The Bethlehem Star
I pray that you will take a serious look at this link below. View the DVD. Maybe you are a skeptic, and think that the Bible is merely a book made up and written by men. Maybe you are looking for evidence as to the accuracy of what is recorded in scripture. What was the "star"?
Maybe you are looking for something to further enrich your faith in the God of the Bible, who sent his Son Jesus to earth to be born, to die, and rise again so that we might have forgiveness of sin.
I invite you to look up-for the heavens really do "declare the glory of God". Look at the results of the research by Fredrick Larson, of the star that rested over Bethlehem. Larson explores the Bethlehem Star, the prophesies, the signs displayed in the skies, the work of astronomers, and compares them to recorded historical events.
I was really moved as I watched this presentation. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ were indeed calculated events in God's plan. It has strengthened my assurance of Christ's return also a calculated event in God's plan. Hallelujah !!
The Magi saw Jesus’ star, followed it, and came to worship Him. My prayer is that you will follow this study of the star-examine it carefully, and that it will lead you to worship the Lord Jesus Christ too.
Oh come, let us adore Him !
http://www.bethlehemstar.net/
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monster Truck Adventure-coloring books order received !!
Hey, this has been an exciting week. I had a great surprise a few days ago-as a mother in Minnesota ordered copies of my coloring book the “Monster Truck Adventure” after visiting my blog. This order is the first I have received at this site. Hooray !
Sent them out yesterday.
We are also in the middle of collections week for the Operation Christmas Child project of Samaritans Purse. www.samaritanspurse.org Millions of shoe box gifts are being collected this week to be distributed in over 90 countries around the world before the end of January 2009.
Sent them out yesterday.
We are also in the middle of collections week for the Operation Christmas Child project of Samaritans Purse. www.samaritanspurse.org Millions of shoe box gifts are being collected this week to be distributed in over 90 countries around the world before the end of January 2009.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
GOD TALK-Joy To The World- Creation of a Christmas Song.
Joy To The World- Creation of a Christmas Song.
Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason were two gifted men of different continents and centuries. Surely, they are listed somewhere among the Who’s Who in church music history. They were movers and shakers in their times. Watts was born 1674 in England, followed by Mason 1788 in New Jersey. Although these outstanding composers’ lives were separated by some 50 years, together they created a lasting Christmas song. Their story illustrates how a person’s applied talent can have a positive impact on future generations.
Isaac Watts was the fearless son of an equally fearless non-conformist pastor. Immediately after the Protestant Reformation, non-Roman Churches in the West were divided on the question of hymns. Many churches developed a rich tradition of composing hymns in the common languages from the Psalms.
In 1662, the Act of Conformity was passed, and Isaac’s father (also named Isaac) was sent to prison, along with some two thousand ministers ejected from the Church of England for refusing to conform to the laws of the land relating to the worship of God.
The younger Watts, dissatisfied with the quality of Psalm singing, felt limited. He longed to compose worship songs celebrating a fuller expression of Christian theology and faith, as opposed to writing music scores to simply accompany English translations of the Psalms. Isaac’s father challenged him to write something better. He suffered ridicule in his day, but that challenge resulted in countless hymns known around the world. His well-known classics include “At the Cross” and “We’re Marching to Zion”.
Isaac Watts studied Old Testament Psalms from a perspective that affirmed the Deity and Lordship of Jesus Christ, and prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament scriptures.
In 1719, he published an English hymnal of psalms translated, interpreted, and paraphrased into verses for singing. “Joy To The World” was a poem based on Isaac Watts’ reading of Psalm 98. When the Watts hymnal was introduced to America in the 19th century, his poem was sung to an American folk melody known as “Nettleton”. A tune attributed to Asahel Nettleton, a well-known 18th century evangelist. The “Nettleton” melody also was used with another popular hymn by 18th century pastor, Robert Robinson. Today, that melody is recognized as “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”.
Lowell Mason had strong musical interests from childhood. He received formal instruction, and started to write his own music, being greatly influenced by composers Mozart, Hadyn, and Handel. In effort to move congregations away from “folk music”, Mason focused on European classical music as a model for what he envisioned Americans believers should be singing and performing. He served the Independent Presbyterian Church as music leader, choir director and organist. Under his initiative, the church created the first Sunday school for black children in America.
Largely responsible for introducing music into American public schools, Lowell Mason is considered to be the first important music educator in United States history. Mason was co-founder of the Boston Academy of Music, and is given credit for popularizing European classical music in the North America. He is credited too, with setting to music the nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb".
Mason, just like Watts strove to be different in hope that people would see scripture and music in a new and different way. He vigorously promoted congregational singing. The bright and spirited new music connected to the poem “Joy to the World” we enjoy today is due to writing talent of Lowell Mason. The composition originally titled “Antioch”, honored the grand city the Apostle Paul visited as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
. Mason’s inclusion of new music was not intended to create a “Christmas carol”. The poem is a collection of theological themes with no direct reference to Gospel narratives or specific verses. Its sound is triumphant and regal. Its emergance as lasting Christmas song is due to the opening phrases, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth received her King!”
One morning, at 3 o’clock, Kerry Livgren, member of the rock band Kansas, sat alone in an Indianapolis hotel room surrounded by many open books. Kerry had spent 30 years searching for God, exploring many Eastern religions and philosophies.
In his confusion, picked up “Liberation of Planet Earth” by Hal Hindsey, which clearly described the separation between God and man, and the steps God took to remove that barrier through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the God-Man.
Kerry prayed, and committed his life to Christ. Leaving his room, Kerry was stunned. The entire hotel was adorned with Christmas decorations July 24, 1979 for an annual “Christmas in July Celebration”. Speakers overhead played “Joy to the world, the Lord is come…let every heart prepare Him room…let heaven and nature sing”
His long search over, Kerry now understood the meaning of those words.
Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason were two gifted men of different continents and centuries. Surely, they are listed somewhere among the Who’s Who in church music history. They were movers and shakers in their times. Watts was born 1674 in England, followed by Mason 1788 in New Jersey. Although these outstanding composers’ lives were separated by some 50 years, together they created a lasting Christmas song. Their story illustrates how a person’s applied talent can have a positive impact on future generations.
Isaac Watts was the fearless son of an equally fearless non-conformist pastor. Immediately after the Protestant Reformation, non-Roman Churches in the West were divided on the question of hymns. Many churches developed a rich tradition of composing hymns in the common languages from the Psalms.
In 1662, the Act of Conformity was passed, and Isaac’s father (also named Isaac) was sent to prison, along with some two thousand ministers ejected from the Church of England for refusing to conform to the laws of the land relating to the worship of God.
The younger Watts, dissatisfied with the quality of Psalm singing, felt limited. He longed to compose worship songs celebrating a fuller expression of Christian theology and faith, as opposed to writing music scores to simply accompany English translations of the Psalms. Isaac’s father challenged him to write something better. He suffered ridicule in his day, but that challenge resulted in countless hymns known around the world. His well-known classics include “At the Cross” and “We’re Marching to Zion”.
Isaac Watts studied Old Testament Psalms from a perspective that affirmed the Deity and Lordship of Jesus Christ, and prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament scriptures.
In 1719, he published an English hymnal of psalms translated, interpreted, and paraphrased into verses for singing. “Joy To The World” was a poem based on Isaac Watts’ reading of Psalm 98. When the Watts hymnal was introduced to America in the 19th century, his poem was sung to an American folk melody known as “Nettleton”. A tune attributed to Asahel Nettleton, a well-known 18th century evangelist. The “Nettleton” melody also was used with another popular hymn by 18th century pastor, Robert Robinson. Today, that melody is recognized as “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”.
Lowell Mason had strong musical interests from childhood. He received formal instruction, and started to write his own music, being greatly influenced by composers Mozart, Hadyn, and Handel. In effort to move congregations away from “folk music”, Mason focused on European classical music as a model for what he envisioned Americans believers should be singing and performing. He served the Independent Presbyterian Church as music leader, choir director and organist. Under his initiative, the church created the first Sunday school for black children in America.
