The Jonathan Seller Blog

Opening up for Aaron Shust

2011-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to be asked to open up for Aaron Shust on July 1st. It was a great show! I can't wait for the next. This month I will be spending August working on my 4 part sermon series "1 THING". Watch the messages online at www.voxchurch.tv

I love our Church and what God is doing! So grateful to be apart of something larger than myself!

LOVE HAS A NAME

2010-09-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

I am really excited to be releasing my first full length Album coming this October 1st. It will be available on itunes or at any Church's I will be singing at. Thank-you to all who helped get this project underway. I am really pleased with how it turned out and I am excited to be singing these songs. I hope and pray they encourage you!

Let Songs Arise

2009-11-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just released my first CD entitled, "Let Songs Arise". It includes 5 original songs that I wrote. I really hope you enjoy the CD. A lot of you have been asking when it will be available on itunes. I will make a post when it becomes avaialble. It should be available in about a month!

Thanks to everyone for all your support!

Beautiful Jesus?

2009-09-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

I have been debating my brother who is also a fellow worship leader on the over usage of romantic imagery in today's contemporary worship music. I Love God, but I am cautious to say "I am in love with God." Sometimes it urks me when others use the phrase "personal intimate relationship with Jesus". To you and I who are being saved, it is a wonderful phrase. To someone outside the church we must exsercise caution that we don't communicate connotations that are not intended. Good communication always includes two elements. 1. Correct message and 2. Cultural awareness. If we combine these two elements in our worship song writting we will have a far more greater chance of reaching more men in our Churches, who happen to be the least likely guest at your church service this weekend. If we can reach the men, we can reach the whole families.

So for Venue, my job is to create an environment that is Christ centered, God exalting, and Culurally Relevant. Non of these are an option, but rather a necessity for a solid, distraction free worship service.

I found a video from one song writer I really respect. You may know him. you sing his songs. Listen to what he has to say on the matter:

New Sounds From Switchfoot

2009-09-08T20:16:00.001-07:00

gotta love it....

Leeland - Love is on the move

2009-08-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

this band is really solid. I love the way they write....

What is our world coming to?

2009-08-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

When God Ran

2009-07-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

This song was very inspiring growing up. I can remember in high school delivering papers with tears in my eyes listening to Phillips Craig and Dean sing. What an amazing thought based off the prodical son storey.... that the God of this universe would run after me.

Got the New Hillsong?

2009-05-26T11:07:00.001-07:00

Guess what I am doing right now?
Yes... listening to the brand new Hillsong CD by UNITED!
It is entitled, "Tear down the Walls".
If you haven't already done so... go buy this CD.

Or, if you attend Venue, we will be selling it in the Cafe!

Enjoy!

so far, I love:

You Hold Me Now
Soon

Free ColdPlay Album

2009-05-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know.... I couldn't believe it either. Until I downloaded this absolutely free album that ColdPlay is giving away free to all their fans. I know.... so cool!
I love these guys from the U.K.!

Go to this link and enjoy... FREE COLDPLAY ALBUM

Your Welcome!

New HILLSONG!

2009-05-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Some of you are wondering about the special we did this weekend:

You Hold Me Now (Hillsong UNITED)

This is a brand new song off their not yet released CD!
Go buy it at itunes!

It's so good!

p.s. THE NEW ANTICIPATED ALBUM IS RELEASED MAY 26th. Every Worship Leader Across America is pumped!!!!!!!! You should be too!

How I Feel Today

2009-05-05T12:00:00.001-07:00

Psalm 103
A psalm of David. A man known by God as a man after God's own heart. What a perspecitve David gives us that everything in life good is from the Lord. Our worship is a response to the glory of God... yes even the Glory that God has revealed to us personally. This Psalm flooded my soul today as I remembered the goodness of the Lord in my life. Enjoy the memoirs of David as his soul cries out with these words...

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Love Story (Taylor Swift) meets Viva La Vida

2009-04-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

For the next 8 minutes, I want you to push play, and continue what you are doing here on the World Wide Web. This is beautiful! These guys took 2 songs I love and made this amazing arrangement! Enjoy!

Rooster

2009-04-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a Rooster. It is the Rooster that unveils who we really are...
Here is my Rooster:

All of my sins were future when Christ died for me. It is with this certainty that allows me to confess boldly and publically before God and His family, it is with certainty of his unfailing love that I humbly confess I am nothing like my Savior but so much like Judas. My money is my God. I am like Peter ashamed at times for being a Christian.

You say, "Why are you doing this to yourself, Jonathan?". I am confessing. The bible says to confess your sins to one another. In doing so we expose ourselves that we might be humble, we remember we are not perfect but He is, and we encourage each other in our weaknesses because it is in our weaknesses that we are so much alike.

I read early this morning that even one of Jesus very own disciples denied Jesus, "Peter replied, Man, I don't know what you're talking about!". Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter... Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken" (Luke 22:60-61). I alway thought Peter denied Jesus when Jesus wasn't in his presence. This morning I realized that Peter denied Jesus with him standing right there. Can you imagine what Peter felt like when Scripture says, "The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter". What kind of look do you think Jesus gave? Was it the evil eye? Was it eyes of disapointment? Or was it eyes of forgiveness?

If the Lord looked straight at me today... what would I feel? Would I lie and tell him that I love him with "all" my heart, all my money, all my time, all my affections, all my desires. Or would I confess that which he already knows, and already died for. I hope to God I would confess that though I want to love him, I at times am ashamed..., though I want to follow him at times I don't... though at times I think I am strong, mostly all the time I am weak.

So, let the Rooster crow...

I confess:

I love talking about you as long as I'm with my Christian friends.
I like to talk about being on mission but I never intend to change anything about the way I live.
I don't talk about you to strangers.
I pray to you like a man rubbing a lamp hoping for good wishes to come his way.
I struggle praying for others because I don't know how much it helps, and because it profits me little.
If I tell people I am praying for them it is not for their encouragement as much as it is for mine.
I worship you not because you are worthy, but because I need to feel good.
I compare myself to other Christians and measure myself accordingly rather than accepting my gift being called Your son.
I love sermons only because I agree with the truth of what is in them, but I rarely listen to a sermon to be challenged to change.

Jesus,

These are only a sample of the multitude of sins in my life. Thank you for bold reflections on sin, and even bolder reflections on your mercy, grace and love. It is with the Psalms that I say, "Surely goodness, and love will follow me all the days of my life". Thankyou that in all of these things you have already forgiven me. I, like Peter have denied you even in the midst of your presence. I am an imposter, a hypocrite and deserve such titles. Yet, you choose to call me Son. For this I am humbled and will ask today that somehow today you will give me the grace to change this cold heart into a well of courage and compassion to be a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to you. Thankyou for knowing my heart, and the wickedness thereof, and loving me still. It is the loving me "still" that I find so sweet.

Thankyou,
Jonathan

Please... just do something!

2009-04-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

"We Are On Mission. So how many more Beth Moore Bible Studies do we need to do? I'm just saying, can we run some of the plays instead of just studying them. I mean how much are you going to study until you just play. - Matt Chandler

I just listened to his Easter 2009 sermon and now I am pumped!
Listen here: Easter at the Village Church

Grandpa Core

2009-04-06T11:06:00.001-07:00

On April 1st, 2009 my Grandpa went home to be with his Lord. Though we miss him we mourn as people with hope in the resurrection of our bodies. My belief has been tested this week. Do I really believe that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord? As we watched the casket close, and my eyes glanced one last time at the man who has been as a father figure to me, I must say without the hope which comes by way of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, I could not get through this. I don't know how the unbeliever does this. I guess they surround themselves with fantasy as a buffer from reality and truth and say things like, "He's in a better place". I am so thankful for the Gospel which clarifies with crystal clarity that for those who know Jesus, for those whom Jesus knows, there is an everlasting rest in store from the moment we breath our last till forever comes.

My grandpa was a humble, un-assuming, gracious, loving man. He was married to his bride for over 66 years. His integrity in business, his faithfulness in marriage, and his love for his family will be remembered forever. Memories of Grandpa for me are manifestations of God's grace calling me to live like he did; with integrity, faithfulness, and love all the days of my life.

I had the privilege of giving the eulogy along with my brother. It was so comforting to know we didn't have to make up stories of grandpa, or paint a picture of him as something he wasn't. What a gift he gave us. The ability to be able to tell the truth about him at his own funeral. He was truly my hero and best friend. My prayer is that I will become half the man he was, and live my life in simple contentment, with love for my family, respect for all, and work hard all the days of my life for the joy of all those around me.

Philippians 4:4-9 is a description of my Grandpa and was read aloud at his funeral.
I encourage you to go now and take a moment and reflect on these words.

As for Grandpa, he enjoys his reward, not that he attained it, but that it was given to him as a gift: The gift of an eternal resurrected mortal body created for pleasure, consumed in God's presence, never again tempted by evil, experiencing full health, and happy beyond measure. To this end we all live and die that we might join him and countless other Saints in the glories of heaven that even now our hearts and minds can not comprehend. To God be the glory, great things he has done for us!

The Crowds

2009-03-23T13:52:00.001-07:00

Father,

On the brink of a new service launch this weekend. I must confess the angst to believe the lie that my faithfulness and obedince to Christ somehow works itself in large amounts of people coming to our Church. It is too easy to find myself in light of the fullness of our sanctuary rather than the fullness of everything that I already have in Christ. The on going pursuit of a filled Sanctuary has been not for your glory, though I have said this, but soley for my own regard which has led to my own demise. It has brought me greed for more, but not for You, for more people to serve me. My desires have not always been for the crowds to meet with you, as much as they have been to serve me and make me feel like I am doing a good job. Forgive me God for my passion for filled seats as a means to satisfy the emptiness I feel inside. The emptiness of never feeling good enough, smart enough, effective enough. In you I believe, now help me to know the fullness of joy in the now, a place where you are. And when Satan tempts me to measure my worth in chairs filled may your Spirit gently remind me that I am already Yours. Forgive me in the moments my title veils the broken child I am. Forgive me for disclosing my brokeness to Your body, one of the means by which you make us whole. Help me to see the Pastorate as Your way for me to become holy and sanctifed, a pleasing sacrifice for You and Your bride. May I never peddle Your holy Church for personal gain, but rather serve her in sickness and in health, full or empty, forsaking all others, till death brings us You. And when my eyes scale the chairs may I see only You.

