My buddy Lucas Parry is learning some great lessons at his new church. Such wisdom here.

MR

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Posted: January 30th, 2012 under Family, Videos.
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This past Sunday night I got to lead worship at a church in Nashville. I brought my dad along with me. Most of you know that my dad plays sax. Although the sax doesn’t seem to be a mainstay in contemporary worship now a days, what my dad does in worship, opens up doors for God to move.

I’m truly blessed to have a dad that is not only supportive of music (he even encourage me to study it in college) but also involved in it. I’ve watched him play with some big named worshipers, as well as in small churches, with the same heart to see people understand the power of God’s love through worship. He might not have the hip look some of the trendy churches are desiring, but the one thing he does have is the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I’ve watched him play propheticly over people probably a hundred times by now, but each and every time I’m amazed at how much God speaks through him and his sax. I’ve yet to see or meet many people that have this same anointing. It’s almost beyond talent level. My dad is good, but this is different. Playing in the Spirit and allowing God to speak through your instrument isn’t something that comes after practicing scales and chords. It comes from a relationship with God. It starts with a hunger for more of Him and more of His presence.

I’ve watched my dad spend hours in our old basement, just worshiping God with his instrument, his voice or just soaking in His presence. No reason to do this other than falling in love with his Creator. I think many people just want to get God’s blessing on their music like pushing a magic button.There is a true impartation given when one really seeks God with all his heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

My dad is evidence of this. For years he gave up on his music. He didn’t play until God truly taught him a new way to worship Him. It was as if God had to rewire his talent and gift. I’m amazed at how far a humble and non-self promoting man has come. God has given him favor as he exhorts His name.

My pops may not be the hippest rock star. He has no piercing (at least that I know of?!). He might not be getting calls to front the next pop/rock band. He doesn’t have a beautiful Justin Bieber haircut. He might not play at every church, because how much of modern church music today really includes a soprano sax? He may not find himself at the next hip underground super urban seeker tattooed experiential church plant.

He will continue to humbly play where he is invited. He will continue to help encourage other musicians to think beyond scales and notes. He will strive to help usher in the presence of the Most High when he plays. He longs to be used in a way that allows others to experience a new dimension of God’s love through worship. He desires for people to hear God speak in a new way, and allow people to be swept over with God’s grace, mercy and love. I’ve watched this happen many times and I feel honored that I get to play behind him, just like last Sunday night.

There’s not many sons that get to say that they make music with their dad. There are far less sons that get to say they watch people get set free while playing behind their dad. I’m one of them….and for that I will be forever blessed.

MR

Posted: January 25th, 2012 under Family.
Comments: 7

15 Things I’ve learned over 50 years of ministry

Chuck Swindoll

National Religious Broadcasters 2011

1. Tell people how you feel about them now, not later.  Before it is too late.

2. Things I’m not even aware of are being noticed and remembered by others.  Little things mean so much to people.

3. Being real is a lot better than trying to look pious.  Authenticity.  Pursuing holiness is good, but acting like you think you are holy stinks!

4. When things fit, they flow.  When they don’t fit, they have to be forced.  Forcing things is usually a mistake.  Wait for God to make it fit.  When God is in it there is a flow to it.

5. It doesn’t pay to talk anybody into or out of a big decision.  A good book is “Leading Without Power” by Max De Pree

6. Days of maintenance are a lot more in number than days of magnificence.

7. Some people aren’t going to change no matter what.  It’s our job to love them.  It’s God’s job to change them.

8. I seldom feel sorry for things I did not say.  When thinking about saying something on the ‘edge’ to someone, ask self:  is it kind?  Is it confidential?  Is it necessary?  Is it true?  Am I the one who should say it?

9. Perception overshadows reality.

10. Time spent with my family is always worth it.

11. Grace is worth the risk.  Extend grace to those who need it. Grace relieves guilt.  It releases shame.

12. I’ve taken the words ‘never’ and ‘always’ out of my vocabulary.

13. Thinking theologically pays off big time.  Dwelling on God’s sovereignty will save you much worry.

14. Some things are worth the sweat.  Like admitting you are wrong.  Always telling the truth.  Admitting my own inability.  Expressing gratitude.    Being generous.  Showing kindness.

15. You can’t beat having fun.  Look for ways to help people life their spirits.

Good points – enough said

M

Posted: July 20th, 2011 under Family, Leadership, Life Stuff.
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Downloading some thoughts in my head…

-I’m constantly amazed when new people show up at our church. Not that I don’t think our church is “da bomb”, but with out advertising or a giant sign on a main road, people still find out about us. How? From our AMAZING group of people that go out and love on others in the community. They show God’s love and in return people want to check out what God is doing at SVCC. So the best way to advertise?….Just live a godly life and let HIM drawn them in (John 12:32)

-Just celebrated 2 years of SouthView!! I cannot believe it’s been 2 years already. Time flies when you are having fun…and I can tell you it’s truly been fun.

