Reflections from Israel Trip

I've read the Bible for most of my life so was excited when the opportunity to go to Israel with my favorite radio station, Victory 91.5 presented itself.

View of Jerusalem from Mount of Olives

Jerusalem street

Jerusalem Marketplace

I think one of the best ways to condense a trip like this into a few words is that being there makes the words jump off the page and really come alive. To walk where Jesus walked, explore the city of Jerusalem, feel the heat of the desert, see where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, hear the sounds of the marketplace, taste middle eastern foods like baklava, St. Peter's fish, shawarma, hummus, falafel, get baptized in the Jordan river, pray and worship in the garden of Gethsemane, ride on a boat on the sea of Galilee, and look across the plain of Armageddon brings the Bible to life in a way you only understand if you've been there.

Cave where large number of Dead Sea scrolls were found

Sea of Galilee

Fishermen on Mediterranean at Cesarea

One surprise was the vast amount of agriculture in the country which is maintained largely through advanced drip irrigation. When the Bible talks about the land flowing with milk and honey, our guide said that the "honey" it referred to is actually made from dates and is more of a syrup. The food we had was all quite good.

Couscous, falafel, and more

Tasty Deserts

Date Palm Tree

Pomegranates

From a topography perspective, Israel is a fairly hilly country. The Bible refers to mountains and to give a good feel, most of them are more along the lines of Kennesaw Mountain than the Rocky Mountains.

Wilderness near Qumran, Israel

People often wonder about safety in a place that's frequently in the news for unrest. By and large, I felt safe the vast majority of the time. Like anywhere, you need to be aware of your surroundings and make wise decisions if things look like they could get out of control. We saw children running around and playing quite a bit, which should give a sense of the comfort level parents had.

One of the most impactful times for me was going to the Western Wall on Shabbat. To see the Jewish people singing, dancing, and praying at the wall was deeply moving. It reminded me of the importance of praying for people I know from the Jewish faith. They believe Messiah is coming and one of my prayers is that they will come to believe in Jesus as Messiah as I do.

At the Western Wall

Another big impact was how much significance lyrics to songs take on when actually in the place where the cross was at and where Jesus walked, taught, prayed, and rose from the dead. When I sing about the Wonderful Cross the song will come alive in a new way.

Empty Tomb

Place of the Skull

It's difficult to summarize a trip like this in a few words but hopefully the above provided a taste of what it was like. I recommend for anyone to go to Israel if nothing else than for the vast amount of history and good food but also for the enormous spiritual significance.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Dealing With Jealousy

How do you deal with jealousy? When someone else gets the job, the promotion, the award, the relationship, the recognition, the life experience, has more money, a bigger house, more status, popularity, a nicer vacation, the school acceptance, whatever the "thing" is that you want, how do you respond?

Seeing others succeed when you've worked so hard in an area and yet get passed over can be really hard. It can be easy to feel that you've missed out, been done wrong, and that things just aren't fair. But if you're pursuing God's best, you can rest in knowing that He is working on your behalf so don't worry about whatever the thing is.

As hard as it can be, fight the urge to feel bitter and instead rest in God's providence and goodness. Trust that He is working all things together for good and keep pursuing Him.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Prayer, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Food for Thought: If you spent as much time in prayer as you do on social media, how would it affect your life and spiritual walk? Would you experience more or less joy? More or less fruit of the spirit? More or less wisdom? More or less sensitivity to the voice of God in your life? More or less intimacy with Jesus?

Social media isn't categorically a bad thing and I think it can be used for lots of good purposes but it needs to have its proper place. When the default is to open your phone or computer and mindlessly scroll through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or a Twitter feed, there's probably a lot of time wasted that could be better used elsewhere. For me, I've decided to try to limit social media consumption to a max of 15 minutes a day, if not less.

This is an attempt to recapture productivity, experience more of real life, sleep more, and recenter myself on prayer and pursuing God more intentionally.

Is there anything in your life that you need to evaluate eliminating or reducing?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Have you ever spent more than a few moments looking at yourself in the mirror? Time fixing your hair, makeup, brushing your teeth or otherwise taking care of your appearance doesn't count. Just time looking at yourself, your eyes, the emotions displayed in your face, and how God made you.

Others see us all the time and how we express ourselves but we mostly just live in our heads. Use this as an exercise in conjunction with prayer. Talk to God as you look at yourself in the mirror. It facilitates honesty. You can't hide behind flowery language or mask over the emotions inside. You already know if you're bluffing or not but seeing yourself while knowing the thoughts on the inside creates an opportunity for real candor.

Whether you're happy with how life's going or are experiencing challenging circumstances, use this exercise as a way to get real with God. Be aware though, it may be more difficult than you think and take you to deeper places of intimacy with God.

I've read that looking into someone's eyes for four minutes can create a deep connection. See how it works as you examine your own eyes and explore your soul with God.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Bible Verse Song: Psalm 73:26

Bible Verse Song Psalm 73:26

My heart and flesh may fail but God is my strength
My heart and flesh may fail but God is my strength
The strength of my heart and my portion forever
The strength of my heart and my portion forever
Forever my heart is yours

Southern's Who I Am

Music has played an important role in my life for many years. Whether learning fundamentals through piano lessons, playing French Horn in middle school and high school symphonic band, studying music theory, taking and teaching guitar lessons, playing bass in the youth praise band at church, singing in the choir, playing in the church orchestra or for a dinner theater, leading worship as a summer missionary, busking on the sidewalk of Kansas City, Athens or Roswell, Georgia writing songs, playing in the worship band at church, or just enjoying others music, it has given me an outlet to express myself, create, have fun, and connect with God and others.

I've written quite a few songs throughout my life and in recent years I've written several in the country and southern rock genre. It's one thing to play a song you've written at home or for a few friends or family but to actually put production behind it with multiple parts and capture its full vision and potential is something that I've not often gotten to experience.

People talk about bucket lists and life goals and for me, recording a high quality album of my own songs has been on that list for a number of years. I had the blessing of living next door to an audio engineering student for a couple of years and he was extremely generous with his time and knowledge and assisted me in the process of recording and producing the songs on Southern's Who I Am.

Songs aren't necessarily autobiographical but elements of the songs are representative of who I am: Southern, drinker of sweet tea, enjoyment of clever wording, fun, pursuing God, and love of mama. One element of my heritage included in the album is the farm where my dad grew up which served as the backdrop for the photography.

The Bible talks about doing things as unto the Lord and we worked very hard to produce the album at an excellent level. While most of the songs are not overtly Christian or spiritual, there are overtones of God and Jesus woven throughout. My goal in recording the songs was to create a quality product that I would be proud of and enjoy and hopefully others would too.

I think a large part of being a creator is wanting others to listen to and experience your art. Though I don't always see the numbers or recognition that I might like, God keeps telling me to be faithful and pursue things as best I know how and He will work to accomplish what He wants to through it. I don't know if my music will go beyond a few friends and family members but it sure has been fun and I'm really happy with the result.

I'd love for you to check out the whole album or even a few songs. You can download the album on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/southerns-who-i-am-ep/id978899270 It's also available on Amazon and Spotify if those are more your style.

I'd love to hear what you think of the songs. If you have a moment, check it out and drop a review on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube or even here on the blog; every review helps.

Here are a couple samples via YouTube.




In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

When The Road Is Long

Are you at a place in life where you don't know what to do? You've been working towards some goals but they just haven't happened yet. What do you do in times like this? There are plenty of bad habits and unhealthy coping mechanisms to turn to. But they won't make things better. They'll just leave you empty. You know this because you've tried before.

When the road is long with no end in sight, the desire to fill the loneliness and disappointment can be overwhelming. But there is One who knows your heart, sees your hurt, and wants good for you. Turn to Him and allow Him to fill you up, to breathe life into you, and to carry you in His hands.

He formed you and knows what lies ahead. Keep pressing on and don't give up hope for the good things you desire. Return again to the abundant life that is found in Him. The richness of time with Him will revive your spirit and restore your joy.

Don't let the enemy lie to you or prevent you from engaging with the Lord. He wants the best for you more than anyone else. Talk candidly with Him and ask Him about your present and future. As you listen, you'll hear His voice more and more clearly. It doesn't mean that there won’t be some challenging times ahead but you can rest securely in His promise that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” –Romans 8:28

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

What Child Is This?

This is a classical guitar style version of What Child Is This? (aka Greensleeves) that I learned many years ago. Enjoy!

Experience His Love and Grace

Be so wrapped up in the love of Jesus that when you fall it's into His grace. Never wondering whether you're heading in the right direction. Confidently pick yourself up and run with perseverance the path marked out for you.

In that place and in that race there is immeasurable joy and a life of abundance. By his power and strength you'll face the world and a future that holds the blessings of a heart fully in love with Him. Others will fall away and miss the blessing and hope found in Him. But not you.

Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Him and His plan for your life. He has not called you to something mediocre with mere temporary accomplishment or the praise of man. He wants you to walk with Him into something much deeper.

The grace of a life filled with His presence is vastly beyond all worldly wealth or fame. No house, relationship, vacation on the beach or mountain top chalet will ever give you more than the experience of knowing Him.

He is wilder than the wildest beast, more awe inspiring than the most vivid sunset. Matchless beyond anything that could try to compare. In Him is peace where there is chaos, love where there's loneliness, hope when all seems lost, joy in the midst of loss and sadness.

Lay your head on His chest and rest in the strength of His arms. He knows and loves you, child of the King. There's nothing that could get in the way of His love for you.

As the shepherd cares for the sheep, so He protects and watches over you. He gives you food to eat and water to drink. He restores your soul and rejuvenates your spirit, leading you beside quiet streams in the forest.

His creation is beautiful and you are the crowning achievement of it all. Don't let that fact escape or go unnoticed. He loves you more than you can imagine and desires beautiful things for you.

You are His child and of immense importance. Do you comprehend the depth of his love for you? Rest here and stay awhile. Give Him time to minister to your soul. Turn off the computer, the tv, the phone, the music. Sit and listen. Give Him space to build into your life. Receive His grace.

You are the one He loves and nothing could ever take you away from Him. His love never fails. Can't you see? Can't you see, what you mean to Him? He loved you before the world began and will never stop, His love will never fail.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Because He Lives

Because He Lives
by Bill and Gloria Gaither

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

If The Devil Comes A Calling

This is my most recently written song. Written in a fun country style.

If The Devil Comes A Calling
by: Andrew Robert Allen

I've been pretty good at sinning I've got that figured out
There ain't too much that I've done you'd tell your mama bout
I'm really good at being bad everyone agrees
but who I was ain't who I am no I ain't the same me

So if the devil comes a calling tell him I'm not here
I've spent too many nights with him drowning all my fears
but now I'm friends with Jesus and we've got other plans
so if the devil comes a calling you can tell him I ain't here

I ain't too big on preachers you can bet I've had my doubts
but once I stopped to listen and finally heard him out
my rowdy days had run there course and that's the honest truth
cause when Jesus comes a calling what else can you do?

So if the devil comes a calling tell him I'm not here
I've spent too many nights with him drowning all my fears
but now I'm friends with Jesus and we've got other plans
so if the devil comes a calling you can tell him I ain't here

I'm not always perfect, sometimes I still fall
but Jesus has me covered when I'm up against a wall
You might shake your head or even laugh at me
but don't knock it till you try it cause then you just might sing

If the devil comes a calling tell him I'm not here
I've spent too many nights with him drowning all my fears
but now I'm friends with Jesus and we've got other plans
so if the devil comes a calling you can tell him I ain't here

Shooting Straight With God

Photo from Wikimedia

Have you ever experienced seasons of life where you're discontent with a job, a relationship (or lack thereof), living situation, unfulfilled hope, family, social life, health concern or just having a bad day? That should cover all of us. I've found that sometimes I'll turn something like this over and over in my mind and may passingly mention it when talking with God but don't really engage with him about it.


This could be due to functional distrust in Him, frustration that circumstances haven't changed, or even stubbornness or lack of taking action though there are steps that can be taken. I've found that it's best to just level with God and tell Him exactly how you feel about the situation. It's not like He doesn't already know but it allows you to be intellectually honest and get your thoughts and feelings on the table so that you can work through them with Him.

There can be a perception that we need to be pious anytime we approach God or talk to Him. And while we should absolutely have respect toward Him, He knows you at the depths of your soul so it's best to at least acknowledge where you're at so you can have an honest conversation and not just say nice little prayers from time to time. By doing so, you can get down to business and allow Him to guide and give you insight that you might not experience otherwise.

Be real and shoot straight with God. Remember, He loves you more than you can imagine and wants you to experience life abundantly. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." -John 10:10

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

The Dialogue of Your Mind

What are the things your mind keeps returning to? Do they revolve around your job, family, social life, exercise, church, favorite sports team, hobby, TV show, movie, vacation, a song, worries and fears, hopes and dreams? 

The dialogue of your mind will determine your attitude and outlook on life. Choose carefully what you dwell on. Do you find your life filled with joy and hope? Keep it up! Is your emotional state one of negativity and depression? Somewhere in between? No mater where you’re at, choose joy and keep pinging your thoughts back to God’s best in your life.

If you have tough days, tell him about it. When you have good days, celebrate with and thank Him. By keeping the internal dialogue centered on conversation with God, He stays at the forefront of your life and you will more easily find yourself with joy no matter the circumstance.

 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -I Thessalonians 5:16-18

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Stewarding Songs

A few months ago I read something by Bethel Music on stewarding worship and songs. This struck me powerfully not only as a song writer and worship leader but as a way of thinking about life.

There are several accounts in the Bible of the parable Jesus told about the man entrusting his servants with various amounts of money while he was on a trip. They steward this with varying levels of success. -Matthew 25:14-30

This parable applies so much to each of us in our lives today. God gifts each of us uniquely. Some are musicians, some are gifted athletically, administratively, with a business mind, relationally, with physical beauty, with intelligence, in the creative arts, in working with their hands, in leadership, encouragement, providing care, hospitality, and a host of other areas.

We need to steward these giftings well and not let them go to waste. Wayne Dyer is  famous for saying: "Don't die with your music still in you." As you think about this in context of stewardship of abilities and gifts, let your music play beautifully, without reservation, and jump at the chance to share your songs with the world. For some this will literally be music and for others it will be something like baking a cake, building a house, counseling a teenager, sharing beautiful photos you've experienced in nature, teaching a lesson, creating environments and experiences, taking care of people in need, or whatever your "music" is.

Step up to the microphone and share your song with the world. You sing it best, steward it well.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Better Not Bitter

Ever experienced disappointment, hope deferred, betrayal, abandonment, rejection, been gossiped about, criticism, envy, or a broken heart? That should cover most of us at least on some level. In these times, there can be a temptation to stew and allow bitterness to seep into your heart. But bitterness is a dangerous poison that will drain joy from your life.

It's in the tough times that we understand more deeply what we base our core being on. There is nothing wrong with grief and it can actually be a good thing in a healthy context. In these moments and/or seasons, allow yourself to express frustration but do it with people that can help you process it in a healthy way and keep your heart fixed on God.

By seeking Him even in the hardest parts of life you can focus on becoming a better you and not a bitter you. He says that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -Deuteronomy 31:8

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Life's A Team Sport

You are uniquely gifted and people need you to do the things that you're best at. There can be a temptation to retreat into yourself when you hit bumps in life and not live out the things you're best at. Don't deprive the world of the awesomeness of you.

Life is going to throw you curveballs. Sometimes you'll hit them and sometimes you'll strikeout. Even when you strikeout, keep your head up and don't stay stuck in discouragement. Find a friend who can encourage you in the rough spots. Seek out happy places whether that be at a coffee shop, your living room, a baseball game, church, in the woods, at the beach, the mountains, or anything that brings a sparkle to your eye and a skip in your step.

There's a temptation to ask why and question what God's purpose is in the tough stuff. If we let them though, these can be some of the most intimacy building times with God. He created you with a purpose and knew you before the world began. Let Him love you and encourage you and spur you on in the things He's called you to. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -Ephesians 2:10

Life's a team sport and we need you playing at the top of your game. So get back in there and do the things that you're so good at.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Seek First

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." -Matthew 6:33

Have you tried to fill yourself with things you think you want but not pursued God with all your heart? This will leave you discontent with where you are in life. He wants more for you and will give you all your heart desires if you seek Him first. The first to know your name, to see you, to delight in you. You are His child.

The enemy has stolen from you and attacked your heart and who the Father has made you to be. This is not His best for you. You were made for joy, to listen to His voice, and walk by His side. Nothing can compare to or separate you from His love, child of the King. Listen to His voice and rest in the goodness of His love.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Being You

"Today you are you, that’s truer than true. There’s no one alive who’s youer than you.” –Dr. Seuss

Do you ever look around and compare yourself to others? It can be tempting to evaluate your current life stage in comparison with friends, peers, neighbors, or family. This can lead to feeling less than, inadequate, behind, frustrated, or whatever other negative emotion that might be associated with the comparison trap.

There’s also a temptation in the other direction if you see someone that might be “behind” you to begin to feel smug, superior to, or better than. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus gives a warning about this.

Rather than taking your queues from those around you, it’s far better to define yourself by how God sees you. Instead of comparing yourself to a neighbor or friend’s professional, social, family, physical, emotional, or spiritual life, celebrate their successes with them and keep pressing in to God’s identity and plans for you. He tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God gives each person unique giftings and abilities and opportunities to use them.

There is of course the practical side of evaluating areas of your life to identify things that need to change in a healthy way. But this should be done by prayerfully seeking what God would have for your life rather than done in comparison to someone else.

The world needs you to be the best you possible so step up in the areas that you thrive in. Don’t let unmet past hopes for present circumstances dominate your current attitude and future steps. Live fully where you’re at, always keeping your eyes on God’s best in each season.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Prepare the Way

Prepare the Way
By: Charlie Hall

Prepare the way
Prepare the way
Prepare the way of the Lord

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

You are the light of the world
You are the light of the world
You are the light of the world, Jesus

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You If it's the only thing I do
If it's the only thing I do

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

You are the King of the earth
You are the King of the earth
You are the King of the earth, Jesus

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

The Friendship Hierarchy

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” –Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Everyone that you interact with falls somewhere within six levels of what is known as the friendship hierarchy. Understanding these levels helps in knowing what normal interactions will be with people in your life and to set appropriate expectations for the depth of the friendship.

Level 6: Strangers

 

These are people who are basically strangers to you. You don’t know their name and they don’t know yours. If you’ve ever crossed paths, it’s only in passing with virtually no conversation or interaction. From a depth of friendship perspective, people you dislike could fall in this category even if familiarity is greater.

Level 5: Acquaintances 

 In level 5, the person is an acquaintance but the depth of the friendship is primarily surface level. You both recognize each other and may or may not know each other's name. At social or professional events if you see each other you may talk but it will probably be very generally without delving into many details. If there are level 4 or higher people at the event, it’s more likely that you would seek them out.

Level 4: Casual Friends

A level 4 friend is someone that you know a bit beyond the surface. You may know details about their work, family, hobbies, interests, or other activities they’re involved in. Most co-workers will not move above this level though a few may be at level 3 or higher. At a social or professional event you would likely seek out their company to catch up on the latest in their life or work. It’s unlikely though that the two of you set up time with each other or connect outside of common events or activities.

Level 3: Good Friends

At level 3, things go deeper and as trust develops you may share more personal details with the friend whether that be dreams, goals, hopes, challenges, struggles, fears, doubts, etc. This is also a friend that you intentionally try to connect with. It could be via phone calls, text messages, emails, setting up lunch or dinner, playing sports together, doing hobbies, Bible study, or anything where you’re purposefully spending time with them. In the dating world, this would be a common level for someone that you’ve been going out with for a little while. People at this level and above are the most likely to pray for you especially if you specifically ask for prayer.

The desire to know and be known is inherent. Consequently, someone who lacks friends at level 3 and above will normally desire deeper community and connection in their life.

Level 2: Close Friends

Level 2 is similar to level 3 but these people have greater access to your life and know you at a fairly deep level. They know you well enough to give advice on major life decisions and will call you out if needed. When you need help or someone to have your back, these are the people that show up. If they’re not family by blood, they’re at a minimum the people that you do life with and may be even closer than some family members. More than likely you’ll be friends with them for a number of years.

Level 1: Intimate Friends 

Level 1 in the friendship hierarchy is the most intimate level. This person knows you inside and out. The good, bad, and ugly. They’ve seen you at your best and worst and have stuck with you through it all. You call them first when major life events occur whether to celebrate in successes or to provide support in difficulty. Most people will have no more than two or three level 1 people in their life. It could be a spouse, a parent, sibling, or a best friend. They will be trusted confidants for many years.

People will naturally move through the friendship hierarchy during your life and someone who’s currently a level 4 friend might move up the hierarchy if one or both of you intentionally seek the other out and pursue opportunities to spend time with each other.  Likewise, a level 2 or 3 friend could move back to a lower level. This doesn’t necessarily reflect negatively on the friendship; life has natural ebbs and flows that result in spending more or less time with people.

Understanding these levels allows you to evaluate if there are people you want to be more or less involved in your life and intentionally take steps toward that goal. It may be a professional relationship you’d like to grow, possibly an acquaintance you connected with and want to grow into something deeper, or even seeking out mentoring relationships whether being mentored or mentoring someone else.

Pray about people in your life and see if God wants you to pursue deeper levels of friendship with some or to set boundaries and limit access with others. On a spiritual level, intentionally pursue a deep relationship with Jesus. If you’ll let him, He’ll be your most intimate friend.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew