Some music I’m really diggin’ lately…
Phil Wickham - probably one of the best voices I’ve heard in a while. His music is kind of a mix between Muse’s chilled side and Rufus Wainwright. I got to see him a few weeks ago in TX and he blew me away. He’s got a new CD coming out Oct. 2nd. Go check him out…you won’t be dissappointed.
Joseph Arthur - I probably like his older stuff more than the newer stuff, but regardless, I’ve been drawn to his sound lately. “In the sun” is still one of the coolest songs I’ve ever heard. Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Michael Stipe (REM) did a cover of it on Austin City Limits and it was crap compared to Arthur’s version. If you know how much I like Coldplay, you’ll understand how much I enjoy Arthur’s version. 
Hillsong United - been listening to a lot of their stuff again and being so blessed by it. Man, God’s using those guys to write some great songs for this generation. So good musically and definitely not lacking depth. I especially appreciate them because they don’t stop at music. Check out the i heart revolution
***warning, this is long…but it’s the thing that is deepest in my heart right now***
In the last month or so, I’ve been wondering if I really know much at all about real love. Don’t get me wrong, I experience great love for and from my wife, kids, family, close friends, etc…but I’m starting to get the hint that love is much deeper than anything I’ve ever really known before.
All over the gospels (and Leviticus) it says that I should be loving my neighbor as myself. What does that even mean?!?!? That’s what I’ve been asking for the last month or so. What would it look like if I really loved my neighbor as myself???
First, who is my neighbor? This is talking about all those God has placed around us. Family, friends, co-workers, classmates, strangers, etc. How can I exemplify love for them in the same way I love myself?
I don’t know…but God’s definitely giving me hints. Here’s a couple things God is showing me about loving my neighbor:
- I Corinthians says “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Do I feel this way for those God has put around me? Do I feel this way for Jesus? My wife? My kids? My church? Do I feel this way for “the least of these”?
- If I really want to love Jesus, I have to love those in need. Jesus says that in Matthew…read it here.
- I need to seek out the lonely, hurting, needy, and poor. It is my job/duty/pleasure to find them. I can’t just wait for them to show up…they will, but I don’t need to wait for that. They are all around me and somehow I’ve blinded myself to the needs of others. Open my eyes Lord.
- I need to give to others in the same way I give to myself. (refer to the “loving my neighbor” link above) This is REALLY hard for me to comprehend! Music or conversation on weekends ain’t even close. What am I currently giving to those in need? What would it look like if I lived my life on a 50/50 mindset? Meaning, what if I spent only 1/2 of my income on me and gave 1/2 of it away? What if every bit of money I spent to feed myself, I spent to feed others? What if every time I got some clothing, I gave some away? What if???
- I need to stop regarding stuff as “mine”. God has blessed us with things so that we may bless others as well. I learned this greatly from one of my best friends. I watched him give the shirt off his back…literally…to a guy he met on the street. He also told me to return something I had purchased because he already had it and would let me use it as often as I needed it. He said “if we’re really gonna get in ‘community’, we better learn how to share stuff!”
- In Deuteronomy, I learn that giving to strangers, widows, orphans, etc. isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s actually something that was required of those who followed God. You can read about something called “the ancient boundary” which was a line marked in every field that the reapers could not go past. There was a section of every field designated for the needy (including strangers, homeless, etc.) to come and reap for themselves. In Proverbs 23:10-11, it actually says that moving or forsaking the boundary was something that God Himself would oppose you for. All this means that the needy have a right to our stuff. Hard to swallow, huh? It’s not just a nice sentiment or kind action, it’s a necessary part of life for those who want to walk with God…for those who really want to know love.
So do I love? Do I really love??? Do we? Does my family? Does my church?
What do you think???
Oh God, please teach me to love…to truly love…like You do.
For some related ideas, check out:
Fields of the Fatherless by C. Thomas Davis.
or go here to read Cornerstone’s church building vision