Music. If ever there was a non-political or a non-religious word to ignite emotion, that word could do it. There are social, political, and religious discussions that can send people over the top, but get someone in a discussion about good or bad music, and watch what happens!
Perhaps the reason for that is, along with those social, political, and religious topics, music tends to define who we are. When we openly discuss these topics, our values suddenly begin to shine. These things will say more about us than we might otherwise verbalize about ourselves.
While I generally consider myself to enjoy a wide variety of music styles, my roots lie in Southern Gospel. Growing up, I remember listening to the Mull Singing Convention on the radio that featured the Chuck Wagon Gang. I remember watching the Singing Jubilee with the Goodmans and Florida Boys. The Bill Gaither Trio were also favorites of mine. Then, as I got into high school, I began working at our local radio station. We played Southern Gospel music every night, and I learned about the Nelons, Cathedrals, Gold City, and the Kingsmen among others.
During my early adult years, the Gaither Vocal Band was begun. I think they took my music appreciation to a completely different level. Gaither began the Homecoming series of videos, and practically gave this genre of music the proverbial shot in the arm to keep it alive. Groups like the Martins and Signature Sound have risen to popularity, largely with the help of Gaither's Homecoming Series.
I enjoy listening to all these groups. I'm very familiar with many of the older songs because of the radio days. There is one group of young men, though, that has really caught my attention recently. The group is called Soul'd Out Quartet. Honesty compels me to say the reason I began to listen to them is a young man who is an alumnus of my alma mater sings baritone for the group. Later, I learned the bass singer is also an alum.
Several things have impressed me about this group of guys. First, if you click on their website (AFTER you finish reading my blog!), you will notice these are a bunch of young kids! Seriously, I dare say their average age would put them in their late 20s. Another thing I appreciate about them is their talent. They have a really incredible sound. They are able to sing a unique blend of old style southern gospel with a newer, more progressive sound that reflects their age. Third, the guys like to have fun! As you are visiting their website, (again, AFTER you read my blog) check out some of the videos they have uploaded. It is obvious they enjoy being together. I've been able to only attend one of their concerts. But from that experience, combined with visiting with them via social media, etc., I really believe they have a genuine walk with God. That is the most important aspect of anyone in ministry.
I sing in a southern gospel quartet myself. (No, our average age isn't in our 20s.) It is a thrill for me to sing in different places and meet lots of people. The most important part, though, is being able to share Christ, and communicate the gospel message. I hope you will take advantage of listening to some good music today. Let it lift your spirits and encourage you. Most of all, allow yourself to meditate on the good news of Jesus Christ. If you are in need of a relationship with Him, or have questions about that, please feel free to send me a message via my blog. I'd love to share with you!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
One, Two, Three ~ TEAM
I've purposely not posted much (or any, actually) about the NBA Finals. I'm not a huge NBA fan, but because I love sports, I do keep up with the games a little bit. Since the Hawks (OK, remember, I AM a Georgian!) have been eliminated, and since I do love baseball more than I like basketball, following these playoffs at a safe distance is about all I can muster.
Last off-season, the Miami Heat made the huge splash with the mega-signing of Chris Bosh and LeBron James to play alongside Dwayne Wade. Mr. James made a huge deal out of this because his former (hometown) team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, just were not going to be good enough to win a Championship. He felt like these three men teaming together would be unbeatable. "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach" and play for the Heat.
They started out rocky before going on an incredible run that seemed like it was inevitably going to result in a championship. Then the team began to struggle again. News began to circulate that Mr. James could not finish a game as strongly as he had started. There was even some embarrassing news from the coach involving players crying in the locker room after a loss.
The Heat won their division, and began a run in the playoffs that seemed unbeatable. They seemed to be peaking at just the right time. At the same time, the Mavericks of Dallas were creating some news of their own in the Western Conference playoffs. As the series' progressed, these two teams met in the Finals.
While the coaching staff obviously did their job on the bench and in preparing their team, there was one player on the Mavericks that stood (quite literally) head and shoulders above everyone else. Dirk Nowitski was the catalyst on this Maverick team that would not give up. Nowitski took the team on his shoulders and led the team throughout the playoffs. Other team members contributed and did their part. The team fed off the leadership of Nowitski on the floor.
I'm not a basketball expert. I fully understand that ESPN will not come calling on me to be the next analyst, but I know enough to get by. And besides all that, this is my blog, and I'm going to offer my opinion here, most likely to the chagrin of most sports writers. Would you like to know the reason the Mavericks won the NBA Finals? TEAMWORK. Yes, there was a coaching staff who called plays and trained their players in a philosophy they wanted to carry out on the court. Yes, there is an owner who pays too much money to these guys to play the game. But they had 12 players on their roster who were able to execute the gameplan and not allow pride to get in the way of the job at hand. They were confident, obviously; but their confidence was channeled through their team instead of individuals.
