Follow Up on Korn Guitarist

You can listen to Brian "Head" Welch's testimony at his new website:

Korn Guitarist Comes to Christ

Sacred Space...

Each morning when I get to the office, I like to spend about an hour praying and studying the Scripture. I guess you could call it my morning devotion time. I turn on some classical music...usually some Baroque, Renaissance, or Romantic period music...open my Bible to my chapter of the day...and spend time praying for a variety of things.

Lately, I've been using a website I found a while back to start off my devotion time in prayer. It's a site called Sacred Space. It's a guided prayer that helps me focus my day on Christ. The site is run by the Irish Jesuits, and I think you all should check it out.

Here's the link...

Sacred Space

The Topaz Rocks!!!

I Don't Understand...

I just don't get it! The other day, I was driving around the beautiful city of Muncie and I saw a bumper sticker that I just don't understand. Well, I guess I understand it...I'm just not sure why anyone would put it on their car. Of course, I feel that way about most bumper stickers (except ones that say "Friends Don't Let Friends Go To Starbucks").

Anyway, this bumper sticker said, "Don't Let The Car Fool You...My Treasure Is In Heaven!" Now, you're probably guessing that this was on a nice car...and you'd be correct! It was one of those cars that you wonder what anyone in Muncie is doing driving such a beautiful vehicle. Then, if you're like me, you begin to wonder why in the world someone would put a bumper sticker on such a fine vehicle.

My guess is that the person is a Christian. And, I also would make the assumption that this person probably felt a little guilty being a Christian and driving such a nice car. Why? I'm really not sure. If God has blessed you and you're able to afford such a luxury while still being able to give to your local church, then more power to you. If the person felt like they had to put this sticker on their car so people would know what they're all about...then something is probably wrong. If your treasure is in heaven, it will be evident...and it won't matter what kind of car you drive.

I remember a pastor I worked with wanted to buy a sports car. It wasn't a fancy car...It wasn't a new car...It was just a fun little sports car. He spent weeks beating himself up on whether or not to buy the car. He was worried what people would think when they saw the pastor driving a slightly used convertible. He was buying the car used and getting a great deal. Yet, he still worried about what people would think. Well, he really shouldn't worry about what people would think.

If people are able to judge where our treasures are based on the kind of cars we drive, then I think we're all in trouble. A car is a big purchase...new or used. I spent more money on my first new car then this pastor spent on his sports car. He was worried about what others would think. I really didn't give a rip because I needed a car and I wanted the one I bought. The purchase of the vehicle didn't hinder my relationship with God. And, the car hasn't been a stumbling block for any of my fellow Christians (not to my knowledge at least).

I've written all this just to say...If anyone is struggling with their vehicle being an earthly treasure, I'll make you a sweet trade! I'll trade you straight up...your nice car that might make people wonder where your treasure is for our 1993 Mercury Topaz. With the Topaz...no one will wonder where your treasure is...in fact, those driving around you will probably pray for your safety. Honestly, I wouldn't struggle driving your car. It'd be my service to you to take this burden from you!

Interesting...

If you doubt whether or not God is doing some amazing work in drawing people to Himself, then check out this article on Billboard's website. I'll also put the link to the announcement from Korn's official website. A guitarist from the band Korn is leaving the band because he recently started a relationship with Jesus Christ. He says he wants to devote his music to his new walk with Christ.

Billboard Article

Korn's Website Announcement

Confusing Terminolgoy...

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how we guide people to Jesus. Mainly, I've been thinking a lot about how we "do" altar calls. We often provide the opportunity for people to invite Jesus into their hearts. I've done this several times in youth meetings, church services, and summer camps. When we make the altar call, we tell people to repent of their sins and ask Jesus into their hearts. But, is this whole idea of asking Jesus into our hearts Biblical???

In my studies, which aren't extremely intensive, I have yet to come across a passage of Scripture that tells us we need to ask Jesus into our hearts in order to be saved. I see Scriptures that call us to confess our sins. I see Scriptures that tell us to confess Christ as Lord. I see Scriptures that tell us to believe in our hearts. However, I haven't found any Scriptures that tell us to invite Jesus into our hearts.

Romans 10:9-10 , 13 says, "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved...For 'Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

We often try to complicate matters of ones salvations. We often try to make all these steps that one has to take in order to be saved. We have the Four Spiritual Laws and other evangelism techniques to save people. But, this passage makes it really simple...confess Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts...if we do this, we will be saved! To me, that is Good News.

