JESUS ON RELIGION, TOLERANCE AND A POLITICALLY CORRECT CULTURE
ThePoliticallyIncorrectJesus.com
WHAT: The Politically Incorrect Jesus—Living Boldly in a Culture of Unbelief
U.S. society may specialize in unbelief but Muslims, Jews and Christians dominate the news feeds and it’s safe to say . . . well, hold on: What is it safe to say?
In a world trying to determine “where the lines are,” author Joe Battaglia injects--ready for this?—Jesus into the conversation. As fresh as today’s news aggregate, as timeless as Truth, if there’s an edge, Joe’s there: where religion turns deadly and arrogant, where Christian views get suppressed, and where society turns schizophrenic, Jesus speaks into those issues. From more than four decades in journalism and broadcasting, a seasoned communicator and politically incorrect thinker gives believers short, readable chapters long on common sense. We’re overdue.
SYNOPSIS: If you find yourself unsure of what it’s socially safe to say, consider Jesus: admired and ridiculed, revered and rejected, dismissed and embraced. And most of what He taught and stood for ignored both political correctness and personal safety. In The Politically Incorrect Jesus, author Joe Battaglia--former journalist and communications specialist--says to us that to assent to the latest acceptable language and moral ideology--to give up on what we know to be true--is intellectual suicide.
The church also has its own version of political correctness, Joe warns, and we are not safe from circumspection, as well, because we are the church. If you’re tired of spiritual slumber, and ready to honestly question the intellectual and spiritual inconsistencies of our times--and your life--you’re prime for Joe Battaglia’s The Politically Incorrect Jesus.
WHO: Joe founded and heads Renaissance Communications, a media company that specializes in reaching the faith-based marketplace. Renaissance’s impressive client list includes Dr. Steve Brown and his nationally syndicated Key Life Radio Network, AFFIRM Films/Sony Pictures Entertainment, Provident Films and Feed The Children.
Also, Joe is executive producer and general manager of Keep the Faith radio program, in 200-plus markets nationally and abroad. His first book was A New Suit for Lazarus. Joe studied journalism at Boston University and graduated magna cum laude. He co-founded and is board president of the non-profit CharityOne; he’s a partner at BigOyo Inc., an intellectual property and content distribution company.
What’s safe now for Christians to think and say? If you have to ask, you’ll love the answers with Joe Battaglia about The Politically Incorrect Jesus.
PUBLISHER: BroadStreet Publishing
RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2015
To learn more about The Politically Incorrect Jesus, visit: ThePoliticallyIncorrectJesus.com
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Friday, February 6, 2015
Friday, March 14, 2014
Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check - Asking the Hardest Question
Reality Check for April 2008
By Lorraine Walker
A short time ago a lady spoke in our church about how the Lord had blessed her and her family. She spoke of some challenges they had faced with her son who had a birth defect. She related how the trials had been difficult but seemed like small hills which gradually led them to one huge mountain. This situation was so hard that she found herself asking all the “why” questions. Then it struck her that when something good happened, she rarely asked why. So if she took the good things as a part of life, why was she questioning the difficult circumstances?
I don’t believe that God is afraid of any of our hard questions. He created us to be inquisitive and to reason. We can ask Him anything and like a good Father, He will answer. However, sometimes our penchant for asking why keeps us from actually seeing or hearing His answers.
There is one particular situation in my life that seems to be a continual source of challenge. Many nights I have lain awake, asking the Lord, “Why?” I didn’t realize that this was my way of dwelling on the negative areas of the situation instead of seeing anything good.
We were reading the story of Ruth and Naomi during devotions one morning at work when God revealed this truth to my heart. Naomi and Ruth had come to a crossroad and Naomi suggested that Ruth return to her homeland. Ruth’s husband had died and she had nothing. They had grieved for their loss and it was now time to move on. However, Ruth made a decision that would change her life.
Instead of falling to the ground, wailing about the situation and asking God why, she realized what a treasure she had been given in her mother-in-law Naomi. She and Naomi traveled together to Bethlehem, where Ruth eventually met and married Boaz, and was blessed to have Jesus Christ within her line of descendents. Ruth had chosen to leave the ‘whys’ with the past and look instead at what God had given to her in the present. This enabled her to move on and trust God with her future.
The next time I find myself asking God “why”, I hope I remember to ask myself why I’m asking “Why?”. Is it easier to dwell on the negative and want the answers to all our questions because we say we want closure? God isn’t afraid of our questions, but neither does He want us to dwell in the past. We are to leave that behind and face the future, knowing that His blessings in our lives right now are proof that He will continue to be with us whatever we face. “Where Thou goest, I will go!”
For current "Reality Check" blogs by Lorraine Walker, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
By Lorraine Walker
I don’t believe that God is afraid of any of our hard questions. He created us to be inquisitive and to reason. We can ask Him anything and like a good Father, He will answer. However, sometimes our penchant for asking why keeps us from actually seeing or hearing His answers.
There is one particular situation in my life that seems to be a continual source of challenge. Many nights I have lain awake, asking the Lord, “Why?” I didn’t realize that this was my way of dwelling on the negative areas of the situation instead of seeing anything good.
We were reading the story of Ruth and Naomi during devotions one morning at work when God revealed this truth to my heart. Naomi and Ruth had come to a crossroad and Naomi suggested that Ruth return to her homeland. Ruth’s husband had died and she had nothing. They had grieved for their loss and it was now time to move on. However, Ruth made a decision that would change her life.
Instead of falling to the ground, wailing about the situation and asking God why, she realized what a treasure she had been given in her mother-in-law Naomi. She and Naomi traveled together to Bethlehem, where Ruth eventually met and married Boaz, and was blessed to have Jesus Christ within her line of descendents. Ruth had chosen to leave the ‘whys’ with the past and look instead at what God had given to her in the present. This enabled her to move on and trust God with her future.
The next time I find myself asking God “why”, I hope I remember to ask myself why I’m asking “Why?”. Is it easier to dwell on the negative and want the answers to all our questions because we say we want closure? God isn’t afraid of our questions, but neither does He want us to dwell in the past. We are to leave that behind and face the future, knowing that His blessings in our lives right now are proof that He will continue to be with us whatever we face. “Where Thou goest, I will go!”
For current "Reality Check" blogs by Lorraine Walker, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
Friday, February 21, 2014
Retro Reality Check: Sit Down and Shut Up
[Editor's note: This Reality Check was published in February 2011 by SGM Radio website and was written by Lorraine Walker.]
Here it comes again. Can you feel the change in the wind? Another storm is approaching in your life to upset you and leave you shipwrecked emotionally, spiritually or even physically. You just wish Jesus would walk on water like He did in the Bible and say, “Peace!” to your storm. Well, maybe He is saying “Peace, be still”, but not to your storm. To you.
When Jesus said “Peace” that day in the Sea of Galilee, the word used at that time actually meant, “Silence! Hush! Be quiet!”. “Peace” meant an involuntary stillness, like telling an unruly child to sit down and shut up. It makes me wonder how much of that command was to the Sea, and how much was meant for the wailing disciples. With the amount of moaning and murmuring God must hear from us every time we are put out of our comfort zone, it’s no wonder He wants us to sit down, shut up, and listen to Him.
I’m not saying we don’t have reasons to be upset and angry about things that happen to us. I’m definitely not saying that we cannot question why ‘bad things happen to good people’. But maybe we spend too much time questioning, arguing and debating to hear any answer God may have for us. Jesus may be speaking to me right at the time I’m complaining, but my ears won’t work when my mouth is open.
If a child is acting out because they are hurt, they cannot receive the comfort being offered to them until they submit to the loving arms of the person trying to help. How similar this is to our relationship with our Lord. We keep acting out, from a feeling of pain or helplessness, yet we won’t submit to His arms of love. We know we will find comfort and peace there but we also know we give up whatever control we think we have. Sometimes we’d rather groan and complain and still think we can change the situation on our own. Perhaps one reason we enjoy our pity party is because we are the guest of honour.
It’s a hard thing to realize when a clear view of a bad situation turns inward to a feeling of victimization. It’s difficult because when we see ourselves as a victim, and others do too, again the focus is on us and it is human nature to like the attention. It takes a very strong person to admit their human frailty and run to God for strength and courage. Maybe we just don’t want to ask God for His deliverance because we don’t want to move on into the unknown glorious future. The ‘glorious’ part is lost on us; the ‘unknown’ part scares us to death.
Is your current storm causing you to cry out in fear and discouragement? Hear the words of Jesus: “Peace. Be quiet. Let Me talk to you in your situation and together we will get through it.” Listen to the Lord, sit down and shut up, and learn from the Master. The submission part may be really difficult, but would you rather drown?
Written by Lorraine Walker. First published in February 2011 on SGM Radio website.
For current features, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/
For Reality Check features, click on http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
When Jesus said “Peace” that day in the Sea of Galilee, the word used at that time actually meant, “Silence! Hush! Be quiet!”. “Peace” meant an involuntary stillness, like telling an unruly child to sit down and shut up. It makes me wonder how much of that command was to the Sea, and how much was meant for the wailing disciples. With the amount of moaning and murmuring God must hear from us every time we are put out of our comfort zone, it’s no wonder He wants us to sit down, shut up, and listen to Him.
I’m not saying we don’t have reasons to be upset and angry about things that happen to us. I’m definitely not saying that we cannot question why ‘bad things happen to good people’. But maybe we spend too much time questioning, arguing and debating to hear any answer God may have for us. Jesus may be speaking to me right at the time I’m complaining, but my ears won’t work when my mouth is open.
If a child is acting out because they are hurt, they cannot receive the comfort being offered to them until they submit to the loving arms of the person trying to help. How similar this is to our relationship with our Lord. We keep acting out, from a feeling of pain or helplessness, yet we won’t submit to His arms of love. We know we will find comfort and peace there but we also know we give up whatever control we think we have. Sometimes we’d rather groan and complain and still think we can change the situation on our own. Perhaps one reason we enjoy our pity party is because we are the guest of honour.
It’s a hard thing to realize when a clear view of a bad situation turns inward to a feeling of victimization. It’s difficult because when we see ourselves as a victim, and others do too, again the focus is on us and it is human nature to like the attention. It takes a very strong person to admit their human frailty and run to God for strength and courage. Maybe we just don’t want to ask God for His deliverance because we don’t want to move on into the unknown glorious future. The ‘glorious’ part is lost on us; the ‘unknown’ part scares us to death.
Is your current storm causing you to cry out in fear and discouragement? Hear the words of Jesus: “Peace. Be quiet. Let Me talk to you in your situation and together we will get through it.” Listen to the Lord, sit down and shut up, and learn from the Master. The submission part may be really difficult, but would you rather drown?
Written by Lorraine Walker. First published in February 2011 on SGM Radio website.
For current features, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/
For Reality Check features, click on http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
Friday, February 14, 2014
Retro Reality Check: The Faces of Love
Editor's Note: First published in February 2010
Love has many languages and also comes in many disguises. Among the faces of love are people like Mother Teresa, St. Francis of Assisi and Mary Magdalene. I’ve encountered some current faces of love that I wanted to share with you this month.
Stephen is a regular preacher who lives a regular life in a regular town. A few weeks ago, this town had an irregular snowstorm causing a lot of damage and loss of power. Stephen decided to shovel out the drive for the widow next door. He then headed to her neighbor’s house, owned by an 87-year-old lady who was also alone. Stephen shoveled her steps and walk, bringing her the mail that she had been unable to reach for several days. In the post was a check that the widow had been expecting for years, money that was desperately needed. She thanked Stephen and the Lord for giving her a good Christmas. She called him an ‘angel’ but Stephen said, ‘No, just a preacher with a shovel.’
William and Eunice have been married 70 years. The sweethearts have known each other all their lives, walking to school together, dating for a year and then marrying at 18 years of age. They pastored together for 50 years, raised a boy and girl, helped those in need and have been a blessing to all who have known them. Their road hasn’t been easy or carefree. Their son passed away twenty years ago. However, the years have been kind to this couple, their faces showing the results of lives well lived. William and Eunice radiate a love for God, for each other, and for those they meet.
I have a wonderful friend with a loving family and the gift of hospitality. In the last few years, she has undergone a battle that came close to taking her life several times. Walking through the wilderness of mental health issues, ‘Grace’ felt she had lost the love and presence of God in her life. Desperate and alone, she renounced the evil that had taken over her mind. Convinced there was no escaping an eternity of hell and separation from the Lord she loved, her days were a nightmare of voices, panic and terror.
Grace shared her story with a pastor and his wife. They spoke truth into her life, truth that was able to break the bonds that had ensnared her mind. Grace embraced this truth and realized that nothing could separate her from the love of God. She found that concentrating on the evil in her mind had kept her from running to the arms of her Savior. Her healing began on that day.
Today, through the love and mercy of a healing God, Grace is finding her way back to health. Her eyes radiate the peace and joy that once filled her life, but she is a changed person. Her thirst for more of God is greater than ever. She wants to know Him, to love Him with every fiber of her being. Grace had a calling on her life before entering the valley but now realizes that she is being refined as gold for the work that God has planned for her. Grace, in her desire to know more of God, exudes a love for Him that is powerful and humbling.
Love comes in many faces. I pray we seek to wear the face of the love of God in everything we do today.
Reality Check by Lorraine Walker first published February 2010 on SGM Radio Website
For current Reality Check features click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
Stephen is a regular preacher who lives a regular life in a regular town. A few weeks ago, this town had an irregular snowstorm causing a lot of damage and loss of power. Stephen decided to shovel out the drive for the widow next door. He then headed to her neighbor’s house, owned by an 87-year-old lady who was also alone. Stephen shoveled her steps and walk, bringing her the mail that she had been unable to reach for several days. In the post was a check that the widow had been expecting for years, money that was desperately needed. She thanked Stephen and the Lord for giving her a good Christmas. She called him an ‘angel’ but Stephen said, ‘No, just a preacher with a shovel.’
William and Eunice have been married 70 years. The sweethearts have known each other all their lives, walking to school together, dating for a year and then marrying at 18 years of age. They pastored together for 50 years, raised a boy and girl, helped those in need and have been a blessing to all who have known them. Their road hasn’t been easy or carefree. Their son passed away twenty years ago. However, the years have been kind to this couple, their faces showing the results of lives well lived. William and Eunice radiate a love for God, for each other, and for those they meet.
I have a wonderful friend with a loving family and the gift of hospitality. In the last few years, she has undergone a battle that came close to taking her life several times. Walking through the wilderness of mental health issues, ‘Grace’ felt she had lost the love and presence of God in her life. Desperate and alone, she renounced the evil that had taken over her mind. Convinced there was no escaping an eternity of hell and separation from the Lord she loved, her days were a nightmare of voices, panic and terror.
Grace shared her story with a pastor and his wife. They spoke truth into her life, truth that was able to break the bonds that had ensnared her mind. Grace embraced this truth and realized that nothing could separate her from the love of God. She found that concentrating on the evil in her mind had kept her from running to the arms of her Savior. Her healing began on that day.
Love comes in many faces. I pray we seek to wear the face of the love of God in everything we do today.
Reality Check by Lorraine Walker first published February 2010 on SGM Radio Website
For current Reality Check features click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
Friday, February 7, 2014
Retro Reality Check: Define Love
By Lorraine Walker
Preparing an article for this time of year always gives me pause. How do I say in another way what Jesus demonstrated so many years ago, in a way so profound that words cannot express it? I did a quick, very unscientific poll on Facebook, asking my friends how they defined love. The respondents, all Christians, answered the same thing. Their best definition of love was “The Cross”.
There is no better definition of love, so this year I thought I would show another picture of love. Love comes in all shapes and sizes, colours and styles. The love of Jesus often shows up in unusual places and when you least expect it. Then again, shouldn’t we expect to find His love evident where things are the least lovely?
Back in November I was driving to work and stopped at a light in the middle of downtown. Crossing several lanes of traffic in front of me was an older gentleman, hurrying across the frigid pavement in bare feet. Not only was he without shoes, he was without pants and his shorts, t-shirt and plaid over shirt were extremely inadequate in the below freezing wind. I felt compassion for this individual but felt helpless as he wandered down the street out of my line of vision. The lights changed and I continued on to work, praying that someone would cross his path and help him.
Early December, I walked into work early one morning to find my coworker Bonnie collapsed on the floor. The next traumatic hour left a few scenes burned into my mind. Dialing 911, listening to Bonnie’s labored breathing, watching the emergency team efficiently working to bring back a pulse, scrambling to find identification and the number of a loved one. Kneeling by her side and praying for this lady who always had a smile on her face, a kind word for everyone and a positive enthusiasm for her work.
Unfortunately for us, the Lord chose this to be the beginning of Bonnie’s entrance to His home. During her funeral, our Chaplain mentioned everything about this lady who had become an integral part of our work lives. Her generosity to those who walked through our doors, her graciousness to those who asked for her assistance and her ability to make the office coffeemaker produce drinkable coffee were all mentioned, as well as her deep faith in God.
Bonnie wasn’t one to preach or talk ‘religious’. She wouldn’t volunteer an ‘I’ll pray for you’ and wasn’t comfortable with some protestant traditions. She and I didn’t really talk about our faith together. But Bonnie showed her love to others and this was evident in everything that was said about her.
One morning back in November, Bonnie was walking to work from her downtown home when she ran into an elderly gentleman. She went to speak to him and explained how he could find his way to our men’s shelter and find the help he needed. For you see, this man was hurrying down the street without shoes on. In fact, he hadn’t any pants either, and his shorts, t-shirt and plaid over shirt were extremely inadequate in the frigid temperatures. Bonnie reached out with the love of Christ when I was unable to.
I won’t forget Bonnie or the way the Lord used her life to teach me two valuable lessons. First, that life is precious and we shouldn’t let a chance to love someone pass us by. And second, if we see someone in need and are not able to do more than send up a prayer, chances are the Lord has prepared someone else to meet that need. Nothing surprises Him. After all, He wrote the book on Love.
By Lorraine Walker
Reality Check: Define Love first published February 2009 on SGM Radio website http://www.sgmradio.com/
For current Reality Check features click here http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
There is no better definition of love, so this year I thought I would show another picture of love. Love comes in all shapes and sizes, colours and styles. The love of Jesus often shows up in unusual places and when you least expect it. Then again, shouldn’t we expect to find His love evident where things are the least lovely?
Back in November I was driving to work and stopped at a light in the middle of downtown. Crossing several lanes of traffic in front of me was an older gentleman, hurrying across the frigid pavement in bare feet. Not only was he without shoes, he was without pants and his shorts, t-shirt and plaid over shirt were extremely inadequate in the below freezing wind. I felt compassion for this individual but felt helpless as he wandered down the street out of my line of vision. The lights changed and I continued on to work, praying that someone would cross his path and help him.
Early December, I walked into work early one morning to find my coworker Bonnie collapsed on the floor. The next traumatic hour left a few scenes burned into my mind. Dialing 911, listening to Bonnie’s labored breathing, watching the emergency team efficiently working to bring back a pulse, scrambling to find identification and the number of a loved one. Kneeling by her side and praying for this lady who always had a smile on her face, a kind word for everyone and a positive enthusiasm for her work.
Unfortunately for us, the Lord chose this to be the beginning of Bonnie’s entrance to His home. During her funeral, our Chaplain mentioned everything about this lady who had become an integral part of our work lives. Her generosity to those who walked through our doors, her graciousness to those who asked for her assistance and her ability to make the office coffeemaker produce drinkable coffee were all mentioned, as well as her deep faith in God.
Bonnie wasn’t one to preach or talk ‘religious’. She wouldn’t volunteer an ‘I’ll pray for you’ and wasn’t comfortable with some protestant traditions. She and I didn’t really talk about our faith together. But Bonnie showed her love to others and this was evident in everything that was said about her.
I won’t forget Bonnie or the way the Lord used her life to teach me two valuable lessons. First, that life is precious and we shouldn’t let a chance to love someone pass us by. And second, if we see someone in need and are not able to do more than send up a prayer, chances are the Lord has prepared someone else to meet that need. Nothing surprises Him. After all, He wrote the book on Love.
By Lorraine Walker
Reality Check: Define Love first published February 2009 on SGM Radio website http://www.sgmradio.com/
For current Reality Check features click here http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
Monday, December 16, 2013
Reality Check: Blue Christmas
For some, this blue feeling at Christmas is a little deeper than missing someone or feeling stressed because of the season. For those that are suffering from an overwhelming inescapable sadness, I urge you to talk to your medical doctor and your pastor. Chronic depression is not something you should try to fight alone, but look at holistically: spirit, soul and body. There are professionals who can bring you relief and peace. Please, seek them out. If you know of someone who may need your support to reach out for this type of assistance, please lend them that support.
If you are wanting to reach out to someone you know who is having a blue Christmas this year because of circumstances including loss, can I offer a few suggestions? Don’t expect them to call you. Call them with a few thoughts of how to guide them into conversation but don’t try to analyze or pepper them with questions. Drop by with some homemade goodies but don’t infringe on their time, unless they are alone and want to chat. Most of all, be open and sensitive to how they are feeling; don’t come with your own agenda or pre-supposed ideas of what you think they are feeling.
If your trust is wavering because things have happened in the past year that have hurt you, that is a reason to draw closer to Him, not farther away. I’m so thankful we don’t serve a Santa Claus God who only exists to give us what we want. When He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we believe He should, it shouldn’t cause our Hope in Him to waver. We need to pray that He will strengthen our faith in that Hope.
Whatever colour your Christmas is this year, I trust that you draw closer to the Hope that was born in Bethlehem and that His light will shine on your heart and turn your life all the colours of the rainbow. He wants you to overflow with Hope and abundant life.
From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas!
First published Christmas 2010. By Lorraine Walker. For more Reality Check blogs, go to http://www.sgmradio.com/
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Easter News From Mercy's Well
From Mercy's Well newsletter of March 28, 2013:
The month of March is coming to an end, but not without one last Sunday to worship together. With our nation and our world in such a time of darkness, we recognize that now, more than ever, we desperately need the power of God in our lives. He is here, watching over us and still working out His plan, but how often do we acknowledge Him or ask for His help? Our prayer is that the focus of your life - at all times, but especially this week - would be Jesus Christ.
Jesus suffered and died for our sins, and we rejected Him on this Earth.
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth." Isaiah 53:5-7
Peter reminds us about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
" He was not left in Hades, and His flesh did not experience decay. God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this." Acts 2:31-32
Because of Christ's resurrection, we are VICTORIOUS through God's power!
"It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:34-35, 37-39
Since we have been raised with Christ, Paul urges us to live that way!
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1-2
Have a blessed week, and worship the Lord with your whole being - for He alone is worthy!!!
In Christ,
Brad, Greg & Kyle
Mercy's Well
The month of March is coming to an end, but not without one last Sunday to worship together. With our nation and our world in such a time of darkness, we recognize that now, more than ever, we desperately need the power of God in our lives. He is here, watching over us and still working out His plan, but how often do we acknowledge Him or ask for His help? Our prayer is that the focus of your life - at all times, but especially this week - would be Jesus Christ.
Jesus suffered and died for our sins, and we rejected Him on this Earth.
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth." Isaiah 53:5-7
Peter reminds us about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
" He was not left in Hades, and His flesh did not experience decay. God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this." Acts 2:31-32
Because of Christ's resurrection, we are VICTORIOUS through God's power!
"It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:34-35, 37-39
Since we have been raised with Christ, Paul urges us to live that way!
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1-2
Have a blessed week, and worship the Lord with your whole being - for He alone is worthy!!!
In Christ,
Brad, Greg & Kyle
Mercy's Well
Friday, November 30, 2012
Retro Reality Check: O Come Let Us Adore Him
Reality Check for December 2008
By Lorraine Walker
O Come Let Us Adore Him
A blanket of darkness covered them in the little cave, the cool air warmed by the heat of the animals that slept nearby. The rough wood caught her sleeve as she lay him down in the horse’s trough. He felt the separation from his mother and his little arms waved about as he opened his mouth to cry…
Clouds covered the light of the sun as they stood on the hill, cool air sweeping over the soldiers standing guard. The rough wood of the cross chaffed her hand as she looked up at him and sobbed. He felt the separation from his Father, and with his arms stretched open wide, he opened his mouth to cry…
Glorious light burst forth from the sky and appeared to be emanating from the figure astride the horse. Riding behind as a member of His army, she lifted her eyes to the glorious sight of her son, the Victorious One, and the Conquering Saviour. Her hand gripped the rough leather of the bridle and her voice joined the rest of the host as she praised her Returning King. He who would forever be One with His Father and Holy Spirit, had come back to earth to wage the last great battle. His arms raised in victory as they opened their mouths to cry…
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!”
The Source of All Light was then seated on the Throne and everything was made new. They fell on their faces before Him and felt neither heat nor cold, rough nor smooth, as their beings were filled with worship for the One who is Forever Faithful. There would never again be separation from Him and His arms opened wide toward them as He opened His mouth to cry…
“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
This Christmas may we pause to worship the One who always was, is, and always shall be. The first Christmas He came as a helpless child. The next time He returns to this earth, He will come as the King of Kings. May we, like Mary, ponder this in our hearts as we celebrate His birth.
First published by SGM Radio on December 2008.
Reality Check By Lorraine Walker
For current Reality Check postings and artist features, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/
By Lorraine Walker
O Come Let Us Adore Him
A blanket of darkness covered them in the little cave, the cool air warmed by the heat of the animals that slept nearby. The rough wood caught her sleeve as she lay him down in the horse’s trough. He felt the separation from his mother and his little arms waved about as he opened his mouth to cry…
Clouds covered the light of the sun as they stood on the hill, cool air sweeping over the soldiers standing guard. The rough wood of the cross chaffed her hand as she looked up at him and sobbed. He felt the separation from his Father, and with his arms stretched open wide, he opened his mouth to cry…
Glorious light burst forth from the sky and appeared to be emanating from the figure astride the horse. Riding behind as a member of His army, she lifted her eyes to the glorious sight of her son, the Victorious One, and the Conquering Saviour. Her hand gripped the rough leather of the bridle and her voice joined the rest of the host as she praised her Returning King. He who would forever be One with His Father and Holy Spirit, had come back to earth to wage the last great battle. His arms raised in victory as they opened their mouths to cry…
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!”
The Source of All Light was then seated on the Throne and everything was made new. They fell on their faces before Him and felt neither heat nor cold, rough nor smooth, as their beings were filled with worship for the One who is Forever Faithful. There would never again be separation from Him and His arms opened wide toward them as He opened His mouth to cry…
“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
This Christmas may we pause to worship the One who always was, is, and always shall be. The first Christmas He came as a helpless child. The next time He returns to this earth, He will come as the King of Kings. May we, like Mary, ponder this in our hearts as we celebrate His birth.
First published by SGM Radio on December 2008.
Reality Check By Lorraine Walker
For current Reality Check postings and artist features, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/
Friday, September 21, 2012
Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check - The Day Of Little Things
The Day of Little Things
Do you ever have one of those days? You feel like you are spinning your wheels. Nothing you do is amounting to anything and no matter how much effort you put into what you are doing, you see no results at all. I was thinking about this the other day while relaxing on vacation. Yes, I was thinking while on vacation and that can be dangerous as there is nothing to stop my mind from going on all kinds of tangents.
I was taking stock of my activities and the way I spend my time and I began to wonder if some of the things I pour myself into are really worth the effort. It began to feel as though my spare time was filled with little things which were not bringing visible results. If the Lord was in these activities that I felt I was doing for Him, why weren’t they bearing any fruit?
During this time of reflection I happened to be reading through the Minor Prophets in the Bible, those little books to the right of the Psalms that I usually overlook. It seemed as though the remnant of Israel were going through the same frustrating thoughts. They had been working away at rebuilding their temple that had been destroyed and saw little results for their effort. The prophet Zechariah speaks up to remind them that the Lord has not forgotten them and they will eventually see the fruits of their labour.
The Lord speaks through this prophet to show the Israelites that what they see in their own eyes is not the future that He sees for them. Though the day seems full of “small things”, they are encouraged not to despise their tasks or become discouraged but instead begin to see it with His eyes.
When the Lord has given us work for our hands to do, He can see the results of those tasks long before we do. Sometimes He allows us a vision of what can happen when we fully trust Him to make something worthwhile of our efforts. Even when He doesn’t, we need to be reminded that He does remember us and has a purpose for everything we do.
As I put the work of my hands back into the Lord’s care daily, I am comforted with the knowledge that He will bring something good out of the work I do for Him. What appears to be a day of small things may actually result in big things for His Kingdom. This knowledge makes each task and each day worthwhile.
Reality Check for August 2008 By Lorraine Walker
Published in SGM Radio http://www.sgmradio.com/
For Current Reality Checks, check SGM Radio every month! http://www.sgmradio.com/category/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
Do you ever have one of those days? You feel like you are spinning your wheels. Nothing you do is amounting to anything and no matter how much effort you put into what you are doing, you see no results at all. I was thinking about this the other day while relaxing on vacation. Yes, I was thinking while on vacation and that can be dangerous as there is nothing to stop my mind from going on all kinds of tangents.
During this time of reflection I happened to be reading through the Minor Prophets in the Bible, those little books to the right of the Psalms that I usually overlook. It seemed as though the remnant of Israel were going through the same frustrating thoughts. They had been working away at rebuilding their temple that had been destroyed and saw little results for their effort. The prophet Zechariah speaks up to remind them that the Lord has not forgotten them and they will eventually see the fruits of their labour.
The Lord speaks through this prophet to show the Israelites that what they see in their own eyes is not the future that He sees for them. Though the day seems full of “small things”, they are encouraged not to despise their tasks or become discouraged but instead begin to see it with His eyes.
When the Lord has given us work for our hands to do, He can see the results of those tasks long before we do. Sometimes He allows us a vision of what can happen when we fully trust Him to make something worthwhile of our efforts. Even when He doesn’t, we need to be reminded that He does remember us and has a purpose for everything we do.
As I put the work of my hands back into the Lord’s care daily, I am comforted with the knowledge that He will bring something good out of the work I do for Him. What appears to be a day of small things may actually result in big things for His Kingdom. This knowledge makes each task and each day worthwhile.
Reality Check for August 2008 By Lorraine Walker
Published in SGM Radio http://www.sgmradio.com/
For Current Reality Checks, check SGM Radio every month! http://www.sgmradio.com/category/lorraine-walker-reality-check/
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Crucifixion Depicted in New Again Music Video
CRUCIFIXION DEPICTED IN NEW AGAIN MUSIC VIDEO
Nashville – The latest music video debut by Jim Sheldon paired with fellow solo artist Rachel Taylor titled “New Again” is now available on YouTube.com/godseyandassociates. The video was filmed over the span of four days in various locations throughout Nashville and Murfreesboro by Godsey and Associates.
“New Again” portrays the relationship between Mary and Jesus, reflecting from Jesus as a baby to a powerful scene of the crucifixion and finally his resurrection.
“What an amazing opportunity to capture this story on film. Everyone gave 100 percent. I hope we reach many people with the message of ‘New Again’.” said producer Scott Godsey.
Twenty year old Garrett Taylor from LaVerne, TN was cast for the role of Jesus in the video. “Well I didn’t know what to expect, but playing Jesus was awesome. There is just something about that name that makes you feel good. However, people probably think being Jesus would be easy but it was not. Carrying the cross was difficult.”
The role was a challenging and strenuous one for Taylor. “Being on the cross made it hard to breath and I almost dislocated my shoulder.” Although the physical demands of the role were painful, the actor says it wasn’t the most difficult part of the portrayal.
“The hardest part about portraying Jesus was trying to be like him every day after we were done shooting the video. I did not really get emotional except for when I was on the cross from all the pain. It took about a day to sink in what I did and it gave me a new perspective on what Jesus went through on the cross.”
Jim Sheldon, also noted for other YouTube successes such as “I Belong to Jesus” and “Extreme Makeover” is very excited about the video reaching new audiences. “I am honored and blessed to be teamed with a God gifted and Christ centered group of people!” said Jim. “I am praying for God to open opportunities for Rachel and me to perform this video all across the country.”
Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1T5t79K4n0.
For more information about Godsey and Associates, visit: http://www.godseyandassociates.com
For more information about Jim Sheldon, visit: http://www.puttinggodfirstministry.com/
For more information about Rachel Taylor, visit: https://www.facebook.com/racheltaylor04#!/racheltaylor04/info
Nashville – The latest music video debut by Jim Sheldon paired with fellow solo artist Rachel Taylor titled “New Again” is now available on YouTube.com/godseyandassociates. The video was filmed over the span of four days in various locations throughout Nashville and Murfreesboro by Godsey and Associates.
“New Again” portrays the relationship between Mary and Jesus, reflecting from Jesus as a baby to a powerful scene of the crucifixion and finally his resurrection.
“What an amazing opportunity to capture this story on film. Everyone gave 100 percent. I hope we reach many people with the message of ‘New Again’.” said producer Scott Godsey.
Twenty year old Garrett Taylor from LaVerne, TN was cast for the role of Jesus in the video. “Well I didn’t know what to expect, but playing Jesus was awesome. There is just something about that name that makes you feel good. However, people probably think being Jesus would be easy but it was not. Carrying the cross was difficult.”
The role was a challenging and strenuous one for Taylor. “Being on the cross made it hard to breath and I almost dislocated my shoulder.” Although the physical demands of the role were painful, the actor says it wasn’t the most difficult part of the portrayal.
“The hardest part about portraying Jesus was trying to be like him every day after we were done shooting the video. I did not really get emotional except for when I was on the cross from all the pain. It took about a day to sink in what I did and it gave me a new perspective on what Jesus went through on the cross.”
Jim Sheldon, also noted for other YouTube successes such as “I Belong to Jesus” and “Extreme Makeover” is very excited about the video reaching new audiences. “I am honored and blessed to be teamed with a God gifted and Christ centered group of people!” said Jim. “I am praying for God to open opportunities for Rachel and me to perform this video all across the country.”
Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1T5t79K4n0.
For more information about Godsey and Associates, visit: http://www.godseyandassociates.com
For more information about Jim Sheldon, visit: http://www.puttinggodfirstministry.com/
For more information about Rachel Taylor, visit: https://www.facebook.com/racheltaylor04#!/racheltaylor04/info
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
EHSS Recap India Tour
From EHSS newsletter of August 20, 2012:
Greetings,
Well, friends of EHSS, get ready for a letter that will never be able to live up to the experience. Truly there are no words for the experience that we just had, I will try my best to find them. This is all about the marvelous outpouring of God’s love through and into EHSS last week as we toured the mostly-Hindu country of India. God enlightened us in a new and mighty way and I want to share it with you.
YOU all are the ones who have supported us with your prayers, love, purchases and attendance down through the years. You are invested in us and all this I’m about to share is credited to your accounts. You should be proud.
We arrived to one of the loudest and most crowded places I have ever seen. Color and smells abounded. People were everywhere. They were beautiful people who never seemed bothered by the traffic or the inconvenience of life. They were happy to be there in the early morning hours to meet us at the airport with banners, gifts and well wishes. Sweat was dripping off of them, but they wanted us to enter their country knowing that we were welcomed and loved. We were half a world away and a little apprehensive; they totally set us at complete ease.
After we entered the hotel and tried to catch up from the more than 20 hours of travel, we had a chance to see some of the city. St. Thomas is buried there and we visited his tomb and paid our respects to one of the 12 disciples who gave his life for the cause of Christ in India. I confess: I did not know this.
Seeing sight of poverty next door to opulence really had us all scratching our heads. The “haves” and the “have nots” could not be more noticeable anywhere than in India. We all felt horrible for any complaining we had ever voiced and vowed to never do it again. However, we had only just begun to see poverty.
The last day of our trip, we took a tour of the slums. I really don’t know what to say. To see this first hand and then to talk to these people was the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to do. I usually do not have a hard time saying something for the moment I am in. But to these people who have absolutely nothing, I was at a lost. I told them the story of Jesus and how He would not let the disciples send the kids away. I told them how He said “this is the kingdom of God.” All I could say, as I looked at those dirty little faces, was “YOU are the Kingdom of God; He loves you and He knows your name. You’re not forgotten to Him.”
We walked away and vowed to help. Eliminate? No, that will never ever happen on such a level as I see it. But I do know that to whom much is given, much is required. I have been given much and now that I know about this extreme poverty, I have to do something to eliminate as much HELL as I can this side of eternity and bring HEAVEN down to earth.
The wonderful people of Help a Child of India sponsored this trip. Without their efforts, we would not have been able to do the concerts. They are doing a great work. (more about them in a second.)
The actual concerts were AMAZING!
We did two wonderful shows that were basically sold out. Approximately 1,400 each night actually paid to hear us sing. And to be honest, that was one of my concerns in the beginning when we were invited by Samuel Nirmal of Help a Child of India. I asked him if he thought anyone would show up. He promised me there were many who knew our music because of YouTube and the Gaither videos.
So, it was a pleasure to perform for our brothers and sisters in the cities of Chennai and Bangalore. However, we received WAY MORE than we gave.
Our promoter, Samuel Nirmal of Help a Child of India, had this to say about our concerts and our time in India:
For most of us, this was the best concert we have ever been to in our life time and it is likely to remain that way – till you guys come back! Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, the giants of Southern Gospel music singing in aid of Help A Child of India has humbled me. I said this at the end of each concert and I will say it again. “What did we do to deserve this kind of blessing Lord? All I can say is, Thank You Jesus”.
One of the objectives of the concerts was to increase the awareness among the people of Chennai and Bangalore about the work of Help A Child of India. The concerts and the media coverage gave us excellent visibility.
On the financial front, by God’s grace, several sponsors came forward to support the two concerts. The ticket sale was good. In India, the organizers of most Gospel music concerts in the last decade have ended up with a financial deficit. It will be another week before we put all our numbers together. But our current estimate shows that we will have a modest surplus. That surplus will be used for children living in poverty and in difficult circumstances.
Hundreds of thousands of children in India need help - to be educated and to lead a life of dignity. 4,000 such children are waiting to be supported through Help A Child of India this year alone. If we do not step in at the right time, at least one generation of 4,000 families will lose its opportunity to come out of poverty. It only costs 500 Indian rupees (less than $10) a month or 6,000 Indian rupees (about $110) a year, to sponsor one child. If each fan of EHSS pledges to sponsor one child, the need for the year will be fully met now. Online payment using credit cards, may be made at www.ehss.haci.in
Here is their website home page http://www.helpachildofindia.org/ Check them out – and help them as they continue to help the children of India. They do amazing work!
I know there are hurting people in our country and I know times are tough all around, but people, listen up: America has not seen ANYTHING like this. I pray it never does.
So, where do I leave this e-mail? I leave it with asking you to pray for your brothers and sisters in India. Pray for Help A Child Of India. Pray that God would provide for them. Ask our Father, “What can we do?”
If you want to see more pictures of our concerts and all our travels, and you have a Facebook account, make sure to “LIKE” our Fan page which you’ll find HERE. The whole tour is well-documented and pictures, video and press clips abound. Even the Hindu newspaper did a feature review of our show and gave it a stellar review.
Like I said, these words do not even touch what we saw and what we felt by the Spirit of God. Jesus walks in those lowly places. I felt pity and yet I saw love for the sweetest people I have ever met. I leave you with these words from
Isaiah 61:1 –
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
I do not know where this will lead us my friends, but EHSS will never be the same. We must use what we have to bring heaven down to earth more and more and let the business get out of the way for a new level of heavenly business. Pray for me as I lead and listen to what is being birthed in my heart.
Oh What A Savior He Is,
Ernie
----
Here's where we'll be in concert for the next few weeks ... lots of great seats available and we'd love to see you there!
Aug 23, 2012
Columbus, IN
Columbus Christian School
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (812) 372-3780
Aug 24, 2012
Warren, OH
Grace Fellowship Church
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Aug 25, 2012
Knoxville, TN
Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church
6:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
---
Sep 7, 2012
Springfield, IL
Hoogland Centre for the Arts
7:00PM
Purchae Tickets by Phone : (217) 523-2787
Sep 8, 2012
Chicago, IL
Torrey Gray Auditorium on the campus of Moody Bible Institute
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (312) 329-2399
---
Sep 13, 2012
Wausau, WI
Immanuel Baptist Church
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Sep 14, 2012
Elkader, IA
Elkader Opera House
7:30PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Sep 15, 2012
Burnsville, MN
Destiny Christian Center
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Sep 16, 2012
Sioux City, IA
Morningside College Eppley Auditorium
6:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
http://www.erniehaase.com/
Copyright © 2012 Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
P.O. Box 2288
Stow, OH 44224
Greetings,
Well, friends of EHSS, get ready for a letter that will never be able to live up to the experience. Truly there are no words for the experience that we just had, I will try my best to find them. This is all about the marvelous outpouring of God’s love through and into EHSS last week as we toured the mostly-Hindu country of India. God enlightened us in a new and mighty way and I want to share it with you.
YOU all are the ones who have supported us with your prayers, love, purchases and attendance down through the years. You are invested in us and all this I’m about to share is credited to your accounts. You should be proud.
We arrived to one of the loudest and most crowded places I have ever seen. Color and smells abounded. People were everywhere. They were beautiful people who never seemed bothered by the traffic or the inconvenience of life. They were happy to be there in the early morning hours to meet us at the airport with banners, gifts and well wishes. Sweat was dripping off of them, but they wanted us to enter their country knowing that we were welcomed and loved. We were half a world away and a little apprehensive; they totally set us at complete ease.
After we entered the hotel and tried to catch up from the more than 20 hours of travel, we had a chance to see some of the city. St. Thomas is buried there and we visited his tomb and paid our respects to one of the 12 disciples who gave his life for the cause of Christ in India. I confess: I did not know this.
Seeing sight of poverty next door to opulence really had us all scratching our heads. The “haves” and the “have nots” could not be more noticeable anywhere than in India. We all felt horrible for any complaining we had ever voiced and vowed to never do it again. However, we had only just begun to see poverty.
We walked away and vowed to help. Eliminate? No, that will never ever happen on such a level as I see it. But I do know that to whom much is given, much is required. I have been given much and now that I know about this extreme poverty, I have to do something to eliminate as much HELL as I can this side of eternity and bring HEAVEN down to earth.
The wonderful people of Help a Child of India sponsored this trip. Without their efforts, we would not have been able to do the concerts. They are doing a great work. (more about them in a second.)
The actual concerts were AMAZING!
We did two wonderful shows that were basically sold out. Approximately 1,400 each night actually paid to hear us sing. And to be honest, that was one of my concerns in the beginning when we were invited by Samuel Nirmal of Help a Child of India. I asked him if he thought anyone would show up. He promised me there were many who knew our music because of YouTube and the Gaither videos.
So, it was a pleasure to perform for our brothers and sisters in the cities of Chennai and Bangalore. However, we received WAY MORE than we gave.
Our promoter, Samuel Nirmal of Help a Child of India, had this to say about our concerts and our time in India:
For most of us, this was the best concert we have ever been to in our life time and it is likely to remain that way – till you guys come back! Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, the giants of Southern Gospel music singing in aid of Help A Child of India has humbled me. I said this at the end of each concert and I will say it again. “What did we do to deserve this kind of blessing Lord? All I can say is, Thank You Jesus”.
One of the objectives of the concerts was to increase the awareness among the people of Chennai and Bangalore about the work of Help A Child of India. The concerts and the media coverage gave us excellent visibility.
On the financial front, by God’s grace, several sponsors came forward to support the two concerts. The ticket sale was good. In India, the organizers of most Gospel music concerts in the last decade have ended up with a financial deficit. It will be another week before we put all our numbers together. But our current estimate shows that we will have a modest surplus. That surplus will be used for children living in poverty and in difficult circumstances.
Hundreds of thousands of children in India need help - to be educated and to lead a life of dignity. 4,000 such children are waiting to be supported through Help A Child of India this year alone. If we do not step in at the right time, at least one generation of 4,000 families will lose its opportunity to come out of poverty. It only costs 500 Indian rupees (less than $10) a month or 6,000 Indian rupees (about $110) a year, to sponsor one child. If each fan of EHSS pledges to sponsor one child, the need for the year will be fully met now. Online payment using credit cards, may be made at www.ehss.haci.in
Here is their website home page http://www.helpachildofindia.org/ Check them out – and help them as they continue to help the children of India. They do amazing work!
I know there are hurting people in our country and I know times are tough all around, but people, listen up: America has not seen ANYTHING like this. I pray it never does.
So, where do I leave this e-mail? I leave it with asking you to pray for your brothers and sisters in India. Pray for Help A Child Of India. Pray that God would provide for them. Ask our Father, “What can we do?”
If you want to see more pictures of our concerts and all our travels, and you have a Facebook account, make sure to “LIKE” our Fan page which you’ll find HERE. The whole tour is well-documented and pictures, video and press clips abound. Even the Hindu newspaper did a feature review of our show and gave it a stellar review.
Like I said, these words do not even touch what we saw and what we felt by the Spirit of God. Jesus walks in those lowly places. I felt pity and yet I saw love for the sweetest people I have ever met. I leave you with these words from
Isaiah 61:1 –
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
I do not know where this will lead us my friends, but EHSS will never be the same. We must use what we have to bring heaven down to earth more and more and let the business get out of the way for a new level of heavenly business. Pray for me as I lead and listen to what is being birthed in my heart.
Oh What A Savior He Is,
Ernie
----
Here's where we'll be in concert for the next few weeks ... lots of great seats available and we'd love to see you there!
Aug 23, 2012
Columbus, IN
Columbus Christian School
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (812) 372-3780
Aug 24, 2012
Warren, OH
Grace Fellowship Church
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Aug 25, 2012
Knoxville, TN
Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church
6:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
---
Sep 7, 2012
Springfield, IL
Hoogland Centre for the Arts
7:00PM
Purchae Tickets by Phone : (217) 523-2787
Sep 8, 2012
Chicago, IL
Torrey Gray Auditorium on the campus of Moody Bible Institute
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (312) 329-2399
---
Sep 13, 2012
Wausau, WI
Immanuel Baptist Church
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Sep 14, 2012
Elkader, IA
Elkader Opera House
7:30PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Sep 15, 2012
Burnsville, MN
Destiny Christian Center
7:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
Sep 16, 2012
Sioux City, IA
Morningside College Eppley Auditorium
6:00PM
Purchase Tickets by Phone : (800) 965-9324
http://www.erniehaase.com/
Copyright © 2012 Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
P.O. Box 2288
Stow, OH 44224
Facebook’s First Game on the Life of Jesus hits 1 MILLION players, launches in 4 new languages
‘JOURNEY OF JESUS: THE CALLING’ HITS 1 MILLION PLAYERS,LAUNCHES IN 4 NEW LANGUAGES
Facebook’s First Game on the Life of Jesus Crosses Cultural Borders With Language Options
LightsideGames.com
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Aug. 16, 2012 – Journey of Jesus: The Calling hit nationwide news in May as the first social game, on Facebook, on the life of Jesus. Now only three months later, the game announces 1 million players and a total of nine languages.
At its launch, Journey of Jesus featured English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German versions. Today users speaking Turkish, Indonesian, Russian, and Tagalog, can also play in their native tongues.
"Journey of Jesus is in more languages than a standard game because it’s more than a game. It’s meant to go more places and do more than games typically do,” Brent Dusing, Lightside Games founder and CEO said. “The importance of putting the message of Jesus in someone’s native language is critical. When I lived in Africa I learned that to speak to a person in his native language is to speak to his heart."
Users log onto Facebook, type Journey of Jesus: The Calling into the search bar, register and enter a world of high-quality graphics, music, game play and the latest social features. Each player begins a biblically accurate quest through New Testament times and the life of Jesus; hidden items and clues advance the player through the story.
The country of Turkey, with a population of 73.5 million ranks sixth among Facebook users with 30.8 million people on the site. By comparison, the United States, with 330 million people, claims the top spot with 155 million users. Whether a country is predominately Christian or not, Dusing sees interest.
“There’s a curiosity about Jesus,” Dusing said. “People from all different nations and creeds want to know more about Him. Journey of Jesus is a way for people to have fun and explore answers to questions they have about Jesus and his claims to be God.”
As it inaugurates new languages, Lightside will introduce a friendly competition to gain players. When a nation reaches a given number of users, every player in that country receives a reward item commemorating a prominent local Christian landmark. (With new online tools, players can track user growth by country and monitor progress toward the goal.)
Along with its first social game, Journey of Moses, which launched in 2011, Lightside Games now reach 3 million people worldwide. And it is grabbing the interest of Silicon Valley. Journey of Jesus: The Calling now counts investor Tim Draper of Draper Associates among its backers. Draper is known as one of the early investors in Skype, Tesla and Hotmail.
To learn more about Journey of Jesus: The Calling visit: www.LightsideGames.com
Facebook’s First Game on the Life of Jesus Crosses Cultural Borders With Language Options
LightsideGames.com
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Aug. 16, 2012 – Journey of Jesus: The Calling hit nationwide news in May as the first social game, on Facebook, on the life of Jesus. Now only three months later, the game announces 1 million players and a total of nine languages.
At its launch, Journey of Jesus featured English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German versions. Today users speaking Turkish, Indonesian, Russian, and Tagalog, can also play in their native tongues.
"Journey of Jesus is in more languages than a standard game because it’s more than a game. It’s meant to go more places and do more than games typically do,” Brent Dusing, Lightside Games founder and CEO said. “The importance of putting the message of Jesus in someone’s native language is critical. When I lived in Africa I learned that to speak to a person in his native language is to speak to his heart."
Users log onto Facebook, type Journey of Jesus: The Calling into the search bar, register and enter a world of high-quality graphics, music, game play and the latest social features. Each player begins a biblically accurate quest through New Testament times and the life of Jesus; hidden items and clues advance the player through the story.
The country of Turkey, with a population of 73.5 million ranks sixth among Facebook users with 30.8 million people on the site. By comparison, the United States, with 330 million people, claims the top spot with 155 million users. Whether a country is predominately Christian or not, Dusing sees interest.
“There’s a curiosity about Jesus,” Dusing said. “People from all different nations and creeds want to know more about Him. Journey of Jesus is a way for people to have fun and explore answers to questions they have about Jesus and his claims to be God.”
As it inaugurates new languages, Lightside will introduce a friendly competition to gain players. When a nation reaches a given number of users, every player in that country receives a reward item commemorating a prominent local Christian landmark. (With new online tools, players can track user growth by country and monitor progress toward the goal.)
Along with its first social game, Journey of Moses, which launched in 2011, Lightside Games now reach 3 million people worldwide. And it is grabbing the interest of Silicon Valley. Journey of Jesus: The Calling now counts investor Tim Draper of Draper Associates among its backers. Draper is known as one of the early investors in Skype, Tesla and Hotmail.
To learn more about Journey of Jesus: The Calling visit: www.LightsideGames.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Retro Reality Check - Spring Cleaning
We’ve been in our current apartment for more than a year and I have to admit that it looks almost as good as when we moved in. It may not be immaculate all of the time, but it is comfortable and welcoming for visitors, both expected and the ones that are a surprise. Due to a lack of storage space, however, every nook and cranny in my bedroom has some kind of box or shelving shoved into it. And with everything from choir music to photo albums to last year’s summer clothes under my bed, I have succeeded in keeping down the hordes of dust bunnies which can otherwise run rampant.With the advent of robins and Easter eggs and warmer weather, the specter of spring-cleaning haunts the edges of my mind occasionally, but so far I’ve been able to resist the urge. It’s easy to avoid when there are work and family pressures, social activities, hobbies, and practically anything else to fill in the time. However, the clutter causes a certain amount of discomfort and discontent and I know the day will come when that beast of cleaning will have to be attacked. But for now, denial seems a pretty calm and safe place. And of this safe place, I am Queen; just call me Cleopatra.
Denial is a place I visit at times when I’m also feeling discontented in my spirit. Just like the busyness of my life gives me reason to avoid the more mundane chores, often I let my temporary cares and worries distract me from keeping my spiritual spaces clean and clutter-free. I get bogged down with daily stresses and let some things slide, and soon I’m wondering why I’m not having the peace and joy that I usually experience in my Christian life. That clear communication with the Lord seems off-kilter and filled with static.
Like the dust bunnies that refuse to be exterminated completely under my bed, when I’m feeling lack of joy and without victory in my battles, I can usually locate a thing or two in my life that needs to be cleaned out. This discovery is sometimes immediate, but often comes only after I have been painfully honest with God and myself. It’s true that we usually know very well the areas that need spiritual spring cleaning, but many times we have excused them for so long and grown so used to their presence, that we have just accepted them as part of the furniture. And sometimes it takes the blinding brilliance of God’s searchlight to point out what needs to go.
At one point in Jesus’ ministry, a rich young ruler ran up to Him, wanting to know how to receive eternal life. He told Jesus how he’d been obedient to the letter of the law all of his life. He knew who Jesus was, he knew Jesus had the answers to his questions, and he waited breathlessly for Jesus to respond. Jesus looked at this young man with love, and then proceeded to point out the thing in his life that was standing in the way. He asked the rich gentleman to give away all he had. The young man “turned away sad” for he had many possessions.
Jesus has a way of looking through all of our good intentions and every way in which we consider ourselves to be “good enough”. Then He will gently and lovingly reach out and place His finger on that thing in our lives that is currently keeping us from whole-heartedly serving Him. We can chose at that moment to take whichever fork in the road we want to. We can turn more fully toward the searchlight of Christ and allow Him to stand with us as we obediently get rid of that “thing”, or we can turn away, even “sadly”, pick up that thing once more and walk further away from His perfect path for us.
I was having coffee with a Godly lady who is a close friend of mine, and we were sharing current joys and sorrows at our favourite Tim Hortons. She and I have both been experiencing the same difficult type of situation, one we each entered of our own free will, but something that has impacted both of us spiritually and caused a lot of struggle. I had been waffling with extricating myself from my situation, but had let it just hide out in the corners of my life while I dealt with other more critical issues. A sudden turn of events had caused her to look clearly at her situation, and the decision could no longer be avoided.
As my friend began to talk about what had been happening in her world, she radiated more peace and acceptance than I had seen in her for a while. She had come to a place where the Lord put His finger on that thing in her life, and she knew with absolute clarity the choice she had to make. She risked losing everything He had blessed her with if she chose to hold on to that one thing she thought she wanted. She decided to be obedient, to let go, and walk away from that thing toward His righteousness. And with that decision, she has found peace and joy.
I have learned a few things about that which clutters my life. I used to think that people who allowed garbage to infest their spiritual lives did so because they were too accepting of the world’s standards, too weak to resist temptation, or perhaps just didn’t love the Lord that much. What I’ve learned with dealing with that “thing” in my life, is that it starts insidiously. Like the dust bunny that doesn’t just roll in to a corner from out of nowhere, the stuff that becomes strong enough to steal your first love for the Lord starts with little motes that seem harmless and are allowed to settle and accumulate.
It may be a greater acceptance of that which you used to abhor. It may come from filling your mind with messages that seem harmless but are secular enough to wear down your faith. Small decisions that seem meaningless may lead to a place where you are suddenly in the middle of something you had no business being anywhere near. And there is enough in that something that makes you enjoy it and want to stay. You know you shouldn’t be there, you know you shouldn’t even want to be there; yet you are and you do, so you convince yourself that you are powerless to change your situation. But to remain there causes the spirit to war against the flesh, and in your miserable state you cry out to the Lord for help.
At this point He offers you a choice. It is up to you to choose between letting go and turning away from that thing, or staying in your disobedience and drawing further from Him. The truth is that we always have an option, regardless of how difficult it may be to choose. I’ve been in this situation at times and asked the Lord for strength to make that choice. In a sense, that is passing the buck. We always have the ability to choose. We just need to do it. To decide once and for all, that this “thing” in life has to go. And then do it.
I won’t sit here and tell you that I have made all the right choices, that there aren’t any dust bunnies in my spiritual life at this point in time. Like everyone else, the Lord deals with me one step at a time, for that is what He has already given me the strength to handle. But I do know that I can’t wait for one season a year to clear out the clutter. Avoidance doesn’t cut it either; even Cleopatra wasn’t happy at The Nile.
Whatever that thing currently is in your life, whether it is a desire for something more than the Lord, or perhaps a relationship, a habit, or unhealthy choices, you are not helpless and entrapped. When the Lord asks you to do something He gives you the resources to do it. And that includes picking up that thing and throwing it as far from you as you possibly can.
This spring, consider cleaning up not only your home but also your heart. Vacuum up those dust bunnies and make room for the blessings He wants to fill your life with. And let that spring sunshine of His love bring you the warmth, peace and joy you desperately crave.
Reality Check is written by Lorraine Walker and published on http://www.sgmradio.com
Spring Cleaning was first published by SGM Radio in April 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound: Note from Ernie
John Chapter 3
John 3:1-30
As I sit here and read the scriptures of John, I am blown away afresh and anew by their power to transform. I am also blown away by something else: God’s patience in mentoring me along.
I used to read and memorize scriptures and quote them like a parrot. I really did mean well in my young, excitable heart. I think back and can truly say I was trying my best to love God, but I also wanted to impress and maybe even win a debate or two. How foolish. Yet God would still say, “I will keep working with this kid. I have a plan for him.” How loving - how nurturing - how kind. What A Savior!
So here are some thoughts on what I was reading today:
John said to his followers in Chapter 3 Verse 30, “I am really happy that He (Jesus) is getting all the attention now. He must become greater and I must become less important” (my paraphrase).
As I grow and let the Word (realize I’m not talking about letters formed together to make a book,) the true Word, the Spirit of Christ, blow where it wants, I am left helplessly small and yet empowered. How does this happen? Why just now? The second half of my journey should prove to be very interesting.
Some may say I’m having a mid-life crisis. I have even joked about this with my wife. I’m experiencing feelings and hearing of things that I never dreamed I’d see or hear. My body is weak and my nerves are frayed, but I have to believe this is part of the decrease / increase phase of the Spiritual Walk of Faith.
So, I am not having a mid-life crisis. I choose to think that I am having a mid-life Christ Excitement! All my little powerhouse maneuvers cannot and will not work for what true life has to offer. He must increase and I must decrease. I don’t have a clue where the wind will blow next.
Back tracking to verse 8: Verse 8 says clearly what I should expect: “It is the same with every person who is born of the Spirit of God. You are going to be blown all over the place. Unknown but felt.” (Once again my paraphrase. Read the whole chapter to see the context.)
At this point you and I can look at life and all its harsh, horrible realities (and the times of its lovely wonder and awe) and think “This is too much; I just don’t get it anymore” and cave in. Then spend the second half of our lives trying to feel young again and relive the glory days when life was not so complicated and harsh. Or, we can give in to the wind of the Spirit and let it take us and use us to help others who are still spitting into the wind.
This is the great mystery of life. Should be an interesting ride. Gone with the Wind for sure.
Love you all.
Ernie
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Gift
Reality Check Repost: Christmas Gift
She stands beside the sidewalk; hair disheveled, clothes dirty, hands shaking. She hasn’t had a drag all day, let alone a high. Her hands move seemingly of their own volition; she’s scratching her head and then her arm, as she looks up and down the road and into each car that passes. She walks to the corner, hands tugging up the threadbare shirt, settling into her stance as she looks for a paying customer. A mere twenty bucks will get her a short high. All she needs is one customer.
He walks into work, the first one there as usual. He thinks of what he might do if he didn’t have the bills to pay. Get a different job, for one thing. Tell his boss and everyone else where they can go. Then he could afford the fancy motorcycle and the extra car. And his wife was always asking for money. But that wouldn’t be happening now anyway because he was moving out. The kids don’t need him any more. And he certainly doesn’t need to hear her nagging. A new job and an extra twenty thousand a year would be perfect. All he needs is a little more money.
She walks into church alone again. She smiles and the greeters return her smile, doing their job to the best of their ability. The pastor walks by but he’s too busy to greet anyone, he’s got too many important things to do. She slowly walks through the foyer into the sanctuary, watching people gather with their families, talking to friends, greeting each other with hugs. It’s like she’s invisible, but by this time in her life, she’s used to that. She sits down in her pew and waits for the service to begin. If just one person came to sit near her, perhaps she could have a real conversation. All she needs is a one kind word.
They struggle down the road, which leads through desert land and harsh, unforgiving terrain. He walks the hundred miles, sandals torn and feet bleeding, while he leads the donkey. She’s expecting, and the donkey’s spine is a hard and uncomfortable seat as the wind whips the dirt and sand into her eyes. They have little money but it needs to be enough to pay Caesar and for some lodging in the town once they arrive. The baby’s birth is immanent. Darkness falls and they finally arrive in Bethlehem. If they could only find a room, something clean with sheets for the new baby. All they need is a room.
In the midst of the darkness, suddenly a star breaks through and the light finds it’s way into the small stable. The cave that was dark and dirty now brightens as a baby’s cry echoes among the animals. The shepherds, drawn here by a vision they almost can’t believe, fall to their knees on the hard ground. This Child is special and the air fills with His holy presence. And suddenly, it’s there. What they all needed. They didn’t know it, they had forgotten or pushed it aside in trying to survive the day. But it’s there, and it’s undeniable.
Hope.
It came into that stable and into the world, to touch every life and every need.
A Christmas gift to share.
Why don’t we?
By Lorraine Walker
Originally published by www.sgmradio.com in Reality Check, December 2007
Friday, December 3, 2010
Christmas Wrappings
Merry Christmas everyone! And yes, to some people’s astonishment I am sure, Canadians do celebrate Christmas on December 25th, just like Americans. However, we have adopted a British custom by having a statutory holiday as well on the 26th, which is called Boxing Day. I’m sure if you are interested you can do a search on your computer and find the correct origin of that day, however, around here it’s usually the day when all the things you got on the 25th that you didn’t like get put back in their boxes and returned to Walmart.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if everything you received in those beautiful wrappings was exactly what you were hoping for, or even better? Not just “close”, or “I thought you’d like this purple and pink frog lamp much better than the Tiffany glass one you showed me”…but so much more than you ever dreamed of that it blew you away. Once in awhile you may have a Christmas like that, but it doesn’t happen often.
It’s occasionally like that when we meet people. Once in awhile you meet that special person who is so much more wonderful than you expected at first. And then there are others. You know the kind: the outside looks wonderful, but inside is a whole different story. And then there are those that we meet and we find that their whole personality is wrapped in yet another layer. Some people are wrapped up in their jobs, some in their good deeds, and some in striving to reach some sort of unrealistic expectation that can never be achieved. And then there are those that are all wrapped up in themselves, which is probably the hardest to handle. I think we can all relate to one of those, maybe a bit too personally, because most of us have been there at some point in our lives.
Contrast this with the Heavenly Father lending us His Son for a short time here on earth. Mary and Joseph wrapped this precious gift in swaddling clothes. Ripped up pieces of old garments, thoroughly washed, enveloped the Almighty God of the Universe. The Word that spoke the world into existence, cried and wiggled inside a cocoon of rags.
I wonder how many times Mary had to wind and unwind those cloths, as she changed this Baby that would change the world. Not even Pampers for the King of Kings. Just rags.
God gave to us His greatest gift, born and wrapped in the humblest of ways. And Jesus grew up and lived His life clothed in humility as He demonstrated love to us.
Someday we will be clothed in our glorified bodies, with perfect minds and hearts and bodies. Till then, we are living in a fallen world, in mortal bodies, and fall so short of the glory of God. How can we then wrap ourselves up in anything else but humility, knowing how much He has done for us, and what a debt He paid for us?
Our Glorious Loving Saviour has given us the precious gift of Himself this Christmas. My hope and prayer is that you have accepted this gift and have allowed him to be your Saviour and Lord. That we would all realize how much we need to humble ourselves as His children, and walk in humility as He did. And that you would experience peace and joy in your life this Christmas. Have a blessed holiday season!
By Lorraine Walker
First published December 2005 on www.johnlanier.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)