Loving thinking-about-God more than God / Loving worshipping-God more than God
This is a good word from Piper about replacing God with aspects of religion. It seems like it’s right, but it’s really pride. I’m definitely prone to fall into this sin. Check it out!?
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No commentsThe Steeple EP – Making Malorie
I got to hear the final mastered version of the Steeple EP by Making Malorie today. It’s a 3 song EP featuring original songs: Victory, Child of Ruin, & On and On. Now, my opinion about their latest offering is obviously prejudiced because I know the band, and they lead worship at 24church, and I created the artwork, but either way this is a great piece of art. These thoroughly Biblical songs get into your bones and stick, and I’m always impressed by a worship band who is forging their own path musically. I’m blessed to get to serve with these guys. The Steeple EP isn’t online yet, but you can drop them a message or email at makingmalorie.com and I’m sure they’ll send you a copy when the disk drops.
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2 commentsCounterfeit Gods by Tim Keller
I recently finished Counterfeit Gods, The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Tim Keller. Honestly, had it not been for my brother Andy, who gave me this book for Christmas, I probably would not have read it. I’ve heard for quite some time that Keller’s books are amazing, but the title of this book just seemed so “I already know what that’s about.” So, I wasn’t planning on reading it, but with Andy’s encouragement, I embarked on this rather accessible book and came away enlightened for the better.
Counterfeit Gods is a more in-depth study of the some of the themes in Louie Giglio’s book, The Air I Breathe. If you like that book, and it’s examination of the worship that every person is offering to something or someone, then you’ll love Counterfeit Gods. Keller begins with many of Giglio’s same tenants – 1) everyone worships something, 2) we can make an idol out of anything, 3) God is the only thing that will satisfy us, etc. – but he examines these ideas more thoroughly. Reading this book will convict your heart, reveal personal idols that you were unaware existed, and draw you towards the glorious gospel of Jesus.
One of the most intriguing parts about Counterfeit Gods is Keller’s ability to unveil truths within biblical stories that previously seemed absent. Listening to Keller explain a biblical story is like hearing the story for the first time. Without stretching the biblical text one iota, Keller unveils newfound understandings and exposes untold truths. This to me is Keller’s greatest accomplishment within Counterfeit Gods. He helps the Bible become alive.
I would be remiss not to mention that Keller also accomplishes the task of relating all of this Biblical understanding to modern day culture as he waxes eloquently about culture. He effortlessly relates everything to current cultural examples. He’s a well-read guy and it shows.
I cannot thank Andy enough for turning me onto this book. I honestly would have ignored Counterfeit Gods had Andy not sung its praises. This is a seriously good read that is convicting and timely. God has used it to speak into my life and reveal idolatry that I scarcely knew was present.
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New Record by Aaron Ivey formerly of Spur58 in the works
Are you following Aaron Ivey on Twitter? You should be if you’re a Spur58 fan. Spur58 doesn’t technically exist anymore, but Bush (bass), Jimmy (guitars), and Aaron (lead vocals and keys) are still making music under Ivey’s name. Why the change? Well in part, because Spur officially ended when Ivey took a job at Austin Stone Community Church leading worship. None the less, the music making continues, and that’s good news if you like good music. Spur58 made some amazing music, wrote some of the most moving worship songs I’ve ever heard, and they rock hard! Check out studio updates on:
on Twitter at @aaronivey
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2 commentsIn a Hip Hop Mood
I’ve been addicted to hip hop lately. It’s a natural phenomenon, like the universal love of the movie Dumb and Dumber by all men everywhere, that simply effects my consciousness. It never fails, as time passes I inevitably fall back in love with hip hop. The current listening includes: Talib Kweli, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Common, and last but certainly not least: Lecrae. If you haven’t picked up Rebel, Lecrae’s latest joint, then you are seriously missing out. Lecrae continues to produce inspiring hip hop that pleases both lyrically and musically. My current routine entails listening to Lecrae on the way to church to get ready to worship and sing to God. Much love to the following tracks: Rebel Intro, Don’t Waste Your Life, Go Hard, & Change. Admittedly, I’m more into the East Coast sound these days, but Lecrae’s album is so good that it bucks that trend in my listening habits.
Rebel earns 4 & 1/2 cups of coffee!
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No commentsCharlie Hall – The Bright Sadness
Charlie Hall’s music is a security blanket. There are an enumerable amount of personal thoughts, recollections, good times, and God-thoughts attached to his music in my life. There are specific times in my life when God enlivened a Biblical truth in my life in part due to a Charlie Hall lyric. As a former worship leader he influenced my leading style probably more than any other person. His words inspire, his style is always a little different from the norm, and as I’ve heard Louie Giglio say, “He’s a worship leader’s worship leader.” Charlie Hall, from what little I know of him, is an awesome guy. He has cool facial hair and he drinks his coffee black (I know because he came into Starbucks one time when I was working, ordered black coffee, and I got to talk to him for just a second).
The Bright Sadness, Charlie’s newest effort, does not disappoint. The lyrics are honest and Scripture-saturated. Musically you have to listen a few times to really dig the feel, but it will grow on you like kudzu if you let it.
I unabashedly give this record 5 out of 5 cups of black coffee!
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