Too often, I think we use too much terminology and make a mess of the whole process of salvation. We make these steps for people that just seems to be there to make us feel like there's something more to it. But, the Bible tells us to confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts. It doesn't say we have to invite Him in...I mean, really...doesn't that seem a bit absurd anyway. Do you think God needs an invitation? Scripture tells us that when we believe in Him, He will send a Counselor, His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. We don't have to make a formal invitation to have the Spirit come into our hearts...God does that work.

Anyway, I've just been thinking about how I've handled the whole process of salvation and the mess I've made of it. I think it's just human nature to complicate the simplicities of the Word. God tries to make it easy for us, and we try to make it difficult. That's why He is God and we are not!

Little Children...

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:14-15).

I think Jesus is pretty funny! When he teaches people, he tends to use images that probably baffled, confused, and even angered those he was teaching. For the people in Jesus day, to be like a child was absolute foolishness. And, in our day (if we really think about it), it's pretty similar. When we see someone acting like a child, we talk about how immature they are and how they need to grow up. Well, Jesus isn't talking about acting like a child...He's talking about believing and receiving like children. The people of Jesus' day and even many of us today look at this passage and are offended because we like to think that in order to receive the Kingdom, we must have all the knowledge, all the right answers, live our lives in all the right ways, and so on. But, Jesus shatters this image and says...just believe and receive like a child. These little children don't have all the answers, yet they will receive the kingdom. A simple faith can go a long way. Sometimes, I think we try to hard to earn our way into the kingdom. But, if you look at the New Testament, we don't see anything that talks about how we need to earn our way into the kingdom. We're told to believe in our hearts, repent, and confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord (more on this tomorrow).

Well, I hope you and I will learn to receive the kingdom like little children.

Working Out

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you will shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not labor for nothing. But even if I am poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:12-18).

As I sat down and read this passage of Scripture, I started to do a lot of thinking. In this letter to the Philippians, Paul addresses us today, just as much as he did the believers in his day. He encourages us to "work out" our salvation with fear and trembling. He tells us not to complain or argue. He longs for us to shine like stars, that people might see the Lord in and through us. And, he tells us to be glad and to rejoice!

For many of us, when we hear the words "work out" we get a little nervous. I like to workout...but, I'm not always motivated to get on the treadmill or jump in the pool or pump some iron. Now, I know that Paul isn't telling us to "workout" in the whole going to the YMCA nature, but he is telling us to work. The Christian life calls for us to be active participants in ministry, missions, fellowship, worship, and discipleship. Working out our salvation requires some participation. Basically, Paul is telling us he doesn'twant us to be spiritually weak. He wants us to actively pursue our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

And he tells us to do this with out arguing and complaining...Are you kidding me? Arguing and complaining just happen to be two of my spiritual gifts! Of course I'm just kidding. But, getting to the point where wer'e not arguing and complaining truly takes work. It takes us pursuing humility, patience, gentleness, kindness, compassion, and things like this. He encourages us to do this so we would shine like stars.

In our "crooked and depraved generation," we need Christians that will faithfully work out our salvation...together. We need Christians that will shine like stars in order that the world might come to know the One who has the power to wash away our crookedness.
As we head into Easter, I want to encourage you to examine your life and see what you can do each day to "work out your salvation." How can you shine like a star in our community? Then, when we come together, we can be glad and rejoice together!

Two Things...

This morning, I was reading Mark 9. Two things really stood out during my readings...

First, in verses 14-32, the story of Jesus healing a boy with an evil spirit is told. The father brings the boy and basically says, "Help us if you can!" Jesus looks and him and says, "If I can???" I can imagine Jesus...probably being a bit sarcastic in his response. He tells the guy that all things are possible if he would only believe. The man's response is what really stood out to me. He says, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief." I understand where the man's coming from...I do believe, yet often I have these doubts and say things like..."Jesus, if you can help me..." Of course He can help me! I need Jesus to help me overcome my unbelief too.

Secondly, in verse 35 Jesus says, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Jesus basically bashes the way our world is structured. Our culture tells us to do all we can to be the best, to be number one, to win, to make as much as we can, to do whatever it takes to get all the stuff we want. But, Jesus flips this around...if you want to be great, humble yourself, if you want to come in first place, find out how to serve those around you. Jesus tells us it's not about us...it's about serving Him and serving others. It's not about getting as much as we can, but giving as much as we can. It's not about how much we can be served, by how much we can serve.

If I could only overcome my unbelief, maybe I'd learn how to humble myself and serve others.

Tuesdays with Morris...

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Colossians 4:2)

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:13-16)

What are you devoted to? Well, if you just read the verses above, your answer probably goes along the lines of, "Um, I'm devoted to prayer...lifting up concerns, asking for forgiveness and healing, praising God...yeah, um, that's what I'm devoted to."

Okay, so, how would you have answered that question without reading the verses above? Many would say they are devoted to God, their spouse, their work, their children, etc. Those are good things to be devoted to. When people say they are devoted to God, what does that mean? What does it mean for you to be devoted to God? For me, I think it means to seek Him daily...by studying the Bible, praying in and about all things, taking time to praise Him, gathering with others for worship/study/prayer/, having fellowship with other Christians, doing all I can to develop a more intimate relationship with Him.

Being devoted to prayer can be hard. Some Christians only pray at church or when the going gets tough. Being devoted to prayer takes time, effort, and discipline. It can start by making a prayer time each day. Just know, you don't have to set aside 5 hours (though you can if you want). Start of slowly, with small amounts of time, and build from there. Commit to setting aside 5 minutes each morning and 5 minutes each evening to pray. In these prayers, take time to praise God for all He's done for you, lift up your concerns for others, lift up your own needs, thank God for hearing and answering your prayers, and take some time to quietly listen for Him to speak to you.

When God's people pray, things happen. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." May we devote ourselves to prayer so that our prayers will become powerful and effective.

Happy Valentine's Day...

Well, if you're in Muncie, I hope that you like dark, rainy days to celebrate Valentine's Day. I feel bad for those already a bit depressed by this day (maybe because they don't have a special someone or recently lost a special someone or they have a bone-headed special someone that just let's this holiday pass by unnoticed). The whole rainy day thing just adds to the depressing nature of such a day.

However, if you're like me and you have an amazing special someone in your life, it doesn't matter about the rain. It could be forty below with 15 inches of snow and I'd be happy today. Why? Because I get to celebrate being in love with the greatest woman on the face of the planet. Of course, every single day, I thank and praise God for Emily...the best thing to ever happen to me.

So, on this Valentine's Day, I hope you can find something to celebrate...whether it's love or the fact that you stopped by Concannon's and pigged out on an awesome donut!

Not a Fan....

Well, I'm officially not a fan of the Christian bookstores in Muncie. Family Christian has been on my list for a long time...and I've never really liked Halo's. Sure, the people that work at these places are friendly. However, the reading selections are horrible. At both stores, you struggle to find the books you want to read. Instead, the shelves are filled with "Left Behind" books, "DaVinci Code" propaganda, and enough "Purpose Driven" junk to drive a man crazy. Not to mention all the Arterburn books that shouldn't be on the shelves. He's a horrible, horrible man. It's a long story, and maybe I'll post it here sometime. Just know he's the reason one of my old friends is no longer married...

Anyway, this morning I hit the Christian bookstores to see if they had the new Jim Wallis book, "God's Politics." Well, of course, neither store had the book. Why was I surprised? Why did I even waste my time driving to these stores? Well, to make matters worse, when they found out I was interested in a book on politics, I was pointed to a section that had books about W, our so-called President. Well, he actually got elected this time...That's our fault...Well, it's not MY fault because I didn't vote for him...But, it's somebody's fault.

So, I decided to go and walk around the Ball State campus (Emily is in Anderson all day at Circle the State with Song). While on campus, I stopped in the Ball State bookstore. It's not a large bookstore, but they have a pretty good selection. As soon as I walked in, there was a display that said "campus best sellers." The Jim Wallis book was front and center. Although I did not buy the book (I'm hoping to receive it as a gift...), I sat there and read through part of the first chapter. While reading, I became disgusted that the Christian bookstores don't carry a book on politics by a Christian author (the guy runs Sojourners...A Christian social action magazine). Why don't they carry this book? Most likely because it talks about how the right-wing, fundamental, conservative Christians have it wrong. If they'd only keep reading, they'd see how we left-wing, liberal, far-out Christians are wrong too. Oh well, I guess I'll just start going to Danner's and the Ball State bookstore more often.

