Desperation for Passion and REAL Change in Christ.

Test for Digg

2010-11-03T19:12:00.001-07:00

Goals for 2010 - Stole this from Jamie

2009-12-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

Jamie had a good idea of setting up some goals (http://www.themotremian.com/?p=67). I figured since I'm all married now it would be a great time to delve into this. I'll write out the goals in black and then come back in red or other neato colors to let you guys know (or just me) that I am keeping up with them. Making a name for this blog or myself on the net is not going to happen. I am -100 motivated and -1000 cool enough haha. I am not going to do the numbers thing as he did but just individual goals none the less.

I would like to see my tongue get better. Reading James really convicted me of this. There was an amazing scripture "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!" James 3:5 - I don't want to talk about people, even if I think that I am helping them. I want to continually be an encourager and get better at that every day. I don't want to say lies, even small ones that are unintentional.

Music is definitely something that I have been passionate about. I would like to really get better at guitar and improve my knowledge of chords and how to transition fluidly. I like singing and now that I am married to a very talented pianist and vocal beast I can be hopefully trained to do better haha. So in all that, The Great Noreaster is looking pretty hopeful.

I would like to get in shape. Though Rachel constantly affirms me in this and thinks I look good I know I could tone up and drop a few pounds. I like working out when Im there, I just don't like making the transition into the clothes and places to do the workouts. We have a park nearby so running would be a great start and great for my heart (cool rhyme).

Giving and Saving. I want to be good at giving and saving... that is it. I have a budget and now its time for the strict obedience to the budget master (which I have assigned to be Rachel).

God is good and I so desperately want to get closer to Him. I look forward to the day when I can truly say this world looks "strangely dim".

IN CHRIST!

john

No wonder...

2009-03-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. - James 1:15

I was just sitting here at work today, thinking. I work about three stories up and work a row in my office that looks somewhat familiar to a cubicle ghost-town. All around me you can hear work going on so its pretty animated. We have so many opportunities to speak to people about Christ and yet we let them pass us by because of any old excuse we can come up with. What's crazy is that most of these excuses come around because of our sinful hearts.

No wonder we can't witness to someone when we walk around in a "dead" mindset all day because of sin we have committed a day, and hour or a few minutes before that opportunity arises. Sin and God cannot and will not dwell together. No wonder we don't have anything encouraging or nice to say about or to someone when we remember of how un-bridled our tongues have been just a few days before. No wonder we can't tell people of a Christ that has given so much, because we can't take five minutes to get on our face before Him and give Him the praise He deserves.

I love you guys and girls and I am praying that we get our hearts in the broken place and place of excitement and intimacy with Him.

IN CHRIST!
john

Come and Listen...

2009-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

I was on the way back from the Grocery store alone tonight (thank God for alone time) and God really just started to speak through a song by David Crowder. The song is titled "Come and Listen"; hence the name of my post haha.

The lyrics just say:

"Come and listen,
Come and listen to what He's done.
Come and listen,
Come and listen to what He's done."

That really just spoke to me. Why can't we just speak of what God has done for us. No, not the delving into the past and pulling out everything we have been redeemed of to prove a point... but to zero in on something so beautifully drawing. Salvation. Our answers and conversation can be simple and yet be so resounding to those around us.

We have been given Salvation. Remember what God has done for you and me.

Love you guys and girls,

IN CHRIST!
john
www.thepinflow.com

Just some randomness that I call life :)

2009-01-14T22:28:00.001-08:00

For once I am going to just pour myself out and let you guys and gals in on a little secret. I am a severe dreamer and excel in the aspiration of having too many aspirations. Haha. Currently it is 1:29 a.m. and I am sitting up on the web cam, talking to my bro about different things going on and just having some fun. God is ridiculously amazing to me and just keeps on blessing me with new ideas and ways to blow up this world with His love. The real question is... why do I keep piling more on? I do it because it keeps my brain so alive and stimulated and it leaves my mind with no room for the thought of success or failure; I just DO. Below are a few things I have really been up to lately.

I am currently working out at the gym at least 4 days a week. Running a mile (at least) doing some crunches that were obviously built for the actors in 300... no lie, these things are hard. Killing it with my buddy Destin on the weights and drinking about 2 bottles of water in each session, only to leave the gym (fitness19 Woodstock) with the same body and vision of success day after day haha. Being healthy though, makes it all worth it. I highly encourage this since I am only paying $13 a month.

