Catch The Wave

2009-11-13T16:30:00.003-05:00

CONSECRATION - (RECONSECRATION)
I was reading in 2 Chronicles 29 recently where King Hezekiah ordered the Temple cleansed (v3-11) and as I read the proclamation that the priests and Levites were to "remove all defilement from the sanctuary" I had to ask myself the same question - am I removing defilement in my own life? I know we are "in this world not of it" but I really need to get rid of things in my life. This can be from garbage I am watching on tv, places I go on the Internet, music I am listening to, books I am reading. And yes, it can even be people I need to separate from for a time. It is choices I make that cause this mess and defilement in my life and I need to keep short accounts with God. I want to be consecrated, set apart, holy and usable for God (2 Tim. 2:21).

Total time: 16 days - wow, it took over 2 weeks to clean the Temple. Not a one day or couple of hours will do for such a task. Sometimes that is hard to hear and even harder to implement as we want instant reconsecration. And even though we can be restored the moment we confess (1 John 1:9), we have habits that need to be broken, strongholds that need to be torn down. It takes time to purify our lives before God. He will help but we must not give up before the process is done. Renewing our minds and refreshing ourselves in His Word has to take place daily, constantly. See Hebrews 12:1- 3, especially verse 3. Don't grow weary of doing good.

Sacrifice - not a word we like to hear. In our luxurious life in the US we think sacrifice is when we have to have leftovers instead of a fresh meal. Or our favorite program is a rerun and we must watch something else. Or we have to have a slightly less hot shower because several others have already used the facilities. You get my drift here as these are not true sacrifices. True sacrifice is our giving up our desires for God's. In the reading in 2 Chronicles there were consecration sacrifices made, 28 in fact, necessary to purify the temple. And these sacrifices cost someone something. We must also make sacrifices in our lives, giving up that which we hold as valuable for something that is of greater worth - eternity! We should be driven by what one day will issue from our Savior's lips, "well done, good and faithful servant." Things that we hold dear, let us examine these and be willing to lay them down on the altar. Things that the world says are OK or permissible, may not be for us as Christians. This is a tough to hear, let alone to write, and cuts to my heart as I know of things that I need to be willing to give away to God.

Interesting to note that the offerings were accompanied by music (2 Chronicles 29:27-30). Not mournful, funeral dirges, or laments, but praises, worship and adoration for God. The time of reconsecration was accompanied by praise. Again I need to be honest: Am I singing over the sacrifices I am making in my life? Do I praise God for what He is doing in me as I seek after Him? "So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped" - (End of verse 30). Do I dedicate myself with gladness?

A neat end result is that the nation of Judah wanted to celebrate Passover with everyone. They invited Israel, Ephraim, Manasseh, to all come and join in with them as they worshiped God and remembered His provision. Will that be the end result for us as we consecrate ourselves to Him? Will we want to tell others the good news? Tell others about what God has done for us?

2009-08-10T14:36:00.009-04:00

The Power of Words: WORSHIP

The word "worship" is bandied around by churches so often that it has taken on a mythological quality. Many times the word is spoken of in hushed tones, where contemplation and mystical things take place. The word is used even more to describe such a variety of items that it loses it's uniqueness as a descriptive word. Church does not consist of Sunday morning services, but are "worship" services. Really? I thought there were announcements, and singing, and fellowship, and teaching, and prayer going on, as well as "worship."
In the Bible, the word "worship" is translated from multiple words in Greek and Hebrew and at a minimum encompasses our human response to God. I wonder if we spent some time going through the definitions how that would affect our individual and corporate "worship?" I know that I personally have been impacted by studying the word "worship," and digging into the Scriptures regarding the various instances. So let me challenge you to go get your Bible, find the word "worship." See how it is used in the sentence and see how it is used in context. Use the Concordance, use the Index, side notes, Bible Dictionary - there are so many tools to use to educate yourself and know more about words like "worship" and how the Bible defines it. Pray about what you learn, incorporate some of what you learn into your time of personal Bible reading and prayer - it will be become a time of "worship." This, then, will overflow into so many areas of your life. I know that your "worship" will be enhanced because of it.
I am a worshipper,
Graham

2009-06-05T13:22:00.006-04:00

WORSHIP versus "WHORE-SHIP"

I was cleaning up some papers recently and came across a paper that had "Whorship" written with the "h" scribbled out. I think the person who wrote this was just probably hastily writing and put the "wh" together accidentally and then corrected his mistake by just scribbling the erroneous letter out. But after two things that I read in the last few days - some of Glenn Packiam's new book, "Secondhand Jesus,"(http://www.glennpackiam.com/home.jsp) and an article at Christian Music Today.com (http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/commentaries/2009/musicinrecession.html ) I was struck that many in Christian Music are seeking after riches, fame, adulation, and related items and in essence are "whoring" after these items. And scarily, I may be as well. Oh, I hope and pray that I am not doing so and lusting after the world. So a few checks are in order.