In Your beautiful Name I Pray, Amen.

What preaching has become!

2009-03-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it is about the billboard sign the newest coolest chuch down the street has just put up that just erks you.... You can't describe the feeling because you get what they are trying to do, but at the same time you just feel wierd about it... if you've ever sat through a sermon and felt like everything the Pastor is saying is true and not false but yet it lacks power.... if you've ever preached a sermon and you wondered why your cute pithy points haven't brought change.... listen to this:

Matt Chandler just hit the nail on the head! Let go Preachers. Back to the text. The Word of God is sufficient and does not need your zenny statements to "cuteinize" it.

Riddle Raddled U2

2009-03-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

All I can say is Jeremy Riddle's second album rocks. Check out even the front art work of his new album. They say don't judge a book buy it's cover. That may be true but for CD's this album cover describes the beauty you will hear inside as well.
Enjoy!

As far as U2... I can't stand their new single they just put out. Give me Coldplay any day of the week over U2. What do you think?

Church Music Director On AMERICAL IDOL

2009-03-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

VIDEO

Just found this out. Check out our next Americal Idol!
He's a Christian. He's actually a music director at his church in Wisonsin!

Sweet eh?

The Law of God? Over or Continued?

2009-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

Before you throw out the Law of God and think it is so O.T. and therefore not relevant.
Comprehend this. Those who followed the Law LOVED it. We often think that the Law
is heavy and binding. Go and talk to any Orthodox Jew today and they will tell you that
they love the Law. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Law. What this means both for a Jew
and You and I is that Jesus lived out the Law's demands perfectly. Did he do this begrudgingly?
I don't think so. This also means that Jesus didn't come to do away with the Law but to see it
reach it's end and purpose. The Law not only is a school master to lead us to Joyful living, it
also reveals for us our shortcomings. Jesus fulfills the Law on our behalf, not that we may live
like pagans but to live under the Laws of God so the freedom that comes by obedience to them
might be for our benefit and the glory of God.

For more reading on the Jewish perspective of God's Law.
Read PSALM 119. It has 176 verses, written in a Hebrew Acrostic Poem,
whereby in every verse "LAW" is mentioned.

After reading ask: "Do I avoid the Law" or "Do I embrace it"

Don't Watch This Video

2009-02-02T11:34:00.001-08:00

Some things in my life just fade away in light of things like this...
I hate this video, but it is to me a picture of our planet.
It is the ticking of the clock that is continuely resounding but only
heard when one is quite enough to listen.

Watch if you dare...

My response:

Will I always be a consumer?
Will I ever give until it hurts?
Is God proud of my singing on Sunday morning?
Does God love my debates about minor doctrinal issues?
I bet God probably doesn't love me more?
What if these were my younger brothers?
What if they are?
I'm sure God will use someone else?
I'm sure this is an old video and this doesn't happen anymore?

Go ahead and post the questions that come to your mind after viewing this. The proper response is not guilt but gratitude and compassion.

p.s. Sorry to bother your busy life . . .

Marc Driscoll on Night Line This Week

2009-01-30T13:15:00.001-08:00

Notice the clips of his preaching they use...
And people still think NBC isn't liberal?

Amazing Song

2009-01-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

This past week my brother had to sing at a Young Couples child's funeral. The baby died immediatly after he was born. While my brother was getting songs prepared for the funeral he explains how God gave him this song.

Listen to the song and read the story here at www.joshuaseller.com

How involved should the Senior Pastor be in Worship Ministry?

2009-01-12T10:45:00.001-08:00

I've been a worship Pastor for about 2 years now. I can't stress the importance of having a Senior Pastor understand that his department of the church is "Worship". There is no preaching department of a church... but there is a Worship Department. James MacDonald, Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel said that he see's their weekend worship services as the furnace in the middle of the warehouse. Understanding that the furnace is not the work in the warehouse, but without the furncace the work stops. We want to stoke the flame of people's affections toward the Lord every weekend. Life is tough, spiritual growth is tough, that's why when we gather on a weekend together for Worship it is the supreme responsibility of the Senior Pastor and the rest of the Worship Department to put out a God Glorifying, Soul searching, Joy filled memorable experience that would welcome a fresh encounter with God. I pray this for Venue every weekend.

Awareness Test

2008-12-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the manger baby this holiday season!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Drama and Video in Worship Services?

2008-12-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

My brother had a great blog entry he just wrote that I wanted to share with you all:

When I was growing up we did these things at our church called a "Cantata", pretty cool word eh?Anyways, if you've ever seen one, then you know they take a lot of work. Its pretty much a Christian Broadway production complete with a choir, actors, even live animals. Rehearsal for these things would begin about a month after each major Christian holiday (Easter and Christmas) and lead right up until the night when you'd do the production 2 or 3 times. After it was over the Pastor would get up and give an invitation for those who were ready to receive Christ.
Today it seems most churches have found media (video) to be the new drama. Its easier on many levels. Some churches base their entire weekend services around video, around their favorite move clips or the latest short story released on sermon spice.com.

But on the topic of Drama; how well can you do them? And how do you stray from the "cheese" factor? Paper swords and cardboard angels tend to take me to my happy place. I'm not against drama, we do drama's here at our church once and awhile, Im just really big on doing them as well as we could do a video, or a song, or any other method we use on weekends to communicate.

The question before attempting either is this;

What will this add or take away from what the goal of the service is to accomplish?
Are you a church that makes video's or are you a church that takes the gospel to people through the mode of media? The same can be asked concerning Drama? Does this drama further clarify God's word or will it lead the crowd to a better understanding of the message of the Gospel?

Here are some ideas for video that I've seen done really well;
Ideas for videos:
-"God at Work"
My friends Andi Rozier and Joel Smith down at HBC in Elgin, IL film people in their church who tell their testimony via video. It's more than that, but you get the idea. An amazing evidence of God at work in the church and a powerful way to communicate what God is doing in the congregation and not just the pastor.
-Baptism Highlight Video
we're working on this right now, highlighting a "best of" video remembering all the baptisms that took place in 2008)
-Ministry Highlight Video
have a ministry in your church or area of serving that needs some promotion? Make a video highlighting why people need to know and how they can get involved
-Weekend Announcements via Video
(Buckhead's famous "the 10 before" idea. Instead of boring Joe Annoucnement guy, why not think of a way to incorporate video announcements
-New Sermon Series Preview/Teaser
the week before a new sermon series, highlight the upcoming sermon series with a brief direction as to where the series is headed, a great tool for casting vision and leading the flock
-Scripture arranged to a song
a great and creative way to incorporate scripture to the worship package by having each verse arranged on the screen for people to read and meditate on

Say Uncle

2008-11-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well I found out that I am going to be an uncle to a little boy. My brother and his wife are having thier first child. It's going to be amazing. Im so excited. This blog is dedicated to all those that are Aunt's or Uncles. Im new at this. So if you could leave me some comments on what exactly a good uncle is suppose to do that would help me out.

Thanks!

Just when you thought America had the best talent...

2008-10-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Anyone of these contestants could blow most American Idol finalists out of the water...

So good... Enjoy!

"LIVE" in the Bahamas

2008-10-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

Imago Dei

2008-09-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Read: Genesis 1:26-31

Think: What is the apex of God’s creation? You are. Before you write this off as some feel good pick me up, let’s see if this can be supported Scripturally. Go get your Bible, and turn to Genesis 1:26-27. What does it say? God has stamped on you his image. What other creature on planet earth, or the whole universe for that matter, has God placed his identity? God has chosen man, both male and female to rule and subdue the earth in such a way that reflects his image in the way that He rules and looks after the earth. Because of the fall recorded in Genesis 3, our image has been distorted. The rest of the Bible records God’s pursuit of restoring “Imago Dei” (Image of God) back in humanity. The fullness of our identity is fully realized in Christ who takes on the “Imago Dei” himself and models for us what living life to fullest really looks like.

Be: Today, as you go throughout your day, begin to ponder the ways that God takes care of his creation. Thank Him for your identity as being an image bearer of God. Thank Him for sending His Son, Jesus Christ to model for us how to be “fully human”. And today, look forward to the day when God restores us completely and places us back in the new Eden, namely, Heaven!

Congradulations to My Bro and His Bride

2008-09-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to my brother and sister in Law for their second year of faithful marriage. Gotta love men that are commited to one woman for life. Gotta love woman that stay faithful to their men.
Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Check out his blog:

Passionate/Reverance

p.s. Erin, I pray God blesses me with a wife like you!

Chris Tomlin Hello Love

2008-08-25T10:02:00.001-07:00

The Drama Of Scripture

2008-08-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

I spent 3 hours last night reading through the first 100 pages of this incredible refreshing book on the Old Testament for one of my MA classes I am taking at Bethel College. Understanding the OT first as a Grand Storey, the authors Craig Bartholomew, and Michael Goheen reflect on each book and give a wonderful synopsis of the OT.

Most of us, if we are honest do not know the Old Testament. We are scared of it. We don't know where to begin. We don't like reading geanioloiges. We don't understand why God allows so many people to die in what seems like ancient Holy War.

If you are still only enjoying Part 2 of God's Word and havent spent much time investigating Part 2, here's what your going to do.

Go but... "The Drama of Scripture"
I promise you will be able to understand it.
I promise you will be more familiar with the OT by the time you are done.
I promise you will have a better hermeneutical framework the next time you open up your bible somewhere in the OT.

WOW, that's a lot of promises, but I am extremly confident that you will not be disapointed!

Just an idea...

2008-08-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

I don't know about your church but our church sends out what's called "THE BEACON" every month. It's basically a church newsletter on steroids. I had this idea. What if "THE BEACON" had some theological reflections from Senior Leaders of our staff pertaining to the health, mission, and ministries of our church. It just dawned on me, that I don't know of any church that prints out a publication to their congregation every month where the congregation gets to read articles from "ALL" the staff about what God is laying on their hearts. Of course, the weekly sermon is the platform the Senior Pastor gets to Vent, but what about the rest of His Staff? By producing a "LEADERS CORNER" type magazine and sending it out monthly to your congregation this is what it will accomplish:

1. Multi-perspective on issues
2. Help introduce new comers to all the staff of the church
3. Affirms the Leadership of Your Church
4. Shows that the Senior Pastor is not the only one with brains and passions
5. Brings unity within the diversity of your staff as they talk about different issues pertaining to the same mission of your church.
6. It can be a way to recomend further growth, and resources to your congregation (ex. Children's Pastor writes about Parenting and then recomends a book for struggling parents to read)
7. It constantly re-enforces the vision and mission of your church as long as each article references in their designated topic the reason for their topic and how it relates to the Mission of the Church.
8. It shows your people that you aren't slackers, but rather thinkers. (A lot of people have no respect for Pastors because they only see what they do on the weekends and they think they are lazy throughout the rest of the week)
9. Concise articles written by known people on relevant issues produces great results.
10. In each article depending on the topic a call to Mission to your congregation can be made. (ex. The Worship Pastor writes on a topic entitled, "Why do we have a church service on Saturday?" In the article he shows how conducting a Saturday worship service does not hinder, but rather enable the Mission of the Church to go forward. At the end of the article he encourages people to come check it out.)

Right now, I am proposing this idea to my Senior Pastor, as I recommend all of you young whipper snappers do first as a way to honor not undermine His leadership. I hope to be the monthly author of a column called, "NEW SONGS" - Taking Ps.98:1 literally!" In this article I plan to introduce the congregation to a new song that we as a church will be singing. The article will include: 1. The Lyrics, 2. The Reason We Are Singing It, and 3. When the next time as a Church We will be singing it.

Just a thought...
Let me know what you all think?
Would you read a journal style Magazine that was written on various subjects although pertaining to the mission of your church written by your Pastors?

Why I love Marc Driscol so Much

2008-08-13T10:24:00.001-07:00

Hillsong - This Is Our God (PART 2)

2008-08-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hillsong - This Is Our God

2008-08-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

The latest from our friends at Hillsong is an album called, "This is our God". It comes out tomorow, August 12th in the U.S. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
Here is one of the songs featured on the album. Amazing storey behind this song:

Real Beauty

2008-08-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

An illusion is never as beautiful as the real thing. To all my sisters in Christ, escape the illusion of outward beauty and focus in on a Proberbs 31 type woman. Beauty is fleeding but a heart for God is priceless!

Back from Bahamas

2008-07-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

I lost my luggage! Out of all the people flying on my place, guess whose luggage they lost? Mine. Yes, that's right I am back from our Mission Trip To Bahamas. It was no vacation at all. We worked every day from early morning till 2am setting up our Venue, doing our Concert, and then tearing down 50,000 dollars worth of equipment and then packing it back up in a u-haul truck. I got to hang out with 11 other high schoolers that are some of the coolest most talented kids I have ever met. Our mission was to help out a ministry known as Karazim. We were the main feature band for the WORSHIP WEEK CONFERENCE.

Highlights:

- Going to the Beach Once
- Eating Conch
- Watching Kevin (homeless) get long term help
- Dancing during Behemian worship services
- Seeing Lizards everywhere
- Riding "Discovery" Cruise (just kidding, never ride this boat)
- Leading Worship Every Night
- Riding home alone on bunch of planes
- Losing my luggage

Alright, so that is my update. I hate looking back in life, as you can tell by my short post. I always want to be looking forward to the next thing God has in store so much so that I have no time to blog about what has been done in the past. I'm a full steam ahead type guy I guess, but it is also good to take time and remember the faithfulness of the Lord. He once again was faithful on this trip to reveal himself to me through a man named Raul. More about Raul is to come...

Connecting With Your Audience in ......... 3 minutes and 43 seconds

2008-07-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Right now I am in my office as I just escaped a Concert that is going on right now at our Church. I will not mention the name of the band as some of you might know them and I don't want to give them a bad name as I really believe they have sincere hearts. But that's just it. If we allowed every sincere heart sing in church, or in this case perform all accross America, America would blow up! Just because you think you can sing only means that your mom wasn't honest with you growing up. You can't so please don't get into the music business.

After watching 40 plus people get up and leave our church, plus one old man left givng the boo! sign as he headed toward the doors, I just sat there and thought:

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE!

For all you Worship Leaders or Up and Coming Performing Arts people. Listen up! You can sing like Celion Dion, but if you do not connect with the people you are trying to minister too, you have nothing! Stop using the audience as a way to get off on yourself. You are there to cater to the audience. The audience is your employer (so to speak) so you do what they want, when they want it, how they want it. I am so tired of Christian Musicians thinking they have a little bit of talent, and can sing How Great Is Our God and we just let them on stage.

A worship leader, and or performer MUST MUST MUST Connect with Your Audience!

Who's our audience?

Our first audience is God Himself. We must connect with Him or else our music is just that, and our message comes accross phony. Plus, if we really believe in the power of the Holy Spirit using our Connection with Him to Connect with the hearts of others than it is even more important to make sure we are connecting with God while we lead.

Next...

We must also connect with our fellow worshipers. A worship LEADER, must do exactly that LEAD!!!!! Who are you leading? PEOPLE!!!!!! "Oh no, I don't care what people think of me, I'm just worshiping God right now." If I had a penny for every time I heard that I would be Bill Gates. If you are on stage during a worship service you are a serregate Moses, or Joshua or Paul. You are leading God's people somewhere. Stop paralyzing yourself in your own false humility, and rise up and LEAD!

How do you lead?

With CONFIDENT HUMILY! The very same way you like to be led. No body likes a cocky leader, but no one also likes a passive wimp. The reason men don't come to church today is because it's hard to worship a brown hair, tea sipping, robe wearing, Galilean whom you think you could actually beat up. Jesus Christ is not a wimp! He's a Savior, a warrior, a champion, a King. Lead your people with confidence, and humility to that Jesus, not the hippy Jesus.

Okay....

Im done venting. I litterally wrote this in 3 minutes and 43 seconds, the very same amount of time we have to CONNECT WITH OUR AUDIENCE.
So, do me a favor... If you are a worship leader or in the performing arts thing. Go ahead and print this off and read it to your people. You can not stress the importance of CONNECTING WITH YOUR AUDIENCE.

Okay? Now Go and LEAD!!!!!!!!!

3 Cool New Things

2008-07-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

I just got back from Chicago for a freind's wedding at (get this) Narnia Estates. It was exactly like it sounds.... "Enchanted". I think I saw Aslan...

Anywho, it is good to be back in the office blogging. I am still getting use to the fact that I actually have a blog. But this blog will make it all worth it when you find out about these 3 Cool New Things:

1. Red Box

In Port Huron, we have our "Red Box" in our Kroger grocery store. I am not kidding when I say that there is no start up costs and each and every DVD you rent is only 1 dollar. Plus the first one is free if you put in this code: JC10LK

Go check it out... oh and your welcome!!

2. V-necks

Yes that's right. V-necks are coming back in. I just went to Forever 21 and bought my first one. It's grey and if you are lucky you may see me sporting it soon. I never thought I would own one of these dangerously low beuties, but I am a v-neck convert. Go get yours and we will sport them together. (My friends and I are touring in Bahamas for a worship conference in a couple weeks and guess what we all bought and are wearing?)

3. Daniel Renstrom "Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder"

I found this new artist out through a friend and now I can't get enough of this one old hymn that he sings. It's called, "Let Us Love, and Sing, and Wonder". Go to itunes and do yourself a favor and buy the whole CD. It only 6 dollars. I love it! I very rarely love a CD, but I love the combination of artistic ability with crazy weighted theological content. The Blog is over, so go buy it now!

To Worship Him

2008-06-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

I wrote this song Friday Night sitting at the piano, and took it to our Venue Band on Saturday Afternoon and we sang it this weekend for both the Saturday and Sunday service. Way to go guys! I wrote this after listening to Mark Driscoll's recent sermon on worship. All of life from Creation (Vs.1), to redemtion (Vs.2), to suffering (Vs.3) is a gift from God to give creation an oppurtunity to Worship Him. So thus the song is entitled, "TO WORSHIP HIM". Some of you have requested to words. So here they are. All the glory to God of course:

To Worship Him

The earth was spoken into place
The darkness ran to hide it's face
To Worship Him
To Worship Him

Creation rose with morning light
Dressed in flesh to see His might
To Worship Him
To Worship Him

And we are Your people
And you are our only God

CHORUS:

You are God the Father
God the Son
God the Spirit
Holy Three in One

Your name exalted
Your fame restored
Until all the nations
Worship and Adore

Vs.2

A curse was placed on Adam's race
When we had failed to revere His name
To Worship Him
To Worship Him

Bur now through Christ we've been redeemed
Satan's crushed and all our free
To Worship Him
To Worship Him

And we are your people
And you are our only God

(Repeat Chorus)

Vs.3
Even when in suffering
Your love endures so I will sing
To Worship You
To Worship You

And whenI faill into this earth
I will share in this new birth
To Worship You
To Worship You

(Repeat Chorus)

BRIDGE:
So come and Adore Him
Worship the Lord of all (2X)

(Repeat Chorus)

99 Balloons

2008-06-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

This past week we had a guest speaker, Josh Hossler speak. We are helping him and his team plant a church in Macomb county outside of Detroit. www.evidentchurch.com At the end of his message he showed a video that made everyone in the audience cry like I've never seen. What a powerful video. God bless this couple:

Worshiping Worship

2008-06-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Worshiping Worship - Written by: Jonathan Seller

Oh how subtle this modern allure
How worship becomes our self indulging cure
Dressed in white but black beneath
A worshipers confession of songs sung only for me:

Echoes of glory on Sunday I hear
And traces of majesty don't soon disappear
But I am not mistaken and neither is He
This is not for Him, it's simply for me

I savor on the melodies
Relish in the symphony
Raise my hands in familiarity
To a King who's no longer a mystery
He's brought down to my reality
Only to give him my idolatry
My selfless self sufficiency

It is I the King of Glory
The recipient of these songs
It is I the great magician
who fools the crowd but only so long
My secrets are revealing now
My illusion has now appeared
Those that believe I'm giving praise
Take heart, "Consuming" is what you hear.

Every line of every song
Describes Him but serves me
Every note on every page
I've hijacked selfishly
They serve my feelings
Deep down inside
Where true worship occurs
For self to Thrive

Basking in the created
And leaving no room for Him
For this "worship" is immediate
A thrilling temporary whim...

There was no God in church today
And that's quite okay with me
I haven't missed His presence
And I never miss a beat
I'll keep singing sweet familiar songs
As long as I grow old
Describing the wonder of His love
And never knowing it in whole.

Oh how I pray for those that lead worship every Sunday. Woe be to us if we exalt the means over the end, worship the created (music) rather than the Creator, and fall in love with a Heaven and care less if God were there. Our Worship must come from the power of the Holy Spirit as he hides us from the familiar, shakes us into reverence, and causes our hearts to delight in the person of Jesus and the accomplishment at the cross. To this end we labor: for our affections to rise and our motives to fall. Truly, He must increase, and We must decrease in order for our songs to leave the ceilings of our churches and reach the heart of God.

Bad Day At Work

2008-06-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said about a Bad Day at Work, but this just seems to be over the top! This recent video is tearing up the web: Check it out and thank the Lord everyday for wherever you work!

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-06-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

For all the Pastors that wonder if it's worth it!
I sat in my office today crying as I watched this video.
Praise God for changed lives!

Take Me To The Alter... or just to Olive Garden

2008-06-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Being a worship leader I am sometimes frustrated when it comes to closing a worship service. It's like winning the Stanley Cup (Go Red Wings!) and having everyone rush off the ice so they can get back to the lesser things of life. Can you imagine telling God we treasure him above all things only for him to find us rushing out the door on Sunday Mornings so that we can beat the line up at the Olive Garden. What ever happened to savouring Victory... to delighting in the presence of God and his people... to meditating on what the Holy Spirit has just been doing through the sermon... or to sit silently before the Lord.

In our church, we have been practicing being silent for periods of time in our worship service for corporate silent prayer. I want our people to know that Church is not an observation deck where we view all the fancy talented singers, prayers, and sermons on stage. God is the Grand Canyon of awe. He is the one our hearts so desperatly long for each and every week when we come into a corporate worship service. Every week I must fight for our peoples affections. Oh how I long for people to stick around after a service only to let what God has been speaking to them about sit for a while.

The best steaks are always the ones that have been marrinated for a while.

So, in contemplating the above I wrote a response song that I want to introduce to our congregaton. It's not a pretty song. It's a song about death. It's a response song, saying to God, "Now that I have heard Your Word, Take Me To The Alter, and kill this part of me in order that you may give me new life." For this is the only response that God delights in.

A broken and Contrite heart the Lord will not despise...

Take Me To The Alter - written by: Jonathan Seller

Take me to the Alter
Past the Gates of Pride
Into Your Courts of Mercy
For here, I must die

For this is where Your Spirit's found me
I am broken wanting more
Spirit come make me humble
Take my life, and give me Yours

Will It Blend?

2008-05-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

You won't believe the things we do to impress others...

Check out this extreme case:

Somewhere Between The New & The Old

2008-05-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

So... I am sitting on a not so soft bed overlooking a lake somewhere in southern Michigan reading "WORSHIP MATTERS" by Bob Kauflin at our church's annual staff planning retreat. We do these planning retreats as a staff so that we can re-evaluate our effectiveness in ministry and also dream and plan for the following year.

Personally, if I may be honest, I am finding myself frustrated with planning, sick of creativity, left to be reminded that some church with a way cooler pastor, worship leader and stage props are going to do it way better than I can. I am tired of this faulty ministry model. What are we doing? I don't want to waste my life planning services that are jam packed with creativity leaving absolutely no room left for the Holy Spirit. Yet, I want sweet services, with loud speakers, and cool sermon series. I want to be changed, but not as much as I want to be entertained. I am somewhere caught between the pressure of entertaining every Sunday, and actually leading worship... Physically. Just spent. I don't want to dream up new anything. I dont want to look at an empty calender and fill in the dates with something new and exciting.

I am somewhere between the new and the old... I once stood in awe in worship, lately, I've been standing in duty doing my job. You know the "motions". The thing God so desires. "Jonathan, Just give me the motions..."

I came accross a quote from a famous song writer I look up to, Isaac Watts, maybe you've heard of him. He once wrote this quote, maybe even on a not so soft bed overlooking a lake somewhere in the middle between the new and the old...

"The Great God values not the service of men, if the heart be not in it; The Lord sees and judges the heart; he has no regard to outward forms of worship, if there be no inward adoration, if no devout affection be employed therein. It is therefore a matter of infinite importance, to have the whole heart engaged steadfastly for God."

My number one job as Pastor, worship leader, or just plain old regular guy who's trying to live like a Christian is not to do, but to be. Thus, this retreat I am determined to work more on self-evaluation than future vision for our church. If I am empty, I will have nothing to give. "the greatest gift I can give my church is my personal intimacy with Christ." This is something worth working on. This is something that matters. Yeah... this is the new old. Go figure!

New From Switchfoot

2008-05-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Are you getting ready for May 16th, the new CHRONICLES OF NARNIA movie. If you are, check this out brand new from Switchfoot...

Goodbye My Baby!

2008-04-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday little did I know that when I woke up to drive to work it would be my last time driving my little Mustang. A 40 year old lady (who had 2 accidents within the 8 months of her being liscensed) ran out in front of me as I was just minding my business driving down Pine Grove. We both ended up walking away with no injuries. Both air bags were deployed and there I sat in the middle of the street with my baby totalled. I just got off the phone with the Body Shop and they are suggesting that I just write the car off because it is going to cost atleast 3600 dollars to fix.

In these things we often wonder, why? Why didnt I just push the snooze button one more time. Especially when you don't have "Collision" on your car insurance living in a no-fault insurance state. Basically, I am out 4000 dollars, the value of my car. After the impact and as the air bags were deflating I just sat there stunned and remember turning down my worship tunes, and saying, "Thankyou Lord." It's funny, my mom taught me to do this when I was just a little boy. No matter what happens in life always stop and thank God. So, from the days of delivering newspapers and wiping out on my bike watching Saturday Morning papers fly all accross my customers lawn, to sitting yesterday in the middle of traffic with my totalled car, I remembered to thank the Lord.

I'm one of those guys that believe that everything happens for a reason. I guess my theology helped me even in my car crash yesterday. I remembered that there just may be a Sovereign God behind every car accident. I remembered that the lady that pulled out in front of me may have been sent my way to witness to her. Who knows? I just knew yesterday that I wanted to past the test.

As the fire trucks left the scene, and the police officer took down our information I got talking with the lady that hit me. She told me she was so sorry for doing this to my nice car. I told her that it was just a car and that I was glad that we were both okay. (Inside, I felt every emotion you would... trust me) I asked her what she did for a living, and she told me she was a student and a mother of 3 children. After small talk, I asked her if she was a Christian. She told me that she didnt have a good experience with Church people. I told her that I was sorry to hear that but could sympathize with her. I asked her if I could pray with her and thank the Lord for protecting the both of us. She, probably feeling guilty for totalling my car, agreed, and we both bowed our heads and began to pray. After we prayed I invited her to Colonial Woods, where I am a pastor. She told me that she just might check it out.

In all of this, I am still out 4000 dollars. There is no way of getting around this. But one thing that is more important than 4000 dollars is the glory and renown of Jesus Christ. I pray that he was glorified in the totaling of my mustang! If it cost me my baby red mustang to give her a clear picture of Christ and his Church than so be it.

Two verses stuck out to me in all of this. May they be an encouragement to you:

James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure Joy my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, for you know the testing of your faith develops perserverance."

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink (or get in a car accident)or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Phil Whickam

2008-04-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Jesus In An Ipod Culture (part 3)

2008-04-02T14:19:00.001-07:00

So the Gospel may not be enough to change the world? What else do we need? And if we engage our culture what are we engaging them with. A fresh form of ethics. A new way of being a better person. Your best life now. Or is it the only thing that brings about change, you know, the old time undisputable, undefeatable, all consuming, never changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we seek to engage our ipod listening, star bucks drinking, tv watching culture... don't be intimidated by the fear that the Gospel of Christ may be too simple for our time. It maybe outdated. For in my findings and in my own experience, it has been the Gospel that has been the only thing to bring about true Change. Forgetting the Gospel will only produce moral, ethical, heaven loving Christians. The very people that Jesus said, will say to him, "Lord, Lord". And he will say, "Depart from me, for I never knew you!"

