Whats on my heart today is the sense of being lost. I'm not talking about the popular TV show (which I've never seen). No, I'm talking about that "empty inside" feeling. You know the one...we've all been there in one way or another. It's that sense that life is falling apart; that even though you have friends, you are alone. Maybe you have money problems, marriage/relationship problems, screaming kids, a lousy job...or no job. Whatever life's circumstances, you just can't seem to find peace. That's being lost.
I've been there. I spent many years of my life in that empty place and I know that its not a place of peace. I even came to the point of suicide, but thankfully was rescued before that happened.
Are you lost and empty?
Here's what I learned, and how I became found and full. First...there is no substitute for quality relationships...friends, family, spouse...every relationship in your life. You MUST insist on only maintaining those with people who are positive, solid, giving personalities. This means making some hard decisions and taking action. Even family members may need to be put on the back burner if they are toxic. Second...you must find someone who is capable of loving you in SPITE of who you are, and be willing to trust them completely. Third...its time to be honest with yourself and with others. You cannot find peace in dishonesty of any kind. Finally, and most importantly, you cannot find peace without faith.
God is waiting for you. The really cool thing about Him is that he doesn't care what you done, where you've been, what you've said...He just loves you and wants you to come home to Him. He sacrificed his own son to be brutally murdered so YOU have the opportunity to be His. If you think faith is a bunch of rules and regs you don't want to be a part of, you are missing the point, and you're missing out. FAITH, unlike religion, is about relationships and freedom...and PEACE.
Now...I don't know who needs this blog to chew on, but it seems someone always does. If you know me, read this, and find it's talking to you and you want to begin a new path (or go back to an old one) toward peace, I'd love to help you find it. Jesus died to save you . If you're good enough for Jesus, you're good enough for me. Trust...be honest...you may be lost, but you can be found. The old church song says it all; Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.
Blessings...and Peace
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Til Death Do You Part
This blog is about marriage, as you would probably guess from the title. Now, there are a lot of so-called marriage experts out there...but I'm not one of them. I do, however, feel highly qualified to comment. You see, I've done it very very very wrong...and I've done it very very very VERY right! So, having been from hell to heaven in marriage relationships, I offer the following observations.
First...I'd throw out all the psycho-babble mumbo-jumbo that is so popular in our society. Fair fighting, "boundry" rules (I can't tell you how much I HATE all that boundry talk)...none of that stuff is useful as far as I'm concerned.
Second...if you don't get anything else I say, be sure to hang on to this...Marriage is NOT 50-50 like society tells us. Simple math. Multiply 1/2 time 1/2 and you don't get a whole...you get a quarter. Marriage should be 100-100. If each of you always put your spouse first, you will always meet in the middle. This is the single most inportant secret that has allowed me and my bride of almost 9 years to have never had a fight. Thats right...not one single arguement since the day we met. You must be willing to assume that your mate always means well...even if he puts his foot in his mouth. When that happens, don't get angry and attack...look him lovingly in the eyes and say "I don't think that came out the way you intended it...wanna try that again?"
You see...conflict of any kind in any relationship is about selfishness. You can analyze to death a persons history and why they have low self-esteem, etc..., but it still boils down to selfishness. By the way...selfishness is the root of not only conflict...but of all sin. You MUST be willing to be selfLESS...thus the 100-100 rule.
Third, you must have shared values and shared faith. You can be married to someone who likes different activities, movies, etc... and you can be married to someone who doesn't share your faith (or lack thereof), but it simply won't work. The Bible commands that we not be unequally yoked. Successful marriage requires like minded people.
Finally...and I know this won't be popular with some people...is the subject of authority. The Bible tells us repeatedly that God designed a hierarchy of authority in all of creation...including marriage. Scripture says that the husband is the head of the household, and the wife is to submit to her husband. Now, there is a lot going on here. The husband is the head of the household as Christ is head of the Church. That model requires that the husband leads...by serving his family. He only has the right to be "in charge" when he is serving/leading his family in the way Christ served the Church. As for the ladies...the command to "submit" is not a slavery kind of thing. A scriptural wife is a partner to her husband in all ways, and under his SCRIPTURAL leadership, she respects and cooperates with her husband's leadership.
