Gloria link

Hey,

You can listen to the song 'Gloria' by yours truly right here.

http://ilike.com/artist/Bobby+Crum

Merry Christmas to all and a very happy New Year!

Jake Smith coming to ABC

Artist Jake Smith
will be at Anastasia Jan.12-13th, 2007 bringing an eclectic style all his own.

Jake will be in concert at Fusion on Jan.17th

Some guitar chords

Here is an excellent web page with guitar chord fingerings.

Enjoy!

http://www.chordie.com/chords.php

A church that needs our prayers

New Life has certainly had it's share of struggles. First the Pastor there resigns for infidelity and now a shooting. There are good Christian people here that need our prayers. The worship team of this church is the acclaimed Desperation Band.

Surely, they are desperate for their Lord to come in there midst.

Matt Redman's myspace

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=120781688

Here is a link to Matt Redman's myspace page.

Hosanna live on GodTV

Another good live Hosanna video

Rob Bell speaks about our id & the comparison trap

Earth - a new perspective

We are small in the scheme of the universe.
And we are huge in the eyes of God. Amazing! That he would come and die for us.

It's about the cross

thought I'd share this video that came my way

Hosanna

kinds of Christians

Interesting Article.


http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2007/004/1.19.html

Hillsong Conf. here we come

It's sold out!

Beautiful Day in Florida

Cool Air. Sunny skies. Low humidity. Ahhhhhhhhh

Christian stewardship of creation

God Expects Humans to be His Stewards with Nature

Genesis 1:26. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

Lev. 25:23-24. The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.

Ezekiel 34:2-4. Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not the shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you did not take care of the flock! You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.

Ezekiel 34:10. 0 shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. This is what the sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.

Ezekiel 34:17-18. As for you, my flock... Is it not enough for you to feed on good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

Isaiah 24:4-6. The earth dries up and withers, the world languished and withers, the exalted of the earth languish. The earth lies under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt.

Jer. 2:7. I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and you made my inheritance detestable.

Luke 16:2,10,13. And he called him and said to him, "What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward. He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous in much. You cannot serve both God and mammon.

James 5:5. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.

Mark 4:19. ...and the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word and it becomes unfruitful.

Revelation 11:18. The nations were angry and your wrath has come. The time has come for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great - and for destroying those who destroy the earth.

Bacon quote

Read a quote yesterday that I'll pass along.... it's from John Bacon.

The greatest voyage is not to far distant shores, but seeing with new eyes.

We sometimes live in boxes which keep us from seeing who God is and who he wants us to be. Jesus often prayed and hoped that his disciples would see with 'new' eyes.

Seminary Chapel Messages

I thought this was fairly cool. Download Southern Seminaries chapel messages here.

http://www.sbts.edu/resources/Audio_Resources/Chapel_Messages/Fall_2007.aspx

A new hymn

This might be something that would work just prior to a sermon or a teaching about the importance of God's Word.

Downhere. A Better Way ...Live

I love you could not be said a better way than Jesus on the cross.

Sufficiency of Jesus Sermon story

This is posted here for those who wanted a copy of the story.

Illustration: "The Road of Life" – Poem Author unknown
At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die, He was our there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture but I didn't really know him.

But later on, when I met Christ it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride. But it was a tandem bike
and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring and predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts up mountains and through rocky places at break-neck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared!" He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life, I thought He'd wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to make sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to be quiet and pedal in the strangest places, and beginning to enjoy the view, and the cool breeze on my face, with my delightful constant companion, JESUS CHRIST.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says . . .
"Pedal." --Author Unknown

Jesus - is all that we need.

Advocate – I John 2:1 –
Alpha and Omega Rev. 1:8
Author of Life - Acts 3:15
Bread of Life John 6:35
Bridgegroom Mt. 9:15
Chief Cornerstone Eph 2:20 -
Christ I John 2:22
Faithful and True Witness Rev 3:14
God. John 1:1
Head of the Church. Eph 1:22
High Priest Heb. 2:17
Holy One Acts 3:14 .
Image of God 2 Cor. 4:4
Judge Acts 10:42
King of Kings Rev. 19:16
Lamb of God John 1:29
Light of the World John 8:12
Lion of the Tribe of Judah Rev. 5:5
Lord of Lords Rev. 19:16
Mediator Heb. 9:15
Morning Star Rev. 22:16
Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6
Resurrection and the Life John 11:25
Rock – I Cor. 10:14
Savior –2 Peter 2:20
Son of God – John 1:49
The True Vine. John 15:1
Word of God – Rev. 19:13

This is just a taste. There are so many more scriptures and wonderful attributes of our Savior. bc

What worship is all about.

Discover the silence.
Thanks Tamre.

