What am I doing writing this blog?

April 16, 2009 — 4 Comments

thinkI’ve been reading through the book of Nehemiah for a while – just taking my time, digesting small portions at a time. There is so much meat in this book about leadership, priorities, etc.; but, today as I was reading, I felt this sense of humility, privilege, and reverent fear as a worship leader.

I was in chapter eight where the people, after they have re-built the walls, gather to hear Ezra read the Law. He is assisted by many, but I focused on the Levites (who were appointed, under David, to a ministry of music and praise – specifically as, “ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord.”) I focused on the Levites because they are basically what we call worship leaders today…just like me!

From Nehemiah 8:

2 – So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard

5 – Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people [on a box], and as he opened it all the people stood.

7 & 8 – …the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

Verses seven and eight hit me like a ton of bricks – a lump even formed in my throat. I am firm in the knowledge of my responsibilities as a worship leader (first) before the Lord and (second) to those I lead/serve; but what a profound and challenging reminder! Thank you Lord!

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False Fear Fosters Frail Followers of our Forever-Faithful Heavenly Father

April 15, 2009 — 5 Comments

fear_faith

[That was fun to say wasn’t it! Feel free to say if again a few times before reading on…]

So I was preparing for a meeting recently and – quite honestly – was a little nervous…OK, afraid (but in a macho way, dude!).  Maybe you’ve been there… maybe not with a meeting; but hey, everyone get’s nervous! Not that I wasn’t or wouldn’t be prepared – I had and was taking the steps to get ready – that was not the issue.

The issue was a fear or nervousness about who I was meeting with – the person and their title is not really relevant, though it was a representative from the US Government (who, BTW are always “here to help”…just kidding, I have many friends in the government!  If you’re reading this and you are with the Government – you ROCK!). Anyway…the key here was the fact that I was getting worked up over this and letting it impact my morning. I don’t want to make light of this, preparation is key for anything and nervousness is good in some forms, but misplaced fear can be stifling.

I am a huge fan of the Our Daily Bread resource and the reading that particular day was based on Hebrews 13:5-16 (which was the scripture passage). The verse I keyed on was verse 5: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – really a quote from Psalm 118:6.

WHAT AN AWESOME PASSAGE ABOUT AN AWESOME GOD!!!

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Belief Takes Hearing, Seeing, and Action…and more Action!

April 14, 2009 — Leave a comment

surrender

Longer post today, but it’s on my heart…

Our pastor’s message on Easter was titled, “What Does it Take to Believe? Finding Real Faith in the Risen Jesus” – from John 20:1-9. He spoke about how it takes Hearing, Seeing and Action to believe. GREAT MESSAGE!  Just thought I would share some of my take-aways/scribbles on my message notes page/random thoughts as I pondered the message and wrote this post:

Hearing: True belief in Jesus is not faith in faith…it is faith in the truth of God’s word! Knowing that our beliefs are based on actual events and people who God used (both perfect (Jesus) and imperfect (everyone else)) is key to real faith. Our Youth Pastor Pat calls it “Owning your faith.” I know some would say that the word “doctrine” is scary or too “heady” for “today’s believers”, but one must have some understanding of the truth of God’s word.  It’s the blocking and tackling of being a Christ follower.  Check this out.

Seeing: True belief in Jesus is more than basic, visual sight of God’s awesome power in His creation or of the changed lives and answered prayer of His followers. We must truly SEE or understand those things with God’s vision (through the lens of His Word) and illumination of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26 & 16:13.)  It’s the difference between the Greek words used for “saw” in John 20:5 and 20:8 – in English, they appear the same, but they are not. In 20:5, John saw Jesus’ empty burial clothes only with his physical sight (Greek word: blepo). In 20:8, John truly understood and perceived what the scene meant: HE IS RISEN – just as He said (Greek word: horao). Basically, a biblical “ah, ha” moment – I can just see three years of dots connecting for John in an instant!

[Ok, I’m no Greek geek, but I was challenged/intrigued enough to spend some time on the differing “saws” in John 20…it was fun! Check this out (clicking on the different words will let you see the various and different uses).  There are contrasting “saws” with Mary, Peter, and the Disciples in the same chapter.]