So...in summary...throw out society's psycho-babble, be equally yoked, use the 100-100 rule to meet in the middle, assume scriptural marriage roles appropriately. This is a simple (not easy) formula. To be sure, there are lots of layers and details that factor into day-to-day life, but without these foundations, nothing else will work.
Blessings to you all.
First...I'd throw out all the psycho-babble mumbo-jumbo that is so popular in our society. Fair fighting, "boundry" rules (I can't tell you how much I HATE all that boundry talk)...none of that stuff is useful as far as I'm concerned.
Second...if you don't get anything else I say, be sure to hang on to this...Marriage is NOT 50-50 like society tells us. Simple math. Multiply 1/2 time 1/2 and you don't get a whole...you get a quarter. Marriage should be 100-100. If each of you always put your spouse first, you will always meet in the middle. This is the single most inportant secret that has allowed me and my bride of almost 9 years to have never had a fight. Thats right...not one single arguement since the day we met. You must be willing to assume that your mate always means well...even if he puts his foot in his mouth. When that happens, don't get angry and attack...look him lovingly in the eyes and say "I don't think that came out the way you intended it...wanna try that again?"
You see...conflict of any kind in any relationship is about selfishness. You can analyze to death a persons history and why they have low self-esteem, etc..., but it still boils down to selfishness. By the way...selfishness is the root of not only conflict...but of all sin. You MUST be willing to be selfLESS...thus the 100-100 rule.
Third, you must have shared values and shared faith. You can be married to someone who likes different activities, movies, etc... and you can be married to someone who doesn't share your faith (or lack thereof), but it simply won't work. The Bible commands that we not be unequally yoked. Successful marriage requires like minded people.
Finally...and I know this won't be popular with some people...is the subject of authority. The Bible tells us repeatedly that God designed a hierarchy of authority in all of creation...including marriage. Scripture says that the husband is the head of the household, and the wife is to submit to her husband. Now, there is a lot going on here. The husband is the head of the household as Christ is head of the Church. That model requires that the husband leads...by serving his family. He only has the right to be "in charge" when he is serving/leading his family in the way Christ served the Church. As for the ladies...the command to "submit" is not a slavery kind of thing. A scriptural wife is a partner to her husband in all ways, and under his SCRIPTURAL leadership, she respects and cooperates with her husband's leadership.
So...in summary...throw out society's psycho-babble, be equally yoked, use the 100-100 rule to meet in the middle, assume scriptural marriage roles appropriately. This is a simple (not easy) formula. To be sure, there are lots of layers and details that factor into day-to-day life, but without these foundations, nothing else will work.
Blessings to you all.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Annointing
Well...the day has come. Today, you can't turn on your tv without seeing Barakapalooza...or...Obamastock. Today is the day that Barak Obama is sworn in as President of the United States. For many, it's the day of annointing their new savior. Its a sad day, as far as I'm concerned. Yes, I voted for the other guy, though he wasn't a much better choice. That the other guy didn't win isn't my reason for seeing this as a sad day.
When I look at the politics, what I see is this. Economically, Obama is intent on patterning his policy after FDR. Unfortunately, history tells us that FDR's policies in the great depression didn't end the depression. In fact, they extended it. For todays government to repeat this history will almost certainly extend the current recession, and likely worsen it greatly. Now, the outgoing President did his fair share of helping the economy down the tank. We certainly aren't losing a fiscal conservative with Bush's departure.
My greater sadness, though, has to do with social politics. Obama favors things like abortion, elimintation of "don't ask, don't tell", the further devaluing of the tradional family...things that directly oppose the will of God and his commands for mankind. Of course, like many presidents before him with similar views, we had plenty of news coverage about the all-important choosing of a church to attend in DC. Doesn't quite connect in my mind...anti-God while choosing a church.