Crowder's Remedy

David Crowder's new cd is out. It happens to be #4 on Itunes albums which is pretty darn good. I like the word remedy and the imagery it evokes.

God's beautiful world and my beautiful bride

A scene from our recent trip to Colorado.

Paul Baloche has a new cd coming out

Here's a taste of one of the new songs. The new cd drops Sept.18th

Interpretive Dance

This video preaches a powerful message about what Jesus has done and is doing for us. You must watch this one all the way to the end. WOW!

Legacy: Nicole sings about something we all feel

Love this song by Nicole Nordeman. One of Christian music's finest songwriters. She has a way of crafting phrases that just flow together. How will they remember me? Will I make a mark on things? People write their names on walls, sidewalks, trees, foundations, etc. all because of the desire to make a lasting impression.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
the temporary trappings of this world

Chorus:
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy

It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile

Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy

Chorus
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done" good and faithful one

WillowCreek Arts blog

Willow Creek is one of the worlds leading churches. They have all kinds of conferences including one for worship and the arts. Check them out....

http://2007artsconferenceblog.blogspot.com/

Christian Art

Art has the power to move us in a way that words and music can not. It's hard sometimes to find intriguing new artists. Here is somebody of interest. We actually have a print of Monsma in our youth foyer. He is an abtract impressionist. Sometimes a bit vague for me but some of his stuff is really good. The picture you see is called the 'Redemption Circle'.

http://www.monsmart.com/newwork.html

If you know any good Christian artist links, please leave a comment below.

Shark Attacked Surfer Girl coming to Saint Auggie

Bethany Hamilton is coming to town! She will be in St. Augustine for the premiere of her film, Heart of a Soul Surfer, at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. The show, which includes live music, will be on Sunday, September 9th beginning at 7pm (with doors opening at 6:30). And, did we mention that this event is FREE? That's right, FREE, so bring yourself and a friend

http://www.heartofasoulsurfer.com
http://www.christiansurfers.com/chapter/safl/

Shuffle Mode Worship

We all get in ruts in life. Ways of doing things that can block out fresh ideas, visions, and even words from God. I was listening to my ipod the other day on shuffle mode. Where it randomly plays songs. It was amazing. Song after song popped up that blessed my heart. Songs that I would never have found and picked, but they were there. Jewels hiding in a hard drive awaiting the appropriate time and place to reveal their beauty.

Some times when we only do certain songs in worship, we hinder those kind of pearls.
It's like picking up your Bible and only reading the Psalms. There is so much more there. Now I'm not advocating always doing popcorn scripture reading because systematic study is certainly important. But can a painter really shine with only one color of paint? Something to ponder.

Hillsong Artists lead ABC's Sept 1 Edge service

Hillsong Artists Highlight the Sept 1st Edge Service

Anastasia is blessed to have 2 wonderful worship leaders and songwriters join us for the September Edge. All the way from Australia, don't miss this anointed night of worship.

.

Mia Fieldes is a songrwriter and worship leader from Hillsong Church in Sydney Australia. She's brought many songs to the church today such as All for Love; Always; Saviour King; Sovereign Hands and Rest in You: all from Hillsong Church albums and Hillsong United Albums. Mia is one of Hillsong's faithful and fresh songwriters and is bringing up a generation of songwriters and worshippers that is passionate about pursing change across the world. Mia is also a worship leader at Hillsong Church. She travels and leads worship around Australia as well as brings insight in songwriting and worship leading to churches across the globe.

Jill Robshaw McCloghry is a songwriter and worship leader from St. Augustine, FL who has recently married and been planted into Hillsong Church, Sydney, in the last 2 years. She is a regular worship leader for Hillsong Church, Hillsong Youth, and Hillsong Women and is passionate about writing songs for the church. Jill has previously travelled across the United States bringing worship and encouragement to churches and youth ministries and has a passion to see the Kingdom of God built and the church bring life through Jesus Christ across the earth.

Chris Tomlin talks 'Let God Arise'

Love this song from Tomlin.

Sharon Wilbur

Sharon sang at ABC recently. Here's a clip of a new song (I think). We're looking forward to her new cd and having her back.



http://www.myspace.com/sharonwilbur

CCM Forums

Go here for some interesting news on ccm artists.
http://forums.emicmg.com/blogs/default.aspx

Some good worship conferences coming to Florida

Anybody want to go?










http://www.hillsongunitedconference.com/



http://www.seminars4worship.com/locations/palm-beach.html

Brooke

This girl has a bright future. Yes, she belongs.

A champion with no honor

Barry Bonds is reaping the fruit of his folly. Widely thought to have taken steroids over the years to enhance his strength and ability, Bonds has as of tonight tied Hank Aaron for the most home runs in Major League Baseball. It is interesting to read that many in the crowd are booing him. It does matter how we get there doesn't it. The crowns, trophies, accolades.... the crowd may or may not know but God does. He knows the hidden sweat, prayers, hurts.... He also knows the weakness, the broken rules.... Bonds is a champion with no honor. Let us learn from his life.

Storyside B

These guys are awesome.
Lu, you are da man.

Mighty to Save details for the lead players

Lead guitar players will enjoy this training clip.

Planet Earth

To watch the television series Planet Earth is to worship our creator. The beauty and wonder of God's creation. So fascinating, intricate, beautiful and diverse. How can anyone think all of this just came to be by accident?

Enya's music makes you contemplate.....

the deeper things of life. A great song to listen for God's voice.

The stones will cry out!

Check out this passage from Luke 19

37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"^[b] "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" 39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" 40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Creation groans. The things around us point to something greater. Jesus points to some pent up worship here. Some interesting questions .... Does Jesus miss being worshiped? There is most certainly a place for joyful praises in loud voices. Where once Jesus shied away from the praise in order to continue ministry to the crowds; he now welcomes it. If the stones one up us in worship, we are in trouble folks. V.38 likely is the title of 2 songs of worship that they were singing. Peace in heaven.... is there not always peace there? Your turn to chew on God's word.

Paul Baloche shares on band dyamics

A good training clip for worship bands.

New Resources

It seems the internet is changing everything. I came across this website this morning that is amazing. It basically shows how to play different parts (ie. bass, electric) for a lot of current worship songs. Definitely check this out.

http://guitarpraise.blogspot.com/

Leeland sings 'Be Lifted High'

I've been familiar with WorshipTogether for some years now. They have a cool resource for beginning worship leaders called New Song Cafe.

I love the line 'And I fall to my knees so that it's you that they see not I, Jesus you be lifted high'

They go over the guitar chords at the end of the clip.

The host Brenton Brown is the author of Everlasting God.

United's New Music Video

I like the Australian vibe on this song leading into the chorus.

Worship at Mars Hill

Rob Bell and the Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids Michigan are one of the churches influencing many others in America and beyond. Rob is widely known for his teaching, books and Nooma videos. It is interesting when you look at some of the songs they sing at their church how many of them are hymns. Here are the first 5 songs in a list of about 40 songs that they do at their church. The full list is here.

"Agnus Dei" Michael W Smith
"All creatures of our God and King?" Francis of Assisi
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" Edward Perronet
"All Sing Halllelujah" Aaron Niequist
"All Who Are Thirsty" Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson

Mutemath takes it up a notch

This video is anything but typical!

Independence Day

I hope and pray everyone has a great July 4th. We certainly need to be grateful for the freedoms that we cherish in this country. We also need to be reminded of our freedom in Christ. The One who set us free from the ball and chain of sin and death.

Like Wallace in Braveheart 'FREEDOM!!!!'

There is a light. It shines bright. Yet it remains hidden. Afraid. Comfortable where it is accepted. But, this Light longs to break out. To go to a darkened world with love, compassion and a better way of life. Let us shine before them, so that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father up in heaven. (Mt. 5:16)

One more for the road - Fix You

I love the words and imagery of this Coldplay song. Fix You.

Ready Now

Jared Anderson of Desperation.

A taste of the new Hillsong album

A Hymn of Sleep by Prudentius (358-413AD)

Draw near, Almighty Father, Ne'er seen by mortal eye;

Come, O Thou Word eternal, O Spirit blest, be nigh.

The hour of rest approaches, The toils of day are past, And o'er our tired bodies Sleep's gentle charm is cast.

The mind, by cares tormented Amid life's storm and stress, Drinks deep the wondrous potion That brings forgetfulness.

O'er weary, toil-worn mortals The spells of Lethe steal; (Note:In Classical Greek, Lethe (λήθη; léthé) literally means "forgetfulness" or "concealment". The Greek word for "truth" is a-lethe-ia (αλήθεια), meaning "un-forgetfulness" or "un-concealment". Sad hearts lose all their sorrow, Nor pain nor anguish feel.

For to His frail creation God gave this law to keep,

That labour should be lightened By soft and healing sleep......

And, though the weary body Relaxed in sleep may be,

Our hearts, Lord, e'en in slumber, Shall meditate on Thee.

Iphone Fever

I think I'm getting a fever. It's a bug called the Iphone and it's very contagious. It is spreading rapidly and the cure drops on June 29th.

Bonus Material Pt 2

Well some folks were asking for this quote which is a good one. It is from John Ortberg's book If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat.

