Loving All Scripture

We like to read this:

“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).

What about this?

“through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22b).

Young Adult Group Nite Cards Video

Corporate Worship Quote

“Some actually orchestrate worship in such a way that the affections of the heart are reined in and, in some cases, even suppressed. People often fear the external manifestation of internal zeal and love and desire and joy. Though they sing, they do so in a way that the end in view is the mere articulation of words and declaration of truths. But if that were what God intended, why did he not ordain that we recite, in prose, biblical truths about him?

Why sing?

It can’t be simply for the aesthetic value of music or because of the pleasure it brings, for that would be to turn worship manward, as if we are now the focus rather than God. We sing because God has created not only our minds but also our hearts and souls, indeed our bodies as well. in such a way that music elicits and intensifies holy affections for God and facilitates their lively and vigorous expression.”

- Sam Storms

The Opposite of God

This weekend I am leading worship for the Spiritual Breakthrough Retreat at APC. Pastor Jeff is talking about the power of God over the powers of darkness. I loved this illustration:

• The opposite of black is… white
• The opposite of night is… day
• The opposite of bad is… good
• The opposite of God is…?

For the last point we naturally say, “the devil”. Jeff taught us that this is not true. The opposite of the devil is Michael or Gabriel, who are angels. There is no opposite to God because there is only one true God.

That leads me to declare and appreciate this truth even more – “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31).

How’s that for perspective?

Young Adult Group Nite 09 coming soon

Coming up in just a little over a week, we are beginning our winter season of Young Adult Group Nite – February 3rd to be exact. I’m excited for a number of reasons:

• Returning to a weekly experience of worship, small groups, friends,  & food.
• Encouraging each other to pursue a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
• Studying the Bible through the “Life Matters” Bible Study.
• Reaching out to Young Adults in the Pittsburgh area.

Join us February 3…7:00…Allison Park Church.

DS

Honda’s, Guardrails, and the Meaning of Life

Yesterday morning the snowfall was heavy. Yesterday morning the roads were horrible. Yesterday morning I swerved off the road, hitting a guardrail in my fairly new, 2004, black Honda Civic.

I like stuff. I like to take care of my stuff. When this incident occurred, my heart sank. Then I read this in my Bible reading this morning:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20).

I’m simply reminded today that loving material possessions too much is stupid.

I’m reminded that when something difficult happens in my life, it’s another opportunity to thank God for what is eternal – for what cannot ever be taken away.

Free Johnny Parks Band mp3

Head on over to the Johnny Parks Band website for a free brand new mp3. It’s really a great song. They’re also offering the sheet music for free.

Johnny’s new CD “Break The Silence” was one of my favorites of 2008. We do the song “Rescuer” in our services quite a bit and there are a ton of other great songs. Worship music you should definitely be listening to, my friends.

DS

“Stuck Between Nostalgia & Vision” – Matt Brown

This is a great, simple post by my friend, Matt Brown. Matt & Michelle have a traveling evangelistic ministry. I’m making plans to have them here in March to speak at APEX, our young adults group.

Young Adult Winter Group Nite Video

Essential Acoustic Albums

I’ve recently been in this phase of listening to minimalist, acoustic/folk, singer/songwriter music. Music that is truly interesting with only a few instruments and a voice – really experiencing the heart of a songwriter. Some of these albums are recent listens, while others I’ve had for a while that are essential.

Michael Pritzl “Hollow Songs” – Music that bleeds emotion. Whatever that means, Michael (mastermind of the Violet Burning) does it like no other. This is great songwriting – honest about struggles, worshipful, and musically diverse all at the same time. One of my favs.

Iron & Wine “Our Endless Numbered Days” – Love the music of Sam Beam. Great voice, haunting harmonies, interesting style. This is a beautiful, relaxing album.

Andrew Smith “Escape Velocity” – Instrumental acoustic guitar on steroids. I want to play guitar like this in heaven.

Bon Iver “For Emma, Forever Ago” – This is a recent fav. Very popular in the indie world right now. Songwriting born out of some deep pain. This guy achieves a spacious, ambient vibe that is irresistible and different for acoustic singer/songwriters.

Derek Webb “She Must & Shall Go Free” & “Mockingbird” – Go buy Derek’s albums. Brilliant.

Gabriel Wilson “Lovely is Death” – Lead singer of “The Listening” strips it down a bit. Gorgeous.

Sufjan Stevens “Seven Swans” - The genius who is influencing everybody. This is a wonderful album on the spiritual life. Please check out ‘The Transfiguration’.

The Welcome Wagon “Welcome to the Welcome Wagon” – Produced by Sufjan Stevens and definitely bears his mark. This is a labeled as “Sacred Folk Songs”. Beautiful spiritual songs by a great husband/wife duo.

William Fitzsimmons “The Sparrow & the Crow” – A sad album, but an honest one. Great voice, great sounds. I love the flow of this album and the use of some electronics.

Any others that I need to know about?