If we are going to be successful in anything, we must recognize our role in the greater scheme of things. Whether at work, in our families, on our rec-league softball team ~ know your role and do everything within your power to be the very best you can be at executing that role.
Here we go, on three ~~ One, Two, Three ~~ TEAM!!
Last off-season, the Miami Heat made the huge splash with the mega-signing of Chris Bosh and LeBron James to play alongside Dwayne Wade. Mr. James made a huge deal out of this because his former (hometown) team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, just were not going to be good enough to win a Championship. He felt like these three men teaming together would be unbeatable. "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach" and play for the Heat.
They started out rocky before going on an incredible run that seemed like it was inevitably going to result in a championship. Then the team began to struggle again. News began to circulate that Mr. James could not finish a game as strongly as he had started. There was even some embarrassing news from the coach involving players crying in the locker room after a loss.
The Heat won their division, and began a run in the playoffs that seemed unbeatable. They seemed to be peaking at just the right time. At the same time, the Mavericks of Dallas were creating some news of their own in the Western Conference playoffs. As the series' progressed, these two teams met in the Finals.
While the coaching staff obviously did their job on the bench and in preparing their team, there was one player on the Mavericks that stood (quite literally) head and shoulders above everyone else. Dirk Nowitski was the catalyst on this Maverick team that would not give up. Nowitski took the team on his shoulders and led the team throughout the playoffs. Other team members contributed and did their part. The team fed off the leadership of Nowitski on the floor.
I'm not a basketball expert. I fully understand that ESPN will not come calling on me to be the next analyst, but I know enough to get by. And besides all that, this is my blog, and I'm going to offer my opinion here, most likely to the chagrin of most sports writers. Would you like to know the reason the Mavericks won the NBA Finals? TEAMWORK. Yes, there was a coaching staff who called plays and trained their players in a philosophy they wanted to carry out on the court. Yes, there is an owner who pays too much money to these guys to play the game. But they had 12 players on their roster who were able to execute the gameplan and not allow pride to get in the way of the job at hand. They were confident, obviously; but their confidence was channeled through their team instead of individuals.
If we are going to be successful in anything, we must recognize our role in the greater scheme of things. Whether at work, in our families, on our rec-league softball team ~ know your role and do everything within your power to be the very best you can be at executing that role.
Here we go, on three ~~ One, Two, Three ~~ TEAM!!
Worship ~ Express God's Worth To Him
It would probably be a safe bet that most people do not give serious time thinking about worship. There are times that I do, but seriously doubt that I meditate enough on the topic. The church service I attended yesterday seemed to carry a theme of worship.
We must prepare our hearts for worship. When we are quiet and still, we tend to allow our minds to wander. There is always something important in our lives. Whether it is the kids' activities, work, or what's for lunch ~ something is always trying to work its way to the forefront of our minds. As we prepare for worship, we must focus our attention on God. Anything less will hinder our true worship of the true God.
To worship God is to express His worth to us. To worship Him is to allow Him to have His own preeminant place in our mind. When we worship God, we recognize and acknowledge God's supremacy. John the Baptist in the New Testament said it well when he said, speaking of Christ, "He must increase; I must decrease."
Worship involves having a clean and pure heart. If we desire to worship God, we must do so with motives that place God in His rightful place. Sometimes we get our priorities all out of whack. Our minds get out of control. When we realize that, we need to repent; asking God for His forgiveness.
During our service yesterday, I sang a song called, The Heart of Worship. Here are some of the lyrics, "I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it; When it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus."
My desire is to worship God. My desire is to love God more today than I did yesterday. Do you have a similar desire? What is God worth to you? How can you express that to Him?
We must prepare our hearts for worship. When we are quiet and still, we tend to allow our minds to wander. There is always something important in our lives. Whether it is the kids' activities, work, or what's for lunch ~ something is always trying to work its way to the forefront of our minds. As we prepare for worship, we must focus our attention on God. Anything less will hinder our true worship of the true God.
To worship God is to express His worth to us. To worship Him is to allow Him to have His own preeminant place in our mind. When we worship God, we recognize and acknowledge God's supremacy. John the Baptist in the New Testament said it well when he said, speaking of Christ, "He must increase; I must decrease."
Worship involves having a clean and pure heart. If we desire to worship God, we must do so with motives that place God in His rightful place. Sometimes we get our priorities all out of whack. Our minds get out of control. When we realize that, we need to repent; asking God for His forgiveness.
During our service yesterday, I sang a song called, The Heart of Worship. Here are some of the lyrics, "I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it; When it's all about You, It's all about You, Jesus."
My desire is to worship God. My desire is to love God more today than I did yesterday. Do you have a similar desire? What is God worth to you? How can you express that to Him?
Friday, June 10, 2011
Lessons Learned From Facebook Groups
A year or two ago, I began a Facebook group for alumni of my college alma mater. I'm glad for the way it has grown, now well over a thousand members, and a couple more administrators have been added to help manage the group. There is a goal now to reach 3,000 members by July. A lofty goal, but certainly one that is attainable in this technologically saavy world.
Since I attended a Christian college, we have tried to maintain a clean community designed specifically for reconnection and fellowship of lifelong friendships that were forged through the college years. Not long ago, I had to do my administrative duty and set the membership to administration approval only. We had been spammed and it was not a pretty sight.
All was well until a controversial opinion was opened in a discussion forum. Anytime there are opinions, there is potential for hurt feelings. Anytime there are opinions, there is potential for argument and heated discussions.
The administrators exchanged e-mails about how to handle the situation. We did not want to censure anyone's opinions, but at the same time, we wanted to promote fellowship and friends reconnecting instead of potentially divisive issues being promoted in a heated exchange. There is a time and place to work out differences and we felt that was not the appropriate place.
As I was sharing this with my wife, we wondered how God must feel when He sees the way we handle our differences of opinions. He created us to have fellowship with Him. He created us to enjoy this Earth He provided. Have you ever wanted to just take Eve and Adam behind the woodshed a time or three?
Sin has caused problems for the entire human race for centuries. It will continue to cause problems for the duration of the human race as we know it on this Earth. Worst of all, sin has caused an eternal separation from God. But because of God's love for us, He has provided a way to be reconciled back to a relationship with Him. There is only one way and it must be on His terms. After all, He created us; not the other way around.
God sent His son, Jesus, to Earth for the express purpose of living a sinless human life while still God, and becoming a sacrifice for our sin. He accomplished that, and when we place our complete faith and trust in Him and His sacrifice, living to honor Him, we can know beyond doubt that we will live with God for eternity.
While on earth, we will not be free from sin's difficulty. There will continue to be pain and suffering because of sin. But the payment for the ultimate sin debt has been paid. We can accept that payment as our own.
What does all this have to do with a Facebook group page? The discussion of our group members occasionally go away from the true purpose of why the group was created. The fellowship sometimes turns south. As the 'creator' of the group, that disappoints me.
How much more does our wayward actions disappoint the Creator? Yet, He is gracious enough to make a way back to Him. Have you accepted His grace and making your effort to live for Him? If you have, thank Him for His grace today. If you haven't, please send me a message and let me share with you some more about how you, too, can obtain His grace for eternity.
Since I attended a Christian college, we have tried to maintain a clean community designed specifically for reconnection and fellowship of lifelong friendships that were forged through the college years. Not long ago, I had to do my administrative duty and set the membership to administration approval only. We had been spammed and it was not a pretty sight.
All was well until a controversial opinion was opened in a discussion forum. Anytime there are opinions, there is potential for hurt feelings. Anytime there are opinions, there is potential for argument and heated discussions.
The administrators exchanged e-mails about how to handle the situation. We did not want to censure anyone's opinions, but at the same time, we wanted to promote fellowship and friends reconnecting instead of potentially divisive issues being promoted in a heated exchange. There is a time and place to work out differences and we felt that was not the appropriate place.
As I was sharing this with my wife, we wondered how God must feel when He sees the way we handle our differences of opinions. He created us to have fellowship with Him. He created us to enjoy this Earth He provided. Have you ever wanted to just take Eve and Adam behind the woodshed a time or three?
Sin has caused problems for the entire human race for centuries. It will continue to cause problems for the duration of the human race as we know it on this Earth. Worst of all, sin has caused an eternal separation from God. But because of God's love for us, He has provided a way to be reconciled back to a relationship with Him. There is only one way and it must be on His terms. After all, He created us; not the other way around.
God sent His son, Jesus, to Earth for the express purpose of living a sinless human life while still God, and becoming a sacrifice for our sin. He accomplished that, and when we place our complete faith and trust in Him and His sacrifice, living to honor Him, we can know beyond doubt that we will live with God for eternity.
While on earth, we will not be free from sin's difficulty. There will continue to be pain and suffering because of sin. But the payment for the ultimate sin debt has been paid. We can accept that payment as our own.
What does all this have to do with a Facebook group page? The discussion of our group members occasionally go away from the true purpose of why the group was created. The fellowship sometimes turns south. As the 'creator' of the group, that disappoints me.
How much more does our wayward actions disappoint the Creator? Yet, He is gracious enough to make a way back to Him. Have you accepted His grace and making your effort to live for Him? If you have, thank Him for His grace today. If you haven't, please send me a message and let me share with you some more about how you, too, can obtain His grace for eternity.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Am I Doing All I Can?
I sang with Trust Quartet at a church yesterday in Indiantown, FL. Since I'm still the 'newbie' in the group, I'm in the process of making my first trips to churches that the group has already visited. Such was the case this week. The group had spoken highly of this church, and the pastor, so I was anxious to see it for myself. I'm not quite sure they spoke highly enough!
Before the worship service, we sat in on a Sunday school class taught by the pastor. I was getting my coffee when Pastor Bruce was catching us up on what the class has been involved in. Three words immediately brought interest: Purpose Driven Life. I've read Rick Warren's book and gone through the study a couple of times already. It really is good stuff. I was impressed with the interaction between this pastor and his people. It was informal, informative, and interesting.
We discussed how important it is to find a place of ministry and DO IT. The opportunities are there. God is equipping His servants to do His work. We need to exercise the willingness of being available to be used. It isn't easy work. It is sometimes thankless work. It can be tiring, but never boring!
The church facilities were beautiful. The church folks were friendly. On this particular Sunday, in addition to hosting Trust Quartet, they were featuring their youth ministry. A group of teens (with their leaders) provided a couple of musical numbers. These young people were so talented! The church is raising money to send these teens to a church camp next month. Sunday for lunch, there was bar-b-cue chicken on the grill with all the fixin's. Simple containers were on the tables for church folks to donate to help the cause. The students stood in a serving line and gave generous portions to us as we held our plates for them. The pastor told us as we were about to leave that they had received just over $2,000!
This church showed me something Sunday. They showed me they love their pastor. They showed me they love their students. They showed me they love their guests who worship with them and lead them in worship. They showed me they want to serve God in whatever opportunity is made available to them. Yes, I was impressed with the church.
Please understand, I've been in some pretty incredible churches. I've been privileged to pastor some as well as lead music and youth in some. I've been able to attend some incredible churches while growing up, and as I've traveled across the southeastern United States. Each one has a couple things in common. First, they are all made up of imperfect human beings. We must realize the humans are not the reason the church is incredible. Second, and most importantly, each of these incredible churches have the common desire to serve Christ in whatever opportunity they have. As you pray for your pastor, your fellow church members / attenders, and your community; do so with this in mind: there is no perfect church, and what can I do to serve God most effectively in this church and community?
Before the worship service, we sat in on a Sunday school class taught by the pastor. I was getting my coffee when Pastor Bruce was catching us up on what the class has been involved in. Three words immediately brought interest: Purpose Driven Life. I've read Rick Warren's book and gone through the study a couple of times already. It really is good stuff. I was impressed with the interaction between this pastor and his people. It was informal, informative, and interesting.
We discussed how important it is to find a place of ministry and DO IT. The opportunities are there. God is equipping His servants to do His work. We need to exercise the willingness of being available to be used. It isn't easy work. It is sometimes thankless work. It can be tiring, but never boring!
The church facilities were beautiful. The church folks were friendly. On this particular Sunday, in addition to hosting Trust Quartet, they were featuring their youth ministry. A group of teens (with their leaders) provided a couple of musical numbers. These young people were so talented! The church is raising money to send these teens to a church camp next month. Sunday for lunch, there was bar-b-cue chicken on the grill with all the fixin's. Simple containers were on the tables for church folks to donate to help the cause. The students stood in a serving line and gave generous portions to us as we held our plates for them. The pastor told us as we were about to leave that they had received just over $2,000!
This church showed me something Sunday. They showed me they love their pastor. They showed me they love their students. They showed me they love their guests who worship with them and lead them in worship. They showed me they want to serve God in whatever opportunity is made available to them. Yes, I was impressed with the church.