Trying to re-establish a collapsed dream of independent wealth; Astounded Design. My brother and I have been going at this business for a good 3 years with no success. It's not our work that prevents the phone calls and emails coming in... it's our work ethic. Haha, we like to work on our own time. I'm sure if we buckled down we could have this business down to methodical perfection. People love our work and we get paid well. So why not do it full-time? Yeah, we ask ourselves this weekly haha.

Project Inflow. Man this is where my heart is. Week after week Dusty and I meet and share dreams to our fellow friends and new-comers about how amazing Christ is. We try to push the envelope of vision and scope of His goodness to a point that is almost surreal. It gets me excited just thinking about the beauty that surrounds our group and how much growth (spiritually) I have personally seen in these quick 11 months. It stuns me to know that God would choose some random guys from Acworth, Georgia (there is my shout out haha) to lead such a great group of guys and girls to the cross.

My girlfriend. Man she has shown me some great things. How God can take two people from various regions and spectrum's of life and bring them so meticulously close together. God knows what He is doing even when we try and shut Him out and pick our own paths. One day I hope to make her my wife... and guys... be jealous. She is the ultimate pick :) Never thought I would find a girl with the qualities that she has and on top of that, love God with a fervency that rivals and sometimes surpasses my own.

My friends. Man am I a friend type of guy or what? Haha. I am always doing something with someone or hanging out somewhere or just calling/texting one of these guys and girls. I couldn't ask for better friends or Christian brothers/sisters to surround myself with. At any moment I believe that one of these would take a bullet for me, as I would do the same. For those getting married soon... I highly suggest you evaluate where you and your friends stand. Marriage doesn't equal the end of this phase in your life. God intended for us to have such close relationships that our very hearts plunge into mourning when they mourn, laughter when they laugh, and that are joined at arms length when it is time to stand for God.

God is doing so much in my life and providing me with such astounding opportunity that I can't help but spread the name of Christ. Whether that be face to face, in a blog or just at passing glance with someone that is a fellow or non-believer. God expects this of us. Quoting my pastor "I live a life without options". Once you take this on, don't turn back. Give everything you have to God, and then some. He went to the cross and gave it all up that we might live a life; richer, fuller and more exuberant life than we could ever imagine.

"If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: If we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell." - C.S. Lewis (The Great Divorce)

IN CHRIST!
john
www.thepinflow.com

Preview for Pinflow Tonight

2008-11-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

IN DESPERATE NEED OF A SAVIOR

We can never comprehend the containment of true love that was held captive in Christ’ heart. He lifted the burden of all of man kind and took the sins, the grief and the sorrow upon himself so that we might be redeemed and reconstructed for His Glory.

We don’t need Christ to fulfill our wants in this world, but rather our needs. Salvation is such a necessary need in this world but is taken for granted by the majority unless there is great distress or drama in our lives.

Scripture Reference:
Matthew 2:9-7

What drives you?

2008-11-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

Last night I was at cell meeting (a community group meeting) at my church and I was really contemplating what drives me to be the guy that I am... the good and the bad. I was telling the guys, as they know, that I am one of those guys who can go in and get the crowd energized about whatever I am excited about. Whether it be a new business adventure, a trip or just motivation to do the normal things in life, I can make them sound exciting. My great battle with that is that I also know how to kill the crowd haha. I can get you to the peak of believing that what I am saying is actually going to go forward (funny enough is that I believe it too) and then in a week or month from now I would have dropped the idea all together. Haha, so I can be the hype-man and the next minute the letdown guy. That comes with it's benefits and setbacks and it's all part of the bigger picture.

We have to learn how to hone the gifts that Christ has given to us, and not condemn ourselves to failure in Him. He has made us this way for a reason and its not to keep it all to ourselves. Luk 12:48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more"

Forgiven for our sinful nature...

2008-11-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe how forgiven we are. Haha, as if there is any measure to the grace that God bestows upon those who follow after Him and choose His name. I am very blessed and I realize that I shouldn't have a leg to stand on (based on my past, doubt and faithfulness) but yet when I get on my knees and cry out to my Father that He hears my cry and is faithful to answer it. We serve an awesome God.