I want to check my motivation - is it for me or God?

I want to check my attitude - is it selfish and self-seeking or is it selfless and others focused?

I want to check my desires - are they purely driven by financial means and gain or are they pure?

I struggle with these things and pray that as I stay in the Word and in prayer that my mind with be renewed to be more like my loving God and Savior, Jesus.

RENEW MY MIND

Oh Lord, I’m driven to distraction
Too many things vie for my
attention
Oh Lord, what is this strange attraction?
Only You, deserve my
affection
(Chorus)
So renew my mind, refresh my soul
Cleanse my heart, and
make me whole
Restore Your fire to my life, my love, my all
Lord, renew my
mind on You

Oh Lord, I’m such a poor reflection
Going my own
way, selfish ambition
Oh Lord, why do I run from Your correction?
I surrender and follow Your direction

(Bridge) You are faithful, You are Holy,
You are righteous, You are true
I will seek and I will find You, I will
follow You

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. - Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)

My prayer is that I will keep renewing my mind on Jesus.

2009-04-02T11:19:00.002-04:00

PROCESS -
I'm currently in the studio recording more original music. While I am loving the process and am trying to get it accomplished faster that the first music I recorded it still takes time and money. (If you want to check out my first CD, go to CD Baby and search WAVE Band.) So, knowing that I cannot go in there and knock it all out in a week or two can be a bummer. But I do love the process. There is such great spiritual application from the whole process. We believers in Jesus Christ have to understand that our walk is a process. We don't instantly become Bible Scholars and Theologians or perfect Christians at the moment we surrender our lives to God. It's a process. When I go into the studio I start by laying down some scratch tracks for others to hear and get the basics of the melody and music in mind. Then we flesh these ideas out and start laying down some basic instruments. The process time, is cool but takes energy, brainstorming, and yes, money. We, too, need to understand that as we grow in our faith it takes time, energy, brainstorming and yes, money. After all, where we invest these things shows where our heart is focused. So, enjoy the process, after all as Rose Tremain is quoted as saying - "Life is NOT a Dress Rehearsal." This is it, so let's embrace the process and live lives sold out to God.

2008-12-15T15:09:00.005-05:00

SAME JESUS - God Never Changes

Psalm 40:2

At a Notre Dame football game someone noticed a t-shirt worn by some students which read, “New Coach. New Pope. New Era. Same Jesus.” Wow! When I read that I had to do a double take, realizing that the t-shirt was referring to the “Touchdown Jesus” statue that overlooks the stadium in South Bend, Indiana. But as a believer in the real live Jesus I was struck by the awesomeness of this message - the immutability of Jesus - He is unchanging, He is always the same. The constant that Jesus is in the world today is a testament to the reality of who he is - God incarnate. The Word made flesh who dwelt among us, Immanuel, God with us. As believers we have this great hope, God never changes. Whatever we find ourselves facing, God never changes. Wherever we might be, God never changes. Yes, the circumstances in which we find ourselves might be rather fluid and constantly in motion but God never changes. In Psalm 40 we read that God has lifted our feet out of the miry clay and set them on a rock - the unchanging, unmovable Rock - Jesus, God incarnate. So take hope all of you that are getting that “sinking” feeling as you face the quandaries of life. We are set upon an unchanging rock. We can cling to God’s promises given throughout time. The same God, who created the world, led the Israelites out of Egypt, delivered them countless times from their enemies, fulfilled all His promises and made a way of salvation for us through the redeeming work of His son, Jesus Christ.

Maybe we should get some t-shirts printed up with “New This. New That. New Whatever. Same Jesus.” Amen.

2008-09-17T13:11:00.004-04:00

Seeking First The Kingdom of God
Recently we have started a Bible study at our church using the Experiencing God materials. This is an excellent study and even though I have done it at least 3 or 4 times I am thoroughly enjoying it as the group dynamic is different each time, plus the timelessness of the study is based on the truth of God's Word. In our first week of daily lessons one of the Scriptures was Matthew 6:33. This familiar passage about seeking first the kingdom of God took on a freshness as I reread it in the context of the study. What spoke to me most was the first two words - Seek first. First of all, I often times am complacent in my spiritual walk - I love God and want to do His will but I may not be actively seeking Him in my life. I need to be seeking him and His movement around and in my life - I want to join Him in this work. I do not want to be stagnant. Secondly, I need to hold God's will as primary in my life, making it the absolute first in my life. This has to be over what I want and even what I need as God has said He will provide for my needs - all of them.
I love how God's Word is ageless and immutable, never changing, always there to teach, rebuke, correct and training us in righteousness.
Seeking first after His kingdom,
Graham

