ACTING CLASS

Have you ever met someone who vehemently says that they go to the gym and eat healthy, despite the obvious fact that their overall physical appearance may not reflect that? Now I am not picking on “fluffy” people (lol); I simply am using this as an example of how sometimes we want to be something—that we are not. We may try and affiliate ourselves with a group of people, but fail to meet the standards and expectations for such membership. Even Christians for example, have the tendency to present themselves one way, and more than often, act another. I think Christian’s who behave this way…might have been attending an Acting Class, as opposed to church. 

Recently, my daughter performed a drama called “King of Hearts” at church that gave the illustration of wearing masks in our daily lives. Once the mask was removed, it revealed a person of complete contrast. One illustration was of a beautiful, perhaps conceited, young woman who appeared to have confidence and self-love; but the moment the mask was removed–an insecure, doubtful, and low self-esteemed person was revealed. 

There are plenty of memes on Instagram that address our character as people—perhaps reminding us that God cares about the heart of the person, as opposed to the mask. People use the terminology like “keep it 100” or “I am keepin’ it real…” in an attempt to supplement true genuineness.

But are they really? 
Is “keeping it real” mean we live in sin and are proud of it?
Is “keeping it real” mean we can offend people as long as we are HONEST or “straight-forward?”
Or is “keeping it real…” mean that we lose people in our lives that can’t handle the truth?
Paul says “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15). In other words, Paul himself struggles with the idea of living a life that is righteous before God. Paul is “keepin’ it real..” but he is also keeping it humble.
Because the truth is, when we are humble and honest before God—we will seek change. When we are honest and humble before God, we are not boastful or proud of our sin. In fact, the bible says that We are saved by Grace…”not by anything we have done…” (Ephesians 2:9). So what gives us the credentials to “keep it real…” yet, claim to be humble, when we choose to emit such pride? We can’t presume to be close to God, when our lives don’t testify to it. Because liking a post on Instagram doesn’t change your heart, anymore than pretending to go to the gym and eating a cheeseburger instead.    
Perhaps, we have spent too much time in Acting Class, and not enough time evaluating our lives. Maybe it is time to sit down and have a full course meal of humble pie…and throw away the trash that is laid before us at the banquet table. Maybe it’s time to remove people in our lives that encourage us with ungodliness and fill our hearts with pride…and instead return to that place where we can safely be broken before God—not because we are weak…but because HE is strong.

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Time Traveler

It is sort of cliche to say “Live with no regret…” because once you choose to do something in your life—you can’t change it. At least you can’t change the past. How many times have you wished to “time travel” and go back and redo things in your life? Unfortunately, due to the laws of physics, it is just not possible. LOL but boy, do I wish it was. 

Because regret can plague us. 

Regret can cause us to stop living.

Regret can keep us sort of stuck in this mental state like standing in a pool of sludgy mud. In my mind, I choose to view my life experiences as lessons. Someone once told me that life is like a classroom–and those that refuse to remain teachable, will remain the same. 
The Word of God says that “wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old things are passed away, they are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). I appreciate this scripture because it references our experience when we come to an acknowledgement that God is in control of our lives. And if He is control of our lives, then there are no coincidences. In other words, everything we experience is orchestrated carefully by the Creator. 
But what about our continued mistakes? Perhaps doing things over and over and over again. Perhaps our past isn’t our past; and our past is STILL OUR PRESENT. What if we verbally say, we have made things right with God, but continue living in our ways. We continue doing the same thing over and over, expecting new results? 
According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) a psychological measuring tool says that the meaning of “Insanity” is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Maybe we aren’t Insane, but sometimes I think that we are driven by our emotions rather than logic. We are a fragile people driven by “hurt” and can continue doing things with the intent to hurt others. This doesn’t help us, it actually hurts ourselves. We are hurting ourselves because we are complacent about who we are. We become complacent about how we live. 

I don’t know about you, but even despite what the Bible says about our past…I don’t want to be the same person I was 10 years ago. I don’t want to be the same person I was last year; and I don’t want to be the same person I was yesterday. I don’t want to continue doing the same things or acting out my emotions expecting people to believe otherwise. 

I just want things to be right in my life. 

