tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59321102906664253992024-03-08T10:01:21.926-08:00The Worship SaxmanThe rants and ruminations of a midwestern saxman about worship, music and the heart of God.Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-12602129075687116422011-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:002011-05-17T06:00:04.114-07:00The First Run<style>@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p { margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal">Okay, this is actually the beginning of week four, and I thought it fitting to change up the routine and push myself more than I had been. It is about 11 pm on Monday night as I type this. I just got done with my first real RUN of the transformation. Well, it actually was a Run/Walk, but you can understand this is my first time, right? Lungs still sting a little, coughed a bit, and my legs and rear feel like tree trunks right now. Will soon be replaced by soreness and shin splints, for sure. But with that out of the way, I gotta say this really feels good right now! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> Is this an endorphin rush? Well, I LIKE it. It is refreshing, and I can see that I need to create this on a daily basis to effect my physical transformation, along with some modifications of my meal (fuel) intake (as I NOM NOM NOM munch on this NOM NOM NOM fresh pear).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here’s what I did, specifically. I knew I wasn’t going to set a record for a mile run today. Not at my weight or level of fitness. I did, however, want to do something that would challenge me and be hard. I knew that going in. So, I did some basic stretching in the driveway, grabbed a cup of ice water (left it in the driveway for when I returned) and headed off into the night. For the first 60-count (didn’t bring a stopwatch, just counted), I walked. Not a calm walk, but a tense walk, with every muscle in my body engaged. Knees were bent, core was solid, chest and arms flexed in almost an isometric state, and pushed myself forward with a rhythmic use of glutes, hammys, quads and calves. Kind of felt like I was wearing an Iron Man costume. I prefer to think of it as a muscular athletic guy in a 140 lb fat suit. At the count of 60, I took off thundering down the road in my best effort to look cool while making sure I didn’t fall on my face. I did this for the next 60-count. At about count<span style=""> </span>25, my mouth must have looked like the air intake of one of the engines on a 747, and I thought I might just die. I was seriously re-thinking this running thing when I got to count 60. I spent the next 90 count walking, sucking air, wheezing and hoping Jesus would return right at that moment. But eventually, through the wheezing and coughing, I remembered my decision and why, so I took off for another 30 count run. It was as if my body said “What the … don’t you remember what the last run felt like? Are you nuts?” So at the end of 30, more wheezing and recycling air. Then I started another 60-count power walk, then another 30-count run. Somehow, this run became a little easier. I rested only 30 counts this time, then took off on a 60-count run. I didn’t believe it would happen, but that 60-count run was easier than any of the other runs so far (!!!!!!). After another brief rest, I did a 30-count run and arrived back at my driveway. It was probably about ½ mile altogether, which isn’t really bragworthy, with so many of you doing 193 mile sprints recorded faithfully in Daily Mile, but it was my humble start. Yeah yeah, it adds up to only about 7 ½ minutes, but it felt like an afternoon. The best things I can take out of tonight would include feeling great right now – not the accomplishment, but the physical feelings I am experiencing, and then the fact that even in the middle of the run, the latter stretches were easier to do than at the beginning. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br />Posting a ‘before’ pic of myself might be in the next entry or two. I honestly have some anxiety about it, and kind of feels like one would feel a couple days before knowing you were going to have to stand on stage in only your underwear. But it might be a good idea to let you all know where I stand right now. I am 5’7” tall, and 295 lbs and actually have a wide-shoulder athletic frame underneath all that extra weight. My soon-to-be-posted before pic will also serve as some accountability for myself. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">In today’s OwnIt365 reading, David is running from Saul, and Saul is driven by his anger and bitterness towards David. When Saul discovers that the priest Ahimelech had helped David and his men by feeding them the shewbread and giving David the sword of Goliath, he was exceedingly angry and called for Ahimelech. When the priest appears before king Saul, he tried to play dumb and the king will have none of it, then orders Ahimelech and all his father’s house to be killed. The soldiers standing around him would not do it, so this guy Doeg the Edomite does it for him:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""> </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">1 Samuel 22:18-23</i></p> <p><i style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.</span></i></p> <p><i style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David<b style="">.</b> And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the Lord's priests. And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house. <b style="">Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.</b></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">That last verse stuck out at me, because this is very similar to what Jesus said to us in the New Testament. Abiathar means “excellent father; father of the remnant”. There was an acknowledgement of what he had gone through (v. 22), like Jesus did with the church in Revelation 2-3. He says to abide with him, like Jesus did in John 15. He says he that seeks his life also sought his life, which was also said by Jesus in John 15:18-20. And he ends it by saying “but with me thou shalt be in safeguard”. Wow. Am I the only one who sees that? John 6:37-40 talks about that which God gave to Jesus (us!), and how that he will in no wise cast us out (v37), and then says in verse 39 that it is God’s will that he should lose nothing of what God gave him. David is a ‘type’, of Christ, meaning that he personified many things that teach us about who Christ was. Anyway, I thought that was cool and I wanted to share that with you as well!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">Hope you all have an awesome day, and hope these posts have been a blessing to you!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">Steve</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-91752663778410772892011-05-09T20:24:00.001-07:002011-05-09T21:36:23.354-07:00Ups and downs<div><p>Well, here I am starting week 3 of the transformation. All in all, I think I feel pretty good, but I would like to say I have had more success fighting those old procrastination strongholds. I have put off several workouts, but I have found a positive out of this thing.</p>
<p>I have been thinking only in terms of a specific workout, like running, weights or power 90. But with spring in full swing, I can say that there are plenty of other projects around the house that require sweat. On Saturday a good friend helped me unload 2 and a half yards of dark brown mulch. That was in the heat and occupied the better part of an hour. Then I played a four hour gig at the Carriage Club. On Mother's day, I bought Missy some nice painted clay planters and several blooming plants. Moved and filled the planters, then planted all the flowers. Then began trimming shrubs and moving the mulch around. That was some good workout action. Woke up this morning a little stiff, but feeling good.</p>
<p>Today, after working until 8, I came home, prayed with the kids and moved mulch again for about 45 minutes. </p>