NIV - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

NLT - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

KJV - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

MSG - Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

2008-07-29T15:36:00.004-04:00

SIMPLE WORSHIP
Earlier this month I woke up early to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. I was joined on the empty beach by a few other hearty souls also bent on catching the glowing orb of burning gas color the far horizon and burst upon our gaze. In that moment, I was so struck by the simplicity of the moment and how often we take it for granted. Every day is marked by the rising and setting of the sun that cries out to the faithfulness and permanence of God. But we are told that one day the sun will be no more and that in that heavenly city the "glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" - Revelation 21:22. I was moved to cry out to God in worship for the simple fact of Him bringing me through another day and how I did not want to squander it but rather be open to the leading of His will, to the guiding of His Spirit. One day this world will be no more and I want to have spent my life for Him.
This is my simple act of Worship to my great God.

2008-07-23T12:03:00.007-04:00

A REVIEW OF THE SHACK (Three out of Five Stars)

A lot is circulating about this little book, "The Shack." It is a polarizing book, and I do not agree with it wholeheartedly but I enjoyed it as fiction and am somewhat critical of it as any sort of theological treatise. I know that the author is writing cathartically and is biased - we all are in one form or another - but we do need to remember to filter this through the Scriptures, and to apply critical thinking as well as the Holy Spirit's guidance especially as this presents God in a very relational way which may be somewhat new. We, too, bring preconceived notions about God into this read, but most are very healthy. From Sunday School, or Bible Study, personal experience, or even other books, we shape an image about God. Hopefully, we are using the reading of the Scriptures, God's own Words, to get our best image.
At times, there is a tendency to get caught up in the groundswell in Christian circles and just go with the flow, endorsing various items, and I think that while there is much to enjoy about this book, there is much to be concerned with as well. I am not endorsing this book, and if I had to rate it I would give it 3 out of 5 stars. Overall I really enjoyed the book as it is an engaging story. The pace is moderate at first, picks up briefly and then continues on as Mack has his encounter with "Papa." Nearing the end there is too much going on without explanations and then wrapped up neatly, perhaps too neatly. It is one author's attempt to show the wonderful, loving relationship God enjoys with Himself (three separate personalities, one God) and that is pretty eye opening. The way that God interacts with Himself in the book is so loving. Joanna, my wife, really noted that God is into personal space, namely He "violates" interpersonal space, touching, hugging, etc. and is very physical. This is a neat picture of the great "Abba" or daddy realization that we need to have of God. My Aunt RoseLee said that it paints a picture and that picture can help us understand God a little better. That said, pictures can be wrong and although I do not think there is anything intrinsically wrong with the book, it still only presents one facet of God. After all, He is a great and wonderful creator, a God who lives in unapproachable light, who is to be feared, revered, and is Holy. So I do think the Shack presents a wonderful picture of God, and that as pictures go, can assist us in deepening our understanding of God, His 3-in-oneness, and the relationship He wants with us. On the other hand, just as pictures are limited by the moment they capture, (or what the artists paints), this book is limited in what it shows about God. My favorite part is the desire God has to include us (humanity) in on a relationship with Him. One other item I fear is missing from this book is repentance. Yes, God does pursue relationship with us but to truly experience full and complete forgiveness that God offers, there must be repentance, something that Mack and God do not discuss.
I do think the author has taken liberties in his novel that may stumble a younger believer and presents thoughts that are not all Biblical and may even be contrary to Scripture. I personally think a good balance to reading this would be to spend some time with Elmer Towns' series on the names of God. He has one for each member of the Trinity. Also "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges is an excellent primer on obedience and living the Christian walk. Charles Colson's "Being The Body" and Philip Yancey's "What's So Amazing About Grace" are both dripping with practical mind-opening examples of how we should live in light of God's greatness.
A great review: http://www.challies.com/media/The_Shack.pdf
I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments.

2008-06-06T11:34:00.004-04:00

I don't know if I am such a good blogger. In fact I don't know if anyone really reads my blog as I do not update as I should. And I was never good at keeping a diary or journal, so this seems like a rather hopeless case or fad. The closest I come to a journal is my writing songs where I write about things I am going through or am thinking about.

Recently, I have taught the following song to the body at church. It is a great reminder that I don't need to hold on to things, especially things where I don't even know the whole picture, where God is ALWAYS at work and I think He is not, or where He really cares and I turn away. Some of the lines are rhetorical questions that show my perspective when I am so myopic or small visioned, especially the second verse as God is always near, and He does always care.

