Another Realm

Every once in a while a CD comes out that just grips me.  My wife doesn’t like it because she tires of the same music more quickly than I do, but since this one arrived a couple of weeks ago, it’s all I want to listen to.

Here in the “Christian ghetto” your options are limited.  You have your standard K-Love stuff, your heavier Skillet-y type music, and a bunch of “we have a great worship team at our church so we’re putting out a CD” stuff.  It’s all good, but there is better out there.

Enter the UK/Irish band Iona, which happens to be my favorite band.  Years ago, their CD “Journey into the Morn” got me started exploring Celtic Christianity, which led me to take several missions trips to IrelandTheir music possesses a depth, color, texture, and richness that is hard to find in any progressive rock. Though not labeled a “worship band” you can’t help but encounter the presence of God at one of their concerts and it’s not unusual to see people kneeling, weeping, or dancing while the band plays.

In terms of sheer musical ability, Iona is amazing.  I want to keep this post short so I’ll just say I’ve never heard another band come close to the musical ability of Iona.  It’s downright inspiring!  As somewhat of a musician myself, they make me want to grow in my isntrument.

Their latest CD, “Another Realm” has grabbed me by the ear and won’t let go.  It’s worshipful, prophetic, and a cry out to God for His Kingdom here on earth.  I’ve been walking with Jesus since 1982 and I’ve honestly never heard anything like it.  I’ve spent many hours walking around my neighborhood listening to “The Ancient Wells” and praying for revival.  We even plan on singing a couple of the songs at our church (as soon as I can figure out how to get permission, of course).  You really don’t listen to this CD, you experience it.

In short, amazing talent + God’s anointing = an incredible CD.  Get it!

Here’s their website, currently the only place you can buy the CD or purchase songs by download.

By the way, this is not an endorsed post.  I just love sharing things that are awesome!

Tozer Tuesdays

Another edition of Tozer Tuesdays, prayers from his book The Pursuit of God They have profoundly impacted me and I hope they challenge and move you as you pray them too.

O Lord, I have heard a good word inviting me to look away to Thee and be satisfied.  My heart longs to respond, but sin has clouded my vision till I see Thee but dimly.  Be pleased to cleanse me in Thine own precious blood, and make me inwardly pure, so that I may with unveiled eyes gaze upon Thee all the days of my earthly pilgrimage.  Then shall I be prepared to behold Thee in full splendor in the day when Thou shalt appear to be glorified in Thy saints and admired in all them that believe.

Amen


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I Want More!

I want more!

I want more than surface, more than artsy, and more than self promotion wrapped in “ministry”.

I want more than book deals, recording contracts, Dove Awards, the CBA, and Jesus used to push a product.

I want more than Christian culture, trite blog posts, music recommendations, and to stop being told whats “relevant” because it’s not!

I want more than an impotent, powerless American church that measures success by numbers and name recognition.

I want more than cloning dressed up like discipleship and concerts dressed up like worship.

I want more than rock stars, more than celebri-preachers and all of those who want to be like them.

I want more than green rooms, name dropping, and reserved seating.

I want more than a slick communicator in hundred dollar jeans telling me how to live a balanced life because I don’t want to live a balanced life!

I want to be totally sold out and spent for Jesus.

I want to live in humility and servanthood.

I want to see God’s power healing the sick, saving the lost, and delivering the oppressed.

I want to see a generation on their faces, worshiping a holy God, even when there is no music, no lights, and no stage.

I want the church to be a lighthouse where the lost, abused, broken, and bound can find mercy, freedom, and forgiveness.

I want to swim in the deep end.  I want to be provoked to give more, pray more, discover more, and experience beautiful intimacy with our Savior.

I want to see our resources poured into things that will have eternal significance, to be Roaring Lambs, salt and light, and agents of change.

I want something real.

I want more!

2009 Ireland Missions Trip Day 7

Today was a great day of ministry!  We had church with Emmanuel Community Church of Dundalk.  What a special worshiping church!  I had the honor of giving the message this morning, and then the interns and I prayed for members of the congregation.  Afterward we had a good “craic” with Pastor Peter and his wife Philemena at McGeough’s.  Other members from the church were there and it was such rich fellowship!

Tomorrow, we’ll be meeting with the father of a girl who is strongly considering the Furnace Midwest internship.  He has some questions and, since we’re here, we’re going to meet with him personally!  So many here have shown great interest in the School of Worship and The Furnace.  I think God might be preparing us to be an international ministry!

Emmanuel Community Church Dundalk

Emmanuel Community Church Dundalk

Worshiping at Emmanuel

Worshiping at Emmanuel

Praying for our friends in Dundalk

Praying for our friends in Dundalk

Sunday lunch at McGeough's

Sunday lunch at McGeough's

2009 Ireland Missions Trip Day 3

Today was great!  We visited Monasterboice to see some of the most amazing Celtic crosses anywhere.  That wasn’t the highlight of the day though.  The best part was going to Drogheda to lead a Furnace prayer meeting.  It was so amazing!  The people here are hungry for a move of God.  They long to see the fires of prayer burn bright!  What a blessing to get to play a small part of that!  We even met in a coffee shop just like back home.  Another cool part of our day was meeting with Rachael, a young lady who’s very interested in joining the Furnace Midwest internship in the fall.  It’s a long way to come, but totally worth it!

Enjoy the video and pictures!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9gHAL3KYds]

Vanessa made a new friend

Vanessa made a new friend

Monasterboice.  Ruins of 6th century monastary.

Monasterboice. Ruins of 6th century monastary.

Estate near Monasterboice

Estate near Monasterboice

The crew in front of a beautiful cross

The crew in front of a beautiful cross

Kirsty and Shannon, our praise team for the night

Kirsty and Shannon, our praise team for the night

Lots of prayers and hugs at the Furnace prayer meeting

Lots of prayers and hugs at the Furnace prayer meeting