NEW MUSIC

2008-04-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

Spring is coming and the windows of our cars will be down soon as we cruise down the street. Your gonna need some new music. Here is some amazing new Chrisitan CD's that I am listening to:

STARFIELD "I will go"

UNITED LIVE "I heart Revolution"

DELIRIOUS "Kingdom of Comfort"

PASSION 2008 "God Of This City"

My Secret Weapon For Weekly Joy

2008-03-24T12:31:00.001-07:00

I have to let you know about a little secret of mine. I'm addicted to something. I have tried to stop but I can't get enough. I have to let it out.

Every week, I watch atleast 1 MARC DRISCOLL (Mars Hill Church - Seattle) video.
He has been a mentor for me for the past couple years.
Watch him, study him, and grow!

He just preached for thier easter services this past week. This would be a great place to start.

www.marshillchurch.org

or go to itunes and dowload thier weekly video podcasts!

Go Now!!!!!

Easter 2008

2008-03-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend at VENUE this weekend. As far as attendance we had a record for our church at well over 1900 people. 400 of those are from Venue. We know around here at C.W. that numbers are no way to measure Spiritual Growth (which is what we want to be all about) but it is a good indicator that people are still interested in the things of God. So we all are excited around here.

Venue will hit it's one year anniversary next weekend! What a year! With the addition of VENUE LIVE, our Saturday night service, we have almost double in 1 year. Praise the Lord. I continue to remind our leadership team at Venue, that if we remain humble and obedient, than we can trust God with the results. God measures our motives, not our numbers. We are still believing, "Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city."

The Gospel in an ipod Culture (part 2)

2008-03-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in my office last week, wrestling with the Lord. Yes, wrestling, fighting, arguing, making my case, and then listeing to His. I asked the Lord in light of my own short comings, if the Bible really works? Being a product of pragmatism, I like you want to know if the Scripture really works? I'm not asking if it's true. I'm asking if it works. Right here. Right now. In my shoes.

Here's how I know it works. I am being changed and I can't explain the power that is working in me except to say it must be divine. It must come from a source outside of me that has somehow invaded me and is presently indwelling me and changing me from the inside out.

I know the word of God is sufficient because in all my moral attempts, and my ethical boot strap tries, I find the same conclusion. Depraved people are just that. Depraved. I can not give something I do not possess. I can not be someone I am not. I need something outside of myself.

The frustrations of our own personal failures to be good boys and girls is no different than that of our co-workers, family members, and freinds. All of us want to be good. We want to think good thoughts about us. We want to be thought of as nice people.

Your not. I'm not.

The answer for our ipod culture is not to tell our people to work harder at it. Or think the right thoughts. No! That is empty ethical, moralism that leads to death or pride. We need Jesus. He alone is good. Which means he alone, when indwelt in a believers life can do the same inside of them.

When we are done trying, the Holy Spirit just might says, "Now that your done, let me step in and see what I can do..."

If you want to know what really changes you. Get in the Scriptures, get real close to Jesus, and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Sounds old school, but it's the only thing that works from the inside out!

The Gospel in an ipod Culture (part 1)

2008-03-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

In the wake of cool pastors, brand new sermon series, and fresh ideas on how to reach the masses, I am concerned that our creativity to engage the culture may be what drives us. You say, what's wrong with that? Nothing is wrong with a passion to engage, persuade, or convince people. But even, Telemarketers do that. Their is a difference for having a passion for engagement alone, than a passion for the Gospel. A lot of preachers fall into the worship of the means rather than the worship and exaltation of the message. Prechers love the rush, or the buzz they get while they are preaching. They love the sense of power they feel when hundreds of people are eagerly awaiting their next sentence. They love the means more than the message. They love the method more than the Messiah. So how do you test yourself to see if you are in love with the means or with the message?

Answer: You read 1 Corinthians 2.

1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

How's your fear and trembling meter? If it's down but your preaching is still firy hot, chances are you are in love with your gift of preaching more than you are the message your preaching.

If you find yourself haunted by the text, longing for insight and revelation from God for your people, chances are your in love with the message and can't wait till Sunay when you get to open up the Scriptures and preach what God has placed on your heart.

The world could use less preachers, and more tremblers!

Preach the text, but only if it's changing you frist!

p.s. In my former days of telemarketing, I became a better salesman after I owned the product that I was trying to sell!

Let Songs Arise

2008-02-23T12:24:00.000-08:00

Let Songs Arise

Awaken my heart to sing thy praise in the midst of tragedy

Awaken my heart to sing thy grace when pain is all I see

Teach my your plans, Oh Sovereign of all

Dismantled I come, by faith and your call

PRECHORUS:

Arise my heart in light of grace

Arise my soul with a song of praise

For He is good, and Just to see

That in my pain, I bring an offering

CHORUS:

Let songs arise, let praise arise

When songs are far, and feelings cease

Let songs arise, let praise arise

In valley’s low, in stormy seas

On Mountain highs, in rivers deep

Let songs arise

Vs.2

Awaken church, were not done yet
The harvest is ripe, wedding feast is almost set
The King is coming, returning for me
Alas, ‘twill be over, we shall win the victory

BRIDGE:

In the shadows when I don’t see the light

In the stillness of day, or the storms of the night

I won’t forget this mystery that life is found through suffering

Hollywoods Not America

2008-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Alright, you heard it here first. Just remember that I was the one to introduce you to Ferras. He is an up and coming 25 year old pop star from California. His hit song will be featured as the exit song on this years American Idol. Get ready folks, his CD hits stores beginning of April. Did somebody say... the next Daugtry!

I love this song! Every youth group in America should be playing it!

Psalm 23

2008-02-07T13:57:00.001-08:00

written by: Jonathan Seller

Verse 1.

Waiting by still waters the Shepherd leads

Past the green pastures, into this mystery

He leads me in paths of Righteousness

For His Name Sake I sit and rest

CHORUS 1:

I rest in the pastures

I rest in the valley’s too

For if God’s my Shepherd

Than I can rest

Knowing He is good

PRECHORUS

I believe God is faithful
I believe His ways are best…

CHORUS

I believe in You

You will see my through

The work you began

Is still in the palm of your hand

Waiting, and trusting not knowing your plans

I believe in You

Verse 2

Following the master, he takes my hand
Down the shadow valley, into this unknown land
He leads me in paths of suffering
For His Name Sake I sit and rest

BRIDGE:

For surely, your goodness will find me here

And surely, your mercy will find me here

And surely, your love will hold me here

And I shall rest, and I shall dwell, with you there

Whatever It Takes

2008-01-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

So what's beautiful in this life?

1. When someone lost becomes found
2. When someone broken is restored
3. When someone unlovely is loved
4. When someone undeserving receives forgiveness
5. When someone proud becomes humble
6. When someone fails but gets back up again
7. When someone leaves but comes back home
8. When someone dies so that another might live
9. When someone loves when its easier to hate
10. When someone says "Forgiven" while the crowd shouts "Crucify"

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." PHILIPPIANS 4:8

RECONCILIATION - written by: Jonathan Seller

So many times we feel like we have blown it
So many times we wish we could turn things around
So many times we wish it weren't over
So many times Grace is no where to be found

So many times we think of the past
So many times we fear it's remains
So many times we hope for tomorrow
So many times we find yesterdays pain

PRECHORUS:

Memories of what could be, Dreams of what may never be
And Grace is no where to be found...

CHORUS:

In Christ we find restoration
In Christ the power to forgive
In Christ the reason for each other
In Christ the only reason to live

In Christ our hearts find freedom
In Christ a sweet serenity
In Christ the broken leave the ashes
In Christ the lost is now redeemed

Vs.2

So when you feel like it's over
So when you feel like it's too late
So when you feel like it's too far gone
I'll be here waiting, I'll take you back!

Because...

(REPEAT CHORUS)

You Are Everything

2008-01-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

Everybody is always looking for some new good music. So check it out. It's "You Are Everything" by Mathew West. Recently Mathew West has been through a lot. Last year he couldnt sing because of vocal problems. He is still struggling but was able to produce this cd with this incredible song. Check out his video on his myspace page. His testimony is powerful. But in the meantime, enjoy this sweet song!

Post New York

2008-01-16T10:41:00.001-08:00

The night before I was to head off to New York to speak, I was up every hour of the night puking my guts out. I found myself curled up in a blanket on the way to the airport. It was everything I could do to keep from puking in Abby's Jeep. Eventually I got feeling better, (Thankyou Lord) and I was off to Syracuse New York. I had a great time with Eastern Hills Bible Church Youth Group. All of them were so welcoming. I really felt like the messages I spoke on connected right where this Youth group was at. The leaders said that this by far was the best SNOWSCAPE they have had in all the years they have done this trip. Praise the Lord, and thankyou for all your prayers.

Also, just for the record I suck at skiiing. We went to WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN, which is 4000 plus feet of sheer fear. This was the exact mountain that the Olympians skiied on in the 1980 winter olympics. I had a blast but nearly killed myself multiple times. It's just good to be back home again. By the way, VENUE, which is the ministry I am in charge of, had a record number in attendance in our weekend services. That's cool, except I wonder why that happened when I was gone? haha The Lord doesnt need me to grow a church. We just need more of Jesus, and more leaders to realize that.

New York

2008-01-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

I get the amazing privledge this weekend to bord a plane to Lake Placid New York to speak at a Youth Retreat. The idea of bording a plane for the purpose of speaking intrigues me. You see, the message of the Gospel is not something to be taken lightly. All accross the world men and woman are travelling from place to place to share what Christ has done for them. I always feel absolutly humbled evertime I share my faith. With such simplicity in the Gospel message, there is also such power. Power to make a dead man, alive again. Power to make a man sacrifice his job, move to Africa and start an orphanage. Power to reconcile broken relationships. Power to cause someone to sacrfice their life just to get this message into the ears of lost people. For over 2000 years this simple message, called the Gospel, has been proclaimed. The Gospel message is unstoppable, pumbling the hardest of hearts that get in its way. So today, when I bored my plane, and fly above the clouds I will be reminded of how important it is to be a good stuard of the Gospel. There is no message in the world like it. There is no religion that offers a God who became one of us for the purpose of redeeming us back for himself. So whether we are on a plane, or just working with our co-workers, be reminded today that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important treasure you and I will ever have. Share it with someone today!

