Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Sunday Set List & Sermon Thoughts 8/14

Sermon Thoughts
Today, Pastor Robert continued his series on "Flesh Fighters, " not to be confused with the "Foo Fighters."

The text was I John 2 :15-16

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The topic was the "anti-Trinity" which consists of the lusts of the flesh and eyes, as well as the pride of life. Just about every sin or wrongdoing can be traced back to one of these things.
--Lust of the Flesh--unhealthy desire for something. Man chasing after the things of the world, which never seem to satisfy.
--Lust of the Eyes--unhealthy desire for things we cannot have, after something unholy. It's an unquenchable desire.
--Pride of Life--unhealthy desire for recognition. An attitude that demands attention and does not satisfy. Anything that exalts itself above God. Arrogance, worldly wisdom--think Eve in the Garden.

Satan tried these on Christ--tempted Him with food, with command over everything He could see, with pride in Himself that the angels would not let Him get hurt. And as Hebrews 4:15says:
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
The songs for Sunday were:

Come, Now is the Time to Worship (D)
I Am Free (D)

Offertory

Take My Life (F)
Here I Am to Worship (F)
Holy Holy Holy (C/D)

You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-160/


Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sunday Setlist & Sermon Thoughts--July 24

Pastor Robert started a series today about fighting out flesh today. The scripture he referenced was one of my favorite passages from Romans chapter 7:

14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[d] I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power[e] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?


Wow. Those words belong to the great Apostle Paul, the man responsible for most of the New Testament. He's talking about how our nature is corrupted. Pastor Robert mentioned a quote by Billy Graham:

Flesh refers to the old patterns by which we have attempted to get all our needs supplied instead of seeking Christ first and trusting Him to meet all our needs.

Seems like this could be a pretty depressing topic if there were no hope. But Paul continues with the answer to verse 24:

25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

How is Christ the answer? Well, we can do all things through Him who gives us the strength.

Setlist:
Holy is the Lord
Crown Him With Many Crowns

Take My Life
Give Us Clean Hands
Draw Me Close

The songs were geared towards a heart surrendering itself (and it's flesh) to Christ.

You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-157/

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sunday Setlist--July 17

I didn't want to write any recaps the last few weeks. We have some people at our church going through some major struggles. The kind of struggles that, if you care about them, they affect you too. Some have family members who have gone through some very bad medical issues, some who have had tragedy strike their lives. Preachers will always say that the enemy will attack you when you become effective and start making progress in this world. I can see first hand now what that's like.

Our church is growing. Maybe not in numbers or building size, but spiritually. We've put an emphasis on reaching more people outside our church while at the same time getting the church members more involved. The attacks that we're taking on have made me want to stop. Made me say to myself, "well, if we chill out for a while, maybe things will settle down." Thankfully, God's Spirit is stronger than that.

We will not surrender. We will not give up. We may get knocked backwards a step or two, but we will keep going, because in the end, our side wins. Our God is stronger than the forces of this world. That is what I have to hold onto in the tough times. That is where faith comes in. That is when it's tested.

Today's Set List:
Blessed Be Your Name (A)
Today is the Day (D)

Offertory

I Am Redeemed (C)
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (C)
Healer (F)
How He Loves chorus


You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-156/

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Sunday Setlist June 19th

The illustration I like to use that defines the praise team's role in a worship service is that of a newly built house. The foundation and structure is in place, but there is nothing on the walls. No paint, pictures, or anything like that. The praise team's job is to create space for the Spirit to do His work. Houses aren't built over night. It takes time. Our team is continually on a journey into finding newer and deeper ways to welcome the Holy Spirit and have everyone in attendance, believer or not, changed in some way.

Maybe they come forward during an altar call. Maybe they make a decision within themselves that day to make a change. Whatever it is, that is what we want. That is what we are after. Not to impress people with our musicianship or get their emotions stirred up artificially. We want lives changed so that the Church will in turn go outside the walls of the building and influence this world for Christ.

