I was listening to my iPod tonight and "We Fall Down" by Chris Tomlin appeared on the playlist. It was one of the first songs he ever wrote and is one of the most played songs by praise and worship bands all across the world. I love Christ Tomlin's music for a couple reasons. First, because it's so darn easy to play. I heard him in an interview admit that he wasn't much of a guitar player, so he wrote almost every song in C and used the C2, G2, D, Am7 set up with only the capo changing.
I also love his music because of the simplicity of his lyrics. It gives me hope that maybe I can write a song that will touch the hearts of millions. Check out the lyrics to "We Fall Down";
"We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Your Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb."
Repeat three times and there's your song. It's hard to believe that something so short, sweet and to the point could be so incredibly effective. But it's effective because it's true. The laying of the crowns comes from Revelation 4:10, where the elders do this and worship the Lord forever. There are a load of references to crowns in the Bible. There's the Crown of Life, which we are promised for those that endure persecution. II Timothy also refers to a crown of righteousness that will be given to the Christians at the final judgment. Of course, there is the crown of the thorns that Jesus wore when humiliated on the cross. Crowns have always been a symbol of royalty, riches and status. Yet God loves us so much that He has promised us beautiful crowns, while Jesus wore a crown that made him bleed.
What an example of the ultimate love. The giving and sacrificing of yourself to elevate others. I know I need to follow in Jesus' footsteps by giving more freely of myself. I will definitely be praying about how I can do this.
And in that final day, when I hopefully receive my crown, I will gladly put it Jesus' feet in all admiration and honor, because without Him first wearing that crown of thorns, I wouldn't have received my crown at all.
As Phil Keaggy said way back in 1971..."What a happy day when we see our Lord in paradise crowned as King of Kings. What a day that will be. Oh, what a day that will be."
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
In the works
Right now, I'm working on a special blog that only a sports information director would do. It probably won't be finished tonight but definitely tomorrow. Actually, right now I think I'm heading back to work. I see the end of the tunnel on the women's basketball media guide and would love to crank it out by tomorrow at lunch time. We are right on schedule with our media guides this year. I finished wrestling three weeks before the start of the season, men's basketball two weeks early and now women's basketball should be finish for their first game. In the words of Bear Grylls..."AWESOME!" But anyway, I'm going to avoid trick-or-treaters on my way to the office. Halloween used to be fun, but when I started hanging around college students, I realized its just an excuse to dress up in some unspeakable outfit and get unspeakably drunk...and not drunk on candy I might add. Oh, maybe I'm just an old fart at 24.
Stay tuned for my awesome blog and keep your eyes peeled for the opening of a new blog site with three authors (including myself). We'll write about everything from humor, sports, entertainment and faith. It should be a lot of fun, as I know both of the other authors have been my friends since childhood and are also excellent writers and incredibly insightful...more so than I am even.
Stay tuned for my awesome blog and keep your eyes peeled for the opening of a new blog site with three authors (including myself). We'll write about everything from humor, sports, entertainment and faith. It should be a lot of fun, as I know both of the other authors have been my friends since childhood and are also excellent writers and incredibly insightful...more so than I am even.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
BLAH
I said I was going to be transparent with this blog. So, I feel like crap and I'm going to bed...at 10:30. You kidding me? See you tomorrow.
Monday, October 29, 2007
John H. Stockton knows his stuff
Maybe it started on Sunday when the Bengals lost to the Steelers...nah...I'm getting pretty used to that by now. I'm not sure when it started but I'm in a pretty big funk right now. You all know that I don't sweat the small stuff. I don't even sweat the big stuff. I just don't get stressed. I'm also the least worrisome person you might know. I've always lived by the idea that what is the use in worrying because it won't get you anywhere. But for some reason, I was really in the dumps on Monday.
I'm pretty sure I know the one of the culprits, however. Money. It's what I think most of us worry about more than anything else. Look, I've wanted to grow up fast and be my own man, stand on my own two feet. But I'm just not making very much money right now. Any one who has seen my car and knows that I haven't bought myself any piece of new clothing since the US Open in July realizes I don't live a lavish lifestyle. But the fact remains, things are pretty tight. Trust me, I'm not writing this hoping for sympathy because there are people much worse off than me. I still have a nice apartment and I certainly don't go hungry. I've said it many times, I'm very lucky. But here's the deal. What happens when you take things for granted? What happens when you get comfortable? God is going to challenge you.
One of our biggest obstacles is trusting God to take care of us financially. I've always felt myself as a liberal giver of what I had, but maybe it's not enough. How much can my wallet be pushed before I stop trusting in God? I'll tell you right now that I won't. He's provided for me in so many ways that my apartment could burn to the ground right now and I would know it would be OK. My car could break down, and as long as I kept my trust in Him, He would help me.
Let's look to Matthew for a second...
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Maybe the key isn't my failure to trust God, but maybe the key is my priorities. Is my priority having enough money to eat at the Pizza Hut buffet rather than eat a grilled cheese sandwich three times a week? More so, am I placing more priority on things that don't matter over things that do...like the work of God? Or maybe it's in whom I'm placing my trust. Could it be that I'm counting on myself to provide for me rather than God?
Verse 33 says everything I need to know. Seek FIRST the kingdom of God. Not second or third...FIRST. If I do, those things I worry about like gas money, rent money, utility bills...God will take care of them. I just love how the food and clothes were such an afterthought. It's almost like..."yeah, yeah, I'll take care of that stuff, but really, it's not a big deal at all." I often times think it IS a big deal.
I love playing old hymns with my acoustic guitar. Sometimes I'll even try to modernize them a bit, but the tempo or style doesn't matter if you listen to the words, and tonight, fittingly enough, I started to play this one...you might recognize it...
"Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way that Leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blessed. Only trust him, only trust Him, only trust Him now. He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now."
I'm pretty sure I know the one of the culprits, however. Money. It's what I think most of us worry about more than anything else. Look, I've wanted to grow up fast and be my own man, stand on my own two feet. But I'm just not making very much money right now. Any one who has seen my car and knows that I haven't bought myself any piece of new clothing since the US Open in July realizes I don't live a lavish lifestyle. But the fact remains, things are pretty tight. Trust me, I'm not writing this hoping for sympathy because there are people much worse off than me. I still have a nice apartment and I certainly don't go hungry. I've said it many times, I'm very lucky. But here's the deal. What happens when you take things for granted? What happens when you get comfortable? God is going to challenge you.
One of our biggest obstacles is trusting God to take care of us financially. I've always felt myself as a liberal giver of what I had, but maybe it's not enough. How much can my wallet be pushed before I stop trusting in God? I'll tell you right now that I won't. He's provided for me in so many ways that my apartment could burn to the ground right now and I would know it would be OK. My car could break down, and as long as I kept my trust in Him, He would help me.
Let's look to Matthew for a second...
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Maybe the key isn't my failure to trust God, but maybe the key is my priorities. Is my priority having enough money to eat at the Pizza Hut buffet rather than eat a grilled cheese sandwich three times a week? More so, am I placing more priority on things that don't matter over things that do...like the work of God? Or maybe it's in whom I'm placing my trust. Could it be that I'm counting on myself to provide for me rather than God?
Verse 33 says everything I need to know. Seek FIRST the kingdom of God. Not second or third...FIRST. If I do, those things I worry about like gas money, rent money, utility bills...God will take care of them. I just love how the food and clothes were such an afterthought. It's almost like..."yeah, yeah, I'll take care of that stuff, but really, it's not a big deal at all." I often times think it IS a big deal.
I love playing old hymns with my acoustic guitar. Sometimes I'll even try to modernize them a bit, but the tempo or style doesn't matter if you listen to the words, and tonight, fittingly enough, I started to play this one...you might recognize it...
"Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way that Leads you into rest; Believe in Him without delay, And you are fully blessed. Only trust him, only trust Him, only trust Him now. He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now."
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Visitor for a Weekend
As you may have noticed, I've been blogging every single day since I started. That is, until yesterday. And it's incredibly late (or early) right now. The reason for my lack of a blog is Trista.
It's no secret that we don't get to spend much time together. We've been dating for close to six years now and have never really lived closer than an hour's drive. Now, we live about 3 1/2 hours away, and with my schedule, I never make it to Morgantown (who wants to visit that town anyway). But we get by. We meet in the middle -- a little town called Zelienople -- every so often, and she does come to visit whenever I have a slow weekend. Erie is a great place to bring a visitor. There's lots to do, especially in the summer when Presque Isle and Lake Erie is a tourism hot spot. But usually, when Trista comes, we just like to spend time sitting around.
I know, it sounds really boring...just sitting. But when you watch TV by yourself, eat by yourself, sometimes talk to yourself, it's a wonderful thing to have someone by your side. We don't really need activities to have fun. I'll spare you all the mushy stuff, but it's a great time when I can just see her face to face.
It always amazes me that I've had someone as beautiful, loving, patient and kind as girlfriend for this long. As you all know, anyone that can put up with me for that long has to be a saint. And she is. If I can borrow a line from Bill on the show "Still Standing," she's "one hot saint." I'm just flat out lucky. How many people do you know would give up their weekend to drive three hours and spend all that money in gas and grub? Not many. And there's only one that would do it to spend a weekend with me. Trista.
We are having a tough time figuring out what's going to happen and where we'll be in the next couple of years. But one thing is for sure. We'll be together.
It's no secret that we don't get to spend much time together. We've been dating for close to six years now and have never really lived closer than an hour's drive. Now, we live about 3 1/2 hours away, and with my schedule, I never make it to Morgantown (who wants to visit that town anyway). But we get by. We meet in the middle -- a little town called Zelienople -- every so often, and she does come to visit whenever I have a slow weekend. Erie is a great place to bring a visitor. There's lots to do, especially in the summer when Presque Isle and Lake Erie is a tourism hot spot. But usually, when Trista comes, we just like to spend time sitting around.