Largely responsible for introducing music into American public schools, Lowell Mason is considered to be the first important music educator in United States history. Mason was co-founder of the Boston Academy of Music, and is given credit for popularizing European classical music in the North America. He is credited too, with setting to music the nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb".
Mason, just like Watts strove to be different in hope that people would see scripture and music in a new and different way. He vigorously promoted congregational singing. The bright and spirited new music connected to the poem “Joy to the World” we enjoy today is due to writing talent of Lowell Mason. The composition originally titled “Antioch”, honored the grand city the Apostle Paul visited as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
. Mason’s inclusion of new music was not intended to create a “Christmas carol”. The poem is a collection of theological themes with no direct reference to Gospel narratives or specific verses. Its sound is triumphant and regal. Its emergance as lasting Christmas song is due to the opening phrases, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth received her King!”
One morning, at 3 o’clock, Kerry Livgren, member of the rock band Kansas, sat alone in an Indianapolis hotel room surrounded by many open books. Kerry had spent 30 years searching for God, exploring many Eastern religions and philosophies.
In his confusion, picked up “Liberation of Planet Earth” by Hal Hindsey, which clearly described the separation between God and man, and the steps God took to remove that barrier through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the God-Man.
Kerry prayed, and committed his life to Christ. Leaving his room, Kerry was stunned. The entire hotel was adorned with Christmas decorations July 24, 1979 for an annual “Christmas in July Celebration”. Speakers overhead played “Joy to the world, the Lord is come…let every heart prepare Him room…let heaven and nature sing”
His long search over, Kerry now understood the meaning of those words.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
GOD TALK- Operation Christmas Child-Honduras Remembered
I couldn’t believe it when I got the call in Dec. 2000 from the Samaritan’s Purse office in Santa Ana-an invitation to help distribute shoe box gifts for Operation Christmas Child in Honduras. My initial thought was to decline. After all, I had less than a month to gather money for my ticket, schedule two weeks of vacation time from work, and obtain a passport.
With financial help and encouragement from friends and family, I made plans to go. Through the money-wise efforts of Samaritan’s Purse, the original estimated cost for my part of the missions venture was nearly cut in half.
When I first volunteered to collect shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse in 1998, having dinner in Tegucigalpa, Honduras at the US Ambassador’s home along with 40 other OCC volunteers was the furthest thing from my mind.
I had a traveling companion-“Bluffy, the Geography Bear”- a small stuffed toy from Mrs. Virginia Crockett’s first grade class at Community Christian School. Together, we logged the daily itinerary in a journal for the students back in Red Bluff. Ambassador Frank Almaquer and his wife Antoinette posed for a picture with Bluffy.
January 2001, Honduras was recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. While riding through the streets of Tegucigalpa, someone asked about the flooding during the storm. Our guide pointed to a tall hospital in the center of the city, informing us that the flood waters had reached the fifth story of the building. I could only imagine the reality of the disaster- water rising in the city, as if filling a giant bowl. Brown water marks on each building told the story.
We distributed shoe boxes at a prison during a family visitation day. A Christian band from the prison church played in the courtyard, as long lines of children filed in to surround huge stacks of colorful shoe box gifts. A children’s booklet called “The Greatest Gift of All” depicting stories from the New Testament was placed on top of each shoe box as the boys and girls received them. I noticed one mother reading the booklet while her children opened their brightly wrapped gifts at her feet.
I am grateful I was able to witness the Operation Christmas Child project first-hand at the receiving end. I wish everyone could see the tremendous effort made by a dedicated chain of volunteers, along with Samaritan’s Purse personnel to ensure the safety and integrity of each gift. Many logistical challenges are faced annually. In destination countries, volunteer teams coordinate and fund the transportation and delivery of gifts to churches and mission organizations for distribution by local pastors and missionaries in their sphere of influence.
I remember meeting Elizabeth, a woman in her mid-forties from Sweden, who had arrived in Honduras at age eighteen, with a desire to care for orphans of the streets. With the support of partners in Sweden, an orphanage complex had been constructed outside of Tegucigalpa. Several red brick bunkhouses bearing the names of Biblical characters surrounded a central dining hall. Months before our visit, a school campus was completed within a mile of the compound, also made possible through donations from Elizabeth’s sponsors in Sweden.
