You Are My Joy

20 July, 2010

Mick Christianity , , , , , 1 Comment

This is a worship song I wrote.  Enjoy.  Use.  Share.

New Song by Brandon

17 July, 2010

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Here is a new song written by my good friend, Brandon.

The Measure of Success

1 July, 2010

Mick Christianity , , , , 1 Comment

I read this blog by Jimi Williams on worshiptogether.com.  I thought it was great and want to share it with all of you.

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As worship leaders, we often ask the question “How do we measure success?”. This question is more easily answered by a retail store or a mechanic than by a ministry leader. It can be hard to get your arms around the metrics that should be used to measure success. Is it how many people show up on Sunday morning? Is it how many people have their arms raised in worship or say “good job” when you are done?

Certainly both of these things can point in a general direction of success, but they leave out the possibility that God may be using you to bring about some other good. From the Old Testament, would you say Elijah’s ministry was successful? He was hated by many and spent part of his life hiding from people who wanted him dead. But he was God’s voice to a wayward nation. Successful? Maybe. Obedient? Definately. So perhaps the better question to ask  is “Am I being obedient to the will of God?”

To unpack this question, ask yourself the following:

  • Am I faithfully doing what God has gifted me to do?
  • Am I living my life according to the Bible by loving God, loving others and avoiding sin?
  • Am I willing to do the right things, even if they cause me discomfort?
  • Would I still be willing to serve God in the same way if no one ever said “thanks” or “good job”?

In the end, I believe God values obedience more than success. So should we.

We Have So Much

4 March, 2010

Mick Christianity , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Yesterday, a friend and fellow band mate of mine shared her recent experience while on a mission trip to Guatemala.  One of the things she talked about, as well as almost any other person who has gone a short-term missions trip, was the fact that the people they visit have so little.  More importantly, we have so much that we don’t need.

I know I’m guilty of taking things for granted all the time.  Right now I’m drinking coffee and had about 15 mugs to choose from.  The water used to brew the coffee came from our sink. Most people in this world don’t even have running water.  My socks are clean. I’m wearing glasses to help with my vision. I’m listening to Eric Clapton on a surround stereo. I’m warm even though it’s 25°F outside.

Yesterday I took some time to thank God for things.  Here’s my prayer:

  • Thank you for me family.
  • Thank you for great parents.
  • Thank you for great in-laws.
  • Thank you for coffee.
  • Thank you for my guitars.
  • Thank you for my friends at Crossroads.
  • Thank you for fireplaces.
  • Thank you for the internet and how it can aid ministry in so many ways.
  • Thank you for my journal.
  • Thank you for my record player.
  • Thank you for community.
  • Thank you for Girl Scout Cookies; particularly Samoas.
  • Thank you for Converse All-Stars.
  • Thank you for the blues.
  • Thank you for my musical ability.
  • Thank you for my car.
  • Thank you for the house we are in.

This is a short list compared to what it could be.  It would be easy to go Energizer Bunny on this list.
What do you take for granted?  Take some time a thank God for the things you have today.

Barack and the Christian

21 January, 2009

Mick Christianity , , , , , 3 Comments

We officially have a new President of the United States of America.  Unless you have lived in total apathy over the past several months, you will have seen Obama’s face on various forms of media virtually everywhere.  Last night I even saw Barack Obama trading cards at Target.

With such an historical event, I would like to just touch base with the Bible says about how we should be (as Christians) in relation to the president.

Let’s start with 1 Peter 2:13-15.  It states:

 13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

As Christians, we must submit to governing authority.  This means that that we must submit to whomever is in office, whether we like them or not.  Some people think Barack is the best thing ever, others are not so favorable.  Either way, God wants us to submit to his leadership.  By submitting in this way, we are also following the will of God.

I do want to mention, however, that we should be caution of worshiping the guy.  He is not a savior; Jesus is.  John 14:6 says,    6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  I would not say that too many people have crossed the line here, but many have gotten pretty close.  Be careful.

CONCLUSION:
Should we follow President Obama?  Yes.  Should he be worshiped?  No.

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