Recently, in the modern worship service at my church, we have introduced a “new” song – How He Loves Us, by John Mark McMillan.  Since it was on the new David Crowder Band album, I was familiar with the song, itself, and the lyrics, and thought they were quite moving.  Playing the song (I am the keyboardist in our worship band), I think the most difficult thing with How He Loves Us is that the picture it paints of God and the way the final crescendo focuses on His love and grace, I really want it to keep on going (and going), but (as a musician in a band) I’ve got to stay with the other guys and bring it to an end.

Somehow, in times like that, I think about Moses.  Not the Moses, leading the children of Israel.  The Moses leading a bunch of sheep in the desert, coming across a burning bush and discovering the presence of God – in direct communication with Him.  In his talk with God, Moses sounds so tentative and reluctant to carry our his mission, coming up with all sorts of excuses to stay out in the wilderness.  And I wonder – was it all reluctance to do what he was asked, or was it partially a reluctance to leave the direct presence and communion with God, there with that burning bush?

And I think about John – the “disciple Jesus loved”.  John, a kid who was probably only 15 or 16 when Jesus was crucified.  John, whose Gospel did not just seek to recount the events of Jesus’ life, but whose Gospel stands apart from the other three – an attempt to theologically explain Jesus through a lens of intense devotion and love.  John – the only disciple to die of old age.  How he must have longed for his short time on earth with Jesus to have never ended.

Read the rest of this entry »

Hi all,

To piggy-back on Jerry’s post about ‘burning books for Jesus’, I came across an article today which was given to me by a friend of mine (who is quoted from in the article, and her father is the pastor in question).  I was wondering  what you all might think of the position taken in the article, and why?

I personally take a position based on 1 Cor.8, and that it’s a matter of conscience, not obedience, lest Paul be mistaken for not vehemently condemning the Christians eating food sacrificed to false gods.

What do you think?

Suggested to me by my son…

For a bit better vocal performance passed my way this week, here’s John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) at this year’s Jerry Lewis Telethon (which I didn’t even realize was still going on) performing Augie Nieto:

Have a great weekend!

This was passed on to me by a friend of mine from my college days

No deeper meanings pondered.  No theological tie-ins.  OK – maybe one.

Just Friday afternoon…