Even sadder to me is the "annointing" that seems to be coming from...the church. Yes, we continually see on tv the churches that are celebrating Obama's election because he's black, all the while ignoring his political views. I don't get it. Sure, electing a black man president is a first, but he's just a man. So what. I'm offended by those in the church that are willing to put aside God's direction, and celebrate a man simply because of the color of his skin. How DARE the church shove God aside like that.
We'll all survive this. We need to be praying for Obama's safety. Our nation can survive his presidency and anti-God policies...I'm not sure we can survive the race-riots if anything happens to him. Pray for him, his staff/cabinet, the lawmakers. This is God's direction to us...to pray for our leaders. And my challenge...if you are one of the people annointing Obama just because he's black, for heavens sake...put aside the racism of that decision and focus on God's direction for us rather than a man's.
Blessings to all.
When I look at the politics, what I see is this. Economically, Obama is intent on patterning his policy after FDR. Unfortunately, history tells us that FDR's policies in the great depression didn't end the depression. In fact, they extended it. For todays government to repeat this history will almost certainly extend the current recession, and likely worsen it greatly. Now, the outgoing President did his fair share of helping the economy down the tank. We certainly aren't losing a fiscal conservative with Bush's departure.
My greater sadness, though, has to do with social politics. Obama favors things like abortion, elimintation of "don't ask, don't tell", the further devaluing of the tradional family...things that directly oppose the will of God and his commands for mankind. Of course, like many presidents before him with similar views, we had plenty of news coverage about the all-important choosing of a church to attend in DC. Doesn't quite connect in my mind...anti-God while choosing a church.
Even sadder to me is the "annointing" that seems to be coming from...the church. Yes, we continually see on tv the churches that are celebrating Obama's election because he's black, all the while ignoring his political views. I don't get it. Sure, electing a black man president is a first, but he's just a man. So what. I'm offended by those in the church that are willing to put aside God's direction, and celebrate a man simply because of the color of his skin. How DARE the church shove God aside like that.
We'll all survive this. We need to be praying for Obama's safety. Our nation can survive his presidency and anti-God policies...I'm not sure we can survive the race-riots if anything happens to him. Pray for him, his staff/cabinet, the lawmakers. This is God's direction to us...to pray for our leaders. And my challenge...if you are one of the people annointing Obama just because he's black, for heavens sake...put aside the racism of that decision and focus on God's direction for us rather than a man's.
Blessings to all.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wading Through the Muck
Praise be to the most merciful, gracious God who loves and saves us. Everything else pales in comparison to this great love and grace.
I wanted to start this post with a praise and some focus on the most important thing in life...a relationship to the Creator and Savior. The reason is that sometimes we have to wade through the muck and mire of life and its very easy to forget what matters. Sometimes people let you down. Sometimes commitments are made, but not honored. Sometimes people will break your heart, or just walk away. People, by their nature, are self-centered and think first of themselves. This is natural in a way...it is a function of a sinful nature. This doesn't make it any easier to stomach, however, when others let you down...and they will.
Look around you. Check your facebook or myspace friends list. There are people on those lists that you would trust with your life who are worthy of that trust, and some who will betray you. Never...NEVER let the fear of betrayal stop you from loving people. When someone hurts you...and someone will...find a way to forgive and move on. After all...your relationship to God and to everyone else around you remains and is far more important than the betrayal of one. To let resentment eat away from the inside will damage more relationships and put a barrier between you and The One who loves you most.
People make commitments and promises, and people will break them. To be sure, we all have the right to expect, even insist, that those around us honor their commitments. As believers, there exists even greater responsiblity for acting with integrity in all our dealings. Unfortunately, believers will let you down too. We must find a way to forgive those who fail us. After all, we have all failed others and desire the same forgiveness be offered to us.
