connecting...

I don't know if you've noticed, but we've been blessed to have a good number of new people walk in our doors the past couple of weeks. I get real excited when I meet these new people, but something that I read in our devotional caught me off guard. In the 2nd week, Mike asks the following question:
"Ministry is more than just meeting needs; it's about connecting with the person in need. What does that mean to you in your life?"

When I thought about this, I had to step back and think why I am I going out of my way to talk to the newcomers at our church? Is it because I'm excited that our church may be growing? I think my reason should be that someone new has walked into the door that has their own story. They have their own issues. They have their own questions. And I should be excited that I and my church can minister to them and hopefully grow in our walk with Jesus together.

When I read this question, I also thought about music and the arts. When we sing a song on Sunday morning, are we singing it because we think people will think it's cool and can sing along to it? Or are we singing it because that song just may meet someone where they are at, and connect them with God? This can be true with any art...

question...

I appologize for taking a while between posts, but with school starting, I've been a little pre-occupied. Don't worry, I've been keeping up with the devo though....

But I have a quick question for you...what if I told you to "remember Jesus"?

How would you feel?

Thankful?
Convicted?
Encouraged?
Indignant?
Inulted?
Misunderstood?

side-tracked

This doesn't have anything to do with the devotional we're talking about, but I thought I'd let you all know of a new band who just released their debut album this week. They're called Leeland, and the album is called Sound of Melodies.

It's some of the most refreshing music I've heard in a while and is no bones about worshiping God. The lead singer is only 17 years old, but his song writing and heart for God in his lyrics are mature far beyond his years. Songs like "Beautiful God" and "Yes You Have" are especially fun to worship with.

Good--real good stuff.

Here it is...

I've picked out what I think could be a very cool devotional for us to start off with. It's called, "My 30 Days Under the Overpass" by Mike Yankosi. From what I understand, this guy chose to become homeless for a month to discover what it's like to be an outsider and someone other people mock and neglect. I thought this concept would be right on with our church focusing on other people, inviting people to worship with us and being Jesus to our community. This is a 30 day devotional, and if any one is interested in joining me, they are for sale for $10 at Berean or Amazon dot com.

In the first part of the book, Mike (I'm on a first name basis with him...we're cool) talks about how Jesus interacted with the outsiders in his time..."He lived with them, listened to them, ate with them, (sometimes He brought the food), partied with them, healed them, wept and laughed with them".

He then goes on to say that loving people isn't a "calling" but a "direct, nonnegotiable command".

I don't know about you, but that put me in my place. At times on Sunday morning when someone new comes in the doors and I go out of my way to talk to them, I feel good about myself because I feel like I've done God a "favor" or that made me a good person. But to know that that is what I'm SUPPOSED to do? Not under obligation, but because that is what God did for me?

Matthew 22:39 - "Love your neighbor as yourself"

Notice he doesn't say, "Try to love your neighbor", or "If none of your other friends are around, love your neighbor".

I think for those of us in the arts, we have a nice way of connecting with others. Almost everyone appreciates some sort of art. We can, in a very non-threatening way, connect with those outside our circles through our art. Do you know anyone who shares a same interest as you (music, art, drama, tech) who is searching for an answer or doesn't know Jesus?

Testing...one..two...

Ah!
Thanks for visiting your new blog! If you came hoping to read some juicy insights in the world of Jesus and the arts....you'll have to wait just a little bit. Maybe at the end of this week.

Anyway, I want this to be *our* blog, so please e-mail or leave your comments if you have any suggestions for how you think this thing should be ran. I'll be posting something on here very soon and hopefully it can be something you can chew on for a little while.

Welcome, artists...