<p>I have thought of myself as being more confident, particularly in the last 2 years. However, something about making a decision of this magnitude has given me a measure of confidence... Specifically when dealing with people who I would have otherwise been intimidated by. Maybe its just a 40 thing, maybe it is a result of feeling better. </p>
<p>Proverbs 14:26 KJV</p>
<p>In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.</p>
<p>This verse came to mind as I thought the confidence I feel. The decision I made was based in transforming myself so my body did what I wanted it to do, not the other way around. That way, I could better "yield my members" in the spirit of the following verse:</p>
<p>Romans 6:13 KJV</p>
<p>Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.</p>
<p>This will be an ongoing theme, and it will develop, I am sure. Well, that's it for now. More to come!</p>
</div>Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-2474424989443215762011-05-04T05:38:00.001-07:002011-05-04T05:50:48.400-07:00Workout Wednesday<div><p>Today started at 5:30 am when I had to go outside and take the trash container to the curb. Drat! I forgot to move our old trash from our old container to the new container. It was heavy, the sun still hadn't come up, and some animal had gotten in there and tore up the bags. That meant I had to physically lift up the old container and "dump" it into the new one. I am no weakling, but that was hard to do 'quietly' and with good aim. Most of my neighbors also were not up, so I wanted the ruckus factor to stay low. While walking by my truck in need of a good cleaning I collected the remains of toy ads that looked like a newspaper insert, a sonic cup, and several candy wrappers from the back seat. Not a huge workout, but with my arm now hurting again from dumping the old trash container (after making some progress on my injured forearms), it required plenty of effort. Now, to wake up my children...yes they were in rate form this morning. All 3 of them decided I was in the mood to be a jungle gym, so I rassled with them for a bit, then jumped in the shower.</p>
<p>I am not really considering that my workout. I plan on doing some of that after work. Might run or get out on my bike. I do know that skipping yesterdays workout definitely had a price. Didn't feel as good yesterday or this morning. At 40, my body adjusts much slower than it used to. More grunts groans creaks and pains.</p>
<p>Proverbs 20:4 KJV</p>
<p>"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing."</p>
<p>Folks, this tells me that there will always be excuses not to workout (plow, or till the land of my body). In other words, if you want something to BE different, you must be willing to DO different. If not, you will be regretting your lack of action later. </p>
</div>Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-16480736841874936992011-05-03T05:23:00.001-07:002011-05-03T05:23:46.731-07:00Troublesome Tuesday<div><p>Today I slept in. Absolutely exhausted. I think this is a good time to evaluate the amount of sleep I am getting, along with the quality. When not working out, five to six hours seemed enough. Boy, it doesn't now! So, no workout this morning. I work until 8 tonite and then have a late rehearsal. Another later night. But with sleeping in today, I should be able to get up early tomorrow and resume my workouts. Please pray!</p>
<p>In addition, many years ago, life seemed a lot less jam packed. Working until 8 or even 6pm every day takes its toll. </p>
<p>Yesterday was pretty good from a productivity standpoint... I just felt like I was playing catch up until I went to bed at 10:30.</p>
</div>Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-34981494212438483652011-05-02T05:33:00.000-07:002011-05-02T06:41:03.763-07:00It is a Good MondayGood morning! I woke up this morning to another Power90 workout, which was rough, but I am finding that although I am not necessarily able to do more of the moves on the dvd yet (the largeness of my, um, belly makes power yoga very difficult), I was able to increase the intensity of some of the moves. That made for a very good workout, much more intense than last week's workouts.<br /><br />I missed blogging the last few days about this, so I will catch you up with how I am feeling after this first week of my transformation. I have experienced a big change in my flexibility and ability to reach down and pick up things on the floor. If you have ever been old and fat, you can understand the importance of that second one, particularly when you have small children running around. I also have found that the pain and stiffness that result from sitting for long periods of time have almost disappeared.<br /><br />I have also dropped soda altogether - I have not had a carbonated soda drink for almost three weeks now. I take that back - I had one for a movie night, but could not even finish it. That's a big deal to someone who didn't believe he could live without a soda everyday.<br /><br />It is no small bit of news that last night, a team of American Commandos, Navy Seals, conducted a raid in Pakistan that resulted in the death of Osama Bin Laden, one of the most hated international terrorists in history. I am not sorry he is dead, but I do pause to think about a soul that went into eternity without having confessed the Lord Jesus nor believing that God raised him up from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). Given his philosophy of life, and knowing what the brand of Islam he subscribed to preaches, as well as the orchestration of the deaths of thousands of Americans and other westerners, it certainly plays into our sense of justice that he should go to hell (where he certainly is at this moment). But a bit of perspective on this - Bin Laden isn't in hell because of the despicable life he led, nor for the thousands and thousands of people he killed on, before and since 9/11. He is in hell because he did not accept the gift of eternal life that God freely offers to all. The bible tells us that we all fall short of the glory of God. There is none that doeth right, no not one. Where do you fall in all of this? Have you received the gift?<br /><br />Last night we learned of a monster that was slain. Today, are there any monsters being slain in your life? Do you have any strongholds that need to be destroyed? Anything keeping you from receiving that free gift of salvation? Let me know your thoughts...<br /><br />"When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth."Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-6830951861209406722011-04-26T05:32:00.000-07:002011-04-26T06:10:28.357-07:00Day 2 of TransformationToday is day 2 of my transformation.<br /><br />I did level 1-2 of P90 cardio again today. It was harder today in the sense that not only did I know what was coming, but all my leg, rear and torso muscles hurt from yesterday's workout. I actually gained about 2 lbs from yesterday. Can't figure out why, but I did. So, whatever. I drank tea and water only again.<br /><br />I still need to finish my OWNit365 reading today - I wrote this at 7am, after my workout and while making breakfast for my wife, who is now working out herself. I have no observations yet today in this reading, except Proverbs 11:1 - <span class="verse Prov_11_1">A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.<br /><br />This verse is talking about judgment, fairness. A balance is what was used to determine the value of something sold by weight. Today, we call it a scale. A just weight is something that weighs a pound and SAYS it weighs a pound. A false balance could be used by a merchant looking to cheat the customer by saying there was more there than actually was. Inspirationally, this is us using double standards and judging people by a standard they likely don't even know about - our own. THAT is an abomination. Do you judge fat people? People who are a different color or culture? People who make less money than you? Don't hold the same views on their career or children? Are YOU the standard by which you measure others?