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."

Mike Huckabee

2007-12-19T09:57:00.001-08:00

I am very intrigued and up to this point in support of Mike Huckabee! Check him out as he spoke to a group of Pastors recently in Iowa!

Humility

2007-12-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

I am listening right now to a powerful message from BETH MOORE, one of my favorite woman speakers. If you are a lady and you haven't heard of BETH MOORE, you need to go listen to her. Her daughter and I were friends at Moody and trust me BETH MOORE is the real deal.

Check her out at:

www.268generation.com

Click on "LISTEN TO LOUIE"

Click on "BETH MOORE - HUMILITY"

Your Best Life Now "The Game"

2007-12-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Do I need say anything more...

Sweet Serenity

2007-11-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

Sweet Serenity - written by Jonathan Seller

Oh the depths of present calamity
My mind is fixed on future’s uncertainty
Will troubles find the alter of serenity
In the midst of pain, and growing hostility
Unless I rest in the lack of my ability
And turn to Thee in all nobility
For strength and rest in relentless tranquility
Let waste, not I, in self proven depravity

For You alone can provide solemnity
For the weary heart, there is security
To find in Christ, His vast sufficiency
So Bold I come, with all authority
To offer praise with all audacity
For my mind is full in dark complexity
Yet you are Sovereign in all simplicity
Cause my heart to find humility
Before I find my own sanity
For it is here you show your gravity
The glory of God in sweet serenity

That's What Love Is

2007-11-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

The following is a video of one of my favorite male singers singing one of my favorite songs, entitled, "That's What Love Is".

It’s the only thing worth life and death. It’s the first moment and the final breath.
It’s a broken heart keeping a solemn vow
And a lost soul being found.
You pray for faith when it’s hard to believe.
You choose to stay when it’s easy to leave
And when hope is gone you’re the one who keeps holding on.

Chorus

That’s what love is When you give until there’s nothing left
And it makes you give the very best. That’s what love is.
It can make you laugh and make you cry.
It can let you down and lift you up so high
When you find the only reason left to live.
That’s what love is.

It’s the dream you give up for someone else.
It’s being strong when you’re weak yourself.
Though it tears you up you trust again.
Hatred loses and forgiveness wins.
You turn your cheek when you want to fight.
Sell all you have and lay down your life
And when hope is gone you’re the one who keeps holding on.

Chorus

It’s reaching out and holding on so someone else will know. Love is in the not letting go.

Chorus

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For more amazing video's of this amazing vocalist visit my brother's blog at www.joshuaseller.com

Letting Go Of Lesser Things

2007-11-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

Underneath the stars, the following was birthed. Too many people I know are settling for less. They love their careers, schooling, family, reputation, recreation, sports, cars, etc. at the expense of thier relationship with Jesus. The great lie Satan uses on believers is that freedom is found when we fulfill our desires. I have found the exact opposite in my life. It is only when I die to self, what I want, and how I feel that I find true freedom, peace, joy, and surrender. So, for me in this life, I am letting go of lesser things, and picking up the banner of Christ Jesus and waving it high, sold out for the One who died for me. Join me. Don't settle in this life for what the world tells you is success. His glory truly is our joy complete! I hope the following meditation and song I wrote will be of encouragement to you...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vs. 1

Thy Grace has returned my wondering heart, and brought it back home to Thee

Wrong was I in believing that Thou art lesser than these things

Throw me not, nor disregard me, but allow thy favor to be my delight

Persuade my heart that Thou art worthy for my all, my soul, my entire life.

CHORUS:

Your Glory is my Joy Complete

Making much of you and less of me

I'm letting go of lesser things

Until you become my everything

Vs. 2

Soul of mine, recant the past and wonder away no more

Though her voice be sweet, and kind hear nothing but an empty allure

Regard the cross, recall thy Savior and demand his grace be sufficient for Thee

Walk on regardless, 'till His face you finally see

Vs. 3

Lesser things shall have no home in a heart inhabited by Thee

Only peace, joy, happiness when God glorified in me

Disapointed in pleasure, fulfilling myslef, lonely prodigal me

Until my Savior simply said, "My glory, Your Joy Complete!"

Vs. 4

Hungry for more, yet settling for less, was going my way, He beckoned none the less

Seated at my picnic, now seated at His feast

Hand over thy simple pleasures, enjoy heavens feast

From His own hand, the Master serves, until I am satisfied

Nothing else shall ever compare to eating by his side

Perspective

2007-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone to a movie theatre and wondered how exactly the movie projects on the screen? Have you ever looked back and wondered what's up there in that tiny little window with the light piercing out of it? Have you ever seen the shadow of a person in that window and wished that you were that guy?

I have been wondering all my life what life is like on the other side of the window. Until last night, when my dreams became a reality.

My friend and I went out to a movie (Bee Movie - very good movie if your 8). After the movie, she told me that she got permission to take me to the holy of holies; the inner sancturary of all moive theatres. I was so stoked. It was everything I dreamed and more. (Okay right now, most of you are thinking I am crazy... but that's just because you've never been before). I took some secret pictures to show all of you, but be quiet because I think these pictures are top secret information the U.S. government doesnt want you to know about. All I can say was that it was glorious. I was amazed at all the film, the machines, the computers, the projectors, the engines that run the film roles. Everything was so much bigger and grander than I had ever imagined. The tiny widow, really isn't all that small. It only appears that way when your on the ground looking up.

Beyond the fancy machines, the special reels, the 24 frames per second dolby digital projectors, I loved the feeling of being in control. I could see everyone in the theatre (some couples I wish I couldnt have seen.... yeah). I was above everyone. No one could see me, but I could see them. And I had the power to start their movie, stop thier movie, or interupt their movie. But I would never do that.... (yeah right).

I couldnt resist, so in the middle of one of the movies that was being played, I waved my hand accross the projector just enough to make everyone mad. But the cool thing was that no matter how mad they were, they didn't know who to be mad at because they couldn't see who it was that was destroying their Hollywood moment. The adreniline was pumping. Ahhhh... power is such a scary beautiful thing. After being dragged away from the projector and almost getting us kicked out, I realized my moment of Soverignty would be coming to an end quickly.

After we left, and later on that evening I thought about my night at the moive theatre and how beautiful it was to be in control. Since the Garden of Eden, there is something inside of all of us that desires to be in control. We long for the freedom to do whatever we want without consequence. We long for independence more than we do dependence. We like looking down, more than we do lookin up. We love knowing all, and seeing all things. Even in my short time of having some kind of power over people, I abused it.

All of us in a sense are sitting in the theatre of life watching our lives before our very eyes. None of us know the next 24 frames per second, the next scene in our moive, or the director's twist that will only be revealed in the last scene of the movie. But here's the great thing. All of us who know God, and how have been called according to his good purposes have nothing to fear. The Bible teaches us that "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." God is not a guy messing with the projector just so he can have a good laugh at our frustrations. God not only maintains the projector and what frames, and scenes goes through His Sovereign lens, He also is sitting in the seat next to us holding our hands telling us, don't worry though this is a tough scene to watch, trust me, it all works out in the end.

So the next time your watching a movie in the theatre and you look up and wonder what's in that tiny little window. Just be thankful it's not me. And be thankful that the author and director of your storey is Good. You may not be able to see him, but he is there. The movie may be scary at times, but He is sitting beside You. And the greatest thing of all... for the believer we already know what happens in the end.

Ross

2007-11-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endurethThine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

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The above is such a familiar song to the church, but is it familiar to you?
Have you ever thought and pondered the faithfulness of God on and in your life.
Has he been faithful? Has he ever let you down?

A couple weeks ago, I was singing at a church when before the service I noticed a woman and her husband feeding their 27 year old retarded Son. I later found out that his name was Ross, and when he was 9 months old a babysitter shook him so bad that he became totally mentally retarded. He now has the mind of a 9 month old, can't see, and can't communicate in any way and sits in a chair flopping his arms and head back and forth all day. I was amazed at the patience and compassion these two individuals had on their Son. Their Son would never be able to tell them Thank you, or I love You. He would never be able to help his dad work on a project in the garage, or help his mom in the kitchen. Ross would be completely dependent on the love and care of his parents the rest of his life. The service was about to begin, but I didn’t care, I wanted to know more about this couple and how they deal with having a 27 year old retarded Son. I pulled up a chair, and leaned in close. I didn't want to miss a thing. As we were talking I noticed Ross' dad caressing his hand back and forth. I noticed Ross' mom wipe the food off his face with such gentleness and care. These people really loved Ross. Even though Ross would never reciprocate any token of appreciation it didn't matter. Ross was their Son. The service began and I was about to sing... but I hesitated. I planned on singing "Great is thy Faithfulness". How could I sing this song in the presence of such people? Has God really been faithful to Ross? Has God really been faithful to Ross' parents? I wouldn’t go up and sing. I couldn’t. I told Ross' mom I had planned on singing "Great is they Faithfulness" but that I couldn’t sing it without asking her a question. She said, "Sure, what is your question." I hesitantly replied, "Has God... been faithful?"

I wasn't prepared for what I heard.

As she continued to feed her Son, her eyes welled up as if I had just his a soft spot. She replied, "Oh Yes, Jonathan, God has been so faithful to us." God gave us Ross. God gave Ross us. He is our Son, and we are Ross' parents. We love Ross. Yes times have been tough, but we want you to go up there and sing that song. Don't worry about us, God takes care of us. More than you know. Jonathan, God is faithful."