Made to Worship (F)
I Will Give You All My Praise (F)

Offertory

Holy, Holy, Holy (C/D)
Healer (G)
Kindness (G)--this song was played during our altar call. A few women came down and prayed. While I was playing, and this is something I've noticed over the years (not necessarily in our church, but the current Church as a whole,) no men came down. While attending some classes at a Seminary years ago, the discussion of a woman's role in the church came up. There was a small faction of men who thought that a woman couldn't teach or direct a grown man in any way. Teaching kids was ok, but not men. The topic of female song leaders came up and some guys said that it wasn't scriptural because they would be telling the men which page to turn to. Ridiculous, right?

Well, my thought on the topic is this--where are the men? Where is the man volunteering to lead singing or teach a Sunday school class for adults? Why are there so many married women who come by themselves to church? Seems to me like the women are stepping up where the men have not.

So, as I noticed that it was all women down front praying, God started giving me thoughts. As we neared the end of the song, I spoke up. I don't remember everything I said, but it was to the effect of, "men...come down here. Come pray for your family, job, church, country....don't be too prideful, be a leader...." And sure enough, when I got through, we played the chorus a few more times and some men came down and prayed. It may have had something to do with what I said, but instead I'd like to think that I simply followed the Spirit and laid the foundation for them to respond.


Praise God.

You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-152/

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sunday Setllist 6/12

Here's the set we worshiped to today:

To God Be the Glory (G)
Today (G/A)

Offertory

Open Hands (D)
Hosanna (E)
We Exalt Thee/Altar Call (E)

It was a great service that started out by offering thanks to God for everything He has given us. Open Hands is a wonderful song about making your life available for His purposes. We did the Hillsong version of Hosanna, but missed having a bass & electric guitar to really build the intensity the song deserves. Finally, we finished with a very powerful chorus, We Exalt Thee. It's technically "I Exalt Thee," but we change it for corporate worship purposes. Maybe it's my Church of Christ roots, but I love whenever we break out an acapella part to a song as we did during one of the choruses. Nothing gives me chills like the whole congregation belting out WE EXALT THEEEEEE!!!! Can't wait 'til Heaven!!

You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-151/

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Sunday Setlist and Sermon Thoughts 6/9

Here are the songs we used to glorify God this morning:

Today is the Day
Blessed Assurance

Offertory

How Great is Our God
Til I See You--This is a fantastic worship song by Joel Houston and the Hillsong team. Enjoy:


Awesome in This Place (altar call)

Pastor Robert continued his sermon series on Counterfeit Christianity. Today's message was regarding false teachings and what can lead you to become a victim of them:
--Ignorance of God's Word
--Boredom and complacency
--Seeking the approval of men, not God
2 Peter 2:1
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

Pastor Robert has taught us that a counterfeit is made to look like the real thing. The enemy can use people, themes, and messages that seem Biblical, but are in fact distorting the Gospel to meet their own needs. As the Bible says, the Gospel is an offense. It's supposed to "offend" you into realizing that YOU are the one who needs Him.

You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-150/

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday Setlist May29th

You never know what you're gonna get on a holiday weekend, but we had very good attendance at church today. Some new faces and that's always encouraging. Sometimes I tend to glance at the new people and see what the Spirit does with someone who isn't used to being with us. Sometimes they worship openly as if they've been there for years, sometimes they kinda mouth the words, and sometimes they stand there and watch. And there's nothing wrong with any of those reactions, it's just interesting to see from a perspective where you can see everyone.

Our set for today was:

Arise (E)
Everlasting God (A)

Offertory

I'd Rather Have Jesus (Bb)
Here I am to Worship (F)
Healer (F)


You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-149/

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sunday Setlist May 22

We added a new wrinkle to our service today. In his prayer time, Pastor Robert heard from God that he needed to provide a chance for Christians to come forward during the music service to the altar. Sometimes, the invitation at the end of the service ends up being aimed at those dealing with salvation. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course, but he felt that we needed a specific time for the Christians.

Hymn Medley--
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (F)
Are You Washed in the Blood (G)
There is Power in the Blood (A)
Our God Reigns (A)

Offertory

Your Name (A)
From the Inside Out (A)
**alter call
Break Our Hearts (G/A)


We had a wonderful response during the alter call. Many people came forward to pray, sing, worship, bow down, whatever their hearts felt. It's very humbling to be leading during a time like that.


You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-148/

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sunday Setlist 5/15

On a beautiful, un-seasonably cool East Texas morning, here was our set:

Just a Closer Walk with Thee (A)
Blessed Be Your Name (A)

Offertory

What Can I Do? (F)
More Love, More Power (Fm)
(In My Life) Lord, Be Glorified (F)

Pastor Robert is beginning a series entitled COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY. Today's message was entitled "Was Jesus Rich?" and just scratched the surface about what our culture considers "wealthy." One point referenced this passage in Paul's first letter to Timothy, chapter 6:

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Where is your focus? Are the things that you strive for going to one day crumble? Good questions to ponder.


You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page




http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-147/

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Sunday Setlist--May 8th

Sunday Setlist for Mothers Day, May 8, 2011

Melissa was on vacation this week, so Skip led the singing and did a wonderful job. For instruments, it was just me on guitar and Bo on drums. More importantly, the Spirit was there and took over, so that it didn't really matter who was leading the songs because the focus was on Him.

Holy is the Lord (G)
Hallelujah (Your Love Sets Me Free) (G)

Offertory--Skip played a recording of his quartet singing a special song called "Mother." It spoke of the wonderful love and many, many things our mothers do for us.

Offering (F)
He is Lord (F)
Draw Me Close (Bb)

The sermon's title today was "Mothers Asking Divine Direction." Pastor Robert used the story from Matthew 15:21 of the woman who's daughter was demon possessed. She was so committed and driven by love that she persevered until Christ rewarded her faith by granting her request. I'm blessed to have a mother who would do the same.

Be in prayer for our church, as we are seeking to reach out and grow and affect our community for Christ. The Lord is moving in our people and giving them desires to take on responsibilities and step out in faith. It's an exciting time because we know He is faithful.

You can view this and every other service live or whenever you want on our UStream page

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-146/

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Sunday Setlist--Easter

Ahh yes, Easter. The Resurrection day. The day that Jesus conquered death, sealing our eternity with God in Heaven. He died for my sins past, present, and future. He suffered physically and spiritually for you and me. But it doesn't end there, for He arose victoriously over death so that we could as well. As the wonderful song by John Mark McMillan says;
On Friday a thief
On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief
But awoke with the keys
To hell on that day
Firstborn of the slain
The man Jesus Christ laid
Death in His grave..

Our set was based off of this week's sermon title, "What A Difference A Day Makes."

Today is the Day (D)
I Am Free (D)

Offertory--Christ Arose, performed by Mary Rodgers on Flute

The Old Rugged Cross (G)
I Have Been Redeemed (C)
Revelation Song (D)

As with most churches today, we had more in attendance than usual. Our prayer for those visitors is that they will find a church home and/or salvation in the One who can save.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-144/


Sunday, April 17, 2011

Sunday Setist---Palm Sunday Apr.17

Today was our annual Palm Sunday worship celebration. We take this service and extend the music portion of the worship. It's fitting that it celebrates when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to the praises of His people. We know that they would all turn on Him within the next few days, but at the time they thought He was riding in on that donkey to claim His throne. Little did they know, He would accomplish so much more than that.

The children sang "Were You There?" A powerful song that they performed in front of the whole church with hands motions and everything. It was great.

Then, the praise team began the music. Here was the order:

Offertory (Made to Worship)

All Praise & Honor (Baloche)
Hosanna (Fraser)
Healer (Guglielmucci)

We took our time with these songs. We spent time lingering, giving people time to really connect and feel the Spirit. So many wonderful lyrics in these songs:

....when You are glorified, my heart is satisfied to know, all praise and honor is Yours...
....heal my heart and make it clean.....break my heart for what breaks Yours...
....Hosanna in the highest!!
....I believe You're my healer....I believe You are all I need...
....nothing is impossible for You, for You hold my world in Your hands...

Wonderful declarations to our God and Savior.

Then we had a time of invitation, singing I Surrender All. People came forward to the altar, came for prayer, went and prayed with someone... all kinds of responses to the Spirit.

Then, the Spirit led us to play Revelation Song, a very powerful worship song. We always see wonderful expressions of praise during this one.

After that, we ended with an upbeat medley to really end on a high. We played He is Exalted/The Stand/Awesome God to finish it out.

