Both services went great today. We introduced a new song “Let Me Sing”. I think Gary heard it at the Drive conference a month or so back. It’s a great song and seemed to go down really well.
Brent, Joel and a host of other bloggers have been working hard recently at shedding some pounds. I need to too, but I won’t post that offensive logo on my blog! Ha Ha!
Anyway, the guys I think have been going about it all wrong. I’m not 100% certain, but I think they’ve probably been attending non-christian gyms. Yes, you heard me right.
They ought to re-evaluate their objectives (and that logo), get down to the The Lord’s Gym and start toning up by joining yoga Yo-God and Chariots Of Fire (spinning) classes. There is even a smoothie bar where you can purchase healthy wholesome drinks such as “Land of Milk and Honey”.
Our fitness centers are set in an atmosphere of Christian fellowship. Each Lord’s Gym combines spiritual, mental and physical growth in one setting by fostering a family environment where quality people can enjoy fitness activities without compromising their Christian beliefs. Each Center features cardio training, free weights, weight machines, circuit training, weight loss programs, a group fitness room, Yo-God, spin classes, children’s facilities, café and smoothie bar, vitamins/ supplements, a sports wear pro shop and spa services.
The Gym is also open to non-Christians or even (this-is-big) Christians not sharing the same doctrinal beliefs. Wow.
I read some press articles online and found this beauty of a quote.
Merri, who is a member with her daughter, Christyna, said she probably would not have joined a regular gym. The two of them walk on the treadmill each morning while they read and discuss the Bible.
Ms. Askey said, “It’s cool to be able to do that and not have people say, ‘What are you doing?’ ”
What? Don’t we like people asking these questions?
Before someone from The Lord’s Gym contacts me - I’m having a bit of fun - for the most part. I guess it’s fine to work-out in whatever environment you feel is best for you as a Christian - however, working-out (not that I’d know) is an ideal opportunity to create relationships and share our faith.
Here’s the whole set list from 08 Jun 2008 at New Horizon Church, Durham NC.
My Saviour Lives - New Life Worship
[youtube url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOFy-Ez3_gk]
Blessed Be The Name - Matt Redman
[youtube url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUhlxFw5tkg]
Nothing But The Blood - Matt Redman
[youtube url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ysjZlloCJI]
Majesty (Here I Am) - Delirious
[youtube url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGZQlyNP4ZA]
UPDATE: Head over here for a chance to win a copy of Jon Foreman’s Summer EP.
(Mud’s giveaway is over)
Mudpuppy mentioned this song today on Twitter and then sent me the video. It’s a new song from Jon Foreman’s Summer EP
[youtube url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E53qJxltyfI]
I hate all your show and pretense
The hypocrisy of your praise
The hypocrisy of your festivals
I hate all your show
Away with your noisy worship
Away with your noisy hymns
I stomp on my ears when you’re singing ‘em
I hate all your show
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
Your eyes are closed when you’re praying
You sing right along with the band
You shine up your shoes for services
There’s blood on your hands
You turned your back on the homeless
And the ones that don’t fit in your plan
Quit playing religion games
There’s blood on your hands
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
I hate all your show
Let’s argue this out
If your sins are blood red
Let’s argue this out
You’ll be one of the clouds
Let’s argue this out
Quit fooling around
Give love to the ones who can’t love at all
Give hope to the ones who got no hope at all
Stand up for the ones who can’t stand at all, all
I hate all your show
I hate all your show
I hate all your show
I hate all your show
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
I hate all your show
Gary was preaching today (and did an awesome job!) so I was leading the worship set. I was sick as a dog this morning as per usual when I’m leading. It was my first time leading a full set at NHC and I was really excited.
First service for me was a little ropey for me. The band did a brilliant job of disguising most of my errors, but then I fumbled on some lyrics! I didn’t do a Brook White and restart the song, I just continued and hoped it didn’t distract anyone from their worship.
Second service I was a lot more relaxed. God really showed up (in both services). I remembered all my song arrangements and lyrics for the second service. On the talking side - I also pushed myself more on second service and it felt good to space things out a little. I didn’t say anything stupid. 
Anyway, as much as I love it, it’s always nice to get it over with so I can really chill. After service Liz, me and the kids grabbed a bite to eat and then when we got home we sprawled on the sofa until I had to go out again in the evening. That’s my idea of a Sunday afternoon right there.
Gary closed his message with a new song he had written recently. It was fantastic.
I just thought I’d share something quick.
When leading worship, the talkie bits are something I’ve always felt lame at. Therefore I don’t usually say too much at all.
In saying this, I don’t think worship leaders should get up there and talk too much either, but sometimes it’s good to say something to set up a song, or a simple prayer while the band get themselves organized for the next song.
Anyway, I’m leading tomorrow for the first time in six/seven months and I’ve been thinking off and on about what I will say. I know Gary is preaching on Trusting in God tomorrow, but it’s too cheesy to get up there and rhyme off something along those lines.
The funny thing is, my reading plan today brought me stumbling into Psalm 40.
Verse 4 says, “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!“ (ESV)
And verse 5 says, “You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.” (ESV)
I like verse 5 better written like this, “Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.” (NKJV)
So, I think to start off tomorrow I will attempt to encourage people to worship God by working in “Oh God, Many are Your wonderful works…” somewhere in my short prayer. Who knows though, I could say something entirely different!
Do you think through your talkie bits beforehand, or just wing it?
This was mentioned during the message today. I thought it was shocking. I had to look it up to confirm.
Only 6% of American Christians tithe.
(Only 4% of American Christians give the whole tithe to their church).
Shocking. Read more here.
Let’s have your 2 cents…
The set was short and sweet this morning. Dave needed extra time this morning for the message and some special announcements.
Worship was great this morning. Gary and the band were tight as usual.
I was on backing vocals today. I hadn’t sung “Jesus Paid It All” before (I can’t believe that!). I love it, but I struggled to catch the harmony on it this morning. Second service was even worse for me on this song.
Apart from me coming in a little early on the “It’s all, It’s all because of You…” part in first service, “All Because Of Jesus” and “Our God Saves” were solid.
Liz tells me I had my eyes closed a lot. I was making a conscious effort to keep them open though and even smile! Seems like I’ll have to work harder!
…before he preached!
I read this a couple of days back on Steven Furtick’s blog. It brought a smile to my face (not that I don’t smile much).
My father was (is) a pastor. Before he used to speak his mood would change. He would become very focused on the message. He would tense up. His patience levels reduced to a very short fuse. He wouldn’t eat anything before leaving for church because he couldn’t.
As kids, you didn’t dare mess about in the back of the car while he drove to church. That would have been guaranteed pain right there.
Only after the service did we get our dad back to normal, after the self-evaluation session and encouragement shout-outs in the car. On the way back he’d even put the radio on. Sometimes.
Now that us four lads have all grown up and left home, my poor mum has to put up with this singlehandedly on a regular basis. She’s well used it to now though. Ha ha!
I’m not a preacher, but I can relate to the same motions while preparing for worship. I can’t think of anything else most of the weekend. I can’t eat before the service. I just can’t seem to be my normal chilled self. I’m always sneaking off for another look over the set-list.
I’m not convinced it’s a good thing. I sometimes feel guilty for the impact that it has on my wife and kids. Even when I think I have it under control, Liz can still sense I’m uptight.
I’m not sure Spurgeon should have rebuked other preacher’s for being jolly before a service! Man, he must have been really in knots.
What’s your story? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? How do we get the right balance of preparation and normal life?
p.s. Dave, that Sunday back stage when you were about to go preach. I never said a word. Now you know why. Been there, done that, got a slap.
I found this video on YouTube last night.
[youtube url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jny6kAZn9oc]
