In the old testament, I remember that the priest were responsible for making sure that a certain fire never went out. In good weather and in bad, they had to tend that thing and make sure it survived no matter what. I feel like my hunger and love for God is the same sort of fire. I have to watch over it, and make sure that it's well fed, and roaring! A good song can act like nice, dry firewood on a windy day. My spirit seizes it and my soul is refreshed! So on those lines, here's one of my favorite songs by Barlowgirl, compliments of YouTube. (Please forgive the quality of video, seemed like all the other videos with this song featured Harry Potter!! Hahaha!!)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Burning Barlowgirl??? (Teasing, of course!)
I've been going through a period of change recently. It's cool actually, when I'm not exhausted! Haha!! But during these times of transition, it's easy to lose focus and forget the reason behind all the diligence, patience, and hard work. When I'm completely exhausted, a little depressed, and feeling spent, I like to listen to music! Songs with powerful lyrics that speak directly to my situation or what I've left behind work as a quick charge for my batteries.
In the old testament, I remember that the priest were responsible for making sure that a certain fire never went out. In good weather and in bad, they had to tend that thing and make sure it survived no matter what. I feel like my hunger and love for God is the same sort of fire. I have to watch over it, and make sure that it's well fed, and roaring! A good song can act like nice, dry firewood on a windy day. My spirit seizes it and my soul is refreshed! So on those lines, here's one of my favorite songs by Barlowgirl, compliments of YouTube. (Please forgive the quality of video, seemed like all the other videos with this song featured Harry Potter!! Hahaha!!)
In the old testament, I remember that the priest were responsible for making sure that a certain fire never went out. In good weather and in bad, they had to tend that thing and make sure it survived no matter what. I feel like my hunger and love for God is the same sort of fire. I have to watch over it, and make sure that it's well fed, and roaring! A good song can act like nice, dry firewood on a windy day. My spirit seizes it and my soul is refreshed! So on those lines, here's one of my favorite songs by Barlowgirl, compliments of YouTube. (Please forgive the quality of video, seemed like all the other videos with this song featured Harry Potter!! Hahaha!!)
Monday, July 9, 2007
A Word On Worship
When bad things happen, it's so tempting to stare down the problem. To weigh it, measure it, analyze it, dissect it, and then try to come up with a solution. I can get so absorbed in my mental processes that I can't see anything but the problem. When this obsessing gets crazy, I've found that the best thing I can do when things go wrong is to worship God.
See, worship isn't just singing songs and feeling solemn inside. It's a way to change what I'm paying attention to. It's redirecting my focus off of MYSELF and MY PROBLEMS onto God.
When I'm consumed with my stuff and myself, I believe it's a form of worship. The problem has first dibs on my attention, it consumes my thoughts, I might change my normal routine to give extra attention to the problem, and I'll expend any amount of energy in deference to the problem. That's really messed up!
I've been reading this book by Bill Johnson called "Strengthen Yourself In The Lord" (another book I highly recommend!!) and here's what he says on the subject:
"Instead of focusing on God's greatness in my life, I was focusing on myself. I was actually agreeing with the enemy by making my own problems bigger than God's promises. And my agreement invited that cloud of oppression to hover over me."
Worshiping God forcibly changes my focus. Instead of magnifying the problem, I magnify God (who is worthy of all honor and attention). And it's not about worshiping God to change the situation, it's just focusing on the truth! I have a Father who loves me, who is looking out for my best, and if I keep my eyes on Him and listen for Him in all situations, I can't help but be blessed!! No weapon formed against me or my loved ones can prosper!
This is the truth. Instead of focusing on facts, I'll focus on truth. As my pastor says, "Facts can't affect the truth, but the truth can always change the facts!"
See, worship isn't just singing songs and feeling solemn inside. It's a way to change what I'm paying attention to. It's redirecting my focus off of MYSELF and MY PROBLEMS onto God.
When I'm consumed with my stuff and myself, I believe it's a form of worship. The problem has first dibs on my attention, it consumes my thoughts, I might change my normal routine to give extra attention to the problem, and I'll expend any amount of energy in deference to the problem. That's really messed up!
I've been reading this book by Bill Johnson called "Strengthen Yourself In The Lord" (another book I highly recommend!!) and here's what he says on the subject:
"Instead of focusing on God's greatness in my life, I was focusing on myself. I was actually agreeing with the enemy by making my own problems bigger than God's promises. And my agreement invited that cloud of oppression to hover over me."
Worshiping God forcibly changes my focus. Instead of magnifying the problem, I magnify God (who is worthy of all honor and attention). And it's not about worshiping God to change the situation, it's just focusing on the truth! I have a Father who loves me, who is looking out for my best, and if I keep my eyes on Him and listen for Him in all situations, I can't help but be blessed!! No weapon formed against me or my loved ones can prosper!
This is the truth. Instead of focusing on facts, I'll focus on truth. As my pastor says, "Facts can't affect the truth, but the truth can always change the facts!"
Thursday, July 5, 2007
A Quick Thought On Boldness
What is boldness? It's daring to throw yourself out onto the promises of God. To believe that He has only good things in store for you, and refusing to accept anything less. It's forgeting about yourself, and your image, and your reputation, and YOU. It's facing rejection, not once, not twice, but daily. It's living on the edge; refusing to settle, back down, become complacent, or stop taking ground.
Man, what a lifestyle.
Man, what a lifestyle.
A REALLY Great Quote
"In worship, the sacrifice is no longer physical expression or verbal declarations. We are the sacrifice. Fire always falls on sacrifice. And when we are the sacrifice, we cannot help but be changed."
=)
Sam
=)
Sam
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