While singing, I couldn't get Ross out of my head. "Great is thy faithfulness, Lord God my Father; their is no shadow of turning with Thee." (Ross' dad reminded me of this line. Ross' dad has had every opportunity in the world to give up on his Son. But he doesn't. He lifts him in and out of bed every day of his life, and will until the die that he or Ross dies. Ross' Father ain't going anywhere, and neither is mine). "Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be." (Ross' parents have never wavered in their commitment to their Son. They have shown unconditional Love. Love without reward. Love without anything in return. Love that faileth not. Love that lasts forever.)

So... I conclude this blog with tears in my eyes, humbled that somtimes it takes a Ross in my life to remind me of the marvelous grace, and unfailing love of my never changing, unconditionally loving constant God. Great is His Faithfulness toward me.

Evansville, IN

2007-10-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

Alright, so you all have been wondering where I have been. I have been on this Godly thing called VACATION! As a Pastor I get two weeks off a year. So this year I decided to go visit my best friend, and college roomate, James Bonney and his wife Nikki in Evansville, IN.

My Vacation Highlights:

YOUTH GROUP - James is a youth Pastor at a small church in the middle of nowhere. He loves every kid and they love him. I fell in love with them in just the short time I was there. They are all so cool! (shoutout to Mavis). We visited their highshool and they about lost it! I spoke twice while I was down there to both the Junior and Senior High. I also got the oppurtunity to sing a solo, and lead worship for their annual Missions Celebration.

SMALL CHURCHES - I love small churches. Everyone feels like family, and every little thing is a huge deal. For instance, this is a picture of the three Pastors moving in thier brand new photocopier. They were so excited, it was hilarious! As you can see I was big help. (Shout out to Pastor John and P. Tim... just admit it Canadian's are better bowlers)

SWITCHFOOT - One of the nights we were in Evansville, Switchfoot was in town, so James and I decided to go. Reliant K opened up for them, and they were pretty good, but nothing compares to the sweet sounds of Jonathan Foreman singing "We're Awakkkkkkkeeennnning!" It was amazing. In this photo, Foreman came out in the audience with a string of lights while singing "On Fire". I loved it. I was peeing my pants with glee. Afterwards, James and I decided that we were going to start a band.

NASSY GORANG - James and I cooked up his special Thai recipe of Nassy Frekin' Gorang. It was so delish I wanted to shove my face in it. I got the recipe so if you ever want to come over I'll cook you up some. You will die, it is so good!

Nikki's Pink Kitchen - I have never seen a kitchen like it. Everything from the cutting knives to the serving thing a ma jigs were pink. Nikki loves pink big time. I didnt really mind much, because her cracker chicken was incredible. Thankyou Nikki. Oh and thanks for always cooking us cookies! I for sure gained like 20 pounds this past week!

SOUTHERN SEMINARY - Lousiville, Kentucky is about 90 minutes away from where James and Nikki live, so James and I took a day to check out one of the Nation's top Seminary's. I loved it! We even got to have an interview with Dr. Fuller, who is the author of some of the leading Hebrew Text books out to date. The cafeteria food was also awesome! That's the main thing to look for when your checking out schools.

So, there you have it. Some of the highlights from my vacation. We did tons more, but I have so much I have to be doing right now besides blogging. Okay maybe one more... than I gotta go!

I Love ya all that read this though!

CHARLIE - Have you ever seen a Movie where the dog is always humping a certain somebody. Wel, that was me this week. James and Nikki have a dog named "Charlie" and he would not stop. He really liked me... (if you know what I mean). I tried to take a picture of it, but as you can see he wouldnt stop "moving". This is Nikki pushing him off me. hahaha Good times!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To You These Words Are Due

2007-10-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

VS. 1

Oh Holy God of heaven, your eyes search me from within
I stand to offer praise, but fall for the weight of my sin
Can slander turn to praise, or hypocrisy turn to truth
Yet only for your Grace I stand, to you these words are due

CHORUS:

Fallen I have proven, depraved through and through
Tis Christ and only his offering that is now mine to bring to You.
My eyes had seen the darkness; my feet were lost in sin
When mercy stretched her loving hands and Grace pulled me in.

VS.2

Oh Holy God of angles, Your praise is ever being sung
What be it to You, Your servant that you should fill his lungs
With songs of praise and gratitude that all belong to You
Yet only for Your Grace I stand, to you these words are due

BRIDGE:

Oh Holy God of mine, and Father of my heart
You know my end from beginning and planned me from the start
You and you alone, my storey is complete
Forever joining the chorus with souls now reckoned clean

VS. 3

Against me the enemy accuses and haunts me of the past
Except the cross of Calvary, the only thing that lasts
For it was there my Savior found me, and there I shall remain
Forever underneath the flood of Emmanuel’s flowing veins

written by: Jonathan Seller

Wounded

2007-10-10T12:15:00.001-07:00

Flesh and bones we appear, but do not be decieved.

All of us are so much more, beyond what you can see.

Past the flesh, beyond the bones, and into the inner sactuary of our hearts, all of us will find a cluster of wounds that make us who we are. At least that's what I have learned in my 22 years of being wounded. None of us are exempt. All of us will be wounded. The more we give, the more we can get taken advantage of. The more we love, the more we can get our hearts broken. The more we care, the more we will be hurt. But my question is...

Where is God in our wounds? Is he watching or causing? What's he teaching us? If God does everything for a purpose, than what's the meaning behind our wounds?

I can't say I have arrived at an answer, and I probably never will. But a few honest things I am learning from my recent wounds, I now confess to you...

1. When I am wounded I find out who I truly am. Fragile, used, tainted, beaten up, broken, undone, and unworthy.

2. When I am wounded I find out who others truly are. Selfish to the core. A whole lot like me.

3. When I am wounded I find out who God truly is. Gracious, caring, our Rock, our Constant, our Refuge, our Friend, our Wounder, and our Healer.

So, though I fear saying I am a big fan of being wounded, I must admit the glory of God seems a whole lot bigger when I'm lying flat on my face. So I beg the question to God, and God begs the question to us:

"To be Wounded or not to be Wounded"

Which would you choose?

I choose to be wounded... No actually the Scriptures have been teaching me, "God has chosen to wound me; to wound us."

"Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us;

he has injured us..." (Hosea 6:1a)

Why would God do this to us?

"... but he will bind up our wounds." (Hosea 6:1b)

If God's wounds on us are successful, we will end our lives stripped of everything but God, totally naked and helpless, utterly dependent on Him. When Christ prayed in the garden, "Father, let this cup pass from me, but none the less Father not my will but Yours be done", was he asking God to spare the wounds? Does that mean that we can ask God to spare the wounds? Does God always spare us His wounds? Aren't you glad God didn't spare his own Son the wounds? I don't want God to spare me either.

So this is my prayer:

So take me to the alter Lord, past the gates of pride,

Into the Father's secret place of woundedness supply,

And as you lay Your Wounded hands on this frail foe of flesh,

Take into consideration thy loving grace and give me what is best.

Leave me not to myself, lest I forget thee,

and when I pray for the wounds to stop do not listen to me.

For your will be done, just as Your Son's wounds have made me clean

So take your servants every desire and beat me all for thee

In Jesus Name,

Amen

p.s. If you are looking for more on this subject, check out Shane and Shane's new Cd "Pages" and look for the song called WOUNDED.

Let's be STRAIGHT UP!

2007-10-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got back from Chicago where I attended a Pastor's Conference entitled "STRAIGHT UP". It was unreal. Ravi Zacharius, Joe Stowell, James Macdonald, and Albert Mohler where among the faculty of speakers. All of them were amazing, not just because of their passionate, theologically ignited sermons, but the presupossitions that carry them.

What do I mean?

Well, if your not familiar at all with ministry, there are many ways of doing ministry. Some people believe that culturally relevant ministry means, big screens, loud music, saying words like cool, freakin, and whatever....

Other people in minstry believe that people at the end of the day, dont really need another "Office spoof skit" or the latest secular song being paraded in our worship services, lights, or a sweet video clip. All of these things are cool, and if giving careful attention, done on purpose can be effective. But what people really need is for us to be STRAIGHT UP with them. (This is where the conference gets its name).

People need the word of God preached by unapologetical preachers.

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel" Paul said...

Why Paul?

"For it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes" Rom. 1:16

Some preachers I feel, are almost smuggling in the Gospel along with all their supposed "Culturally Relevant" strategies. Is it because we are ashamed of the simple Gospel message itself? Or does the Gospel sound too foolish" Paul would tell you... "It is foolish." It's only foolish though to those who are perishing. So then why is that so many churches are designing their ministry strategies for the foolish and perishing? The church is for the Church ultimatly, and primarily.

We as Ministers should be more concerend about being faithful to the Gospel then we are faithful to staying up on the neverending fads of our culture. Should we be culturally "unrelevant?" No... and dont write me because this is not what I am saying. "I become all things to all men, that I might win some". daaaaaaa Of couse we study the means and we choose the best possible means to bring about the message. But my whole deal, is that I feel like some churches have sacrificed the message on the alter of the means. People can't see Jesus because of all the "culturally relevant, Jesus is my homeboy, and he is so cool" type crap we give em. Jesus isn't cool. Jesus is God and should be reverenced as such.

More and more Pastor's conferences are focused on teaching pastors how to be more crafty, more strategic, more hip, and culturally relevant. All of this sometimes takes preeminece over the expository preaching of God's word. People need the Word. I honestly believe that with all my heart. I have this presupposition that says, "The Word of God is powerful, like a two edged sword that is able to pierce through all the culturally relevant fads of our day to hit the heart of an 8 year old, and the athiest all at the same time." Why? Because the Word of God trancends culture, ages, race, income, gender, and even the preachers boring sermon. The Word of God is timeless, making it the most relevant thing we got to give our people in our churches. Lets not forget what true RELEVANCY really is. How bout your a sinner, in need of a savior, we have the savior, would you like to know him today? How's that for relevancy? They don't need us, our cool videos, our sweet guitar riffs... at the end of the day they need to be convicted of their sin, shown the cross, and called to bow and worship. How do we get people to do this?

