Silence is the very presence of God---always there. But activity hides it. We need to leave activity long enough to discover the Presence---then we can return to activity with it.
-M. Basil Pennington
This is a truth we all need to hear. Sometimes I wonder if our time spent doing nothing but communing with God should be tithed the same as our money.
Tommy
The Christmas Season has begun. As you know I am the Creative Arts guy at Northview, and our Creative meeting today completely focused on Christmas worship experience. To be honest, as a worship leader, the Christmas season is not my favorite time of year. Don't get me wrong, I love singing Christmas carols and the traditions of Christmas are beautiful, but it is extremely difficult to jump modes for a month to totally divulge your energy on completely different music, creative elements, etc. I will say though, that as a creative director the Christmas season is full of color, symbolism, and life that can connect on many levels, so I am excited about what is to come. Also, Northview is revamping its podcast to include video starting this week, so you can listen to the message and see the speaker all at the same time. Technology rocks.
p.s. here is a picture of me and my dog (it's not the best picture of me, great of the dog), it's also Emily's dog, and she also took this photograph. She is an amazing photographer and an amazing person :) check out www.emilyborah.com
Tommy
Check out northviewcc.com to see the next series at Northview. It's called The Chronicles of Bethlehem (The Search For The King). We decided to take a different look at the Christmas story this year, and follow the steps of the different seekers of the Christ child (shepherds, wisemen, etc) and apply truths from their stories. It will be an interesting study. Also, $5 for the first person who tells me what movie the promo music comes from (hint: it's not Chronicles of Narnia). God bless!
Tommy
I hope everyone has an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving day. Take this day and completely rest from the ongoing week that you usually partake in. Enjoy family, friends, and God. God bless.
p.s. did you know that the Seperatists who formed the Plymouth Colony actually observed Thanksgiving day as a fast not a feast?
This is an old column I wrote over a year ago, but I think it's appropriate given the looming holiday season is approaching.
Elisha stood on the mountain waiting to hear from God. I can imagine Elisha's heart jumping as he heard the mighty windstorm approach. The wind was so harsh that the scriptures say rocks were torn loose. I can also imagine Elisha's heart sinking as he realizes that God is not to be found in this violent gale. Then an earthquake makes an approach. Elisha's heart jumps at the thought that God may be in this earthquake. The anticipation of an encounter with his creator must have been nerve-racking. After the earthquake was over Elisha stood alone. Suddenly there was a fire. At this point, he had to believe that the fire must be God. God had used fire many times before to speak, so clearly it was him, right? After the smoke cleared the area Elisha stood--alone. Then a whisper. The scriptures describe this whisper as gentle?, so gentle in fact that Elisha had to move towards it to understand it. This is when Elisha met God.
This story is full of truth. Not just a principle to live by, not just a compass to guide, but a truth to shape us. We are to be silent. We are to wait. We are to listen. It is hard as a human to do this. This is not just a 21st century problem. This is a problem that we find time and again through the living story we call the Bible. We can't blame our inability to decipher the whisper of God on TV, cell phones, internet, etc. That is the easy way out. The problem is internal, not external. We must shape our inner core to be silent at all times. This is when we are worshipping him most fully---when we are silent on the inside.
Silence is the very presence of God---always there. But activity hides it. We need to leave activity long enough to discover the Presence---then we can return to activity with it.
-M. Basil Pennington
Tommy
P.S. Check out the new Blog/Podcast from Vinmergent. You won't agree with everything, but he'll make you think. Click on the title of this post to go to the website.
For those of you who keep up with news in the world you most likely have heard about the ballot intiative in Dover, PA that was just rejected. The ballot was a voting initiative to keep or not keep "Intelligent Design" in the curriculum of the local public schools. The votes were tallied and the community voted to not teach Intelligent Design in public schools. You may or may not agree with this, but I hope as a follower of Christ you will join me in asking Pat Robertson to apologize to this community. Shortly after the voting was tallied Mr. Robertson commented on his nationally syndicated TV show the 700 Club. His words were pointed directly to this community
"I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city..."
I don't usually do shameless plugs for anything in particular, but I think this is deserving. Kevin Max is one of my favorite artists (he used to be in a little Christian band called DcTalk). His music is creative in the vain of the Killers, U2, etc. Check it out. Great stuff. (click on the title of this post to purchase)
Me and Brack Mosshart (percussionist) had a great weekend in the Ozarks leading worship for 6-12th graders. We were also privileged to be working with a guy from South Africa named Derek who lead us in teaching. Wonderful weekend, great weather. I will post pics later. God bless.
Well, this weekend I am leading worship with my friend and percussionist Brack Mosshart near Arkansas. I will miss my church family, but will enjoy the change of scenery. Enjoy God this weekend in a way you haven't before. God bless!
This is my favorite hymn. It was written by Francis of Assisi in 1225. The musical score was written the year of 1623. One of my favorite modern arrangements is by the David Crowder Band. God bless you on this beautiful day.
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
This is a beautiful scripture from a rather unknown book of the Bible. I was reminded of this verse today by a friend. God bless.
For the Lord is the One who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his every thought. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads the mountains under his feet. The Lord God Almighty is his name!
-Amos 4:13
Well, last posting I told you and showed you what I do as far as being a worship leader. I am also responsible for all the media for worship experience at Northview. Click on the title of this post to see some examples of my work. This sampling is only from the month of October, I will try to post previous months soon. A lot of these videos can be used in devotionals. God bless!
Tommy
Well, I just realized the other day that I've never really shared what I do with myself during the week. Most of your know I'm the Creative Arts Pastor at Northview Community Church, but what does that mean? Well, first of all I lead worship on most weekends, here are some pics:
