My Sis, & my Heritage

Reading through the Chronicles (I & II of the Bible
that is) there's much to be said stressing the fact that
it was of utmost importance to log, record, and 
"remember". My sister has picked up and regathered
some loose ends in our family tree the last few years.
We're working fervently to assemble and add to what
we do have already. 
Then as I'm reading along, they define the order and
skill level of the musicians. It is an amazing read.
There was much music in our family. Again, so
thankful for the skill passed down from Grandpa
Wallace to work on pianos. But most of all.
"thanks Dad for leading us to God. Thanks God
for giving us our dad".

hmm

So many months ago, the Lord told me
"watch the "Sooni's" - - all this time
I've wondered.
At first, i was of course dumbfounded. I'd
never heard that term/name/tribe, whatever
before...
Today, they're saying that it's one of the groups
that stopped opposing US forces and joined
in with us to HELP our troops there.

today

The Anchor holds.
If you're watching the current reports of
Wall Street and North/South Korea tensions,
don't gaze at it too long. It behooves us to
know afresh in this hour that God is still
on the Throne and that He never changes.

trials anyone?

Even the "size-of-a-mustard-seed faith" is so far above
our perception of reality, it can cause you to rise above
what seems the greatest trial of the year, or of a lifetime.
Just remember the Crown of Life. Do you know that He
loves you? Read James 1:1-12.

regathering your thoughts

Here is Philippians 4:8 with some literal translation. Use this to get your head straight:
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble (honorable), whatever is right (just), whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report (admirable); if anything is excellent (if there is any virtue), if there be any praise (anything praiseworthy), think about such (these) things."

Attendance to week-night meetings 
(home groups, bible classes, prayer meetings) 
is an indicator of not only your love for
the Body of Christ, but also one sign of a
true disciple. How close are you following?
Do ya think Jesus ever glanced over 
his shoulder to see how the guys were doin'?

filters

When it comes to the voices around us,
this is why we need to filter through everything we hear:
Some statements are people's opinion/viewpoint,
but most of the time, not necessary.
Some statements are true, but untimely
(especially ugly gossip).
Then, there's the Bible. Strong, True,
and discerning. In and of itself, it says that
all flesh, just like grass, withers. And the flower fades.
But the Word of God is forever.

EVERYTHING changes but Him.
He's the SAME Yesterday, Today
& Forever

One reference to hatred in the Bible is not about people,

but about sin. Love God, hate sin.

Cling to what is good, it says.

Look at the 2nd verse of Psalm 36, 

"In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much 

to detect or hate their sin." 

We need be weary of growing numb and 

passive concerning this dynamic 

in the culture we live in.

315

Why So Quiet?

Being a full-time worship Pastor, it’s a joy to have a youth praise leader to partner with you. My friend, Dallas, and I had the recent privilege of a day with Kari Jobe and Lincoln Brewster (first names, enough said) and their bands, thanks to one of our affiliate churches who graciously hosted the event. Great things happened throughout the speedy, one-day workshop, and, on the same token, some things didn’t happen. Let me explain and perhaps you can help answer the title question.

In a small group Q&A session, the question was raised, “How do we lead a conservative/traditional crowd into modern/progressive praise with grace?” When the question was presented, maybe half dozen people raised their hands exclaiming “Yeah, we need help.” Of course, it was briefly addressed and blended with some other discussion topics as there were so many to cover.

In contrast, during some corporate worship earlier that day, there came moments of shocking silence during times that should have been amazingly loud. This in a room filled to capacity with worship leaders and church singers. Being led by predominantly strong-hearted worshipers who know and love God, the group was over and over again encouraged to open up and lift their voices, to little or no avail. It was the quietest I have heard in quite some time. Perhaps what we need most is to learn how David’s crew sounded.

Bounce forward; as Sunday rolled around and we were back at home, I couldn’t help but stop mid-way through our local worship and exhort our people. The address was one of joy and gratefulness on how well they have done in learning to open their mouths and let the song and the praises rise. In that moment I was so encouraged by our folks. We have seen great development in recent months with our congregation and our praise team, so it was thrilling to encourage them and ‘share the love’. The same encouragement goes out to our entire city.

Today, reflecting on the question raised in the small group session, “What can we do to help facilitate this global transition? Is it only in our American church culture there is such a hindrance? From the reports I hear, other nations are thriving on the passion and running to respond to the Lord’s love and call. Having watched, participated, served, learned from, and been part of this transformation in America for about three decades, plus being raised in a conservative background, the thing that affected me most during this workshop was the lack of participation in the most opportune of passionate moments in Kingdom development. What to do? Why so quiet? If Worship Leaders don’t know how to go to that Place, how will our people ever learn?

Thank you all for your investment in South Texas. Even just one day. Next time you’re here, expect it to be very different.

this past week

We caught a fresh perspective in Proverbs

in context with our devotional theme this past Sunday.

Throughout the prayer-themed songs, we read from the
2nd and 3rd chapters of Proverbs where,
when crying out for wisdom and understanding,
you see that you will hear and know the voice
of Father. And  find yourself safe with Him.
These thoughts and promises coincided with
singing a devotional theme..."and i will go
to Your secret place..." and "Hear our prayer;
come bless our land..."