WE LAY OUR BURDENS DOWN
Chorus
We lay our burdens down
At the foot of the cross, in exchange for a crown
We come to the place
Where Your mercy and grace can be found
When we lay our burdens down

Verse 1
All our sins where we go our own way
All our pain where words cannot say
All our fears which paralyze
All our shame where we can’t meet Your eyes

Pre-Chorus
There is only one thing to do; we bring them all to You
Chorus

Verse 2
All our doubts where we don’t see You near
All our grief where we think You don’t care
All our worries where our focus is wrong
All our unbelief where our faith is not strong

Pre-Chorus
There is only one thing to do; we bring them all to You
Chorus

Bridge
There is only one thing to do; we bring them all to You
There is only one thing to do; we bring them all to You
Chorus #2
We lay our burdens down
At the foot of the cross, in exchange for a crown
We come to the place
Where Your mercy and grace can be found
When we lay our burdens (down)
Yes,we lay our burdens down
At the foot of the cross, in exchange for a crown
We come to the place
Where Your mercy and grace can be found
When we lay our burdens down

2008-04-18T11:41:00.002-04:00

The best way to get a WAVE Band CD? Send a check made out to TCF for $12 and mail it to 1384 Spring Hill Circle, Kernersville, NC 27284. Make sure your return address is on the inside or at least readable and I will mail you one. The CD is $10 and the postage is $2. The cost of the CD is to help pay back for the costs of recording. I know that you will be blessed by this music.
Thanks,
Graham

2008-01-29T05:17:00.001-05:00

ALL CREATION SINGS - the CD is almost here!

I have been working on getting the WAVE Band, my church's praise band, CD to fruition. And we are almost to that point. I am surprised at how long it has taken. Some of it is my own procrastination, other delays are not mine. but in the end - the CD is almost upon us. Discmakers called me yesterday to let me know that the CD's were going to be shipping that afternoon and were validating my address. I received an email later yesterday afternoon to let me know that they were on the way. I really am excited. It was great fun to be in the studio, it was great to help design the artwork, and overall theme, it was cool to get photos of the band to put on the CD artwork, and now it is so exciting to think that they will be arriving in cardboard boxes sometime this week. God has been good in this process and I will post again with more info on how to get a hold of one of these long awaited for CD's.

I started posting what the various letters stood for in the WAVE Band name. You can check the older post regarding "W", which stands for Worship, via the link on the left hand side. I will try to finish out that series as well.

It has been quite a learning experience but I am thankful to God who is faithful through the entire process. In fact, He is the the entire reason for the CD, for this blog, and for existence. Yes, without Him, all this is foolishness, Solomon had it right.

2008-01-28T10:06:00.000-05:00

ANSWER THE CALL

I have recently been ruminating on listening to God's Call. More than once I have been struck by either hearing a challenge or message at church, and on the radio, encouraging me to go deeper, hunger more, chase after, and follow God more than I am now. This is heady stuff.

I am not complacent or even lacking in my faith or Christian walk. But I want more. There is a hunger that God has placed in me and the Spirit is stirring it up.

I read about Elisha today and how he wanted to double portion of the spirit that Elijah had. This came with great responsibility and God even mentioned that this is a "difficult" request - not for God to perform but for Elisha to handle. So what am I getting myself into? No more than what God says I can handle or He will make a way. It is scary, risky, exciting, and real.

"Lord, that you even consider me worthy to be used by you is a privilege and honor. I want to serve you the best that I can. Find me faithful in the little things so that You can use me in bigger things. I lay my life down at your feet, use me as You will. My will is to do Your will. - Amen."

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you" (Jeremiah 29:13-14a).

2008-01-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

LESSONS FROM NATURE
I am working from home today and so I have the luxury to look out my back door and see leftover snow slowly melting in the glare of the noonday sun. Most snow has melted except for areas in shadow or the small snowman sitting in one of the outdoor chairs. Lots of spiritual significance here. A lesson in how being together makes us able to withstand, or how sin, like snow, melts in the withering glare of the "Son." But in reality I am just awed at the creativity God shows in creating our world. Just the fact that we have seasons is mind-boggling. So here's to acknowledging God in His supreme sovereignty.

Be encouraged,
Graham

2007-11-27T16:54:00.000-05:00

THE GOLDEN COMPASS - Making God in our image

http://apostlepd.wordpress.com/2007/11/05/beware-of-this-movie-part-ii/

I recently read this great little blog about one person's reason for why they were going to see the movie. I may see it eventually and I personally have read the first book which is well written although the overall tone in not hopeful, and rather melancholy. The tone of the book is full of remorse and longing. Because of this I have not pursued more in the series. Anyway, I agree with the author of the above article because there are many more pervasive and insidious things passing as entertainment.

As believers in Jesus Christ and followers of the true God, we do need to understand the creation around us, that we are part of and partakers of. Man is made in the image of God but we are fallen, perverted, and twisted by our sin nature. Our worldview needs to be shaped by God himself, through the "renewing of our minds" - meditating on Scripture, spending time in God's word.

I think of the second commandment where we are admonished to not create any gods of our own. In my understanding of "The Golden Compass," Phillip Pullman has created a god of his own choosing, an impotent, helpless old god, who is eventually killed. As the Bible clearly states in Exodus 20:4 this is something God Almighty knows we are prone to do. We limit, restrict, and "box" God in by our own limited intellect and understanding. Let us pray that God will reveal to us more and more of who He is as we stay rooted in His truth.

