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Simone and Me at U2 |
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
U2 Oakland Coliseum Show
I went to the U2 Concert last night at the Oakland Coliseum. I have to say it might have been the most spectacular stadium show I have ever been to.Here are some picture and thoughts to follow at the end.
I am not one to try to create controversy or put people on pedestals...o.k. maybe I am, and maybe I will. U2 got together in 1976 (the year I was born), and released their first album “Boy” in 1980. Since "The Joshua Tree" they have been on the fast track. I remember seeing them when I was in high school at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina when I was 16 or 17 years old. And since that time I know they have not ever not done a “Stadium” tour. That means basically have been playing every time they do a show to 60,000-80,000 people for the past twenty years! That is incredible! The thing that most struck me, besides the awesome music and lights, (oh and by the way have you seen the stage!!!) was their uncanny ability to connect with everyone in the stadium. That has really defined their career. Someone asked me today, “What makes them so appealing?” I think it is actually a Biblical principle that makes them appealing. They are “all things to all men” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Their lyrics are so appealing and so inviting everyone feels like they have experienced what U2 has experienced (The music is pretty awesome too). But for the sake of context the rest of the passage says, “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.” This passage of scripture is not talking about just relating to people just to relate to people. I do think U2 is so popular because they do relate to people becoming “all things to all men” (thus the name U2), but have they won people to Christ with their music? I do know they are Christians and they have shied away from the pedestal that I am trying to put them on, and I actually thank them for that, but how have they fulfilled this passage. I have been encouraged by their Scripture laced songs (like Yahweh). I did not come to Christ through their music I have just been encouraged in the faith. So I wonder if there are people out there who have come to Christ through their music in some way or another. Please comment and let me know how you might have been won to Christ through the awesome music or lives of U2.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
FEARLESS: JOSHUA
Fearless: Joshua
Joshua became fearless because he trusted in God's ability In four areas
1. He trusted in God's plan (Jericho 1 and Jericho 2) Marching around the city of Jericho every day for seven days and then blowing trumpets is a pretty ridiculous battle plan, but as veggie tales tells he trusted in that plan, oh I mean as the Bible tells us. (numbers 14:6-10 Josh 6:1-7) What are some pretty ridiculous things that God asks us to do? Why do we think they are ridiculous? Do we think they are ridiculous because we don't want to do them or are they ridiculous because God is mainly testing our faith?
2. He trusted in God's presence (tent of meeting exodus 33:11) He really believes that God will go with them into the land that he promised to them. I think of Jesus in Joshua's story when Jesus promises the disciples and us that, "I will be with you until the end of the age" in what ways do you feel God's presence? What are you trusting God for until the very end of the age? Take time to meet with God in your tent of meeting regularly, Seek encounters with Him to be affirmed of His presence with you.
3. He trusted in God's courage (be strong and very courageous Josh 1:6-7;9). When I was a youth pastor in Lexington, South Carolina I would have an appointment with a student once a week and we would go out to eat at a different fast food joint every week. Our purpose was to learn how to share Christ with the employees at those places. It took a little bit of courage. But God gave it to us every time. We were able to share with someone almost every time and God came through with a great deal of courage. What is one area you need to trust Christ in to have courage? What is he asking you to do that takes a little more courage than you have to give? Lean on His courage like Joshua did.
4. He trusted in Gods law (1:6-8). What is one area of obedience right now that is hard to trust God with. What I mean is, what is one way that you are having a hard time obeying God in right now? I will be honest I am having a hard time right now being patient with people. I am asking God every day to give me His love and kindness toward people. Ask God to give you his righteousness and he will do it!