I know, it sounds really boring...just sitting. But when you watch TV by yourself, eat by yourself, sometimes talk to yourself, it's a wonderful thing to have someone by your side. We don't really need activities to have fun. I'll spare you all the mushy stuff, but it's a great time when I can just see her face to face.
It always amazes me that I've had someone as beautiful, loving, patient and kind as girlfriend for this long. As you all know, anyone that can put up with me for that long has to be a saint. And she is. If I can borrow a line from Bill on the show "Still Standing," she's "one hot saint." I'm just flat out lucky. How many people do you know would give up their weekend to drive three hours and spend all that money in gas and grub? Not many. And there's only one that would do it to spend a weekend with me. Trista.
We are having a tough time figuring out what's going to happen and where we'll be in the next couple of years. But one thing is for sure. We'll be together.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Master's Degree in Action
I was really excited at the start of the year when Jason told me I would be in charge of the work study staff. It was a real opportunity to exercise the management and leadership skills I learned in two years of graduate school studying the subject. I'm not going to go into what makes a leader or what leadership actually is right now, because it's a broad topic and there are a lot of ideas. In fact, it took me two years to get through it all.
But as the person in charge of the staff, especially a staff with a lot of new people and first time workers, I wanted to be efficient in my scheduling methods, balanced in how many hours each person works, but most of all, I wanted to be someone that the kids WANTED to work with. Sports is fun, so sports information should be, too.
So far, I've had to be a little bit of everything. I've been the nice guy, the caring guy, the guy that looks out for others, the instructor, the friend, the mentor, the manager and even the stern guy. Yes, I've actually had to give a lecture about responsibility and be courteous to your fellow workers.
What I've found out is that I have to be patient, I have to empower and give the workers responsibilities, but at the same time, people want to be instructed and led. Especially the newcomers to the staff. Sometimes you have to hold a hand or two before they feel comfortable, and that's fine. Above all, though, people want to feel important. Therefore, I'm going out of my way to recognize every one that is working, shaking their hands when they show up, asking them about their day, talking about their interests. I'm also trying to push for staff lunches or football watching parties. Anything I can do to help build relationships amongst the staff.
The goal, after all, is to have enough help at every event so Mercyhurst game management can function. I love having the opportunity to be a leader and it's great experience for the future. Of course, I know there are people reading the blog that have much more experience in this area than I. I would love to hear a suggestion on how to build camaraderie, be a better leader and make people WANT to work for sports information.
But as the person in charge of the staff, especially a staff with a lot of new people and first time workers, I wanted to be efficient in my scheduling methods, balanced in how many hours each person works, but most of all, I wanted to be someone that the kids WANTED to work with. Sports is fun, so sports information should be, too.
So far, I've had to be a little bit of everything. I've been the nice guy, the caring guy, the guy that looks out for others, the instructor, the friend, the mentor, the manager and even the stern guy. Yes, I've actually had to give a lecture about responsibility and be courteous to your fellow workers.
What I've found out is that I have to be patient, I have to empower and give the workers responsibilities, but at the same time, people want to be instructed and led. Especially the newcomers to the staff. Sometimes you have to hold a hand or two before they feel comfortable, and that's fine. Above all, though, people want to feel important. Therefore, I'm going out of my way to recognize every one that is working, shaking their hands when they show up, asking them about their day, talking about their interests. I'm also trying to push for staff lunches or football watching parties. Anything I can do to help build relationships amongst the staff.
The goal, after all, is to have enough help at every event so Mercyhurst game management can function. I love having the opportunity to be a leader and it's great experience for the future. Of course, I know there are people reading the blog that have much more experience in this area than I. I would love to hear a suggestion on how to build camaraderie, be a better leader and make people WANT to work for sports information.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Going up?
You ever go out jogging and realize how much you can't stand hills and running up them? Gravity sure is a pain when you are trying to ascend the inclines. But on the other hand, running downhill sure is easy and gravity becomes your best friend because you can go about twice as fast and use up a lot less energy.
Adam really got me thinking last week when he mentioned something to me about the references to climbing in the Bible. Not only climbing, but climbing the mountain of God. Most of the references in the Bible to it are about Moses going to meet and talk with God. He received incredible insight there, learning the law, receiving the 10 commandments, and possibly even writing some of the books of the Bible (that's a theory). Figuratively, getting to the top of the mountain means getting as close and as intimate with God as possible. Jesus also went to the mountain many times. He gave the most famous sermon in history on the mountain, was transfigured with Moses and Elijah in front Peter, James and John there, and it's where He was right before the triumphal entry. And of course, according to Zechariah 14, Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives facing Jerusalem in the final day. The list of mountain references in the Bible is seemingly countless and some major events took place there.
But what jumps out at me is how climbing the figurative mountain of God is such a long, uphill journey, while the decent toward sin is a rapid one that snow balls quickly. It's like that in so many things. You want a promotion? Better work hard, get more education and pay your dues. You want to get fired. No problem! You want to get in shape? You've got to work out, eat right, make sacrifices. You want to let yourself go? Eat some more hamburgers and ice cream! Think to when you were in high school and how hard it was to invite a friend to church. But inviting a girl somewhere you know you shouldn't be...no problem at all. All the while we try to move upwards toward God, Satan is holding on to the back of our pants, blocking our path with stones and slowing us down at all costs. Then, when we get tired, take a break or think we can't go any further up that mountain, THAT'S when Satan shoves us just a bit, making us lose our balance, and we go tumbling head over heels down the slope in a hurry. It takes a while to make uphill progress, but no time at all for things to go totally wrong.
There are plenty of Biblical examples, as well. Peter was a faithful servant, the Rock. He said he would never deny Jesus. But one little slip up and all of a sudden he had denied Him three times. Quite a tumble for Peter. It happened to Moses too. He went through all kinds of struggles bringing the children out of Egypt. He got as close to God as any ever has, but one slip of him not trusting God and he was kept out of the Promised Land. David was the same way. He was a great man in God's eyes, but he had eyes for Bathsheba and not only did he commit adultery, he sentenced Uriah to death. Just another slip in a long climb toward a complete relationship with God.
I know, it looks bleak. Some of the greatest men in history couldn't climb the mountain without a trip or a stumble, so how am I supposed to? Well, it doesn't really matter if you take a spill every now as long as you keep pushing onward. The other great thing is this. When you are running a treadmill and want a good work out, you put it on an incline. That helps you get in shape and makes you stronger. It's the same way with our walk with Christ. If we are walking on a flat piece of land, we aren't getting any better. And if we are moving downhill...not good. Moving upward, while difficult strengthens us because we have to trust that God will reach His hand to us when Satan starts tugging at our pant leg. We have to rely on the Word to climb over obstacles that will surely stand in our way.
Here's something else that makes the climb easier. Many times, we relate climbing a mountain to conquering something, becoming king of the hill. Don't explorers try to CONQUER Everest? Or when the marines win a battle, don't they plant the flag on the highest building or the top of the mountain? Well, the great news for us is that we have NOTHING to conquer, because Jesus has already done it! He died and rose again, defeating death forever, and all we have to do is press on up the mountain, trusting that Jesus is the savior and that God is constantly helping us along.
And best of all, when we do get to the top of the mountain, we'll never, ever have to descend.
Adam really got me thinking last week when he mentioned something to me about the references to climbing in the Bible. Not only climbing, but climbing the mountain of God. Most of the references in the Bible to it are about Moses going to meet and talk with God. He received incredible insight there, learning the law, receiving the 10 commandments, and possibly even writing some of the books of the Bible (that's a theory). Figuratively, getting to the top of the mountain means getting as close and as intimate with God as possible. Jesus also went to the mountain many times. He gave the most famous sermon in history on the mountain, was transfigured with Moses and Elijah in front Peter, James and John there, and it's where He was right before the triumphal entry. And of course, according to Zechariah 14, Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives facing Jerusalem in the final day. The list of mountain references in the Bible is seemingly countless and some major events took place there.
But what jumps out at me is how climbing the figurative mountain of God is such a long, uphill journey, while the decent toward sin is a rapid one that snow balls quickly. It's like that in so many things. You want a promotion? Better work hard, get more education and pay your dues. You want to get fired. No problem! You want to get in shape? You've got to work out, eat right, make sacrifices. You want to let yourself go? Eat some more hamburgers and ice cream! Think to when you were in high school and how hard it was to invite a friend to church. But inviting a girl somewhere you know you shouldn't be...no problem at all. All the while we try to move upwards toward God, Satan is holding on to the back of our pants, blocking our path with stones and slowing us down at all costs. Then, when we get tired, take a break or think we can't go any further up that mountain, THAT'S when Satan shoves us just a bit, making us lose our balance, and we go tumbling head over heels down the slope in a hurry. It takes a while to make uphill progress, but no time at all for things to go totally wrong.
There are plenty of Biblical examples, as well. Peter was a faithful servant, the Rock. He said he would never deny Jesus. But one little slip up and all of a sudden he had denied Him three times. Quite a tumble for Peter. It happened to Moses too. He went through all kinds of struggles bringing the children out of Egypt. He got as close to God as any ever has, but one slip of him not trusting God and he was kept out of the Promised Land. David was the same way. He was a great man in God's eyes, but he had eyes for Bathsheba and not only did he commit adultery, he sentenced Uriah to death. Just another slip in a long climb toward a complete relationship with God.
I know, it looks bleak. Some of the greatest men in history couldn't climb the mountain without a trip or a stumble, so how am I supposed to? Well, it doesn't really matter if you take a spill every now as long as you keep pushing onward. The other great thing is this. When you are running a treadmill and want a good work out, you put it on an incline. That helps you get in shape and makes you stronger. It's the same way with our walk with Christ. If we are walking on a flat piece of land, we aren't getting any better. And if we are moving downhill...not good. Moving upward, while difficult strengthens us because we have to trust that God will reach His hand to us when Satan starts tugging at our pant leg. We have to rely on the Word to climb over obstacles that will surely stand in our way.
