Grace Crossing - A Community Church of Christ

Advent: Hope

2008-12-02T14:17:00.000-06:00

The term advent is one that not everyone is familiar with today. For me I think of the little calendar that had hidden doors and chocolate or candy for the person who got to open it that day. But the concept of advent is much greater than a candy strewn calendar count down to Christmas.

Advent is a time that celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior. It is the period of four weeks prior to Christmas Day. For each of those weeks there is a theme to help us focus on the expectancy of our Lord coming as a small baby in a manger. The four weekly themes are: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

This past week we looked at the hope we have in Jesus as only understood through grace. Romans 5:1-2 paints this picture beautifully: "Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith in to this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the HOPE of the glory of God."

Without this hope in Christ which allows us or grants us reconciliation with him...all we have left to hope in is this world and the things of this world. I don't know about you but as I look at this world it does not promote much hope. However as I trust my life, my very soul to the one who created it and died for it... there is much hope!

So where does your hope lie? Or better yet in whom? I pray that your hope is based on the rock of our salvation: Jesus Christ!

Thankgiving

2008-11-26T14:01:00.002-06:00

I'm sure any of you that happen upon this blog will be expecting something nice and pretty about how important the holiday of Thanksgiving is to me. But that's not exactly what I had in mind as I sat down to write this today.

I'm thankful for my church family and their willingness to reach out to our community and try to live a Life on Loan (if you don't know what I'm talking about then go check out Grace Crossing: Sermon Series ). To come out of church last week and see the cars lining up to go and take food all over the county was unbelievable! I know that it was not a perfect day, most of the time when we are serving God things don't go perfectly, but I know that everyone's hearts were in the right place: on serving others.

I'm thankful to be a part of a servant filled church like ours!

Life on Loan-2: All I Want

2008-10-29T16:26:00.001-05:00

"All I want, All I want, All I want...
Is for You to have my heart for ever...
You are all that I could need."
-by Future of Forestry

As I sit wrapping up a work day filled with meetings, email, reading, more email...a song comes on my computer. The refrain hits me like a ton of bricks: "All I want...is for you to have my heart forever...you are all that I could need." I sit and soak that in for a while.

We are in the middle of a series called "Life on Loan", and it is so easy to get distracted in our day to day mundane places and forget that our life is on loan from God. That sobering place is if we are living in that place of relationship with our Creator, we can't help but to live a life that is seeking him in every activity. In the small things like how we greet and talk to people, and the bigger things like how we will spend the evening or if we will take the time to go shopping (like giving a Thanksgiving meal) for someone else.

You see I want my God to have my heart: eternally. Not just when it's convenient for me. Not just when I happen to think about it. Not just when I'm at church or a Bible study...every moment.

So again read the words to this simple yet profound song:
"All I want, All I want, All I want...
Is for You to have my heart for ever...
You are all that I could need."

Life on Loan-1

2008-10-15T16:46:00.001-05:00

"He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13)

My life is not my own. I gave it up many years ago when I decided to follow Christ. There was a tough at my heart...I can't explain it any other way. What I had experienced, in my young life, of God transforming peoples lives, rang so true that my only response was to submit. Not submit a part of me: but all.

Jesus payed the price, and what he wants is all of us. Not just a part of us but all. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me"(Galatians 2:20). So it's not my life anymore. My life is on loan from God and all of the gifts talents and even my time are His too.

So it's time for us to act on our potential. It's time for us as a church body to use our gifts and talents to show grace to those we might encounter along the way. It's time to be Grace Crossing, a Community Church of Christ to a lost and dying world. Will you join us in this, the greatest of all adventures, living our very lives for Christ?

Stories after Ike

2008-10-02T13:56:00.003-05:00

I have heard many stories of how people have helped each other out after hurricane Ike. Some of our members have told me that they got to know their neighbors because everyone was spending more time outside on their street. Streets were having meals together so that no one would go with out food. Others were helping each other with trees or other yard work.

Do you have stories like this? Were you helped by someone or did you get to help someone else? This is where we had the opportunity to be the church outside the walls of our building. The stories that are told now will be passed on to generations about how we helped each other out through the aftermath of the storm.

Please comment on this blog with your story. Or you can email your story to me at: eddie.boyer@gc-4.net We'd love to hear from you!

