; I gave a number of costly (life giving kinds of gifts through world Vision) and had some fun giving symbolic gifts to a few close friends. Most of all I tried to give more of myself. On Christmas Day, my wife Patty had to work the 3-11 PM shift which left me alone with my in-laws at Christmas dinner; not the most comfortable place for me. I made the conscious decision to give the gift of my presence to two of my nephews. I don’t see them very often and seldom really speak with them. I spent some quality one-on-one time with each of them where I tried my best to become present to them, to listen and learn what’s going on in their lives. It blessed me and I pray it touched their lives in a small way as well.
What about you? Did you discern any movement toward getting Christmas right this year? I would love to hear some of your stories.
Stay Connected…
Saturday, December 24, 2005
WHICH CHRISTMAS STORY ARE YOU READING?
Over the past week I suggested that there are some alternative readings of the Christmas Story in the Scriptures. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, let me raise a question: which Christmas story are you reading?
Will Willimon is a United Methodist Bishop, pastor, and prolific author. In his book, "Watch for the Light," he writes:
“We love Christmas because, as we say, Christmas brings out the best in us. Everyone gives on Christmas, even the stingiest among us, even the Ebenezer Scrooges. Charles Dickens’ story of Scrooge’s transformation has probably done more to form our notions of Christmas than St. Luke’s story of the manger. Whereas Luke tells us of God’s gift to us, Dickens tells us how we can give to others. A Christmas Carol is more congenial to our favorite images of ourselves. Dickens suggests that down deep, even the worst of us can become generous, giving people.
I pray that this year you receive the wonderful gift of God in Jesus Christ.
Stay Connected...
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
ALTERNATIVE READINGS OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY
This past week I have been thinking about and reflecting upon alternative readings of the Christmas story. Last week our worship design team dialogued about the Christmas story as it is found in Revelation 11-12. Check out Marlaena Cochran's blog for some great thoughts on this in light of the Chronicles of Narnia film.
Today I have been thinking about Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9 concerning generosity and especially verse 15 when Paul declares: "thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
I ran across these words from Bill Denton:
"There is One who has come through with the greatest gift of all. When God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to die for our sins and to rise from the dead to give hope of eternal life, it was the gift of all gifts. No gift-loaded Christmas tree has ever secreted a gift as loving, as desperately needed, as beautiful, or as magnificent. We may struggle to give appropriate gifts, but God has come through for us with a gift for all time, for all eternity. It's an indescribable gift!"
This week as you reflect upon Luke 2 and Matthew 1, I pray the words of Paul will serve as a backdrop for the birth of Christ in your heart afresh. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Stay Connected...
This past week I have been thinking about and reflecting upon alternative readings of the Christmas story. Last week our worship design team dialogued about the Christmas story as it is found in Revelation 11-12. Check out Marlaena Cochran's blog for some great thoughts on this in light of the Chronicles of Narnia film.
Today I have been thinking about Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9 concerning generosity and especially verse 15 when Paul declares: "thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
I ran across these words from Bill Denton:
"There is One who has come through with the greatest gift of all. When God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to die for our sins and to rise from the dead to give hope of eternal life, it was the gift of all gifts. No gift-loaded Christmas tree has ever secreted a gift as loving, as desperately needed, as beautiful, or as magnificent. We may struggle to give appropriate gifts, but God has come through for us with a gift for all time, for all eternity. It's an indescribable gift!"
This week as you reflect upon Luke 2 and Matthew 1, I pray the words of Paul will serve as a backdrop for the birth of Christ in your heart afresh. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Stay Connected...
Monday, December 12, 2005
BETTER DAYS?
Are you an optimist or pessimist?
Have you ever run across followers of Jesus who continually speak of the evils of this world and pray without ceasing that Jesus would come back and rescue them out of this mess? Now I realize that we live in a broken world, marred and flawed by sin, injustice and oppression and that every one of us experiences the consequences of the fall each and every day. But man, that think of thinking, praying, and living really depresses me.
It’s been interesting that over the past couple of months that God has been using two songs to renew my spirit, one by the Goo Goo Dolls and the other by the Robbie Seay Band – both interestingly enough entitled “Better Days.” You can watch the Goo Goo Dolls perform the song at Rockefeller Square and and listen to the Robbie Seay song at their site.
First of all thanks for listening to our song We hope this finds you driving in your car or where ever you are breath out and breath again know that life is hard, but its worth it in the end, listen to me now for the love, oh love, It's waiting for you just to say here come better days here come better days,better days, and a better place I know.Secondly I'm all screwed up so royally I stumbled my way here, but wait, oh wait grace has found me shaken up my soul, grace will follow where ever you may go, listen to me now grace, oh grace, is calling for you just to say here come better days here come better days, better days, and a better place I know.
(Robbie Seay Band)
Faith calls me to be a realistic optimist –yes sin is a reality and brokenness is all around but while we are here on earth we have the opportunity to bring real help and hope to people in real need. And in fact isn’t that what the message of Christmas is all about?
What do you think?
Stay Connected…
Are you an optimist or pessimist?
Have you ever run across followers of Jesus who continually speak of the evils of this world and pray without ceasing that Jesus would come back and rescue them out of this mess? Now I realize that we live in a broken world, marred and flawed by sin, injustice and oppression and that every one of us experiences the consequences of the fall each and every day. But man, that think of thinking, praying, and living really depresses me.
It’s been interesting that over the past couple of months that God has been using two songs to renew my spirit, one by the Goo Goo Dolls and the other by the Robbie Seay Band – both interestingly enough entitled “Better Days.” You can watch the Goo Goo Dolls perform the song at Rockefeller Square and and listen to the Robbie Seay song at their site.
First of all thanks for listening to our song We hope this finds you driving in your car or where ever you are breath out and breath again know that life is hard, but its worth it in the end, listen to me now for the love, oh love, It's waiting for you just to say here come better days here come better days,better days, and a better place I know.Secondly I'm all screwed up so royally I stumbled my way here, but wait, oh wait grace has found me shaken up my soul, grace will follow where ever you may go, listen to me now grace, oh grace, is calling for you just to say here come better days here come better days, better days, and a better place I know.
(Robbie Seay Band)
Faith calls me to be a realistic optimist –yes sin is a reality and brokenness is all around but while we are here on earth we have the opportunity to bring real help and hope to people in real need. And in fact isn’t that what the message of Christmas is all about?
What do you think?
Stay Connected…
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