Here's something else that makes the climb easier. Many times, we relate climbing a mountain to conquering something, becoming king of the hill. Don't explorers try to CONQUER Everest? Or when the marines win a battle, don't they plant the flag on the highest building or the top of the mountain? Well, the great news for us is that we have NOTHING to conquer, because Jesus has already done it! He died and rose again, defeating death forever, and all we have to do is press on up the mountain, trusting that Jesus is the savior and that God is constantly helping us along.
And best of all, when we do get to the top of the mountain, we'll never, ever have to descend.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Suggesting a Song
Today was a great day because I wasn't in the office except for writing two press releases and a game summary. GLIAC basketball media day was a hit with the local media, the soccer game was mildly entertaining because there were 11 goals scored and seven cards handed out, and volleyball was over in three games...always a plus!
But the problem with today was that I didn't get any time to sit and reflect on anything. So instead, I thought I'd use this time to toss out some of my favorite songs of the past and present in case any one wanted to hear something new.
Paper Thin Hymn - Anberlin
I'm listening to this song right now. It's not new, probably two/three years old, but it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Excellent guitar work and catchy in a way that only Anberlin can be. Anberlin is my favorite band of the present time. They all say that they are Christians but not necessarily a Christian band. I find this to be true. While their songs have religious undertones, like the lyric in Paper Thin Hymn "Never know what temporal days may bring, laugh, love, live free and sing; When life is in discord, praise ye the Lord," they aren't overtly religious and do perform songs about other topics. Still, musically, a fantastic band. For a new Anberlin song, off their new "Cities" album, I'd pick Hello Alone (which served as my ring tone for the last three months). Here's the video version of this song. I have no idea what this video has to do with the song, but just listen to it and don't pay attention.
Breathe into Me - Red
This takes me back to my heavy metal youth. Red is a newer hard rock Christian band. The chorus on this song totally sucks me in. Also, check out their myspace page and give a listen to the acoustic version. Very different. Like I said, not for everyone.
We Delight - Caedmon's Call
Yeah, I know I'm about 10 years behind on Caedmon's Call. They've been a pretty prominent band in Christian music circles since the early 90's but I didn't start listening to them until just recently. I fell love with their stuff. I could hear this song being played on any Sunday morning in any church (sans the orchestra and organ).
Fellowship So Deep/Rest Upon Us/Let Me Be - Caedmon's Call
All three of the songs are great. Slower tempo and more towards the praise and worship style. These three can be found on their "In the Company of Angels" album.
Worlds Apart - Jars of Clay
I don't care what anyone says, anything that Jars of Clay has released since their first album has been junk--especially if you listen to the first album. Musically and lyrically, it might be the greatest album I've ever heard and I'm not exaggerating. It's amazing. They got some mainstream exposure from the song "Floods," which also happens to be my least favorite song on that disc. But after that got hugely popular, producers stepped in and told them what they should be instead of what they were, and it ruined them. But at least I'll always have their self-titled album (1996?). Here is a live version of this song. Not quite the same, but it gives you a taste.
Gomer's Theme - Third Day
Look, I've been a Third Day since before most people even knew they existed. I saw them at King's Island in 1995 following the release of their self-titled CD, which NO ONE has ever heard except for a few classic songs like "Consuming Fire" and "Thief." But "Gomer's Theme" is off their second effort, Conspiracy No. 5. This album is and forever will be ranked as my No. 1 all-time album. While it is great, it hit me at the right time in my life where I was listening to straight hard rock with absolutely no Christian influence in the music. This was their least successful record but all TRUE Third Day fans know beyond of a shadow of a doubt that nothing will ever match this record. After this, they got soft and went back to their "roots." That Rock-a-billy style, which is OK. They still write amazing songs but nothing will ever compare to the Conspiracy record. It disturbs me that for some fans, the first thing they ever heard from Third Day was off the Offerings album, which was a compilation of live songs and like two originals. But I saw a recent poll taken of Third Day's best album and it was overwhelmingly in favor of Offerings. What a joke, considering that Offerings is not much more than a live album of previously recorded tunes! I dare any one that has ever heard Third Day to buy this record, listening to it a couple of times and tell me it isn't the best Third Day effort by miles.
Shades of Green - Phil Keaggy
No list of mine would be complete without a Keaggy song! I was going to pick "Epilogue/Amazing Grace" in honor of his The Master and The Musician 30th anniversary re-release. But instead, I'm going with Shades of Green which is off his Music to Paint by series. This song is most impressive live and even tough to appreciate fully with video. By the time he's 3/4's through the song a huge wall of sound just hits you in the chest. Amazing. I can't embed this video, but here's the link.
HERE!
But the problem with today was that I didn't get any time to sit and reflect on anything. So instead, I thought I'd use this time to toss out some of my favorite songs of the past and present in case any one wanted to hear something new.
Paper Thin Hymn - Anberlin
I'm listening to this song right now. It's not new, probably two/three years old, but it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Excellent guitar work and catchy in a way that only Anberlin can be. Anberlin is my favorite band of the present time. They all say that they are Christians but not necessarily a Christian band. I find this to be true. While their songs have religious undertones, like the lyric in Paper Thin Hymn "Never know what temporal days may bring, laugh, love, live free and sing; When life is in discord, praise ye the Lord," they aren't overtly religious and do perform songs about other topics. Still, musically, a fantastic band. For a new Anberlin song, off their new "Cities" album, I'd pick Hello Alone (which served as my ring tone for the last three months). Here's the video version of this song. I have no idea what this video has to do with the song, but just listen to it and don't pay attention.
Breathe into Me - Red
This takes me back to my heavy metal youth. Red is a newer hard rock Christian band. The chorus on this song totally sucks me in. Also, check out their myspace page and give a listen to the acoustic version. Very different. Like I said, not for everyone.
We Delight - Caedmon's Call
Yeah, I know I'm about 10 years behind on Caedmon's Call. They've been a pretty prominent band in Christian music circles since the early 90's but I didn't start listening to them until just recently. I fell love with their stuff. I could hear this song being played on any Sunday morning in any church (sans the orchestra and organ).
Fellowship So Deep/Rest Upon Us/Let Me Be - Caedmon's Call
All three of the songs are great. Slower tempo and more towards the praise and worship style. These three can be found on their "In the Company of Angels" album.
Worlds Apart - Jars of Clay
I don't care what anyone says, anything that Jars of Clay has released since their first album has been junk--especially if you listen to the first album. Musically and lyrically, it might be the greatest album I've ever heard and I'm not exaggerating. It's amazing. They got some mainstream exposure from the song "Floods," which also happens to be my least favorite song on that disc. But after that got hugely popular, producers stepped in and told them what they should be instead of what they were, and it ruined them. But at least I'll always have their self-titled album (1996?). Here is a live version of this song. Not quite the same, but it gives you a taste.
Gomer's Theme - Third Day
Look, I've been a Third Day since before most people even knew they existed. I saw them at King's Island in 1995 following the release of their self-titled CD, which NO ONE has ever heard except for a few classic songs like "Consuming Fire" and "Thief." But "Gomer's Theme" is off their second effort, Conspiracy No. 5. This album is and forever will be ranked as my No. 1 all-time album. While it is great, it hit me at the right time in my life where I was listening to straight hard rock with absolutely no Christian influence in the music. This was their least successful record but all TRUE Third Day fans know beyond of a shadow of a doubt that nothing will ever match this record. After this, they got soft and went back to their "roots." That Rock-a-billy style, which is OK. They still write amazing songs but nothing will ever compare to the Conspiracy record. It disturbs me that for some fans, the first thing they ever heard from Third Day was off the Offerings album, which was a compilation of live songs and like two originals. But I saw a recent poll taken of Third Day's best album and it was overwhelmingly in favor of Offerings. What a joke, considering that Offerings is not much more than a live album of previously recorded tunes! I dare any one that has ever heard Third Day to buy this record, listening to it a couple of times and tell me it isn't the best Third Day effort by miles.
Shades of Green - Phil Keaggy
No list of mine would be complete without a Keaggy song! I was going to pick "Epilogue/Amazing Grace" in honor of his The Master and The Musician 30th anniversary re-release. But instead, I'm going with Shades of Green which is off his Music to Paint by series. This song is most impressive live and even tough to appreciate fully with video. By the time he's 3/4's through the song a huge wall of sound just hits you in the chest. Amazing. I can't embed this video, but here's the link.
HERE!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Everyone's a Critic
We've already established that I'm a prideful person. I'm especially proud of the work that I do. I work hard to do the best that I can and when someone criticizes my work, with or without merit, I'm not happy. I don't take criticism well on anyone level and especially when it comes from someone not qualified to make the comment.
BUT...should it really matter who makes the comment or what kind of comment it is? Someone came into my office today and told me that there should have been a photo of a certain wrestler in the media guide...a media guide that was being produced for the first time thanks to me (there I go bragging about my work). I took offense to his comment and the fellow told me I was too defensive. That little word took me by surprise. No one had ever called me defensive before. Maybe he was right...no, he WAS right. And that attribute is something that I need to get rid of right now.
So what does the Bible say about handling criticism? Sounds like a job for King Solomon and the Proverbs.
Proverbs 9:7-9 - "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Tech a just man, and he will increase in learning."
Talk about making me feel stupid. Solomon just said that by retaliating with a comment of my own, I not only made the scoffer resent me, but made myself look like an idiot in the process. Also, it proved how ignorant I am. Not only should I accept the criticism, I should want it! After all, I'm hardly perfect and there's always room for improvement. If I really want to do my best in sports information, I will take the suggestions, no matter how harsh they may be, and put them to use. Want to learn, want to get better at what you do and all along the way, give glory to God for helping you grow.
BUT...should it really matter who makes the comment or what kind of comment it is? Someone came into my office today and told me that there should have been a photo of a certain wrestler in the media guide...a media guide that was being produced for the first time thanks to me (there I go bragging about my work). I took offense to his comment and the fellow told me I was too defensive. That little word took me by surprise. No one had ever called me defensive before. Maybe he was right...no, he WAS right. And that attribute is something that I need to get rid of right now.
