I’m Not Perfect

Lately I’ve felt like I need to be better at doing certain task in my life. Perhaps it’s because I feel like it’s something I NEED to do. I can’t be a great model as a Christian unless I take time out of my day EVERY day to read my Bible. I can’t become a better guitar player unless I work on my technique more than a couple hours a week. Jesus knew the Bible inside and out during His time on Earth, and John Mayer played guitar for 8 hours a day every day through high school (not comparing the two, just a reference). In order to be better I have to do more, and if I don’t accomplish this then I not only fail myself, but I also fail the others around me. So due to this recent acknowledgment I have set two rather specific goals for myself…

1. To read my Bible every day for at least an hour (starting with Romans) or more.
2. To practice my guitar technique and knowledge of music theory for at least 10 hours ever week. this does not include the music I have to learn for church on the weekends.

If I can keep up with this routine then I’m positive I will see some results in the way I feel about my life.

Too Cool?

So the other week Oak Leaf Church had FUEL at Avalon. Avalon was a great location and its been packed out with 130+ students every week we have had it there. As the band was waiting for Fuel to start we were walking around and socializing with the students. As I was walking around I noticed a girl who I went to school with that was there with a student who was a regular attender of Fuel. I said hi to her and if she was liking the environment and the hospitality of our AWESOME volunteers. She replied with a yes, and I told her to tell me what she thought of it all at lunch the next day.

That night at Fuel was a hit. Josh gave a great message and the band really rocked it out. You have no idea how inspiring it is to see over a hundred kids every week shouting “Sing, Sing, Sing” at the top of their lungs!

The next day I found the girl who was a first timer and asked what she thought of it. Her reply was “eh, it was ok”. when I asked her what she did’nt like about it she told me that it seemed like the band was trying too hard to “be Cool”, and that she believed it was disrespectful of God To be playing the contemporary worship we do, dress the way we dress while on stage, and that we were screaming “Hey look at me I’m in the band!” when Kyle threw his broken drum stick off the stage. She thought we as a band were playing worship for our own personal recognition and not to bring glory to God’s name.

All of this girl’s comments got me thinking. How can someone so ignorant judge me for my love of playing music to the Lord. This is one of my ways of being a disciple.  I do this to hopefully bring those who have fallen back to a relationship with Jesus, and who am I to use the gift that God gave me for my own selfish purposes?

That day I was judged.

That day the Fuel band was judged

That day Oak Leaf Church was judged

We as followers of Christ are all constantly being prosecuted by others for our faith. But that doesn’t matter. Jesus said it would happen, so it’s not big news. But instead of hiding in the gutter like we usually do we need to get on the front lines of the battle. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples. I have my relationship with Christ and the rest of the world deserves to have that relationship with Him as well. Will all be as welcoming to the thought of that? Probably not, but just an act of random kindness or A.R.K (Evan Almighty, awesome and hilarious movie) could possibly be the spark that person needs lto light the fire that God has within them.

This fire could be started using your talents and abilities. What you do best. Whether it is playing a sport with your friend, cooking, or video games. For me it is music. Before I play I pray a quick little prayer that our music moves someone in their relationship with Christ. There’s is a short verse I try to remember…..

Judges 5:3- Hear all you kings, listen all you rulers. I will sing to the Lord I will Sing! I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel”.

I’ll leave you on this note…..

It’s hard to light the fire when your afraid to strike the match…

YOU SAY….blah blah blah….. God Says….

BIBLE VERSES.

You say: “It’s impossible”
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: “I’m too tired”
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: “Nobody really loves me”
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: “I can’t go on”
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: “I can’t figure things out”
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: “I can’t do it”
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: “I’m not able”
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: “It’s not worth it”
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28)

You say: “I can’t forgive myself”
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: “I can’t manage”
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: “I’m afraid”
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated”
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: “I don’t have enough faith”
God says: I’ve given everyone a measure of faith
(Romans 12:3)

You say: “I’m not smart enough”
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: “I feel all alone”
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Wow

For the first time in my life I have experienced how it feels to help bring someone closer to Christ just by being their friend and inviting them to church. Theres just nothing better than the way I’m feeling right now. To assist in helping someone find and accept Jesus Christ and their Savior and live their life for Him……..just sort of leaves me speechless…….wow…….

Lifetime Musical Decision

Well, as of last week I decided that I am officially going to devote my musical abilities in honoring God. I know I know, thats a big choice to make, but I have never been so sure of anything else in my life.

Idk why it happened, but a few weeks ago at church we played the song “Jesus Paid it All”  by Kristian Stanfill and I closed my eyes and justrandomly started to play a prayer to the Lord and I felt a call from Him to use my talents to honor and worship Him.

10 months ago I was playing relatively heavey, non- Christian based music. All I cared about was the rock and roll dream. Being famous and making money was the main thing on my mind. Then about 8 months later I began playing with my church group and my entire outlook on things dramatically changed.

I  am so blessed with my gift so who am I to say that theres no need to use them to worship the Lord? Theres hundreds and thousands of people who already do that. But i dont know…….maybe this is meant to be my way of descipleship. Maybe I could help some people realize that through thick and thin that God will always love them. Maybe I could help those who have drifted away be pulled back into faith and help them want to know Gods word.

Maybe……….