My prayer for this service was for our congregation to experience a deeper time of worship during the extended song set, and then be able to recall it for other services. For them to really identify with the lyrics and sing them as if they were there own, as if the wrote them or were praying them.

I can't wait to hear more reports of how the Lord moved in people's lives and hearts. Praise God!!!

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-143/

Monday, April 11, 2011

Hearing From God

Have you ever heard from God?

This post is extremely personal, but I'm sharing it in hopes that it may help someone else hear an answer or encouraging word from the Lord.
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There have been a few occasions in my life where I have heard from God very clearly. One of them was September 1999. I was 20 years old and at that time in my life where I had no direction. My closest friend moved a few hours away to pursue a calling from God. This was way before the age of text messaging and easy access to email. I didn't have a girlfriend either. I was recovering from a broken leg I sustained while working at a Christian summer camp. After floating thru two years of junior college, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I was lonely and lost. I was enrolled at UT-Arlington, but sitting in the classrooms was painful. At the time, I thought that each class (psychology, literature, A & P, whatever it was) represented a career path, and if I didn't absolutely love the class, then I would hate having it as a profession. Not a very good way to look at things, but hey, when you're young, you don't have much perspective.

I basically flaked out. I was coasting along but wasn't attending class regularly. I waited too long to drop the classes without any repercussions, meaning not only could I not get any of my parents' money back, but I could also not erase these classes from my transcript. I contemplated joining the Army (partly because there was a recruitment office next to the donut shop I frequented.)

The one thing I did have was volleyball. I started playing sand volleyball a few years earlier and eventually started playing indoors. I loved it. Obviously I had height on my side, but, on a good day, my vertical was between 33-36 inches. (Yes, I was a big enough loser to test it in an empty gym at Pantego Bible Church by myself.) I was playing just about every night. And, as most vball players know, you can twist your ankles very easily. One Wednesday night, I was playing at UTA (because I could still get in as an "enrolled" student) and came down on someone's foot and rolled my ankle. Then, a few days later on Sunday night, the same thing happened again. No big deal really, it happens when you play volleyball.

Well, later that night, as I laid in bed trying to go to sleep, a thought entered my head, "that wouldn't have happened if I was at church Wed/Sun night." Man, I can still remember it like it was 5 minutes ago... lying in bed, looking up at the goofy glow in the dark stars my younger sister had stuck on the ceiling...God spoke to me.

Get right with God.

You've tried it on your own long enough.

I immediately got up and started digging around looking for my Bible. My mind started filling with all of these options, my friend's brother had been inviting me to church, my church had a wonderful college campus ministry... all of these things started falling into place in just a matter of minutes.

That night, I said, "ok, God, I surrender."

A path was laid out before me. It wasn't clearly marked, it didn't have any street signs, I had NO idea where it would take me, but I knew it was the path to follow.

Within a year, I moved 200 miles away, 6 months later I met the woman I would eventually marry, after a few more years I had graduated college and had a newborn daughter. It certainly wasn't easy, there were plenty of roadblocks, detours, and heartbreaks along the way, but I had a purpose. I had something to follow. I didn't always know what that something specifically was or where it would take me, I just knew to follow God.

Jesus said in Luke 11:9;
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

I didn't have to know the answer, I didn't have to know what I was looking for, I didn't have to know what was on the other side of the door. All I had to do was ask, seek, & knock. All I had to do was want it.

I wasn't in a good place. I wasn't prayed up, or attending church, or reading my Bible daily... nothing like that at all. If anything, it was the furthest I had ever been away from God. You don't have to wait until the perfect time to surrender your life to God. That's not what the Bible teaches.

Click the scripture link and find out what the next few verses say about what happens, about God's love, about what He will give you if you want it.

If you are tired of being alone.

If you are tired of trying it your own way.

The answers most likely won't come over night. If life has given you some deep holes to climb out of, so be it. You didn't get there quickly and you won't always get out quickly. There are people in the body of believers out there who can help. God's word is available to enlighten you. His Holy Spirit can give you the inner strength and peace to keep you heading in the right direction.

12 years later, I'm still on that path and still unsure of where it will lead me. What matters is that I now have a path to follow. A path laid out by someone with my best interest in mind.