So what does the Bible say about handling criticism? Sounds like a job for King Solomon and the Proverbs.
Proverbs 9:7-9 - "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Tech a just man, and he will increase in learning."
Talk about making me feel stupid. Solomon just said that by retaliating with a comment of my own, I not only made the scoffer resent me, but made myself look like an idiot in the process. Also, it proved how ignorant I am. Not only should I accept the criticism, I should want it! After all, I'm hardly perfect and there's always room for improvement. If I really want to do my best in sports information, I will take the suggestions, no matter how harsh they may be, and put them to use. Want to learn, want to get better at what you do and all along the way, give glory to God for helping you grow.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Shouts of Joy
Everyone who is reading this already knows how much music means to me. It should be no surprise then, that Psalms is one of my favorite books of the Bible. One of the reasons I like it is because there are so many different feelings that are expressed through song in the book. There's joy, repentance, rejoicing, explanation and lamenting. But I really love the ones that express joy and praise toward God. The writers loved God so much and were able to put it down on paper for people to read for the rest of eternity.
I'm not the greatest at writing my own material, so I usually rely on others. A while ago, I took the words from Psalm 148 and put it to music. Of course, it had to be tweaked just slightly, but it's incredible how well the words of David and the Psalmists stand up to today's standards. I'm positive that you couldn't tell much difference between David's lyrics and the lyrics of famous singer/song writer Chris Tomlin. In fact, take a look at modern praise songs and many of the lyrics will draw upon Psalms. It's just another testament to how infinitely amazing God is, that lyrics he inspired thousands of years ago are useful in writing songs of worship today.
I love Psalm 148 because it's a total explosion of praise to God. The psalmist tells the heavens and stars to praise the Lord...the trees and beasts of the Earth to praise God. Why? Because he created them all! And not only that, but verse 14 says that the Lord has exalted His people. That means us. I couldn't think of a better reason to praise the Lord.
I'll put a link to the entire psalm here in case you don't have a Bible handy to look it up. Read it over and let me know what stands out to you. I'd love to hear some input.
Psalm 148.
I'm not the greatest at writing my own material, so I usually rely on others. A while ago, I took the words from Psalm 148 and put it to music. Of course, it had to be tweaked just slightly, but it's incredible how well the words of David and the Psalmists stand up to today's standards. I'm positive that you couldn't tell much difference between David's lyrics and the lyrics of famous singer/song writer Chris Tomlin. In fact, take a look at modern praise songs and many of the lyrics will draw upon Psalms. It's just another testament to how infinitely amazing God is, that lyrics he inspired thousands of years ago are useful in writing songs of worship today.
I love Psalm 148 because it's a total explosion of praise to God. The psalmist tells the heavens and stars to praise the Lord...the trees and beasts of the Earth to praise God. Why? Because he created them all! And not only that, but verse 14 says that the Lord has exalted His people. That means us. I couldn't think of a better reason to praise the Lord.
I'll put a link to the entire psalm here in case you don't have a Bible handy to look it up. Read it over and let me know what stands out to you. I'd love to hear some input.
Psalm 148.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Finding Strength in Weakness
I've decided that I need a break from my all-out blogs ever now and then, so I'm taking a break from the big posts today and will be back at it tomorrow. I went to church this morning and heard another good message by Pastor Todd at Millcreek church. I've been there three times now and each time, he's been insightful and his messages are challenging and most importantly, full of scriptural references.
I particularly enjoyed one of his comments. He was talking about how there is a belief that we need to change the way we worship because of the so-called TV-generation's lack of attention span. I agreed with him when he said that attention spans are based on our desire for the subject matter. How true. If we want to learn, we will. If we don't care, we'll tune it out. That doesn't apply just in church but in school and in our jobs.
The biggest thing that I took from Todd's message today was that everyone has a weakness in their walk. Todd told a story to explain that his weakness was sharing his faith, and that he wasn't comfortable doing that. Other people are great with evangelism. I'm the same way as Todd. But what I started thinking about were my weaknesses. For so long I've been a key part of the praise team. At Mt. Olive and at Prince Street I was fortunate enough to use the talents God gave me to help lead his people. But since moving to Erie, I haven't been able to use those talents. But instead of me sulking because I can't use those talents, I realized that I should use this opportunity to improve and grow in the areas that I'm not strong. This is my chance to become a better evangelist, a better helper and a better giver and so on. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to play and sing in worship, but I'm not upset about it anymore. In fact, I'm excited. God has opened a door for me and will soon be challenging me in new areas. It's my chance to grow as a Christian.
If anyone has any suggestions on how I can improve in any areas, feel free to post a comment or e-mail me. As I was telling my friend a few days ago, we can't grow unless we challenge each other. In fact, Todd said today that you stay sharp when your fellow believers are continually sharpening you.
I particularly enjoyed one of his comments. He was talking about how there is a belief that we need to change the way we worship because of the so-called TV-generation's lack of attention span. I agreed with him when he said that attention spans are based on our desire for the subject matter. How true. If we want to learn, we will. If we don't care, we'll tune it out. That doesn't apply just in church but in school and in our jobs.
The biggest thing that I took from Todd's message today was that everyone has a weakness in their walk. Todd told a story to explain that his weakness was sharing his faith, and that he wasn't comfortable doing that. Other people are great with evangelism. I'm the same way as Todd. But what I started thinking about were my weaknesses. For so long I've been a key part of the praise team. At Mt. Olive and at Prince Street I was fortunate enough to use the talents God gave me to help lead his people. But since moving to Erie, I haven't been able to use those talents. But instead of me sulking because I can't use those talents, I realized that I should use this opportunity to improve and grow in the areas that I'm not strong. This is my chance to become a better evangelist, a better helper and a better giver and so on. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to play and sing in worship, but I'm not upset about it anymore. In fact, I'm excited. God has opened a door for me and will soon be challenging me in new areas. It's my chance to grow as a Christian.
If anyone has any suggestions on how I can improve in any areas, feel free to post a comment or e-mail me. As I was telling my friend a few days ago, we can't grow unless we challenge each other. In fact, Todd said today that you stay sharp when your fellow believers are continually sharpening you.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
How Big is Our God?
After a long day at the Mercyhurst athletic fields today, I came home and wanted to take a walk, just me, my iPod and the cool October evening. I walked out my front door and was taken aback by how clear the sky was. Every star was bright and brilliant. There wasn't one cloud in the sky.
The evening sky, especially stars, have always been interesting to me. It makes you realize how seemingly infinite the universe is. Think about this for a second. Most scientists estimate the number of stars in the Milky Way (just our galaxy) is 100 billion. BILLION. We can usually only see a thousand or so on a clear night such as tonight. That leaves 99,999,999,000 that we can't even see. And that's just the stars of one galaxy out of what scientists believe to be 125-500 billion galaxies. But really, that's just a shot in the dark and we'll never know. But we do know it's crazy big.
One of the largest stars we can see from Earth is called Betelgeuse. It's 425 light years away, meaning it would take us 425 years to get there if we traveled at the speed of light the entire time. And the speed of light is 670,616,629.2 miles per hour. My Escort doesn't go quite that fast. If Betelgeuse was placed at the sun, it's radius would reach half way across Jupiter. We also know it's 60,000 times brighter than our sun.
Wow. That's all I can say. If you think that's amazing, think about this. Genesis 1:16 says that God "made the stars also." Like they were an after thought...not a big deal. Psalm 147 says that God counts the number of stars and calls them by name. Isaiah 41 says the same.
What a miraculous God we have the privilege of serving. But when I look at the stars, I wonder, "what purpose do these serve?" They aren't providing a great deal of light for us at night. We don't necessarily need them to navigate anymore with GPS navigational systems at the ready. I think God created the stars as a constant reminder to us of His majesty. If my faith ever wavers, if I ever have doubt, all I need to do is look up to the sky on a clear night and I am reassured. God is always there...constantly. Is there a problem I can't overcome? Look up to the stars and it should tell you that God is certainly big enough to handle it.
What amazes me even more is this. A song by Third Day sums up 1 Kings 8:27 like this...
"All the heavens cannot hold You, Lord
How much less to dwell in me?"
But we know that the Holy Spirit lives in us. The God that created billions of stars in billions of galaxies lives in ME? That's all the reassurance I should ever need.
On my walk, I was listening to a Caedmon's Call song called "Shifting Sand." It's about a person's struggle with their faith and how it changes like the sands on a beach being hit by waves. The song says that because our faith isn't perfect, we can be sure of our salvation by standing on the grace of God, which is perfect and never changes. Still, I know I there are many times when God might be calling me for something and I ask for a sign. I just have to be sure. My faith is just too weak. Here's some lines from the song.
I've begged you for some proof
For my Thomas eyes to see
A slithering staff, a leprous hand
And lions resting lazily
A glimpse of your back-side glory
And this soaked altar going ablaze
But you know I've seen so much
I explained it away
Waters rose as my doubts reigned
My sand-castle faith, it slipped away
Found myself standing on your grace
It'd been there all the time
How great are those lyrics? Even with all of those miracles God performed in the Bible, so many times I've resisted His call because of doubt. God's grace makes up for this occasional doubt. But still, whenever my faith isn't what it should be or if I ever get wrapped up in this life, all I need is an autumn, Erie sky to be reminded of God's power and unchanging presence.
The evening sky, especially stars, have always been interesting to me. It makes you realize how seemingly infinite the universe is. Think about this for a second. Most scientists estimate the number of stars in the Milky Way (just our galaxy) is 100 billion. BILLION. We can usually only see a thousand or so on a clear night such as tonight. That leaves 99,999,999,000 that we can't even see. And that's just the stars of one galaxy out of what scientists believe to be 125-500 billion galaxies. But really, that's just a shot in the dark and we'll never know. But we do know it's crazy big.
