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.

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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!