Artist of the Week

Artist: Bluetree
Album: God of This City
Song: When I Survey

I really like to listen to artists who have accents. I have always liked the Newsboys and Rebecca St. James with their Australian accents. Then there is Matt Redman and Delirious from the UK. But perhaps the coolest accent of all is the Irish accent. The mainstream band U2 is a lot of fun to listen to, and this week’s Artist of the Week is from Ireland as well. Bluetree has just recently been hitting the Christian radio stations in the US with their new worship song, God of This City. Bluetree is a band that has been around since 2004 and has been active in the UK since then. The band was actually born out of frustration of the idea that worship is only from the heart. Here is what the lead singer Aaron Boyd has to say: “We are Jesus’ hands and feet in the world. Let’s not just ask God to change everything, but let’s be a blessing and speak words of life into people’s difficult circumstances.” I totally agree with the frustration that brought this band into existence. Worship is not just from our heart and our attitude towards God, it is our life. If we want to truly worship God, we need to worship Him with all of our lives. This album is filled with genuine worship songs that inspire us to live for God. One of the songs on the album is an old hymn, which is this week’s song. When I Survey is Bluetree’s version of When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.

I give Bluetree 5 out of 5 dundies for lyrical content, as their songs are wonderfully written worship songs that truly inspire you to bow and worship God. I also give them 5 out of 5 on musical style and talent. They are gifted in voice and instrument and they are using that for the glory of God. One really awesome thing about Bluetree is that when you buy their album on DiGSTATION for $7.99, they will donate $2 of each album sold to help end child trafficking.

Here are the lyrics to the song. Click on Artist of the Week to see a video on YouTube of the song put to a slideshow of pictures. Enjoy!

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all

Plant A Seed, Grow A . . . Pumpkin Crown?

We just got done planting our garden, and we didn’t use any seeds. It is hard and tedious to plant seeds. Especially things like carrots and radishes, where the seeds are so tiny. So we, like many other people, used the little plants. It takes a lot of work out of it for you. No watering little tomatoes for weeks, you just plant the plant in the garden and let the sprinkler do the rest. We even planted some pumpkins this year. I remember years back when we planted a pumpkin plant and it grew and grew and grew and vined out all over the garden. It even went out of the garden (and we had a big garden, big enough to use a tractor and disc to till it up each year). I think I am going to train our pumpkin to stay a little smaller this year.
I found out something very interesting this last week about a seed. I came to know Christ as my Savior at the age of 5. I always remembered that since my brother was a Christian, I wanted what he had, so I had always thought that my mom led me to Christ and prayed with me. That is what I remembered, but not what really happened. This is the true story that I found out about this week: My brother and I were up in my room by ourselves and he is the one who led me to Christ. After that, he went and told my mom about it and she came up and prayed with both of us and thanked God for my brother leading me to Christ. In my mind, all I remember is my mom praying with me, so I always figured it was her that led me to Christ, but in fact it was my brother. Now how does all this correspond with a seed? Well my brother planted a seed in my life many, many years ago. I wanted what he had. I wanted Jesus in my life. The interesting thing about that seed that he planted all those years ago is that it has grown and grown and branched off and grown some more. Since my brother led me to Christ, I have had numerous opportunities to share the Gospel with others and lead some to Christ. The cool thing about that is, all the people I have touched and seeds I have planted, they all go back to what my brother did for me in my bedroom almost 24 years ago. It doesn’t stop there, it keeps going; the people I have shared the Gospel with have shared it with others, and those people heard the Gospel at that point in time because of what my brother did for me. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:8 that we will have rewards in Heaven, according to our labor for God here on earth. When we plant seeds or water them, we get rewards for that. When someone we planted a seed in plants a seed in someone else, we get rewards for that. It grows and grows and grows, like a pumpkin. Paul then goes on in verses 9-15 about how our works and deeds on earth will be tested by God. I encourage you to read that passage so you can be sure of what you are building your life with: gold or wood, silver or hay, or precious stones or straw? Something that lasts or something that won’t stand the test? Now, it is clear in that passage, that no matter what you build with, it is what you build it on that matters the most. If you build it on Christ, then you will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. However, the materials you use to build decide how many rewards you get. What do you want to build your house out of? Wood, hay, straw or gold, silver, or precious stones? It is how you live your life and why you do it that way that decides what you will use.

Artist of the Week

Artist: Brandon Heath
Album: What If We
Song: Wait and See

This year at the Dove Awards, Brandon Heath won the Male Vocalist of the Year award. Heath went up against powerhouse vocalists Jeremy Camp and Chris Tomlin. I think that one of the reasons Heath got the Dove is because of his passion in his song writing. His latest album What if We is filled with songs that have raw passion for following Christ. His song Give Me Your Eyes is him crying out to God to give him the eyes of Christ so he can show others what Christ has to offer. Another song that he has on his album is No Not One. This song is a worship song proclaiming that there is no one else who loves us more than Christ. The song I want to focus on in this album is Wait and See. This song has a very catchy tune and is filled with wonderful lyrics. The whole premise of the song is that God has a plan for us, and we should never feel that we aren’t doing anything because God is not finished with us yet. Here is what Brandon tells us about the song: “Wait and See” is probably the most autobiographical song I’ve ever written. But I think that anybody can relate to this song, and be encouraged to know that God has a plan for us, even if we still feel like a failure at times. If we come to know Jesus as our Savior, He is going to change our hearts and lead us into a greater existence other than for ourselves. For me, the last verse of “Wait and See” is really what my journey is all about, “now’s my time to be a man, follow my heart as far as I can, no telling where I’m ending up tonight.” Most nights, I am in a hotel room and I barely know where I am, but I know that I’m doing what I am supposed to be doing. I just have to wait and see what God is going to do with the rest of the story. I’m encouraged by what He has done already, but I know that the story will continue to unfold and I’ll keep learning more about the purpose of my life.

When we feel like we have failed, let’s remember that God has a plan for us. God through the prophet Jeremiah tells the people of Israel that he is not finished with them yet. They are in exile and He gives them this promise found in Jeremiah 29:11-14: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

I give Heath a 5 out of 5 dundies on lyrical content, because as I said before, he is very talented in his song writing ability. I also give him 5 out of 5 dundies on musical style and talent, as he has a range of speeds on his songs that give him an advantage in different genres of music.

Here are the lyrics to the song, please click on Artist of the Week to see a video of this song. Enjoy!!

I was born in Tennessee, late July humidity, doctors said I was lucky to be alive
I’ve been troubled since the day that I got here, trouble to the day that I disappear
That’ll be the day that I finally get it right.

There is hope for me yet, because God won’t forget, all the plans He’s made for me
I have to wait and see, He’s not finished with me yet. He’s not finished with me yet

I never really was that good in school. I talked too much, broke the rules
My teachers thought I was a hopeless fool all right.
I don’t know how but I made it through, it’s one of those things that you gotta do
I always had a knack for telling the truth.

There is hope, for me yet, because God won’t forget, all the plans He’s made for me
I have to wait and see, He’s not finished with me yet, He’s not finished with me yet

Still wonderin’ why I’m here. Still wrestling with my fear
But oh….He’s up to something,
And the farther out I go, I’ve seen enough to know that I’m not here for nothin’
He’s up to somethin’

So now's my time to be a man, follow my heart as far as I can
No tellin’ where I’m ending up tonight
I never slow down or so it seems, but singing my heart is one of my dreams
All I gotta do is hold on tight

There is hope, for me yet because God won’t forget all the plans He’s made for me
I have to wait and see, He’s not finished with me yet, He’s not finished with me yet
He’s not finished with me yet, He’s not finished with me yet

Artist of the Week

Artist: Julian Drive
Album: My Coming Day
Song: From Your Hands

We have American Idol, Nashville Star and other musical talent finding shows. There also is Exalting Him, a Christian version of American Idol. This talent search contest is sponsored by Daywind records. I must confess that Daywind records isn’t really my cup of tea when it comes to musical genres I like. But the 2004 winners of Exalting Him, Julian Drive, got a free record contract with Daywind. With their first album under Daywind, they really didn’t get much publicity in the Christian radio realm. But Lynn Nichols who worked with Switchfoot and Phil Keaggy noticed them and helped them get a new record contract with Inpop records.

This Georgia southern rock band has hit the Christian music industry with force. They are getting radio play and their albums are selling quickly. The deep passion behind the band’s songs and performances is letting the audience know that no matter what we go through, there is a real God who truly loves and cares for us. He will always help us get through our real problems.

The featured song here, From Your Hands is the hit single from their latest album, My Coming Day. This song helps us to understand the intimacy that Jesus had for us while He was on the cross. While Christ was on the cross, He had us in mind; He knew who He was dying for. Julian Drive’s other songs on this album have great lyrics and tell many truths of Scriptures. I give them 5 out of 5 dundies on lyrical content, as they take very important core truths of the Bible and put them to song. I give them a 4 out of 5 dundies on musical style and talent. Their musical genre is great. I am a big fan of southern rock, but their talent isn’t at the top of the charts. As they are in the industry longer, I believe that they will rise to the top as they improve their talent. I am looking forward to more albums from Julian Drive.

Here are the lyrics for From Your Hands. Click on Artist of the Week to see the video for this song. I hope that this song is as big of a blessing to you as it is to me, especially right after the celebration of our Risen King. Enjoy!!

Praying in the garden, You saw the crowd coming
Betrayed by one that called You King
You could have called a band of angels to come and save the day
But instead You chose to stay, You didn’t run away

Chorus
In the very front of Your mind
While the blood was flowing
You saw my face as You cried
Certain in knowing
Tears, blood and pain in the sand
True love was pouring, True love was pouring from Your hands

Bruised and beaten, appeared You were defeated
But things aren’t always what they seem
They thought when they placed Your body into an empty grave
It would end all debate
But the stone was rolled away

Chorus

Bridge
The same hand that washes clean, and sets the captive free
Same hand that calmed a sea, and the one who rescued me

Chorus x2

In the very front of your mind
You saw my face as you cried
All the tears and pain in the sand
True love was pouring from your hands

Fruitcake and Ice Cream

How many of you like to sit back, relax, and watch a good movie? I love to. I love the entertainment industry. I love music and I love movies. A good movie, a comfy couch, some pop and popcorn, and a wife to snuggle with is all I need to enjoy a good movie. When a movie has a good plot that keeps me intrigued until the end, that does it for me. I went to college with a very talented musician who liked movies based on soundtracks. I also know someone who bases whether or not a movie is good by whether the guy gets the girl at the end of the movie. If he doesn’t, then the movie isn’t good to him. I like a good plot, but I must confess that if the movie has enough action (blood and guts), I don’t even care about the plot. Yes, I do enjoy those action movies that bypass the big screen and go straight to DVD. They are corny, but they have enough action for me.
I also enjoy watching or listening to a good challenging sermon or devotional. There are some pretty powerful ones out there, and there are also some pretty corny ones. We recently got a collection of videos by Louie Giglio of the Passion conferences. One of the videos is called Fruitcake and Ice Cream. What a title! It intrigues you though, doesn’t it?I was curious to see why it was called that. My wife and I watched this 54 minute video one afternoon while our son was napping. I don’t want to tell you too much about it, but I do know that you need to watch it. Grab a box of tissues and sit on your couch with no distractions and watch it. You will be touched; you will be changed. I know I was. Even if you have to buy the video on Amazon, it is worth the $13. Or if you want to buy the set of 4 like I did, it is definitely worth the $31. After you watch it, give it to a friend or show it to your family. I give this video a 6 out of 5 dundies on every aspect. It truly is that good.

Peter The Bold

The Bible tells us in John chapter 20 that when Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb was opened, she immediately went to tell Peter and John. So running to the tomb, for whatever reason, John outran Peter, but stopped at the entrance of the tomb to look inside. Then Peter ran by John straight into the tomb. Peter was a bold disciple. I don’t usually make it a habit to run into a graveyard, let alone a tomb, not knowing who or what would be on the inside. Looking in the Gospels we see that Peter was always a bold person. He jumped out of a boat to walk on water when he saw Jesus. He did sink, but he was the only one that got out of the boat and into the sea. He was also the first disciple to proclaim that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. Immediately after Peter’s confession of Christ, Jesus told the disciples that He must be handed over to chief priests and scribes to be killed, and be raised from the dead on the third day. Peter quickly and boldly said, NEVER, this cannot be!! Even though Jesus told them that He would be raised from the dead on the third day, Peter still rebuked Christ. His ears must have stopped listening after the word killed. The last bold claim that Peter made to Christ before His crucifixion is found in Matthew 26:35: Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you! We all know how that bold promise turned out to be. Three times before Christ’s death Peter denied Him.

So what can we learn from the boldness of Peter? Well, we know that Peter was bold and we know that he had faith, to an extent. We also know that he was willing. So, what was he missing? What did he need? He needed the cross. We can be bold in our efforts to promote Jesus to the world, but without the cross, we can do nothing. The cross transforms us into the person of God we are intended to be. Now, the only thing that can hinder that is ourselves. When we put ourselves before Christ, we become how Peter was, sinking and looking out for ourselves only. We need to remember that saying yes to self is also denying Christ.

Peter was not only bold, he was also very impulsive. Peter did not see the whole picture of the purpose of Christ here on this earth. We have the whole picture. We know the purpose of Christ. We know why He had to go to the cross. After Peter realized what the purpose of Christ and the cross was, he changed from an impulsive bold disciple into a bold evangelical follower of the King. He became a master preacher. The Bible plainly tells us that he was uneducated, so his greatness as a preacher came from the Spirit of God. It isn’t every day that an uneducated man can preach a sermon and have 3,000 people saved. Christ bridges the gap between us and God, and the Cross makes it possible for us to come to God unblemished. Through the knowledge we have in the Bible and the Spirit guiding us, we can be as bold as Peter was at the day of Pentecost.

Before the resurrection, before Christ’s death, Peter had faith, but no theology, and that was dangerous. After the resurrection and his reinstatement by Christ, Peter realized the power of the cross and what it meant for him and what he had to do. He lived a bold and selfless life, clear up to his death.

This is the power of the cross. The Son of God slain for us. What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross.

I want to leave you with a simple question as we stand before these three crosses. What are you doing with the Power of the Cross? What task has God given you to do with that power?

Opening Day, How Beautiful

Yesterday was opening day of spring turkey season here in Kansas. It seems as if I have been waiting for that day for months. Turkey hunting is one of the most trying and rewarding kinds of hunting there are. You don’t think that a big bird with a brain the size of a walnut (and fewer brain cells than a cockroach) would be too hard to hunt, but they are quite a challenge. Mainly because they are very wary of everything. If they see something that looks “unusual” they will stop and turn around. If they see a body move at 500 yards away, the take off running like the world is ending. The trick is to outsmart them, which sounds silly knowing that they are almost brainless. When you sneak in the timber in the dark hours of early morn and set up on a tree with a decoy or two out, and you begin to hear a few yelps followed by a gobble, you know that you are in the right place. When they fly down from the trees and you see the big toms strutting and the hens running around, it is a glorious day. When they walk away and you don’t see them again that day, you have still had a great day of hunting. There aren’t too many birds around that can challenge the beauty of a strutting tom. The colors are iridescent, his head changes from red to blue to white, his tail fans out, he puffs up to three times his size, and it is beautiful. Watching the birds strut and run around is 66% of the fun of hunting. The other 33% is the rush of having the birds in range and looking at them down the end of the barrel, knowing that they are yours. Even when you don’t shoot, they are yours, because you know that you can drop them at anytime.

In Kansas all you can bag is two bearded turkeys in the spring. My associate, Brian, went out yesterday and today, no birds down, but he has seen them each day, so not a total loss. I went out yesterday and had some come in, watched them for a while, and then realized there were a couple toms strutting away. As I was watching them, it looked as if they were getting ready to move farther away, so I decided I should probably drop one of them. So I did. He had a nice 10 inch beard. It was a two year old, judging by the spurs. This guy weighed only about 15 pounds; I was amazed at how light he was. Nevertheless, I got one, and he looked good. This morning I decided to go out to the same place, just 50 yards down the fence line. They yelped and gobbled for about 45 minutes and then flew down extra early. About 30 minutes later they poked their heads out on the other side of a brush pile about 100 yards out. There were about 5 hens. They stopped at the fence line, about 60 yards from me. I didn’t think they were going to cross, but then the tom came, strutting away. He came up to the fence and then the hens went under, followed by him. The hens starting walking away from me, soon to be out of range. The tom followed. I was a little nervous. “Will this work?” I thought to myself. But then he stopped and walked the other direction, out in the open for about 5 seconds. I decided now or never, and boom! There he was flopping, 50 yards out, not too far for a 3 ½ Remington Premier Hevi-Shot #5. This one was from the same batch, 9 ½ inch beard, 2 year old, but he weighed in at a nice 21 pounds. So I have my birds. I will leave the gun home and bring out the cameras and go with Brian to video his hunts. That sounds like fun, because after all, two-thirds of the fun of hunting is watching them.