Background Music?

What would be your background music?

The other day I was pondering on the fact that some bad actors get great music in the movies and it almost makes them good at what they do. On the other hand, there are some actors that really just don't need the music. I am referring to Tom Hanks in the movie "Castaway." He was robbed of the Oscar that year by some buffoon from Australia who can play a mean "Gladiator." Now, that was a movie with great music, but I digress.

There are some scenes in some movies that I vividly remember because of the music. One in particular is in the movie, "Dead Poets Society," I recall "Ode to Joy" while the boys were playing soccer. I can actually think of hundreds of scenes where there were no words, only music, and they were very profound moments. On the onther hand, I remember where the music played as the actors were talking and it was in no way distracting, rather it made the scene flow. I know that you can think of some of your favorite movies and think of the music.

One of my favorites is actually in the Sci-fi series of "Star Wars" in Episode One where the big Light-Saber fight takes place. WOW! John Williams is one of my favorites when it comes to motion picture soundtracks. Another that I extremely enjoyed is in the movie "Glory" when the soldiers are making their attack on Fort Wagner, and the music from Carl Orff's, "Carmina Burana" is playing. It was the perfect music for the scene.

Movie soundtracks have made some films that were subpar become wonderful.

With this in mind, I am curious to know, what would be your background music? It most certainly changes with each mood or day. I was listening to Beethoven's 5th Symphony the other day and realized why I like his works so much - extremes! His music is notorious for the "manheim steamroll" or the crescendo (getting loud). Beethoven's music for its day was extreme. I am a person of extremes. I am either passionate about something, or I could just care less. There really is no grey area with me. Should that have been spelled with an "a"?

Nevermind

What would be your background music? The reason I like this idea is rather than letting me know what you are listening to, as some blogs post; let me know what music I should be hearing as you are talking or typing.

I think I am going to come up with an entire lecture or sermon series, where I will have background music. I wonder if what is said would be better received?

I currently have a professor that is passionate about Ancient History, but the presentation is anything but enthusiastic. However, if there was the music of some dynamic nature playing while she was telling of Hannibal and his conquests over the Roman Legions through Spain and down into the Itailian peninsula, then maybe the class would have recalled it better on the test.

Likewise, I wonder if knowing what someone's background music was would be a fun way to know what their mood is. I know that when I am angry, I could just hear the intro to Dvorak's New World Symphony booming. Conversely, when I am in a more playful mood, hearing Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor would be a fun tune.

Even still there may even be times where there is no music at all - silence!

I think the reason I enjoyed the movie "Castaway" so much is that it makes the character even more real. The silence is broken many times, but the most dramatic, in my opinion, is on the raft and Wilson is lost to the ocean - the wailing is incredible.

Sometimes in our own lives, we need the music, but other times we need the silence. Better still, worshipping God is wonderful with music, but even best is worshipping Him in silence. It is refreshing!

So, what is your background music?

The "Refreshing" Fountain

“Mighty, Awesome, Wonderful is the Holy Cross” – Chris Tomlin

As I was listening to this absolutely incredible song, I realized what I have been missing in church – The Cross.

In our churches, we hear sermons on everything but the cross. We have sermons on marriage, family, friends, TV, movies, money and the list could go on for days, but we lack the simple story that changed the world. We want to have people hear sermons that are “relevant.” Hey, I am not knocking the ideas of trying to present truth to people in relevant ways, but what I do believe is missing is the Gospel message in our churches that Jesus came to save. However, what is so amazing is how he chose to do it.

Heck, even some of our songs sung in church lack the depth of truth. We sing songs about running barefoot or hearing the crashing waves. Granted these things are wonderful experiences, and I believe God can be in the midst of them. Yet, the songs of the Cross or the blood seem to be missing or just “sprinkled” here and there. As a matter of fact, I try to sing old hymns to my children when rocking them to sleep. Well, the other night after I had finished “Amazing Grace” I thought for a second about what to sing next to Jacob and began singing “There is a Fountain.” For some, this song is considered gruesome, but for me it is wonderful. The blood of Jesus can cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I want my daughter & son to know this.

If I want my children to know this, then I want the world to know this. Jesus changes us.