My challenge to us all is this: First, honor your commitments...don't let your brothers and sisters down. Second, when you are betrayed, ask God to help you forgive and find a positive path. Third, if you are the betrayer, ask forgiveness of those you've hurt and do whatever it takes to fulfill your obligations to others.
I realize this is rambling and very general. The generality is because there are hundreds of possible applications. My guess is that you are thinking of at least one person and one situation as you read this that has hurt you...or at least one you have hurt. Please, please, PLEASE put the hurt and resentment behind and praise God for all the wonderful things in your life...and pray for the one(s) who have hurt you. They need God's love and guidance so very much...ask Him to provide it.
Blessings, my friends.
I wanted to start this post with a praise and some focus on the most important thing in life...a relationship to the Creator and Savior. The reason is that sometimes we have to wade through the muck and mire of life and its very easy to forget what matters. Sometimes people let you down. Sometimes commitments are made, but not honored. Sometimes people will break your heart, or just walk away. People, by their nature, are self-centered and think first of themselves. This is natural in a way...it is a function of a sinful nature. This doesn't make it any easier to stomach, however, when others let you down...and they will.
Look around you. Check your facebook or myspace friends list. There are people on those lists that you would trust with your life who are worthy of that trust, and some who will betray you. Never...NEVER let the fear of betrayal stop you from loving people. When someone hurts you...and someone will...find a way to forgive and move on. After all...your relationship to God and to everyone else around you remains and is far more important than the betrayal of one. To let resentment eat away from the inside will damage more relationships and put a barrier between you and The One who loves you most.
People make commitments and promises, and people will break them. To be sure, we all have the right to expect, even insist, that those around us honor their commitments. As believers, there exists even greater responsiblity for acting with integrity in all our dealings. Unfortunately, believers will let you down too. We must find a way to forgive those who fail us. After all, we have all failed others and desire the same forgiveness be offered to us.
My challenge to us all is this: First, honor your commitments...don't let your brothers and sisters down. Second, when you are betrayed, ask God to help you forgive and find a positive path. Third, if you are the betrayer, ask forgiveness of those you've hurt and do whatever it takes to fulfill your obligations to others.
I realize this is rambling and very general. The generality is because there are hundreds of possible applications. My guess is that you are thinking of at least one person and one situation as you read this that has hurt you...or at least one you have hurt. Please, please, PLEASE put the hurt and resentment behind and praise God for all the wonderful things in your life...and pray for the one(s) who have hurt you. They need God's love and guidance so very much...ask Him to provide it.
Blessings, my friends.
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Year Gratitude
Happy New Year!!! Have you all made New Years Resolutions? Have you broken any yet? Making New Years Resolutions are a tradition we all seem to loathe, yet we all seem to do it year in and year out. I decided that this year, I want to make some New Years Gratitudes and focus first on what I'm thankful for, and THEN consider what I want to change.
I'm thankful for the saving grace of Jesus, and that I can know...beyond the shadow of any doubt...that my eternity will be in paradise (no need to pack those asbestos underwear where I'm headed. Do you need some? Just askin...might want to think about that)
I'm thankful to be married to an Angel...a lady I've never had a fight or argument with. THAT is a blessing. We work together...do everything together pretty much 24/7 and I couldn't imagine life being better than living that way. I love you MOST Jen. God has blessed us greatly with each other.
I'm blessed with 2 beautiful, grown daughters who have both married men who love and adore them. What a gift to not have to wonder if some jerk is going to mistreat my little girl. Also...the world's most adorable granddaughter...have I mentioned her??? If you know me well, you are likely sick of the reminders and photos. Hey...what's a proud grandpa to do??
I'm blessed with a business that allows us to pay the bills as well as allowing us the flexibility to do a little service work here and there...and we don't have to fight the traffic in rush hour as we are able to work from home offices.
I was/am blessed with parents who took me to church every Sunday, who tried to steer me the right directions even when I ignored them, and who were always standing by to help pick up the pieces...and just loved me anyway. A pretty great picture of the heavenly Father's love if you ask me.