The children of each house had prepared a special song or dance routine to show their appreciation for the gifts they received. As I watched the children enjoying their gifts in this beautiful setting, I knew there was a story behind each gift being opened in front of me. Each year, families, youth groups, school classes, and churches prepare shoe box gifts for children in over 100 countries worldwide. Added to these, are many grandmas, many who do so sacrificially.
Each of 80 orphaned children I saw that day were blessed to live in a safe place because Elizabeth, one woman, saw a desperate need, then devoted her life to meeting it. Others back home in Sweden had embraced her vision and taken practical steps to make it a reality. The children in Elizabeth’s care were excited to receive special shoe box gifts because of generosity a world away.
I am grateful for many individuals, churches, and groups of Tehama County who have participated in Operation Christmas Child. Last year, over 6,000 shoe boxes were collected at Community Baptist Church. The California total was 300,188 with 7.6 million collected internationally. 61 million shoe boxes have been distributed since 1993.
Pam Price is the new Relay Center Coordinator. Collections Week is Nov. 17-24 at Community Baptist Church 598 Round-Up Ave. 527-4303
The OCC project can continue to grow as information is shared with relatives and friends; creating new collection points in other communities and states. Search drop-off locations by zip code at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/
For official OCC news releases regarding OCC visit http://www.demossnewspond/
Please pray and fill a shoe box. Thanks!
With financial help and encouragement from friends and family, I made plans to go. Through the money-wise efforts of Samaritan’s Purse, the original estimated cost for my part of the missions venture was nearly cut in half.
When I first volunteered to collect shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse in 1998, having dinner in Tegucigalpa, Honduras at the US Ambassador’s home along with 40 other OCC volunteers was the furthest thing from my mind.
I had a traveling companion-“Bluffy, the Geography Bear”- a small stuffed toy from Mrs. Virginia Crockett’s first grade class at Community Christian School. Together, we logged the daily itinerary in a journal for the students back in Red Bluff. Ambassador Frank Almaquer and his wife Antoinette posed for a picture with Bluffy.
January 2001, Honduras was recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. While riding through the streets of Tegucigalpa, someone asked about the flooding during the storm. Our guide pointed to a tall hospital in the center of the city, informing us that the flood waters had reached the fifth story of the building. I could only imagine the reality of the disaster- water rising in the city, as if filling a giant bowl. Brown water marks on each building told the story.
We distributed shoe boxes at a prison during a family visitation day. A Christian band from the prison church played in the courtyard, as long lines of children filed in to surround huge stacks of colorful shoe box gifts. A children’s booklet called “The Greatest Gift of All” depicting stories from the New Testament was placed on top of each shoe box as the boys and girls received them. I noticed one mother reading the booklet while her children opened their brightly wrapped gifts at her feet.
I am grateful I was able to witness the Operation Christmas Child project first-hand at the receiving end. I wish everyone could see the tremendous effort made by a dedicated chain of volunteers, along with Samaritan’s Purse personnel to ensure the safety and integrity of each gift. Many logistical challenges are faced annually. In destination countries, volunteer teams coordinate and fund the transportation and delivery of gifts to churches and mission organizations for distribution by local pastors and missionaries in their sphere of influence.
I remember meeting Elizabeth, a woman in her mid-forties from Sweden, who had arrived in Honduras at age eighteen, with a desire to care for orphans of the streets. With the support of partners in Sweden, an orphanage complex had been constructed outside of Tegucigalpa. Several red brick bunkhouses bearing the names of Biblical characters surrounded a central dining hall. Months before our visit, a school campus was completed within a mile of the compound, also made possible through donations from Elizabeth’s sponsors in Sweden.
The children of each house had prepared a special song or dance routine to show their appreciation for the gifts they received. As I watched the children enjoying their gifts in this beautiful setting, I knew there was a story behind each gift being opened in front of me. Each year, families, youth groups, school classes, and churches prepare shoe box gifts for children in over 100 countries worldwide. Added to these, are many grandmas, many who do so sacrificially.
