Moving from Safety to Significance

I can't take credit for all that I'm going to write, because a lot of it came from the sermon tonight at The Well. But I felt like it was confirmation of what the Lord has been telling me about the band. 

I've always wanted to provide my family with nice things...give my future wife a Range Rover, give my kids nice clothes. I've wanted to be a business man in a tailored Armani suit driving a black S class Mercedes to work everyday and getting it washed once a week. I'm a somewhat risky person, but when it comes to stepping out on a limb for the Lord, it's hard to do sometimes.

God never promised us safety. As Christians, we like to think that if we're in the will of God, then we're somehow protected from the world around us. That's not the case at all. Can we find refuge in Him? Absolutely. However, that doesn't mean we'll be locked up in a hole. It means that God is readily available to us for comfort, peace, joy, to talk, and be with. 

I think it's time for us to realize that this won't be safe. It's not going to be set in stone that we'll have it made. It will most likely be a struggle and will require sacrifice. But to move from safety to significance requires a sacrifice. Not to be significant in other people's eyes, but to live a life of spiritual significance. Because a "safe" life where we sit in the pew on Sunday, leave and go do our jobs during the week and come back on Sunday is not a significant life. I've realized that it's not what I want. I firmly believe that's not what God wants for any of us. 

"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. 'Why this waste? they asked.  'This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.' Aware of this, Jesus said to them, 'Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'" Matthew 26:6-13

Some people may think by us pursuing leading worship and making cd's for people to worship to that we may be wasting our lives. That we won't be able to support ourselves. When Mary poured the expensive perfume on Jesus' head, the disciples said it was a waste. That it could be used for something better. But what is better than using something for Jesus?! 

The pastor tonight said that Jesus wants us to "royally waste our lives." Royally waste them for the King. 

Do you think that Peter could see Jesus' hair matted by the perfume as the King washed his feet? Do you think Judas could smell it in Jesus' beard when he betrayed the King with a kiss? Do you think the Romans could feel the oily residue from the perfume as they beat, pounded, mauled, broke the jaw of, and literally ripped the beard from the face of the King? As the blood, sweat, and vinegar ran into Jesus' mouth, do you think the King could taste the perfume too as He died upon a cross that has become the most well-known symbol around the world of a life royally wasted?

Jesus carried that cross down the road leading to the place where on that cross He would die. He's told us that He expects us to sacrifice our lives and carry our crosses right behind Him. 

Let's royally waste our lives together in this as we sacrifice safety to move towards significance.

Keep praying.

-Fubba

 

Comfort Zone

I was so excited to find out we were playing at Retreat. What a special place for all of us?
We all have grown up going to Norman Park throughout our years in the WBA, but I don't think any of us have had the opportunity to lead worship there.

I think we did a really great job. Even though Friday night was a disaster, we pulled together and found a way to do exactly what we're all called to do.

I found myself humbled after Retreat, realizing my attitude toward worship leadership probably was not what it should have been. But I'm excited about the change God has called me to since then. I want to realize that I am truly not worthy to be on that stage. I want to remember that God doesn't need me, He uses me.

At WBA events and Fusion, I can get a little cocky up there leading worship. I think it's a comfort thing. I know these people think I'm awesome and talented, and I just want to blow them away. And that has nothing to do with why I'm up there.

I hope God begins to use us in places we aren't familiar with, leading people we have never met before.

Why We Worship

Over the past few weeks I've been thinking about our band and what we want our future to look like.
I know we're inspired by bands like Hillsong and Jesus Culture, so I started watching videos of those people leading worship at their churches or at conferences, and I was trying to figure out what our next move should be.

I know after time we will get our name out there and be successful. Like Taylor said Sunday night, all 5 of us are called to do this. No question. But, I started to wonder what we're lacking, if anything. And then I realized that while we are just as talented or at least have the potential to be as good as these other bands, one thing I find we're lacking (myself included) is vulnerability.

I find that often times I want to lift my hand, or say something during an instrumental break, and I stop myself. What if the youth aren't as into it as me? They might think I'm weird. What if I sing the wrong words? I better just keep to myself, and stick to the plan. Just sing the song straight through and forget expressing my praise.

That's so wrong. We are WORSHIP LEADERS. We are leading others in worship. How can we expect the kids or the adults for that matter to truly worship if their leaders don't do the same? I don't know about y'all but I find myself holding back a lot.

I know y'all can't lift your hands when you're playing guitar, and Fubba and I are the only ones with mics so saying something would kind of be pointless... But, just playing through a song is not what we're called to do.

Let's just make sure we, the worship leaders, are actually worshiping.