Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Validation

The One and only Byron Bauer pointed this out on facebook...

Sheep

I saw this on Stuff Christians Like this morning. Pretty amazing.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Remember what God has done.

I love to take pictures. I'd rather be behind the viewfinder, than in front of the lens. Recently, I've been looking through some of the pics that I have taken. It has been fun to reminisce of times past, but it also reminds me of what God has done in my life and in those around me.

In looking at the past, I'm excited about what's to come.

10 worship songs, 10 Artists

I've been pondering this post about this, so it is now time. What are ten worship songs from ten different artists that impact me? So, in no particular order...

1. Refuse to be Denied by Desperation Band. I had no idea who Jared Anderson or the Desperation Band was until they came to our church a few years back.

2. Everything by Tim Hughes. The connection Band brought this one into my life recently.

3. Fire Fall Down by Hillsong United. For the longest time I heard people talking about this Hillsong group. Once I fell into the peer pressure, I now know why.

4. If I stand by Rich Mullins. This song has saved me on many dark nights.

5. Only you by David Crowder Band

6. Glorious One by Steve Fee. I first heard Fee's music at Jr. High Summer Camp a few years back. I got one of his albums soon after. Great stuff.

7. My Glorious by Delirious. Delirious is one of the first bands that I grew to love after becoming a follower of Jesus. It reminds me of Bethel Chapel.

8. I know by Darell Evans

9. Rushing Wind by Keith Green. I read the biography of this guy while at KBM. Incredible story. Its amazing to see how God uses people for his Glory, and to draw people unto Him.

10. Gifted Response by Matt Redman

In case you were wondering...

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

10 things

Back in my college days I heard a wise man speak on personal revival. He gave a list.

10 things to have continuous revival
1. Get thoroughly dissatisfied with yourself.
2. Throw yourself into your desire for God.
3. Put yourself in the way of spiritual blessings.
4. Do a thorough job of repenting.
5. Make restitution wherever possible.
6. Bring your life into accord with the scriptures.
7. Be serious minded.
8. Deliberately narrow your interests.
9. Begin to witness.
10. Have faith in God.

8 miles

The On Fire Rallies changed my life.

It all started what will be 12 years ago. I was attending another church at the time, and had heard about a series of nights dedicated to growing deeper in one's relationship with Christ. I had decided that I was going to make it a priority to check it out.

I was not disappointed.

I found that the worship music was different than singing the hymns and an occasional chorus, and the speaker was challenging me right where I was at. I met many people, including a Pastor, several volunteers, and even several other students who were so friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. Its like I was visiting my home after a long and tiring trip. I was glad I went.

The next year (Spring of 98), I was a senior. At this point in life I was at the mercy of my parents when it came to driving, as I didn't have a car yet. One night of the On Fire Rallies, both my parents were out with the vehicles, and I had no ride, except for the two-wheeled variety. So, one dreary, drizzling night, I donned a yellow rain poncho and peddled the roughly 8 miles from my house to Nappanee Missionary Church. I wasn't going to let anything keep my from participating in what I knew was going to be an incredible time to focus on God.

The On Fire Rallies changed my life. One might say that my life would have sucked without it. I found a place I fit in, It helped shape my choices of my life after high school, and my desire to invest in the lives of youth.

I look back and think of what God has done in my life through the On Fire Rallies, and I thank and praise Him. But more importantly, I look forward in anticipation of what God is going to do.

As I sit in a Coffee House on the eve of this year's Rallies, I'm trying to think. Am I ready? Like the 8 miles that would have kept me from learning and drawing closer to God, is there anything that could be keeping me from hearing God speak to me?

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Poll.

I created a poll. Go to take a look at it and vote.

Clay shooting

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Is 3 years long enough to get over someone?

I stayed up to watch this episode. Loved it.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Currently watching/listening to

Currently watching: The Shelby427 at Las Vegas. I love NASCAR, especially when its done by Fox Sports. I love watching pit strategy, learning about the different adjustments to the cars to improve them, and like anyone else, the wrecks. I guess the only thing left to sy is Lowes knows home improvement.

Currently listening to: Lone Lilly by Regan Graverson. Regan performed last night in Goshen. Good stuff. Its not the kind of music that I'd normally listen to, and I think that's why I like it.

Always be prepared.

In my everyday travels, there are two things I always try to carry with me.

1. A pocket knife/multi-tool. It seems like whenever I don't carry one, I need it. Also, as soon as I don't carry one, other people become intensely disappointed in me.

2. A minimum of one pen, but preferably at least two. Whether its signing for a delivery or writing a quick reminder at work, or taking notes during a message, its always good to be prepared. The reason I saw preferably at least two is that inevitably someone asks to borrow a pen. And 83% of the time, I will never see said loaned pen again.