Gethsemane

Gethsemane by Andrew Robert Allen

In 2015, I visited Israel and while on the trip, I had the opportunity to visit the Garden of Gethsemane. The group that I was with had a  meaningful time of prayer and a session of worship that I got to lead. It was a beyond bucket list moment. To actually be in the place where Jesus prayed the night before he was crucified was deeply moving.

I wrote this classical guitar instrumental music a number of years ago and in the video, it is set to the text of the Garden of Gethsemane passage in Mark 14:32-41 where Jesus prays before undergoing the trials and crucifixion. Luke 22:44 documents when Jesus sweat drops of blood. As you listen to the song, meditate on the verses and what Jesus experienced in those moments.

The background photo from the video was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom of the Mount of Olives.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Jesus Son of God

Jesus Son of God by Andrew Robert Allen
Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God bled for us Jesus
A love that's like no other, sent down from the Father
Poor sinners were forsaken, but now their hearts awaken

Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God bled for us Jesus
A lion roars in Judah, the King of Kings victorious
For he has conquered over sin, and death could not contain Him

Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God bled for us Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus

Don't Be An Asa

Photo by: Dennis Jarvis (archer10)

Asa was by and large a good king of Judah. He honored the Lord with his life and in how he led the people for the majority of his reign. He helped turn them away from idol worship and removed many false gods and the associated images and heathen behavior. At one point, he led the army of Judah and Benjamin against an army of a million men in which they were outnumbered two to one. Despite these overwhelming odds, he trusted in the Lord and asked Him to overcome their enemy. The result was a resounding victory.

A prophet came to Asa after this victory and said, "the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you." -2 Chronicles 15:2b Asa went on to lead Judah in following the Lord with resulting blessings for many years.

However, towards the end of his reign, Asa decided to go outside of God for assistance and do things in his own thinking, his own ability, and with the resources available to him. He ended up hiring a mercenary army to fight on his behalf. While this might have had a semblance of sense from a military and secular perspective, he did not seek out guidance from God or ask for His power to handle the situation. As a result, God withdrew his blessing from Asa and his final years were marked by war and illness.

There is wisdom and practical application that can be drawn from this passage. You may be very skilled at a particular task, profession, relationship, activity, social situation, or any number of different areas of life. In your own ability, you may be able to make things happen and advance your goals. However, if you try to do this without God's involvement or seeking his counsel, at some point, you'll either fail or fall far short of where you could have ended up.

By including Him in the process, He can open doors that otherwise would remain shut. He can create opportunities that would not be available to you. He can make a way in what would be an impossible situation. He can guide you away from making mistakes or aligning yourself with people who may mislead you or be a poor fit. He will allow you to do it without Him but more times than not, avoidable heartache and far less favorable outcomes will result.

As you go through life, don't follow the example of Asa in his latter years; pursue God's best and allow Him to provide for, bless, and lead you.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Letting God Orchestrate Your Story

Photo by: Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Have you ever thought of the metaphor of God as a conductor, orchestrating the story of your life? If you allow him to, he will orchestrate a masterpiece.

When the story isn't going the way you think it should, it can be hard to resist grabbing the baton and start conducting differently. Maybe things aren't moving as quickly as you'd like professionally, or something you'd hoped for relationally isn't going the way you'd expect, it could be a challenge with a family dynamic, or perhaps an illness or injury is preventing you from living life the way you'd want.

Do you ever feel that God is not in charge during these times? It certainly can be confusing when you don't see the end of the story while still in the middle. God knows where things are going and has a master plan he's orchestrating even in these times of difficulty and frustration.

There are other times that life hits on all cylinders. You've got great health, work is rewarding, family is spending quality time together, your walk with God is deeply connected, and your goals are being met all around. Basically, all you do is win. In these times it's still essential to maintain focus on The Orchestrator and keep your eyes on His baton. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." Hebrews 12:2

Whether things are going swimmingly or if it's a darker part of the story it's important to keep talking with Him. He'll provide insight that you wouldn't otherwise have. In Jeremiah 33:3 He says, "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." The best thing you can do is to continue to stay plugged in to the master orchestrator in both the ups and the downs. Allow Him to progress the story in His time and in the way He would choose.

As hard as it can be to trust in your heart and not just from an intellectual perspective, keep looking to the master orchestrator. As He queues the different parts of the story, watch as He unfolds a beautiful story arc. His ways aren't always on the path we might choose but you can trust that He loves you and will be faithful to the end. "He will never leave or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew 

Silent Night Guitar Instrumental

Merry Christmas y'all! Hope you enjoy this instrumental finger picking guitar arrangement of Silent Night that I put together for you.

Stewarding Your Season of Life Well

How do you feel about your season of life? Is it everything you want it to be? Are there some things about it that you wish were different?

Whatever your response, God loves you, sees you, knows where you’re at, and desires good things for you in this season. Most of all He wants to walk with you and for you to know and experience Him more deeply.

Many times we can get so focused on the immediate concerns, priorities, challenges, stresses, or difficulties of a season that we forget to really live in and fully experience the unique opportunities in it.

In a season of singleness, people have time and freedom that is a wonderful blank slate on which to craft a story and engage in an abundance of fun, meaningful activities, time with God, traveling, serving, running races, hiking in nature, writing and reading books, playing songs, and deep friendships. For those who are newly married, there are the joys of a new life together and learning about each other more deeply. For those with kids, there are all kinds of intermittent seasons throughout the various phases: newborn, toddler, elementary age, middle and high school, then sending them on to college or other pursuits in life. The empty nest phase similarly affords much greater time to reconnect with your spouse and engage in fun activities.

From a career perspective, a first job while still in school provides good insight into responsibility, learning to relate to people, and manage money without the full weight of providing for oneself. The first professional job provides a completely new perspective as you learn the ins and outs of an industry and go from book knowledge to practical skills. Mid career can bring a different set of responsibilities where you may be looked to as an expert in your field and provide leadership to others. Late career holds opportunities for possibly selling a business, transitioning responsibilities to others, and investing in a younger generation to carry the torch. In retirement, you again have the potential for significant time availability and can use it in leisure, studying the Bible, traveling, reading, volunteering, spending time with family, and a host of other activities.

There are seasons of joy, seasons of pain, seasons of meaningfulness and seasons that seem mundane, seasons of intensity and seasons of relaxation, seasons of health, seasons of sickness, seasons of plenty and seasons of need. In each of these, God is with you.

It’s important to steward the opportunities in each season and allow God to work in and through you to accomplish the plans that He’s laid for you (Ephesians 2:10). Don’t let busyness, disappointment, others’ expectations, or anything else hold you back from fully living in and pursuing God’s best in your season. It may last for a while or be gone in the blink of an eye. Whatever the season, steward it well and allow God to guide you in each step of the journey.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Fleeing Temptation

This video illustrates the concept of fleeing from evil as well as anything I've seen. The iguana runs as if his life depends on it, fights, jumps, and escapes the clutches of certain death. Notice also the parallel of joining up with another iguana at the end as a way to watch out for each other and avoid sin.

"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." -James 1:13-15

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." -1 Corinthians 10:13

"Flee from sexual immorality." -1 Corinthians 6:18

"But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house." -Genesis 39:12

I Am With You

I Am With You
I am with you and you are mine
I'll go before you at all times
I am with you and you are mine
Don't be discouraged you'll be fine
Cause I am with you always child of mine

When the trouble comes and you feel alone
keep pressing on and standing strong
I'll be by your side and I'll fight for you
hold you in my arms and comfort you

I am with you and you are mine
I'll go before you at all times
I am with you and you are mine
I love you deeply and you'll be fine
Cause I am with you always child of mine

Like I'm Loved By You

When I think about my life and observe others, I’m sometimes struck by how differently we might live if we truly lived as though we were walking out the knowledge of God’s love for us. The motivations, fears, doubts, lies we’ve believed, shame, hurts, pain, and simple selfishness that drives behavior would fall to the wayside. Really living out of confidence and knowing that God loves us beyond anything we can imagine would transform the way we live.

When uncertainties creep in our certainty comes from Him and the knowledge that He is all powerful, and knows what’s happened in the past and what will come in the future. Our actions and words would be different when embracing His love in our lives. While difficult life circumstances, other people, spiritual attacks, and selfish desires will always be challenges to contend with, the more we can lean into His love, the more we will pursue His best in our lives.

This song was written out of reflection on these thoughts.

Like I'm Loved By You
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you

No more doubt no more fear love has won and peace is here
All the lies were crucified when you died and gave me life
Shame has gone it has no place grace has come and sin erased
You heal my heart and heal my pain there is power in your name

I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Relational Equity

In every relationship be it friend, family, romantic, professional, or casual there is a relational account. In each interaction, you make either deposits or withdrawals. Some are superficial, some deep. As you think about your relationships and interactions with people, what does the ledger look like? Are there lots of deposits and investments? Are there some withdrawals? Does the ledger reflect a positive or negative balance? Do you have lots of small balance relationships? Maybe a few deep relationships that you've invested in significantly?

A kind word, phone call, or text message can make a nice deposit and just like consistent saving and investing in your personal finances can grow into something substantial, relational deposits can grow and build deep and meaningful relationships over time. Quality time together, going to the park, getting lunch, hiking with them, shared experiences, a hug, high five, back rub, going to church together, praying for them, sending a card, running together, hosting a party for them, cooking a meal, fixing their car, cleaning their house, pet sitting for them, covering for them at work, mentoring them, encouraging them, bringing them flowers or their favorite dessert, going on a trip with them. Any of these can make a positive investment and build relational equity.

Sometimes it will cost time, money, energy, or opportunities to make the investment and sometimes it will be simple and easy and effortless.

It's not a matter of what you can get out of someone else but that can be a natural by product. There will be times when you need other people physically, emotionally, socially, professionally, their influence, expertise, wisdom, etc. and when you've already built relational equity with them it's much easier for them to want to help you and go to bat for you.

Some relationships take investment over a long period of time and don't always produce immediate fruit but while investing in people can be messy at times, it can also be rewarding. People are worth the investment more times than not and can bear wonderful dividends.

Building relational equity and investing in people also increases your influence. Not only do you grow a deeper personal relationship with one person but everyone they interact with can be positively affected by you as well.

Just as positive interactions create good will and deposits into a relationship, so too can negative ones. A cutting remark, gossip, making fun of someone even in casual jest, or any number of other negative actions all create negative equity in the relationship and can undo prior deposits. Some relationships start with a negative balance and can be difficult to restore to a positive state. While it's important to be wise by setting boundaries with people who take advantage of you, seeking reconciliation and making amends is good to pursue when possible.

Take a minute to think of the people in your family, your friends, those you work with, and neighbors. How would you classify your relational equity with them? Is there a relationship that could use a deposit? Who is someone you need or want to make an investment in? How can you use your time, energy, resources, wisdom, expertise, and influence to invest in people and build relational equity this week?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Donut Haiku

Delicious donuts

Warm, glazed and oh so yummy

Want to get one now

Keep Your Head Up

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." -Psalm 138:8

In the midst of life, it can be easy to get discouraged if you look around and life hasn't worked out the way you would have wanted. When others have professional success, promotions, and recognition but you're still chugging away where you've been though you feel qualified and deserving. When friends, peers, and even those younger than you get married and begin to have families while you're still single as a dollar bill. When health issues and concerns just won't go away. When those living selfishly, bending or breaking the rules, get ahead and have success while you do things selflessly and with integrity but get left on the sideline. When other families seem to have the perfect marriage, and well adjusted kids while yours is a struggle. When other people seem to get all the breaks and life always works in their favor while you bust your tail and experience challenge after challenge. When life just doesn't make sense at all.

Even in the midst of life's deepest disappointments, hold on to the promise that God will fulfill His purpose for you. He loves you always. Yesterday, today, and forever. Be honest with Him, cry out to Him, express your frustration, anger, hurt, and disappointment. Lean in to Him and pray again and again for Him to meet you where you are. To give you strength when you feel like quitting, to give hope when you feel hopeless, to encourage when you're discouraged, to pick you up when you get pushed down. To comfort you when you feel abandoned, to hold you when you feel alone. To shine light in dark places and to fill your heart with His love and compassion.

Keep your head up child of the King. He loves you more than you can imagine and will fulfill his purpose for you.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Pray For Presidential Candidates

Photo by Andrew Allen

Much has been said about each of the presidential candidates. They become banner carriers for a certain school of thought, values, or ideals. We can forget though that they're real life people and experience things on a personal level.

Even with all their faults, God loves each of them on a personal level and wants to be at the center of their lives. Just like you and I need forgiveness for sins, so do the presidential candidates. The siren song of popular opinion, political ideology, and global power can be overwhelmingly tempting and can lead them down a destructive path both personally and for those they lead. The best thing that could happen for our leaders is if they truly follow Him and His guidance for their personal lives and as they lead our country.

Would you join me in praying for each of them individually that they would submit their will to God, seek His wisdom, and experience His love in their lives?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Heaven's At My Door (Seeing Different)

This is a song I wrote inspired by my friend Carrie's supernatural salvation experience. During a challenging time, God revealed himself to her independent of any outside influence. She began searching and eventually invited Jesus into her life. It's been so neat to see her walk with Him over the past few years.

Heaven's at My Door (Seeing Different)
There is a voice calling to me
There is a way come follow me
Come in come find what you're looking for
Come in come find what you're looking for

You are appearing heaven's at my door
You are appearing heaven's at my door

There is a presence coming to me
there is a way I think I see
come in come find what you're looking for
come in come find what you're looking for

You are appearing heaven's at my door
You are appearing heaven's at my door

And now I'm seeing different than I have seen before
The world seems so much different than it did before
And now I'm seeing different than I have seen before
The world seems so much different than it did before

Snow Poetry

Whistling wind blows through the air

Snowflakes sailing here and there

Gently floating, floating down

Settling on the southern ground

The Spiritual Janitor

When I was in high school, I wrote and recorded a song about a Sunday School teacher of mine. There aren't many people who live out what it means to love and encourage others better than Mr. Lussi. Every year, I look forward to him calling me on my birthday to sing Happy Birthday, which is something he does for hundreds of people.  This song captures a few of the fun and encouraging aspects of Mr. Lussi.

The Spiritual Janitor
by Andrew Robert Allen

I know a certain man he is a janitor.
He cleans and mops and sweeps and dusts that's what he gets paid for.
Each and every morning he calls people to say. I want you to have a very, very happy birthday.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

On every Sunday morning he goes to church to teach.
He loves the kids so much he goes with them to the beach.
When I'm sleeping in my bed to refresh myself anew.
All the sudden a man comes in and crows cock-a-doodle-doo.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

He likes strawberry ice cream and Dr. Pepper too.
To Mrs. Lussi he says darling I love you.
Sometimes when he's talking he don't know the word to use.
He'll call the thing a "jafer" and then you'll know his news.
If you need a friend to get on his knees and pray, well Mr. Lussi is faithful so wash your blues away.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

Prayer for Paris

View of Paris From Notre Dame

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -Hebrews 12:2-3

Lord, it seems like there is so much evil in the world. It saddens me to hear about events like the terrorist attack in Paris. How can people be so deluded that they believe killing hundreds of people honors you and meets your desires and wishes?

Even in the middle of this tragedy, please let your hand work to provide comfort and healing to families, individuals, and communities. Let your people, churches, and missionaries have opportunities to minister and provide hope in the midst of sadness, confusion, and a sea of darkness.

Let your light and love break through the darkness to provide strength, shelter, and the ability to move forward, holding on to you. Pull down spiritual strongholds and reveal the lies keeping people in bondage to a false god. Only your love can give them fulfillment and purpose.

Let the extremists experience you in dreams and realize that in Jesus there is hope and life that can be lived abundantly rather than dominated by fear and hatred. Turn around their devotion and commitment to a false god into a powerful movement among MBBs that they would boldly share their faith and invite friends and family into relationship with you.

In You there is hope, joy, love, and comfort and I ask that you pour this out on the people of Paris so that they experience you in real and tangible ways.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Over the past few years I've read several articles that talk about the Proverbs 31 woman. She's held up as the Biblical model to aspire to. The more that I've thought about it, the more I've realized that my mom is the Proverbs 31 woman.

She is an excellent wife and worth far more than jewels or riches. My dad trusts in her and she's done him good all the days of her life. With her hands she is able to whip up a tasty meal, clean a house with great skill, and keep a family well clothed.

When she goes to the store, she is skilled at getting good deals on quality items. She gets up every morning to talk with God, read the Bible, and write in her prayer journal.

Throughout her life she's been compassionate to the children she's taught both at school and through church activities. She's a great listener and friend to many people. She partners with my dad to make good financial decisions and they seek to fulfill the great commission through prayer and supporting the church, missionaries, and other ministries.

When she speaks, there is wisdom that comes from lots of time spent with God and she's one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. I am glad to call her blessed and so is my dad.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." (excerpts paraphrased from Proverbs 31)

She doesn't do what she does for recognition or praise but she is a special lady and as good as they come. Of anyone who lives like the Proverbs 31 woman, I think she does a great job. Many people love their mamas. I sure love mine and think she's probably the sweetest, most compassionate, loving, and best person I know.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Great Are You Lord

Great Are You Lord
by All Sons & Daughters

You give life you are love
you bring light to the darkness
You give hope you restore
every heart that is broken
Great are you Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise, pour out our praise
It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise to you only
Great are you Lord

You give life you are love
you bring light to the darkness
You give hope you restore
every heart that is broken
Great are you Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise, pour out our praise
It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise to you only
Great are you Lord

All the earth will shout your praise
our hearts will cry these bones will sing
Great are you Lord
All the earth will shout your praise
our hearts will cry these bones will sing
Great are you Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise, pour out our praise
It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise to you only
Great are you Lord

Bible Verse Song: Psalm 16:11

Psalm 16:11

"You make known to me the path of life
in your presence there's fullness of joy
at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."