Haircuts and Jesus...

I got my haircut this week. Yeah, it's a pretty big deal for me. When I walk into the salon (yes, I go to a "salon." I used to strictly go to the barber shop, but I like the treatment at the salon...Shampoo and scalp massages, warm towels, good product for styling, and the like...Don't get me wrong, I love the warm shaving cream used for the trim jobs by the barber...But, I want rock star hair, and the local barbers just can't make that happen...Wow...This has been a long tangent)...Anyway, when I walk into the salon, I ask the stylist to give me a lazy man's rock star haircut. I say lazy because I'm not a morning person and I just won't take the time to put products in my hair and make it look all funky. Basically, that means she'll cut my hair different lengths and add some texture to it. The lady that cuts my hair always gives me a mini-Mohawk when I leave...It's fun, but usually doesn't last long.

Anyway, this week I got my haircut and the conversation went to Jesus pretty quickly. Being that I work at a church, when anyone asks how my work is going...Church, God, and Jesus quickly come to the conversation. Well, we were talking about meetings and I spoke of how I'm pretty fond of having my meetings at Scotty's Brewhouse or the Heorot. I then spoke of how many church people aren't too fond of me having meetings at Scotty's of the Heorot. She asked, "Why? Are Christians not allowed to drink?" At that point, I said, "Well, it depends on who you talk to." I explained how different denominations teach different things. I also explained how many denominations will have doctrine that says drinking is wrong, but the majority of people sitting in the pews on Sunday morning have no clue (take the Methodist's for example. One of my favorite jokes is..."What's the difference between an Episcopal and a Methodist? Episcopal will say hello when they see each other in the liquor store."). The young man cutting hair in the booth next to us said, "Well, Jesus drank." I pointed out Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine...Good wine...Great wine...The best wine ever! I talked about how many of us get tripped up on issues like this, which are man made issues. I then went on to talk about all of the moral values junk out there...Many that aren't really based on Scriptural teaching, but the preferences of man.

Anyway, it was a great conversation. My hairstylist commented that most of her interactions with Christians have been with judgmental fundamentalists, but that I seemed like a pretty real person. I took that as a compliment. Every time I've gotten my haircut, she's told me that she and her husband want to start going to church, but just can't seem to commit to getting up on Sunday mornings. She never went to church growing up...But has this feeling that they should at least go to church on holidays (Christmas and Easter). Well, it's a start!

My next haircut is in 4 weeks. And, I think I need to invite her and her husband to join us at church on Palm Sunday and/or Easter Sunday.

Well, the whole conversation reminded me of Mark 7:1-23. It's the whole issue of clean and unclean. Jesus says it's not what goes into a person that makes them unclean...It's what comes out. What we eat or drink goes into our stomachs, not our hearts. Jesus said, it's out of the heart that all the bad comes from. It's about the heart...My evil thoughts are not spurred on by a Guinness or too many tacos...They are brought on by the errors of my heart. In fact, the Guinness usually makes it easier to deal with the issues that often make me unclean.

Well, that's enough for today, for now, anyway.

'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:12-13)

Today, many Christians will make a commitment to give something up during the season of Lent. If you're like me, last night you pigged out because it was Fat Tuesday. The day before Lent begins. The day before many Christians will commit to making a sacrifice for a period to help them reflect what Jesus must have endured.

This year, Emily and I made a commitment to give up soda. Now, I know this doesn't sound huge. But, we both really enjoy having a soda with our meals. And, hopefully, everytime we crave a diet dr. pepper (yes, we are that adventurous in our beverage selection) we will reflect on how silly our sacrifice is in comparison to all that Jesus faced. Hopefully we will be humbled before the Lord and give Him thanks and praise for the wonderful things He has done for us.

You know, the real issue isn't about what we're willing to give up...but, it's more about what we're willing to give. Are we willing to give our hearts to the Lord. Are we willing to give Him our hearts and not our material possessions. You see, for me, the idea of giving something up is more about freeing myself up to more fully give myself to Him than it is about just giving something up.

So, will you return to the Lord with your whole heart? Will you give the Lord your heart and not just your material goods? Will you give your all to Him and believe that what He says is true and put your whole trust in Him?