One of the largest stars we can see from Earth is called Betelgeuse. It's 425 light years away, meaning it would take us 425 years to get there if we traveled at the speed of light the entire time. And the speed of light is 670,616,629.2 miles per hour. My Escort doesn't go quite that fast. If Betelgeuse was placed at the sun, it's radius would reach half way across Jupiter. We also know it's 60,000 times brighter than our sun.
Wow. That's all I can say. If you think that's amazing, think about this. Genesis 1:16 says that God "made the stars also." Like they were an after thought...not a big deal. Psalm 147 says that God counts the number of stars and calls them by name. Isaiah 41 says the same.
What a miraculous God we have the privilege of serving. But when I look at the stars, I wonder, "what purpose do these serve?" They aren't providing a great deal of light for us at night. We don't necessarily need them to navigate anymore with GPS navigational systems at the ready. I think God created the stars as a constant reminder to us of His majesty. If my faith ever wavers, if I ever have doubt, all I need to do is look up to the sky on a clear night and I am reassured. God is always there...constantly. Is there a problem I can't overcome? Look up to the stars and it should tell you that God is certainly big enough to handle it.
What amazes me even more is this. A song by Third Day sums up 1 Kings 8:27 like this...
"All the heavens cannot hold You, Lord
How much less to dwell in me?"
But we know that the Holy Spirit lives in us. The God that created billions of stars in billions of galaxies lives in ME? That's all the reassurance I should ever need.
On my walk, I was listening to a Caedmon's Call song called "Shifting Sand." It's about a person's struggle with their faith and how it changes like the sands on a beach being hit by waves. The song says that because our faith isn't perfect, we can be sure of our salvation by standing on the grace of God, which is perfect and never changes. Still, I know I there are many times when God might be calling me for something and I ask for a sign. I just have to be sure. My faith is just too weak. Here's some lines from the song.
I've begged you for some proof
For my Thomas eyes to see
A slithering staff, a leprous hand
And lions resting lazily
A glimpse of your back-side glory
And this soaked altar going ablaze
But you know I've seen so much
I explained it away
Waters rose as my doubts reigned
My sand-castle faith, it slipped away
Found myself standing on your grace
It'd been there all the time
How great are those lyrics? Even with all of those miracles God performed in the Bible, so many times I've resisted His call because of doubt. God's grace makes up for this occasional doubt. But still, whenever my faith isn't what it should be or if I ever get wrapped up in this life, all I need is an autumn, Erie sky to be reminded of God's power and unchanging presence.
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Underdog in All of Us
The Mercyhurst women's volleyball team pulled off quite an upset tonight. They defeated a pretty solid team in Findlay to snap a six-match losing streak. It was their first win in the month of October! It's not that they haven't been close, because they have. It was just a matter of finally getting over the hump. It took an incredible team effort, four players had at least 10 kills. For all that the team has been through this year, it's amazing they are still fighting and clawing. You have to be proud of their spirit.
Our volleyball crowds usually aren't that vocal, but when the fans started to realize we had a chance to win, it got loud in hurry. We love the underdog. It's built into American culture. It's why we loved Rudy and loathe the Yankees (come on, everyone does). But even before it was in American culture, it was written down in history in the greatest history book of all--the Bible.
There are so many underdogs written about in the Bible. David defeating a giant...Moses--who was slow of tongue--helping to free the Israelites from the rule of the Egyptians...Gideon--the least in his family--becoming a great judge for God in Israel...the apostles--fishermen, a tax collector, and so on...
All of these people had doubts about themselves but with some trust in God, they were raised up by His mighty hand to do incredible things.
If you think about it, even Jesus was an underdog. He came to earth as a lowly carpenter, didn't really have a home as an adult, just traveled from place to place, and was even rejected and shunned. He wasn't rich or good looking, didn't have all kinds of money, (*cough Alex Rodriguez *cough) but He set an example of a perfect life to live and defeated death in one fell swoop. If Jesus' death and resurrection were written about in the sports pages, they would surely read, "Christ Overcomes All Odds", or maybe "Shocker for the Ages."
Really, even the apostles, who had more faith in Jesus than anyone was not expecting resurrection. The women at the tomb were amazed, Peter and John had to run and see for themselves.
It's obvious that God uses the unexpected or even the unwelcome to do amazing things and bring glory to Him. I just did a quick search on biblegateway.com. There are loads of favorable references to "meek," "lowly," and "poor." I know whenever I write a story or even design a media guide cover, I want it to be the best. I guess I feel that way so I can feel that I have an advantage on all the other sports information directors in the NCAA.
I'm pretty sure that Jesus never told us not to try hard to put forth our best effort. Actually, we are told to be diligent, and without working, we will not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). It's not about the effort, it's about the mind set. When I start wanting to be great for myself...I'm in trouble. I should want to be great for God, glorify Him in all things. And what is great in the eyes of God is not always great in the eyes of man. Jesus' life showed us that.
Let's all be the underdog.
Our volleyball crowds usually aren't that vocal, but when the fans started to realize we had a chance to win, it got loud in hurry. We love the underdog. It's built into American culture. It's why we loved Rudy and loathe the Yankees (come on, everyone does). But even before it was in American culture, it was written down in history in the greatest history book of all--the Bible.
There are so many underdogs written about in the Bible. David defeating a giant...Moses--who was slow of tongue--helping to free the Israelites from the rule of the Egyptians...Gideon--the least in his family--becoming a great judge for God in Israel...the apostles--fishermen, a tax collector, and so on...
All of these people had doubts about themselves but with some trust in God, they were raised up by His mighty hand to do incredible things.
If you think about it, even Jesus was an underdog. He came to earth as a lowly carpenter, didn't really have a home as an adult, just traveled from place to place, and was even rejected and shunned. He wasn't rich or good looking, didn't have all kinds of money, (*cough Alex Rodriguez *cough) but He set an example of a perfect life to live and defeated death in one fell swoop. If Jesus' death and resurrection were written about in the sports pages, they would surely read, "Christ Overcomes All Odds", or maybe "Shocker for the Ages."
Really, even the apostles, who had more faith in Jesus than anyone was not expecting resurrection. The women at the tomb were amazed, Peter and John had to run and see for themselves.
It's obvious that God uses the unexpected or even the unwelcome to do amazing things and bring glory to Him. I just did a quick search on biblegateway.com. There are loads of favorable references to "meek," "lowly," and "poor." I know whenever I write a story or even design a media guide cover, I want it to be the best. I guess I feel that way so I can feel that I have an advantage on all the other sports information directors in the NCAA.
I'm pretty sure that Jesus never told us not to try hard to put forth our best effort. Actually, we are told to be diligent, and without working, we will not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). It's not about the effort, it's about the mind set. When I start wanting to be great for myself...I'm in trouble. I should want to be great for God, glorify Him in all things. And what is great in the eyes of God is not always great in the eyes of man. Jesus' life showed us that.
Let's all be the underdog.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Man vs. All Kinds of Wild
There is no doubt that Man vs. Wild is my favorite show on TV. It stars Bear Grylls, an expert climber, survivalist, and all around good guy, who must go toe to toe with the wilderness and find his way out as if he's a lost hiker. Discovery Channel puts him into all kinds of hairy situations. He braves the heat, the cold, the heights and the valleys.
Bear goes into the wild for just a few days at a time and he eat some pretty disgusting things. Luke 4 says that Jesus was in the wild for 40 days! And he didn't eat or drink anything!
While Jesus was in the wilderness, he was tempted by Satan. That's something that happens to me seemingly every hour of every day. And anything that the wild can throw at Bear, Satan and the spiritual wild can top it. Reading about warfare in the spiritual realm always blows my mind. I can hardly get a handle on Earth, let alone Michael and the angels battling it out with Satan in heaven (for a good dose of that, check out Revelation...and really sink your teeth into it).
But in Luke 4:6, it seems pretty clear that Satan has a pretty good grip on the Earth and a lot of what goes on here. The temptations are all around and its' impossible to avoid them. So I must overcome them. I've figured the best way to do that is to avoid putting myself in situations where I will be bombarded, whether that's in a large group of people or by myself. Over time, I've found out what my weaknesses are and that makes it easier for me to stay out of trouble.
The show Man vs. Wild is a television survival guide, letting you know how to escape danger and work through trials while facing mother nature. My survival guide to the spiritual wild is the Bible. Jesus shows me in Luke 4 how to avoid giving in to Satan's temptations.
I really couldn't think of a better survivor than Jesus. After all, He not only lived a perfect life, but overcame death. Now that's survival.
Bear goes into the wild for just a few days at a time and he eat some pretty disgusting things. Luke 4 says that Jesus was in the wild for 40 days! And he didn't eat or drink anything!
While Jesus was in the wilderness, he was tempted by Satan. That's something that happens to me seemingly every hour of every day. And anything that the wild can throw at Bear, Satan and the spiritual wild can top it. Reading about warfare in the spiritual realm always blows my mind. I can hardly get a handle on Earth, let alone Michael and the angels battling it out with Satan in heaven (for a good dose of that, check out Revelation...and really sink your teeth into it).
But in Luke 4:6, it seems pretty clear that Satan has a pretty good grip on the Earth and a lot of what goes on here. The temptations are all around and its' impossible to avoid them. So I must overcome them. I've figured the best way to do that is to avoid putting myself in situations where I will be bombarded, whether that's in a large group of people or by myself. Over time, I've found out what my weaknesses are and that makes it easier for me to stay out of trouble.
The show Man vs. Wild is a television survival guide, letting you know how to escape danger and work through trials while facing mother nature. My survival guide to the spiritual wild is the Bible. Jesus shows me in Luke 4 how to avoid giving in to Satan's temptations.
I really couldn't think of a better survivor than Jesus. After all, He not only lived a perfect life, but overcame death. Now that's survival.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
And on the fourth day...I rested?