Wow

2008-07-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

God constantly "wows" me with giving me so many chances to be His servant. The promises of God constantly remind me how much He loves me and how much I am in Him. It's amazing.

Aloney Time

2008-07-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just wanna drift off into some serious sabbatical times with God and get away from everyone haha. As funny as that sounds, sometimes I just feel that I'm way outta place in this world. I'm sure I'm speaking to someone out there...

I do very much wish for reliance on God to increase as the good and the bad things in this world can be overwhelming and confusing but alas, that is another thought for another day. Yes we must decrease and he must increase!

On a more personal and reality check note, I have some things In ministry that I'm working on and need some encouragement and affirmation on from the Almighty good God that I love.

Wow, really old post from my XANGA site (http://www.xanga.com/freeosin)

2008-03-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 21, 2005

Currently ListeningGloBy Delirious?see related- Majesty
Majesty (Here I Am)Here I am humbled by your MajestyCovered by your grace so freeHere I am, knowing I'm a sinful manCovered by the blood of the LambNow I've found the greatest love of all is mineSince you laid down your lifeThe greatest sacrificeMajesty, MajestyYour grace has found me just as I amEmpty handed, but alive in your handsMajesty, MajestyForever I am changed by your loveIn the presence of your MajestyHere I am humbled by the love that you giveForgiven so that I can forgiveHere I stand, knowing that I'm your desireSanctified by glory and fireNow I've found the greatest love of all is mineSince you laid down your lifeThe greatest sacrifice
What am I here for? Its funny when things of this world dont affect you like people want them to. Its cool just to sit back and realize, "God, i want my will to be yours", and see him take you places that you have never been. But what does it take for us to take that leap into his complete grace and love? So many times i have sat back and worried about things of this world when they mean nothing. Thank God that i feel empowered and astounded in him. Though we sit around and hear things of this world and concentrate on getting it "just right", we are wasting so much time. Who needs the things of this world? Why do we have the right to these things? Why do we have the right to anything? We dont... God is amazing and yes he will bless, but wants his honor restored in our hearts. Jamie and I were talking about this the other night; where is the Fear of the Lord anymore? We dont have it, we go around doing whatever we want, sinning, and living our lives, but we just feel conviction; not respect or fear for our Lord or Majesty. I have just thought about this last night before i went to bed, and its kinda be resounding in my heart and thoughts this morning.
This weekend we are going to Macon to play music and lead worship. Keep us in your prayers.
- john

Where are the ones walking the Opposite Way?

2008-03-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

"Opposite Way" - Leeland

Living in the same town
For all these years
Doing the same old things
Hanging with the same crowd
And it’s starting to get crippling
You’ve never felt in place
And you tell yourself it’s all okay
But something’s different today
You want to run the opposite way

And it seems like you’re locked in a cage
And you need to find a way of escape
When everyone is setting the pace
It’s okay to run the opposite way

The Father sent His Son down
The light of men
The cross He bore was crippling
Rejected in His own town
They couldn’t see the sun shining
He knelt in the garden and prayed
Father, let this cup pass from me
It’s not Your will for me to stay
Your will for me is the opposite way

And it seemed like He was locked in a cage
And He couldn’t find away of escape
But through the cross He conquered the grave
My Jesus ran the opposite way

Oh, and through the cross He conquered the grave
Oh, He ran the opposite way
Yeah, through the cross He conquered the grave
So you could run the opposite way

---------------------------------------------------------------
Man... that song speaks a million words to me right now. Sometimes
when I feel like noone is willing to stand with me, God proves that we are
so much more infinitely different than all the others around us. What a
sincere and crippling Love that God has for us. It just breaks my heart
every time I realize that I am trying to do this on my own. God sent His
son that you and I might have real life. Please don't give that up. I love you
guys and girls and I am praying that we would all hit a real awakening.
Though I wish I wrote the lyrics above, I agree that I am no poet or lyricist.
God has set in motion great opportunity in our lives... are we going
to take it?

In much love, but far much more offered by my Father.

-john

Thank God.