I'm blessed with some pretty good in-laws. It's awesome to have in-laws that are some of your very best friends. Ed and Diane...you are a blessing to me, and I can't begin to express my gratitude for the great job you did raising that oldest daughter of yours!
I'm blessed to have many great friends in a wonderful church. I couldn't/wouldn't/shouldn't try to list everyone because I know I'd leave some out, but you guys know who you are. My fellow praise team/choir members, our leadership, SS class...the entire congregation...you are ALL a huge blessing, and you continue to teach me how to be a better friend, servant, minister...a better person...just by being around you all. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.
This barely scratches the surface of the things and people I'm grateful for. Now...I guess it's time to start thinking about what I need to resolve to change this year. sigh.
Blessings to you all.
I'm thankful for the saving grace of Jesus, and that I can know...beyond the shadow of any doubt...that my eternity will be in paradise (no need to pack those asbestos underwear where I'm headed. Do you need some? Just askin...might want to think about that)
I'm thankful to be married to an Angel...a lady I've never had a fight or argument with. THAT is a blessing. We work together...do everything together pretty much 24/7 and I couldn't imagine life being better than living that way. I love you MOST Jen. God has blessed us greatly with each other.
I'm blessed with 2 beautiful, grown daughters who have both married men who love and adore them. What a gift to not have to wonder if some jerk is going to mistreat my little girl. Also...the world's most adorable granddaughter...have I mentioned her??? If you know me well, you are likely sick of the reminders and photos. Hey...what's a proud grandpa to do??
I'm blessed with a business that allows us to pay the bills as well as allowing us the flexibility to do a little service work here and there...and we don't have to fight the traffic in rush hour as we are able to work from home offices.
I was/am blessed with parents who took me to church every Sunday, who tried to steer me the right directions even when I ignored them, and who were always standing by to help pick up the pieces...and just loved me anyway. A pretty great picture of the heavenly Father's love if you ask me.
I'm blessed with some pretty good in-laws. It's awesome to have in-laws that are some of your very best friends. Ed and Diane...you are a blessing to me, and I can't begin to express my gratitude for the great job you did raising that oldest daughter of yours!
I'm blessed to have many great friends in a wonderful church. I couldn't/wouldn't/shouldn't try to list everyone because I know I'd leave some out, but you guys know who you are. My fellow praise team/choir members, our leadership, SS class...the entire congregation...you are ALL a huge blessing, and you continue to teach me how to be a better friend, servant, minister...a better person...just by being around you all. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.
This barely scratches the surface of the things and people I'm grateful for. Now...I guess it's time to start thinking about what I need to resolve to change this year. sigh.
Blessings to you all.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Consistency (Part One-Maybe)
One thing that seems to be lacking in the world today...particularly in the Church...is consistency. When I look at the actions and opinions of many in the Church in comparison to the principles and specific directions found in scripture, I often find myself scratching my head. Now, none of us are perfect by any means. We all...especially me...sin and mess up every single day. What I'm talking about here is the flagrant inconsistency in ones actions...a conscious decision in many cases to separate life from faith.
One really obvious area of inconsistency we see is in politics. I am always amazed to see or hear about a person of faith...a Christian...who holds opinions that are in opposition to their faith. Very often, this is someone who identifies themselves as "Democrat" or "Liberal". However, there are many who consider themselves "Conservative" who are equally inconsistent. I realize I'll be using some broad brushes here, but bear with me if you will.
In general, a politically liberal agenda includes support of abortion. It is completely accepting of a "if it feels good, do it" mentality by negating the sanctity of marriage and with the open acceptance of homosexuality, cohabitation, promiscuous sex, and the like.
Scripture is clear regarding sanctity of life and sexual abstinence except within the confines of marriage...which is clearly defined as the union of one man and one woman. In these most basic areas, then, to be a social liberal (currently associated primarily with "Democrat"), one must necessarily maintain beliefs in direct opposition to God.