It is possible to hear Him. All you have to do is try.

Please, ask Him now and let me know if I can help.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Sunday Setlist April 10th



On a beautiful spring morning in East Texas, here was our set:

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus (F)
Your Grace is Enough (F)

Your Name (A)
From the Inside Out (A)
Sanctuary (D)

It was another good set, everything went well, the congregation really sang out on Your Name & Sanctuary. I love it when I can hear them over everything else.

Next Sunday is our special Palm Sunday Praise & Worship Service. It's a service of mostly music. My hope and prayer is that the people will get to a deeper level of worship. In doing that, they'll be able to achieve that same "deeper" connection each and every service.

As always, you can check out the archive for this and previous services on our UStream page: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sundays-grace

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-142/

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sunday Setlist April 3rd

Quick recap today. We had a smaller team today, but we know that doesn't matter to the Holy Spirit!

Hosanna (Baloche)
We Bow Down

Offertory

Healer
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Lift High

Today was the first service that we performed "Healer." It's a wonderful song (no matter the history behind it.) Our peeps enjoyed it today and I can't wait to see how it grows from here and people REALLY start proclaiming those words.



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-141/

Sunday Setlist April 3rd

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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sunday Setlist 3/27



Wow. What a service. God never disappoints. As worship leaders, we always pray for the people who come, for our services, for the Spirit to be poured out and move during them. We do it so often, that sometimes we take it for granted. Then....it happens. The Spirit is so prevalent in the service that EVERYBODY takes notice.

While preparations are a huge part of it, times like this show me how unimportant our plans can be. At our church, we try to set the stage. We try to be a place where people can feel free to worship, feel free to respond, and feel the love of the Spirit. Melissa prayerfully selects songs for their content and songs that tie in with the message. We all work very hard and presenting our music the best way we know how. It's like a perfect storm of preparation, prayer, willing hearts, a complete surrender in worship, and, as Hannibal says on the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together."

Today's set list was nothing extraordinary, it was just... one of those times. We sang:
Meet With Me (G)
Today (G/A)

Offertory

Hosanna (E)
Our God Reigns (A)

It was our first time performing Hosanna on a Sunday morning, and it went well. We've been piecing that one together for a few months now, and honestly I was getting a little tired of it. We also hadn't performed it with the full team. It seems like at every practice, someone was out. BUT, in that way that God does, He made it something special today. Everyone really enjoyed it, and I know that song will be a blessing for many.

The other thing that stuck out to me was our last song. I can't remember the last time we sang it, but man, the congregation singing was SO powerful. Sometimes I take my in-ear monitor out so I can hear them better, but I didn't need to today. That song was just on another level today. Fantastic.

We had a guest speaker today, Dr. James Dill. He came to us in order to bring a message regarding "growing our church." There was a different feel to the service from the beginning. Maybe it was the guest speaker, maybe it was just a good day, maybe it was a combination.

Something is happening at Grace Fellowship Church. Don't miss it.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-140/

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Sunday setlist & Sermon thoughts 3/20



As always, you can view our services live or on our Ustream page.

Holy is the Lord (G)
Today is the Day (C)

Offertory

It is You (D)
How Great is Our God (G)
Fairest Lord Jesus (C/D)

It was a fun music set this week. I was on drums again this week accompanying Melissa on piano. Bo and Bob were out this week, so we tried to keep it simple. The congregation was really responding today, a few different times I pulled my ear monitor out just to hear them sing along. Good times.

The sermon today came from Mark 4, Jesus' Parable of the Sower. Here's some of my notes:

There are 4 types or recipients out there, and only 1 type that pleases Him.
1-Indifferent: Someone that has hardened their heart
2-Emotional: No depth, falls away when hard times come
3-Worldly: Cluttered mind, clings to the old life, straddles the fence
4-Receptive: Fertile ground, has been prepared by God

**What does "good soil produce? Good fruit**

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-139/

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sunday Setlist and Sermon Thoughts Mar.13


As spring rolls around, so does Spring Break, which means VACATIONS!! Bo was out so I sat in on drums and Bob slid over to guitar. My lovely wife Raegan filled in vocally while Brenda was out as well. I love getting to play the drums, since it's something I don't get to do very often. Somewhere in the second song, the right beater on our double-bass drum pedal flew off. I wasn't playing it that hard, but it was definitely getting' after it. I managed to get it back on, but it came off again during Revelation Song. So I had to plug my brain back in and get my left foot to do what my right foot normally does.

I Stand Amazed in the Prescence (F/G)
Praise Adonai (Bb)

Offeratory

Your Love oh Lord (E)
From the Inside Out (A)
Revelation Song (D)

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This week's sermon by Pastor Robert referenced the story in Mark 2 about the men who lowered their paralytic friend into Peter's house while Jesus was there. Many great points about how his friends took it upon themselves to get him help (just as we should help our spiritually-paralyzed friends) and how Jesus first forgave the man's sins (the most important part.)

BONUS SUNDAY NIGHT THOUGHTS:

Debora has been doing a wonderful job teaching thru the Armor of God in Ephesians 6. Tonights lesson was regarding the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. She mentioned a quote by Spurgeon, and one phrase stuck with me:

Do you recollect how, after this, your sins were slain one after another? Their necks were laid on the block, and the Spirit acted as an executioner with his sword.

Wow!! My sins are executed by the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Man, what a victorious thought that is! Our sins, past, present, and future cannot defeat us since our Sword will surely execute them.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-138/

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What are you waiting for?

I read a blog post today at Stuff Christians Like about making "idea idols." What that means is that you make an idol out of an idea, thought, desire, or something similar. It becomes a stumbling block or keeps you from making the most out of your current situation. It got me thinking about something. A similar thing happens to me, but it involves "waiting." I can justify ignoring something if I don't feel that it's the right time or the right situation. It doesn't matter what it is, it can be something like sharing my faith or even something very trivial like moving the lawn mower into the garage so it doesn't keep getting rained on.

When I was a little younger, I would hear people talk about waiting to have kids or get married. Waiting until a certain amount of money was saved or the right living arrangements were met, etc. I would always say, "there will never be a perfect situation. You will never have the *exact* amount of money. There will always be some reason to put it off, if you are so inclined." And I am so inclined.

When you try to live by faith, it leaves a lot of questions. You feel like you should do something, but that fleshly nature inside starts throwing out excuses. Then you start second guessing yourself. Maybe that was just a fleeting thought. Maybe that's way too far out of my reach or ability. It seems like something I can do, but then the further I get removed from that initial thought, the less confident I am.

I've mentioned this before, but in the "Experiencing God" Bible study by Henry Blackaby, there was a point of emphasis that has stuck with me for a long time. Here's my paraphrase:
--find where God is at work and join Him.

If you feel led to get involved in something, don't wait, DO IT!! Here's a few analogies: At work, do you start out at the top, or do you need to learn about the job along the way? Did you start out running, or did you have to learn to crawl, then walk? Do athletes immediately go pro, or are there years or preparation involved?

It's not all or nothing. You don't have to be a pastor-in-training to get involved! You don't have to have mastered multiple theological arguments to mention Jesus in conversations. While waiting for that "perfect scenario," countless other ones will pass you by.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Sunday Setlist March 6th

Made to Worship--Tomlin (F)
Arise--Baloche (E)

Offertory

Open Hands--Matt Papa (D)
The Stand-- JOEL HOUSTON (E)
Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated--Havergal (E)

Pastor Robert is focusing on ministry this month, and it was a very challenging sermon. He listed three S's that stuck with me:
-Salvation
-Sanctification
-Service

Once you pass salvation, it doesn't stop there. Onto the task of sanctification, and as that process goes on (lifelong,) you open yourself up to the option to serve. Notice I didn't say "option of service." Nope, that is not an option. Rather, you look at the options TO serve around you and ask God to plug you in.

