This past weekend was a busy one... between leading songs for Saturday night, Sunday morning and Sunday night services and getting ready for a show I'm doing with another artist this upcoming weekend, my fingers are sore to the bone and I'm feeling pretty warn out. None of the services felt particularly "safe" from my standpoint, but that's ok because it is not about me, right?
The weekend did allow me some time to talk with some trusted friends and contemplate a few things that have been nagging at me for some time.
I even started working some more on a few songs that I'd like to record on my own... a scary endeavor for someone who isn't confident in their talents and has always had other band mates to help him along the way.
I've been asking a few "friends" in the music business to write some songs with me, but as of yet I haven't been able to convince any of them... maybe I smell bad or something. *grin*
Maybe my frustration with some of the other things in life has skewed my perception, but I wanted to share one thing that has really been heavy on my heart and mind over the past year or so. It is a phenomenon in which churches and individuals have become increasingly inward focused. Of course there is "nothing new under the sun", but hear me out for a moment...
Matthew 5:14 talks about being like a city on a hill... basically being so filled with our purpose in God, that we cannot help but show Him to others. However, most of what I see these days reminds me more of a castle on a hill. We spend so much time arguing symantics and difference between churches... or even WITHIN churches... that there is little to no time left to be any sort of light to others. We've made it all about the pomp and circumstance... The legalism over the intended purpose... The casual Christian over the follower of Christ.
How many times do things like attire in the church need to be discussed? How about all the things that are wrong with such and such church across town? How about the battles between the youth and the older generations in the church?
The list can go on and on: dispensations, gifts, teaching styles, music styles, etc.
As these battles rage on behind the closed gate of our castles, the villagers are starving in the little town at the bottom of the hill.
I'm not suggesting that some differences and some discussions aren't worth having... but I am suggesting that we need to be very careful about what we make issue over because of most of them are based upon personal preference. We can of course find some weak, out of context references to pick our battles, but by in large we simply don't need to go there.
I've had a few experiences in my life that have really changed my way of thinking... maybe someday I'll discuss them, but chances are I'm the only one who finds them interesting. What I discovered in all of this is that although I consider myself conservative (I'm talking spiritually... let's leave politics out for right now)... I've learned that the more conservative I become, the more radical/liberal I am beginning to look in the modern church's eyes. The more Christ like I intend to be, the less legalistic and prim and proper I become.
You tell me... if Jesus was here walking the earth in the form of a man right now, do you think He'd be arguing within the church walls about whether we should wear a suit and tie versus jeans and a button down shirt... or do you think He would be asking us why we aren't taking His word beyond the walls of our castle?
A city on a hill invites people in... a castle on a hill closes people off in order to protect their way of life... which would you rather be?
In Him,
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Taking It For Granted
Over the past three weeks I have been involved with a new worship service. This service is particularly aimed at calling God's people to action and challenging them beyond their status quo. This all seems like something that most Christians should already understand, but I'm convinced it really isn't the case... starting with myself!
This past Sunday night, I conducted an impromptu poll during the service. I asked the congregation to raise their hand if they own a shirt with the name or logo of their favorite sports team. Probably 75% of the people in the room raised their hand. Next I asked how many people own a shirt with their favorite music group, TV show or movie. Once again I would say about 60% of the congregation raised their hand. Next I asked how many people are ashamed to wear those shirts in public. Not a single hand went up.
The point of the poll was to explain how much emphasis and enthusiasm we put behind things of this world... even things that we aren't even remotely involved in. We like to celebrate the lack of mediocrity among OTHER people.
Imagine what this world could be like if we had the same lack of shame for "wearing" Jesus on a day to day basis. Imagine what it would be like if expressing our faith in God was as simple and effortless as grabbing your favorite sporting team's shirt out of the closet for the day. Imagine what it would be like if our response toward worship and praise to God equaled the response that we often show while watching someone make a touchdown or cross the finish line neck and neck with another opponent?
Imagine what it would be like if we entered into things like communion with full appreciation of the greatest gift ever given us... instead of just following the crowd.
Grown men will jump out of their chairs and scream at the TV in "worship" of a couple dozen college kids... whom they have never met and know nothing of their character... running into each other on a big plot of grass.
