The Goodness Of My Heart

"all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" Isaiah 64:6b

We were wrapping furiously! People were lining up to have those last minute gifts wrapped for free. Our church was doing Servant Evangelism, wrapping gifts for free outside of K-Mart. We had the requisite offers to give money, and always the incredulity as we declined and thanked them. My favorite reason as to why its free? "God gave us Jesus, all wrapped up for free- this is just a small token of that love shown in a practical way."

So as one lady began to offer money and get into asking why we would do such a thing for free, she said, "So you're doing this out of the gooDness of your heart..." to which the Spirit within me cried out, "Nooooooooooo..." Immediately I heard this verse in my head, "My righteousness is like filthy rags."

The truth is, I have no goodness in my heart; I only have the Love of God which He bestows upon me with which I turn and love others. It literally is a response to the overflowing Love of God that is only available in me as long as I stay under the spigot.

Father, forgive me for ever thinking that I do anything for You without You enabling me to do so. Keep me under Your waterfall of Love so that I may spread it to others.

Thank You, Jesus.

In the Potter's Hand,
JonWesley

White House Christmas (sorry-Holiday) Woes

I received this email from someone very close to me. Typically I hate these, but this one got me thinking. By the way, this email claims to be fact. And while I have not checked the veracity of its claims, at the end you will understand why that is moot anyway.

A very talented artist for several years has painted ornaments to be hung on the various White House Christmas trees. The WH sends out an invitation to send an ornament and informs the artists of the theme for the year.

She got her letter from the WH recently. It said that they would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees.. And, to please not send any ornaments painted with a religious theme. She was very upset at this development and sent back a reply telling them that she painted the ornaments for Christmas trees and would not be sending any for display that left Christ out of Christmas.

Just thought you should know what the new residents in the WH plan for the future of America . If you missed his statement that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation" this should confirm that he plans to take us away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible.

Just another step toward turning America away from Christianity!

We should shout to the highest hills that the White House is ours - not the Obama's, and 85% of Americans believe in Christ(Christmas)..

You have two choices, delete or pass it on.*

Before you go off of EITHER deep end, here is what jumped out at me: where does Jesus say that elected officials will change the world for Christ? Where in the Bible does God say that only those in power can affect change for His kingdom's sake? Why do we feel that we have to make people believe the exact same thing we do in order for God to be glorified? And why do we so quickly call out those we disagree with as heretics and hypocrites? Maybe this is why the mainstream church is declining- hmm.

IF this is true- IF there will be "holiday trees" in the White House this year- I say its just one more thing to add to the growing prayer list for our President, and our lives should reflect the Love of God. The wrath of God is reserved for God alone to use. And anyway, we so-called Christians SHOULD be praying for our President regularly, right?

And by the way, if a Christian artist is asked to paint ornaments for the WHITE HOUSE. and the only stipulation is no religious pictures and they refuse, aren't they only closing their own borders of influence? Anyway, I think painting some beautiful, non-religious Christmas ornaments in the Love of Jesus is FAR more effective than not painting at all- just sayin'.

Merry Christmas.
JW

Wrong Way

"If you're not butting heads with the devil daily, you're probably just walking in the wrong direction." -Debbie Cannada, NAMB Missionary to West Virginia and Friend

Its the night before our church's Christmas program and you wouldn't believe the stuff that is happening! Half of the choir has been battling sickness, the other half has been working overtime, and no one has any money. Our weather has been colder than usual, but it warms up during the day so everyone is fighting illness. And if my video doesn't mix down tomorrow morning, it ain't happenin'!

I want to scream. I want to run away. I want to find someone to blame and relieve myself of all responsibility. And more than anything, I want to know why. And then I remember my friend and what she would tell me: If you're not butting heads with the devil daily, you're probably just walking in the wrong direction.

I like how the CEV puts 1 Peter 4:12-14, "Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return. Count it a blessing when you suffer for being a Christian. This shows that God's glorious Spirit is with you."

When we walk as Jesus walked, we will be opposed. When we are opposed for the cause of Christ, we know then that the Holy Spirit is with us.

So, WOOHOO! God is with us and NOTHING can prevail against us. Praise God.
In the Potter's Hand,
JonWesley

To Lead or to Entertain...

A friend told me something today after worship that has rocked me to my core. I asked about the feel of music today and expressed how I felt a lack of response. His reply was something to the effect of, "Maybe it's you're too good. I think people just want to watch you perform rather than sing and block you out."

...

I don't know what to say. I have worked hard to bring the level of musicianship up and offer a more excellent gift. I practice and use different instruments to add flavor and texture to the music. All of this is in an effort to include people and ultimately offer a chance to encounter God. So now I have to dumb it down; make it more accessible to the masses?

O God, show me Your truth. Lead me to where You are in this.

Any suggestions?

"...in Spirit and Truth."

Worship is a funny thing; not "LOL" funny, but "Hmmm..." funny. So many times we go to what we call "Sunday Morning Worship;" we have "worship" services; we sing "worship" songs; the list goes on and on. We use the word "worship" almost like we use the word "love." Have we lost the meaning of the word?

Jesus said, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24, NIV) So what does this mean and how does it apply to real life today?

First, we must worship God in spirit. Our spirit is that part of us that communes with God's Spirit as it works within us; not our mind, not even our heart. This is not about feelings, this is about deep communication with the Spirit of God. And yet, true worship can not only change the way we feel, true worship can work in spite of the way we feel; as long as we are willing to seek God in our spirit.

Secondly, we worship God in truth. Remember that truth is not subjective. We must always be sure that our worship of God is in accordance with the Word of God. Everything we say, do, sing and pray must pass the test of scripture. It can be as simple as, "Am I saying this in Love, or out of spite?" or "Does this song reflect a biblical truth or is it just something that I want to say?" I used to tell our Youth group in West Virginia all the time, "Truth is a person, and His name is Jesus." So by this definition, true worship must follow the example of Jesus. How did He worship? He met with God at least daily, He learned His scripture, He treated others with Grace, He loved others and had compassion on the needy and oppressed, the list goes on. But these are the kind of questions we must ask ourselves as we try to worship God.

The good news is this: while we will never get it exactly right here on earth, a day is coming when everything will be as it was meant to be from the beginning. In the mean time, when we set our hearts on the pursuit of "spirit and truth," God will honor the sacrifice made in His Name. God knows the difference between a Son or Daughter truly seeking Him as He desires, and someone going through the motions in order to fill a perceived obligation... and maybe that's 'nuf said.

JonWesley

God's Glory and the Burning of the Q'uran

I find myself wanting to write about this mess over the Q'uran burning pastor in north Florida and the media hype that has ensued.
So many times in the midst of life as usual one person is lifted to the forefront of media for something a little less than good. And I know that nowadays "good" is a relative term. But when the person or groups is someone about whom it could be said, "They know better," it's a little disheartening. And when the person is a "like-minded" individual, viz. a Christian, one can't help but feel at the least saddened, and more likely disgusted with the behavior.

The thought that anyone would take the name of Jesus Christ and couple it with anything as disgusting as burning what some believe to be a book of Holy Scripture is disturbing and blasphemous. There is nothing I have ever been taught or have read in the Bible that supports or encourages this action. I was reminded yesterday about the burning of Bibles overseas because of the Muslim leadership's unwillingness to let them into the country. To this I say, so what? I was reminded also of Hebrews 12 that takes away our "right" to retaliation as it says "you have not yet resisted to blood." This, coupled with Jesus' own words, "turn the other cheek," tells me there is NO justification for such an action by those who bear the name of Christ.

I am saddened that the most audible word that Christianity can say right now is coming from the mouth of one fringe pastor. It is disgusting to me that the name of Jesus is being dragged through the mud by one of His own. And I am sorry for the way everyone, EVERYONE is talking about my Brother. The witness that has been damaged may be immense.

But I just thought- how much greater glory to God can come from this? 1. From those of us who DO know better, we can love this Brother and his congregation, and in that love bring him back to Godly reason. 2. We can show an already watching world that we DON'T always eat our wounded, and throat God IS love. And 3. We as Christians can reach out to people who are seeking God, and show them the JESUS is the way to the Father, not lighter fluid and ignorance.

Growing Up

My daughter started High School today.

I remember years ago when we walked her to Kindergarten. We have a picture of her smiling outside the school, very excited for the new experience. She is so much different now than she was then. For instance, we took her picture then outside the school in broad daylight. Today, I took her picture in the house, quickly before she went with one if her best friends to the bus stop.

The thing that keeps running through my head is this, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways." (1 Corinthians 13:11, NCV) Sometimes this is a good thing, that as we grow we leave behind the baby stuff. But as a parent watching my first-born grow, it's a little sad to see the baby stuff go. I used to hold her close as she fell asleep, now she's up later than me on the other side of the house texting friends on her iPhone. I used to walk her to school, now it's a quick "'Bye!" as she runs to the bus. I know growing up happens, but why does it happen so fast?

So to you parents giving up those "childish things," I am praying for you. May God grant us the grace to put this things behind us, and be glad as our children move on toward the men and women God has for them to be.

Sunday Setlist/Worship Confessional

This setlist is part of the Setlist Carnival at http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-109/. Visit for more.

Sunday Morning, August 22, 2010

This week was a little disjointed as it pertains to a theme. I have been "theme-ing" worship for several weeks, but this week really felt some particular songs were in order. So while I had one person (my wife) actually point out the lack of association, many people were touched by the various songs, which is the greater picture as we seek to lead them to the throne.

This week:
• He Reigns (Furler)
• Love The Lord (Brewster)
• Jesus Shall Reign
• All That I Am (Fellowship Church)

The song "All That I Am" can be found on the CD "Sons And Daughters" by Fellowship Church, and is available on iTunes.

Sunday Morning Worship

In most ministries it is normal to find other people's' ideas and borrow them. Well, this idea came from the Lifepoint Church Tavernier crew via Russ Garner. I will still have mp# players, but this way everyone can hear and see the same thing, and maybe it will add to your personal worship as we move forward. 

You should be able to click here and get to my YouTube page where all the videos are in a playlist: http://www.youtube.com/user/jonwesleybarnhill

If that does not work, use these individual links to view and listen. 

Jesus Paid It All

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onxhvivQYfI

In My Heart There Rings A Melody

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOCCr17eQQk

The Wonderful Cross

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9oIJUK8QLA&feature=fvst

Love The Lord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV7qTD_X0Rk

Either way, please take a minute to let me know what you think and how it works for you.

--
In the Potter's Hand,
JonWesley Barnhill, Associate Pastor/Minister of Music
First Baptist Church of Key Largo
99001 OVS HWY, Key Largo, FL  33037
305.304.1526
jonwesleybarnhill@gmail.com
http://jonwesleybarnhill.com

Planned Sunday Worship Music

These are the songs scheduled for this week's Worship.

Against Me

Getting ready to lay down at the end of the day, and I'm looking back on what now seems so trivial. I just have to wonder why allow so many not true things plague me. For instance, if I know who I am in Christ why do I let people drag me down? Doesn't Isaiah 54:17 say, "no weapon forged against you will prevail?"

I don't know. I guess I'm just human. God, love me tonight as I sleep. Teach me grace and help me learn how to let Mercy lead me.

End Of The Day

Another one of those days that just keeps on going. After Easter choir practice and rounding up the kids, I found myself at the store, getting supplies for our Wednesday Family Meal at the church. Following my wife diligently through the store, up and down the aisles, obviously disinterested, I even didn't pay attention as she was bent over picking up the heavy cans from the bottom shelf (she has two herniated discs and hates when she feels needy and helpless.) but at the end as we get ready to check out and I look up from my phone and I see:


Man, I love my wife! I just really love her. She is an incredible mother and my best friend. She takes care of everything and makes it look easy.

Thank You God for my wife. Thank You for all the blessing she brings to my life and our home. You really are a great God!

What About Haiti?

Like everyone else, I had thoughts about Haiti, about Pat Robertson, yada yada yada. But this came across my desk and it was the best way I had seen it put, and I had to share. So thanks @shaunking. Your candor is appreciated and necessary. 'Nuf said

(You can learn more about Shaun and The Courageous Church here.)

It Stinks To Be Me!

There was a lady I knew in a church in which I served who would get so hurt because it seemed that others always walked all over people, while she was constantly being walked on. She would say, “Why do I always have to be the servant that gets stepped on? Why don’t they ever have to humble themselves? When is it my turn to be served?”

I found this this morning: “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign- and that without us! How I wish that you had really begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectale to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world- right up to this moment.” (1 Corinthians 4:8-13, TNIV)

Wow! Do you think Paul was happy? Was he pleased with the way others were treating themselves while he endured the worst?

I think that what we see here is Paul, who knew what it meant to follow Jesus in the worst of times, warning the church at Corinth not to settle as a follower of Christ; not that they may not be blessed by God, but that they should remember that everyone’s burden is different. Not better or worse, just different. And glorying in their status rather than the Cross of Christ is dangerous business.

Lord, help me remember today the burdens of others before my own. Help me to walk and live only “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

A New Year's Resolution

It's the end of the day, January 1, 2010. What a wierd year to write, especially as a file name. But I am planning this year differently from any other before. I want this year to be one of action, even pro-action. I'm not even looking back at what has gone before; there is only forward.

God, I lay the past at Your feet. I am today and every day Your servant. Create in me a clean heart, renew my spirit as steadfast and sure, and lead me. I love You, Lord God.