Ash Wednesday VI
T.S. Eliot

Although I do not hope to turn again
Although I do not hope
Although I do not hope to turn

Wavering between the profit and the loss
In this brief transit where the dreams cross
The dreamcrossed twilight between birth and dying
(Bless me father) though I do not wish to wish these things
From the wide window towards the granite shore
The white sails still fly seaward, seaward flying
Unbroken wings

And the lost heart stiffens and rejoices
In the lost lilac and the lost sea voices
And the weak spirit quickens to rebel
For the bent golden-rod and the lost sea smell
Quickens to recover
The cry of quail and the whirling plover
And the blind eye creates
The empty forms between the ivory gates
And smell renews the salt savour of the sandy earth

This is the time of tension between dying and birth
The place of solitude where three dreams cross
Between blue rocks
But when the voices shaken from the yew-tree drift away
Let the other yew be shaken and reply
Blessed sister, holy mother, spirit of the fountain, spirit of the garden
Suffer us not to mock ourselves with falsehood
Teach us to care and not to care
Teach us to sit still
Even among these rocks
Our peace in His will
And even among these rocks
Sister, mother
And the spirit of the river, spirit of the sea
Suffer me not to be separated

And let my cry come unto Thee.

Knowing Nothing...

"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

This is Paul talking...Paul! You know, the guy who wrote many of the New Testament books. The guy that has a huge impact on Christians of many, many, many generations. And yet, he claims to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. That's pretty powerful. Paul is showing that all the wisdom in the world is nothing. The only true wisdom is the knowledge, trust, hope, and belief in the Father.

When we go to others, hoping to lead them to Christ, we need to have this kind of attitude. We need to not try and be crafty with our words. Instead, we just need to tell people what we know about Jesus. We need to come to those we hope to lead to Christ in "weakness and fear," not as "wise and persuasive," but instead we simply need to be honest. We need to admit that we don't know it all, but what we do know is this...Jesus Christ is the Savior!

Who will you share Christ with today?

Psalm 100

I really like this Psalm and felt like sharing it here:

"Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."

May your day be filled with praise and joy!

Living Sacrifice...

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)

This passage is one I generally come back to when talking about our whole lives being an act of worship. We are to offer our bodies as sacrifices...this is our spiritual act of worship. To me, this means that we are to be in a constant state of worship. Everything we do with our bodies...eat, drink, work, etc...should be holy and pleasing to God.

Psalm 34:1 says that we are to lift God up at all times, that we should always have praises on our lips. The whole "at all times," and "always" stuff can be difficult. But, it's possible. It is a realistic goal for us to turn every moment of our day into an act of worship.

What do you need to do to become a living sacrifice? What needs to happen in your daily life in order to "always" and "at all times" be lifting up the Lord in praise.

A Time to Prune...

John 15:1-17 is a pretty familiar passage of Scripture in Christian circles. It's about Jesus being the Vine and we are the branches. It talks about the need for pruning. Jesus talks of how sometimes we need to be cut back in order to grow. In ministry, I've found that there are definitely some times that call for pruning. Sometimes that involves asking people to step aside, change their ministry, or to change some behaviors. Pruning can be difficult. When pruning, it sometimes appears that you're cutting away something beautiful. But, when things blossom, it's obvious by the beauty of what is now seen why the pruning needed to take place. In the church, sometimes we need to prune ministries in order for them to grow and flourish. Sometimes we need to cut things back in order for God's glory to be revealed in greater ways...And in the way He wants them it to be...I feel that we're at a moment in our ministry at the church where in order for us to move forward with God's vision, we have to be willing to do some pruning. Sometimes it hurts and takes a while for the growth and blossoms to appear. But, in order to be faithful to what the Father is calling us to...It's sometimes necessary.

What do you need to prune in your life in order to become what God is calling you to be?

The Heart...

As I've been involved in ministry, I have seen how important the heart is...In being a part of any ministry team, having the right heart is essential. The right heart helps lead to a right attitude. Those to things help us get to the Philippians 2:1-11 focus on ministry...That we are to be unified...Of one heart...Being servants...Being humble...Being like Christ. I've found that having the right heart helps those in ministry stay better in touch with one another and what God is calling us to do.

When I've seen tough issues and conflicts come into a ministry team, it's obvious when the team understand the concepts of Philippians 2 and when they do not. You can see when a team is united as one, and you can see when the team is divided. One of the main things I've noticed is that when a team seems to have division, it almost always comes down to a condition of the heart.

When changes are implemented in any ministry area, if the team is of one mind...The changes are taken in stride and the team walks toward the goal together. If there is division on the team, any kind of change usually disrupts some team members. The focus is taken off of what God is calling the team to do and put on to an individual focus. People are easily offended by change, especially if it hits near to them. Some changes are made because there are problems...Some changes are made before problems arise. However, when changes are made, with the right heart and a humble attitude, the team should gather together and march onward and upward.

I've found that when people are upset by changes in direction with a ministry, it usually comes down to the heart and attitude of the person that is upset. When a person is upset by change, it usually reveals their heart. It becomes apparent that things are out of order. It becomes apparent that what God wants is secondary to ones personal preference. It becomes apparent that ones attitude is not focused on what is going to be pleasing to God, but what is going to be most convenient and pleasing for the individual.

Many times, we take on selfish attitudes when change is implemented. The comments, "I don't think this is fair", "Well, we've never done it that way before", and the like are often some of the first we hear. We have to realize in ministry, that it's not about how we've always done things or whether or not something seems fair. It is essential that we realize that it is about pleasing God and doing His will.

As an example, we recently made some adjustments to a policy with our praise team at church. Our Worship Design Team passed a motion to make a policy that if a person misses rehearsal that they don't play on Sunday morning. It's not a huge deal. If you can't make a rehearsal, rather than trying to catch up on Sunday morning you can simply kick back and enjoy worship in the congregation...You get a break, a day off. It's a pretty sensible thing. In the professional world, if you miss rehearsals, you end up not working much. Anytime I've played in a band, if someone didn't show up to rehearsals, they were quickly replaced. We're not talking about replacing anyone on the praise team. We're basically talking about a common courtesy. People on the team make a sacrifice each week to attend rehearsals and worship. When someone misses rehearsal, but then expects to lead on Sunday morning, it's not very courteous or fair to those that made the rehearsal. When we do new music, those that were not at rehearsal are at a great disadvantage and end up searching for notes throughout the song. We are called to give our best to God in our service and worship. By simply showing up and figuring it out on the spot, we're not really doing our part to bring our best. It's simply a selfish attitude to want to lead when you haven't put in the time. People talk about wanting things to be led by the Spirit. Well, it's a more Biblical attitude to do our part (rehearse, practice, and cover things in prayer) so that we are the best prepared we can be. As we are prepared, we can more easily focus on what the Spirit wants to do. If we don't rehearse, people will be so focused on the music that they won't be able to be open. It's often frustrating to those that have rehearsed and gotten things together when people show up and join in without rehearsing. Things will sound great during rehearsal, and then Sunday morning comes and you hear stuff going all over the place...People playing and singing in places they aren't supposed too...Wrong notes...And I could go on. This past weeks rehearsal was a great example as to why this policy makes sense. We had quite a bit of trouble with one song...Had a person shown up on Sunday morning without being at rehearsal, the would be at a huge disadvantage and probably wouldn't be able to give their best to the song. I could go on for hours. These things come down to the right heart and right attitude.

If everyone on the team had the right heart and attitude, the Philippians 2 mindset, this change would have made sense and not been an issue (as it was for many). For those that struggle with something like this, it might be showing that ones heart is not in the right place. As servants, we have to decide if we will be a team player or not. In sports, we wouldn't question our coaches. In ministry, we should be willing to support and follow our leaders. Unless they are taking us in a direction that goes against Scripture, we are called to follow and submit to those in leadership. If we can't do that, we might need to look for another area in which to serve.

Grace & Peace,
J-Mo

Good Recruiting???

Well, I guess we'll find out this fall whether or not Brady Hoke's recruiting team will pan out to be better than what it has been. With the expected loss of Ridgeway from the receiving crew, we need some good recruits to help us in our MAC season. When Hoke first arrived at Ball State, I used to like to say "Brady Hoke ain't no joke!" Well, I haven't said that in a couple of years...as it has started to appear that Hoke might be a joke. Three years and I feel like we haven't left the Lynch days. At least when Bill was here, he had a season that gave him some job security. Hoke is just hanging out there and I think this year will have a lot to do with how long the Hoke joke will stay around.

