Photo Titled: “Abstract in Rust XV”
By: Diana Matisz – http://lifethrublueeyes.wordpress.com/

“Fields of Rape”

Click Here to Listen: 022412_fields_of_rape

So much music these days is purposed for entertainment, that the emotional connection or life directives can be easily missed or dismissed.
 
A song share by my brother recently directed me back to a band of believers of yesteryear and a message that moved me like never before. What I found so profound was, as I seem to often work toward the purpose of the song itself and it’s personal connection, I turned to be moved almost to tears in the realization the song relayed.
 
Right here, along our journey there are people who are morally deprived daily of their dignity by the pride and possessions that are encouraged to relish. Mass media feeds this beast by polished promotion – leading us to believe we need to achieve these to succeed. Further, as there exists those who are working toward their goals of personal glitz and glory, there are children passed by who are battered and bruised – bullied – as they fear for their lives, as a life of luxury looks the other way in the ways they wish to spend their pay. The same who are living in ignorance are also possibly to be placed among the pack labeled “bullies”, who believe by installing fear into their workforce they will further their power and pride.

Does the attachment to money make it right?

Can you believe the big kids are not playing any nicer – with manners worse than that of a child?
 
Be moved as these words are not easy to confront…
 
We often want to focus on disaster in distant lands – and we should give attention to all, but is it often so we don’t have to care for those on our own very street corners? Could it be that we want to give goods but not serve with our selves? And then, the issue is ever more complex, as the evil of oppression exists right before our eyes in the common corners of making a living.
 
Is this behavior ok, and unacceptable?
 
Even though the mass rape indicated in this lyric may date back to a tactic of the Bosnian War during the early 90′s (and by no means am I a history expert, but for the sake of referencing the specific mention in the existing lyric), a similar idea of moral destruction accompanies the wrongful abuse aspect as many people have become a product of the workplace itself, devalued and enslaved by the prideful – instead of the superior seeing the serving as the core of their commerce.
 
We have a purpose in this world and a gift to offer. If we feel like we are being treated in a condescending manner while we are offering our talent with good intention, then we are being devalued – raped of our character. We need to be strong enough to stand up for ourselves – even if not to retaliate – but to move forward with confidence in our person.

How would this harsh reality relate to worship we might wonder? Being so moved by injustice that we do not sit still, sparked with enough compassion to try to call attention to the situation, and will to make a change are all worship of God like no other.
 
To all Gods children out there, I encourage you to persevere – not as the product of a paycheck, not as one self-esteemed by the mean, but with a passion as one who is equally purposed in this place.
 
Maybe it’s time to go outside the sheltered confines we create and not simply address those who are hurting with a dollar, but to live along side those who hunger for someone who shows empathy.
 
It’s time to give attention to how we care for our own kind – right by our side.
 
We’re gonna move in this world… Sometimes it just takes getting mad enough to make a difference!!!

THE WORD: Decide
“Fields of Rape” Written By: Jason L. Bieler
Thanks to my friend, Diana Matisz for contributing her photo.
Joshua 24:14-18 | 1 Peter: 13-16 | Matthew 6: 19-24

“Heart of Worship”

Click Here to Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yfp8zF35zw

When this year began, I felt like I wanted to give God the best of what was His to begin the time-line – His first fruits of my labors. My labor of love being music ministry, I offered my gift to The Church. I did not only offer my gift, but I also felt like it was time to part ways with my possessiveness of a song I held so dear for quite a few years, a song that would move the Spirit within me ever time I would hear it. The song is “Heart of Worship”, by Matt Redman. Since the first time I heard – even though at first learn of any song I always feel an even greater connection with the meaning – I did not want to learn this song because I did not want to subdue the feelings of what I felt within by the repetitions of rehearsal. (A friend of mine later relayed after the fact that, when it has that much feeling behind it – THAT is when you should do it!) But, this year I came to terms with the message being such a profound message for the introduction of my worship – as well as that of the congregation to the New Year – that I gave it back to Him that had sparked the heart within me to begin with.

The second Sunday of the New Year, I did my best to offer this message with most honest intent, so the song was delivered through me, and we move forward.

Just before the first of the year, I was blessed to be recognized by a friend for my unique direction, which does not always flow with the flock of this world. A penguin going the opposite direction on a note was confirmation, as it was written to continue confidently in my own way. If I were to think this penguin would become an icon to the path of my pursuits; a few weeks back, as I was amidst my daily routine – the morning of a café “show” I was to play, I find the front page of the local newspaper headlined “Strut Your Stuff” capturing the essence of the confident penguins pictured below. How does this icon continue to tie-in? That night, from the stage/performance area, I was alerted as I revisited Redman’s “Heart of Worship”, as I gazed at the beautiful glow of a gentleman toward the back of the room. This man – finely fitted with the local uniform of a “Pittsburgh Penguins” jersey – sat there, not just listening to the music and messages of ministry I had to offer, but he was offering up what he had in his gestures of sign-language. THE HEART of worship was confirmed in this moment for me as I realized, it is in offering up in whatever way we can – big or small, simple or complex – that worships our God in volumes often unheard.

So, should these little coincidences be dismissed in this life to the average, or will such relay from believers like myself help others to take-note of attention in their very moments to see the Glory of God all around? Although I’m certainly not encouraging worship of penguins, but I believe this was clear confirmation of my declaration of 2012, to remain true to who I believe I should be through music ministry, a life that has been revealed before – but now being reassured it is the only way for me.
 
Getting back to the heart of the matter; what are we doing all “this” for? What is our deed in this life? When we’re doing what we feel like we’re called to do with our best intention, THAT is worship like no other!
 
Why wouldn’t we share when it may be a bit to our loss, but to another’s huge gain? We might want to consider transferring God’s greatness by not holding back or possessing what moves us, but owning the gift he has personally given to us – what moves us- and transferring what is His in His inspirations through us, to inspire His greatness in others.

I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to come to complete terms with being connected to the ministry – which is such a huge responsibility to honor God – without wanting return to some degree , but if being out in-front as a believer is what I have to do to show others the confidence in what I believe as truth, then so be it.

I recognize the deed and need – I sign my name to it, once and for all, and willingly move forward.

To Note: Just to show how wonderfully the flow of life works through communication and inspiration – just as the signing-man sparked and inspired me to listen and deliver differently – so did my friend Diana (who was the creator of last weeks image) inspire me to see life differently and notice the beauty in this moment captured above.

THE WORD: Deed
“Heart of Worship” By: Matt Redman
Jeremiah 32: 6-15, 40-41 | Romans 8: 31-39

Photo Titled: “Patiently Waiting”
By: Diana Matisz – http://lifethrublueeyes.wordpress.com/

“Song to Save the World”

Click Here to Listen: 021012_song_to_save_the_world

Your rhythms are cool raindrops on the rooftops leading gracefully
Your notes are bursts of sun light, from day into night bringing lullabies
Your melodies are flocks in flight for unforgiven praying peacefully
Your harmonies in one accord saying, Oh Lord in the many ways we try

We ask the question and we’ve already received

As the clear blue waters to the sea
So Your message is to me
Move in Your time from dark to light
So Your change takes place inside
From within, into this life we know
I search for Your song within my soul
A song to save the world
A song to save the world

Our song is a symphony, composing all the glory You deserve
Our praises we raise to highest heavens, to the heavens with all our might
Our hymn rushes like a river as we deliver through Your message served
Our worship winding, finding within Your embrace, You hold on to us tight

Let’s not get distracted by all these worldly thing

As the clear blue waters to the sea
So Your message is to me
Move in Your time from dark to light
So Your change takes place inside
From within, into this life we know
I search for Your song within my soul
A song to save the world
A song to save the world

We bring a smile to those stranded in the desert of our day
We show the way in how we walk to those wandering aimless thru the wilderness
We give a hand to those lost adrift, and we bring them back to bay
We exchange a sign to friends just doing fine to show them, yes, we are blessed

Sing praise in all our ways, with God’s authority

As the clear blue waters to the sea
So Your message is to me
Move in Your time from dark to light
So Your change takes place inside
From within, into this life we knowI search for Your song within my soul
A song to save the world
A song to save…

We know we cannot save ourselves without The Word of our Savior Jesus
But every breath of life in His Name is Glory to God

From within, into this life we know
I search for Your song within my soul
A song to save the world
A song to save the world

THE WORD: Own
By: Jeffrey A. Nowak © 2012
With inspirations from Fr. Dan Heusel
Special thanks to my friend, Diana Matisz for so willingly sharing her creativity.
Deuteronomy 18: 15-20 | 1 Corinthians 7: 32-35 | Mark 1: 21-28

“Nothing Compares to One”

Click Here to Listen: 020312_nothing_compares_one

Have you ever been in the presence of a “flash mob”? If not, maybe you’ve seen such a phenomenon on YouTube or the TV show, “Mobbed”. So many individuals, coming together in unison – one body in synchronized motion – an event to lift a friend, someone they love, or just for the benefit of the general public who happen to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

I’ve often wondered if our welcome beyond the heavenly gates will be such a spectacular like event?

When it comes right down to it, we wouldn’t trade a good friend for the world, would we? In them, we can see their uniqueness – as well as some of ourselves – and witness a greater good that’s out of this world.

Sometimes the oneness is almost like the touch of a divine presence in this life. Often that same relationship can be tested and tried to the point where we wonder what has happened because, now it hurts with a pain like we’ve never experienced before. There may even be those we need to associate with around us who try our patience more than our pals - and we still have to try to function as one.

Really, there is nothing that compares to the peace we experience when we seem to live in heavenly harmony. Even if all is not well with our world, it seems as though there is a balance between the forgiving and the forgiven.

Sometimes the weight of what we are experiencing in our responsibility to our community in our existence can be exhausting – like we’re always the one to give in. But, there is a bit of a rub that will always exist on this globe of gravity that will not always make sense – when we choose to walk a high road - while seeking higher ground. Nevertheless, in our willingness we somehow find the strength to go the extra mile when we are called to compromise.

We’re gonna see a lot in others – even in our friends – we won’t necessarily agree with. That doesn’t me we have to take on such character of conflict to our person, but it doesn’t mean we should be any less personable to them either.

We may feel lost when we’re in disagreement and temporarily without our friend, but there is nothing in this world that makes it not worth working toward unity and making amends.

As we realize, no thing on this big ball is worth gaining over the loss of love, we might just get a glimpse of The God we’re always looking for - in the friend, right by our side.

Maybe “mob” your friend or family member with an incomparable love today!!!

Arrangement By: Jeffrey A. Nowak © 2012
“Nothing Compares” Written By: Johnny Mac Powell, Samuel Tai Anderson, Bradley B.C. Avery, David Carr, Mark D. Lee
“One” Written By: Bono & U2
With inspirations from: Robbie Yitterberg
Philippians 3: 7-11 | John 17: 1-6, 10-26

Great Art: Real Cooperation by Real Co-Workers

Real unity witnessed within the workplace…
One brings the bread, one the peanut-butter.
The former preserves, the latter constructs.

Life alike…
One brings The Word, one carries The Message.
The former heals, the latter is healed.

It’s just Daily Bread without sandwiching all the ingredients into this world we call life.

Click Here to Listen: 012712_masters_pieces-how_great_thou_art

“The Master’s Pieces/How Great Thou Art”
　
I remember, the pain within my side
I remember, my prayers of compromise
I remember, Your healing come to life
I remember, my forgotten sacrifice
　
Then sings my soul my Savior God to thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Savior God to thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
　
My heart is open as earth is to the skies
My heart is open to brave beyond confines
My heart is open, Your brush strokes doubt away
My heart is open, a painting of Your grace
　
Then sings my soul my Savior God to thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Savior God to thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
　
I hear truth calling, Your song within my soul
I hear truth calling, Your peace with every note
I hear truth calling, Your very breath conceived
I hear truth calling, Your voice directing me
　
Then sings my soul my Savior God to thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Savior God to thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
　
I believe Lord in Your power in my heart
I believe Lord the call to be Your art
I believe Lord in the praise my life will be
I believe Lord in Your Master piece in me
　
“The Master’s Pieces” Verses By: Jeffrey A. Nowak © 2012
“How Great Thou Art” By: Carl Gustav Boberg,
English translation by Stuart K. Hine
With inspirations from Rev. Dr. John Hamilton
Psalm 103: 1-14 | Ephesians 3: 14-21

Click Here to Listen: 012012_vincent

“Vincent”

The message in song this week is not my creation but sharing it has weighed on my heart for some time.

I don’t doubt for a second that all circumstances – triumphs and trials – in this life are purposed to change us. If we don’t allow such affect we will miss out on the true meaning of life.

Some might say it’s useless to brave the beyond for assistance with the worldly, but often a prayer is all we may have left to lift certain situations – and possibly being the period to the purpose to where we have been placed for a period of time.

Our wishes or help for the company we keep can only extend so far as will allows, but God without limitation can reach the most hardened of hearts to redirect and bring a peace beyond compare.

This recording might not be all that different from the original Don McClean version, but know in your listen there is prayer and concern within the delivery itself.

Send up a united prayer or thought with me and witness change where you thought change was impossible.

 Click Here to Listen: 011312_amazing_music_boxed 

“Amazing Music Boxed”

Thought I would write it down
Then I thought out loud
I wouldn’t be myself if I said what I had to say without a sound
You gotta lift up to open to hear what we have to hope in

It might be a mystery in me – what you see
But you gotta believe in me

The Lord bless you and keep you;
His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace.

Can’t confuse the issue any more
But wait there’s more
I gotta keep movin’ knowin’ there’s  somethin’ better for us in store
Just the other side – on the other side of that door

You’ll hear the notes and melody
That will lead us to harmony

The Lord bless you and keep you;
- When you look, you will find
His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
- Change like a butterfly
The Lord turn His face toward you
- Hope will come to you from inside
and give you peace.
- Bringing this amazing music box to life

Every breath it leads me here
With every word it becomes clear
Why I’ve been placed here on this earth
From the very moment of my birth
It’s hard for you to understand
The unknown within my hand
I’m just following a better plan
So will you follow me my friend – to the end

If you could only encourage me
I would know I’m free to be who I’ve got to be
What I’ve discovered in my self
Is here if you ever need a little help

By: Jeffrey A. Nowak © 2012
Numbers 6: 22-27 | Galatians 4: 4-7 | Luke 2: 16-21