..is a word for 2012, no matter who and where you are, or were.
Everyone that I know seems to have had something happen in their life during 2012 which has been profound, or life changing...
...I have...lots...
I said in church a few months ago, testimonies are wonderful encouragements to baby Christians, but testimonies are in fact living entities. If your testimony isn't living, breathing, screaming, crying, kicking, jumping, glory filled evidence of your walk with Christ, in the word of the wise, yer doin' it wrong.
And He never said it wouldn't be painful.
I've also said I want to burn away all the bad stuff that happened, and leave the refined silver or purified gold...
...but in fact, amongst the rubble is experience, and I've always said how valuable that is.
So. A fond farewell to 2012, not the slamming door that I wanted it to be originally, for given some time to think it over, He is moulding me into what He wants me and He hasn't finished yet, that was just a start. For from what I was, will become something new, and for the first time I'm actually excited about what could be round the corner.
I've also re-read what I wrote on 31 December 2011. What I was referring to in that post was the conviction that God would likely tell me to move on, and 2012 was that testimony.
Yes, testimonies are living entities. And eventful.
Monday 31 December 2012
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Kingsway 25th December
Title: All to us
First Line: Precious Cornerstone
Artist: Chris Tomlin
Composer: Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Matt Redman & Jesse Reeves
Album: And if Our God is For Us...
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
Popular sources: SOF5
My thoughts: Happy Christmas! Leaving aside that I was surprised to see a posting on Christmas Day (well, OK, it is one they've posted before), I thought, hang about, it's that Mr Tomlin again. This is a good one, well structured and easy to listen to, and no angels or mangers in sight - I've always felt uncomfortable with such anyway.
It isn't one to get especially excited about though, but I can imagine it popping up in worship once in a while as it is a great one to drift along to...
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 31st December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
First Line: Precious Cornerstone
Artist: Chris Tomlin
Composer: Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Matt Redman & Jesse Reeves
Album: And if Our God is For Us...
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
Popular sources: SOF5
My thoughts: Happy Christmas! Leaving aside that I was surprised to see a posting on Christmas Day (well, OK, it is one they've posted before), I thought, hang about, it's that Mr Tomlin again. This is a good one, well structured and easy to listen to, and no angels or mangers in sight - I've always felt uncomfortable with such anyway.
It isn't one to get especially excited about though, but I can imagine it popping up in worship once in a while as it is a great one to drift along to...
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 31st December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Kingsway 18th December
Title: Waiting Here For You
First Line: If Faith can move the mountains
Artist: Martin Smith
Composer: Chris Tomlin, Martin Smith & Jesse Reeves
Album: God's Great Dance Floor - Movement One
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes - melody line and chords only
Popular sources: SOF5
My thoughts: Rather peculiar that the sheet music is melody line only, but in fact the chorus is in SOF5....a Kingsway publication. And as far as I can make out OK on the CCL. Laying aside that little oddity...
I was wondering how these guys manage to produce such beautiful stuff and I was loving this one. Must dig it out...in SOF5...and give it a turn at some point, because just lately I've been more keen to try out stuff less than 5 years old, having caught up on the last 20 years that I've missed. It does, however, remind me of another worship chorus, which may be by Paul Baloche, but I can't quite nail the words in my head. Also, for me, the chorus eventually began to grate (I can simplify for my purposes) and may benefit from a stronger middle section.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 24th December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
First Line: If Faith can move the mountains
Artist: Martin Smith
Composer: Chris Tomlin, Martin Smith & Jesse Reeves
Album: God's Great Dance Floor - Movement One
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes - melody line and chords only
Popular sources: SOF5
My thoughts: Rather peculiar that the sheet music is melody line only, but in fact the chorus is in SOF5....a Kingsway publication. And as far as I can make out OK on the CCL. Laying aside that little oddity...
I was wondering how these guys manage to produce such beautiful stuff and I was loving this one. Must dig it out...in SOF5...and give it a turn at some point, because just lately I've been more keen to try out stuff less than 5 years old, having caught up on the last 20 years that I've missed. It does, however, remind me of another worship chorus, which may be by Paul Baloche, but I can't quite nail the words in my head. Also, for me, the chorus eventually began to grate (I can simplify for my purposes) and may benefit from a stronger middle section.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 24th December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
Monday 17 December 2012
Rest
So, I'm free of any obligations for a few weeks, except for work of course. I am in for a busy January as there are potentially 3 outreach sessions for WL, one of which is all day.
