create, rinse, repeat
I'm a lover of the creative, especially when people put themselves out there. Thanks again to Rodd Jefferson who ripped this off of someone else, who ripped it off of someone else who . . . .…
making room
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Mark 4:18
Jesus had just told a story to the disciples. Some people will hear about God and totally embrace it. Some will embrace it for a short season, and others not at all. What gives? Here Jesus says that three things come in direct conflict with the growth of the kingdom in our lives.
- Worries of life.
- Thinking money can solve everything.
- Desiring other things.
Worship leading essentials 7 – Selecting musicians
As a follow up to the last article, let’s explore the selection process of musicians we use at exchange. Instead of using set bands, we have around 25 musicians and vocalists that we call the “musician’s pool.” Each week we draw from this pool and create a new band. The pool needs filled.
Somewhere along the way you have to settle on a process for selecting musicians. Get it lined out or when someone asks you if they can play in the band you will be stuck with the uncomfortable “Um, well, I, uh . . .hmmmm.” So, how do you screen and select musicians for the worship team? Here is
what we do:
Leading with Henry Blackaby
This week I am leading worship at the Midwest Prayer Conference sponsored by Harvest Prayer Ministries. The keynote speaker is Dr Henry Blackaby. Dr Blackaby is the author of "Experiencing God" as well as a host of…
too much advice
But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. – Acts 27:11
Paul had been arrested and in jail for more than two years. In the middle of a trial, he appeals to Caesar. In the middle of his transport to Rome, centurion is trying to decide whether or not to set sail. The season was getting late and it was risky to move by sea. Solicited or not, he got advice from the owner of the ship, from the pilot, and from Paul.
Advice. Everybody wants to offer it.
In an interview, someone asked Chris Tomlin how it was different now that he has become more well known. Chris says one of the biggest things is that people keep giving him advice. I’m certainly not on the same level as Chris, but someday’s I get plenty of advice. “You should do this.” “You should think about this.” “I think we need to.” “Have you ever thought about . . . .” “I have something I want to share with you.” Most of the time I hear the comment and hear the gun coming from the holster.
I’m tired of advice. I’m not interested in it. Not that I don’t care, but I, well, really don’t care – unless it is advice that is prompted by God. I’ll take the harsh words if they come from God through a person.
Worshipplus World Tour ‘06
We kissed the family goodbye, loaded up the bus (a 2006 Prevost complete with bunks, full kitchen, lounge, tip out’s, entertainment system) and pulled out early Sunday morning. The sound, light, and media company was in route. Our product was packed in the trailer with our musical gear. Our road manager, Scooter, had finalized the schedule and we were set to go. We were hyped to make some new friends, hit 10 major cities, and rock with a ton of people as we worshipped the Creator. As we were heading down the interstate a loud beeping noise came from where I was sitting on the bus. It took awhile but I found it. My alarm clock. 4:15 AM. Sunday, Oct 22, 2006.
Worshipplus World Tour ‘06
We kissed the family goodbye, loaded up the bus (a 2006 Prevost complete with bunks, full kitchen, lounge, tip out’s, entertainment system) and pulled out early Sunday morning. The sound, light, and media company was in route. Our product was packed in the trailer with our musical gear. Our road manager, Scooter, had finalized the schedule and we were set to go. We were hyped to make some new friends, hit 10 major cities, and rock with a ton of people as we worshipped the Creator. As we were heading down the interstate a loud beeping noise came from where I was sitting on the bus. It took awhile but I found it. My alarm clock. 4:15 AM. Sunday, Oct 22, 2006.
Proof
I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. Acts 26:19
Paul is in the middle of a trial. After two years in prison, he is before King Agrippa, recounting his story and his defense. As he spoke, he mentioned that he told people they should prove their commitment by the things they do.
It’s easy to make a decision and not follow through. I wonder if we make it too easy to be a follower of Jesus. Come on, pray this prayer and get this thing done. It’s the most important decision you will ever make. I know you just stopped by for a cheeseburger, but how about you accept Christ right now, with little thought? The result is a life with no deeds. I mean, what if I proposed marriage with such little thought. Shouldn’t it be a well thought-out decision? When I meet people who have wrestled with the decision and made a commitment to Christ, I usually don’t have to ask them if they are a follower. It shows by what they do. There entire life is wrapped around the thought out commitment that they made. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.
re:direct
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” – Acts 21:12-14
Paul had been meeting with some of the early church. A few days here, a few days there. Along the way, someone had told Paul and friends that he would be bound if he went to Jerusalem. Trouble was on the way. They took it as a sign that he should not go. Paul saw it differently.
exchange evaluation 10.22.06
What is an exchange evaluation you ask? Great question. Click here for the scoop.
exchange line up for 10.22.06
iPod
Video – National Missionary Conv
1. Awesome is the Lord Most High
Welcome/ann/prayer – Shawn
Baptism video – Joe Randall
Baptism: Joe by Tim W
Baptism video – Jessica Bush
Baptism: Jessica Bush by Paula Sprigg
Community 2: Take –Scot 1. Amazing Grace (my chains are gone)
2. Give me Jesus
3. You’ve Won My Affections
5. Light of the World
6. Invitacion Fountain??
7. How Great is Our God
8. Enough
9. Marvelous Light
Dismissal – Scot
Band instrumental
iPod
Lesson learned: no video is better than a lame video. I know this. I know this. I know this. We started the gathering with a 5 minute video promoting the National Missionary Convention. This is a worthwhile convention with a rich history and solid ministry. Too bad their promo video was a snoozer. We set this video at the beginning of the gathering because of the low energy and length. I had committed to playing the video without seeing it (I know, I know) and needed to keep my word. As I side note, I would encourage you to check out the National Missionary Convention.