Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Holy – Matt Gilman

I know you’ve heard many songs called by this name, but you may have never heard a singer tear it up like this. Let this play as you continue to check all your blogs. And twitter. And facebook. And myspace. It’s worth it.

Current Reads

Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs – Bill Hybels

Bill is such a wise man and leader. This book is great because the chapters are two pages and very practical. Almost done!

Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving – Dino Rizzo

Just got this book off of my friend, Nick Poole. It comes highly recommended from some great leaders. I love the theme as well. Should be good.

The Cross & Christian Ministry – D.A. Carson

I’m revisiting this one because I never finished it. This is a hardcore exegetical work that is said to be one of the best theological books on ministry…ever. Don’t read this when you’re tired. You probably won’t make it.

The Living Church: Convictions of A Lifelong Pastor – John Stott

Loving this. John Stott is a hero to so many pastors and his perseverance as a pastor over many years is awesome.

Living to Please God

I don’t think about pleasing God enough. In my day to day busyness you know who I’m more concerned about pleasing? People. You mind if I get a little vulnerable today? I am more concerned about maintaining other’s opinions of me than radically living for God’s attention. As long as people are talking about me, like me, and are blessed by me, I feel good.

Do I pursue the pleasure of God in the same way?

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

That is a convicting verse. If you are like me, here are some questions I am asking today. I pray they are a help to you as well.

  • Am I spending personal, alone time with Jesus apart from the crowds?
  • Am I directly applying Scripture to my life on a daily basis?
  • Am I just blogging/facebooking my thoughts or truly internalizing God’s Word to me?
  • Do I live more self-aware or more God-aware?
  • Do I pray consistently? Or are my dreams too small where I can just ‘get them done’?
  • Am I asking God to make me aware of the lost every time I step outside my front door?
  • Does my life reflect a passion for Jesus Christ above all other things?

Would you add any others?

Fanfarlo

Just discovered this brand new band, Fanfarlo. They are making their debut album available for $1 over the next month. I discovered them because they come recommended by none other than Sigur Ros, one of my top 5 bands. I don’t know much about them other than they look dorky, are from England, and make music that sounds like Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros – a combination that could equal awesomeness.

What do you think?