It's been crazy around here since Friday. I've either been driving in a car, out of town or at work. All that has definitely taken it's toll. After the field hockey game today I was a zombie and just needed a night to chill out. And it's exactly what I got.
That got me thinking about when God created the Earth and all that is in it, He made sure to set an example of resting one day. Certainly, God didn't need to take a break from all that creating. After all, He is God. Instead, he knew that man would be busy working the fields (or the office now a days) and would need one day to take a break from life to focus on Him and recharge the batteries. The Sabbath of course, was a day where literally nothing could be done. But now we know, as Paul says in Romans 14, that if one person esteems a day above the others and one does not, let each one be convinced in his own mind.
But that's not really the point of this blog. The point is that God always knows what we need. He knows when we need some time out and when we need a kick in the pants (just like He gave me last week). There are so many examples in the Bible of Him providing for his people. The Israelites receiving manna and water, Daniel escaping the lions, his buddies Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego coming out of the fire and of course, the ultimate provision, Jesus Christ dying on the cross and rising on the third day. He provides for me every day. I might not think about it, but I should. Every penny I spend, every stitch of clothing I wear and the bed I sleep in is all from God.
As David said..."Give thanks to the Lord!"
(Pslam 105).
That got me thinking about when God created the Earth and all that is in it, He made sure to set an example of resting one day. Certainly, God didn't need to take a break from all that creating. After all, He is God. Instead, he knew that man would be busy working the fields (or the office now a days) and would need one day to take a break from life to focus on Him and recharge the batteries. The Sabbath of course, was a day where literally nothing could be done. But now we know, as Paul says in Romans 14, that if one person esteems a day above the others and one does not, let each one be convinced in his own mind.
But that's not really the point of this blog. The point is that God always knows what we need. He knows when we need some time out and when we need a kick in the pants (just like He gave me last week). There are so many examples in the Bible of Him providing for his people. The Israelites receiving manna and water, Daniel escaping the lions, his buddies Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego coming out of the fire and of course, the ultimate provision, Jesus Christ dying on the cross and rising on the third day. He provides for me every day. I might not think about it, but I should. Every penny I spend, every stitch of clothing I wear and the bed I sleep in is all from God.
As David said..."Give thanks to the Lord!"
(Pslam 105).
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
October is for Baseball
Wow! Playoff baseball!
I've been a baseball fan since before I can remember, played it my entire life and followed the major leagues as closely as possible. I've been to a ton of games, but until Tuesday, I had never experienced baseball in October.
My friend Eric is a transplanted New Englander, now living close to Cleveland. He got a pair of tickets to game 4 of the Sox/Indians series and I wasn't about to turn that opportunity down. I did, however, feel a tad bit guilty being there. I know a lot of Tribe fans that would have loved to have been there. Like I said before, I cheer for the Indians, but they will always be No. 2 in my heart behind the Reds. I take a great deal of pride in all of Ohio's sporting teams...except the Browns. The Browns aren't really the Browns so they don't count. Whether it's the Bengals, Cavs, Blue Jackets, the Columbus Clippers or the Youngstown Penguins, I always root for Ohio teams. And on Tuesday, I was elated to be a part of the Jacob's Field atmosphere.
Since the building opened in 1994, the Indians are 22-11 at home in the postseason! That's an incredible number and I can see why. What a scene it was to see all the towels waving and people standing. Of course, I cheered for the Indians, but with my good friend suffering through the seven-run fifth inning, I toned it down as to not make him feel bad. I know what its like to be watching your team get embarrassed in living color and I wouldn't want to him to experience it either.
But this Indians team is quite special and if they can finish off the Red Sox, I'd say they have everything in place for a World Series championship. A great combo of young, talented starters and wily veteran starters...a lock-down bullpen...and an incredibly balanced offense. Nine players have at least one homer and three RBIs so far this postseason. That's insanely balanced! The team hits at an unbelievable clip with two outs and runners on and seem to capitalize on every miscue the other team makes. Plus, Kenny Lofton is back and nothing would seem more fitting than him ending his career with an Indians world championship.
I know this isn't much like my other posts, but I was so wired from being part of the "10th Man" tonight, I just had to let it out! Here's hoping that my Reds will be able to experience the same thing next year from Great American Ballpark...but I'm not holding my breath.
I've been a baseball fan since before I can remember, played it my entire life and followed the major leagues as closely as possible. I've been to a ton of games, but until Tuesday, I had never experienced baseball in October.
My friend Eric is a transplanted New Englander, now living close to Cleveland. He got a pair of tickets to game 4 of the Sox/Indians series and I wasn't about to turn that opportunity down. I did, however, feel a tad bit guilty being there. I know a lot of Tribe fans that would have loved to have been there. Like I said before, I cheer for the Indians, but they will always be No. 2 in my heart behind the Reds. I take a great deal of pride in all of Ohio's sporting teams...except the Browns. The Browns aren't really the Browns so they don't count. Whether it's the Bengals, Cavs, Blue Jackets, the Columbus Clippers or the Youngstown Penguins, I always root for Ohio teams. And on Tuesday, I was elated to be a part of the Jacob's Field atmosphere.
Since the building opened in 1994, the Indians are 22-11 at home in the postseason! That's an incredible number and I can see why. What a scene it was to see all the towels waving and people standing. Of course, I cheered for the Indians, but with my good friend suffering through the seven-run fifth inning, I toned it down as to not make him feel bad. I know what its like to be watching your team get embarrassed in living color and I wouldn't want to him to experience it either.
But this Indians team is quite special and if they can finish off the Red Sox, I'd say they have everything in place for a World Series championship. A great combo of young, talented starters and wily veteran starters...a lock-down bullpen...and an incredibly balanced offense. Nine players have at least one homer and three RBIs so far this postseason. That's insanely balanced! The team hits at an unbelievable clip with two outs and runners on and seem to capitalize on every miscue the other team makes. Plus, Kenny Lofton is back and nothing would seem more fitting than him ending his career with an Indians world championship.
I know this isn't much like my other posts, but I was so wired from being part of the "10th Man" tonight, I just had to let it out! Here's hoping that my Reds will be able to experience the same thing next year from Great American Ballpark...but I'm not holding my breath.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Ethan and Namaan...the not-so-odd couple
Just a few days ago I declared I was going to live a pride-free life. And whether it's a diet or a resolution, there's nothing like some positive reinforcement from the right person to keep you on track.
I was back at my home church Mt. Olive on Sunday and attended Sunday school. I've always loved that Sunday school class with my uncle teaching and many of my long-time friends always making interesting insights for discussion. While I've been in Erie, they've been working their way through the Old Testament and were up to 2 Kings...which is one of my favorite books of the Bible.
The story we touched on Sunday was about the Syrian army commander Namaan, who had contracted leprosy (for the entire story, 2 Kings, Chapter 5). Namaan was a proud man (much like I was) but had just enough humility to seek out help in a foreign land. But Elisha did something surprising when Namaan came to be healed. Elisha sent his servant and told him to dip in the Jordan. You can just imagine Namaan being furious. A commander of an army enters a rival nation to be healed by a prophet and the man doesn't even speak to him face to face? Tells him to wash in the Jordan? Sheesh! Namaan was certainly expecting a grand healing that would impress all of his entourage. Instead, God knew that Namaan needed to be humbled. Not only did Elisha's servant tell him the remedy, it was his own servant that convinced him to wash in the Jordan...taking advice from the lowly. Not only did he have to dip in the Jordan...he had to do it SEVEN times. Why seven? One is too easy. Any one can dip once. But seven times challenges your faith and snuffs your pride (it was probably embarrassing for someone to stand in the Jordan and dip seven times). The key to the story, though, is that Namaan actually did it. He followed the advice of the man of God and was healed. He overcame his pride much like I am trying to do right now. I don't need cured from leprosy, but I certainly need humbled every now and then. What happened to Namaan likely will happen to all believers at some point. I might expect God to work in some grand way through me, but it may be something simple, something small or even unnoticeable. It may even be ridiculous (dipping in the river...), but the key is to trust God, as He knows how to get the best of all of us...and above all...we must swallow our pride.
On a closing note, I really suggest reading about and thinking about Elisha's miracles. So many of them foreshadow happenings in the New Testament (Elisha feeds 100 men, 2 Kings Chapter 4; washing in water to cleanse iniquities, Chapter 5). Also, another thing we can learn from Elisha is that with his miracles, he showed them the Lord through meeting their most basic needs. We don't always need a great, emotional speech or a healing touch. Like how Elisha provided for the widow and like how he saved the pot of stew during the famine, we can show unbelievers God by giving a sandwich to the hungry or a coat to the cold. People in times of need and desperation respond when they are helped in even the most subtle ways.
I was back at my home church Mt. Olive on Sunday and attended Sunday school. I've always loved that Sunday school class with my uncle teaching and many of my long-time friends always making interesting insights for discussion. While I've been in Erie, they've been working their way through the Old Testament and were up to 2 Kings...which is one of my favorite books of the Bible.
The story we touched on Sunday was about the Syrian army commander Namaan, who had contracted leprosy (for the entire story, 2 Kings, Chapter 5). Namaan was a proud man (much like I was) but had just enough humility to seek out help in a foreign land. But Elisha did something surprising when Namaan came to be healed. Elisha sent his servant and told him to dip in the Jordan. You can just imagine Namaan being furious. A commander of an army enters a rival nation to be healed by a prophet and the man doesn't even speak to him face to face? Tells him to wash in the Jordan? Sheesh! Namaan was certainly expecting a grand healing that would impress all of his entourage. Instead, God knew that Namaan needed to be humbled. Not only did Elisha's servant tell him the remedy, it was his own servant that convinced him to wash in the Jordan...taking advice from the lowly. Not only did he have to dip in the Jordan...he had to do it SEVEN times. Why seven? One is too easy. Any one can dip once. But seven times challenges your faith and snuffs your pride (it was probably embarrassing for someone to stand in the Jordan and dip seven times). The key to the story, though, is that Namaan actually did it. He followed the advice of the man of God and was healed. He overcame his pride much like I am trying to do right now. I don't need cured from leprosy, but I certainly need humbled every now and then. What happened to Namaan likely will happen to all believers at some point. I might expect God to work in some grand way through me, but it may be something simple, something small or even unnoticeable. It may even be ridiculous (dipping in the river...), but the key is to trust God, as He knows how to get the best of all of us...and above all...we must swallow our pride.