2008-02-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

Just suppose this old car sputtered down the road...Just suppose this old car--It refused to go...Wouldn't you hope that someone would care enough to stop...And help you out...I'd like to think that someone would take the time to stop...And help you out ~ It's the code, it's the code it's the Code of the Road...It's the code, it's the Code of the Road...On the side of the road maybe you'd like to know...A Hand is there, a Hand that cares...It's the Code of the Road ~ Don't you know--everyone breaks down along the road...Don't you know--everybody hurts along the road... Wouldn't you hope that someone would care enough to stop...And help you out...I'd like to think that someone would care enough to stop...And help you out ~ In my weakness, Jesus cared enough to stop...And help me out.

-Bleach

Thank God that He sent His Son to stop and help me out. We serve a Great God.
"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear." - Isaiah 59:1

Pinflow - Message - Feb. 21st 2008

2008-02-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

Just a recap of the message last night incase you were interested in the scriptures used or jist of the message.

"Defining Spiritual Purity" - Spring Quarter 2008 - [Stirring Passion]

Scripture References :
Psalms 24:3-4
Psalms 12:6
Romans 8:1-13
Galations 5:16
1 Cornithians 13:11
James 3:5-8
Job 6:24, 27:4
Psalms 34:13
James 1:26

Love you guys,

IN CHRIST-john

[OLD POST Re-posted because you guys contributed!]

2008-02-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Question 1 on Disciple-ship (IMPACT COURSE) – synopsis John C. Howard
You were asked the following: "As a Christian, what is one thing you can personally improve on to better serve others, and do the True CHRIST-WALK."

I received a plethora of answers and am compelled to know the different struggles that we all face. I sincerely and whole-heartedly believe that we need to keep each other accountable and lift each other up during our weakness. That is why Christ never denied, but rather encouraged accountability (JAMES 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.). Below I will address the different issues that you guys/girls face, and maybe give us all a better answer to what we need to discover in ourselves. Do remember though; that we all must make these changes, as our God gives us free will. However, we must fully give our lives over to Him in order for these changes to take place through Him.

Reading the Word: I saw quite a few people mention about reading God's Word on a more consistent basis. It's the life of God (JOHN 1:1 – In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.). Delve into the Word and allow it to give you the full view of what those before you have seen, and every one of the scriptures can open up a new view on how Christ wants to work in You.

Remaining Steadfast and Strong: I know this has always been a consistent need, in my life especially. You feel as though you have to remain Strong in order to lead, or to nurture some kind of gift to yourself or someone around you. What is so amazing is that God's Strength is made PERFECT in our weakness. Just allow God to take over your life, and you will find your strength and consistency in Him.

Self Condemnation for Lack of Progress: It seems like every time we mess up we want to beat ourselves up about it, or feel like we have to completely start over with Christ. That isn't true, nor does God want us to live in a life of Condemnation (ROM 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.). Walk in God's spirit, and don't let those in the Flesh, nor yourselves live defeated.
Faith and Trust in Him: For lack of Faith and Trust, is why we consistently don't see consistency in our lives and spiritual growth in the first place. If we really Trusted in Christ, and believed or had Faith in what He teaches, we would put just as much effort into serving, making disciples, and growing in Him as we would anything else. This isn't to discourage you though, but to empower you to go out and begin to change yours and other's lives. We are given certain personalities for a reason, and that just makes it that much more rewarding to completely give over to God and see what He is going to do through us (HEBREWS 11:6 – But without Faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.).

Sluggish or Laziness: I believe every one of us can attest to this one; to come up with an idea, or get excited about something, only to turn around after the excitement is gone, and realize too much time has gone by to actually start – or sometimes finish the task at hand. This could be as simple as spending time with God or cleaning your room (can I get an Amen? Haha.) To starting a business, or finishing school. We must consistently keep ourselves accountable with others in order to do some of these Worldly tasks, but when it comes to our communion with Christ, we must Want it. He is a jealous God, and wants us to consistently seek after His face. It's not a chore, nor should it ever feel like one. It's a process of amazing growth and a life not attainable through anything you could ever do. Don't let that give you a reason for "slacking" in your other daily tasks, because God wants consistency in everything you do, as if it was done to the Lord Himself (1 COR 10:31 – Whether therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.).

Witnessing, "Shining the Light": This is something we are all called to do, whether its on a small or large basis, it's still up to us to take on. It's not a duty though, its an amazing gift and second or third or millionth chance that we are now able to share with our friends, family, or complete stranger. The biggest thing with this, especially in today's society, it not to skew or change the Gospel, but just be "Real" with people. Don't shove the Gospel(belief that Jesus was the Son of God, died for our sins, and gave us advocation with the Father) down people's throats. Just be real, and allow God to work through you. People are struggling in this world to find something, and we just aren't giving it to them. We all can just be ourselves, live holy lives, live Real and Engaging lives, and God will give us what to say and do. Don't compromise your Faith or Belief in Him to help someone understand, EVER. Don't expect to be able to relate to everyone either, but don't let that be a deterrent from trying. Remember sometimes, your just a seed planter, or sometimes you're the Harvester (1 CHRONICLES 3:6 – I have planted, Apollos Watered; But God gave the increase.).

Showing Patience and/or in LOVE: I decided to combine these for both lack of extended text, but also because they can be intertwined, and are both needed to coexist to be of Good Fruit in Christ. Too many times our lack of Patience in what we are doing, leads us to miss out on God's true intentions, or on what drove us towards that goal in the first place. Sometimes it takes just "waiting on the Lord"; as that in itself will drive us toward the answer. LOVE is what God exemplifies in everything He does, and without it, we are nothing. We can't back up anything Christ has done in our lives, nor spread it to others, if we can't show love to even our enemies (1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 – Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.).

CONCLUSION – All these things we need to work on, and work towards encouraging each other in. This is obviously not a BRIEF SYNOPSIS (by any means haha) but hopefully a better direction in which to drive ourselves to. I hope you each took time to read this, as quite a few of you contributed to the thoughts that guided it. If you have any questions feel free to hit me up on IM on AOL @ FREEOSIN.

Now – Further Engage your Mind and go answer question 2 which is now posted on my blog.
In CHRIST,

John C. Howard

Pinflow - Message - Feb. 7th 2008

2008-02-08T05:31:00.000-08:00

Just a recap of the message last night incase you were interested in the scriptures used or jist of the message.

"Are we even Worthy? - Standing on Ground Level" - Spring Quarter 2008 - [Stirring Passion]

Scripture References :
Matthew 26:36 - 26:44 - Christ' Mercy, Forgiveness and continued willingness to use us.
Matthew 25:34 - 25:40 - Being Used by Christ at the most "basic" level is Reaching Christ at the most intimate of levels
Romans 10:15 - The honor to be used by our King.

Used a reference reading from C.S. Lewis' "The Great Divorce":
Preface: Pages VIII - IX.

Love you guys,

IN CHRIST

-john

Are we even so worthy?!

2008-02-06T16:36:00.001-08:00

Rom 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[fn7]

Wow. Im speechless. We have been chosen by a King of Kings, a Lord of Lords, and the Prince of Peace. We serve an amazing God. I am so humbled that He would choose someone like me to carry His message.

We serve a Great God.

-john

This is an emergency

2008-02-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

I love that line from the song "Tears of the Saints" by Leeland. If you haven't heard it or heard of them you need to check them out. Great band and great hearts.

I know that God is bringing us all through so much now, and I just want to encourage you all to perservere. When it seems terrible it could always be worse, and we have an amazing chance to reach out to God and be broken.

I want to also to encourage each one of you to really open up communication with God. He desires open communcation with His Church just like any relationship does. There should be no walls, and if there are we need to do what we can and be broken and rectify any issues. He is a Loving God and He desires to be with each one of you.

We are getting there

in Christ
john

The new Pinflow, finally has come. (Thursday FEB 7th!)