Action: Hearing and Seeing are only part of the equation for real faith in Jesus – without action, it’s just head knowledge or a warm and fuzzy feeling. Sadly, many miss (or even avoid) this step – its the “rubber meets the road” or surrendered heart & life part. The basic action in finding real faith is through submitting ourselves – our lives to Christ. That is the base action for belief – we must confess our sin and receive God’s forgiveness (actions). Without that part of the equation…well, it’s not Real Faith in Jesus (just as belief is not real faith if you have action but hearing and/or seeing are missing.) It the complimentary passages of Ephesians 2:8-10 and James 2:14-26!

x

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The Best Non-Fiction Story…Ever!

April 12, 2009 — 2 Comments

He is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!


One of the comments on this YouTube page:

“This song, cranked up as loud as possible, is how my family has woken up at daybreak every Easter Sunday morning for the past 14 years.”

How cool is that!  I think I’ll institute that this year!

HALLELUJAH!!!

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Gracious Savior…Thank You

April 10, 2009 — Leave a comment

LOVE

O Gracious Savior,

On this day when You died so long ago for my past, present, and future sins, my heart is thankful, humbled, and in awe. On my “best” day, I am unworthy of such kindness; yet You, who were sinless and perfect, paid the price I should have paid – out of Your love for filthy and imperfect me.

What can I give You in response to such love?  What is sufficient to show my gratitude?  The greatest I have to offer is me…everything…all of me.  So kind Savior, I lay myself at Your feet – broken and filthy – but perfect in Your kind eyes.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You – for You alone are worthy of my praise and undying affection in response to Your great love.

“Thank You” seems such an inadequate phrase for such unconditional, pure, holy, and (some would say) crazy love…but THANK YOU.

dennis

x

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Remembering the Future

April 9, 2009 — Leave a comment

communionRemembering the Future…that seems like an odd and confusing statement.  But it is exactly what those who have accepted Christ as their personal Savior can say about today.

Today is known by several names: Maundy Thursday, Holy Thursday, or Great and Holy Thursday.  It is the day that four things took place in the final days of Christ’s life on earth: the washing of the Disciples’ feet by Jesus, the creation of Communion at the Last Supper, the agony of Jesus in the garden, and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

Focusing on the second:

In Matthew 26:26-29, we read:

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Christ initiated an aspect of worship for the Disciples (and for us) to remember His death – then promised that we would someday feast again with Him. 

In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul writes:

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Paul reminded the Corinthian church that observing Communion was a remembrance that would someday end when Christ returns.

In Revelation 19:9, John writes:

Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

John writes in Revelation about the wedding feast to come with Christ and His bride (the church).

Communion.  The Lord’s Table.  Whatever you call this Christ-ordained act of worship – it is a time to remember the future to come.

Maranatha!

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TRUE, True Beauty

April 8, 2009 — Leave a comment

treu-beautyConfession time. I admit it – I watched the recent ABC series True Beauty. I guess I could call it “research on the human condition”; but really I just was just intrigued – and at times saddened – by how people act when no one is looking. Honestly, some self-examination is probably needed here also!

If you are not familiar with the show (or won’t admit it), here is the show’s description from the ABC website:

The series will determine the True Beauty of six stunning females and four handsome males who will live together in a spectacular Los Angeles mansion as they undergo a series of challenges to determine who is truly the most beautiful.

The gorgeous contestants assume they’re being judged solely on their outer appearance. They’re only half right; outer beauty is one component the judges are looking for, but contestants are also being evaluated — unbeknownst to them — for their INNER beauty as well when they’re put through scenarios and situations that require them to make moral decisions.

I will spare you the details on the show (actually you can “research” it for yourself on ABC’s website.) Most episodes were pretty sad in showing how people acted (although there was some good behavior exhibited.) I’m not completely judging, since basically we are all the same – albeit in varying degrees – and nobody’s perfect except for GOD. Honestly, I’m probably just as guilty of the vanity, selfishness, etc. that was exhibited by the show’s contestants.

The bottom line is that in addition to being a GUT CHECK for me (my heart and my actions), the show really reminded me of what true beauty is – or actually WHO true beauty is: Jesus Christ. His beautiful love for us was and is shown in SO many ways (the biggest of which was His death on the cross for you and for me).  In truth, I only truly see but a glimpse of it through my sin-clouded vision (O to Grace how great a debtor…am I).