I just want to have a heart that genuinely seeks after truth, love, and peace with everything and everyone. 
I know that we aren’t defined by our mistakes, but we are defined by how we treat people and respond to situations. AND We ARE defined by our social media and we will continue to be defined by the people around us. 
Fortunately, the Bible says that “His mercies are new every morning…” (Lamentations 3:23). And so, God bestows upon those that truly trust in Him, an opportunity to make things right. Thank God for that. 
But we have to put that belief into action. If. And while we may want new beginnings, living the same way sure doesn’t prove it. 
Start over today. 

God is a God of second, third, fourth, and a thousand chances. Start over today by forgiving. Start over today in Gods love. 
Just start over. 
Reset. 

Colossians 3:12-14*

Be a worm.

One of my favorite accounts in the Bible is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 8. It is the story of the woman who was about to be stoned to death for her sins. The accusers “reminded Jesus that adultery was punishable by stoning under the Mosaic Law and challenged him…” In a meek, yet powerful demonstration of Jesus’ compassion for this sinner, he responded to the angry crowd, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” And one by one, the accusers began walking away. Jesus looks to the woman and asked her “Where are your accusers? Has anyone condemned you? She said, “No.” Then Jesus replied, “Then neither do I. Now go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

It is common that even for non-believers or non-Christians, for people to be so quick to point out the spiritual or biblical expectation for those who proclaim to know Jesus. If you are outward about your faith, and profess to be Christian in your family, at school or in your workplace, you have been challenged in your faith at one point or another, for your actions and for the way that you live. Have you ever experienced a friend or a co-worker say, “that’s not very Christian.” Sometimes, this sort of judgement and criticism can often come from fellow believers or Christians as well, in an attempt to hold a person accountable for their behavior. I have even heard people say in a moment of criticism of others, “they aren’t real Christians” because of something the person said or did. I’m often left perplexed because of the misnomer that “Christians” are perfect people—AND there is NOTHING further from the truth. In fact, to be Christian is to come to a realization that you are actually the opposite of that. To acknowledge a faith in God, often leads you towards the understanding that we are horrible sinners, unworthy of God’s mercy. Even the Apostle Paul, in a moment of self-reflection upon his own life said “What a wretched man I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death” (Romans 7:24)? 

I often find myself in this place of self-reflection, in seasons where I have not lived up to a certain expectation. Whether it is as a father, or a husband, or as an employee, or as a ministry leader…I think that is normal. But generally speaking, I think it is safe to say that the key to a healthy spiritual life is self-evaluation. 
I think we tread in pretty dangerous territory when we cannot admit our wrongs. We live in this age of narcissism, where it is easy to blame others and never accept responsibility for things we do wrong. It is easy to respond in anger, rather than humility—because we would have to actually admit that when we made a mistake and that we are wrong.  
When Jesus voluntarily took the sins of the world, the Bible says that he became as a “worm” (Psalm 22:6). He allowed himself to be trampled, spit upon, stabbed, and struck by His accusers. Ironically, when a worm is attacked, it is defenseless. It has no means to protect itself, and lies there helpless. However, when a snake is attacked, it strikes its predator. When a snake is attacked, it becomes hostile and bites anything and anyone in its reach. 

Consider the irony in those moments when we are accused. Do you become as worm or a snake?

Remember that when we are wrong, we don’t continue doing the things we do. When we are wrong, we don’t celebrate our sin. If we profess to have a relationship with God, we don’t submerge ourselves in more sin. NO! We take the moment to fall on our faces before the feet of God, and reflect on our lives and our decisions. We must look to God as our example, even if that means becoming as a worm. 

 Lord, I do fear rejection or admitting that I am wrong at times. I only look to You for daily restoration and am dependent upon You for healing. May I see the things that I need to change in my life. May my sin be put to death and may my old man be arrested. Whether I have sinned or not, I submit my life to your will. Give me a hate for sin, not people.

God is romantic.

Life is a funny thing. We are born, we live, and along the way and through the years we wrestle with finding our place in this world. And if we are lucky (figuratively speaking)…along our journey, we might find someone to experience and share our lives with. 

I recently had the privilege of being a part of my brother in law’s awesome wedding, and experienced such a joy and fresh love as this couple made their vows and confessions of love–and celebrated the first step in their new journey. 

As the evening progressed, I began to sense a wonderful joy in the air, the ambience was romantic, in the settling of the summer evening sun and I was reminded of something–so simple yet so profound. 

That God is romantic too. 

Not in the sense that you’re thinking. God is not going to whisk you off your feet and take you to dinner…no, not that kind of romance. But rather, He loves us with a Divine Romance–a selfless and unending –and forever changing kind of love. The kind of love that takes your breath away–and leaves you in “awe and wonder.” A kind of love that is unfailing and constant. It is not fragile, but strong–it uphold us in our insecurities. It secures us in our depression. It keeps us in our loneliness; and embraces us in our doubt. 

It is only when we experience the love of God, that we can even begin to love others and even ourselves. 

In fact, the Bible says that to emulate God’s love is outward. In other words, the closer we get to God, the further we move away from ourselves. And so seeing my brother express his selfless love to his new bride on this evening, reminded me that God is not dead.

When we can love without any consideration of ourselves–we have captured the essence of HIS divine love. 
The irony is that, love is a process. It is both a struggle and a journey. Both difficult and amazing. Both toxic and mesmerizing. And it is always with a careful balance that we serve God–as we struggle with ourselves, our desires and God’s desires. A preacher once said that “as long as we live in this flesh, we will be at conflict with it.” In other words, we will struggle in our relationship with God. But one thing is for sure, is that God constantly reminds us that He is faithful through it all. (1 John 4:8)

Lord, continue to remind me that my life has value. That through the purchase of my life by your willing death on the cross, that You divinely gave my life value. Thank you God. Continue to fill me anew with Your love. Be my purpose today and forever. 

He Already Knows.

It’s a clear day, as I walk to the edge of my driveway. I bend down to tighten up my shoelaces and begin to stretch my entire body. Lunging forward with my hands on one knee, I stretch and tighten my hamstring muscles—left and then right. I stand erect, to stretch my arms across my chest, one side and then the other, taking a few deep breathes, and then in an instant, I’m off. You can quickly feel the almost intoxicating feeling of blood flowing through your body, as your legs and arms slowly get heavier. The fresh air and the breeze hitting your face, mixed with the heat of the sun warming your skin. Even the rhythm of your heart beat, in sync with the pace of every stride, becoming the sort of natural soundtrack accompanied by the singing birds and smell of fresh grass. As a natural side effect, your pupils dilate and colors of the sky, trees, flowers…and everything becomes more vivid. Your breaths become deeper and your mind opens up and suddenly you are in this momentary mind cleansing, euphoric state that brings you to place of inner peace.

Do you ever have those moments, when you need to take a walk, a jog, or a bike ride? I have those moments often when I need to think or clear my mind. Around my neighborhood, there is a particular trail that I enjoy; that ends with a breathtaking view, with a single metal cross that sits on the cliff edge.   On a clear afternoon, the sunset is majestic as it hugs the horizon of the valley, and everything becomes golden in tone. I enjoy the combination of feelings that I have when I experience these moments. Especially, when I am alone. There is a small bench overlooking the edge of the cliff near the cross that always compels me to just sit and talk to God. I’m sure everyone has a place they can go when they want to meditate. This morning, I went for such a jog and found myself sitting at this bench, pouring out my heart—talking to God about the things that are going on in my life and in my mind.  I found myself sort of negotiating with God about things—have you ever done that–Negotiate with God? I guess it is just our human nature because a relationship where we can talk to God requires a understanding of who He is. Often times we over spiritualize the idea of prayer when all God wants us to do is talk to Him. In fact, it made me ask myself this question: Why do I always feel compelled to talk to God at this cliff edge? What is it about the cross overlooking the valley, that gives me a sense of security to become so vulnerable to someone I cant see?

Interestingly, I felt God, with that small inner voice–speak to me and say,

“it’s not the cross on the cliff, but rather the cross in your heart.“

The truth is you do not need a particular circumstance to draw near to God. You do not need a cliff with a cross to talk to Him. Nor do you need to go on a jog or walk to clear your mind. Those things are simply the means to get to the end. Those feelings are the vehicle in which drives you to that place of sincerity. It is through those types of experiences or emotions that God uses to draw you into that “place in your heart” where you can be open, vulnerable, and honest to Him.