That same man will sit bored out of his mind in church on Sunday morning after having spent the past 6 days "avoiding" God... the Creator of the universe... ignoring the fact that we have a specific relationship with God through Christ and are therefore purposed for His work and worship. We aren't just a spectator with season tickets.
God designed us to be passionate people. Christ showed several times over that He Himself responded WITH (not BECAUSE of) emotion.
So... I challenge you... I challenge me... when you are sitting down to listen to your favorite CD this week, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of energy in understanding God's beauty as you have your favorite song lyrics and chord progressions? When you watch the latest movie or your favorite TV show, ask yourself if you've spent the same time understanding God's story as you have following Jack Bauer? When you watch your favorite sports team compete on the field, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of enthusiasm being a witness for Christ as you have being a fan of a group men or women.
In Him,
Jim
This past Sunday night, I conducted an impromptu poll during the service. I asked the congregation to raise their hand if they own a shirt with the name or logo of their favorite sports team. Probably 75% of the people in the room raised their hand. Next I asked how many people own a shirt with their favorite music group, TV show or movie. Once again I would say about 60% of the congregation raised their hand. Next I asked how many people are ashamed to wear those shirts in public. Not a single hand went up.
The point of the poll was to explain how much emphasis and enthusiasm we put behind things of this world... even things that we aren't even remotely involved in. We like to celebrate the lack of mediocrity among OTHER people.
Imagine what this world could be like if we had the same lack of shame for "wearing" Jesus on a day to day basis. Imagine what it would be like if expressing our faith in God was as simple and effortless as grabbing your favorite sporting team's shirt out of the closet for the day. Imagine what it would be like if our response toward worship and praise to God equaled the response that we often show while watching someone make a touchdown or cross the finish line neck and neck with another opponent?
Imagine what it would be like if we entered into things like communion with full appreciation of the greatest gift ever given us... instead of just following the crowd.
Grown men will jump out of their chairs and scream at the TV in "worship" of a couple dozen college kids... whom they have never met and know nothing of their character... running into each other on a big plot of grass.
That same man will sit bored out of his mind in church on Sunday morning after having spent the past 6 days "avoiding" God... the Creator of the universe... ignoring the fact that we have a specific relationship with God through Christ and are therefore purposed for His work and worship. We aren't just a spectator with season tickets.
God designed us to be passionate people. Christ showed several times over that He Himself responded WITH (not BECAUSE of) emotion.
So... I challenge you... I challenge me... when you are sitting down to listen to your favorite CD this week, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of energy in understanding God's beauty as you have your favorite song lyrics and chord progressions? When you watch the latest movie or your favorite TV show, ask yourself if you've spent the same time understanding God's story as you have following Jack Bauer? When you watch your favorite sports team compete on the field, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of enthusiasm being a witness for Christ as you have being a fan of a group men or women.
In Him,
Jim
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
God Is Good
Sometimes God just sort of sneaks up and amazes you when you don't expect it.
I know that sounds like a vague statement, but come on... you know it is true.
I'm in a state of being wonderfully confused right now. You see, life right now is extremely busy. So busy that Ashley and I often don't know which end is coming or going, but yet it is exciting because so much is happening.
First off, let me brag on my wife for a moment. If you're a husband, you can maybe relate to the excitement of watching your wife grow in her walk with God. Sometimes big steps, sometimes small steps. Over the past year, my wife has grown by leaps and bounds and is really being bold in her faith. I'm not so much commenting on her ability to boldly share with others (though she is much better about this than I am), but more so her ability to trust in her faith. Her ability to let go of the reins and allow God to steer even when we can't see the outcome.
What's most exciting about it is that Ashley and I are both feeling the desire to really grow and stretch ourselves in certain areas related to this.
I think maybe it started a little over 3 years ago when I started working with Laridian. Prior to the change I had been with a company for 11 years and so it was a big decision to try something new, but I haven't regretted it even once. There is something really nice about working with people you know you can trust and that you also have the honor of calling friends.
My point is that even though we often fear what is in front of us, we (and by "we" I mean "I") need to remember that God is already there.
Instead of looking for reasons why we can't do something, we need to look at stepping out in faith and being willing to go where God wants us... just like when I left my old job and started working for Laridian. A lot of things fell into place and I just have to believe that God's hand was in it.