Each of 80 orphaned children I saw that day were blessed to live in a safe place because Elizabeth, one woman, saw a desperate need, then devoted her life to meeting it. Others back home in Sweden had embraced her vision and taken practical steps to make it a reality. The children in Elizabeth’s care were excited to receive special shoe box gifts because of generosity a world away.
I am grateful for many individuals, churches, and groups of Tehama County who have participated in Operation Christmas Child. Last year, over 6,000 shoe boxes were collected at Community Baptist Church. The California total was 300,188 with 7.6 million collected internationally. 61 million shoe boxes have been distributed since 1993.
Pam Price is the new Relay Center Coordinator. Collections Week is Nov. 17-24 at Community Baptist Church 598 Round-Up Ave. 527-4303
The OCC project can continue to grow as information is shared with relatives and friends; creating new collection points in other communities and states. Search drop-off locations by zip code at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/
For official OCC news releases regarding OCC visit http://www.demossnewspond/
Please pray and fill a shoe box. Thanks!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
GOD TALK-ADD S.O.A.P To Your Bible Study
“I’m leaving this church,” he said. “I enjoy being here, but I’m not being spiritually fed. I need to go to a church where I can really grow in my Christian faith”.
In truth, each Christian believer is responsible for nurturing their own Christian growth. Everything that is needed to cultivate one’s Christian faith, and develop spiritual maturity is available through daily Bible reading.
Taking copious notes, while listening to a captivating expositor, who has skillfully applied all the rules of hermeneutics for a proper exegesis of Biblical text, can be very beneficial. But there is no sufficient substitute that will replace personal time reading the Bible. There is a limit to what anyone can glean from any study by merely hitchhiking on someone else’s notes. For maximum benefit, personal work is needed.
There is no substitute for involvement in a church family either. Don’t be a Bible student in seclusion. Do your homework, you will be a greater asset to the ministry of the church.
A weekly church gathering should not be the only exposure to the Bible. No pastor should be held solely responsible for spiritual maturity of a parishioner.
One author put it this way, “The Bread of Life is not ready –cook in the Bible; only the recipe and ingredients are there. Man must bake the Bread of life himself. Just as diamonds must be cut, oil refined, granite quarried, and waterfalls harnessed; so the Bible must be studied if its worth is to be fully known”.
Commentaries, books about the Bible, devotional studies, and sermons are great, but must be used along with personal reading of scripture text. There is nothing intrinsically special about the paper and ink used to print a copy of the Bible. The Bible contains some 773,692 words. The words are common everyday words like the words in any other book. As one observer said, “you have to look beneath the words, between the words, and through the words of the Bible to the message to gain the good that it can do. The intent and method in which the Bible is read, as well as what is read in the Bible makes it rich and meaningful”.
The old saying “Experience is the best teacher” is not totally accurate. Experience alone will not guarantee learning. What you learn from your experiences is what will transform your future.
It is helpful to have a planned schedule for daily Bible reading. In his book, “Divine Mentors”, Pastor Wayne Cordiero describes the Bible as God’s choice for a “life-dictionary”. He states that each of life’s experiences, both positive and negative, should to be defined biblically. Personal knowledge and faith can grow by examining the experiences of people recorded in the Bible. God’s solutions can be discovered and greater meaning can be seen in the events of our own lives
Pastor Cordiero recommends S.O.A.P. a “self-feeding” method for personal daily Bible study. A journal is used to record a personal response to each day’s reading.
Scripture-Write the reference of scripture text read for the day.
Observation –Chronicle your observation, i.e., what it is happening in the text, who’s is effected, what is taking place, or the instructions given, and why.
Application- Write out how you plan to put into practice the lesson God has brought to your attention. Ask yourself “How will I be different today as a result of what I have just read from the Bible?”
Prayer-Write out a prayer asking God to help you apply what you have learned.
http://www.divinementors.com/
Application is critical to the process of studying the Bible. It answers the question “How does this verse or thought apply to me?” Knowledge of the Bible without a commitment to applying it is worthless information. Doing what the Bible says is what seals the Word of God in the heart.