My health issues have settled down, although I have more tests coming up. I am much calmer. I am also hopeful, but maybe a bit impatient. I have concerns for my friend, but at the same time I have a rather exciting vision for them I'd love to get confirmed. I am slightly annoyed with one particular person, but that problem seems to have dissipated and I will quickly forgive them. Last night I had a half hour ponder/meditate on "unity" and the lack of it in churches. I was thinking about where I could end up, and in what capacity.
These are just a few things buzzing round my head at the moment. I didn't go to church yesterday, I felt that the two outreach sessions were enough fellowship for the week, especially as I saw some old friends there...
...do I have any regrets? On leaving, no. For making some friendships more distant, oh definitely...
I don't think I'll go to church next week either. As much as I love carols, as regular readers may know I feel uncomfortable with reducing the Son of God to a child in a manger. Just the knowledge He came in poverty is enough. It was what He became that is important.
End of December/start of January, I'll look at a couple more churches, and hopefully, eventually, settle.
My health issues have settled down, although I have more tests coming up. I am much calmer. I am also hopeful, but maybe a bit impatient. I have concerns for my friend, but at the same time I have a rather exciting vision for them I'd love to get confirmed. I am slightly annoyed with one particular person, but that problem seems to have dissipated and I will quickly forgive them. Last night I had a half hour ponder/meditate on "unity" and the lack of it in churches. I was thinking about where I could end up, and in what capacity.
These are just a few things buzzing round my head at the moment. I didn't go to church yesterday, I felt that the two outreach sessions were enough fellowship for the week, especially as I saw some old friends there...
...do I have any regrets? On leaving, no. For making some friendships more distant, oh definitely...
I don't think I'll go to church next week either. As much as I love carols, as regular readers may know I feel uncomfortable with reducing the Son of God to a child in a manger. Just the knowledge He came in poverty is enough. It was what He became that is important.
End of December/start of January, I'll look at a couple more churches, and hopefully, eventually, settle.
Friday 14 December 2012
Courage
I drafted a post on Monday, going into further detail of what happened to me on Sunday. I decided not to post it. It felt just too personal somehow, but lets just say that God is calling me to mature to another level.
I saw a friend on Wednesday and told them all about it, it was difficult to sort out all my emotions about talking to them - it's been a couple of months since I last saw them...
...and I hope that I will see them again....something at the back of my mind I can't ignore.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, I gathered some choruses together for this week's outreach. On face value the structure is quite un-Christmassy, but in fact there is a father-son theme going through which is quite appropriate. No carols though.
I then lost courage with 3 of them and replaced them.
God then put one of the dropped on my heart so strongly that I feel that He has pretty much commanded me to teach it to the congregation, and to make sure I do. (It is very new, written this year and was a Kingsway offering a little while back. I was thinking about teaching them after the message had ended, during ministry) 1st one replaced.
As I often do, I played them through last night. The first one is all wrong. I love it, but it just doesn't fit. The 4th one, ditto. The 2nd of the 3 was replaced. When building the PP, I replaced the 1st with a lively chorus/hymn that fits much better, and one that was seemingly an immovable chorus was replaced and I didn't even know it was a problem until then.
And, finally, the 3rd one I lost courage with was put back, God is telling me to go out on a limb. The original structure is back, with one replaced. So I figure, if I'm the only one praising God tomorrow, sobeit. The Boss has spoken. Still no carols.
For all sorts of reasons, this might be the last time I lead worship at this group's outreach. It could all fall flat or could be brilliant. But I know that God thinks I'm fab whatever. And that's what counts.
I saw a friend on Wednesday and told them all about it, it was difficult to sort out all my emotions about talking to them - it's been a couple of months since I last saw them...
...and I hope that I will see them again....something at the back of my mind I can't ignore.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, I gathered some choruses together for this week's outreach. On face value the structure is quite un-Christmassy, but in fact there is a father-son theme going through which is quite appropriate. No carols though.
I then lost courage with 3 of them and replaced them.
God then put one of the dropped on my heart so strongly that I feel that He has pretty much commanded me to teach it to the congregation, and to make sure I do. (It is very new, written this year and was a Kingsway offering a little while back. I was thinking about teaching them after the message had ended, during ministry) 1st one replaced.
As I often do, I played them through last night. The first one is all wrong. I love it, but it just doesn't fit. The 4th one, ditto. The 2nd of the 3 was replaced. When building the PP, I replaced the 1st with a lively chorus/hymn that fits much better, and one that was seemingly an immovable chorus was replaced and I didn't even know it was a problem until then.
And, finally, the 3rd one I lost courage with was put back, God is telling me to go out on a limb. The original structure is back, with one replaced. So I figure, if I'm the only one praising God tomorrow, sobeit. The Boss has spoken. Still no carols.
For all sorts of reasons, this might be the last time I lead worship at this group's outreach. It could all fall flat or could be brilliant. But I know that God thinks I'm fab whatever. And that's what counts.
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Kingsway 11th December
Title: Your Name
First Line: As morning dawns and evening fades
Artist: Paul Baloche & Kathryn Scott
Composer: Paul Baloche & Glenn Packiam
Album: The Writer's Collection
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
Popular sources: SOF4
My thoughts: It's interesting that there is a pattern of late, in various churches I've been in and out of, the Name seems to be a recurring theme, the Name that is in everything, now and forever. The power of the Name. The strength of the Name. No co-incidence I think. Anyway, this offering of Baloche's is....OK. The words are terrific, but I'm not so sure about the tune, maybe I'm being a boring old Anglican again. Still, it makes a change to have something not too new for a change, reviewing the old (which Baloche is doing on this album) as well as celebrate the new. Choruses I believe can be revived and used in a new way and it may just bring on a new anointing.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 17th December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
First Line: As morning dawns and evening fades
Artist: Paul Baloche & Kathryn Scott
Composer: Paul Baloche & Glenn Packiam
Album: The Writer's Collection
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
Popular sources: SOF4
My thoughts: It's interesting that there is a pattern of late, in various churches I've been in and out of, the Name seems to be a recurring theme, the Name that is in everything, now and forever. The power of the Name. The strength of the Name. No co-incidence I think. Anyway, this offering of Baloche's is....OK. The words are terrific, but I'm not so sure about the tune, maybe I'm being a boring old Anglican again. Still, it makes a change to have something not too new for a change, reviewing the old (which Baloche is doing on this album) as well as celebrate the new. Choruses I believe can be revived and used in a new way and it may just bring on a new anointing.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 17th December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
Sunday 9 December 2012
Miracles
They say that miracles are for Christmas.
Actually, miracles are for Jesus, and they can come at any time of year.
I witnessed one today, and yesterday.
Each week, the Spirit within me has led me to different churches. The reason for last week's became clear yesterday as another was snatched from the pit.
Today, a different church, I witnessed one that will bring me to tears every time I think of it. Where there was dry desert, there was a green tuft of life, a remembrance of a former fire, but the spark was visible.
God led me to the church for me this morning. He had something to say that I had to do, and then showed me how faithfulness reaps rewards, when I saw a shadow out of the corner of my eye, giving me fresh hope for the future.
And oh yes, I have hope and new confidence. Help us both die to our former selves, and blossom again.
Actually, miracles are for Jesus, and they can come at any time of year.
I witnessed one today, and yesterday.
Each week, the Spirit within me has led me to different churches. The reason for last week's became clear yesterday as another was snatched from the pit.
Today, a different church, I witnessed one that will bring me to tears every time I think of it. Where there was dry desert, there was a green tuft of life, a remembrance of a former fire, but the spark was visible.
God led me to the church for me this morning. He had something to say that I had to do, and then showed me how faithfulness reaps rewards, when I saw a shadow out of the corner of my eye, giving me fresh hope for the future.
