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Control and Command

It appears the James Durbin from American Idol must be a DB reader.  Yesterday I wrote about “Don’t Stop Believing” and then last night he goes out on Idol and sings it.  What influence this blog has!  What control!  What command!

Well, of course that’s not true, but it feels good to feel like you are in control.  Being in control and in command of things is something that I think all of us struggle with.  It is so hard to give it over and let others, or the Lord, take over and lead. It seems like it is so against our nature for that to happen, but never the less that is what we are asked to do.

18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:18, New International Version)

It sort of reminds me of the song “Pierce My Ear”, which is a song about willingly giving control over to the Lord, which comes from this story in the book of Exodus

 5 “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ 6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life. (Exodus 21:5-6, New International Version)

So today, spend some time thinking about who or what is in control of your life?

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Saved

Yeah yeah, I have been suckered into American Idol – well not really, I am more of a skimmer.  I watch American Idol like I read a magazine, I start at the back, and I only hit the high spots. But amidst all the fun last night the end was probably the best part.

This one guy, Casey Abrams, had the lowest number of viewer votes and was heading off the show, but evidently the judges can issue one save in a season. Last night, they surprising used there save with 10 other people left to eliminate.

What I was so amazed by was the emotional reaction of both the artist and his ‘competition’ to being redeemed by the judges. It so uplifting to see how overtaken he was- how joyful, how thankful, how overwhelmed. When he thanks the judges he says something like “why would you do this with so many left to eliminated”, essentially saying “Why did you spend that one save on me?” And then his competition seemed to be incredibly happy for him as well with all the hugging, crying and jumping.

Hm, emotional after being redeemed? Excited about being saved. Thrilled about being given a second chance. Seems slightly familiar!

Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

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Overtaken With Joy

March Madness continues tonight is full force, even though my bracket is kaput. Speaking of basketball, have you seen this video from this Spanish basketball game that has been circulating the Internet?

Although the end of this game is quit speculator, its the audio commentary that makes this clip – so make sure you have your speakers on. Even though you probably can’t understand a thing he is saying, unless like American Idol star Laura “you speak one language and that language is Spanish”. Anyway, despite the fact that you can’t probably are not sure exactly what he is saying, the emotion, raw and uncut at the end of this game comes through loud and clear. He is clearly overwhelmed, awe struck and full of joy.

I have to wonder when was the last time that I was presented with anything that produced so much joy that I was overwhelmed like this guy?

This was just at a basketball game, consider how others reacted when then encountered the Savior of the world

26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” (Luke 5:26, New International Version, ©2011)

8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. (Matthew 9:8, New International Version, ©2011)

Maybe today is a day to stop and consider the awe inspiring gifts you have received.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29, New International Version, ©2011)

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American Idol And Other Stuff

Oh its Friday, and that means that brains are tired, bodies are tired and the weekend waits with wonderful weather ahead!  Just as some of those sports writers produce “clean our their notebooks” articles from time to time, today is a serious of random hanging thoughts as well.

  • If case you were worried, the mystery cat was discovered Tuesday night, cornered in our bushes by one of our cats.  He was then spotted on our porch later Tuesday and Wednesday morning.  Since then he has not been seen or heard again!
  • The ice cream sandwich yesterday was great.  I think the box in the freezer will get me through the weekend.  I hope you enjoyed some as well!
  • I am not much of a American Idol fan.  In fact when it comes to reality TV, I am more of a Dancing with the Stars kind of guy ( did I just type that?).  However, last night I did watch and felt quite a connection.  First is was in Nashville, where I spend 4 years getting learned.  Second, a great friend of mine ( and fellow daily buffeter) made an appearance celebrating with her Hollywood bound niece. And finally, the last winner of the night was from the little town in which I reside!  It was like Old Home Days on American Idol last night!
  • Speaking of American Idol, I guess they must air different cities to different areas of the country?  I watched Nashville last night, but my good friend in Michigan twitted about this story from the Chicago tryouts last night.  It’s a pretty good story of love and dedication.  I will share it from the blog that he shared, a professor at Abilene Christian U, it’s worth the few minutes to watch.

Have a great day out there and remember to model Christ, for instance:

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (New International Version, ©2010)