We could discuss economic ideology along the same lines. Liberal economics very often include the idea of higher taxes, more spending, and larger government controlling welfare and other programs. These ideas are geared toward governmental control of larger populations under the guise of providing "help", or "support" to the poor. Isn't care for the poor more a task for the Church than for the government? Sure...you can argue that if the Church were effective in this area the government wouldn't have to do it. Perhaps that's true...but until the government reduces its size and consequently its need to be fed massive amounts of cash (removing it from the pockets of the people), there isn't much opportunity for the Church to step up.
Alarmingly, more and more people who identify themselves as "Conservative" are exhibiting many of these same values...or at least an apathy or passive acceptance of them. It's very sad that, very often today, the Church doesn't share God's ideas and values.
What does this inconsistency look like in every day life? Obviously, the candidates in an election that a believer supports can reveal tremendous inconsistency. It can be seen on Facebook or Myspace sites in the groups joined, or just in the language used. It is apparent in day to day life in the choices made and how activities are prioritized. Statistics of the numbers of instances of adultery, unwed pregnancy, pornography use, etc... in the Church reveal inconsistency vividly.
Now...I don't pretend to never exhibit any inconsistency. It is an area, though, that I pay very close attention to. If, as a child of the Living God, I want my life to reflect Him when others look at me, I must be as consistent with God's view as humanly possible. To place my opinions above His is to elevate myself above God. I urge all believers to examine themselves and reconcile themselves to God's ideology in any area found to be in opposition. This is being a follower of God.
Blessings to you all,
Ron
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Big Dream
So...I want to tell you a story if you will indulge me for a moment or two. It's the story of a dream...and of the Dream Giver.
For many years, I've had a desire to do something musically, and as my faith continued to grow and mature, the desire was certainly focused on Christian music. about 3 years back while leading a small group in our home, the topic of using your gifts and talents to serve God kept coming up. While my fellow small group members regularly urged me (it was nagging, really) that I had some musical talent, I continually backpedaled from that. You see, I believed then (and still do) that my talent is mediocre. Why would God want mediocre when He's gifted sooooo many so incredibly (don't you just want to smack Steven Curtis Chapman some times for all the talent HE got?).
Well...after much prodding, nagging...and prayer, I finally gave in. I said "God...I don't know what you want to try to do with this meager offering, but here it is". I gave the dream over to the Dream Giver.
Well...He got busy. First, the idea for the Bud 'n Bubba musical comedy act was born, so I got busy writing a few songs for them (that are CERTAIN to be classics someday). I thought "this is great...silliness with a message about Christ...this is perfect. God's gonna make this big". I was also called on at the church I was attending at the time to begin to be the fill-in worship leader. After a time or two of doing that, it was clear to me that this was NOT what God wanted me to do with music...it certainly was not what I wanted to do.
Well...God has a sense of humor. About a year and a half ago, it was time to move on to another church in the area. We felt led to a certain place...a place that had just had a minister removed along with his wife and daughter who were the worship leaders. This place had a need. They had a group of people who stepped up and stepped in to fill the gap to lead worship temporarily (praise God for willing servants), but they were on the lookout for someone to step in and lead that ministry regularly. Now remember...I had already declared that Worship Leader was NOT what God called me to do.
I was wrong, apparently. God plugged Jen and me in at that place and has had us there serving week in and week out for over a year now. The team has grown to include a full band and several rotating singers and our congregation seems to be very pleased. Now...I don't have much musical training. I can read music a bit, understand harmony a little...that kind of thing. So, what did I do with this lack of training? I started a choir I don't know how to direct.
Tomorrow, our Peachcrest Christian Church adult choir has it's debut with a mini-musical for Christmas during the Worship service. I'm very proud of this group. These men and women have given up a good deal of time on Sunday afternoons for several weeks to muddle through with a choir director who doesn't know how to direct a choir. They're doing so well and I'm so very thankful for them.