So enjoy what God has given us, the ability to reason, to read, to think, to pray. And let us constantly fill our minds with His thoughts. I wrote a song with that specifically in mind because I know that I am "prone to wander" even if just in my thoughts and that cascades into various areas of my life. Paul himself writes that he did the things he did not want to. Let's be willing to engage the world where it is but let us be "in it" not "of it."

RENEW MY MIND by Graham Page
Oh Lord, I'm driven to distraction
Too many things vie for my attention
Oh Lord, what is this strange attraction
Only You deserve my affection

So renew my mind, Refresh my soul
Cleanse my heart, And make me whole
Restore Your fire, to my life my love, my all
Lord, renew my mind on You

This world is not my friend (x3)

2007-09-28T12:35:00.000-04:00

BLOGS - WASTING TIME OR GAINING INSIGHT?

Well, I know that my title is rather provocative, but that is precisely why I titled this post that way. After all, I have been known to answer both as to why I read blogs. For that matter, I suppose you could answer that you are doing either of these or both when reading here.

Nevertheless, what value is there in reading blogs - good blogs not just link filled garbage that does not show much original thought - does depend on what you actually read. Some blogs are well written, thought out, and generally useful in that they present ideas for the masses to mull over. Possibly provoking emotion, or at least agreement or disagreement. Many opinions abound in the "blogosphere." Various forms of blogs are found, from steam of consciousness verbosity, to elegant discourse, and even in crass rants or cultural watching via pictures. I tend to like ones that use humor, but other emotions are also evident, anger, fear, and even hysteria. Some are informative, some can be rather long-winded, but one thing that is interesting is to to see the snapshot of culture that can be viewed through this interesting media.

I don't know if there is a definitive answer to my title question. What I do know is that all the bloggers are people who need a savior. Some already know Him, while others are exploring spiritual themes or concepts. Some are overt and dogmatic in their faith while others are just as overt but approach their evangelistic charge with great grace, mercy and love. I hope that I fall in that last category as I explore worship, a lifetime endeavor, nay an eternal endeavor that I hope you can join me on.

Here are some interesting sites that I have saved as bookmarks. I will provide some commentary on some and let you explore other ones on your own. As always, just because I have them listed here does not mean that I wholly endorse anything on the various sites. It just means I like to look at, read, or peruse these sites. I do not gain any financial arrangements (don't I wish) from these sites. So enjoy!

http://allthingsbeautiful.typepad.com/
Wow. If you are ready for deep thought, commentary and great artwork - spend some time here. Social commentary with relevant pictures - well done.

http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/
Elegant defender of the faith. Deep thinker who presents culturally relevant thoughts about God and the pursuit of holiness.

http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/
http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2006/04/secret-soviet-submarine-base.html
I have singled out this one as it was the one that got me to add this blog to my favorites. Architecture is a proud moment of achievement for mankind. We can create elegant, graceful forms that pierce the sky. Or we can produce squat, monotonous, mousy brown "cookie cutter" structures with no originality or grace. Either way I am reminded that mankind has been producing architecture for a long time. The Bible is filled with stories of architecture. It is bracketed from front to back with building and design. I think to when man tried to reach up to God (Genesis 11:1-8) through a large tower and to the end where the new Jerusalem is described by the Apostle John (Revelation 21).

http://www.boingboing.net/
It's hard not to spend too much time here. I suppose I am somewhat of a geek as I like this stuff.

http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/
Steve Camp - 80's and 90's Christian Music guy, writes a very thoughtful blog (at times) and very spiritually aware. Interesting to note that recently he had an article on Bloggers that can be read under "Don't tase me bro!"

http://ceruleansanctum.com/
One of the better "Godblogosphere" blogs around.

http://newsbusters.org/
Liberal bias in media - you know that they lean a little to the left.

http://www.reason.com/blog/
Just for some balance here is the other side. Yes, I do like to read both to expand my mind.

http://chrissur.blogspot.com/
I like to read what other church planters are doing.

http://wizbangblog.com/
A little bit of everything.

http://middlezonemusings.com/
Muse away.

http://www.evangelicaloutpost.com/

http://www.x-entertainment.com/

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Fascinating look into people secrets.

http://www.thesneeze.com/
This site cracks me up. First of all this guy has way too much time on his hands. Secondly he has a long suffering wife, and finally he has some crazy things here. Some of my favorites are listed on the right hand sidebar. They include Captain Avenger, hilarious musings that are probably met with blank stares from hard core online gamers; Cheap-A** Cereals, the funny thing is we have probably all had "generic" cereals and after reading this you will probably look at those bags and boxes a little closer; Freaky Franks, play this a couple of times and you will suddenly see that many hours have passed. On top of that you will wonder what each one tastes like; and Steve, Don't eat it, is a little like watching a car wreck, you can't pull yourself away.

