I’ve been pondering of late what it means to be a man after GOD’s own heart.  What is it that really sets a person apart?  Are there tangibles that one can acquire that would lead to their becoming a man or woman… "after GOD’s own heart"?!

GOD says in 1 Samuel 13 that HE had sought out a man after HIS own heart to lead HIS people.  This man turned out to be the shepherd boy David.  A deeper look in to the life of David will reveal that the man after GOD’s own heart in no way was deemed so resulting from having a life all put together!  David was no model of perfection!

Gary Greenberg, a student of Biblical history and specifically the account of David’s life, wrote that one could make the argument that, "David was a corrupt and ambitious mercenary who committed treason against Israel by working with its enemies to seize the throne from King Saul; an ambitious and ruthless politician who initiated, sanctioned, or condoned murder and assassination as a way to eliminate political rivals, royal or otherwise; a Philistine vassal who used an army of malcontents to terrorize and conquer the Kingdom of Judah while Saul was still on the throne; a usurper who went to war against Israel after Saul’s death and imposed himself as king over the nation of Israel by military force; a cruel and unjust tyrant who used foreign mercenaries to centralize power under his direct control and who oppressed the people of Israel with high taxes and forced labor; a military imperialist who waged wars of conquest against his neighbors and exposed the peaceful Israelites to military counter-attacks that left many dead, wounded, or widowed; and the beneficiary of tales and legends that made him the doer of other peoples’ heroic deeds."

In this light, David doesn’t seem all that impressive—and scripture confirms—David was no white-as-snow-pristine saintly man of GOD.  But, if David was such a despicable guy, what in the world set him apart and led GOD to say of him, "I have sought out and found David to be a man after MY own heart"?

A further look into David’s life will demonstrate a consistent pattern in his life with regards to how he responded to his own sins.  Time after time you will find that David was quick to run to GOD after he screwed up.

The one after GOD’s own heart is the one who after tripping, stumbling and falling, gets up and runs as fast as they can back to GOD.  How we deal with our sin says a great deal about who we are.  David would run to GOD and cling to HIM knowing that his true source of LIFE was GOD.  The same is true of all who cling to GOD as their true source of life.  A man after GOD’s own heart is not a man perfectly sinless—but, when they do fail, they run for their lives back to GOD—clinging to HIM as their only source of LIFE, HOPE, and FORGIVENESS!

the cover-up-and-hide method

There is also the more favored example set by our father Adam—the method of sinning followed by running and hiding from GOD.  Adam after disobeying GOD in the garden ran together with Eve to hide from GOD.  Many try to hide from GOD and deny sin in hopes of avoiding shame, guilt, and the admission of wrongdoing.

Just take a look at a couple of examples from today’s current headlines: Lindsay Lohan attempting and failing to convince a Judge in California that the Lohan version of reality was legit.  Steve Jobs and Apple working hard to deny and cover up a widely proven flaw in the iPhone 4’s antenna design.  The handling of BP's spill in the Gulf... and, let’s don’t’ even get started with all the mess of Washington Politics!

Truth is, examples of Adam’s cover-up-and-hide methodology abound.  BUT... make no mistake... the cover-up-and-hide method of dealing with sin cannot bring a person true peace or abundant life.

There is a way to experience peace… it is the way of the man after GOD’s own heart!  The way of bolting towards GOD after a screw-up!  This is a way of life that results from a deep seated belief in GOD’s goodness and HIS good intentions towards us!  It's also the way of a life freely admitting dependence to GOD.

Are you experiencing peace in your life?  Do you feel it could be said of you that you were a man or a woman after GOD’s own heart?  The key to living a life of peace and being known as such is all in how you deal with your sin.  You’ll either live by the cover-up-and hide method denying your failure and denying GOD’s goodness—or, you’ll cling to GOD and run straight to HIM freely admitting your inability to attain a sinless perfection.

When's the last time you ran to GOD and admitted your need of HIM?  If it's been a while, might I suggest you stop what you're doing now and go spend some time with your heavenly FATHER?!  And, let’s all be quicker to run for dear life to GOD!