What they don't know is that they have been pulled in to what the Dream Giver is doing with my dream. Only because God said so would I have taken this on. So far out of my comfort zone is this Choir thing that it has to be God directing it. The members of our PCC choir are being used by God as part of the way he's using me and causing my meager little talent to be multiplied and poured out. It's a very humbling thing to see...and more so to be a part of.
Perhaps I'll share this with the Choir tomorrow. Perhaps they should know they are a blessing...and that God is using them as a part of the dream God is fulfilling...not for me, but through me for His Glory and for His people's sake.
May God be praised and His will be done.
Thank you to: Jen, Patti, Scott, Tim, Donna, Adam, Jeff S, Debbie, Jeff W, Ed, Russ, David, Phyllis, Cash, Kristy, Paulina, Brandon. You are all a blessing to me and obedient servants to the Most High God.
For many years, I've had a desire to do something musically, and as my faith continued to grow and mature, the desire was certainly focused on Christian music. about 3 years back while leading a small group in our home, the topic of using your gifts and talents to serve God kept coming up. While my fellow small group members regularly urged me (it was nagging, really) that I had some musical talent, I continually backpedaled from that. You see, I believed then (and still do) that my talent is mediocre. Why would God want mediocre when He's gifted sooooo many so incredibly (don't you just want to smack Steven Curtis Chapman some times for all the talent HE got?).
Well...after much prodding, nagging...and prayer, I finally gave in. I said "God...I don't know what you want to try to do with this meager offering, but here it is". I gave the dream over to the Dream Giver.
Well...He got busy. First, the idea for the Bud 'n Bubba musical comedy act was born, so I got busy writing a few songs for them (that are CERTAIN to be classics someday). I thought "this is great...silliness with a message about Christ...this is perfect. God's gonna make this big". I was also called on at the church I was attending at the time to begin to be the fill-in worship leader. After a time or two of doing that, it was clear to me that this was NOT what God wanted me to do with music...it certainly was not what I wanted to do.
Well...God has a sense of humor. About a year and a half ago, it was time to move on to another church in the area. We felt led to a certain place...a place that had just had a minister removed along with his wife and daughter who were the worship leaders. This place had a need. They had a group of people who stepped up and stepped in to fill the gap to lead worship temporarily (praise God for willing servants), but they were on the lookout for someone to step in and lead that ministry regularly. Now remember...I had already declared that Worship Leader was NOT what God called me to do.
I was wrong, apparently. God plugged Jen and me in at that place and has had us there serving week in and week out for over a year now. The team has grown to include a full band and several rotating singers and our congregation seems to be very pleased. Now...I don't have much musical training. I can read music a bit, understand harmony a little...that kind of thing. So, what did I do with this lack of training? I started a choir I don't know how to direct.
Tomorrow, our Peachcrest Christian Church adult choir has it's debut with a mini-musical for Christmas during the Worship service. I'm very proud of this group. These men and women have given up a good deal of time on Sunday afternoons for several weeks to muddle through with a choir director who doesn't know how to direct a choir. They're doing so well and I'm so very thankful for them.
What they don't know is that they have been pulled in to what the Dream Giver is doing with my dream. Only because God said so would I have taken this on. So far out of my comfort zone is this Choir thing that it has to be God directing it. The members of our PCC choir are being used by God as part of the way he's using me and causing my meager little talent to be multiplied and poured out. It's a very humbling thing to see...and more so to be a part of.
Perhaps I'll share this with the Choir tomorrow. Perhaps they should know they are a blessing...and that God is using them as a part of the dream God is fulfilling...not for me, but through me for His Glory and for His people's sake.
May God be praised and His will be done.
Thank you to: Jen, Patti, Scott, Tim, Donna, Adam, Jeff S, Debbie, Jeff W, Ed, Russ, David, Phyllis, Cash, Kristy, Paulina, Brandon. You are all a blessing to me and obedient servants to the Most High God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)