-Just did a baptism in our service yesterday (thank you to Ps John from LifeHouse church for use of the baptismal). We baptized 3 young people. Can I say that I get excited to see young people give their lives to Christ!! Our church SHOUTED and CHEERED each time they came out of the water. I got chills at the sound of people rejoicing over another one’s commitment. I can’t wait to see how God designs and builds our youth group. I’m meeting with 2 teens tonight for coffee (amazing that they would want to meet with an old dude like me?!). My heart burns for this generation. – God, please bring your heart, vision and people to our church to help raise up this next generation!!

-My baby Payton is getting big fast. I’m blessed with 4 beautiful kids. Is it a lot of work- Yes! Do they wear on your nerves sometimes – Yes! But we have such a fun family and I enjoy every moment of it. Older, wiser people have told me to enjoy these times because they go fast. I plan to do that. I know there will be different hurdles to go over as they get older (can somebody please help me when my 3 girls all become teenagers!!) but I know as I keep God centered in my family, we will be blessed. It’s also a huge help to have both sets of grandparents (and aunts and uncle) here to help raise them as well. It takes them as well as a church family to raise up good kids. If you don’t have family close by, I highly suggest you get some church family to connect to. This is huge in keeping your kids out of trouble. I love having all sorts of family (spiritual and physical) surrounding my kids (even at school)….you can’t run or hide….hahahah (evil scientist laugh). Seriously…”family” is so important.

-This full time pastor gig has taken some getting used to, but I LOVE my job! Although it comes with some messy days (not everybodies’ problems are fun to deal with) but the good out weighs the bad. I love meeting with people and hearing how their life is going. Everyone has a purpose and a plan. Some of us need help understanding it…

-….which leads me to the Life Group I’m overseeing for the men – CHAZOWN. I’m excited about this one…it will really help men discover their vision and calling in their life. I suggest EVERY man attends. In fact, I’ll split the group in two if it gets too big. We’ll meet more than one night if we have to. That’s how important it is to find your purpose (Proverbs 29:18). And MEN, this means more than knowing what kind of job you like….I’m talking about your PURPOSE! Don’t miss this (Tuesday nights at the church at 7pm – starts 1/25)

-YouVersion.com is a GREAT way to build a daily bible reading plan for your devotional time. And it will kindly “remind” you if you forget (SVCCers know my experience from Sunday! :)

-All you Spring Hillians need to check out WindFarm Cafe, across from Starbucks. Great place to hang, study, get coffee, eat and it’s run by a great group of people that are starting a church. Click on this link and if you click on “Visit WindFarm Cafe right now”, you can see a live feed of the place. Very cool, yet a great way to spy on friends. Anyway, check out the place…a great alternative to Starbucks.

-What is quicker?…The time it takes for 4 kids to destroy a house or the time it takes for my wife to find something she likes at Forever 21? ….Equal tie! (btw – have you noticed the scripture verse on the bottom of Forever 21 bags?…hmmm sneaky)

-Is it possible to have a better group of Elders at a church than what we now have? Leon Hunt, David Belt, Andy Rampulla….man, that’s like a superhero power team. I’m blessed to have these guys work with me to help lead this amazing church. And I’m still working on Leon and him getting that tattoo on his forehead…not sure Jeanene will let that happen tho.

Life is good, God is good…

M

Posted: January 17th, 2011 under Church info, Family, Life Stuff.
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So another Thanksgiving is coming up. Time to reflect on all the good things we’ve been blessed with. Here’s some things I’m thankful for:

-New baby Payton Annalee – You think you can’t possibly love another person anymore, and then another one comes along and here you go again. Love this little peanut!

-Family – I’m blessed to have an amazing family and extended family. Both sides of my family are here in TN as well as all our siblings. Not a common thing for somebody that moved out of their home state, so I realize I’m blessed and my kids are blessed as well.

-Church – I really do love my growing church and I’m so honored to have an opportunity to lead it.

-Freedom – Not only do we live in a free county but we are free in Christ (John 8:36). Double Whammy!

-Full Time Pastor – I started my journey into full time ministry this year on the day my 4 child was born. I’ve longed for the day where my “day job” would be ministering Christ’s love. Wow…what a honor and calling.

I have so many other things to be thankful for…I just realize this is not something to mention just one time a year in November but to continue to give thanks to God for all His goodness, all the time. (Psalm 106:1-2)

Happy Thanksgiving….

M

Posted: November 23rd, 2010 under Family, Life Stuff.
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