A Recent Project

We recently had Paul Young, author of "The Shack" come and speak at Central. It was a very compelling and challenging interview. Though we were not able to post it, you can find info about his story online here and it is worth looking up. One thing we did do was a video piece called "letter from God" that we actually did during the instrumental bridge of "how he loves us" as done by Kim Walker. Here is that piece, though done individually, and available for purchase from Worship House Media. Pretty cool!

Eager to...

My kids love to watch movies, especially my youngest, Kate. We have lots of kid movies. One of the movies she likes is Ratatouille. There is a scene in the movie where Remy is hungry and trying to find food. He finds some food, but his conscience in the form of his hero Chef Gusteau convinces him not to steal food, but instead tells him, "Remy, you are better than that. You are a cook! A cook makes! A thief takes. You are not a thief. Food will come, Remy. Food always comes to those who love to cook." The very thing Remy wanted would come not by stealing, but by cooking, preparing what he desired for others to consume. Put another way, by serving.
News of economic struggles abound. Yet the truth is, whether in good times or bad, our cravings rarely change. We desire money or stuff. I often wrestle with those same desires, and have allowed myself to get caught up in trying to figure out how to get more. Yet, the pursuit of that totally changes a persons heart, their motivation for all they do. Matthew 21:6 clearly states this truth when it say, "where your treasure it, there your heart will be also." If what I treasure is a lifestyle that conforms with those around me, or those I look up to, my heart will be fixated on that at the expense of the greater things of God. If I treasure happiness, my heart is fixated on achieving that, and I miss the challenging lessons of life that bring joy and trust through Gods faithfulness in hard times. Jesus' own words later in Matthew 6 remind us that when we seek first his kingdom, he will take care of the rest.
In my quiet time this morning, I read this passage from 1 Peter 5:2-4:

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

What a great reminder that true riches come from true sacrifice and service. We are encouraged to be eager to serve, rather than greedy for money, and the reward for such eagerness is a crown that never fades, something much more valuable than what this world can offer.

Take Care of Your Business

I have been very fortunate to be able to play music with a bass player named Mel Brown. He just won his second Grammy award in which he played Bass for the tune "Stand Up" on Jennifer Hudson's Grammy winning CD. Not only is he a tremendous musician, he has a lot of experience and wisdom that he has gained over the years that he has shared with myself and others around here. One of the phrases he has used over the last month or so that has really stuck in my mind is the phrase, "you have to take care of your business." Now, he has not necessarily said that to me directly, but in the context of people taking care of that which they have been asked/hired to do, which often in our context has to do with musicians.

I find that so often, people tend to get wrapped up in what others are doing or not doing, having an opinion often very strongly stated, about the negative effects of what others are doing upon their own responsibilities. More directly stated, blaming others for their lack of production. Many of us are guilty of this. The reason I didn't do what I should have, or couldn't do what I was supposed to do had to do with what someone else didn't do for me. The truth is though, all of us need to quit worrying about what others are or aren't doing, and take care of our own business. Do what you were asked to do, at the very minimum to the expectation of those who asked you/hired you to do it, but really, to the fullest you are able to do it. This is the true measure of your own integrity and reliability. If you do your business, and do it well, you will never have to worry about what others are doing. You will have presented yourself professionally and credibly, and people will be more apt to rely on you when they need that service again. But if you are prone to making excuses and not showing up with your business taken care of, you will lose opportunities to do what you do in the future.

I find this principle demonstrates itself in a variety of situations, in employment, volunteer work, ministry, music...you name it. If someone has asked/hired you to do something, take care of your business! If in the process, you can help others be successful, even better. That will be the true measure of your value and success...not what others don't do!

Thanks Mel! Congratulations on taking care of your business, and receiving a your second Grammy in the process!