On a closing note, I really suggest reading about and thinking about Elisha's miracles. So many of them foreshadow happenings in the New Testament (Elisha feeds 100 men, 2 Kings Chapter 4; washing in water to cleanse iniquities, Chapter 5). Also, another thing we can learn from Elisha is that with his miracles, he showed them the Lord through meeting their most basic needs. We don't always need a great, emotional speech or a healing touch. Like how Elisha provided for the widow and like how he saved the pot of stew during the famine, we can show unbelievers God by giving a sandwich to the hungry or a coat to the cold. People in times of need and desperation respond when they are helped in even the most subtle ways.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The Master Musician
It's my second-straight day of late posting because of traveling. I just walked in the door following a 2 1/2 hour drive back from the Phil Keaggy show. It was more than worth it. I'd drive for a week to see that man play guitar. He truly is not of this world.
People in guitar circles widely consider Keaggy to be one of the greatest to ever pick up the instrument. There's always been a story where Hendrix/Clapton was asked what it felt like to be the world's greatest guitar player, to which he responded, "I don't know. Ask Phil Keaggy." While there may not be any truth to that actual story, there is no doubt he can play faster, sharper, more intelligently and with more ease than any guitar player I've ever seen (and he's getting close to 60 years old). You can buy his albums and I'll be more than happy to recommend some (he's put out over 40 in his career), but it doesn't capture the live essence. He makes good guitar players stand with their mouths hanging open and in utter disbelief that a human just did that on an instrument.
It was the seventh time I've seen Keaggy and it may have been the best I've seen him, which says a lot. The only thing that makes me upset about watching Phil is that I'm watching him with only 350 other fans. But it was a choice Phil made a long time ago. See, he was in a band called Glass Harp that was touring the groups like the Doors and the Rolling Stones back in the 60s. They were just about to hit it big, playing in Carnegie Hall and huge venues, when Keaggy's mother died in a car accident. One week later, he became a Christian and decided to become a solo artist. While he's had an excellent career as an artist, selling millions of records and winning a load of awards, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of fame and fortune he would have had if he had continued performing as a secular artist. He would have got the recognition he deserved. But Phil knew that fame was fleeting and that serving God would give him an eternal reward. Sure, I'd love to see Phil selling out stadiums and blowing people's minds, but every time he plays in a 350 seat church, he touches each person with his talent...because a talent like that can only come from God.
Check out the You Tube videos on my page to get a glimpse at his ability. By the way...here are a few Phil Keaggy albums I recommend...
People in guitar circles widely consider Keaggy to be one of the greatest to ever pick up the instrument. There's always been a story where Hendrix/Clapton was asked what it felt like to be the world's greatest guitar player, to which he responded, "I don't know. Ask Phil Keaggy." While there may not be any truth to that actual story, there is no doubt he can play faster, sharper, more intelligently and with more ease than any guitar player I've ever seen (and he's getting close to 60 years old). You can buy his albums and I'll be more than happy to recommend some (he's put out over 40 in his career), but it doesn't capture the live essence. He makes good guitar players stand with their mouths hanging open and in utter disbelief that a human just did that on an instrument.
It was the seventh time I've seen Keaggy and it may have been the best I've seen him, which says a lot. The only thing that makes me upset about watching Phil is that I'm watching him with only 350 other fans. But it was a choice Phil made a long time ago. See, he was in a band called Glass Harp that was touring the groups like the Doors and the Rolling Stones back in the 60s. They were just about to hit it big, playing in Carnegie Hall and huge venues, when Keaggy's mother died in a car accident. One week later, he became a Christian and decided to become a solo artist. While he's had an excellent career as an artist, selling millions of records and winning a load of awards, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of fame and fortune he would have had if he had continued performing as a secular artist. He would have got the recognition he deserved. But Phil knew that fame was fleeting and that serving God would give him an eternal reward. Sure, I'd love to see Phil selling out stadiums and blowing people's minds, but every time he plays in a 350 seat church, he touches each person with his talent...because a talent like that can only come from God.
Check out the You Tube videos on my page to get a glimpse at his ability. By the way...here are a few Phil Keaggy albums I recommend...
- Love Broke Thru (his second release, early 1970's)
- Master and the Musician (his first ever instrumental release)
- The Wind and the Wheat (incredible instrumental album. Includes "The Reunion," possibly the most beautiful song played on a six string.)
- Crimson & Blue (like the title says...a very bluesy record with some of his heavier tracks)
- Find Me in These Fields (Contemporary rock...released in the early 90's)
- Beyond Nature (Voted No. 3 on a list of all-time greatest acoustic albums)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Way Back Home
I know it's already Sunday, but this is my post for Saturday. I've been a night owl since birth. I was born late at night and my mom told me I used to sneak out of bed to try to watch Johnny Carson when I was still very young. 3 a.m. just doesn't hit me like other people. But the reason my post is so late...or early is because I made my way back to Sardis for the first time since leaving in July today. I left right after I posted my water polo story at 5:30 and got back just in time for most of the Indians game...which of course is in extra innings right now with the Tribe blowing it open (the Indians have always been my No. 2 team behind the Reds. I can cheer for them because they aren't rivals in the way the Bengals and Browns are).
I almost didn't come home. Me and my great friend Adam were heading to a Phil Keaggy concert in Cambridge on Sunday but it ended up being me meeting my uncle, parents and sister and her boyfriend part way. I'm not afraid to say it...my family loves me and I'm pretty lucky. I didn't really want to go all the way to Sardis (almost gave in to a lame excuse) but I know how much it means to my grandparents when they get to see me. It's worth me driving the extra hour or more for that. It's the least I can do for all they've done for me.
The title of the post, "Way Back Home," is actually the title to a Phil Keaggy album. If you don't own it, you should. Low key, acoustic, and has one of the greatest all time songs, "Let Everything Else Go." I hate when I'm the center of attention but how great is it to have my grandparents make a special visit to town to bring me a fresh apple pie that she made special for me. How could I ever complain about the love my family has for me?
Sure, people get bored living on the map dot that is Sardis, but it's a place that everyone should have for a hometown. You can leave for months...or years and come home and everything is the same as you left it. Everyone remembers you and wants to know what you've been up to. Really, not much has changed since I was a boy playing hoops outside Sardis Elementary or riding my bike through town and stopping at the Town Pump for a drink of always cold, fresh water. Trips here always brings back great memories. And that's important. You never want to forget where you are from, especially if you are from Sardis. I'll leave you with a line from Keaggy's "Way Back Home" song that I feel appropriately suits this blog.
I almost didn't come home. Me and my great friend Adam were heading to a Phil Keaggy concert in Cambridge on Sunday but it ended up being me meeting my uncle, parents and sister and her boyfriend part way. I'm not afraid to say it...my family loves me and I'm pretty lucky. I didn't really want to go all the way to Sardis (almost gave in to a lame excuse) but I know how much it means to my grandparents when they get to see me. It's worth me driving the extra hour or more for that. It's the least I can do for all they've done for me.
The title of the post, "Way Back Home," is actually the title to a Phil Keaggy album. If you don't own it, you should. Low key, acoustic, and has one of the greatest all time songs, "Let Everything Else Go." I hate when I'm the center of attention but how great is it to have my grandparents make a special visit to town to bring me a fresh apple pie that she made special for me. How could I ever complain about the love my family has for me?
Sure, people get bored living on the map dot that is Sardis, but it's a place that everyone should have for a hometown. You can leave for months...or years and come home and everything is the same as you left it. Everyone remembers you and wants to know what you've been up to. Really, not much has changed since I was a boy playing hoops outside Sardis Elementary or riding my bike through town and stopping at the Town Pump for a drink of always cold, fresh water. Trips here always brings back great memories. And that's important. You never want to forget where you are from, especially if you are from Sardis. I'll leave you with a line from Keaggy's "Way Back Home" song that I feel appropriately suits this blog.
Way back home in the childhood of my past,
I ask what becomes of a man who leaves behind
The memory of youth, of youth
Instead of looking back to live again.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Turning over a new leaf plus one
Today was the first day of my "prideless" life. It was one of those epic sports information days. Into the office at 8:30 and leave at 10:30 at night. Soccer, soccer, volleyball, water polo. I'm really excited about Sunday, though, because I'm heading back to Ohio to see my favorite artist of all time, Phil Keaggy. But that is for another post.
I had the opportunity to take photos at the soccer matches today. Ever since I took photo classes at West Liberty, I have been hooked on photography. At Mercyhurst, we have the benefit of a quality camera with one of those big zoom lenses. I got a few quality shots, but as I walked around the field, the action seemed to keep moving away from me. Sure, I used the zoom. But if you know photography, you know that you can over use the zoom and nothing can replace being close to the action. Even with the zoom, shots can be slightly out of focus, a bit grainy, and they just don't have the effect that a shot taking from just a few feet away has. As I waited for the action to get close, I thought of how this is so much like my relationship with Jesus. I can know who he is (keeping my distance and using the zoom) or I can KNOW him (being right in the action, seeing every bit of possible detail in the image). The further I am from Christ (less time in prayer, fellowship, reading the word) the more blurred the lines of the relationship are, the less I hear from him, the less I can see him working in my life...just like the picture taking from 120 yards away. But if I get as close as I can to him, I will be able to see his plan for me clearly...just like I can see the sweat flying off the soccer players as I snap shots from 10 feet away.