Star Press Article

Worship

This is a subject that's really been on my heart. I know, I know...I've already written about this stuff...But, it's just on the front of my mind these days. I've just really been convicted about the whole attitude towards worship in our world today. So many churches, leaders, and church goers have reduced worship down to that hour-long portion of the week where we take time to sing, pray, and listen to a message. And, there are many who have reduced it further than that...relating worship only to that time of our celebratory gatherings where we sing together. We find our favorite songs...and only want to sing them. I hear people say things like, "If we could only sing _______________ song, I'd really get connected in worship," or "You know, I can really feel the Lord's presence when we sing _____________." We've gotten to the place where people feel like it's really not worship unless we sing a certain song...Isn't that crazy. Worship is not about the songs we sing. Worship is about praising God...celebrating who He is and all that He has done for us. Worship is about leading a life that glorifies God. What would happen if we all came to church and there was no music? Would we be able to worship? Would we be able to get connected to the Lord? I think so many of our attitudes towards worship revolve more around our personal preferences and a whole lot less about our desire to glorify God. I get sick and tired of hearing people say, "I really love what we're doing, but if we'd just do this song, I'd love it even more." I've heard these kind of comments in every church I've served in...it's just nuts! I'm glad that people truly connect through a certain song, but if that's the only way one can connect to the Lord, it's honestly kind of sad. You know, I used to be in those shoes too. I used to always want to sing certain songs...I wanted nothing to do with the old hymns...nothing to do with songs like Blindman (I still want nothing to do with Blindman). But, then I came to the point where I realized...this isn't about what I want...It's about what God wants. If God laid a particular song on the song leaders heart for us to sing together, then who am I too complain. And, isn't it awfully petty of me to say that I don't like a song...especially when it's not about a song...it's all about God. Well, I need to stop ranting and probably shouldn't even post this...

Disturbing:

I was surfing around the net today and found a site that just might make you think about this whole war on terror. Don't worry...it's nothing graphic. It simply shows a counter of the US dollars spent on the war. You can have it narrow down the costs by states, and even by communities in some cases. The most disturbing part is when you see that Indiana could have hired an extra 40,000+ public school teacher compared to what we're spending on our piece of this war on terror.

Cost of War

BSU in Bracket Buster on ESPN???

If you're like me, which you're probably not "like" me...but if you think like me..., then you probably though Ball State would not have been chosen for one of the 11 televised Bracket Buster games. I was certain that BSU would just being playing a non-conference opponent and not make it to a big time game.

Well, I'm glad that I was wrong! In spite of their inconsistent play and a game plan that mirrors street ball or a good round of one-on-one, the people in charge of the tournament granted Ball State the biggest game of their season...not because they're playing a big opponent...but because the game will be televised, which gives the program and the school some excellent exposure.

See you at the game!

The Star Press article

Worship...More than an Hour on Sunday

I've really been thinking about the whole concept of worship lately. Mainly, it's been related to what so many of us Christians call worship...That hour or so on Sunday mornings that we gather for fellowship, singing, prayer, a message, and so on. And, I've been thinking a lot about how we do our worship on Sunday mornings...Are we traditional, contemporary, blended, or something entirely separate from those labels.

Well, yesterday in my reading, I was going over the story in John 4 where Jesus takes the time to talk with a Samaritan woman. Now, I could probably write about 15 different devotions on this encounter. It's an incredible story...Just the cultural boundaries that Jesus shatters...The way He shows love, grace, and mercy to a sinful woman just the way she is, not demanding that she go and make everything in her life right first...It's an awesome story.

The part of the story I want to look at comes after the woman asked Jesus where the right place is to worship...On the mountain or in Jerusalem. Jesus' response to the woman has a lot to say about our views on worship. "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:21-24, NIV)

Jesus basically tells the woman it's not about a particular place or time. He says it's about spirit and truth. Well, in order to not run on and on with this post, I'll give you my one-minute or less take on this...

What Jesus is calling us to is a life of worship. He is calling us to a 24/7, 365 days a year, no matter the time or place to worship. Worship in spirit and truth...We don't have to be in a church building...We don't have to be surrounded by other Christians...We can worship Him at all times. Worship is a whole lot less about singing praise choruses and a whole lot more about giving all the glory to God, no matter what we're doing. It's about praising Him, celebrating who He is, doing everything we do in order to bring Him glory.

Worship is not something we go to...It is what we are. True worshipers worship in spirit and in truth...That means if we are to truly worship Him, it is to happen at all time, at all places, and in all things! How are you worshipping God today?