I've got a similar situation going on right now not related to my job but rather related to my music. I won't go into detail, as I'm not sure I'm supposed to just yet, but I will say that I met with a friend on Monday who presented an opportunity that sounds really exciting to me. I then met with another friend on Tuesday and talked through yet some more opportunities... and later in that same day received a response on an email from yet another person music related.
Keep in mind that this is all after the band I had been a part of for the past 15 years of my life disintegrated before my eyes.
Sure, there is a scared feeling involved with stepping out into new territories musically (a few of which put me into positions that I question my own skill in relation to the need presented), but I'm relying on the fact that God is indeed good. I am wanting to make sure I examine doors that He opens rather than trying to keep life "comfortable".
Maybe I'll explain more later once the situation settles a little.
In Him,
Jim
I know that sounds like a vague statement, but come on... you know it is true.
I'm in a state of being wonderfully confused right now. You see, life right now is extremely busy. So busy that Ashley and I often don't know which end is coming or going, but yet it is exciting because so much is happening.
First off, let me brag on my wife for a moment. If you're a husband, you can maybe relate to the excitement of watching your wife grow in her walk with God. Sometimes big steps, sometimes small steps. Over the past year, my wife has grown by leaps and bounds and is really being bold in her faith. I'm not so much commenting on her ability to boldly share with others (though she is much better about this than I am), but more so her ability to trust in her faith. Her ability to let go of the reins and allow God to steer even when we can't see the outcome.
What's most exciting about it is that Ashley and I are both feeling the desire to really grow and stretch ourselves in certain areas related to this.
I think maybe it started a little over 3 years ago when I started working with Laridian. Prior to the change I had been with a company for 11 years and so it was a big decision to try something new, but I haven't regretted it even once. There is something really nice about working with people you know you can trust and that you also have the honor of calling friends.
My point is that even though we often fear what is in front of us, we (and by "we" I mean "I") need to remember that God is already there.
Instead of looking for reasons why we can't do something, we need to look at stepping out in faith and being willing to go where God wants us... just like when I left my old job and started working for Laridian. A lot of things fell into place and I just have to believe that God's hand was in it.
I've got a similar situation going on right now not related to my job but rather related to my music. I won't go into detail, as I'm not sure I'm supposed to just yet, but I will say that I met with a friend on Monday who presented an opportunity that sounds really exciting to me. I then met with another friend on Tuesday and talked through yet some more opportunities... and later in that same day received a response on an email from yet another person music related.
Keep in mind that this is all after the band I had been a part of for the past 15 years of my life disintegrated before my eyes.
Sure, there is a scared feeling involved with stepping out into new territories musically (a few of which put me into positions that I question my own skill in relation to the need presented), but I'm relying on the fact that God is indeed good. I am wanting to make sure I examine doors that He opens rather than trying to keep life "comfortable".
Maybe I'll explain more later once the situation settles a little.
In Him,
Jim
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
It Is Nice To Know...
A good friend of mine recently emailed me about some struggles he is having. Without explaining his situation, let me just say that I can't imagine any one handling it better than he has. It has been amazing to watch.
That's not how he sees it, however. He told me that he at times feels like he is being fake or being a poser, because he always seems to slip back into a world of doubt and fear.
I can relate to what he is saying... when things get busy it just seems natural to feel overwhelmed and it becomes very easy to lose perspective. Sitting here even now, I'm balancing about 5 different major tasks for the day (involving work, church, personal stuff etc) and feeling like I'd rather just go back to bed.
The interesting thing is that I don't think my friend and I are the only ones who struggle with this ebb and flow. In fact I know we aren't.
My bible reading lately has me in the early part of Judges. I am amazed at how Israel continuously stands up and falls down over and over.
It sort of reminds me of watching my children when asked to stop doing something: they show brief remorse as they are rebuked, but left to their own devices the will revert back to it again within a matter of minutes. Over and over the cycle goes.
This is not to say that I ought to be happy with the fact that I have my lulls, but it does prove once again that "there is nothing new under the sun".
In Him,
Jim
That's not how he sees it, however. He told me that he at times feels like he is being fake or being a poser, because he always seems to slip back into a world of doubt and fear.