The greatest malady in Christendom today is the phenomenon of living a life that is inconsistent with what is believed. Something powerful happens in the Christian when “what we believe” and “how we live” come closer together.
With sermons available through television, CD, and MP3 downloads, somewhere along the path allotting time for personal reading of scripture is neglected.
Many start out with good intentions to reading the Bible regularly, but stop for various reasons. If you miss days, keep going! It is important to stay with it. Keeping a journal is beneficial for maintaining the daily discipline of Bible reading, a quick review, and an account of spiritual growth.
God reveals Himself through His Word. George Washington Carver, a great American scientist was once asked about the source all of his discoveries and inventions. Carver’s response was that his inspiration came from reading his Bible. “It is there that I‘ve come to know the Author of the Book.”
In truth, each Christian believer is responsible for nurturing their own Christian growth. Everything that is needed to cultivate one’s Christian faith, and develop spiritual maturity is available through daily Bible reading.
Taking copious notes, while listening to a captivating expositor, who has skillfully applied all the rules of hermeneutics for a proper exegesis of Biblical text, can be very beneficial. But there is no sufficient substitute that will replace personal time reading the Bible. There is a limit to what anyone can glean from any study by merely hitchhiking on someone else’s notes. For maximum benefit, personal work is needed.
There is no substitute for involvement in a church family either. Don’t be a Bible student in seclusion. Do your homework, you will be a greater asset to the ministry of the church.
A weekly church gathering should not be the only exposure to the Bible. No pastor should be held solely responsible for spiritual maturity of a parishioner.
One author put it this way, “The Bread of Life is not ready –cook in the Bible; only the recipe and ingredients are there. Man must bake the Bread of life himself. Just as diamonds must be cut, oil refined, granite quarried, and waterfalls harnessed; so the Bible must be studied if its worth is to be fully known”.
Commentaries, books about the Bible, devotional studies, and sermons are great, but must be used along with personal reading of scripture text. There is nothing intrinsically special about the paper and ink used to print a copy of the Bible. The Bible contains some 773,692 words. The words are common everyday words like the words in any other book. As one observer said, “you have to look beneath the words, between the words, and through the words of the Bible to the message to gain the good that it can do. The intent and method in which the Bible is read, as well as what is read in the Bible makes it rich and meaningful”.
The old saying “Experience is the best teacher” is not totally accurate. Experience alone will not guarantee learning. What you learn from your experiences is what will transform your future.
It is helpful to have a planned schedule for daily Bible reading. In his book, “Divine Mentors”, Pastor Wayne Cordiero describes the Bible as God’s choice for a “life-dictionary”. He states that each of life’s experiences, both positive and negative, should to be defined biblically. Personal knowledge and faith can grow by examining the experiences of people recorded in the Bible. God’s solutions can be discovered and greater meaning can be seen in the events of our own lives
Pastor Cordiero recommends S.O.A.P. a “self-feeding” method for personal daily Bible study. A journal is used to record a personal response to each day’s reading.
Scripture-Write the reference of scripture text read for the day.
Observation –Chronicle your observation, i.e., what it is happening in the text, who’s is effected, what is taking place, or the instructions given, and why.
Application- Write out how you plan to put into practice the lesson God has brought to your attention. Ask yourself “How will I be different today as a result of what I have just read from the Bible?”
Prayer-Write out a prayer asking God to help you apply what you have learned.
http://www.divinementors.com/
Application is critical to the process of studying the Bible. It answers the question “How does this verse or thought apply to me?” Knowledge of the Bible without a commitment to applying it is worthless information. Doing what the Bible says is what seals the Word of God in the heart.
The greatest malady in Christendom today is the phenomenon of living a life that is inconsistent with what is believed. Something powerful happens in the Christian when “what we believe” and “how we live” come closer together.
With sermons available through television, CD, and MP3 downloads, somewhere along the path allotting time for personal reading of scripture is neglected.
Many start out with good intentions to reading the Bible regularly, but stop for various reasons. If you miss days, keep going! It is important to stay with it. Keeping a journal is beneficial for maintaining the daily discipline of Bible reading, a quick review, and an account of spiritual growth.