So if you are a blogger - blog on. If you like to read blogs - read on. I hope you have enjoyed some of the blogs I read occasionally.

Enjoying life remembering the wide world around me,
Graham

2007-09-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

What do YOU model?

I recently received an email from a weekly subscription I have to "Fathers.com," an excellent resource for all you dads out there. The Subject line was intriging and certainly captured my attention boldly asking the question: "Graham, do you want your child to be like you?" Wow. My immediate answer is absolutely yes, and absolutely no. Yes, all the good things, characteristics, habits that are positive I show as head of my family - shine on. And no to the laziness, selfishness, lying, horrible habits, and general badness that I know I exude.

Well, it is wonderful to know that God, our heavenly Father, models only the best to us. In fact, He gives us His Spirit, which allows us to even be Holy as He is Holy. And He gives us eternal salvation through His son, Jesus. I wrote a song once that had the following lines:

Your liquid mercy covers me, like a second skin.

Your Justice seeks satisfaction, the Father sees His Son.

We, as redeemed beings, trusting in the salvation through faith in Jesus' sacrifice, are seen by God as pure, spotless, and as perfect as Jesus Christ, the Son of God Himself. Amazing. Talk about the right model to follow.

So, I pray that I will model the proper things to my children, and point out that there is a better, perfect model in God. I will admit my faults and failures, and revel in God's grace, forgiveness and mercy. And I will try to show the same to my family.

Hope your "modelling" career takes off,
Graham

2007-04-25T12:35:00.000-04:00

Hello. Just a brief note here to keep the blog fresh.

I was looking up at the skies one night while out of the realm of light pollution and I was struck by the vastness of the universe. While we may think we are masters of our domain we are insignificant specks in the whole scheme of things. This post could go on forever about this topic and I may address it later I am sure. However, it did make me realize that I am thankful to know the creator. It is mind-boggling to look at the stars and think they happened by chance or to hold a leaf in your hands and think that it formed itself.

So enjoy all of creation, raise your voice, and join in to the song - Psalm 19 - day after day and night after night!

Glad to know the creator of this vastness is the still small voice I need to hear,

Graham

2006-11-17T14:01:00.000-05:00

WORSHIP! I am going to start with the "W" in W.A.V.E. (see earlier post for explanation).
What I find most amazing is how much Worship, the word, is used for so many things that are not necessarily actually worship. I wrote a series on Worship, for my edification mostly, that we used for a Bible Study last year. The title is "Deeper" and I will post portions of it here to help us continue our dialog of Worship.

"Do you remember when you first learned to swim? Do you remember being afraid of the water because it was mysterious, perhaps it was a lake that was dark and you could not see the bottom? Did you approach slowly, hesitatingly, perhaps putting your feet in? Or was it the ocean, on the shoreline, where the noise of the breaking waves surrounded you, splashing your feet and legs, tugging at you from the swirling water at your feet? Or was it a pool where you could see the bottom clearly but through the magnification and haze of the water? Did you climb down the ladder holding on tightly to the brushed aluminum sides as you lowered yourself in? Or was there a gentle slope, splashing fountains, screaming kids, toys, and a cacophony of people as you walked deeper and deeper towards the depth of the pool? Was your mom or dad holding you, gently bouncing you in the liquid as you held on to them in fear and awe of this substance you were so familiar with yet so foreign? "

"Do you remember the first time you knew about God and you wanted to know more about Him? Do you remember being afraid and wondering about how mysterious He was? Did it seem dark and you could not see the bottom? Did you approach Him slowly, hesitatingly, perhaps just praying or reading one verse? Or was it at church or a meeting where you knew He loved you and you felt His presence wash over you, tugging at your heart? Or was it where you had learned all about Him at Bible School or camp but you walked to the edge and looked at the bottom through the magnification and haze of what they told you about God? Did you lower yourself in that knowledge holding on your Bible and the truth of what you knew about God? Was your mom or dad there explaining God to you though your childhood? Gently bouncing you deeper and deeper as you held on to what they told you and showed you. Did you hold on to what you knew as you worshipped in awe and fear of this familiar and yet foreign God?"

"Deeper is a class that explores worship as a lifestyle. Specifically this is an investigative, interactive study where we will look at what is worship, who deserves our worship, why should we worship, when should we worship, and how we should worship. The goal of the class is to deepen our understanding of worship, deepen our understanding of who God is and what He does, and ultimately deepen our response to Him."