And oh yes, I have hope and new confidence. Help us both die to our former selves, and blossom again.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Kingsway 4th December
Title: Mountaintop
First Line: The valley low, that's where we make our homes
Artist: The City Harmonic
Composer: Elias Dummer, Eric Fusilier, Aaron Powell & Josh Vanderlaan
Album: I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
Popular sources: None
My thoughts: I like this lot, I love the title track of the album (Feels Like Home) which was one of the earliest tracks I downloaded from Kingsway back in October last year. They remind me a bit of Third Day, and if you liked them you will surely like these guys. This isn't the strongest chorus I've heard by them, it seems to lack the hook that Home has. It's also another one that Kingsway have offered before (back in February). All the same, this is a good reminder to buy their album or at the very least, add it to my wish list.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 10th December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
First Line: The valley low, that's where we make our homes
Artist: The City Harmonic
Composer: Elias Dummer, Eric Fusilier, Aaron Powell & Josh Vanderlaan
Album: I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)
Mp3: Yes
Sheet Music: Yes
Popular sources: None
My thoughts: I like this lot, I love the title track of the album (Feels Like Home) which was one of the earliest tracks I downloaded from Kingsway back in October last year. They remind me a bit of Third Day, and if you liked them you will surely like these guys. This isn't the strongest chorus I've heard by them, it seems to lack the hook that Home has. It's also another one that Kingsway have offered before (back in February). All the same, this is a good reminder to buy their album or at the very least, add it to my wish list.
This song is available on Kingsway from today until 10th December inc. To access, you must logon; or register with Kingsway, who in return will add you to their mailing list, but they are not serial spammers.
Monday 3 December 2012
Moving in a mysterious way
Having decided to generally "back off" this week because the wounds are still too painful, Saturday evening my thoughts turned once again to church, and where to go on the Sunday morning.
I really didn't want to go to the church I went to a couple of weeks ago. There's something missing...
All the same, an "impetus" got me out of the front door yesterday, despite rain, wind and cold. If asked, I guessed I would have said I would have felt guilty all week had I not gone somewhere. Fear of God does that to you.
I ended up in a church that was very small indeed, there were 8 of us there in total. But God is God. There was a link with one of the members. She thought she had missed the monthly outreach, and oh yes, her friend would like to come to, and maybe a few others...
Two, maybe more, people who will be coming to the outreach, who wouldn't have come if I had notturned up in their church that morning. God was so in that detail. And it was a Spirit driving me out in the inclement weather.
Have I found the church I need? Well, I still don't know. The message was good (and very apt for me, well a good reminder, about moving mountains) They need a worship leader (there's a surprise!) but is it the place for me? My attitude is very strange - you would think I would be saying - worship leading??!! When do I start??!! But no...
I was thinking about it later, after a conversation with the outreach leader, that the regular WL is still very much Out Of Action and will be for some time. It saddened me, but I thought, I can't do church and the outreach, it nearly killed me in the summer.
Remember the butterfly?
I shall be a butterfly. I will flit about from church to church. I know where I'm going next week, and I have plans for the following couple of weeks to Christmas. God has somewhere for me I'm thinking, but as long as I get fellowship, and the gospel, that is my food for the week and I will be happy.
The WL will come later. After healing. After prayer. Maybe God has something even more special.
I really didn't want to go to the church I went to a couple of weeks ago. There's something missing...
All the same, an "impetus" got me out of the front door yesterday, despite rain, wind and cold. If asked, I guessed I would have said I would have felt guilty all week had I not gone somewhere. Fear of God does that to you.
I ended up in a church that was very small indeed, there were 8 of us there in total. But God is God. There was a link with one of the members. She thought she had missed the monthly outreach, and oh yes, her friend would like to come to, and maybe a few others...
Two, maybe more, people who will be coming to the outreach, who wouldn't have come if I had notturned up in their church that morning. God was so in that detail. And it was a Spirit driving me out in the inclement weather.
Have I found the church I need? Well, I still don't know. The message was good (and very apt for me, well a good reminder, about moving mountains) They need a worship leader (there's a surprise!) but is it the place for me? My attitude is very strange - you would think I would be saying - worship leading??!! When do I start??!! But no...
I was thinking about it later, after a conversation with the outreach leader, that the regular WL is still very much Out Of Action and will be for some time. It saddened me, but I thought, I can't do church and the outreach, it nearly killed me in the summer.
Remember the butterfly?
I shall be a butterfly. I will flit about from church to church. I know where I'm going next week, and I have plans for the following couple of weeks to Christmas. God has somewhere for me I'm thinking, but as long as I get fellowship, and the gospel, that is my food for the week and I will be happy.
The WL will come later. After healing. After prayer. Maybe God has something even more special.
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