God reveals Himself through His Word. George Washington Carver, a great American scientist was once asked about the source all of his discoveries and inventions. Carver’s response was that his inspiration came from reading his Bible. “It is there that I‘ve come to know the Author of the Book.”
Thursday, March 06, 2008
GOD TALK-Christian Peace Officer's Assoc.Of Tehama County -Thank You!
A huge “thank you” to the Christian Peace Officer’s Association Tehama County for making Red Bluff a “stop” on the “Finally Awake Tour” Feb. 16th. Groups on tour, regularly travel on Interstate 5. The initiative of these officers brought three bands to play here. Thanks to each volunteer at Bethel Assembly of God for hosting a great evening of music for area youth featuring Seventh Day Slumber, Since October, and Maniac Drive. Special thanks to Dan Massie at Sky River Music for promoting this ministry venue.
The evening concert was well attended. A “human video” presented by Red Bluff Calvary Chapel set the tone for the evening. Its core message, “Pleasures of sin are temporary, as Satan seeks victims to enslave and destroy. Jesus Christ offers hope, forgiveness from sin, purity, and freedom from the bondage of addictions. Jesus welcomes everyone to a life of peace.”
How refreshing to see teenagers enjoying good music; having a good time together in a safe place. My daughter and nephew, both teenagers, shared in the excitement as well. I also noticed other “forty-some-things” (closer to fifty) there, taking it all in. The scene reminded me of earlier days, before the K-LOVE Radio, EFFECT Radio, Renegade Radio, or AIR-1 Radio Networks.
It was 1976, the tail end of the famed “Jesus Movement”. I was a sophomore in high school. Dad started taking us to monthly concerts at Bethel Church in Redding. The SALT HOUSE ministry of Bethel Church, presented concerts with new Christian rock bands on tour from Marantha! Music, affiliated with Pastor Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa.
“Jesus Music” or “Jesus Rock”, as it was called then, was not Dad’s musical preference to be sure, but he saw value in it, and that it benefited his children. Our “gospel music collection”- a stack of 33 1/3 rpm., vinyl records, consisted of music from choirs, Southern Gospel quartets, and gospel bluegrass groups. Soon after our first “contemporary” Christian music concert, Dad joined the WORD Record Club, buying several albums for us each month.
Through the years, I have gained an appreciation of many types of music. But honestly, at age 16, when Dad first suggested going to hear “Christian singers” at the church in Redding, I was less than interested. Expecting to sit through a choir concert, I was thrilled to discover the group of four guys playing was a “rock band” singing about Jesus! The music of the “Sweet Comfort Band” instantly appealed to us five kids. Lead singer Bryan Duncan, is a well known solo artist in Christian music these days. Taking us to the monthly concerts was one way Dad encouraged us to live for Jesus Christ.
Music has been the subject of much debate in the “Christian community”. What particular style of music is acceptable to God, and can to be used for His glory? Frankly, God does not “use” music per se. He uses people. Even those who refuse to acknowledge Him. God does enlist and rejoice in individuals who willingly pursue to Him.
God shows His character through His Word – the Bible. His goal is to produce the character of Jesus Christ, His Son in all who love Him. God empowers believers, changing what they think, and how they think, as His Word is applied to choices in circumstances, and through personal relationships. Almighty God desires us to know Him, as we daily confess our dependence, and surrender our will, talents and possessions to Him.
Obviously, not every music style appeals to everyone. Musical styles have blended, changed, and developed over time.
Two things should be questioned with any influence- a personality, publication, movie, artwork; musical or literary work, etc. The same query could be made of any influence in life; those labeled “Christian" and otherwise.
First, what is the message, if any, being communicated? What does the message promote and where will obedience lead? Second, what is the essence and purpose of the communicator’s life? Who do they serve? What is valued as priceless?
Music is a gift; a wonderful vehicle of communication. The Bible provides encouragement and instruction for singers and musicians, who endeavor to dedicate their gift in worship to God. In the Psalms, David, a musician, said it best. “Sing to the Lord a new song. Play skillfully with a loud noise. For the Word of the Lord is right. All of His works are done in truth.” Ps. 33:3, 4
Truth is a beautiful thing. It is honesty, without pretense or deception. Jesus describes Himself as “The Truth”. Live in Truth; desire to be real; live to please God.
Please pray for and encourage all our peace officers, fire fighters, and other public servants as they impact our communities for good.
God protect and bless each one and their family. Amen.
The evening concert was well attended. A “human video” presented by Red Bluff Calvary Chapel set the tone for the evening. Its core message, “Pleasures of sin are temporary, as Satan seeks victims to enslave and destroy. Jesus Christ offers hope, forgiveness from sin, purity, and freedom from the bondage of addictions. Jesus welcomes everyone to a life of peace.”
How refreshing to see teenagers enjoying good music; having a good time together in a safe place. My daughter and nephew, both teenagers, shared in the excitement as well. I also noticed other “forty-some-things” (closer to fifty) there, taking it all in. The scene reminded me of earlier days, before the K-LOVE Radio, EFFECT Radio, Renegade Radio, or AIR-1 Radio Networks.
It was 1976, the tail end of the famed “Jesus Movement”. I was a sophomore in high school. Dad started taking us to monthly concerts at Bethel Church in Redding. The SALT HOUSE ministry of Bethel Church, presented concerts with new Christian rock bands on tour from Marantha! Music, affiliated with Pastor Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa.
“Jesus Music” or “Jesus Rock”, as it was called then, was not Dad’s musical preference to be sure, but he saw value in it, and that it benefited his children. Our “gospel music collection”- a stack of 33 1/3 rpm., vinyl records, consisted of music from choirs, Southern Gospel quartets, and gospel bluegrass groups. Soon after our first “contemporary” Christian music concert, Dad joined the WORD Record Club, buying several albums for us each month.
Through the years, I have gained an appreciation of many types of music. But honestly, at age 16, when Dad first suggested going to hear “Christian singers” at the church in Redding, I was less than interested. Expecting to sit through a choir concert, I was thrilled to discover the group of four guys playing was a “rock band” singing about Jesus! The music of the “Sweet Comfort Band” instantly appealed to us five kids. Lead singer Bryan Duncan, is a well known solo artist in Christian music these days. Taking us to the monthly concerts was one way Dad encouraged us to live for Jesus Christ.
Music has been the subject of much debate in the “Christian community”. What particular style of music is acceptable to God, and can to be used for His glory? Frankly, God does not “use” music per se. He uses people. Even those who refuse to acknowledge Him. God does enlist and rejoice in individuals who willingly pursue to Him.
God shows His character through His Word – the Bible. His goal is to produce the character of Jesus Christ, His Son in all who love Him. God empowers believers, changing what they think, and how they think, as His Word is applied to choices in circumstances, and through personal relationships. Almighty God desires us to know Him, as we daily confess our dependence, and surrender our will, talents and possessions to Him.
Obviously, not every music style appeals to everyone. Musical styles have blended, changed, and developed over time.
Two things should be questioned with any influence- a personality, publication, movie, artwork; musical or literary work, etc. The same query could be made of any influence in life; those labeled “Christian" and otherwise.
First, what is the message, if any, being communicated? What does the message promote and where will obedience lead? Second, what is the essence and purpose of the communicator’s life? Who do they serve? What is valued as priceless?
Music is a gift; a wonderful vehicle of communication. The Bible provides encouragement and instruction for singers and musicians, who endeavor to dedicate their gift in worship to God. In the Psalms, David, a musician, said it best. “Sing to the Lord a new song. Play skillfully with a loud noise. For the Word of the Lord is right. All of His works are done in truth.” Ps. 33:3, 4
Truth is a beautiful thing. It is honesty, without pretense or deception. Jesus describes Himself as “The Truth”. Live in Truth; desire to be real; live to please God.
Please pray for and encourage all our peace officers, fire fighters, and other public servants as they impact our communities for good.
God protect and bless each one and their family. Amen.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Welcome to 2008 !!
Many changes are anticipated this year. It has been a successful year already, as I have learned more about blogging. For those who have been here before, you have probably noticed I now have a picture added. Hooray!
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