The little that I am blessed enough to see makes me want to cry out in praise:

x

“AWESOME GOD AND GRACIOUS SAVIOR,
YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL!”

x
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Approachable Royalty

April 7, 2009 — 1 Comment

The TouchLast week, much was made about First Lady Michelle Obama’s “breach of protocol” when she touched Queen Elizabeth II.  Without going in to the varying opinions of the actual event (there are those who say “eh, it’s no big deal” and some who are disparaging Mrs. Obama), it actually caused me to think about another Royal who is perfectly fine with being approached by anyone…without commanding genuflection:

Jesus Christ – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

His Coronation:

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:9-11

Our Invitation:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. -Ephesians 3:12

Especially with this week being what is commonly called Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday) and  Easter next Sunday, I am humbled and rejoice in the fact that through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, you and I (as followers of Christ) have free and unlimited access at anytime and any place of our choosing to the Sovereign, Almighty, and Glorious God of the universe!

He is the God who came close (John 3:16-17, Philippians 2:6-11)…and longs for closeness with us (through a personal relationship…not just empty, ritualistic religion).  May we savor and cherish that approachability this week as we remember the events that purposely took place so long ago.

Hallelujah!

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Thinking About Mom.

April 6, 2009 — 1 Comment

mom_heart_tattoo

One year ago today was the last time I saw my mom this side of heaven.  I had traveled to see her and my family in Montana since she had been sick and was back in the hospital.  As had been the case many times, her room was the gathering point for the family.  It was a great visit – all we really did was just spend time together – with each other…with Mom.  We laughed, cried, ate, talked, prayed – it was nice.  In my heart, I knew her time was close and I will always be glad I went.

If someone in your life has passed away, I’m sure you’ll agree that there are things that bring thoughts of them to you as you go through any given day – leading to tears, laughter, smiles, etc. As I was driving to work recently, doing my morning multi-task drive/prayer/worship, the Charlie Hall song below came on and just reminded me of my mom and the later stages of her life here on earth.

My mom’s body was weak and tired and I know at times she simply wanted Jesus to call her home (she would often tell us that)…but it was in His time, not hers (or ours). I get chills just thinking of my mom and the lines: Finally the voice I have followed for life / has a glorious face that is lit up with light / And you’ll come for me, no more pain, peace, / No more fear, release / just lost and consumed with my glorious King.

Mom is no longer tired or in pain, just worshiping her glorious Savior in His presence!

I can only imagine the day when I will say: Finally the voice I have followed for life / has a glorious face that is lit up with light.

Maranatha!

x
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Jesus loves us. Simply amazing.

April 4, 2009 — 1 Comment

jesus-hearts-u1Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong

Yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me

Yes Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so

Many of us learned that song when we were young. We know God loves us, but do we KNOW it…grasp its deep and intense truth?

God loves us with a perfect and profound love that is honestly hard for us to fully comprehend. We can read about it, watch it in a movie about His life, but to fully understand is difficult – we are humans…He is God. We really must simply accept His love for what it is – a gift undeserved, immeasurable, and quite simply amazing.

Just think of it – the creator of the entire universe LOVES YOU AND ME! HE LOVES US!

As we celebrate Holy Week and ultimately Easter, I pray we each personalize it:

For God so loved [insert your name here] that he gave His one and only Son, that if [insert your name here] believes in Him he shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn [insert your name here], but to save [insert your name here] through Him. – John 3:16-17

Again: The creator of the entire universe LOVES YOU AND ME! HE LOVES US!

I love the way the Andrew Peterson song below says that God loves me as I am, as I was, and as I will be – really meaning that God’s love for us always existed and will never end. No matter how distorted my view of His love is (based on my limited, human knowledge and understanding of love), the fact is that God’s love is so much more deeper and stronger than I can even come close to comprehending. Its perfect love. Something that we really cannot give and truly can only receive from the One who is perfect: Christ.

Meditate on these lyrics, reflect on how much God loves you, and really personalize this coming week – from Palm Sunday, through each day, to Good Friday, and ultimately to Easter Sunday. Everything Christ went through was out of love for you and for me. Simply amazing.

x
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