Why do we not want to offend others with this “gruesome” truth? Jesus offends. I was thinking about the cross and remembered back to the movie, “The Passion of Christ.” This movie offended. It offended because it was bloody. It offended because it was truth. It offended because it demanded a response. Well, sacrifices are all of these things. Without the shedding of blood, there is no sacrifice for our sins. I remember when I was “plunged” into that fountain. I was changed. Just as a cucumber is soaked in vinegar changes and becomes a pickle. It will never be a cucumber again. It is forever changed. I am thankful that the blood of Jesus so permeates me that I will be forever changed. This is my prayer for my children. This is my prayer for others I see and work with everyday. I want to be “IMMERSED.”



For those of you who have never heard the song mentioned above, here are the words to Chris Tomlin’s song, “Mighty is the Power of the Cross”

Verse:
What can take a dying man
And raise him up to life again?
What can heal the wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness? Brokenness?

Chorus:
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of the cross.

Verse 2:
What restores our faith in God?
What reveals the Father's love?
What can lead the wayward home?
What can melt a heart of stone?
What can free the guilty ones?
What can save and overcome? Overcome?

*Repeat Chorus*

Bridge:
It's a miracle to me
It's a miracle to me
It's still a mystery
And it's still a mystery
It's a miracle to me
The power of God
Those who believe

Chorus:
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.

Oh and mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy cross.
Where the Lamb lay down His life
To lift us from the fall.
Mighty is the power of...
Mighty is the power of...
Mighty is the power of the cross.

Ending:
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for the cross.
I love the cross.
I love the cross.
It's a powerful cross.

What can take a dying man (thank You Jesus)
And raise him up to life again? (thank You Jesus)
Worship You Jesus (wonderful cross)
By Your wounds we are healed
By Your wounds we are saved

"I HELP!"

I know that I am not being grammatically correct in my title, but I am actually quoting my daughter Megan.

Have you ever had one of those moments in your life where you learned a lesson that you wanted to NEVER forget? Well, I have had one of those moments, and I would like to share it with you.

A few months ago, Rebecca & I were cleaning out the garage. Believe me, it needed it. Well, while we were doing this I had taken the broom out to sweep out the dust and dirt that somehow makes its way into the garage. We were almost finished, but I needed to move something in order to complete the sweeping. After I had moved this object, I turned to get the broom, but it wasn’t there. Megan had picked it up and began to sweep.

I was about to approach her to take it from her when she cried out, “I HELP! I HELP!”

So, naturally, I backed off to watch her work. It was incredible the thoughts that immediately rushed through my mind and even later my heart. I had learned a lesson that even as I type this makes my eyes water with tears. She had acted in a way that truly amazed me.

I recognized something about her relationship with me and how that correlates with my relationship with God. Megan was so eager to help even though she had no clue what the exact goal was. She also was using a tool that was twice as tall as her. All she knew was that she wanted to do what I was doing and wanted to help me with all of her might and ability.

I recognized that this is just what Isaiah did in chapter six of his book. Like Megan, Isaiah didn’t know what the goal was. He was simply overhearing God inquire “Who will go for me?” God didn’t say where; He simply wanted to know who. Isaiah didn’t know what tools or resources he would need. All he knew was that he wanted to do whatever God was doing, and he was willing to do this no matter the circumstances.

I picture Isaiah crying out like Megan did. “Here am I, send me!” It could easily be translated, “I HELP! I HELP!”

I stood in my garage and wept while watching my daughter help me. She was doing what I was doing.

She was obedient.

This made me also think about Jesus when he was getting baptized. Jesus was obedient to his Father by going down and being baptized by John. After he had done this, God says, “This is my son, whom I love and am well pleased.”

As I was watching Megan, I thought to myself, “This is my daughter, whom I love and am well pleased.” She didn’t know the task, she didn’t have the coordination, but she knew she wanted to please her Daddy. Even though I had to go behind her to complete the task of sweeping the garage, I could see her walking with a bit of a higher bounce throughout the rest of the afternoon. She knew that I was so very proud of her.

I pray that I will have this same willingness to please God. Even though I may not know what the task is or even have the means by which to accomplish it; my desire is to cry out to God, “I HELP! I HELP!” And just as I did with Megan, I pray that God will follow behind me to complete the task.

Amazed!