<br /><br /><span class="study" title="A false…: Heb. Balances of deceit"><br /></span></span>Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-18984369225427002402011-04-25T06:24:00.000-07:002011-04-25T07:11:18.945-07:00Of Fear and DesireToday is day 1 of my transformation.<br /><br />It started well, but I had to deal with two competing emotions this morning. One would lead me to worry about what I can't do or face, while the other is drive, motivation. If you read my last post, you would understand my desire, or motivation and drive, to transform myself. What I didn't write about were my fears, at least not at length. I am not talking about the 'good' fear that the Bible teaches us. Fear of the Lord. There is a whole other study on this kind of fear, maybe for another day. Also, there is another kind of desire that is an evil, or lustful desire. I am not talking about those things.<br /><br />Proverbs 10:24-<br />"The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted."<br /><br />Fear paralyzes, desire catalyzes. Fear envies, desire loves. Fear is negative, desire is positive. When I woke up this morning, my mind was dabbling in the fear area. Fear reminds us of our failures, and compels us to live in the 'safe' world. Fear sounds rational and tells us that desire is irresponsible. Fear told me this morning that I was a lazy fat kid. Working out would only make me tired and I would fail at it anyway. The old nature wanted me to conform to the wicked. The wicked has fear come upon him. His fears become self-fulfilling prophecy. What a contrast with the desire of the righteous...<br /><br />The desire of the righteous. What is that? Because scripture says it will be granted. It is interesting to think about this: Some of you focus on the word "desire" in that phrase and think of a Genie in a lamp scenario. "Man, if I could just act righteous enough, I could get anything I want!!" But how would the scenario change if you focused on the word "righteous"? Consider this passage:<br /><br />Psalm 37:3-6<br />"Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the <span style="font-weight: bold;">desires</span> of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light and thy judgment as the noonday." (emphasis mine)<br /><br />Here we are told to trust in the Lord, do good and delight yourself in the Lord. The results? you shall dwell in the land, be fed, and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Think about it. When you delight in someone (men, when you pursued your wives; women, when you fell in love with your husbands), you desire to please them. In reality, in our marriages, when we seek first and only to please our spouse, it in turn brings great joy to us. When both husband and wife are seeking to please each other, its kinda hard for one not to be pleased! When we seek the joy first, though, without much regard to pleasing our spouse, the results are empty. What about God? When we are delighted in the Lord, we are focused on pleasing Him. As a perfect God, he is not selfish - he is a giver. He will take care of your righteous desires.<br /><br />S0 what am I sayin? Fear is one of our biggest obstacles to success. When we fear God, however, and seek to please Him, our very desires will line up with His desires, which are 100% pure.<br /><br />Today I began day 1 of Power 90, the precursor to P90X. I got my butt handed to me today. But I expected that. In 90 days, that is going to be a much different post!Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-17848913090720542912011-04-23T17:35:00.000-07:002011-04-23T17:46:36.512-07:00The Transformation Begins...<style>@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p { margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, here it is. It has been some time since I have posted, and for that I must ask your forgiveness. I am going to be posting a lot more about a big thing in my life. Yep, its ME. I am big. Too big. Since high school, I have not been overweight maybe once. I have lost a lot of weight over the years, but kept finding it again. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">All kidding aside, there are some passages of scripture that really stuck with me this last week, and I would like to share some of them with you:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">1 Corinthians 6:19-20:</p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">This one kinda got things rolling for me. I was teaching someone on salvation, and that WE are the purchased possession talked about in Ephesians 1:14. God made that leap off the pages, and I immediately felt as if he was saying “Hey, there, dummy. Look what you have done to that body that I bought and have taken up residence in? Are you glorifying me in that thing?” I realized at that moment that this is a thing that I have been fighting for a long, long time, and a battle that I have consistently lost over the last couple decades. I confessed to God that I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">didn</span>’t even know what to do to get my body into shape enough where it was MY servant rather than the other way around, or if I could even do it at all. I realized I had been living defeated. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Embarassed</span>. Bad thing about living like that, is once it permeates one area, it has a tendency to creep into other areas. But God <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doesn</span>’t make or purchase junk. Now, do I realize that just losing weight itself <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doesn</span>’t glorify God? Sure I do. But what it represents in my life, as well as getting to the point where my body is in enough shape that I can at least use it rather than drag it around as a liability and a bad testimony of being out of balance. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">I will share more about this decision, and a couple of demons I had to face in my past in another post. This is talking about where I am now. I am grossly overweight, and I don’t feel like I should be. I’d like to be able to go to the pool and take my shirt off without feeling embarrassed. I’d like to not have to buy fat clothes. I’d like to be able to get down on the floor and not first look around for what I will grab to help me back up.<span style=""> </span>How am I going to do this? First, I have to be transparent to you. This is not easy. I like being the mysterious musician. I like having a dry, dark sense of humor. I have broken things down into four major areas of focus for starters:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;"><span style="">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">Time with God. I read regularly, but I have noticed lately that reading itself <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">doesn</span>’t mean much. I mean a lost person can read. But what about the connection with the author of the book – God? We can read <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">thru</span> the Bible in a year and still not really connect with God. I am changing my strategy a little bit. Rather than worrying if I finish all my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OWNit</span>365 chapters for that day, I am focusing more on having real fellowship with God. If that is 2-3 chapters, or if it is all of them, the goal is fellowship and connection with God. I am not speaking down to those that feel otherwise about their daily reading. I am merely saying that the time that I do read and commune with God in prayer should be more about connecting with my Lord than “getting something” or “doing my daily chores”.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;"><span style="">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">Eating habits. I don’t eat horribly, except when I snack. Okay, and at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LIFEgroup</span> when people bring all that great food. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">OKAAAAY</span>, and at dinner when I have 2 helpings… anyway, I am making 3 main changes to what I am doing in the area of nutrition. First, I am cutting out the snacking, and when the need to snack arises, I will have a couple backups in place at all times. Second, I am cutting out ALL second helpings of stuff. One trip, one plate. And each plate will be person sized portions, not Beluga Whale sized. Finally, pop of all kinds is gone, replaced by water and green tea. </span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;"><span style="">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">Activity. I want to do some strenuous activity every day. Sometimes that will mean running, other times bicycling, P90, yoga, stacking wood, men’s workout with guys from church, chasing my boys, wrestling, or maybe just a good walk. Okay, six days a week at least. When I mean strenuous, I mean a good amount of time pushing myself to some previously established limits and beyond. I want to be able to run a mile by end of summer. </span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;"><span style="">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">Journal and accountability. I am going to post, hopefully at least weekly, my progress and experience. Failures, epiphanies, lessons and successes. Whoever you are that reads this, you will be able to hold me accountable to what I am setting out to do.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria;">This is not a “lifestyle change”. I hate that phrase. Overused, underachieved. No, this is a transformation altogether. Starting now. I am not asking you to go on this journey with me. Those who want to follow, that’s great. But this is for me, led by God, I believe. Not for my sake, but for His, as according to the verse above, as he purchased this body. </span></p>Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-17687703923755690642010-08-08T21:26:00.000-07:002010-08-08T22:31:18.901-07:00Loosing the BandsCrossroads Church is beginning a 40 day period of fasting on Monday, August 9, 2010. I will not divulge to you what specifically I am choosing to 'fast', as that is unimportant to anyone but myself and God. I will say, however, that I am very excited to see what it is that God is going to do in the lives of our people. What I want to encourage all who read this post to do is to pray for our congregation. Not that we would be able to endure through the fast, but that indeed our folks would "loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke" (Isaiah 58).<br /><br />This time of prayer and fasting is for "oneness" in our church. The thing that we choose to fast should be replaced with time spent in prayer or study with God. Fasting accomplishes a few things in our lives, then.<br /><br />First, biblically, fasting is to loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke. The 'bands of wickedness' means that if you are in bondage to this world in any way, fasting can be one way to free yourself from that bondage. Addictions, attitudes, bad thought processes, lack of discipline, etc. If you feel like you are in prison to the "bands of wickedness", then perhaps you should prayerfully consider a biblical fast to loose the bands of wickedness.<br /><br />It is also to undo the heavy burdens. When we bear the weight of our sin, it is like a backpack loaded with weights. You have to carry whatever you put in there. Jesus told us to set that 'weight' aside, and to take on his burden, his yoke, because it is light and easy. If you think that is easier said than done, then perhaps you should prayerfully consider a biblical fast to undo that heavy burden.<br /><br />It is also to 'let the oppressed go free'. Are you harboring bitterness against a brother or sister in Christ? Maybe even to someone who is not a believer? Your anger and bitterness towards others is a form of oppression. Maybe you feel that person really really deserves your anger because they are such a weasel (or worse). If you have the power to let the oppressed go free, then you are the one doing the oppressing. If you have ought against any person, then perhaps you should prayerfully consider a biblical fast to let the oppressed go free.<br /><br />Finally, this verse says it is to 'break every yoke.' Do you know what a yoke is? Merriam-Webster defines it as "a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together <strong>b</strong> <strong>:</strong> an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person <strong>c</strong> <strong>:</strong> a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions <strong>d</strong> <strong>:</strong> a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness <em class="sn">e </em><em class="su">(1)</em> <strong>:</strong> a crosspiece on the head of a boat's rudder <em class="su">(2)</em> <strong>:</strong> an airplane control operating the elevators and ailerons <strong>f</strong> <strong>:</strong> a frame from which a bell is hung <strong>g</strong> <strong>:</strong> a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position" A yoke is both an instrument that allows certain types of work, and something that binds two things together. Perhaps you are in a bad relationship or friendship. You may be in a job that works you so hard you can't stay in balance in other areas of your life. If you find yourself under a 'yoke' that you should not be shouldering or are in a damaging relationship, you should prayerfully consider a biblical fast to break every yoke.<br /><br />I have more to say on the next verse, but for now, you just need to know that today's post, if you didn't figure it out already, is about "Inreach" on a personal level.<br /><br />I really hope you all have a fantastic Monday!!!Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-59145552468051973052010-01-26T04:32:00.000-08:002010-01-26T05:02:37.965-08:00Hardening of heartsToday's reading was in Exodus 14-15 and Matthew 17. Read online at <a href="http://bit.ly/64hMby">http://bit.ly/64hMby</a>.<br /><br />I got to thinking today about why people come up with reasons to reject God. I know there are plenty, and I don't want to be so naive as to think that there are any legitimate reasons to reject Him. By legitimate reasons I mean those that God would say "oh, yeah, good point" to.<br /><br />In line with that thinking, Exodus 14-15 tell the story of the first part of Israel's journey - out of the city of Rameses up to the place where they go through the Red Sea. So, as if all of the plagues that God sent into Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let Israel go weren't enough, Pharaoh turned his heart yet again against Israel and pursued them, saying "why did we let Israel go from serving us? What were we thinking?!" Isn't that a decision to fight against God?<br /><br />So after Pharaoh made his decision, God decided to use this for His glory, and hardened the heart of Pharaoh. So hard that Pharaoh and the Egyptian host saw the pillar of fire and of smoke, yet continued with their desire to pursue Israel. Then they saw the waters of the Red Sea open up and DRY LAND appear there. That is two separate miracles, folks! So the pillar stands between the Egyptians and Israel, presumably following behind Israel as a barrier until Israel gets to the other side. As the pillar moves, the Egyptian army pursues Israel by going through the same way, but when they get to the middle, the unthinkable happens: God looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar and 'troubled' the host of the Egyptians. Then God takes the wheels off their chariots so they bogged down right there. THEN they say "let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians." Really? So, they didn't figure that out during the plagues? No, they didn't really repent of their actions, they just got "caught". We do the same thing, don't we? We keep living our lies until it becomes impossible to do anymore. Sometimes, however, by that time it is too late to avoid the dire consequences of those lies.<br /><br />So what do we learn from this? Whatever you do, do not harden your heart against the things of God. People will always let you down - never let what other people do/have done be an excuse for why you won't surrender your life to God. You know what I mean - "I don't wanna be like THOSE people"; "If THAT's what a Christian is, then I don't wanna be one"; blah blah blah.We must draw near to God, grow our relationship with Him through his Word and prayer so we will recognize the things he does in our lives, have the right response to those things and not wait until we are getting pummeled and drowned by the waves of the Red Sea before we take action.<br /><br />Are you ignoring the workings of God in your life? Maybe you don't even think there is anything God is doing in your life. You would do well to open your eyes, and if you desire to see those things and still don't, please get with me or someone else who can help you with the Bible and discover what it is God is doing! :-)Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-66746857469508428932010-01-21T05:14:00.000-08:002010-01-21T05:39:05.352-08:00What happened to Chivalry?Today's reading is Exodus 1-2 and Matthew 14:1-21. You can read it <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%201-3;Matthew%2014:1-21&version=KJV">HERE.</a><br /><br />Yesterday while leaving work I held the door open for a couple of ladies who were also leaving. I do this alot, and most of the time they pass along as if it is expected, or even sometimes offended that I did it. I always think in that situation 'get over yourself', but I never say it. You see, I don't do it for the 'thanks', but because it is the right thing to do. I think we should help people in general, but particularly if it is a woman - hold the door open, help her change her flat tire, pick up a load of books or groceries that she has dropped, on and on, etc. We have let a perverted few in our culture instill fear in us that we cannot help folks for being perceived wrong or politically incorrect. I have particular disdain for being politically correct at this moment in our history, and don't hold political views based on what is 'cool' or what the pointy headed elites tell me my views should be.<br /><br />Anyway, I also had a few interesting comments on my facebook status as well. We so often give to get, and completely miss the point. I thought it was appropriate that I had that experience last night, because today's reading has Moses being born and raised in Egypt, then growing up and killing one of the Egyptians, and running for fear of his life. He ends up in the backside of the desert sitting by a well, perhaps feeling sorry for himself or just in despair at the course his life has taken. Maybe he is sitting there reflecting on what he did, looking for a way to redeem himself. Then comes a bunch of girls drawing water for their father's flock and shepherds come along and try to tell them they can't do that and to get lost. The Bible says Moses stood up and helped them. They didn't give him thanks, or if they did it doesn't say. All that happened is they ran home to tell daddy. Moses ends up with one of this guy's daughters and having a son. Its kinda funny how you start out with 'chivalry' and end up not being single. Don't do it for the thanks. Do it even if the gal is offended (believe me, even the most flaming liberal women will generally not reject the overture). Do it because it is the right thing.Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-29146787987636595222010-01-20T05:01:00.000-08:002010-01-20T08:37:48.402-08:00The Words of a FatherToday's reading is Genesis 49-50 and Matthew 13:31-58. Read online <a href="http://bit.ly/5Q8QwM">HERE.<br /></a><br />What stuck out to me today was Jacob's (Israel's) words to his sons. He took each of his sons and gave a final statement about each one. Some were good, some were not so good. What a father says about and to his son(s) is key here. It really is a blessing or a cursing, and it carries on into life.<br /><br />Fathers, are you creating a situation where your son grows up feeling like he's no good, the expectations are too high, that you are unfair, hypocritical, judgmental, etc? Or does he feel like you're preparing him to be a real man? Are you teaching him to love God (or just yourself)? Are you modeling for him how to be a godly father and husband? One the one hand, if you are not secure in your relationship with God (or your own father), it can be very easy to "pass along" those insecurities to your son. He would then have insecurities of his own, and so the pattern continues. Or, will you break that pattern and thrust a stake in the ground and say from this generation forward we will serve the Lord God?<br /><br />I don't mean to neglect the daughters - it is of utmost importance that fathers are there for their daughters, but there is so much there it deserves another post at another time. Perhaps you were a son with a father that was lost, or that gave you a cursing rather than a blessing. The great news is that if you are born again, you have a Father in heaven who is perfect; a Father who will give you what you need, including that rite of passage into manhood. If you are not saved (born again), there is still good news for you. First, take care of the salvation issue. Read my post from <a href="http://theworshipsaxman.blogspot.com/2010/01/january-18-2010.html">January 18 HERE</a> and follow the instructions. Once you have done that, get with a mature Christian at a Bible believing church to help you get established in your faith, and get to know the Father you never had! Even if you had a great father growing up, you can still use that as a foundation for getting to know your perfect heavenly Father!<br /><br />Time prohibits me this morning from discussing Matthew, but in the parables in this passage Jesus is giving us pictures of just how precious the kingdom of Heaven is.<br /><br />Have an awesome day!Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-16096705750727251722010-01-19T05:21:00.000-08:002010-01-19T05:27:45.874-08:00Of Egypt and the SowerToday's daily reading is Genesis 46-48; Matthew 13:1-30. You can read it <a href="http://bit.ly/8uq4qz">HERE.</a><br /><br />Jacob and family go into Egypt. They find favor in Pharaoh's eyes, and dwell in the land of Goshen with their cattle.<br /><br />In Matthew, we see the parable of the sower. Many folks I know are being 'choked' with the cares of this world, and thus are unable to grow spiritually. Where do you think you are today?<br /><br />Tonight is Worship Team practice at Crossroads. A highlight of my week!!! Will post my thoughts about that later!Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-81526702865206718052010-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:002010-01-18T04:47:33.894-08:00January 18, 2010My daily reading for today was in Genesis 43-45 and Matthew 12:24-50. You can read the passages online <a href="http://bit.ly/565dgJ">HERE.</a><br /><br />In Genesis, we see the children of Israel again sent to Joseph in Eqypt, this time with their youngest brother Benjamin, according to the requirement given to them by Joseph the last time they were there. There are a few different things I saw in the passage that showed me how God deals with us and how we should be with folks who have wronged us.<br /><br />First, we sometimes see God like we see many authority figures: an overbearing boss, the school principal, a mean parent; someone consumed with zapping us when we do wrong. Don't misunderstand, God will judge the wicked, but God is also merciful to those who humble themselves and turn (repent) to Him. It is by God's grace that he provides for our needs. Joseph was a picture of God's grace in that God rescued him from his desperate situation and elevated him to the #2 position in Egypt. Joseph then became a picture of God's mercy, first in that through obedience to God he was able to provide food to a world suffering from a horrible famine. Second, he had the power to "get even" with his brothers who sold him into Eqypt so many years ago, yet he still loved them, and saw the BIG picture, which was the greater plan God had for his presence in Eqypt and for the future nation of Israel.<br /><br />On a personal note, Joseph pictured the mercy and grace of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected by his own people. Jesus is still rejected by most people today. Despite this, God says he LOVED THE WORLD so much, that he sent his son to them, knowing what they would do. God could have sent down legions of angels to destroy those who murdered Jesus, but it was by that very act God provided a way for us to be with Him in heaven and to be freed from the bondage of sin. Just as Joseph provided a way for those who sold him to slavery (and the whole world) to escape a famine that would have surely killed them, God provided a way for us to be saved from a 'famine' that would also kill us spiritually: our sin.<br /><br />If you are not sure about your own spiritual condition, please consider the following. We inherited a sin nature from Adam. Therefore, we all have sin (Romans 5:12). We cannot be in the presence of a holy God when we die because of that sin. (We are not sinners BECAUSE we sin; rather, we sin because we ARE sinners). Jesus was sent to remedy this situation. He was born sinless, lived a perfect sinless life, died on the cross according to the scriptures, was buried and raised from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures, and by doing so conquered sin and death. Now God, through his love for us, offers to take all our sin and wash it away through Christ's sacrifice and victory. You can spend a lifetime trying to understand every little detail of this, and many have. But before you live another moment, will you accept God's free offer of salvation? Romans 10:9-13 tells us how to do this. "that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, <span style="font-style: italic;">thou shalt be saved</span>. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. <span style="font-style: italic;">For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. </span>"<br /><br />And some people think that the Bible isn't relevant for today...!!<br /><br /><p><br /></p>Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-87422149634662053742010-01-17T11:17:00.000-08:002010-01-17T11:35:58.292-08:00Long time no post!Well, it has been a while, hasn't it! A lot has happened since my last post. I am now a part of the worship team at Crossroads Church in Grain Valley (www.direction4living.com). I will be posting Sunday Setlists soon - perhaps by next week. I'd post this week, but I DON'T HAVE THE LIST!!!<br /><br />Anyway, I have lots to share, and look forward to doing so in the coming days!<br /><br />For now, here is today's daily reading schedule, from Back To The Bible:<br /><br />Genesis 41-42; Matthew 12:1-23<br /><br />http://bit.ly/7fmPbo<br /><br />Joseph meets up with his brethren whom he hasn't seen since they sold him back in the day. This is after he interprets some dreams regarding the coming days of plenty and of famine. Joseph controls the situation so he can be sure his father and youngest brother are still alive. Its also interesting how Joseph's dream, which his brothers were angry about, comes to pass. In Matthew, Jesus gets into it with some Pharisees regarding the Sabbath day. Jesus healed folks on that day and Pharisees were getting all over him for doing work on that day. Really? Its amazing that healing from God was occurring at all, and the Pharisees were worried about it happening on the Sabbath. Sounds like us sometimes. We need to be IN the world and not OF it, but when we act like we are OF the world but not IN it (pharisees/hypocrites), we look like Pharisees to the world.Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-11145954907174632552009-09-13T19:19:00.000-07:002009-09-13T20:15:07.498-07:00Sunday Setlist Sept 13 09This was a good service this morning. We started with a slow and funky/rocky version of My Redeemer Lives, then an equally rousing version of Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus. We continued with an original worship song by Arturo LaCruz called To The Glory of His Name. We finished up our first set with King of Wonders.<br /><br />Hopefully, most people didn't notice we were just supposed to go into a time of prayer and instead the group moved into a chord progression that belonged to a song we were doing at the end of service. Sometimes it is easy to get a little lost in the attitude of worship and lose our place. It doesn't happen often, but there we were. For about four bars (seeming an eternity onstage), we were totally lost. But the keyboard went into that progression, and I have a very exposed part in the song on soprano sax. There was a point in that progression where I had to decide to either go with the progression the way it was being played or not play and leave the band hanging. I figured I could work my way out of it if I was wrong, so I went at it, full blast. I think only a few people who are familiar with our music flow caught it, but boy did I feel like I was in my underwear there for a while! All ended well, but for a few, crazy seconds it was panic city. Here is the set:<br /><br />My Redeemer Lives (F)<br />Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus (G)<br />To The Glory Of His Name (G)<br />King of Wonders (A)<br /><br />End of Service song (the one we started too early!):<br />The Solid Rock (E)<br /><br />Dr. Jeff Adams continued his series out of Nehemiah entitled "The Men Behind the Wall." You can see the messages on line at <a href="http://kcbt.org"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">kcbt.org</span></a>. Today we were in Chapter 4, verses 1-6, regarding the opposition of Sanballat and Tobiah. And yes, those are my saxes behind Jeff! ;-)<br /><br />Check out other Sunday Setlists at <a href="http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/09/13/sunday-setlists-60/">Fred McKinnon's blog</a>.Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-15481432358497167332009-08-03T10:03:00.000-07:002009-08-03T10:35:26.566-07:00Sunday Setlist 8-2-09Sorry its late, but here is the Sunday Setlist from the Kansas City Baptist Temple:<br /><br />O Praise Him – a rousing version of this David Crowder Band tune with Jondy Britton leading on acoustic. Horns added.<br /><br />Everlasting God – Nice high-energy song with a nod to the Anthony Evans, Jr. version performed at the National Worship Leader Conference. Congregation is beginning to pick up on non-lyric vocals. Cool!<br /><br />God With Us – Mercy Me from 2007, beefed up with live syncopated horns and a 6 piece backup vocal section. Ended with a repeat of the chorus acapella. Very powerful.<br /><br />Praise To The Lord, The Almighty – This for the trad-hymn fans. A contemporary styling that still kept the original feel. Jesse Bowman added some nice muted trumpet fills, and a very worshipful chorus was added.<br /><br />Let The Church Rise – Israel Houghton & Jonathan Stockstill. A new song for our church today. They did well. It started as the “special” music for the offering, then we had people stand once the ushers completed their duty. Jamie Hamilton jumped into the fray with some tasty alto sax licks, followed by Jesse Bowman again on trumpet going into the bridge, then I joined in on tenor sax at the key change. The chorus ended up high with a full complement of background vocals, the horn section’s best impression of a brass choir, then the words “Let us be light in the darkness; let the church rise, let the church rise.” Leading into the opening prayer by pastor Tim Mensendiek, who preached today in Dr. Jeff Adams’ absence. Tim preached on Isaiah 61:1-4 “The Treasure in the Trash.”<br /><br />The “front of house” worship singers were Dan Greenbank, and Janice Haley. Guest guitarist in Arturo’s absence was young Mr. Becken (fantastic job, young man!). The worship leader was Jeremy Schell. Props to Sarah Stavig on the lighting board.<br /><br />This Sunday, our congregation did not seem to have as much problem with all the construction inconvenience going on. We seem to be “getting used to it”, so to speak!<br /><br />That is it for this week’s Sunday Setlist!! Be sure to check out the other Sunday Setlists on <a href="http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/08/02/sunday-setlists-54/">Fred McKinnon's blog</a>!Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-59150711993116082432009-07-31T11:55:00.000-07:002009-07-31T12:01:33.430-07:00Worship Friday 7-31-2009It starts in the mind...<br /><br />Okay, so here we are and its another Worship Friday. After having my world rocked at the National Worship Leader Conference in Overland Park last week, I have spent a lot of time trying to sort out what really happened. I will probably never fully figure it out, but even my voice is different in the way I sing. I have been spending time meditating on what worship really is. In the church I attend, (and I did not “grow up” in church!) for years “Praise” and “Worship” were used almost interchangeably. I don’t want to create a doctrinal thesis on the definitions for each, and I spent some time on my thoughts on that difference in my last post. In short, worship is an expression of mindset; an expression of an attitude, that makes real praise possible and meaningful. A recognition that God is “WORTHY” and truly deserves our praise.<br /><br />God does not force us to love him, or even to get saved. We are the ones who choose what we love. There is no involuntary “falling” in love. It is always a choice. God made it that way on purpose. The apostle Paul said in Romans 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Before we were saved, we were servants of sin unto death by default, but once saved, we no longer are required to serve sin (though we still choose to do so sometimes). Verse 18-19 “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” The old King James version uses “members” to refer to any part of your body, including your mind. In order to yield ANY of your members, can we not agree that you first have to gain a certain level of control of them? And as the mind controls the rest of the body, once you gain control of the head, you get the whole package. This is soberness. If you are a believer, your ‘new man’ can rule, and you can then cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity EVERY THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ.<br /><br />To tie it all together, as I reflected on the National Worship Leader Conference, I realized that I can yield my mind, the talents He has given to me, completely to Him. Sounds pretty simple, but I challenge you to meditate on this, and see if indeed your mind, your heart, your talents and your time are yielded to Him and his plan for your life. Most of you reading this do not even really know what it is God wants you to do. For those of you that do, what are the obstacles holding you back? What is keeping you from fulfilling that which God showed you at the NWLC? Perhaps we can learn from each other. I know what is holding me back, and its me. I saw that more clearly than ever before last week.Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-58152495862444022882009-07-28T12:13:00.000-07:002009-07-28T12:16:13.532-07:00Tuesday RantI have spent a lot of my musical life focusing on “excellence.” Thinking back to my days in All-State Band in high school, where ¼ of a point many times would separate first and second chair players. What is the difference between those folks, really? It is such a hard thing to put a finger on. I do know that I made first chair my sophomore year over folks who were older than me and had been there before. How, why? I think it was a perfect storm of drive, talent and the time to prepare/practice.<br /><br />So, now that I am a Christian, in particular, a Christian who is involved in leading worship each week, what does that mean? Do we put forth a lukewarm effort because “God will make it sound better out front than it does on stage”? I think that is absolutely the wrong way to look at things. I have heard so many folks use excuses to cover their lack of respect for their calling (if indeed they are called to that), and ultimately, their Lord. What happened to the charge to play “skillfully” on your instrument?<br /><br />Indeed the first mention of worship in the Bible is in Genesis 22, where Abraham and his son, Isaac went to go “worship.” Well, you know the story – Abraham was being obedient to God and would have sacrificed his son Isaac. For our purposes here, it is just interesting to note that the first time worship is mentioned it is in context of a sacrifice. Remember that – we’ll come back to it in a moment.<br /><br />Paul, when writing his letter to the Hebrews, used some language that the Jews would be familiar with regarding a continual sacrifice. Hebrews 13:15 calls it the “Sacrifice of Praise”, then defines it as “the FRUIT of our lips giving thanks to his name” (emphasis mine). The old testament sacrifices were to be continual, ongoing. Hmm. Interesting.<br /><br />Okay, so far both Praise and Worship, which are indeed distinct, are both associated with sacrifices. Now you’re looking at me like the lights are on, but nobody’s home…stay with me for a little bit more.<br /><br />If “praise” is the words of our songs (fruit of our lips, physical or spiritual), or the words of our heart, then “worship” is the less tangible attitude of ascribing to someone or something a “Worth” higher than our own. We flippantly throw around the phrase “We are not worthy!”, but that is exactly what worship is. God created man with the desire to recognize that God is greater than man, but the sinful man takes that desire and tries to satisfy it with false gods, materialism, riotous living, none of which fulfil the promise of satisfaction (yet that is their primary selling point!!).<br /><br />So, why the “sacrifice” part? This really applies to everyone who is a believer, but specifically we are thinking of this as musician-worshippers. Someone at one point coined the phrase “lead worshippers”, and I think that is appropriate. We should understand this better than anyone. What requirements were put on sacrifices in the Old Testament? God spent some time and some words telling Israel what kind of sacrifices to make. Firstfruits (Ex. 23:19), meat offerings (Lev. 2:11), burnt sacrifice (Lev 1:3, 10, 3:6), and many many other examples. The sacrifice was to be without blemish. The very BEST they had to offer. A lot of us already know much of this already and apply it.<br /><br />Let’s wrap this up and put a handle on it so you can take it with you. Those of you who believe you are called to this ministry but don’t spend any time making your musicianship better (“nah, I can’t read music”, “I don’t have time to practice”, “how do you finger that chord again?”, “I can’t remember the words”, “I don’t know what notes are in a C minor seven plus eleven flat thirteen chord”, or for some of you, “What do those little ‘bees’ on your music mean?”) are in need of some self-evaluation. What if you discovered your pastor prepared for his sermons like you prepare for your song service? I’m just sayin’!<br /><br />Praise and Worship is indeed a sacrifice. The criteria for a sacrifice require the best of the best. If the best you have is not cutting it, have your pastor help you find the area of ministry that is better suited for you. For the sake of God, as well as for the sake of you finding what God really intended for you and flourishing in it and living abundantly, get with your mentor or pastor and get it straight. If you have responsibility, don’t just drop it. Confess this to your pastor, do your job and pray for God to bring the person to the forefront to do this that He has provided. For those that KNOW they are called, you also know you have abilities. Learn and stretch. Be prepared to offer a sacrifice of praise and worship without blemish. Not just great music, but the worship part needs to be in place too. Worship is more internal, more in touch with the emotional side of us. The way I look at it is that I can Praise God with my music because it comes from an attitude of worship that starts on the inside. The sacrifice comes in the practice, the preparation, and knowing what I’m doing.<br /><br />I saw at the National Worship Leader Conference how infectious this style of worship leading can be. Those whom God has called to be a lead worshiper should be infecting their congregations with excellent praise.Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-65577679361673538602009-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:002009-07-27T14:17:42.314-07:00Sunday Setlists - July 26, 2009After a week of the National Worship Leader Conference, it can be hard from some perspectives to get back into the swing of things. 2,000 people who can and want to sing, and sing well surrounding you while standing just a few rows away from the biggest names in worship music doin’ their thing live in a huge auditorium has a tendency to spoil you a bit. But, we had a great service, and an equally great message from our pastor, Dr. Jeff Adams at Kansas City Baptist Temple (<a title="www.kcbt.org" href="http://www.kcbt.org/" target="_blank">www.kcbt.org</a>).<br /><br />Set:<br />Because of Your Love – great Paul Baloche tune. We added a punctuated horn section part to the essentially “Balochey” arrangement.<br /><br />My Redeemer Lives – a rocky version of the Reuben Morgan classic song. We indeed have reason to sing because our Lord HAS conquered the grave, and right now, he LIVES!<br /><br />Leaning on the Everlasting Arms – Great hymn by Elisha Hoffman, given a bluesy shuffle treatment, starting with a sax riff by me, then into the chorus, and 3 verses.<br /><br />I Give You My Heart – The Reuben Morgan tune on reflection of wanting nothing more than to honor the Lord, and praise Him with all we have within us. This is the first step to really dealing with all of the ‘crap’ in our lives.<br /><br />The Church’s One Foundation – a vocal-heavy arrangement of the hymn about the true foundation of the church, Jesus Christ our Lord. A sax interlude solo after the second verse helped to reflect on the first verses and prepare us for the last two.<br /><br />King of Wonders – Matt Redman song, the last song of our set, before the message by Dr. Jeff Adams. Standard arrangement, nice muted trumpet fills by Jesse Bowman. What a song to end our set, leaving off with thoughts about the King of Wonders, who knows the way to our hearts.<br /><br />That led into the message, which was a continuation of the series in Nehemiah, “The Men Behind The Wall.” Today, we were in chapter 3, verse 14, talking about the dung gate. Now how many churches can you go to and talk about a “dung gate?” Yes, its what you think. Short story is that we all need a dung gate to deal with the “crap” in our lives. This was a dirty job, and no one really wants to deal with this stuff. What a picture – we certainly know that dealing with the dirty baggage in our lives is not fun, but through humility and a relationship with God through his Word and the Holy Spirit, we can take our load of you-know-what to the dung gate, where there is a continual burning fire to consume it. Could spend a lot of time on it, but better to actually watch the video online here: <a title="KCBT Video Page" href="http://kcbt.org/?page_id=116" target="_blank">KCBT Video Page</a><br /><br />This Sunday Setlist is part of the bigger #sundaysetlist carnival on Fred McKinnon’s Web site. Check out other Sunday Setlists on <a href="http://www.fredmckinnon.com/myblog/2009/07/26/sunday-setlists-53/">Fred McKinnon's blog</a>.Saxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5932110290666425399.post-35617125990319633082009-07-24T15:40:00.001-07:002009-07-24T15:40:54.851-07:00Worship Friday!This doesn’t mean that every Friday I will have a Worship Friday post. I’m really not that much of a blogger (yet). But, who knows? This might turn into something regular! Anyhow, I wanted to give a recap of my week and the National Worship Leader Conference at Church of the Resurrection in Overland Park, Kansas. I was most encouraged that such emphasis was placed on the reality behind the music, and the recognition that the church is in danger of becoming irrelevant. To continue our mission, we really have to return to things that we should be doing and start being an impact in our communities. People won’t give a rip about our message if we won’t feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and go to those in prison. In addition, to be “out in front” and communicate the way most of the world has figured out how to communicate. How do we get the attention of people these days? I was very encouraged by the answers I heard this week.<br /><br />First of all, I think for me personally, what I got most out of the conference had nothing to do with the workshops or general sessions specifically. The entire event had the effect on me of making me re-evaluate my musical goals. Do I want to refocus my music career in worship music recording/performance/production exclusively? Do I want to do some of both? Today, as I am back at my regular job, I still have all of those emotions, facts, thoughts and stirrings fresh in my mind. I had an UNBELIEVABLE urge to go home, get my sax, and park it outside and play to the Lord all day and find SOME WAY of getting up on stage to worship with some of those folks, even if just during the rehearsal times. At the risk of sounding like I want to glorify myself, I have never felt stronger that I belonged with those folks onstage – not to try to “impress” people, but to follow that which is set before me as a vision, a calling. Almost out of fear, I purposely left my horn home on the last day of the conference and told folks I just forgot it. I regretted that decision later in the day when our worship team assembled on a grassy hillside under some trees and had some spontaneous worship with a very out-of-tune guitar. To sum up that portion, I had my eyes opened to another part of this big vision I have for music. Just Wow.<br /><br />I started the conference by attending a session with Frank Hernandez on inspiring kids to worship, which I am going to use with my own children. Next, I went to a class with Dr. Leonard Sweet on Reaching Out to Where People are NOT: The Missing “Lead” in Leadership. I really got a clue on the use of words, pictures and technology for different generations there. To close out Tuesday, I took a songwriting class with Tommy Walker. I felt pretty good about that, and the evening worship was with Aaron Shust, Laura Story and Mac Powell. Very cool.<br /><br />Wednesday was also good as I started with Tony Guerro and team rehearsal techniques, then attended a class with Laura Story and Randy Schlichting on Mentoring for All Ages. Very similar in philosophy with our own church, KC Baptist Temple. The evening was unbelievable with Meredith Andrews, Matt Maher and Paul Baloche. We could have gone all night.<br /><br />Thursday started with a great set by Christy Nockels, then a sobering message by Iranian pastor David Nasser. That was followed by a very pivotal break out session with some of my KCBT co-laborers. After lunch, I took another songwriting class with Matt Maher, and finished things up with Worship + Web 2.0 with Fred McKinnon.<br /><br />The lessons I learned and their lasting effects will be detailed in future Praise Fridays. I just might make this a regular deal! JSaxmonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01807283587670881652noreply@blogger.com0