Hello? Anybody home? Think, McFly. Think!

dennarr — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:02:46 +0000

Maybe it’s me, but every time I read Isaiah 40:21 & 28 (“Do you not know? Have you not heard?”), I always have this image of Biff knocking on George McFly’s head in that scene from Back to the Future! You remember, the one where Biff is wondering why George hasn’t done HIS homework. (Need a reminder?)

Anyway, in chapter 40, Isaiah seeks to comfort, assure, and remind the exiled Jewish people about the greatness and faithfulness of GOD. Every time I read this chapter, I am drawn to and held by the descriptive power and awesomeness of God! I’m also saddened and convicted by how I easily miss or don’t fully grasp how great God is sometimes. I KNOW it; but still, in my distracted humanness, often MISS IT!

Hello? Anybody home? Think, Dennis. Think!

At church this quarter, I have the awesome privilege (and responsibly) of leading a Sunday School class on Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love”. (I think I’ve recommended this book in a number of NOTES. Seriously people, GET IT and READ IT!) Since first reading the book and now rereading and dissecting it (along with scripture) in preparation for Sundays, it seems God has been using so many things in my life to remind me of how great and faithful He is (just as Isaiah did in chapter 40).

Its mind blowing: the everlasting God, the Creator of everything we see around us, the One who can scoop up the ocean in His two hands, or measure the sky between His thumb and little finger…loves you and me! And – not only that – will never leave or forsake you and me!

WOW – How do I/we respond?

Hello? Anybody home? Think, [insert your name here]. Think!

Each Day
Aaron Boyd (Bluetree)

Each day in the morning sun
I see you and my heart cries out
With praise for you, King of this heart

Each time in the summer rain
I feel You and my spirit cries
With praise for You, Lord of this life

You never leave me alone
Even when storms cloud my way
And I can’t see breaking day
You never leave me alone
You’ll get the praise you’re due
For even the rocks cry out to You
And when its said and done
You never leave me alone

Each night in the evening moon
I see You and Your beauty shines
For all to see, King of Glory

Neither death nor life, the darkness
Or even the light
Can separate me from Your love

From the Bluetree CD, God of This City

Earth Hour? Hey, God Doesn’t Want Us to be GREEN!

dennarr — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:00:08 +0000

So, March 28th at 8:30 PM was “Earth Hour” around the world. It was an event whose purpose was to urge world leaders to take action to fight global warming. A noble cause, but:

I firmly believe that God calls us to NOT be GREEN! Honest…it’s in the Bible – I have a verse!!

Now that I have your attention – let me explain!

A little over a year ago, I first heard Chris Tomlin’s God of This City and immediately liked it. As I tried to find the guitar music (it wasn’t out as it was so new), I discovered that the song was actually written and originally recorded by an Irish worship band called Bluetree. One internet search led to another and I found the music AND the Band’s CD. Ah – another little known artist to listen to…and enjoy!

Fast forward to March 2009 and Bluetree has re-released their CD – sporting a new cover and title (the original title was “Greater Things”). Well, it’s back on my iPhone (proudly sporting my original cover and title!) and I highly recommend giving it a listen.

Bluetree’s website is: http://www.givmusic.com/bluetree/ The story behind God of this City is pretty cool! [Their version of the song is quite different than Tomlin's - I like both.]

“Dennis, alright already! Get to the part about God not wanting us to be GREEN!”

WELL…It’s all in a name…and a great song! An article I read on Bluetree said that their band name comes from their belief that we (as Christians) are called to stand out in the forest of people – just as a BLUE TREE would in a forest of GREEN trees. Pretty creative and profound as band names go!

Thus, “God Doesn’t Want Us to be Green!” We are to stand out just as Christ did!

Check it out:

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” – Jesus [John 17:16]
“Do not be conformed to this world…” – Paul [Romans 12:2]

I love how the Bluetree song below talks not only about BEING a “blue tree”, but also about having an IMPACT as a “blue tree”. We are to be gathered and scattered Christ Worshippers (probably another good post topic)!

BTW, Karen and I DO recycle! I don’t recall what we were doing at 8:30 on the 28th, but hopefully it was earth-friendly!

Standing Out

May my life, be a light
Shining out for all to see
Standing for You, standing for You

May my days, be a storm
Raining life on dry land
Standing for You, standing for You

How amazing is Your name in all the earth
How majestic are Your ways
How gracious that You let me stand for You
In all I do. I’m standing out for You

May my life, never fail
To reflect the wonders of Your name
Standing for You, Standing for You

Let my life, be a song
Ringing out, for all to hear
Standing for You, Standing for You

Lyrics by Aaron Boyd and Richard Bleakley

fin

Observations by a Dependent Workman* » Bluetree

Hello? Anybody home? Think, McFly. Think!

Earth Hour? Hey, God Doesn’t Want Us to be GREEN!