What an incredible word. Amazed! Can you just imagine what this brings to mind when we ponder on its meaning? I know that this may seem somewhat chaotic in its beginning, but I will try to make sense of this.

Lately, I have been captivated with the idea of amazement. I have two small children who get amazed frequently. I enjoy it so much that I actually try to find more things to bring about this emotion in them. Jacob, when looking at balloons, actually uses the words, WOW! and he doesn't even talk yet. He will also say the sound OOOOOHHHH!!! He is amazed! My daughter Megan gets amazed by the simplest things also. Just the other day, we had to stop and allow a Fire Truck to pass. This truck was BIG! RED! LOUD! and AMAZING! She loved it so much that she was almost embarrassed to be so excited to see it. Other things cause different kinds of reaction to both of them. Sometimes it is pure silence.

Oh, to have a sense of wonderment and awe when experiencing life like these two children.


Well, I do!


I ponder on what God has done and is doing in my life. I am purely amazed. I can recall times where I have been driving, and suddenly I am amazed with the beauty of the new found place. I have watched television and become amazed. For example, I was amazed at the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Yet, I think about the song, "Amazing Grace" and I am saddened with the idea that I can become complacent with this grace from God. I have become a "Spiritual Grown-up." Yuck!

Many times I have to pause and think of what God has done, and then I am reminded of this Amazing Grace. Sometimes this emotion is expressed in a WOW! or even silence, but lately it has been in tears. Tears of both joy and sadness. The tears of joy for who God is and what He is doing. However, the tears of sadness are because I am amazed at the lack of love and unity in the so-called "church." I know that this may be an awkward transition, but I cannot stop thinking about the current church. It seems like we have to be "defined" by a denomination, label (conservative or liberal), or even generation (Modern or Post-modern). I am amazed that we get so caught up in these differences that we lose sight of our calling to be of One Lord and One Faith.

I also get so amazed at people's dependence on others for defining what they do or do not believe to be "right." I am currently taking an ethics class and I posed the question to the class, "What is right?" I went on to ask, "Whose 'right' is 'right' and whose 'right' is 'wrong'"? No one could give me an answer, mostly because I think everyone was scared to make a stance for something that they defined as right. I was amazed. Yet, this also happens in the "church." We decide on who is right and join with that group. However, I am not so certain that they are right. Does this make sense?

Have we completely perverted the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob? Have we distorted the view of who Jesus is within the distorted man? Have we allowed our selfish desires make Jesus selfish? We wave the banner of inerrancy of Scripture, but we only use the "Parts" that are "relevant" to our generation.

The reason I bring this to light is because the main reason I am amazed by God's grace is because I am amazed at God's judgement. I am in AWE of Him. My tears of sadness are because I believe that we have lost sight of His goodness. Paul says, " . . . that it is God's kindness that leads us into repentance." At one point, I was somewhat confused by this statement, but now it makes sense. I am led to repentance because I realize what I deserve, and I am amazed by His willingness to extend grace to me through His Son's atonement on my behalf, just as he presented the Ram in the thicket for Abraham. He gives grace that is so amazing.

I would hope that others will join me in not being a "Spiritual Grown-up". Rather, I would hope that we can be as children - amazed!

Cul-de-sac

Outside of this being one of the coolest words in all of language, this word has been on my mind for a few weeks.

I know that may seem strange to most, but I had mentioned to some friends that I liked the word and it sparked some thoughts.

When one is searching for a home, they are told to look for “location, location, location;” well, this typically relates to proximity to work and other necessities. However, I know as a parent that it also means to look for safety. Not many parents strive to have a nice home a major thoroughfare for fear of their children’s safety.

Most parents eagerly seek out the safety of a cul-de-sac. The reason is very simple – no through traffic.

So, the location is important.

Okay, I know that this has no meaning whatsoever, but bear with me and you will understand why I ponder on such important things.

Many times I think our churches and even our hearts are like cul-de-sacs. SAFE! Yet, being nestled in safety is not where we are called to be. Cul-de-sacs are great for community. They are safe. There is no through traffic. When most people mistakenly enter a cul-de-sac, they simply turn right back around and leave. Similarly, churches can be great for community and are safe. However, it seems that when people come in our churches, they quickly turn around and leave.