Greg Levoy calls the common cold of the soul ' To sinful patterns of behavior that never get confronted and changed, abilities and gifts that never get cultivated and deployed-until weeks become months, and months turn into years, and one day you're looking back on a life of deep intimate gut-wrenching honest conversations you never had; great bold prayers you never prayed, exhilarating risks you never took, sacrificial gifts you never offered, lives you never touched, and you're sitting in a recliner with a shriveled soul, and forgotten dreams, and you realize there was a world of desperate need, and a great God calling you to be part of something bigger than yourself- you see the person you could have become but did not; you never followed your calling, you never got out of the boat'

Brian and Jenn Johnson

You should be aware of this worship couple. Their song 'O taste and see' is really good.

http://www.brianandjennjohnson.com/

Rick Warren Article on Worship

Rethinking worship
by Rick Warren

Worship is our first responsibility to God, yet most church members don't understand it. For many, worship is just a synonym for music. They say, “At our church we have the worship first, and then the teaching.” Or they think of worship as something for their benefit. As pastors, we often receive notes that say, “I loved the worship today. I got a lot out of it.” Others associate worship with ceremonies, candles, and communion or healing, miracles, and ecstatic experiences.

One of our primary responsibilities as shepherds of God’s flock is to lead people to become true worshippers." Rick Warren

Yet all of these ideas fall short. Worship is far more than praising, singing, and praying to God. We worship God by enjoying him. C.S. Lewis said, “In commanding us to glorify him, God is inviting us to enjoy him.”

One of our primary responsibilities as shepherds of God’s flock is to lead people to become true worshippers. Anthropologists have noted that worship is a universal urge, hard-wired by God into the very fiber of our being – an inbuilt need to connect with God. Worship is as natural as eating or breathing. If we fail to worship God, we always find a substitute, even if it ends up being ourselves. The reason God made us with this desire is that he desires worshipers! Jesus said, “The Father seeks ... worshipers.” (John 4:23 NAS)

Our job is to connect the God-given desire to worship with the One who seeks true worshippers. To do this you have to expand your understanding of worship as well. You need to stop thinking in terms of church services and begin to see worship as anything that brings pleasure to God.

Your church will become a church filled with true worshippers as you show them how every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when done for the pleasure of God. The Bible says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31 NIV) Martin Luther said, “A dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God.” When you use your life for God’s glory, everything you do can become an act of worship. The Bible says, “Use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.” (Rom. 6:13 NLT)

How is it possible to do everything to the glory of God? By doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus and by carrying on a continual conversation with him while you do it! The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Col. 3:23 NIV)

This is the secret to a lifestyle of worship – doing everything as if I was doing it for Jesus. The Message paraphrase says, “Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering.” Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of his presence.

This moves worship beyond church services not only in space but also in time. We are told to “worship him continually” and to “praise him from sunrise to sunset.” In the Bible, people praised God at work, at home, in battle, in jail, and even in bed! Praise should be the first activity when you open your eyes in the morning and the last activity when you close them at night. David said, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Ps. 34:1 NAS)

When I first fell in love with my wife, I thought of her constantly: while eating breakfast, driving to school, attending class, waiting in line at the market, pumping gas – I could not stop thinking about Kay! I often talked to myself about her and thought about all the things I loved about her. This helped me feel close to her even though we lived several hundred miles apart and attended different colleges. By constantly thinking of her, I was abiding in her love. This is what real worship is all about – falling in love with Jesus. And this is where we need to lead the flocks God has placed in our care.

Until next week,

Melanie and Devan sing 'Lead me to the Cross'

Looking for some cool clothes?

www.c28.com

St. Augustine Marketplace Ministry

A monthly luncheon for Christian business people.

www.upray2.com

Chaplain Ken Asplund and wife Norma are some wonderful people seeking revival for our town.

Forgiveness

We must forgive. Though it is not in our nature it is crucial for our own spiritual health. We must also do it to be forgiven by God. We are hurting ourselves (and also others) by holding on to painful words, actions, thoughts, etc.

The Word...
'With You, there is forgiveness' Psalm 130:4
We must believe in order to receive forgiveness Acts. 10:43
Forgiveness is in Christ (Eph. 4:32) and is through His blood (Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:22)
We must forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col 3:13 - note the verb tenses)

Lord, may we truly be a people that strive for reconciliation. Let us bear with one another, considering them better than ourselves. Humbles our sense of pride and let us put on love above all things. Is there room for compassion in our hearts? Is there a place where wrong is acknowledged? Let us always take the first steps, let us not go to bed in a state of anger, but to clothe ourselves with patience, kindness, gentleness and peace. Peace for the world, peace for our souls. amen. bc

Sermon bonus material

This a clip showing Fantasia's 'turning point' in her church.
From a movie on her life.

Storyside B CD release concert details

Louie talks about worship

http://www.268generation.com/videoplayer/player.php?videoid=worship4&quality=hi