In the "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby, he mentioned something that has stayed in the back of my mind. To paraphrase, it was something like "Find where God is at work and join Him." You don't have to wait for an Emmaus road experience. If you wait for some big neon flashing sign, you will be waiting for a while. Instead, get involved NOW wherever you are.

http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-137/

Monday, February 28, 2011

Sunday Setlist Feb. 27

There is Power in the Blood/Victory in Jesus (chorus) - G
Victory Chant - G/Ab/A

Offeratory:Amazing Grace Blues (Disciple version)

From the Inside Out -A
You Are My King (Amazing Love) -D
Spirit of the Living God -G
Breathe -G

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The first few songs dealt with the theme of the sermon: overcoming temptation and spiritual struggles. Taken from the story of Jesus' temptation beginning in Mark 1:12-13. This was also the first week that we played "From the Inside Out." We worked on arrangements for a month or so, and finally got it where it fit our team (because we're not the Hillsong team!)

The Praise Team is starting preliminary plans for our Palm Sunday All-music service. We did this last year, and it was fantastic. The goal is to achieve a longer, deeper time of worship…not interrupted by anything. Once the congregation experiences that, we hope it will be easier for them to recall that during our "normal" music services.



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-136/

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Links!!

Thought I would share a few links today:

These types of videos are becoming more and more popular since it's so easy to capture something on video these days. My buddies and I used to make movies and video ourselves playing basketball… maybe I should try and get those converted and become a YouTube sensation!!







One of the Oscar nominated documentarys this year is called "Exit Through the Gift Shop." It is the story of a guy who started following street artists, but became more interesting that the subjects. It's available on Netflix's streaming service.




Finally, the whole reason the Internet was invented:

Monday, February 14, 2011

Sunday Setlist Feb. 13

FAMILY OF GOD--F
PRAISE THE LORD-F/G
VICTORY IN JESUS-G

OFFERTORY--Victory in Jesus (instrumental)

AWESOME GOD-Dm
I EXALT THEE-F
WHEN I LOOK-Bb
LORD, BE GLORIFIED-Bb/C

GFC celebrated it's 20th anniversary on Sunday. So, we decided it would be neat to turn back the clock and worship with some of the songs that were sung back in the day. This was the first time for the praise team to perform a few of these, so there was a lot of laughs at practice while we fought our way through them.

Thankfully, our church congregation doesn't depend on our talents to motivate them to worship. From the first song, they were all into it and I could feel the love. Once or twice, I removed my earbud to hear everyone powerfully singing "We Exalt Thee!!" It never gets old.

One thing that struck me about the songs is how well they reflect the beliefs and mindset of our church. The first one, "Family of God" is a wonderful representation of GFC's attitude. The other songs are focused directly on God's greatness and our response to it. GFC has done a wonderful job of living up to it's mission.

As I stated last time, I feel blessed to be part of something that started when I was 12 and living 150 miles away in Arlington. The slide show and videos show how far this church has come in an area where you can find much larger churches. Words can't express how excited I am to be a part of the next 20 years.


http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-134/

Monday, February 7, 2011

Sunday Setlist 2/6/11

Have Thine Own Way Lord Ab/Bb
In the Secret F
Offeratory-Praise Adonai
All Praise and Honor G
To Him Who Sits on the Throne C
Awesome in This Place F/G

This Sunday was the first of a two-part look at the past, present, and future of Grace Fellowship Church in Flint. What amazes me is that this church was founded when I was 12 years old, but here I am 20 years (and about 150 miles) later. Not that I'm a cornerstone of the church or that they would collapse without me, but I like to think that He knew that one day I'd pass through there with a guitar in my hand and that it would be a big part of my life two decades later.

Next Sunday, we hit rewind back to my 7th grade days and play the songs that were played back in the beginnings of GFC Flint.


http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-133/

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Don't Become Dinner

To paraphrase 1 Peter 5:8: " Satan is a lion, seeking who he can devour."

Have you ever watched some of those animal shows on The Discovery Channel? They'll show a pack of caribou or something just hanging out, eatin' some grass. Then, all of the sudden, they'll cut to a shot of a cheetah slowly creeping up, stalking it's prey. And then, BAM, he's off, chasing the pack. His strategy is to single out one of them, separate it from the group where there is no support, no strength in numbers, no one to help the hunted. We all know how the story ends.

This is one tactic of the devil. He seeks to separate you, isolate you from those who can give you support. Makes you think you're the only one who deals with problems and sin. Before long, you think you're the only one who struggles with lust, financial problems, family struggles, doubt, etc.

How can you keep from becoming dinner? Stay close to the pack.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Exodus & Leviticus Law---what's the point for us now?


