What drives you: FEAR or FAITH?

Let your FAITH be bigger than your fear.

We live in a crazy world. It's fallen - that's perfectly clear. These days, we face calamities, tragedies, pestilences and economic chaos - everyday. Yes, everyday the headlines are filled with craziness. They're used to grab your attention, suck you into the show, story or program then leave you to deal with the news.

Just this morning, in his weekly radio address, the President of the United States spoke to the American people about the recent Ebola epidemic that found its way into our country, some of the symptoms and its effects. Here's what he had this to say about Ebola:

"And we have to be guided by the science—we have to be guided by the facts, not fear. "

Remarks of President Barack Obama

Weekly Address

The White House

October 25, 2014

The President is absolutely right. We do need to know the facts and not let fear guide us. The facts on an eternal scale & are simple: we live in a fallen world and it's inhabited by fallen people. Sin is everywhere yet Jesus overcame this world. We have an opportunity to take hold of eternity with Him rather than die with no hope.

So while we have to learn about another new pestilence/disease and how to prevent ourselves from catching it, we really need to be focused on eternity. Will we distance ourselves from people and become hermits? Will we begin to withdrawal ourselves from being personable at the risk of catching something new? How can we let our light shine even stronger into a darker world?

I specifically ask these questions of myself because I've heard stories how missionaries are dealing with this in Africa - not being able to share the gospel the same way they did just last year. The human touch is such a powerful tool to show love to other people. When you can come alongside someone to minister to them, it breaks barriers because they see the love of Christ in you as His hands & feet. Yet this new outbreak is changing that. And it may have a similar impact here at home - in the US.


The Ebola epidemic is just part of a greater list of the effects of sin. I certainly hope people will think more about their mortality in light of the Gospel and eternity. I pray we will not let fear drive us. Rather, let us be people of faith. Let us be motivated by the cross and put our feet in motion.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

2 Timothy 1:7

Where is God?

I was having a downer of a day. I read the devotion below and it brought some immediate comfort. Even though I am a worship leader and try to have my life point to Jesus, I can run empty, get discouraged or let the enemy just get under my skin.

Yet when I spend time with Jesus, in His Word and sit still, I get refreshed. Parts of this post I sent along to a brother & friend so I wasn't the only one blessed. Why? Because some days... There are some days you just don't feel like you want to praise the Lord. There are some days we are not in the mood. And sometimes, our souls are outright downcast. Well, after reading the post below, my day turned around.

If you are feeling uninspired, misplaced, or even frustrated, then keep reading. If you are borderline to some of these ill-feelings, then keep reading. If you feel as you have nothing to be thankful for or happy about, then keep reading. This is something to hold onto when you may need to "REACH DEEP" for some inspiration or simply to encourage when you land in "that place" in your head... So park it for the time you'll need it.

~ Dave Geipel

“God, my maker, who giveth songs in the night.” Job 35:10

Any man can sing in the day. When the cup is full, man draws inspiration from it. When wealth rolls in abundance around him, any man can praise the God who gives a plenteous harvest or sends home a loaded argosy. It is easy enough for an Aeolian harp to whisper music when the winds blow—the difficulty is for music to swell forth when no wind is stirring. It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is skilful who sings when there is not a ray of light to read by—who sings from his heart. No man can make a song in the night of himself; he may attempt it, but he will find that a song in the night must be divinely inspired. Let all things go well, I can weave songs, fashioning them wherever I go out of the flowers that grow upon my path; but put me in a desert, where no green thing grows, and wherewith shall I frame a hymn of praise to God? How shall a mortal man make a crown for the Lord where no jewels are? Let but this voice be clear, and this body full of health, and I can sing God’s praise: silence my tongue, lay me upon the bed of languishing, and how shall I then chant God’s high praises, unless he himself give me the song? No, it is not in man’s power to sing when all is adverse, unless an altar-coal shall touch his lip. It was a divine song, which Habakkuk sang, when in the night he said, “Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Then, since our Maker gives songs in the night, let us wait upon him for the music. O thou chief musician, let us not remain songless because affliction is upon us, but tune thou our lips to the melody of thanksgiving.

Source: http://ref.ly/o/morneve/1134676


NOTE A: You don't have to be musical to appreciate this verse. Singing unto the Lord is something special - you're signing or repeating back to God just how GOOD He is to you despite the circumstances you've found yourself in today, tomorrow or the next day. So be encouraged!

NOTE B: Job didn't completely lose hope. He wanted to know where God was - because he noticed a difference. God will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong & Courageous!

My Acrostic - an acrostic fror my last name: GEIPEL

I came across this on another site. Thought it was cool at first, but then let the words sit for a while and really love the set of verses. You'll see, it's my last name, GEIPEL spelled out as an Acrostic with Bible Verses. Very cool. I am a fan of some of the strong words found within: Give, Build, Redemption, Praise, Examine, Esteem. I plan to read and breath these verses over my family as they so aptly fit. And that's the power of His Word. It never returns void. Thank you God for every word.

Geipel
	G	Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. - Luke 6:30
	E	Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. - Proverbs 14:1
	I	In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; - Ephesians 1:7
	P	Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. - Psalms 150:1
	E	Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. - Psalms 26:2
	L	Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. - Philippians 2:3

Kinda cool. Anyways, something I am sure both Michelle and I would apply in our lives.


While I don't know how this was created, it could have been my brother (Pete Geipel) who posted it, I find it's a great application - especially the P in Geipel for PRAISE. You see, we are bother worship leaders and oh how this wonderfully fits the bill.

~Dave Geipel

FRUITFULNESS: The Vine, Vinedresser and Branches

I was reading through The Gospel of Mark recently and came across this passage in Chapter 9 - which deals with Israel’s lack of fruitfulness. It made me think about my own fruitfulness.

FRUITFULNESS
During Jesus’ ministry, he faced a nation and people who had lost their way. They were dried up and withering. When I look back at their progression from Exile to Promised Land as a nation, I see them going from despair to pinnacle back to despair. The timing of Christ’s first coming was perfect. His second coming will be the same.

As we read about the cursed fig tree and the cleansing of the temple, we read about a nation and people who were symbolically fruitless and corrupt (John 12:35-41). The light of Christ shone forth in their midst, yet they didn’t realize it. They were a people who seemed to forget their need for their saviour. Sure, many did come to Him, but as a people and nation, they rejected Jesus. Furthermore, Jesus blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.

When I look at how Christ dealt with them, I am ashamed at my own lifestyle and relationship with Him. Am I walking as He wants me to? Am I where He wants me to be? Doing what He’s called me to be doing?

In order to have a life that is thriving, Jesus uses the analogy of the vine. Later in John’s gospel account, right before the cross, Jesus makes an analogy of our life in Him. He likens Him to the Vine and us as the branches in John 15:1-17 .

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

VINE - Jesus
VINEDRESSER - Father
BRANCH - Us (collectively, the Church)

ABIDE
In verse 4, we find the way we become fruitful: ABIDE

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

If we drift or fall away, we must return to Jesus. Just the verse before, He tells His disciples that they were “already clean” because of the Word He has spoken to them. We too must be washed in the Word.

This means we must be found in the Word. Reading, meditating, studying and searching out the riches that await those who diligently seek Him.

“I love those who love me,
And those who seek me diligently will find me.”
Proverbs 8:17

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6

Do you really believe His Word to be true? He loves when we seek Him. This requires effort. It’s not passive, but active. It’s so important that He’s not only given us His Son Jesus on the cross, but His Son Jesus, the Word.

Note to self:
Spend more time with Jesus. Stop neglecting your Creator, Father God. Seek how He chooses to us me this day.

Centering Prayer (Contemplative Prayer): Who is the center?

Recently I re-examined the topic of centering prayer when a famous artist released a new album focus on this exact topic. I sent out a tweet or two (or a few) to get clarification. Was I off center thinking they were solid in their approach in handling this "hot potato" subject? Perhaps it was time to look at their slant or angle or treatment of Centering Prayer.



If there was a way to keep their identity private, I would. But it's not possible when you quote another's work. I must give credit to them for the soundtrack specifically taken as a transcript of what I heard. Yes, I did the transcription. If I missed anything or quoted something incorrectly, I apologize. My pure motive and aim is to bring this type of prayer to light so others can study it for themselves. 

Here's the transcript (my comments and summary are below):
———————————————
Excerpts of the Liturgists from the Vapor EP teaching on Centering Prayer.
Published on bandcamp.com March 1, 2014

Liturgy - work of the people.
Part of that work is art - created to shift our gaze toward God.
Another part is gathering to worship together.
But there may be no work of the people more powerful than prayer.

Did you know that scientists have studied prayer?
You might be surprised what they found.
People who pray for 30 mins everyday have:
> Lower Blood Pressure
> Reduced Stress
> Better Focus

Anthropologist have discovered that people who engage in regular prayer practice also report feeling more powerfully connected to God and more likely to experience God directly.

In America today, we mainly pray by talking. There’s nothing wrong with that (tone). But do you ever long just to be alone with God? Many people try to add a ton of silence during prayer but are frustrated when their minds drift or they fall asleep. It’s so much easier for us to talk than to be still. But we need only cast our eyes on the vastness of the skies to look upon the clouds of dust and gas that would easily swallow not only our planet but our entire solar system. To understand the need to be silent and still.

The Psalms speak of the calamity and loudness of this life and God says in response: Be still and know I am God.

There's a way to focus your attention on the gift of every moment through stillness  - it’s the ancient practice of Centering Prayer. Centering Prayer is designed to focus our being on God. We’ve created this recording to help you explore Centering Prayer as a means of deeming your prayer practice and your relationship with God.

Start by picking a sacred word.
There’s nothing inherently powerful about this word.
It’s merely a means for your to center yourself on being open to God’s spirit.
One or two syllable words work best.

Common words are: God, Jesus, Love or Spirit.
In most languages the word for Spirit & Breath are the same.
So some people chose their breath as their sacred word.
Remember, there is no right or wrong.
This word is simply a means of focusing your attention and being.
This is a good time to put your phone on silent or DND.

Now, find a place to sit. Assume a position that is comfortable and quiet if possible.

Your goal is to sit without moving the entire prayer session. However you chose to sit, do so with your back straight.
If physical limitations or disabilities prevent that, it is ok to sit comfortably or even lie down. Just resist the temptation to sleep.

Now close your eyes.

Become aware you are sitting in this chair.
Be aware of your own body.
Explore the feelings and sensations of being alive.
Explore the sensations of coming alive.

Pressure and warmth of your body presses against the chair… the air moving across your skin.

Sit still.

You will probably be tempted to figit, scratch an itch or reposition yourself.
In time, you will learn to focus thru these things. But understand, it’s completely normal.

Your body is unaccustomed to stillness w/o sleep. Just continue to sit still.

Now, focus on your breathing.
Don’t control it or change it. Simply be aware of it.

Rest your attention gently upon your breath.
Notice the feeling as air moves thru your nose and throat.
Listen to the sounds as your body breaths.

When thoughts pop into your mind? Or feelings begging to sweep.
Gently return attention to your breath.
Continue to focus on your breathing.

Now, recall your sacred word.
Lay you sacred word on your attention - like laying a tissue on a comforter or blanket.
No need to control any thoughts or feelings that arise, simply return your attention to your sacred word.

>LOTS OF BACKGROUND CHANT SOUNDS<

Thoughts and feelings come and go. When they do, gently return your attention to your sacred word.

>Noise of bottle and cans in the distance<

Jesus said, “the Kingdom of Heaven is within you.”

>Some more low bass and ambient sounds<

Gently turn your attn to your breath and your body.

Now gently return your attn to your breath and then to your body.

Allow normal thoughts, feelings and sensation to remain in your attention. But know you may return to a centered state anytime throughout the day by resting your attention on your sacred word.

Follow me in the Lord’s prayer:
Our Father, who art in Heaven…

—————
http://www.theliturgists.com/

Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every “superstar,” every “supreme leader,” every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there-on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. - Carl Sagan

 A quote on the Liturgist's website.
—————
 
WHAT STARTED THIS?
It started when a new album was released. I thought the music was interesting at first. Then I began digging...

MY TWEET:
Today I witnessed a shift by @########### (name removed) worship leaders leaning on Monk teaching of #CenteringPrayer & #contemplativeprayer. #SAD

THEIR RESPONSE:
@###########:
@DavidGeipel oh, that shift happened a long time ago David. That's almost always been a beautiful spiritual practice for us

@theliturgists in track called #CenteringPrayer you quote Luke 17:21 - “the Kingdom of God is within you” But Greek word is entos = in the midst of you. Different emphasis.

SUMMARY:
Prayer is crucial in our walk. But #CenteringPrayer / #ContemplativePrayer = #OffTrack. carm.org/centering-prayer (great article to give you the background)

Prayer is not mystical chanting. If we are ever to use one word... it should be God’s Word. We can and should prayer though it and according to His Will.

Church, we must be aware this is still happening out there and speak up against this... Stay in His Word and on your knees.

Grace for Today. Know Grace, Know Peace.

It became known over the past week that a major celebrity “has fallen” in the public’s eye. This time over a choice word that has both a negative and discriminatory meaning & tone. This person is welcomed into many millions of homes through programs because of her gift/talent. No one would suspect her of saying words to harm someone. Many people have been helped by this person and they go out to buy books and other branded merchandise too. However, with the admission of saying ONE WORD or taking the wrong ACTION – it’s beginning to crash. It makes waves in the press. Bloggers and commentators have a field day with the news. Many people get wind of it and start condemning.

HOWEVER, forgiveness was quickly sought and an apology made. She knew she did wrong and admitted it and asked for forgiveness.

It didn’t seem to make a difference to some groups. They continued to banish and make this person an outcast. They *quickly* turned their backs. Cancelled their agreements. Put distance between themselves and this “bad person” who is still nameless in this post.

What is missing? Not this person’s name. but one word: GRACE.

Grace is often used to describe God’s gift to mankind. It’s unmerited favor from God toward us, a band of sinners, as He grants us favor and gives us those things we do not deserve – and could never earn.

Grace is GETTING WHAT YOU DO NOT DESERVE.

As a Christian believer, we treasure this verse:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

We can never earn grace. Taking an honest look at it, we could never stack up or justify why we deserve it from a holy God. As Christians, we should greet each other with Grace and Peace. No grace, then no peace… and if we Know Grace, we Know Peace. Both Grace & Peace were even the classic greeting from the Apostle Paul in the scriptures: Grace to you & Peace from God.

Grace in the Greek is charis. While it is a common greeting for Paul, it’s also a deep theological term. Paul KNOWS GRACE as he was once one that condemned, beat and killed the early believers of Christ. Yes, Jesus, who died for Paul (and each of us). But Christ reached out to Paul and made sure he knew it was Him, Jesus, who he persecuted. See, persecution is both powerful and personal. It cuts to the core of a person. It can attack their heart, soul and body. The dictionary would say that persecution is to “Subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, esp. because of their race or political or religious beliefs.” Grace is a remedy to persecution. I believe that’s what Paul was conveying in 2 Corinthians about how the Lord spoke to him saying:

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Many people liken grace to mean that God is eager to save people from Hell. He did change His own position and nature to humble Himself to “take on human flesh” not for His gain, but for ours. And He continues to step in to strengthen us in our need. To help me remember the heart of GRACE, I think of the acronym that describes GRACE as:

God’s

Riches

At

Christ’s

Expense

So what was paid at Christ’s expense? YOUR LIFE. Both now and forever.

We deserve to be judged and condemned. However, the true judge isn’t someone here on earth. Rather, it is the ultimate Judge in heaven – God the Father. Jesus spoke of this judgment throughout his days on earth.

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

Of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

Of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”

John 16:8-11

The “judgment” coming in the Greek is the word: krisis. And a “crisis” it will be for those who do not believe in the name of Jesus. It means “a separating, sundering, separation” or selection” … a result of a trial, contest.” This also helps put persecution in this world into perspective. If we know Him, we will be spared. If one rejects Christ, they accept the judgment.

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

Hebrews 9:27-28

The result of this judgment is that we need a payment or debt to forgive us of our sins. This can only come from Jesus. He then rejoins and brings us back to His Father. It’s GOD’S GRACE that makes this happen in the life of the believer. Won’t you accept Him into your life today. Accept His payment. Accept His GRACE and receive His peace as a result.

A beautiful song from Hillsong of their Zion album that is inspiring & convicting at the same time – SCANDAL OF GRACE.

Your Love Never Fails (One Thing Remains) - Derek Johnson - Live from Philadelphia, PA

One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails) performed by Derek Johnson and Jesus Culture
Live performance from the Tower Theater, Philadelphia, PA 2/5/2013

One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails)  Lyrics

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains, One thing remains

Your love never fails
it never gives up
it never runs out on me

On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death and in life
I'm confident and covered by
the power of your great love

My debt is paid
there's nothing that can separate
my heart from Your great love

Written By: Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Jeremy Riddle
©2010 Bethel Music. Posted by David Geipel
Live @ the Tower Theater, Philadelphia, PA