Please understand, I've been in some pretty incredible churches. I've been privileged to pastor some as well as lead music and youth in some. I've been able to attend some incredible churches while growing up, and as I've traveled across the southeastern United States. Each one has a couple things in common. First, they are all made up of imperfect human beings. We must realize the humans are not the reason the church is incredible. Second, and most importantly, each of these incredible churches have the common desire to serve Christ in whatever opportunity they have. As you pray for your pastor, your fellow church members / attenders, and your community; do so with this in mind: there is no perfect church, and what can I do to serve God most effectively in this church and community?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
For The Beauty of The Earth
"In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth." And so begins the Old Testament book of Genesis. And so begins the Bible. God, the Supreme Being, Who had no beginning and will have no end, began time as humanity knows it by creating the Heavens and the earth. To wrap our minds around that truth theologically could give us a headache.
God created everything and now allows us to enjoy His creation. I'm thankful to know that He still reminds us of His creativity. Such is the case with the picture. I was sitting in the bleachers at our local high school football stadium watching the Spring football game (which VBHS won!), minding my own business, when I looked toward the western sky. I observed a tremendous, "WOW" moment!
I wasn't quite sure how it would look on my phone's camera, but when it came out as good as it did, I wanted to share it with you.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Is Your Spiritual Workout Yielding Positive Results?
I went to the gym yesterday. Now, if you know me personally, please keep reading after you pick yourself up off the floor. There is a local gym near my home and the monthly, no-contract rates are very reasonable, so I joined. I know I have a lot of weight to lose, and a lot of, ahem ~ muscle that needs to get toned up. It will take a long time to return to respectability, but hey, at least I'm trying.
Oh, back to the gym. When I got there, I headed straight for the treadmill. There are two main reasons I headed that direction. One, I figure I shouldn't hurt myself too bad if I'm just walking. If I get into the whole weight lifting routine without someone there to make sure I'm doing it right, could prove disastrous! The second reason, (and these are not in a particular priority order) is because I had my headphones and there were TVs there. I found ESPN and, wouldn't you know it, the treadmill directly in front was available!
I hopped on, (alright, stepped or even climbed, is more accurate) and figured out the computer. I was born well before 1984, so this took a few seconds. After setting the TV sound for the headphones, and the MPH I wanted to walk, and the virtual incline setting, I was finally able to start walking. I walked and walked. According to the distance setting on the computer, I walked a mile. My heart rate got up to about 124 beats per minute. But I didn't move from that one spot.
Do you feel that way in your spiritual life sometimes? I will confess that I do. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing my best to move forward and then realize that I've been at a standstill working up a sweat and going nowhere. We have all the conveniences surrounding us. We make use of all the latest gadgets and technology. We may even listen to Christian music and teaching on the radio exclusively. But we go nowhere.
There are a couple of Scriptural principles to draw from. First, Paul writes a list of things in Philippians 4. He said whatever things are are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Jesus, also while teaching that famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, reminds us to invest our treasures in Heaven rather than here on earth. Are we so invested in things here that we neglect things that are more important?
What could be in your life causing you to be doing lots of things, maybe for good reasons, but not reaching all the potential we really long for? Are there 'good things' that may be standing in your way? Do some evaluating and earnestly seeking God's Word to help you clear the way between you and your relationship with God today.
Oh, back to the gym. When I got there, I headed straight for the treadmill. There are two main reasons I headed that direction. One, I figure I shouldn't hurt myself too bad if I'm just walking. If I get into the whole weight lifting routine without someone there to make sure I'm doing it right, could prove disastrous! The second reason, (and these are not in a particular priority order) is because I had my headphones and there were TVs there. I found ESPN and, wouldn't you know it, the treadmill directly in front was available!
I hopped on, (alright, stepped or even climbed, is more accurate) and figured out the computer. I was born well before 1984, so this took a few seconds. After setting the TV sound for the headphones, and the MPH I wanted to walk, and the virtual incline setting, I was finally able to start walking. I walked and walked. According to the distance setting on the computer, I walked a mile. My heart rate got up to about 124 beats per minute. But I didn't move from that one spot.
Do you feel that way in your spiritual life sometimes? I will confess that I do. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing my best to move forward and then realize that I've been at a standstill working up a sweat and going nowhere. We have all the conveniences surrounding us. We make use of all the latest gadgets and technology. We may even listen to Christian music and teaching on the radio exclusively. But we go nowhere.
There are a couple of Scriptural principles to draw from. First, Paul writes a list of things in Philippians 4. He said whatever things are are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Jesus, also while teaching that famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, reminds us to invest our treasures in Heaven rather than here on earth. Are we so invested in things here that we neglect things that are more important?
What could be in your life causing you to be doing lots of things, maybe for good reasons, but not reaching all the potential we really long for? Are there 'good things' that may be standing in your way? Do some evaluating and earnestly seeking God's Word to help you clear the way between you and your relationship with God today.
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