I started a Bible reading plan on my iPhone at the beginning of the year. It's a free app called "Holy Bible." I know, real creative, huh? This particular one is made by youVersion . It's far and away the best Bible app out there. More translations than you can imagine and many, many Bible reading plans. It's also available for the Blackberry and Droid, or you can just do it all on the website.


This year I stared the plan to "Read the Bible in 90 days." That means you cover a lot of ground in 1 day, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you were reading any other book, would you just read 1 or 2 pages a day? Probably not.


------------------------------

So, I was rockin' and rollin' thru the familiar stories of Genesis and then Moses & Pharoah and the Exodus from Egypt. Then I got to the parts after the Ten Commandments. All of a sudden, my eyes began to cross. Chapter after chapter after chapter of God's extremely detailed instructions to Moses about building the tabernacle, sacrifices, cleanliness, etc. Then, once you get through God telling Moses what to do, it starts in with descriptions of how they do it!


In the back of my mind, I kept telling myself, "this is in the Bible for a reason, it's as important now as it was thousands of years ago..." but I was struggling to stay interested. I started thinking maybe I should've started with the New Testament. I kept reading, knowing that one day I'd get to something that mattered to me or that I could use in my life today. Then, in that way that God does, something leaped off the page (or iPhone screen) at me....


Leviticus 11:45
"For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.'"


It all became clear at that moment. These weren't just instructions that God wanted His people to follow back then. This was God demanding that they recognize His holiness and respond accordingly. It was necessary for the animals that were sacrificed to be pure. It was vital that Aaron and his sons understood Who they were dealing with when they entered the Tabernacle. They needed to present themselves a certain way so that God would accept their offerings and forgive their sins.


These principles still apply today. Obviously we don't sacrifice animals or burn incense, but Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 that we are to:


"...present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. "


It may be thousands of years later, but it's still the same process. We are still presenting sacrifices to God, only now we are doing it with the way we live our lives.

In those same chapters about offering sacrifices, God gives instructions on what to do with unacceptable sacrifices and the parts of the animals that were not pure. Using the same logic as before, wouldn't the same happen to us when the time comes if the sacrifice of our lives was not acceptable to Him? Would we be discarded, deemed unworthy, or excluded from spending eternity with Him?

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Setlist- Jan. 30

--Call to Worship-Come, Now is the Time to Worship (D)
We play this song instrumentally every week to get everybody's attention and let them get settled in.

--Today is the Day (C)
We introduced this song last week and it was well received. We dropped it a whole step to make the bridge a little easier for the congregation.

--I Will Give You All My Worship (F)
Very quick transition between the first two songs. It was just enough for me to switch patches and slow the tempo a little bit. Instead of doing a hard ending, we stayed on F and had a little spontaneous worship time. It's something we're working on increasing this year, leaving room for the Spirit instead of rushing to the next song.

--Offertory-Mary Rodgers Flute solo
It's always a blessing when Mary brings a special. As someone who is playing every week, it's nice to see God put a song on someone's heart and they respond. It's not just for the praise team!

--Have Thine Own Way Lord (F)
Wonderful, timeless hymn. We played the first 3 verses with a medium tempo, then slowed down the 4th verse and last chorus to almost a free-flowing type tempo with piano only. It really helped to bring out the lyrics.

--Give Us Clean Hands (F)
Melissa transitioned seamlessly into this one on the piano, starting with the "Oh God let us be..." part. From there we hopped around between verse and chorus, as the Spirit led.

--Draw Me Close (Bb)
Nothing fancy here, just a song with a wonderful message that always goes over well in our service.

All in all, another successful worship service. We pray that the Spirit continues to be poured out during our services. Also, you can watch our services live on our UStream page: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sundays-grace

Don't Forget--
Grace Fellowship Church celebrates it's 20th Anniversary February 13th. We'll be playing songs that they played 20 years ago. I can't wait, it's gonna be great!



http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-132/

Friday, January 28, 2011

How Deep

I wish I could express thoughts into song like this. It's called "How Deep the Father's Love For Us," written by Stuart Townend and covered by numerous bands. The 4th stanza is my favorite.

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Here is Skillet's version: