Monday, November 25, 2013

Worship as a Way of Life

from the movie Chariots of Fire
For me, thinking of worship as a way of life is helpful. This goes beyond music in formal church settings or times of prayer. While those are absolutely environments where encountering God can happen, it shouldn't be limited to that.

I believe that God makes each of us unique and gives us talents and abilities with which to serve and glorify Him. There's a quote from the movie Chariots of Fire that captures this well. Eric Liddell is an Olympic runner who went on to be a missionary in China. He says, "God made me fast and when I run I feel His pleasure." I also am a runner and experience the pleasure of God when I run.

In doing what He's designed us to do, we glorify Him and experience pure worship. This could look different for every person; someone may be a great artist, mountain climber, dancer, cook, writer, an inventor, handyman, nurse, teacher, or any number of other areas of gifting. When we use these gifts, we tap into the God given abilities and can encounter Him in the day to day things.

In living worship as a way of life, it's so critical to have times when the door is closed with no one around and it's just you and God. There's no expectation of perfection or worrying about what others think. When you're able to present your heart to Him in pure worship by yourself, He can talk with you and share His desires for you as His child.

Life can get crazy with work, school, friends, family, and other activities so that it becomes critical to slow down and take time with just you and Him.  You can only go for so long on technical ability. Without a heart that's immersed in His love, you'll eventually reach the end of yourself and fall flat at some point. Continuously coming back to the well to drink of His love will refresh and revive your soul and result in greater joy and effectiveness for Him.

Are you experiencing God in worship today?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Joy In Your Circumstance



It is with great joy that my friend Greg and I (The Outstanding Gentlemen) announce the release of our music video for Joy In Your Circumstance. We wrote, recorded, and produced the song and video over the past year and are excited for you to see it. Check it out!

If you like the song, we'd be thrilled for you to download it on iTunes for future joy. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/joy-in-your-circumstance/id739993412?i=739993545

Joy In Your Circumstance (click for video link)
by The Outstanding Gentlemen

When you're feeling down been knocked to the ground get up
back on your feet again
When it's two steps forward and ten steps back cheer up
there's more to life than this

Who said life was easy, with nothing in the way
Trials and tribulations will lead to brighter days
Well you gotta find...

Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance

Shoulda, coulda, woulda don't have no place
so turn that frown around and put a smile upon your face
Like the sun shining through on a cloudy day
flowers popping up in the month of May
Like the colors of fall and the summer breeze
snow capped mountains in their majesty
Like a warm winter coat and a fireside chat
a cup of hot chocolate and things like that

Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance

Words and Music by: Andrew Allen, Greg Mead
Vocals: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Acoustic, Electric, Bass Guitars: Andrew Allen
Keyboards: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Percussion: Andrew Allen
Glockenspiel: Andrew Allen
Music Production, Recording, Mixing, Mastering: Andrew Allen

Video Production and Editing: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Technical Assistance: Ben Jones www.angeldownstudios.com
Cameras: Wes McCulley & Dominick Racano www.dominickracano.com
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