This week has been jam packed with activity as we find ourselves moving ever closer towards a way of life absent of vocational ministry. This new direction has certainly been full of challenges for us… and definitely necessitates a different means for meeting our financial needs. As a result, my attention over the last few weeks has shifted to finding a fulltime job outside of ministry.

I’m currently pursuing an opportunity in education. I spent most of the 2009-2010 school year subbing throughout Arlington ISD in order to supplement income. During this time I worked with all levels K-12 and enjoyed these experiences greatly. High School and Elementary were my favorite age groups though! I have always enjoyed the teaching process and feel some of my strongest spiritual gifts are teaching oriented. So, with these things in mind, Dawnita and I have prayerfully been moving forward with the idea of my becoming a fulltime teacher.

I have decided to make my primary focus on elementary ages. So, for the last couple of weeks I have been studying for the TExES 191 Generalist EC-6 certification.  I'm scheduled to take this certification test on Thursday at 5pm.

A secondary focus will be on TExES 161 Special Education EC-12.  At the moment I am scheduled to take this test on Friday morning at 8am.  However, most of my time has been devoted to studying for the 191 Generalist certification test.  So, I may end up rescheduling this test for later in July.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers for me (for our family) as I continue to study this week and then take these tests.  I’ll be able to start searching for a teaching opportunity as soon as I pass either (or hopefully both) of the certification tests. So, it’s pretty important that I pass on my first try. It would be really great if I could begin looking for a job starting next Monday!

Either way, I greatly treasure your prayers for us as we continue to simply ask PAPPA to make sense of our future for us—to orchestrate our steps. The future is a little uncertain (especially in regards to finances) at the moment. Nonetheless, GOD is with us!

This morning GOD brought Deuteronomy 31:6 to my mind—reminded me that I have no need to be timid—“Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated because your GOD is striding ahead of you. I am right there with you. I won't let you down; I won't leave you!”

I’m not sure where you find yourself today. Maybe your future is a little unclear and uncertain also?! I would offer you the same WORD of encouragement found in this passage of scripture! GOD is with you! HE won't let you go. Hold tightly to HIM and move forward with deep faith and a bold confidence.

I'm praying GOD will interrupt and surprise your day! And, that you will be surrendered to HIM working in you, through you, AS you! Blessings friend!

Come join us this Saturday, July 10, at United in the Park, a free Christian Benefit Concert at the Trinity Park Amphitheatre in Fort Worth, Texas.

My band will be doing a worship set to kick off, anoint, and pray over the day’s activities with volunteers and event planners at 10:30am.

Then, the official United in the Park festivities are set to begin at 6pm. On tap for the evening are opening acts My Hearts Cry, Gravity Liberation Front, and the Chris Clayton Band. At around 7:50pm, Shane Gray (pastor at Hopeworks in Fort Worth) will present the Gospel message. Following, at around 8:25pm, my band will provide a time of worship and response to the Gospel message. Then, at around 9pm, Decyfr Down will wrap up the evening with a bang!

United in the Park is a free Christian Concert where donations will be accepted and merchandise will be sold. ALL proceeds will go to benefit the Burleson Pregnancy Aid Center and Feed By Grace ministry.

You don’t want to miss this evening! It promises to be a great time celebrating GOD, fun fellowship, community outreach, and rocking entertainment from a talented lineup of bands! So, plan on coming out and showing your support by joining us for United in the Park!

Invite a friend, coworkers, neighbors, and family. Pray with us that many who attend will embrace the message of hope and a life abundant United in CHRIST!

Hope to see you there!

This weekend I had a wonderful time reconnected with family and friends at the Cozart Family Reunion.  The Cozart family gathers together every summer around the last weekend in June at Possum Kingdom Lake—they’ve been doing so since 1971!

I love hanging out with these friends and family.  It’s a time I look forward to each summer.  I’ve only missed a couple of reunions in the twenty years I’ve been attending (and Dawnita has only missed two in her entire life!).

This weekend while thanking FATHER for these relationships and this time of family fun—I was reminded of how short life is—and, of the need to count as precious every moment we have together.

In James 4 we are compared to, “a wisp of fog, catching a bit of sun before disappearing.”  This year I have experienced loss in ways that brings home the truth of this scripture in profound ways.  Maybe you have experienced loss in similar ways.  The bottom line is we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

We have this moment; we need to make the best use of each breath we are given!

The Speed Of Life

Sometimes life just happens around us.  We don’t even realize we’re missing out on the beauty of blessings GOD has poured in to our lives.  It’s not on purpose.  It just happens.  It’s almost like we are stumbling around, half-awake, not fully conscious enough to truly experience life.  That’s no way to live!

The same is true spiritually.  We are aware of spiritual things—just, not cognoscente of how these things impact our daily lives.  Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 says, “We don’t yet see things clearly.  We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.”  I believe this is in part the plan of the enemy; his attempt to keep us paralyzed in a fog of confusion.

GOD Intends More Than A Comatose Life For Us

JESUS said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  “Come to me to have life” (John 5:40).  “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48).  “In HIM was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4).  And, Acts 5:20 instructs, “Tell the people the full Message of this new life.”

It’s clear GOD offers us life through JESUS.  HE intends for us to live fully alive.  And, more… that we are to share the Message of this new, fully alive life with everyone we meet!  We are to take full advantage of every moment, making the most of each.

Friend, don’t let another day slip by… each day is a precious commodity!  Each moment is a treasure to be savored and enjoyed to its fullest.

I have made a commitment to never miss another family gathering if at all possible!  I don’t want to take for granted these moments that are passing by—to assume I’ll have opportunity to see family at a later date!  I want to make every second count—to enjoy each and every opportunity we have with family, friends, and dear loved ones.

If you feel the same, make this your prayer today:  “JESUS, take away the fog and the clouds and the veil, and help me to see… give me eyes to really see!  I want to make the most of every moment YOU have given me.  I want to love and be loved, to enjoy deep spirited friendships, and truly belong to the rich community of friends, family, and loved ones YOU have given me.”

Friends, since October of 2009 I have prayerfully wrestled with GOD regarding HIS call on my life.  Specifically, I have had trouble comprehending where HE has brought me—and the change in direction this new place necessitates.  It hasn’t made much sense.  As a result, I have been slow... maybe even reluctant… to let go of my understandings of how HE had previously shaped and ordered my life.

In all honesty, I have greatly enjoyed the last 20 years of my ministry experiences.  Dawnita and I spent a good number of years in preparation for the types of ministry work we’ve been doing.  And, I like to think… that maybe, we were even just a little bit good at what GOD had given us to do!

But, the ministry we’ve been engaged in was never of our own making.  There was no time when we sat down and mapped out a five year plan!  We were simply being obedient—day by day—to the things JESUS was asking us to be about.

Directing Everything

Letting JESUS direct the details of my daily life was a way of living that began for me at fourteen.  In 1983-84, I began pressing in to know and follow JESUS with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  My deep desire was to follow JESUS and allow HIM to direct me in everything.  And, I truly mean EVERYTHING!

During these years I began prayerfully asking GOD to lead me to my future bride.  I believed with all my heart that HE had created one perfect girl for me.  I put all my trust in HIS ability to lead me to her!  An odd thing for a thirteen year old to be concerned with, but this would end up being one of my most consistent prayers during my teenage years.

It is with great joy that I can report now that my bride of twenty years—Dawnita—is and has been the absolute perfect girl for me!  GOD gave me such a wonderful partner and friend for a wife.  In this matter (as well as many, many others) HE has proven HIMSELF time and time to be worthy of my trust in HIS ability to lead me in every area of life and faith.

Even so, the last year has been a confusing time for me in trying to comprehend this new place I found GOD had transplanted me and my family.  This confusion was compounded some by wounds we received in the last few years of ministry.  Wounds not given us by sheep, or even by the world—but, from supposed mature church leadership.

We’ll probably continue to feel the ache of these wounds from time to time.  But, our integrity and the manner in which we have conducted our lives and ministry have been reaffirmed many times by both GOD and man.  And, the SPIRIT has reminded me numerous times over the last year that the religious elite who sought to do us harm was of the very same spirit of the ones who crucified my MASTER JESUS.  If they hated HIM, why would I be surprised that they would hate also HIS servants!?

GOD continues to direct us in EVERYTHING.  And, though I have been slow at coming to this point, I have finally arrived and am whole-heartedly embracing the new thing GOD has brought us to.

So, it is with great excitement that I announce today that I will be taking a hiatus from vocational ministry for a time.  I already have not been actively seeking a paid church staff position—but, I’m making it official—I anticipate taking a two to three year hiatus from vocational ministry.

During my hiatus, I will be taking a job outside of ministry in order to meet the financial obligations and responsibilities I have in caring for my family.  In the last few months I’ve considered a couple of different options (including a job with the Dallas Police Department).  GOD continues to guide us in these matters.

We would greatly treasure your continued prayers for us as we prayerfully consider a number of job possibilities.  And, please let me know of any opportunities you are aware of that might be a good fit for me!

Missional Community Outreach

This does not mean I will be stepping away from ministry altogether.  To the contrary, I fully intend to continue serving in whatever ways FATHER directs.  GOD has only reaffirmed HIS call on my life.  That's partly why I setup Little Worship Boy! Ministry and worshipboy.com.

However, GOD has refined some of the method by which I will pour myself out in ministry.  This refinement has produced the Missional Community Outreach.

What is Missional Community Outreach?  Well, GOD is still shaping my understanding of all that it will be!  But, I can tell you that at its heart will be the Great Commission.  It will be about planting the GOSPEL.  It will also be about building healthy communities of fully developing followers of CHRIST.  And, it will continue to incorporate teaching worship as a way of life!

I’ll be sharing more about Missional Community Outreach in the days and weeks ahead.  I will also be looking at ways to gather support for this outreach work.  I’m not sure what all will be needed to get things rolling just yet.  BUT, I figure it’s going to take both finances and volunteers.

Would you prayerfully consider the possibility of becoming involved with what GOD has planned for worshipboy.com and the Missional Community Outreach?  I'm looking forward to watching how GOD puts it all together.  I would love for you to be part of the team!

Last weekend was a blast—full of activity and ministry!  We had Worship Under the Big Top on Saturday evening followed up with Worship services at First Red Oak on Sunday morning.  These events were special for a number of reasons.  They provided opportunity to simply draw near to GOD and lead folks in worship of the MOST HIGH—always a treat!  But also, we were surrounded and embraced by such a wonderful community!

I am so grateful for the community GOD has so blessed us with.  A community composed of rich relationships and many deep spirited friends from over the years.  And, our community is a continual work in progress.  Even as we reconnect with old friends through our ministry opportunities, GOD continues to cultivate fresh new ministry friendships seemingly every day!  I love the way GOD is knitting this tapestry of community into our lives.

An Authentic Biblical Community is at the center of the real CHURCH of GOD.  People, who are alive in CHRIST, fully surrendered to HIS purposes and plans.  Men and women, young and old alike, all surrendered, seeking to become fully developing followers of CHRIST.

ABC is realized when believers embrace the mission JESUS gave HIS CHURCH in Matthew 28.  We find our beginnings—our purpose and meaning—in the Great Commission.  By GOD’s authority and command, JESUS commissioned HIS CHURCH by saying, “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: FATHER, SON, and SPIRIT.  Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.”

My future is rooted firmly in this commission.  This is my mission… my purpose!  To be wholly saturated in the work of my MASTER.  To train everyone I meet, both far and near, in the way of this life!

Now, to be sure, much of my life has been devoted to these things already.  BUT, over the last few months GOD has been revealing a greater sense of this call on my life—a deeper understanding of the things HE has purposed my life to be about.  I’m excited to see how GOD continues to shape my life as HE step-by-step reveals HIS plans for the future.

Adventure Awaits

When was the last time you stepped out on a new adventure with GOD?  And, I’m talking about a real adventure!  The kind where success relies entirely on GOD accomplishing it?!  If it’s been a while—or, if never—let me encourage you to prayerfully seek the adventure GOD wants to lead you on!  Begin it today by prayerfully embracing the commission JESUS has already given you!

I’ll further invite you to come along and partner with me in this adventure!  Together, in community, we’ll face the adversities and celebrate the victories of the adventure GOD has purposed and planned for our lives!

Come join us this Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Day of Jubilee hosted by Oakcrest Family Church in Kennedale, Texas.  The day promises plenty of food, fellowship, and fanfare with bands, jump houses for the kids, and great entertainment for all to enjoy!  Festivities kick off at 2pm.

We’ll be taking the main stage at around 6pm… so, please come show your support and join us for worship under the Big Top!

Hope to see you there!

In a previous post I briefly discussed Google Analytics and shared a tool that I thought was pretty cool.  That tool allowed me to track what OS/Browser combinations are used to view worshipboy.com.

Since that post, I have continued to check my Google Analytics reports fairly regularly.  I have found a number of additional useful tools.  The next tool I'd like to highlight is the Map Overlay report.

Map Overlay charts locations of followers

Don't worry... Google Analytics does not provide a physical street address!  So, if you are reading this post from your super secret lair—the exact location is still anonymous!  But, I can track viewers by their country.

Take a look at the chart below.

Global Map Overlay by Country/City

According to my most recent Map Overlay report, worshipboy.com viewers are logging in from all over the world!  The US, UK, Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Italy, India, Netherlands, Brazil, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina... yikes!  My posts really are "ON" the World Wide Web!

I can also track users by city.  A short list of viewers in TEXAS and Florida include: the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Lubbock, Midland, Austin, and Houston; Bradenton, Ellenton, Sarasota, Gainesville, Pinellas Park, Sebring, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Tallahassee.

A short list of other states where viewers are logging in from would include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia.  Plus, additional vieweres in cities from all over the world!

I have really enjoyed keeping track of some of the data I get from my Google Analytics account.  And, the Map Overlay report is yet another great tool to help me know who it is that's following worshipboy.com content.

If you have a website/blog—I would highly encourage you taking a bit of time to setup your own free Google Analytics account.  It's a great source of information regarding your site that I think you too will find very useful!

Remember the movie Rudy? I recently caught the tail end of it with my youngest son, @aaronelson. He and I both have seen the movie and caught bits and pieces of reruns on television numerous times. But, it never gets old! It really is a great story.

Aaron and I came in on the part of the movie where Rudy had been promised an opportunity to suit out for the last Notre Dame home game. The promise however, had been lost in the transitions of a head coaching change. Having left no stone unturned, Rudy had done everything humanly possible to see his dream of playing for Notre Dame become reality. But, the odds having been so deeply stacked against him... it seems only inevitable that his last chance at suiting out and his dream is now lost.

This is a pivotal moment in the story. Every great story has these moments. Its times like this when right and wrong are easily distinguishable… and the ability for good to triumph lay in the hands of others.

You see, Rudy was all out of options. There was nothing left for him to do. But, he was still (pardon the expression) shy of the goal line. He needed a miracle. And, as the story goes… in the eleventh hour, Rudy got one!

Rudy's teammates stood in the gap. Moved with compassion and a sense of justice, they each individually go to the head coach to plead Rudy's case. One by one they lay their jerseys on the coach’s desk and say, "Let Rudy play in my place."

In the movie, the first one to make that request was team captain and All-American Roland Steele. The head coach responds to Steele's request by saying, "Don't be ridiculous. Georgia Tech is one of the top offensive teams in the country. You're an All-American and our team captain; act like it."

Steele replies by saying, "I believe I am."

This would not have been a popular or easy thing for Steele to do. He risked a great deal to stand up for Rudy... to stand up for what was right... to lead his team in such an unpopular campaign.

Doing right never really is an easy thing to do. There has always been and always will be great opposition against that which is good and right. But I would encourage you to stand fast and hold true to that which you know to be right and just.

The Rudy movie included some adaptations to the storyline in order to make the movie more dramatic. In real life, there was no Roland Steele and… in real life, the Coach had already approved Rudy to dress for the final home game. These things didn’t really occur the way the movie portrayed the events. BUT, events like the ones portrayed in the movie are played out in every day life all the time and all around us.

We each play the various parts of these stories. You will have the opportunity to be a “Rudy” at some point in your life. You will also have the opportunity to be a “Roland Steele” and the “head coach.” Your actions and your conduct will have both an impact on lives in this time and space as well as leaving a mark for all eternity.

Proverbs 3

When the time comes for you to play the part of Rudy… “Don’t lose your grip on love and loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in GOD’s eyes and the eyes of all people.”

When the time comes for you to play the part of a Roland Steele… “Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is GOD’s hand for that person.”

When the time comes for you to play the part of the coach… “Don’t look for ways to take advantage of others who are trusting and unsuspecting. GOD cannot tolerate a twisted soul. It’s the straightforward who get HIS respect.”

Friends, in all things… let's be fully surrendered to the FATHER and allow HIM to direct our every thought, word, and action!

Have you ever noticed there are a great many churches "in business" today?! I stress those words in business because for many, the true focus of their collective efforts is on being successful in their church-business enterprise.

What is success anyway? And, how does one go about measuring the success of a church? Success should be measured in the real production of healthy, SPIRIT-led followers of CHRIST. But, to be honest… that’s a pretty difficult thing to tangibly measure.

That’s where many church leaders get tripped up—this idea of tangibly measuring results. Many leaders begin to define success in ways more measureable… like, say… with finances. Once the focus becomes finances, a church leader can justify just about any failure as long as financially the church tithes and offerings received are greater than the weekly budgeted needs.

Success in ministry becomes financial stability. Leadership becomes less concerned about mission, vision, or the leading of the SPIRIT, than they are on achieving success financially.

In this model, the means to achieving success relies on the smarts of the leaders in charge. As a result, you typically find individuals in elder/deacon roles that have proven themselves successful in the market place. They are not necessarily spiritually mature... but, they typically do have lots of money.

These leaders—spiritually blind—turn ministry into little more than a good marketing scheme. The demand for having or acquiring the nicest facilities becomes a high priority. Staff is tasked with providing programs which will attract and keep membership plugged-in and happy. And, the need for a dynamic lead pastor capable of delivering the goods with regards to the financial equation is an absolute necessity.

There is a church like this in every town… and probably more than one! These churches are little more than social clubs. Little ministry of any value is accomplished. And, anything of eternal consequence that does occur often does so in spite of the efforts and programs of “the club.”

Word of warning to the financially driven…

You have chosen a dog and pony show and financial stability over freedom and faith in GOD. Money is your god. And, no doubt, your business of religion will produce the measure of success you so singularly desire. But in exchange for financial gain you have welcomed death and oppression in to your homes.

In short order, you'll come to despise and mourn the decisions you've made. In the same fashion that Judas despised the silver pieces he obtained in exchange for selling JESUS—you’ll despise what you become as the result of your own compromise.

In 1 Timothy 6, Paul says, "If you have leaders who refuse the solid words of our MASTER JESUS, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, and suspicious rumors. They cause an epidemic of backstabbing. Truth becomes but a distant memory under their leadership. They are out to use religion to make a fast buck.”

What does this sort of leader sound like?  They say things like, "...god will get your tithe—either you'll give your money to the church, or you'll get cancer and end up paying the doctors."

These guys are ignorant windbags interested only in twisting truth to manipulate money out of your pocket!  If you find yourself here, Paul says, "Run for your life!"

For the church focused on worshipping money, “will cause some to lose their footing in the faith altogether.  And, all who make money their god will live to regret it bitterly ever after.”

Run hard and fast in the faith

Be sure, “a devout life does bring wealth; but, it's the rich simplicity of being able to be yourself before GOD! Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.”

Avoid the business of religion.  "Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, and courtesy.  Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to!"