Life After Ike

2008-09-24T13:49:00.002-05:00

Well, you always wonder how people will react after a major catastrophe...for that matter you wonder how you will react!

As I sit here working on a few brochures for an upcoming ministry fair, I received a phone call that puts things back in perspective. A former youth of mine called about a co-worker who lives about 20 minutes from our building. They live in a trailer that was all but destroyed by Ike. FEMA gave them a measly $4,800 to repair.

I know that won't even cover the cost of the roof, let alone the holes and other damage sustained by this individual. This former youth of mine described this individual as someone who is always giving to others, but has a hard time asking for help for herself.

Thank goodness there are some folks that donated on Sunday to help out in these situations. I know that her story will not be the only one, maybe not even the most tragic...but I pray that we respond to them with the grace and peace that God responds with to us even in our darkest hour.

Light

2008-09-10T11:09:00.005-05:00

Light is a funny thing. In a dark place a little light can have a huge impact, in a bright place a large light is barely noticeable. Not enough light and you can't see...too much light...and you can't see either!

In Matthew 5 (Jesus' sermon on the mt.) we are called to be a light. The Message says it this way, "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept."

Sometimes we shine so brightly that people around us can't see. They can't see the real us the part of us that struggles, the humanity of who we are. They look at us and think, "that can't be real...they seem so fake." On the other hand sometimes we shine so dimly that people can't tell that we are Christians at all, that we have something and someone to live for. Even if they do know we are Christians they might not be able to tell what God has done for our lives.

You see we have to not only show people what we are saved from, but what we are saved for. More on this later!

Driving

2008-09-03T14:08:00.002-05:00

You know a funny thing happens when I am driving...the haze of my life seems to clear. I have covered 10 states and over 7,000 miles in the last 6 weeks (including about 2,200 in 3 days this past weekend). There is something about being with friends on a road trip with the music blaring that helps you see life more clearly. So here are a few thoughts I have had...

1) There are common every day things in life that we take for granted. A bed to sleep on. Real meals. Meals that aren't fast food. A nice shower. Houston humidity. Sitting in a chair. Sometimes we have to look around at our common everyday lives and be thankful...for all of the little things that are around us all the time...except when they're not!

2) Friends. I am very blessed to have friends around me that lift me up. That point me toward Christ. Friends that I can count on in good times and bad. Friends that I can spend 7,000 miles on the road with and still like...and more importantly that still like me!

3) Family. We all love our family. Some are better at expressing it than others, but at certain level all of us feel a loss when there is physical separation. Somehow a phone call is not enough, we need to see and feel our loved ones. When I'm gone from them it reminds me just how much I love them...and how much I am loved!

So what are you taking for granted? Who do you need to express gratitude to? If you're not sure take a road trip, some of you might only need a short trip, for some it might take a bit longer. Either way I pray that you come back more grateful than when you left. I know I did!

“Is this a game? Or is this real?”

2008-09-01T19:35:00.004-05:00

In the 1983 movie War Games, David (played by Matthew Broderick) inadvertently taps into W.O.P.R., the Pentagon computer, then begins playing the game: "Global Thermonuclear War". At one point he asks the computer: “Is this a game? Or is this real?” To which the computer replies: “What’s the difference?”

After finishing our 9 week series on Spiritual Warfare, I feel a bit uneasy. I am just wondering how I can keep up our awareness of the reality of spiritual warfare. Not only is this NOT a game, it is also not just a “sermon series”. My objective was to help make us more aware of the activity of both God and the devil in our daily lives. I worked harder on this than any lessons I have ever done… and yet, now we move on to other biblical topics necessary for a spiritually healthy congregation. It is difficult to let this one go. The truths that I discovered have changed me. I am stronger spiritually because of it. (And for new people that come our way that did not go on this journey of discovery with us this summer? We will make a DVD series available.)

Just remember, spiritual warfare is real…VERY real. (& we're in this together!)

God is Active in YOUR Area

2008-08-25T18:08:00.002-05:00

Traveling on vacation in the mountains of western North Carolina, I noticed that there is a significant difference between the warning sign: “Fallen Rock” and “Falling Rock”. In the 1st case, you are aware that something has already happened. In the 2nd case, you are more alert, as the rocks may have recently fallen (or may still be falling!)

Later, as our family hiked some of the mountain trails, I noticed that there is a significant difference between the warning sign: “Beware of Bears” and the one that said: ”Bears in the Area, Be Alert” (some even added the phrase: “Please report all bear sightings to the rangers office”.) Again, in the 2nd case, I was more alert! (As we enjoyed wild blackberries along one trail, I suddenly remembered that bears like berries too. I was VERY alert!)

My point is this: Why is it that God seems so much more present and active around us when we are in nature? (especially the mountains or the ocean). Do the common, everyday signs cause us to think of God only in the past or future sense? Maybe it would help us if there were signs that said: “God is Active Here”, or maybe “God is in This Area, Be Alert”. In reality, the signs are already there, if you are alert and look for them. (And the next time you see a “God sighting”, be sure to report it to someone.)

Are You ALL There? (Being FULLY Present)

2008-08-19T07:58:00.004-05:00

In Psalm 139:1-12 , we learn how the Lord can be everywhere (omni-present).
After Jesus was raised, He promised His disciples His presence - that He would always be present with them (Mathew 28:20). We learn that God is not only present everywhere, but that He is fully present where He is.

While I was on vacation with my family in the mountains of North Carolina, I was reminded again that I am not “God”. What I mean is, that I cannot be more than one place at a time. No matter how hard I try, I cannot be two places at once.

The good news is: there are many ways that we can be LIKE God. One of the ways that we can be more godly is to be FULLY present wherever we are. Many times my body is one place, but my mind is partly somewhere else (thinking of a previous conversation, or an upcoming meeting, or an idea for a future sermon…). How much better it would be for me to give as close to 100% as I can to whatever I am doing at he time, and especially giving 100% of my attention to whoever I am with at the time.

This reminder has not only been a blessing to my prayer life and a refresher to my relationships, but it has also helped me to enjoy the simple things in life each day (like being alive and taking the next breath). I know that I sure like myself better when I am “all there”. So give it a try. Focus on being fully present wherever you are, whatever you’re doing and with whoever your with. (It should at least help you to be a better driver.)

Mt. Harvard- Part 3

2008-08-18T16:48:00.001-05:00

OK, now for what happened after Mt. Harvard!

We came down the mountain on my birthday and had a great buffalo burger in Buena Vista. They even threw in free dessert (it was my birthday after all)! We stayed that night at Majestic Mountain Ministries and drove down in the morning to do some white water rafting. I knew the youth from the church would be there...so we arrived in time to join them on their expedition.

White water rafting is always a great time. It can be hard but very exhilarating...especially in the cold water. It is lots of fun to do with the youth as many of them have never even used a paddle. I love when they come and try to splash us with water and start a "war". They don't realize that I grew up on the river (in canoe's but the paddles are the same) so I can soak a boat before they get us very wet at all. An especially fun moment happened when a few thought they would come and attack us. I quickly jumped in their boat and before they knew what happened I had taken two of them overboard with me!

That afternoon we helped them pack up for their week and had a great and fun devotional at "the Point". You have the two tallest mountains in Colorado at your back and Twin Lakes in front of you. It is beautiful and you can't help but to sing your praises to God. The next morning we got up and had church out at the Point. It is always great to break bread with folks in that environment. Some how you feel so close to your creator.

I could see that some of our youth had no idea what was in store for them that week. But that is probably a good thing, because God did. He planned to meet with them on that mountain, in the rough times, in the fun times, and in their quiet times. He longs to meet with us and to speak to us. Sometimes we just have to be still and away from the noise long enough to hear him.

Mt. Harvard- Part 2

2008-08-11T11:23:00.001-05:00

You know I have been doing this hiking thing for a long time. I have now hiked up seven 14ers (that would be a 14,000 ft. mountain) in Colorado as well as many other hikes all around the country side. But this was the first time on a 14er that I was completely leading on my own. The other two guys I had with me had never tried a hike quite like that. They were well experienced in camping (and great at lighting fires!), but they had never attempted anything like a 14er.

When we got up there I had a decision to make, I could either A) lead us up a peak that I had already done and would feel more comfortable leading or B) I could take us up a peak that I had never done before. Option A would make me more comfortable and yet I would still learn a lot. Option B would make me very uncomfortable, really stretch me in my skill and leadership, and allow me to "bag" another 14er.

