Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Worship Away the Fear

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears... Oh My!

Psalm 57 finds David facing trouble. You can almost see David's eyes as they shift back and forth from the enemy surrounding Him up to the heavens to"God Most High". "I am surrounded by fierce lions"..."Be exalted, O God, above the heavens"... "My enemies have set a trap for me. I am weary from distress"..."My heart is confident in You, O God; no wonder I can sing your praise!"

How do we overcome all that seems to surround us each day? Meditate on HIS greatness. Thank the Lord. Sing HIS praise. "Your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May Your glory shine over all the earth."

Focus on a great God and the problems will become small. Realize that God will fulfill His purpose for you. Worship away the fear!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

You're in time-out!

Have you ever noticed that the things that are "punishment" for kids are viewed as blessings by adults. "Go to your room" - "Lay down and take a nap" - "You're in time-out". Well maybe that "time-out" one is still viewed a punishment. Why else would we avoid it?

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God!" God is longing to meet us in a quiet space. A space of still and silence. A space so often crowded out by good things and closed off by the tyranny of the urgent. A space that turns our focus from out to in and then from in to up. A space that turns the monologue list of requests into listening to God. A space that allows the still, small voice to cut through the noise of our lives. A space to shut off all the electronics and experience the source of true power. A space of worship. A space worth finding.

Now - "You're in time-out!" and after that, "Go to your room and take a nap!"

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Birthday Brandon!

Brandon my #2 child and favorite son (yes he's the only son) turns 19 today. We surprised him with a party last night. His mom went to great lengths to pull it all together and it worked!

What is not a surprise is the awesome man of God he is becoming. We prayed for years and it is so exciting to see God answering those prayers before our eyes. To see your children active in ministry when you don't have to MAKE them is such a blessing.

He is a talented drummer. He tells me that he would be even better if we had not waited so long to LET him play, but that's a story for another day. He is starting to move out from behind the drums now and lead worship in a different way. He has picked up the guitar and started singing with a voice that many were surprised he had. Most of all he shows a heart that longs to truly worship God and lead others to do the same.

He and his friends have started The Ticket Ministry . They are doing music and bible study for youth and college events. Check them out. They do a great job!

Son - I love you and I'm very proud of you. As my dad used to say, "Remember who you are and whose you are!" Stay "clean and close" and I know God is going to use you in incredible ways!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Welcome to my first blog!

Welcome to my world, it's a fun place to visit and for me a fun place to live. I look forward to sharing the random and sometimes twisted thoughts that flow through my brain.

I'm not sure there will be much original material, but I will share what I pick up through daily living in this media saturated world. As much as I can I will try to let you know where I found the information.

Facebook, Twitter (@markbjax), and now a Blog. I'm just one socially connected dude! Don't worry I understand that only God cares enough about my life to keep up with it all (and more) but you are welcome drop in any time.