So, why?

Some cul-de-sacs are even called, “dead ends.” Ouch! It is a road to nowhere.

I mentioned earlier that our hearts may also be like cul-de-sacs. Well, many times we do not want people to enter into our lives so we hide at the end our “street” hoping no one stays for long. Commitment is a frightening thing for most. We have with us a safety within our "cul-de-sac" of loved ones or friends, but when others who need some safety are often rejected. This rejection is not intentional rather it is just difficult to maneuver in most cul-de-sacs. Once they are full, no one can enter in even if we wanted them to.

My desire is that my heart would be like a well lit boulevard that has the large trees to shade from the hot sun and street lamps that will guide ones journey in the midst of some darkness. It could be a place to wave at the passerby and to welcome the friend. It would always be stretching to reach another destination.

Our churches should be the same; seeking to welcome any one who passes near. Somehow lighting our “porch” of grace and “chairs” of peace or rest.

"Follow Me!"

Could you imagine hearing these words from a stranger and dropping your every belonging and willingly following Him?

I really do not know where to start but to say that lately I have had this one idea or thought that I just cannot seem to shake. Well, this thought has to do with commitment. I know that commitment can be a frightening word to some; actually, the idea of committing to something is very difficult for most and is a very frightening thing to encounter. However, the opposite extreme is equally frightening.

What I am referring to is the idea that instead of committing to anything, we have become a society (church) that is unwilling to commit or surrender our desires.

We justify this by "signing on" to a particular “cause” or “charity” but heaven forbid they ask for some time or commitment. I have come to a realization as to why we do not commit. We simply do not demand commitment.

It is easy to get someone to wear a fashionable bracelet and to get a few bucks for charity, because we can get the tax deduction. I have been listening to a Christian radio station on the internet, and they are a “listener supported” radio station and every time they advertise to help support them, they make a point to note that your giving is tax-deductible. Now, tax-deductions are a good thing, but I have become saddened that one of the methods to get people to “support” them is to encourage that the gift is tax-deductible. As believers, the idea of reaching the lost should be enough to give to them, whether we get a deduction or not.

Currently in the news, they have been showing the evictions of the Jews in the Gaza Strip. Now, my particular opinion is not important on that whole ordeal, but it made me think about our (Western) convictions and commitments. Many of the Jews would stay in the Synagogue or in their homes until they were physically removed.

That is commitment!

When I was a child, there was a part of the Church service called the “Invitation.” It usually followed the “Sermon” and was followed by the “Offering.” I know that immediately, the mental image is the Billy Graham Crusade that calls for masses of people to come a pray a simple prayer. Well, I understand that, but at this particular church, they changed it to be called the “Call to Commitment.” They believed, as I do now, that we have almost made it too simple to call people to come and “make a decision” to pray for salvation.

I believe that we have quenched the Spirit of God. We have followed the example of the “causes” to simply ask people to “sign-on” with what we are doing, rather than demanding a commitment, not to the church itself, but to God Himself.

I know that this sounds cynical, but it is reality.

The story that comes to mind is in Matthew 19, where Jesus is walking and a young man calls out, “Rabbi! Rabbi! What must I do to have eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “Follow the law – honor your mother & father, do not murder, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not give false testimony and love your neighbor.”

The young man said, “I have done these.”

Jesus commanded, “Sell your possessions and come follow me.”

The young man went away saddened.

Now, how come we do not have calls to commitment in the church like this anymore? Is it because we need their tithe? Or, do we not want to make people uncomfortable?

What is it?

Also, I fear that many in the church do not have a real relationship with God through Jesus Christ as we think or even expect. We have made it based on a “Romans Road” salvation plan. Now, do not get me wrong on some of these things. There have been times of great revival in our country with Crusades and Tent Meetings, but I just think there is more to it than the preaching of the Gospel and expecting people to pray silently in their chairs.

We must, as Jesus did, demand commitment.

Jesus looked out to Peter in the boat and said, “Come Follow Me!” Peter immediately left everything and followed Him. In a similar way Jesus called Zebedee’s sons.

The response was a simple “yes” or “no,” but the commitment was enormous. All of the disciples except for John were killed because of their unyielding commitment to Jesus. My desire is that I could live like this and that I would teach this kind of surrender to my children.