I find it interesting that being vulnerable with God is a lot like being in a relationship. In a human relationship, you put on a good face at first. In the process of getting to know someone, you naturally begin to share things about your life that you do not disclose in the beginning—like bad breath in the morning or your dislike for onions. Maybe, it’s the annoying way a person sings off key to a song in the car, or body odor after a long workout. These things we don’t introduce at the preliminary stages in a relationship because it is “not the best we have to offer.” But those things are normal. With God, it’s sort of the same way, except He already knows our flaws and our imperfections. He wants US to arrive at that place in your relationship with HIM all on your own; and be honest about who we are—BECAUSE HE ALREADY KNOWS. The real difference is that God is not judging or condemning; He is understanding and patient. He is kind and loving despite our failures—despite our mistakes—despite our attempt to be good. He already knows. In fact, the Bible says that “Let us the approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16.  Isn’t that beautiful?  

So today, be open with God about who YOU are. So He can be WHO HE IS. God does not want to negotiate. He wants you to surrender everything in your heart and in your life to Him, because if God is not the Lord of ALL, He is not the Lord at all. He is worthy to be trusted. Trust the character of God with your life, your weaknesses—with everything. He will not fail you. If you want that type of relationship with God, then say this prayer with me:

Lord, I surrender to you my thoughts, my weaknesses, and my insecurities. I trust that You are who You say You are, and You will always fulfill your promises. You are worthy to be trusted and I commit everything to You. You know my heart, Lord. So lead me to that place where I can be free to trust You, despite what my mind or inner thoughts might tell me. Despite all logic and all rationale—You are greater than anything. Nothing is impossible for You Lord. Thank you beforehand.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When it rains, it pours.

“When it rains, it pours.”

Imagine those moments in your life when you have experienced something negative. Suddenly something else happens to add to your distress; and as if your problems could not seemingly get any worse, something else occurs.

Have you ever felt like this?

Sometimes we go through a myriad of problems, and just feel like giving up. Like a boxer in the ring, getting pummeled by his opponent; upper cuts break his defense, and one hit after another–almost knocking the fighter unconscious. In a sudden attempt to save the fighter from any further physical and emotional damage, the coach throws the towel into the center of the ring, in an effort to signal the referee to end the fight.

Life can beat us up just like that.
 

We have all lived those moments when we want to throw in the towel. Life can be relentless and unforgiving—making us feel like “when it rains, it pours.” Fortunately, we can choose to look at our life circumstances differently. We can choose to believe that in every experience, God has mapped out both the good and the bad. In fact, if you believe that God is sovereign, then you have to also believe that “nothing happens in life without first passing through the hand of God.”

So while we can wrestle with trying to understand why things are happening in our lives, it is probably much easier to submit to the fact that:

“…God has a plan.”

The bible says that “God causes all things to work together for good…” (Romans 8:28). In other words, if you believe that God is controlling our every circumstance and experience, then He is doing so intently. Ultimately, we make life choices—some good and some not so good. But, God is still in control.

We can spend our energy trying to fix situations or prove our innocence. We can expend our energy trying to navigate solutions, or to demonstrate our integrity. Truthfully, that is not what God wants us to do in these situations.   Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Maybe God is guiding us to this lowly place where we can be truthful and real about our spiritual health; a place where we can be spiritually naked in order to return to that rightful place before His feet.

Use everything in life—both good and bad—no matter how overwhelming—no matter how pressing the situation—to move to a place of humility. Remember that God is not calling us to pretend we are spiritual—He is simply calling us. Lastly, It is not about being a perfect Christian—as much as it is about being perfectly in need of God.

Lord, I know that despite what happens in our lives, that You are in control.  Today, I submit to You and surrender everything to Your will.  I yield my life to you–all my desires, aspirations, hopes, dreams–I place everything that I am–into Your hands.  I thank you for being my constant reminder that life is bigger than circumstances–and that any mountain before me–You are able to move.  You call us to do the possible, while You do the impossible.  Move mountains today Lord.  I trust You always.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

 

All My Burdens

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There may be times in our lives when everything seems to be going wrong; or perhaps our lives aren’t blooming the way that we had intended or hoped for. Maybe you’ve hit a season of despair, sadness, or anxiety and you feel like giving up. One of most cherished verses in the Bible says:

“God has turned my mourning into dancing, and he clothed me with gladness…”         Psalm 30:11

Sometimes I think people can confuse those words as positive affirmation, but David the psalmist is declaring his faith in God. It is not by our emotion but rather our faith that should dictate our responses to situations.

When I wrote “All My Burdens” I thought to myself there are many times when I have ran out of words to pray and have exhausted my vocabulary when speaking to God about my issues or the situations I am praying about. “All my Burdens“ declares that when we have ran out of things to say, then sing! When we have ran out of words, then “shout!” Those are the moments when we can find value in our vulnerability and see the beauty of God’s redemption and forgiveness.

It is in our weakness and in our brokenness, that we finally begin to yield to God. We reach a point where we can stop trying to figure out our problems and let God carry our burden. It’s almost as if God audibly says “Are you done struggling?  Will you allow me take over now?”

We must believe that despite the weight of our failure, God will always carry our burden. We must believe and rest in the words of Jesus in John 16:33 when he says,

“Rejoice for I have overcome the world.”

So as a discipline, make it a habit to declare moment to moment, perhaps even with a random melody of your heart, that HE alone is your peace. Even with a song, a cry, a jump, or a shout–declare that you believe personally…and pray it upon your heart…

That HE he will carry  “All my Burdens.”

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Life is a beautiful thing.

So its been some time since I actually sat down to write a blog entry…and the truth is, I’ve been unmotivated.  Ever since I was sick in 2013, I feel like life punched me in the stomach and I’ve remained in this perpetual state of breathlessness.  Have you ever been punched in the stomach or ever have had the wind knocked out of you?  Its that feeling…but its life that has remained standing over me…like a big bully–peering down and waiting for the slightest response.

Sickness is an interesting thing though, because not only does illness affect you physically, but it also can affect you emotionally and spiritually.  In fact, anything that stands to change your life (whether it is illness, death, divorce, etc), can leave a lasting impression that can either hurt you or help you make the changes necessary to live differently.  Now that I am no longer sick, I find myself in constant self-assessment mode, evaluating myself and all of my life decisions.  It doesn’t mean that I’m perfect.  Nor does it mean that I’ve remained in a state of debilitating depression, and no longer live life or work.  No. LOL  Now that I am physically well, I’ve returned to ministry, lead worship occasionally, play guitar and even still write songs.  I’ve maintained full time employment, and have continued to travel…  Life is a beautiful thing–full of accomplishments and failures, sprinkled with greatness and mistakes–and this is how life is.

Interestingly, over the course of these few years, I’ve paid more careful attention to the way the days have passed and have watched my life virtually tick away before my eyes, like the hand of a clock as it turns second by second–round and round it goes.  If you have been through life changing  and stunning or shocking events, than what I am describing will probably relate to you more.  Nevertheless, life has a funny way of doing something strange to our minds.  We have days where we feel beat up.  For some, the idea of not being who we were called to be or not accomplishing what we’ve always wanted–can carry the consequence of anxiety.  This is because we live in an age where we are taught to be goal-oriented.  We are taught that we must achieve certain goals before a certain time, in order to be “successful.” We live in a time where we seek validation and constant reminders of how awesome our lives are…or affirmations about what we think we deserve.  We are flooded with narcissistic social media posts of how beautiful we see ourselves and post egotistical catch phrases about pursuing our dreams.  I mean, I understand that a positive mind can drive us to attain certain goals; and fleeing negativity may help us avoid the constant barrage of social criticism.

But how do we avoid falling into that trap?  The trap of feeling inadequate or unaccomplished?

The answer is we don’t. It is just apart of living.

Listen, the Bible says that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV)  And while life is beautiful and full of amazing moments and joyful experiences, it is also full of heartache and pain.  It is full of gut-wrenching and painstaking days–but with a purpose!  You see, God intends that everything that happens in our life to occur with the goal of pointing us to HIM.  I realize that cancer is not of God. Death and Divorce is not of God.  So many things occur in our lives, happen as a result of our life decisions, and other things appear to be pure happenstance.  I mean, no one plans to have cancer.  But consider this for a moment; that every thing that happens in life is purposeful. 

After I was sick, my life changed completely.  In fact, I don’t think things will ever return to what I thought was normal.  But I have found that while I am not leading thousands of people in worship, or recording music like I used too.  Perhaps I am not taking professional promotions in my career, or pursuing higher education anymore.  Maybe I don’t wear the latest clothing, or have the newest car.  Maybe I even have a few more gray hairs in my beard and have gained a couple of more pounds–but there is one thing that has not changed.  That is the call that God has on my life.  It is the same call that God has on your life.

Our call is to be close to God. Our call is to constantly pursue God in our lives.                      And if there is anything that we must constantly affirm is the truth that God loves us despite our failures and despite our mistakes. That God has carefully designed us and everything that we experience occurs with the intent to make us into the people that God is calling us to be.  Even our pain is purposeful.  As difficult as it is to understand, we must believe that.  For myself personally, I will no longer allow myself to feel inadequate or unaccomplished.  In fact, we will experience seasons in our lives–seasons of highs and seasons of lows.  In fact, from this day on,  I renew my trust in God and despite what others may say or think, the beauty of Christ is the ability to be renewed daily and constantly.  Believe that over your life as well.

Lord, I trust You.  I trust that what you have allowed in my life is with a purpose. I trust that whatever happens in my life, first passes through your hand, and nothing occurs without your fore-knowledge.  I trust that even in my mistakes and in my failures, that there is a plan.  May my heart and mind remain focused on you; and may your blessings come to my life, not because of merit, not because of what I deserve–but simply because you love me.  Thank you Lord.  I trust You In your name I pray.  Amen.

 

 

Brand New Start.

If you take a moment to look around and assess the state of our world and the health of the church, you would quickly see that we are in an age where secularism is dominating our churches. Legalism defines peoples relationship with God, and accepting Jesus in our lives is as casual as buying a shirt at Forever 21.Philosophy is dominating our schools and it has become more popular to read Pinterest and Instagram for spiritual advice, rather than opening the Bible.What is happening to our generation?This period of reflection didn’t just occur because I was momentarily captivated by a religious YouTube video. My reflection has come through a life changing experience that occurred over the past year.   This experience impacted me in a moment that devastated me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It was so devastating, that I even stopped doing a lot of things I loved to do like playing guitar, leading worship, and recording music.I’m sure that many people can relate to experiencing something dramatic and life changing. But when this happened, it stopped me “dead in my tracks” and hit me at the core of my very faith system. It even brought me to a place of understanding of why the world, and even the church appears ill in our present day. When bad experiences occur in life, its normal to ask ourselves “why?” In my personal experience, I asked God,”Was it something I did? Or Was it my sin?” Often times, in the most awful moments, the enemy has a way of always, I mean ALWAYS reminding us of our sin. And I will be the first to admit that my spiritual life was rocked. The truth is that we all fall short of God’s glory. When we read the scriptures, we find that Jesus took every opportunity to remind his followers that everything in life happens with the intent to direct us to God. We experience the good and bad with the purpose that God would receive all the Glory and Honor in the end. So here I am one year later, I am so grateful to God to be able to proclaim that my faith is in tact, but definitely, still a “repair in progress” And now God has put in my heart this present question, “what am I going to do now?” This has been such a difficult question to reflect on because I know that I am far from perfect.  I feel that in many ways I fall so short of God’s expectations. I battle myself and my sin constantly; yet some how in this realization and through this experience, I feel closer to God.  I feel that God has a way of reaffirming our dependency in him– in just the way a loving Savior would. It has literally caused me to wade in a state of humility and lowliness. I find myself being very apprehensive when making life decisions because I don’t want to live autonomously anymore. I need God. I confess to needing him more than ever.  And I need his Saving Grace desperately. So first, I would like to ask for your prayerful support as we trust God in this brand new start for “Henry Martyn.” We know that we live in perilous times and that our generation and its faith is being challenged daily. I find that it is the perfect time in my life to re-evaluate my return to the expression of music as a means to share what God has done; not in perfection…but with “fear and trembling.” My heart is longing to return to that place of ministering the loving grace and saving power of God more than ever. I want people to know that God is bigger than ourselves, he’s bigger than our problems, and he’s bigger than our sin.  I just would like to say thank you to all those who prayed for me, and more importantly, those who have remained connected with us through the body of Christ. Remember, “Only one life, it soon will pass. But only what’s done for Christ will last.” In love, Mario Henry Martyn Band

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