I can relate to what he is saying... when things get busy it just seems natural to feel overwhelmed and it becomes very easy to lose perspective. Sitting here even now, I'm balancing about 5 different major tasks for the day (involving work, church, personal stuff etc) and feeling like I'd rather just go back to bed.
The interesting thing is that I don't think my friend and I are the only ones who struggle with this ebb and flow. In fact I know we aren't.
My bible reading lately has me in the early part of Judges. I am amazed at how Israel continuously stands up and falls down over and over.
It sort of reminds me of watching my children when asked to stop doing something: they show brief remorse as they are rebuked, but left to their own devices the will revert back to it again within a matter of minutes. Over and over the cycle goes.
This is not to say that I ought to be happy with the fact that I have my lulls, but it does prove once again that "there is nothing new under the sun".
In Him,
Jim
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
People Disappoint Me
It is true... I said it... I mean it... people disappoint me.
Over the past several weeks I have had a few situations in which I was hoping for responses or reactions from particular individuals. In one case, they have yet to responsed... in another, we talk from time to time but anytime something of substance comes up, they tend to disappear.
In talking with a close friend here in town (hey Ostrich!!) it seems that I'm not the only one disappointed by the way people act and think. He's been spending his time lately dealing with a very difficult situation in which many people are thinking of one thing and one thing only... themselves.
None of this is surprising, after all each and every one of us is constantly caught up in the battle between God and flesh, mind and heart, "life" and living.
None of the people I am disappointed by "owe" me anything... I'm not waiting for them to fulfill a promise or anything of that sort, I just simply expected more from them.
As my mind wanders, I start to think about all of the times that people have expected more of me than I was willing to give... be it my wife, my kids, my parents, my friends, my church, my job/bosses, myself or even my Lord. It is a sobering thought!
I've been reading in Joshua and Judges lately and have been amazed at how many people in the bible disappointed God... Judges in particular is full of God showing favor followed by disappointment toward people who simply didn't seem to "get it". There were consequences, but God was faithful to His plan for those people.
We are very much the same way... constantly and consistently disappointing God and crying out to Him when things don't go our way... yet the Lord still desires to call each of us His own. How amazing is that? He is the ONLY one with truly unconditional love.
What an example... here we are, a world full of disappointing people, and yet God desires us to spend time with Him.
I guess the point of this all is when people disappoint me, it must be because I am looking at them through my eyes instead of God's.
In Him,
Jim
Over the past several weeks I have had a few situations in which I was hoping for responses or reactions from particular individuals. In one case, they have yet to responsed... in another, we talk from time to time but anytime something of substance comes up, they tend to disappear.
In talking with a close friend here in town (hey Ostrich!!) it seems that I'm not the only one disappointed by the way people act and think. He's been spending his time lately dealing with a very difficult situation in which many people are thinking of one thing and one thing only... themselves.
None of this is surprising, after all each and every one of us is constantly caught up in the battle between God and flesh, mind and heart, "life" and living.
None of the people I am disappointed by "owe" me anything... I'm not waiting for them to fulfill a promise or anything of that sort, I just simply expected more from them.
As my mind wanders, I start to think about all of the times that people have expected more of me than I was willing to give... be it my wife, my kids, my parents, my friends, my church, my job/bosses, myself or even my Lord. It is a sobering thought!
I've been reading in Joshua and Judges lately and have been amazed at how many people in the bible disappointed God... Judges in particular is full of God showing favor followed by disappointment toward people who simply didn't seem to "get it". There were consequences, but God was faithful to His plan for those people.
We are very much the same way... constantly and consistently disappointing God and crying out to Him when things don't go our way... yet the Lord still desires to call each of us His own. How amazing is that? He is the ONLY one with truly unconditional love.
What an example... here we are, a world full of disappointing people, and yet God desires us to spend time with Him.
I guess the point of this all is when people disappoint me, it must be because I am looking at them through my eyes instead of God's.
In Him,
Jim
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Blahs
Ever have those days where you just want to go back to bed?
Sometime over this past weekend, I managed to catch whatever sickness my kids have been passing around and I have to tell you that it has pretty much taken me down.
I'm tired of coughing (I have a very loud cough) every 5 minutes and having every time I sneeze look like some long lost footage from one of the Ghostbusters movies (ok... gross, I know).