I opted for option B. I knew this would test my skills. I always like to climb something new. Mt. Harvard is the 3rd tallest in Colorado...so if we made it I will have summited the 3 tallest in Colorado. I like challenges but admittedly I was nervous a part of me really wanted to do what was familiar.

Well the pay off of doing Mt. Harvard was unbelievable. The path was fairly easy to follow (even though there are some false peaks that make you think you are close when you are not). I got to test my skills by finding an alternate route down, by going down the scree field as I mentioned in the last blog.

One other thing happened that was kind of cool. We were maybe 500 vertical feet from the summit when another group caught up to us and we started talking. I believe it was Matthew who said that this was only the beginning of our journey. They asked what else were doing, and I mentioned that a couple of us were in a band and headed to California to play in a festival. They asked what the name of our band was and I said "Await the Day". His response was very interesting, "what day are you awaiting?"

It's moments like these that we have the choice to make: will we be bold in our proclamation of Christ, or will we cower back and brush over it. I chose to say, "we are awaiting the day of Christ's return." To which he responded something like, "Awesome brother! I'm the worship minister at our church." God has a funny sense of humor sometimes. Who would have guessed that we would meet a church group on Mt. Harvard. Maybe they will become Await the day fans...but more importantly they are fans of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior from whom all good things flow!

Mt. Harvard

2008-08-08T12:47:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday July 23rd we set off on the North Cottonwood Trail that takes you to Mt. Harvard and Mt. Columbia. It is a beautiful trail with lots of trees, and a gorgeous stream that we crossed over and over again along the way. With only three of us (Matthew, Ben, and I) we had to carry all the gear that would usually be split by as many as 8 people. Cook gear is cook gear. You can use the same amount for 3 as 8...so our packs were all over 50 lbs. After a few hours of hiking we arrived at our destination, about 11,300 ft. above sea level, down comfortably inside of tree line.

We started setting up our tent, and the skies opened up and it began to hail. We got the tent up as quickly as possible and climbed inside. Now just a little side note...I hate being cramped in a tent. If it says it is a 3 person tent, I believe it is made for 2. Well because of weight and packing we had all 3 of us in my small 3 person tent. I was intending on us only sleeping in there...not spending all of our time escaping the hail! So we crammed in there for a couple of hours and took a nap. Finally, the hail slowed and it began to rain.

So we put up the tarp to eat under, got ready for dinner and Matthew and Ben began to try to make a fire. A couple of hours later we had a fire (this is a story in and of its self, but let's just say it culminated in a "Castaway" type moment: FIRE!). We ate some dinner and then got some rest for our big summit day.

We hit the trail about 6 am. We had about 4-6 miles (not real sure) to hike one way. It was beautiful in a steam ridden, bowl surrounded by the two mountains. We made pretty good time and arrived at the summit about 11 am, 14,420 ft, looking down on all of the peaks all around us. Breathtaking! We then hiked down the saddle on the way toward Columbia. I found a "route" down via a patch of scree. Scree is the loose rocks (think thick gravel, with larger rocks) that you find toward the summit of most of the rockies. And we "screed" down, 1200 + feet in less than 40 minutes...it was a blast!

We then hiked down and arrived in camp just as the skies opened up again...HAIL!

Well this is starting to get long so I come back and tell a little more about the summit and the rest of the hiking on the next blog!

Our Plans vs His

2008-07-29T23:23:00.001-05:00

Life has a way of really changing. You can plan all you want. It might even be a good plan- and then something changes. And that one event changing has a ripple effect that pulses out, expanding into many other facets of life. Sometimes this is God at work, sometimes it is the devil, and sometimes it is just life.

You see I had this great trip planned. Me and two friends would leave on a hiking trip to Colorado, pick up a state high point or two, and then about six others would join. us for a big hike in Colorado up a 14,000 ft. mountain or two. And then another opportunity for my band to play in California at the end of the very same week came up...what are the chances.

From there everything seemed to crumble and it ended up being three of us traveling to Colorado to hike. Then the rest of the band would pick us up in Albuquerque on the way. Maybe this is what God had planned all along...I don't know.

But what I do know is that the hike up Mt. Harvard (14,4420 ft.) was spectacular. And the road trip to California has been great (we saw the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, and Death Valley today!).

God your plan is always better why can't I get that?

“SPIRITUAL WARFARE”

2008-07-07T22:47:00.001-05:00

Lesson Series for July & August: “Spiritual Warfare”

This is the most challenging study I have ever done. (It has been intensely difficult and some days overwhelming.) We simply MUST grasp this concept of our being at WAR, or we will be casualties of it and spoils for the enemy. These lessons will address the principles of spiritual warfare and our preparations for battle with our adversary the devil. When the “day of evil comes”, will YOU able to stand? (Eph. 6:10-20)

“Then the dragon was enraged…and went off to make war against… those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” Rev 12:17

MYTH BUSTERS

2008-06-30T07:20:00.001-05:00

I am very impressed with how well the Myth Busters lessons were received. The three Myths: “Solving Your Problems With Sex, Money, & Power”, are uncomfortable and awkward to talk about, but they desperately need to be addressed by Christian people. Surveys tell us that people today form their opinions from media, friends, and parents (in that order). As a parent, your limited to your own children (and you may still be the 3rd choice for advice!) So unless you work in media, the best chance you have to be helpful in areas of morality is to speak up with your friends. Let’s be talking with those we care about; about the subjects we care about; for the Lord we care about.

Next Series: SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Father's Day - Talking about SEX

2008-06-16T10:06:00.003-05:00

What a day!
It was difficult not to notice the 32’ Bulldog out front as people drove onto our campus Sunday. This Father’s Day was also my birthday, so I wanted the day to be special (not just for me, but for all the guys that DO attend church). I know that the cheese fountains were unusual, but they appeared to be a big hit!

I was very impressed with how well the lesson was received. The Myth: “Solving Your Problems With Sex”, is awkward and uncomfortable to talk about, but it desperately needs to be addressed by Christian people. Surveys tell us that people today form their opinions from media, friends, and parents (in that order). As a parent, your limited to your own children (and you may still be the 3rd choice for advice.) So unless you work in media, the best chance you have to be helpful in areas of morality is to speak up with your friends. Let’s be talking with those we care about; about the subjects we care about; for the Lord we care about.

In A Pit

2008-06-11T15:57:00.002-05:00

There's this guy in the book of 2 Samuel that is mentioned...just briefly. He actually shows up in a couple of other books, but here an interesting observation is made. His name is Benaiah.

"There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. he did many heroic deeds, which included killing two of Moab's mightiest warriors. Another time he chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and the slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it."
2 Samuel 23:20

You see King David had a group of mighty men. There were thirty of them. They traveled around and did many heroic deeds and fought in many battles. For most we don't know more than their name. But for a few we get a little piece of information about who they were or how they came to be in this group of mighty men.

Most people when encountering a lion would run the other way. For most of us if the lion ran into a pit...we'd let him go alone! But not Benaiah. When the lion went down into the pit, Benaiah went in after him. To make matters worse it was snowing. I love the snow, but I'm sure not going to mess with a lion while having to navigate the snow.

God sends many opportunities our way. Some are easy to follow- some are hard. Each is a test of faith. People don't follow the guy or girl who takes the easy way. People follow someone who leads courageously.

So what kind of faith do you have? Is God calling you to something great, even though it might be hard? The ways of the Lord are rarely easy. Just look at the way most of the disciples were called: Come and follow me. Drop what you are doing, everything you've known in life, and follow me. Is it your time to follow?

Hard Times

2008-05-29T22:56:00.002-05:00

My stepmother Harriette passed away last Saturday. She died suddenly and unexpectedly. But she had live a full and fuitfull life.

Harriette was one of those souls that you would meet and instantly know she walked closely with her Jesus. She exibited the fuit of the Spirit like few others. Every where she went she was watching for those who who need to know just who Jesus really was.

The funeral today was a tribute to who she was a beloved wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, family member and friend to so many.

The Suburban Christian

2008-05-20T15:40:00.001-05:00

I recently finished a book called "The Suburban Christian" by Albert Y. Hsu, with the subtitle "Finding Spiritual Vitality in the Land of Plenty". You know I have often had people say to me, "Oh yeah must be rough having to minister in The Woodlands," after they find out where our church is located. My comment back is usually something like, "have you ever tried to tell someone who had everything the need that they still need something?" It is really difficult to tell someone that has everything that there is still something missing. On the other hand when you are in an area of great need, there is not much convincing...they already understand what it is to need and to want...they're just not sure what it is that they need.

I think this may be one of the most challenging pieces to being a Christian today in one of the most affluent countries, in one of the most affluent areas. Just to put it in perspective: "the average household headed by someone with a college degree has an income of about $72,000 a year. If you live in that household, you are richer than 95% of the people on the planet. You are probably richer than 99.99% of the people who have ever lived."

So how do we serve God outside of our tendency to toward individualism, affluence, and isolation? We must be in community together with both the Christian and Non-Christian. We need strong relationships with Christians who will challenge us in our faith and lift us up in times of need. We also need strong relationships with Non-Christians that we can encourage toward faith and be there in their times of need.

"And by God's grace, may his kingdom come and his will be done, in suburbia and the uttermost reaches of the earth" (p. 196 The Suburban Christian).

Praising the Lord at HOME!

2008-05-03T20:01:00.006-05:00

Nancy & I just returned from Malibu, CA where we attended the Pepperdine Lectures. It was a wonderful time with good lessons, renewed acquaintances and meeting several new friends. They brought in some of our fellowships’ finest praise teams from all over the country…but I’ve got to tell you: I can hardly wait to worship back “home” with the Grace Crossing family!

Last week we celebrated the 2 year anniversary of the Lord sending Rod Brady to be our worship leader. God has used Rod to be a tremendous blessing to our worship arts ministry, and has used him to be an inspiration to me personally. Each year I select one staff person that exemplifies the positive, cooperative “team spirit” that I encourage. Rod earned that honor for 2007. I thank the Lord for him.

Countering Consumerism

2008-04-28T14:49:00.001-05:00

Nine Principles for Countering Consumerism:

1. Control desire: Avoid things that make you want more.
2. Create a new consumer symbolism: Ignore luxury branding messages.
3. Control ourselves: Participate in community efforts to reduce consumption.
4. Learn to share: Both a borrower and a lender be.
5. Deconstruct the commercial system: Become an educated consumer.
6. Avoid "retail therapy": Don't shop to make yourself feel better.
7. De commercialize rituals and holidays: Find alternatives to gift buying.
8. Make more time to spend less: Downshift your lifestyle.
9. Support civic and government efforts to limit consumption.

Adapted from Juliet Schor, The Overspent American

God's Renegade

2008-04-25T11:33:00.001-05:00

I just finished a book called "A Renegade's Guide to God" by David Foster. Here is a guy that follows after God's heart in a way that most do not. He started a church outside of Nashville in an area that people said couldn't be developed. Now he has a thriving church of over 4,000 people dedicated to following Christ.

I had a professor at ACU that used to say..."in order to be a disciple you must be radical." He was from South Africa and had a cool accent, but there was something about the call that he was making in following that I thing many of us miss: we must be radical in our faith in order to be a Christ follower.

Jesus went against the religious norm of his day, that's what ultimately got Him crucified. He was always challenging those who thought they knew how to get to heaven. They were following the law so closely that they missed the fact that the Messiah was right in front of them.

The rich young man (or ruler) is another good example of this. He knew how to obey the law. Jesus response to him so strangely, "Why do you call me good? You know the commandments..." Then Jesus challenges him, "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

We've been given that same call- to follow Him. What is holding you back? What keeps you from being a radical Christ follower? How are you a renegade for God?

Nashville & Faith

2008-04-23T15:29:00.000-05:00

As some of you may know my band mates and I (Await The Day) took a little trip to Nashville this weekend. We were invited by a group we've been working with called Indie Extreme to play in an independent artist showcase during the week of the GMA's (That would be the Gospel Music Association). What a great experience for us. We really had no idea what we were signing up for and getting ourselves into. It was a blast and we learned so much.

You know this whole thing has been about faith. We got together to play some music for a men's retreat a couple of years ago. We enjoyed each other's company and prayer time, and Ben started doing some writing. Then we got asked to play here and there... and people started asking us if we were going to do some recording. I happened to meet a guy hanging out at a coffee shop, who just by "chance" was building a recording studio. He happened to be in a band that works with Indie Extreme...you get the picture.

I don't believe for a moment that all of this happened by chance. I believe God put us in this position and he has a plan for us (check out Jeremiah 29:11). Now that plan might not be what we have in mind but His plan is always better than ours! He loves us so much, all we have to do is trust and put our faith in Him and then give up our rights to the controls.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. " Romans 8:28.