Steven Curtis Chapman will be on Larry King Live, Thursday at 8:00 PM CT. He will be talking to Larry about the tragedy their family recently went through.
Video Of The First Worship Service In Our New Sanctuary
Back in late January our church moved into a new worship center. Our first service was definitely something to remember.
Our worship team finally was able to edit the video from that day into a format that will work on the internet.
You can click on this link to read the technical background for the service. WorshipTrench.com However, if you just want to see the video, here it is (by the way, that is our associate worship pastor Brent Minter leading the worship)
At
first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did
wrong; so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was there
sort of like a picture of a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but
I really didn't know Him.
Later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was like a bike ride, on a
tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I
don't recall when he suggested we change places, but life has not been the same
since.
When I had control, it was rather boring, and predictable . . . It was the
shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew the
exciting paths to take, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck
speeds -- it was all I could do to just hang on! At times it seemed like
madness. He said: "Pedal!"
And by faith I did, although I worried and was anxious. "Where are you
taking me?" He laughed, but no answer, and I started to learn to trust. I
forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.
When I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took
me to people that had gifts that I needed. Gifts of healing, acceptance, love,
and joy. So many priceless gifts to take on my journey -- my Lord's and mine.
Then we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away -- they're extra
baggage now -- there'll be more gifts to come." So I did, I gave them to
people we met, and found that in giving I also received, and my burden was
lighter.
I didn't trust him at first to be in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck
it -- but I discovered he knows how to handle even the roughest roads in my
life. Now I'm learning to be quiet and pedal in the strangest places. I'm
beginning to enjoy the view, the challenge of the ride, as well as the cool
breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion -- Jesus Christ.
When it seems I just can't take anymore, I keep my eyes and faith on Him. He
looks at me, with a big smile, and says: ". . . Keep on Pedaling."
Jordan Fowler over at WorshipTrench.com had an interesting post this morning about how the economic downturn will affect the Church. You can read it by clicking on Worship and the Economic Downturn.
Our friends Craig and Susanne McFadden are in Vietnam right now. They are maintaining a blog of their adventures during their trip. This is the text from a post they did earlier today that I thought should be shared...
Two years ago Craig and I walked into a souvenir shop in
Hanoi and was immediately struck by the music that was playing. It was Michael
W. Smith! We started a conversation with a worker in the shop (Nhan) about the
music. We asked her if she like it and if she knew what the words meant. She
said an Australian tourist had given it to her and she really liked it, she
said it made her feel a peace inside. We spoke briefly about the meaning of the
songs and we could tell she was searching for the truth. We promised to send
her another CD of music. So last year when we were here we brought a Casting
Crowns CD and a picture of the three of us together which we had taken the
previous year. When we went to her store, she wasn’t there but the shopkeeper
promised she would give it to Nhan. We then passed her name on to others to
follow up with her. Since last year she has worked a little with GVI as a
translator when teams come over.
Last night, as Craig & I were leaving our hotel for dinner we ran into
Nhan. Tim (GVI employee) had called her to have dinner with him and a few from
our group. Nhan was so excited to see us; she told us she loved the picture and
CD from last year. Nhan ended up having dinner with us and she told us all
about meeting Andy from NorthWood and other and what an impact all of these
people have had on her life. She mentioned she reads the Bible now and has been
to church and has peace in her heart. When our food was brought she said “We
can pray, I will pray first”. I stand in awe of God! We have been blessed and
privileged to be a link in the chain for Nhan. We have been able to see the
fruit of many laborers toils. The Australiam tourist who gave her the CD has no
idea what a huge impact he has had in Nhan’s story. This just illustrates that you
never know which link you will be in someone’s life.
If you are interested in keeping track of our team that is in Vietnam (the trip we went on last year) you can follow their adventure here: http://www.glocaltrips.org/.
I started this blog a little over a year ago when Mary and I traveled with our church to Vietnam. Our team is back on the ground in Hanoi now and boy am I wishing I was there. Keep them in your prayers until they return next Thursday.
Kyle Nieman, one of our Youth Ministry staff was able to go this year and is keeping a blog of his experiences. He posted a note today that I thought I would share with you. Click this link to read "Sometimes You Just Have To Laugh"