I'm in this constant state of going from a "night time so you can sleep medicine" to pain relievers and nose spray during the day... ewwwww.
Being sick is bad enough, but it just so happens that this week involves me playing at a worship conference and singing in a wedding for my boss's daughter!! Not to mention the various family activities such as soccer games and practices for the kids.
Ok... that's enough for now.
Jim
Sometime over this past weekend, I managed to catch whatever sickness my kids have been passing around and I have to tell you that it has pretty much taken me down.
I'm tired of coughing (I have a very loud cough) every 5 minutes and having every time I sneeze look like some long lost footage from one of the Ghostbusters movies (ok... gross, I know).
I'm in this constant state of going from a "night time so you can sleep medicine" to pain relievers and nose spray during the day... ewwwww.
Being sick is bad enough, but it just so happens that this week involves me playing at a worship conference and singing in a wedding for my boss's daughter!! Not to mention the various family activities such as soccer games and practices for the kids.
Ok... that's enough for now.
Jim
Thursday, April 12, 2007
One Versus Ninety-Nine
Today in my reading, I came across some verses that are probably familiar to most... Luke 15:4-7. In light of my recent convictions in regard to what it is I do with my music, these verses really hit home.
How often is it that we are more concerned with the one who is lost than we are with the ninety-nine who aren't? My guess is "not nearly enough".
This isn't meant to start a debate over seeker churches/missionaries/outreaches etc... I'm talking about on a personal level. What does this mean to you and me?
I was talking to Scott via email this week about how it seems Christian musicians (that is to say a musician that is a Christian) have weakened or removed their desire to use their music as an outreach. It has become more about playing to an expectation than it has been serving a purpose or avoiding being associated with a genre in fear of someone judging your art.
If our art and our ministry are purposed toward serving God, what does that look like? Which is the better scenario; the artist who is blatant about their purpose and has no problem wearing the title of Christian artist or the artist who says that they are a believer and that their music reflects their person as a whole (thus trying to avoiding being pigeonholed into a particular genre)?
I've got friends who fall on both sides of the fence and who are all (from as much as I am capable of seeing) spirit-filled believers with a good intentioned, God-fearing heart.
Which allows us better to pursue the one versus the ninety-nine? And is that our real reason for the choices we have made?
These are sincere and honest questions, as I can truly see the purpose of both sides.
A year or so back, I adopted the position of "I am who I am in Christ and I don't really care what people label me" - meaning that if someone calls me a Christian artist, then I am... if someone calls me a Christian who is an artist (see the difference?), then I am.
The big question is did I adopt that position so that I could reach more people or so that I wouldn't have to take a stand for what I believe (possibly at the risk of the audiences who might hear my music)?
Maybe I'm guilty of leaving all one hundred?
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
How often is it that we are more concerned with the one who is lost than we are with the ninety-nine who aren't? My guess is "not nearly enough".
This isn't meant to start a debate over seeker churches/missionaries/outreaches etc... I'm talking about on a personal level. What does this mean to you and me?
I was talking to Scott via email this week about how it seems Christian musicians (that is to say a musician that is a Christian) have weakened or removed their desire to use their music as an outreach. It has become more about playing to an expectation than it has been serving a purpose or avoiding being associated with a genre in fear of someone judging your art.
If our art and our ministry are purposed toward serving God, what does that look like? Which is the better scenario; the artist who is blatant about their purpose and has no problem wearing the title of Christian artist or the artist who says that they are a believer and that their music reflects their person as a whole (thus trying to avoiding being pigeonholed into a particular genre)?
I've got friends who fall on both sides of the fence and who are all (from as much as I am capable of seeing) spirit-filled believers with a good intentioned, God-fearing heart.
Which allows us better to pursue the one versus the ninety-nine? And is that our real reason for the choices we have made?
These are sincere and honest questions, as I can truly see the purpose of both sides.
A year or so back, I adopted the position of "I am who I am in Christ and I don't really care what people label me" - meaning that if someone calls me a Christian artist, then I am... if someone calls me a Christian who is an artist (see the difference?), then I am.
The big question is did I adopt that position so that I could reach more people or so that I wouldn't have to take a stand for what I believe (possibly at the risk of the audiences who might hear my music)?
Maybe I'm guilty of leaving all one hundred?
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
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