Think to Luke 9 for a minute. Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They thought He may have been Elijah or John the Baptist. But Peter said, "The Christ of God." Peter KNEW Jesus. Then there was the rich ruler that asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. He knew he Jesus was, he knew all of the commandments and followed them. But he did not KNOW Jesus, because he did not want to sell all he had to follow Him. Even the demons knew who Jesus was. But knowing who He is doesn't mean we really KNOW Him. I need to stop using my zoom lens on Jesus Christ. I want to know him intimately and do His work. That means spending more time in prayer, fellowship and reading the word. Matthew 7:21-23 always gives me an uneasy feeling. He said "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven...Many will say to Me in that day, Lord have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you..."
Ouch. But I can avoid that rejection just by drawing near. There is no reason to keep my distance from Jesus and no good reason to not KNOW him. It is not hard. He said so himself. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find...your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
I had the opportunity to take photos at the soccer matches today. Ever since I took photo classes at West Liberty, I have been hooked on photography. At Mercyhurst, we have the benefit of a quality camera with one of those big zoom lenses. I got a few quality shots, but as I walked around the field, the action seemed to keep moving away from me. Sure, I used the zoom. But if you know photography, you know that you can over use the zoom and nothing can replace being close to the action. Even with the zoom, shots can be slightly out of focus, a bit grainy, and they just don't have the effect that a shot taking from just a few feet away has. As I waited for the action to get close, I thought of how this is so much like my relationship with Jesus. I can know who he is (keeping my distance and using the zoom) or I can KNOW him (being right in the action, seeing every bit of possible detail in the image). The further I am from Christ (less time in prayer, fellowship, reading the word) the more blurred the lines of the relationship are, the less I hear from him, the less I can see him working in my life...just like the picture taking from 120 yards away. But if I get as close as I can to him, I will be able to see his plan for me clearly...just like I can see the sweat flying off the soccer players as I snap shots from 10 feet away.
Think to Luke 9 for a minute. Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They thought He may have been Elijah or John the Baptist. But Peter said, "The Christ of God." Peter KNEW Jesus. Then there was the rich ruler that asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. He knew he Jesus was, he knew all of the commandments and followed them. But he did not KNOW Jesus, because he did not want to sell all he had to follow Him. Even the demons knew who Jesus was. But knowing who He is doesn't mean we really KNOW Him. I need to stop using my zoom lens on Jesus Christ. I want to know him intimately and do His work. That means spending more time in prayer, fellowship and reading the word. Matthew 7:21-23 always gives me an uneasy feeling. He said "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven...Many will say to Me in that day, Lord have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you..."
Ouch. But I can avoid that rejection just by drawing near. There is no reason to keep my distance from Jesus and no good reason to not KNOW him. It is not hard. He said so himself. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find...your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Smashing Pride Like the Bug that it is
It’s really odd how some things come to fruition. I never thought I’d be a blogger. After taking a undergrad and then grad classes about how bloggers are changing our media and making nothing untouchable, I thought to myself, “Typing up your thoughts and trying to become important…that’s what the world needs more of.”
I recently moved to Erie and since I’ve been here I’ve been “looking” for a new church. I say “looking” because it hasn’t been that much of a search. I’ve been to a few services here and there but I’ve missed a majority of Sundays because of poor excuses. For some reason, I hesitated to find a new church. The reasons? Excuses and lots of them.
My schedule is too hectic on Sundays and I won’t be able to get to work in time…the church is too big…there aren't any that match my beliefs.
Wow, I could have sold myself the Brooklyn Bridge. During this half-hearted attempt to find a church, I lapsed into this uneventful routine of boredom, accompanied by mostly television and work. I make an attempt to stay healthy by taking a walk every night, but really, who am I kidding? I’m 24, a former athlete, and I’m walking? I should be pounding the treadmill, working up a sweat and pumping iron. It’s like I took a leap from jock to senior citizen in a few weeks. It’s just another half-hearted attempt at something.
So why all of this lackadaisical effort? Because it’s what I’ve done my entire life. I shunned off anything that was too hard by doing just enough to get by and convinced myself it was the right thing to do. It’s been that way in just about everything. I didn't want to accept help in any form, from any body or show weakness of any kid.
OK. You might be asking how I figured myself out. Here’s how. I saw a flyer on the wall of the union advertising a praise and worship night inside the union. “Perfect,” I thought. This was right up my ally. I love playing guitar and singing. I’ve been copping out of going to big churches because I wanted to be a part of a small group, feel connected, feel important, feel like I’m contributing. Here’s my chance. I was going to go. Buuuuut…I was working late…Didn’t really feel social…Thought I might be out of place…
I didn’t go. More excuses. But after I got home, I felt worse that I didn't go. I went on my customary walk and strolled down by the campus, peaked in the union window and saw about 15 people singing, lifting their hands to God. Talk about a kick in the gut. On my lap back around, they were wrapping things up. I saw people hugging, joking, laughing. And here I was by myself on a walk because it wasn’t the easy thing to do.
The easy thing to do. When is the easy thing to do every really the right thing to do. The first thought was that I’m lazy. But my second thought was even worse. I have too much pride. Way too much pride. Too much pride to admit I was out of shape and didn’t need to exercise and too much pride to admit that being on my own is not the way to go. Pride is a dangerous thing for a person and even more dangerous for a Christian. It pulled me away from God. I didn’t want to be a stranger. I didn’t want to feel like I need a place to worship. I wanted to feel stronger and more self-sufficient than I really was. That pride put a rift between me and my Savior and He made me realize that it was time to close the gap…get rid of my pride.
The big question now is getting rid of the pride. That’s part of the reason I’m now here on the world wide web. At the end of each day I felt no smarter, no happier and no closer to God than I had been the day before. Definitely the wrong way to live a life. Especially a life that God has blessed so plentifully and that still has so much promise. I could be doing so much for God and His church. So with this blog, I’m hoping to add an element of transparency to my life. With this on paper, people will know where I stand with God and hopefully will hold me accountable. It’s so easy to stray (and become prideful) when there is no accountability. I’m also hoping that it will allow me to organize thoughts, dig into the Word, understand how I can apply the Word to my life.
There’s no more hiding. No more being the good Christian in my mind. It’s time for the old cliché…walk the walk. There’s been a passage that continues to pop up in my reading lately. It’s Acts 4:31. “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Speaking the word of God in a time and place where it was punishable by death. And not only speaking it, but speaking with BOLDNESS.
You think those folks ever said to themselves, “Eh, I don’t really feel like worshipping God and fellowshipping with believers tonight”?
Me neither.
I recently moved to Erie and since I’ve been here I’ve been “looking” for a new church. I say “looking” because it hasn’t been that much of a search. I’ve been to a few services here and there but I’ve missed a majority of Sundays because of poor excuses. For some reason, I hesitated to find a new church. The reasons? Excuses and lots of them.
My schedule is too hectic on Sundays and I won’t be able to get to work in time…the church is too big…there aren't any that match my beliefs.
Wow, I could have sold myself the Brooklyn Bridge. During this half-hearted attempt to find a church, I lapsed into this uneventful routine of boredom, accompanied by mostly television and work. I make an attempt to stay healthy by taking a walk every night, but really, who am I kidding? I’m 24, a former athlete, and I’m walking? I should be pounding the treadmill, working up a sweat and pumping iron. It’s like I took a leap from jock to senior citizen in a few weeks. It’s just another half-hearted attempt at something.
So why all of this lackadaisical effort? Because it’s what I’ve done my entire life. I shunned off anything that was too hard by doing just enough to get by and convinced myself it was the right thing to do. It’s been that way in just about everything. I didn't want to accept help in any form, from any body or show weakness of any kid.
OK. You might be asking how I figured myself out. Here’s how. I saw a flyer on the wall of the union advertising a praise and worship night inside the union. “Perfect,” I thought. This was right up my ally. I love playing guitar and singing. I’ve been copping out of going to big churches because I wanted to be a part of a small group, feel connected, feel important, feel like I’m contributing. Here’s my chance. I was going to go. Buuuuut…I was working late…Didn’t really feel social…Thought I might be out of place…
I didn’t go. More excuses. But after I got home, I felt worse that I didn't go. I went on my customary walk and strolled down by the campus, peaked in the union window and saw about 15 people singing, lifting their hands to God. Talk about a kick in the gut. On my lap back around, they were wrapping things up. I saw people hugging, joking, laughing. And here I was by myself on a walk because it wasn’t the easy thing to do.
The easy thing to do. When is the easy thing to do every really the right thing to do. The first thought was that I’m lazy. But my second thought was even worse. I have too much pride. Way too much pride. Too much pride to admit I was out of shape and didn’t need to exercise and too much pride to admit that being on my own is not the way to go. Pride is a dangerous thing for a person and even more dangerous for a Christian. It pulled me away from God. I didn’t want to be a stranger. I didn’t want to feel like I need a place to worship. I wanted to feel stronger and more self-sufficient than I really was. That pride put a rift between me and my Savior and He made me realize that it was time to close the gap…get rid of my pride.
The big question now is getting rid of the pride. That’s part of the reason I’m now here on the world wide web. At the end of each day I felt no smarter, no happier and no closer to God than I had been the day before. Definitely the wrong way to live a life. Especially a life that God has blessed so plentifully and that still has so much promise. I could be doing so much for God and His church. So with this blog, I’m hoping to add an element of transparency to my life. With this on paper, people will know where I stand with God and hopefully will hold me accountable. It’s so easy to stray (and become prideful) when there is no accountability. I’m also hoping that it will allow me to organize thoughts, dig into the Word, understand how I can apply the Word to my life.
There’s no more hiding. No more being the good Christian in my mind. It’s time for the old cliché…walk the walk. There’s been a passage that continues to pop up in my reading lately. It’s Acts 4:31. “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Speaking the word of God in a time and place where it was punishable by death. And not only speaking it, but speaking with BOLDNESS.
You think those folks ever said to themselves, “Eh, I don’t really feel like worshipping God and fellowshipping with believers tonight”?
Me neither.
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