2008-01-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

Im very excited that after many visions, many failures and many delays that the new Project Inflow has finally arrived. We have been in much prayer that it would go as smooth as possible and God has worked many miracles to see this come to fruition. I am so excited for all the possiblities of messing this thing up.. you wanna know why? Because that means that only God can make it work out. All we can do is be obedient to His call. There are sooo many opportunities available to you guys who choose to be with us on thursdays. I think that is my greatest excitement. It seems that alot of churches have forgotten that after you leave the teenage status (high school) and venture off to college that you still need a core of believers who are emphatically seeking after Christ on a daily basis. I hope that Project Inflow can facilitate that need for each one of us (including myself). I am at peace as to what God is doing and i find it remarkable that we have made it this far. God has so many great things planned for His followers and I cannot wait for them to be unveiled! Anyways, here is a quick FYI for the new Pinflow:

1. Take place EVERY Thursday from 7:00 to 8:30
2. Speakers will alternate each week. (Dusty Lolley, John Howard)
3. This is open to anyone who has graduated High School and is now in a college or career field. You DO NOT have to be in college, so if you are in the 18 and up crowd you are more than welcome to attend.
4. Come with an open heart to Seek after Christ in a way that you never have before. We are all tired of the status-quo go to church and thats it cycle. We want to see DEVELOPING, Growing relationships with Christ take place.
5. Please come with an open heart to get involved in SOME way with this ministry. We have a place for everyone and this is constantly a growing field. If you're asking us.. "what can I do?!" Believe me we have something. This was the vision laid on our hearts, that EVERYONE have an opportunity to get involved with the ministry in a powerful way!
6. Please leave all judgement at the door. We want to give everyone an opportunity to reach Christ. None of us are any more worthy of Christ's Death. He died that we might ALL be Saved and have eternal life, hope, joy and peace.
7. Come with an excitement and anticipation that every thursday and through the week that God is going to use us all to keep eachother accountable and lift each other up!
8. Bring love and a humble heart. Without these we are only further separating people from the opportunity to reach Christ.

Schedule is below:
7:00 opening
7:05 worship
7:20 message
7:45 small group
8:20 - 8:30 closing/fellowship

I love you guys and girls more than you know, but our Christ so far exceeds that. We serve such an amazing God. If you do not know Him, or want to know Him DEEPER and in a more intimate way.. Please come visit us starting Thursday, FEB 7th!)

The Simplicity of HOPE.

2008-01-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

I was talking to Rachel today on the phone and realized the simplicity in the difference and draw that Christ has for un-believers even when we dont know what to say. Offer them Hope. Give them something that will fill the void the world can't. I know through all the trouble, struggles and enemy I seem to face I know that I can turn to someone who can get me through. I have only been able to find this because I have come to one conclusion; I am doomed to fail.. haha. Don't let that get you down, I have a great life and I am proud of where God has taken me, but again that's where God has taken me. When I get lost with Him and in His Prescence I cant help but to hate this world and what is in it. However, God will turn our world upside down and bring to rememberence what He died for, and the AMAZING opportunity He has given us to spread this and to bring a hope that passes over any circumstance. We serve an amazing LIFE-giving God who Loves each and every one of us with an eternal Love that doesnt grow old, quench, or die out. Be encouraged fellow believers and keep moving towards the High Calling in Christ Jesus!

IN CHRIST

May this world continue to grow strangely dim..

-john

_____mas - Insert CHRIST here.

2007-12-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

I am astounded at the fact that we actually got on the radio today. Of course most big bands and other bands around the area have already achieved this sense of greatness, but we actually came up with a whole Christmas themed set just for this appearance. It was, to say the least, a magnificent last 48 hours, from writing the songs to performing to waking up at 5a.m. just to travel to the far away land of Peachtree City, arriving at the J93.3 studios. It was alot of fun and an experience i will never forget. We sat in the same studios as the Greats, point of grace, third day, john howard.. oh wait.. thats me haha. Anyways the real point of this, is that we were looking to write a Christmas song that me jamie and mike could collaborate on and i started writing this. They loved it and jamie came up with the melody and mike followed with a "healing" baseline (inside joke if you were listening to the webcast...).

Here it is:

_____mas - Insert CHRIST here.

Hello we're out here and we're listening, To hear the shout or cry of our newborn king.

Whose feet and hands will heal the most broken smile,whose speech will mend the heart's will to reconcile.

Who will wait here now on Christmas day..

All will shout it, all will sing, that Christmas now misses it's King
All will shout it, all will sing, that Christmas now misses it's King

Come with me into bethlehem an ancient story of the hearts that were willing Who will wait here now on Christmas day..
Whose feet and hands will heal the most broken smile,whose speech will mend the heart's will to reconcile.

All will shout it, all will sing, that Christmas now misses it's King
All will shout it, all will sing, that Christmas now misses it's King

I like it, maybe even enough for us to record it.. haha. We'll let you know. Sixty Second Track is still alive, but greater and more importantly.. Our Christ is Alive.

In Christ

-john

Tis so sweet..

2007-12-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

..to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word. It does say "Tis so sweet" not.. Tis so easy. I guess I really comprehend why so many people are doubting God right now. I'm not saying it's ok or I'm providing justification for our faithless generation, but I understand how easy it is to be weak an so un-rooted in our Faith. We base God's Glory, Mercy and Understanding (towards us) by the circumstance in front of us. How can we expect God to do amazing things for us when we speak doubtful and faithless prayer? This of course doesn't mean that He won't do great things for us because He is a loving an amazing God. There is the dilemma.. where is our Desperation anymore? True desperation is void of circumstance and emotionally-driven thoughts. True Desperation is when we are so consumed and passionate for God that we do whatever and sacrifice whatever it takes to get closer to Him. We must be proactive in our thoughts and in our daily speech. We must speak the Good things of God on a consistent basis and actually try to somewhat grasp them. Aren't you tired of living in Religious Mediocrity that promotes a far-away God with no chance of having an Intimate relationship? God desires a deep and growing relationship with His people (and contrary to our populare sub-concious belief), a one on one relationship with every one of us. We must be expectant to fail and to ONLY rest ourselves in the arms of Jesus. We cannot expect to help God along or carry the burdens that God has already taken to the cross. This doesn't give us a reason to pull away from self-awareness and prayer, but to further submerse ourselves in the Blood of Christ. We need God. We must come to that realization far above any other of our consuming thoughts. We cannot do this alone and like I always say.. that Is the Point. When Christ was here on this earth He wanted us to know the reality of His love and mercy beyond the measure and realm of our natural minds. That is what makes our God such an amazing help in time of trouble (thanks pastor neal). He is our strength when we are weak, our sail in the storm, our breath in the time of drowning, our tears in the time of hurt, and our beat in the time of heartache. We serve an amazing God that wants such an intricately simple relationship with each and every one of us.

He wants You.

In our Wonderful and REAL Christ,

John

What was said... to make our Heart Unfold.

2007-10-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

"And what was said to the rose to make it unfold, Was said to me, here in my
chest. So be quiet now, and rest. So be quiet now, and rest. Majesty!Finally!"
-David Crowder Band.

Just sitting here in Awe of what God has done(more on that later). Last night I was at church and across the speakers I heard the voice of our evangelist calling us to corporate label change. What?! A chance to change the stars of what we feel we had been labeled as.. sounds pretty far-fetched haha. Not really, I have actually felt this way as of late and have kept it a little bottled in. We tend to do that to ourselves when we feel most at ease with the freedom we have been given through Christ. Many times i'll catch myself laying back into a "who cares what people think" spirit just because of the fact that I can get more things done that way without the conflict and intervention of other people's desires, .. since I believe most of the time I am correct. That leaves you pretty empty handed and shot when you get to a point that you need that affirmation or good word into your life. You get so relient on just your walk and ministry in God that you tend to leave the good thoughts and influences of others out. Its like curious george on steroids - just less king-kong like and less man in the yellow hat-like haha. (random thought just so I could throw you off and keep you awake). Anyways I just know that we all need affirmation spoken into our lives from time to time and because of pride or "leadership" we tend to push it aside. God wants to speak into your life through all of this and have your heart to wake up! What good are we if our ministries are not effective or dependent solely on the mindset and heart of one believer? Yes, they still do have their effectiveness to some extent, but let people come in! Give opportunities to those that need them and desire them.

I was praying last night that I especially would drop the self-reliance and release blessings into anyone who comes along that desires to do His will. Who am I to stop, or judge, or hold back anyone? Haha im not actually all that upset about this, or sitting on a pedistal. I just think if we sit back and realize how many people are looking for something to do for Him and just might not know where to find it. Be that leader, step up, listen to God, offer opportunity.

"What was spoken to the flower to make it unfold, was also spoken to my heart."

God is in control my friends, and its beautiful.(low rumble, manly kind of way haha.)

In OUR Father,

-john