Likewise, I pray that the church will decide to make disciples and followers of Jesus rather than being so focused on the show. We must demand commitment. I know that this is not an easy thing, but we must. If we do not, then we have failed in making Disciples as Christ commanded us to do.

Identity

I look down at my wrist and see the “Livestrong” wristband which marks some sense of identity. I see everywhere that there are all different colors now for these wristbands. They are used to identify someone to a particualr "cause" or purpose, such as Cancer awareness like my wristband or for the elimination of poverty like the "One" wristbands (which I also have).



It seems that everyone just wants to be identified with something of “cause” or purpose. Well, then I began to ponder on the phrase, “The ‘Cause’ of Christ.” I know that if you have been attending a church anywhere, you surely have heard this phrase before. If not, then please just bear with me.

Is following Jesus really something that should be put into the same category of the cause for cancer, abuse, poverty, missing children, or any other “cause” that we want to identify with?

I am struggling with calling it a "cause" for Christ, rather it seems to me that we are not called by Jesus to live a cause, rather we are commanded to surrender and follow Him in such a way that we live our lives for Him alone. That is not a “feel-good” cause or stance. I would venture to say that Peter did not die a martyrs death for a cause, rather he died for his belief in Jesus as the Christ, Son of the Living God.

If we were to examine our lives and live in such a way that we were in complete surrender, then the above mentioned causes would be parts of our lives as a whole.

In a similar vain, I recall my childhood striving to obtain a fake ID. I know you are all perfect and would have never done such a thing, but nevertheless, I did. I wanted to be identified as someone who was older and more responsible in order to purchase smokeless tobacco; only to discover that I was not carded because of my appearance. I guess I appeared older than most and was able to simply make the purchases.




However, lately in the church it seems that no one wants the identity of “Christian.” Now, I know that this may seem odd, but it is true. I have had people tell me that they would prefer to be called a “Christ-follower” “Believer” or “Fill in the denomination name.” Yes, the last is true I have had people who would rather be identified as a Baptist than a Christian. On the other hand, I have had people, including myself who did not want to be identified with certain denomination or group. Yet we seem to be quick to identify with being Democrat or Republican. It is easy to take on the identity of organizations or parties, but why do we shy away from being called, “Christian?”

Better still, I have noticed a title or identity that we rarely use anymore – “God-Fearing.” Yet, this is probably one of the most powerful names that could be given. That is another topic for another day.

Back to my story, I realized that my appearance was what allowed me to do things that others could not. It gave me a sense of power or authority that no one else had. Well, this is also true for “Christians.”

We are God’s Ambassadors.

Wow, now you want to talk about a cool identity. We are given the same authority and power as God Himself. We do not need a card or a wristband; rather we need a submitted heart and a humble spirit to God. Once this is done, others will notice our appearance and not question our identity. They will recognize that we are “set-apart.”

Like the Apostle Paul, our identity must be the cross of Christ. As he says, "I am Crucified with Christ, it is no longer I but Christ who lives in me."

"Emerging Evangelism"

I understand that the title can be seen as an oxymoron, but I have been struggling with the notion of the "Emerging" church vs. the "Evangelical" church.

Depending on the audience, both of these names have a negative meaning. The word "Emerging" has been made synonymous with "post-modernism" "Seeker-sensitive" "Purpose-Driven" etc., and the word "Evangelical" has been made synonymous with "fundamental" "Traditional" "Institutional" etc..

On the other side of the same coin, these can both be viewed in very positive lights as well. The "Emerging" church is "community" "service" & "fresh." Similarly, the "Evangelical" church is "bold" "grounded" & "secure." I understand that these opinions are strictly my own, but nonetheless, they seem somewhat accurate in the minds of most.

So, the debate rages between others; however, this debate is being fought inside me.

I wrestle with "right" or "wrong." My fear is that we forfeit one for the other, so currently I am curious to know if we can have both. We forfeit the "secure community." We eliminate the "grounded" theology for "fresh" ideas that have no basis in the scripture. Similarly, we surrender the ability to reach others in a "fresh" way because it shakes the "secure" understanding of how things have been done in the past.

So, I will wrestle with this simple question, "Can we have an Emerging Evangelism?"