Please let me know your thoughts and comments, Graham

2006-11-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

Romans 3:23 - All have Sinned And Fall Short

Jesus calls us to be lovers of Peace. And as Christians we are the public face of God's Love, Mercy, and Grace to the World. What a task, what a priviledge. And yet we are not able to do it; we fall down, we are overcome, we fail. In our frailty and humility we look to our Father as we cry out in desperation - "Abba!" We visibly demonstrate Romans 3:23 falling short of the Glory or God. In our own strength we rise like sparks on heated air, rushing upward with a fiery glow for the world to see. But not being connected to the source of combustion, we slowly fade to ashy grey and tumble to earth, barren of any life.

Thanks Lord, for allowing us to be Your vessels. But please let us stay accountable to You. Let us stay accountable to our brothers and sisters, as we sharpen each other (Proverbs 27:17). Plugged into your Word, guided by Your Spirit, connected by prayer to You at all times. Please Jesus find us faithfully following You as You reign sovereign in our lives.

Holding On To The One Who Is Holding On To Me,
Graham

2006-10-10T12:02:00.000-04:00

JUSTICE FOR ALL! - FOCUS ON STRENGTHS!
I spent the end of last week in the Gwinett County Arena, just north of Atlanta, attending the Catalyst Conference. This ecclectic Leadership conference had us laughing our loud, moved to tears, prostrate before God, lifting holy hands, and being filled with the joy of the Lord. The speakers had me thinking about so much, some I disagreed with but thought provoking nonetheless. Overall a great time of ministry, mirth (yes, mirth as Jeff Foxworthy pointed out how Jesus picked a few rednecks as disciples), and a time to recharge batteries and spend time as a leadership team. Perhaps next year we will be able to have the whole team go as it was beneficial for all.

Gary Haugen of the International Justice Mission had a great illustration from his life when he was a boy. He had the opportunity to go on a an adventure hike with his dad and brothers up Mount Ranier but he chose to stay in the "safe" visitor center. He still regrets this decision and he paralleled this to the "adventure" of this life where we are called to go out by our Heavenly Father to a "risky" journey. Taking a stand for the oppressed, going into unsafe places and making a difference one life at a time where those who have no voice or are ignored get to see the love of Christ in action. Where God reaches out through us to show the world His love. What a privilege. I want to be willing to take those risks for God, to stand up for justice. If you want more info on IJM check out their website (www.ijm.org).

Another theme that stuck out was the fact that when we focus on weaknesses, both personal and corporately, as in a church or business, our efforts will be in vain. Our weaknesses are just that, weak. We can try to improve in these areas, especially if they are anti-social, or so bad that we must minimize them, but turning them into areas of growth is ludicrious. Plus it takes us away from what we are good at - our strengths. I know that this is a counter-intutive thought in today's economy but it really makes sense. If we focus on improving our strengths, we are better as individuals, better as teams, better as a whole for our churches. Here is an example I see in my own life. I, by my very nature, am not a very organized person. Sure, I can find things when I need to but as far as efficiency in my organizatational skills - nope, not gonna be great here. However, I have other areas of strengths. I see the big picture, I drive consensus, I think strategically, I am passionate about worship, music, and believe it or not am a pretty good leader. If I focus on my weaknesses, I get frustrated, others get frustrated, and we end up with no greater progress than before and a bunch of frustrated people. You can see where I am going with this can't you. :] Of course, if I focus on my strenghts, I operate in areas that I love, have great passion in, and am good at.

I will have to post more on Andy Stanley specifically later but suffice it to say, I enjoyed the conference, it was invigorating. I have been stimulated to deeper pursuit of God; of greater worship and more prayer; to less marginalizing and more action.

Love justice (Micah 6:8) and use your strengths to worship God (Mark 12:30),
Graham

2006-09-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

BUSYNESS DOES NOT EQUAL GODLINESS (OR HOLINESS).

This month has been busy. But it has been fulfilling. We have been on the go with the sale of our house, the purchase of another, the closing, the move, continued recording, the death of Joanna's grandmother, the funeral of a church friend's husband, school starting, preschool starting, you name it. But busyness for the sake of just doing does not merit anything except hassles, exhaustion, and frustration. Busyness for God is the same, it will not get us closer to Him, make us more like Him, or even allow us to enter His Kingdom. Busyness can keep us from growing and can take our focus off of God instead of placing them on Him more.

