Thoughts about Worship (and other ponderances) - From a Mortal

So, exactly what is it that brought us here? We walk into each day so willing to except any and all of “the latest news breaks” as gospel, but when it comes to the Gospel, we…somehow check out. There are so many instructions and insights in scripture – to guide our lives – and yet we are as medicated a society as has ever been. We need direction, it is there, but we don’t take it. As we tell people, we serve an all powerful God who can divide rivers, walk on water, and heal the blind, but we freak out when we cut it close on the bills, or come down with a common cold. Does that not make you wonder if you really believe God is all powerful? Do you wonder why those who are not serving God question Him when this is what we show them? While we could be living in a reality of beauty, grace, love, and glorious eternity, we choose to hold ourselves to the reality that’s presented in the latest “reality” series, evening news, or even in our homes. There is a reality that is beyond any of that.

At times, we all question our ability, or at least the ability of "others", of being touched. When I say "touched", I am talking about that place that we find inspiration, strength, and hope. That place where we are reminded that life is not always about what "is", but is a journey full of posibilities; things that could be. It is so important for us to find reminders of this. At times that we are facing difficulty and maybe even complacency, to be reminded that life is beautiful and full of wonder, and we are here to share that beauty and wonder [which comes from God] with those around us. So, I don't believe the question is whether or not we can be inspired, moved, or touched in a very real way, but moreso what it is that inspires, moves or touches. It's different for all of us, but it is there all the same.

We had an awesome rehearsal tonight. I am so excited at the fact that worship band of Genesis is truely developing into just that, a "worship band." We could so want to get up and impress the socks off of everybody, and choose to use our time working for that end, but tonight, we were a group of guys (and Girl) that were honing our gifts for the 1 true audience, and in the process, experiencing Him.....that is what his thing is all about. But, hey.....if we sound good in the process, that is what God deserves; nothing less.

April and I have been going through a lot these days. We recently found out that our daughter, that April is still carrying in her tum-tum, has a condition called "Turner Syndrome." This is a genetic disorder that usually results in miscarriage. It is so hard for me to understand why we have such peace right now. In fact, I find myself feeling guilty because I feel such peace. This has brought a whole new perspective to the scripture that is heard in churches everywhere, that refers to "peace beyond all understanding." I have determined that, because this peace is a gift from God, I have no right to feel guilty about this. This thing is in God's hands. I can't say that I have had a vision given me that says our daughter is going to make it; the statistics contradict this. But, that said, I trust that whatever outcome happens, it is in God's hands. God is of healing, but that is His choice, and no matter the end result....God is just. I don't think it

I have so many needs/wants. On a daily basis, I go through a million preferences of how I want this or need that, and rarily do I ever pay attention to whether or not those needs/wants are really necessary. The best example is given in the fact that, for the most part, we Americans are spoiled. It's easy for me to overlook the point that I am having trouble with what I want for lunch (100's of restaurants within driving distance, and I am blessed enough to afford any of them). All the while, there are thousands of kids in Soweto South Africa who hope to chew anything today. I know, in our spoiled state, we have found this to be cliche, but really.... That brings me to this verse... Psalms 73:25-26 Who have I in heaven but You? And this earth has nothing I desire besides You. My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Man, would it be awesome to have the heart of the pslalmist. To have a heart so hungry for God that I cannot even

Have you ever been reading the Bible and come across a part that makes no sense? Like when it lists all those names, places, etc..... Well the following passage from the Bible had one of those, for me.... Jeremiah 2:18 18.Now why go to Egypt to drink water from the Shihor ? And why go to Assyria to drink water from the River ? When I first read this, I had no idea what the Shihor was, and had very little interest. The Shihor is a heavily debated topic, but it is either a stream that serves as the border of Egypt and Jerusalem, or it is the Nile itself, which served as the border for Egypy and Jerusalem. Now, knowing that, let's look at this scripture again.... 18. Now why go to Egypt to drink water from the Shihor ? And why go to Assyria to drink water from the River ? (The red letters in know way indicate Jesus said this...) The issue that God had with the Isrealites at this time was that they had little-to-no concern about their relationship with Him; they were complacent. Their