In the midst of all this busyness in my life I want to be found focusing on God and not my small life. Thankfully the touchstone of His Word and the calming power of prayer are preeminent for me. Yes, it is a stuggle at times as I war with myself trying to find the time to focus on who He is and just to cry out to Him. However, without this communication, there would have to be a breakdown. But knowing that He is in control, He is sovereign, He is watching over us, He will not let us go through something we cannot handle, helps me to cope. More than cope, I am surviving, no, I am thriving. I am being transformed into His likeness. I am deepening my worship, my surrender to Him. Why, because I recognize I cannot do all this on my own. It is the supernatural power of God changing me, molding me, and as I let go of "sacred cows" and things I think I need to be in charge of, He takes over, empowing me in my feebleness, my infirmities. The Lord's words to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 ring so true: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Catch the wave,
Graham

2006-08-25T20:10:00.000-04:00

OVERWHELMED!
Joanna and I just returned from a get-away down in Asheville at The Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, attending the Integrity Songwriter's Conference. Wow. The instruction was tremendous, the times of worship and praise were inspiring and moving, and the fellowship sweet. There were so many of the artists that were so real and inspiring. Personal favorites are Paul Baloche, Michael Neale, The Desperation Band and Ross Parsley from New Life, the folks at Gateway fellowship, Steve and Vikki Cook, Don Moen, Steve Merkel, Lynn DeShazo, Miriam Webster and others from Hillsongs, the brilliant musicians, like Don Harris, Carl Albrect, Ben Gowen, and so many more. I know personally that I was moved again to greatness. I want to be a greater worshipper, a greater follower of Christ, a greater Elder, a greater husband, a greater songwriter, a greater Christian. But that greatness comes from surrender and humility.

There is so much more to unpack and I will in future posts. But know this, if you ever get a chance to go to a Integrity Songs for Worship Conference, go. I have been to two Songwriter's conferences and I am the richer for it.

Get living on the spiritual "edge,"
Graham - a servant of the Lord Most High

2006-08-05T23:35:00.000-04:00

PRAISING GOD IS A PRIVILEGE!
We just finished a 3 hour end-of-summer music practice for the W.A.V.E. Band. We started by reading Psalm 100 and then praying. I know that I needed this to help focus that even though we were going over some new songs and also some already practiced ones, we were doing not for oursleves, even though our very act of worhsip transforms us, we were singing FOR and TO the King of kings. I pray that as we come together that our failings and foibles will be lost in the majesty of praising God and leading others to the throne room.

Recently, I have done some recording and am working hard on finishing a 12 song album. It will be a studio album but it hopefully will capture our W.A.V.E. Band sound as well. It has been a fantastic experience and I am trying to get this accomplished by the end of September. While this may be a bit adventurous, I think it is doable and so I am working diligently and prayerfully to complete this project.

I will try to update this forum with the progression of the songs and when it will abe available.

One more thought on worship. Look on the back of any Integrity Music or Hosanna music recording. There is usually a little note on worship written by the president of Integrity Music. I love this statement because it does help identify that worship will be eternal. Our praises, honor, and glory WILL be given to the Lamb who was slain, the Risen Lord, the only One who sits on the throne(Revelation 5:12). So as we await eternity and the soon return of our Savior let us live lives of worship, surrendered to Him, reaching out to all, and overflowing with His love.

Peace,
Graham

2006-06-27T10:17:00.000-04:00

TIME FLIES...
I find that I am unable to keep anything going for very long if it does not hold my interest - or if there are no people clamoring or awaiting my output. I suppose there is personal drive and desire that can motivate me but again if my interest wanes... I will freely admit that I had intentions of updating at least once a week. Perhaps I can still manage that but I would not hold out hope.

Finding moments to worship in our busy lives is paramount to our growth as followers of Christ. Why you may ask? Well, for one we are commanded to as in Romans 12:1 "our spiritual act of worship." This action is an expression of our love and devotion to a loving God. This same God loves us when we are unlovely and separated from Him (Rom. 5:8). Unimaginable, inconceivable - as the protagonist from the Princess Bride reminds us over and over again - our finite minds cannot understand an infinite God. But we can love Him, and we can learn more about Him, and we can worship Him. So maybe writing this can be a form of cathartic worship, purging my mind of selfishness and filling it with thoughts of Him. An overflowing written example of personal worship to the Creator.

Please bear with me as I float in and out of the expression of worship to my Savior and Lord.
Thanks for sharing the journey with me,
Graham

2006-05-30T16:23:00.000-04:00

What is W.A.V.E.? (And why do you want to catch it?)

Wave is an acronym that stands for WORSHIP, ADORATION, VENERATION, and EXALTATION. Hopefully in the next few posts we can discuss these in greater detail. This acronym is the name our our praise band (for lack of a better term) at Triad Christian Fellowship. We are a non-denomination church that started about 7 years ago. Our purpose is to bring people into a greater relationship with Jesus Christ - especially if they never have had a personal relationship with Him, as well as foster and grow christians in their relationships with each other.

2006-05-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

So here we are - starting a blog. I am amazed at how much I dislike this. However, I understand the necessity, well rather the exercise of having a blog. An online, personal journey shared with millions of web-users. My reasons for disliking blogging are varied and as I journey through this endeavor, may change - will change! My personal thoughts are that blogs must be read as a whole, as an ongoing commentary and as dynamic, changing entities that reflect the dynamic, changing nature of their authors. So welcome to our journey.

Catching the WAVE!
Luke 24:51-53
Graham