Answer: The WORD.

Don't get me wrong, I love videos, and I love the Office... but Jesus, and the preaching of His Word take on a whole other world for me. Combining elements like this in a worship service for me... make Jesus almost seem Juvenile. Don't you think it is interesting (or maybe STRATEGIC on God's part) that He has chosen the primary way to reveal himself through the written Word (2 Tim 2:4). Why didn't he wait for videos, and podcasts? There is something mysterious when a man of God labors all week over the Word, comes to the pulpit with proper respect, to deliever a message from the Lord filled with passion and tears. IF anything is relevant... it's this.

Be this man.

"The Word of God is authoritative even to those who do not believe in its authority" -James MacDonald

So Pastors who read my blog for the sake of Christ, and His church....

"Let the lion out of the cage and it will do the rest of the work."

In love,
Jonathan

Embracing Accusations

2007-09-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Has there ever been a song that you keep listening to and listening to and you just cant get enough.

This week I can't get this haugnting, dark, yet beautiful song out of my head. The song is about the Father of lies, (the Devil) preaching over us, singing over us, that all of us are cursed and gone astray, and there is no way that we can gain salvation. Check out the way this song ends, follow the words closely and be blessed through the ministry of SHANE and SHANE.

Shane says he was running on the beach one evening before a show and was meditating on Galatians 3:10:All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written “cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”He said he was overwhelmed with guilt at this truth from Satan…that because he does not follow everything written in the Book of the Law, he is cursed. Satan was trying to tear apart Shane’s faith but instead, ended up preaching the gospel to him. Yes, he is cursed BUT Christ paid that death for us, so he is cursed no longer. For this passage from Galatians doesn’t end there, it goes onto to say in Galatians 3:13:Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written “cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

These are the lyrics:

Father of lies, coming to steal kill and destroy
All my hopes of being good enough
I hear him saying, “cursed are the ones who can’t abide”
He’s right, halleluia, he’s right
The devil is preaching the song of the redeemed
That I am cursed and gone astray
I cannot gain salvationEmbracing accusation
Could the father of lies be telling the truth of God to me tonight?
That if the penalty of sin is death, then death is mine
I hear him saying, “cursed are the ones who can’t abide”
The devil’s singing over me an age old song
That I am cursed and gone astraySinging the first verse so conveniently over me
He’s forgotten the refrain.JESUS SAVES!!!

If you want to hear this song go to: http://youtube.com/watch?v=r6o5bmfZmbg

Simple. Beautiful.

2007-09-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to Oakville Ontario to Harvest Bible Chapel, where my brother is the worship pastor. Their church usually doesnt have a sunday evening service, but last night they decided to have a "Night of Worship" to kick off their week of prayer. I wasnt't expecting what I was about to experience...

Have you ever been to a worship service?

No, I'm not talking about a church service. A church service, and a worship service are two totally different things. I am talking about a worship service, where you can feel the presence of God from the moment you walk in to the time you leave. That's what last night was. The first song we sang was "Mighty To Save" and I am not kidding, it was so loud I couldnt hear myself sing. So I just stopped. It wasnt loud because the band was turned up to high, it was loud because God's people were singing. Probably 1000 individuals, with their own God storey, with thier own struggles, and with their own personality, were singing at the top of their lungs! I stopped singing, and just looked around. Every face beaming with joy. They were in the presence of the Lord and nothing was going to get in their way.

I left Harvest and felt like I had just been to a feast. I was full. I had met with the Lord.
I wanted to know how do you get a church fired up like this? How do you get them to sing without pleading with them? I wanted to know how as a worship leader do I disapear to the point where the congregation is leading me? I wanted to know what Harvest secret was?

Was it the right songs? No, they are the same songs most chuches are singing.
Was it the right worship leader? No, it was just my brother and his acoustic guitar.
Was it the building? No, in fact the building they meet in is kinda old, and kinda small.
Was it the lights? No, nothing fancy.
Was it the sound system? No, just two speakers in the front.

Or was it something more...

Where was the roar of voices coming from?
Where was the burst of praise coming from?
Where was the shouts of adoration coming from?

My conclusion....

It was something more than lights, glitter, and sound boards. It was something more than worship leader manipulation tactics, and high energy emotional frenzies. It was something more than multi-million dollar worship centers...

it was people. real people encountering their very real God.

simple.

beautiful.

Words on Words

2007-09-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

I find it amazing that everything that is, everything that was, and everthing that will be finds it's origin in the spoken word of God. "In the beginning God SAID..."

Needless to say, or should I say needless to speak, Words are Poweful, and yet the Bible teaches us that "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

Words On Words

written by: Jonathan Seller

Words are small, words are mighty, words reveal me, words describe me, and the wrong words haunt me. I can keep my word, and I can break my word. I can write my words, express my words, swallow my words, and give my word. And I can speak my words. And I speak often of that which I do not know. I speak to be understood, I speak to be heard, I speak to make others laugh, I speak to make others cry, I speak to hurt, and I speak to heal and who decides the weapon of choice except the giver of words, which God’s word says is the heart. Am I defined by my words, or do my words define me. Even when I am silent I withhold words for it is in giving to silence that I admit the power of words. When I am discouraged, I long for a word, a word of hope, a word of comfort, a word of peace, anything that could heal. When I am happy, I give words, words that exhort, words that encourage, and words that edify. Can a ship be driven without a rutter? Can a heart be expressed without words? Words are the outward symbols of the thoughts within. A word begins as a thought, and is revealed as a word. Thus, even in Creation the power of the spoken Word is seen. In the Beginning God SAID… In the beginning was the WORD. Are we stewards of words. Are we speaking creatures because of a speaking creator. Are we image bearers in this regard? If so, my words have power. Power to create, and power to destroy. Power to give life, and power to kill. Power to heal, and power to make sick.
Speaking words are of comfort to me, a release of frustration, a sye of relief, a cry for hope, a prayer to God and all this with these things called WORDS. Words are a gift, a power, a pleasure, a weapon. Words give hope, loss, despair, comfort, heartache, love, pain, and joy. Words are powerful and words reveal me. So May it be as God’s Word, the only Word that really counts says, “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O God”.

Goodbye Razor, Hello iphone

2007-09-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, today was a bitter sweet.

Bitter - I have laughed, cried, sent texts, lost, found, dropped, caressed, and cherished my Motorolla Razor for the last year now. It has allowed me to stay in contact with the people I love. Everyday my Razor has nuzzled herself up to my left ear, and allowed me th

e pleasure of hearing many different voices. We have also pressed our lips up against each other at least once a day as I speak into her, cry into her, laugh into her, or my favorite... whisper into her. She never lets me down, but she has on occasioned dropped me. But I would just wait a little while and she would find her way again and we would be off talking in no time all throughout the night (especially nights and weekends). We would talk for hours (450 minutes a month, to be exact), share our darkest secrets together, make fun of other people behind their backs, encourage each other, and pray together. Razor has been apart of my life up close and personal. She knows everything about me. But it is time for us to part ways. A new girl is in town, and her name is Ms. Iphone.

SWEET - Today is our first day together. Actually right now I am syncing her with my c

alender, music, video's, and contacts. She in a matter of minutes knows more about me than Razor ever did. She will be my new friend for the next two years. I am looking forward to our journey together, I only hope that I will communicate well with her, and her with me. I look forward to running with her as she sings to me, I look forward to sending her letters through her attractive unlimited email and web access plan, but most of all I look forward to walking around the malls with her, holding her in my hand, and watching all the other guys wish they were me. ahhh, "Iphone, thanks for being you!"

Taste Buds, Andy McKee, and Learning How to Ride a Bike

2007-09-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

I find it intriguing that we have tastebuds. Here's why. We don't need them. Taste buds exist primarily and soley for pleasure. God could have created a door in our stomachs for us to manually shove food in, shut the door, and we would be full. Why didn't he do it this way?

Think about your ears. Have you ever listened to a song that created such an emotion in you that you began to cry. Have you noticed the variation of tones, rhythems, and genres that create differnt emotions. (note: Andy McKee)

Isn't it intriguing that one man's noise is another man's worship song.

Think about your eyes. Have you ever witnessed a dad teaching his son or daughter how to ride a bike, or watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition

when the family yells out the sweet sounding words,

"Move that Bus!".

Something happens to us.

It doesn't matter your race, background, culture, or religion, something happens to us. It is in these moments that we find we are all the same. We are God like. We were created for pleasure. His pleasure.

So relish Him, feed off him, and find that God is most glorified when we taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8

Christian Tattoo's

2007-08-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, my friend is dealing with a roommate that wants a Christian tattoo. You know, like a big cross on his back, or a picture of Jesus around his bicep? He wanted some advice.

What would you say?

Instead of being quick to speak, I went to the Sciptures (www.biblegateway.com).

So the Bible speaks of tattoo's twice. Once in Leviticus where it says, "No tattoo for you!" and once in Revelations where it says, "Jesus has one". The problem with saying NO to Tattoo's is that the Bible only prohibits it once and that is in the O.T. and the law is no longer binding on us. But before we all go and get a big tattoo of Jesus on our backs, we need to ask the question, 'why was that commandment there in the first place'. Is there any parallel wisdom that can carry over for us today? Being dogmatic where the Scripture is not, is never wise, but neither is being lackadaisical where the Scripture speaks. This issue isn't clear. But before getting your mark, ask yourself "Is this going to bring more glory to God, and less glory to myself?" If the Answer is Yes, and with a clear conscience before God you can get one, without causing a weaker brother to stumble, after much prayer and Scripture study, meeting with Godly men to affirm your decision... than happy tattooing! But as for me, I will stick with rub on, wash off tattoos!

Mission Accomplished!

2007-08-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

Finally! I have entered the wide world of Blogging. A BIG thanks to my genious brother who figured this whole blogging thing out way before I did. I think he was the one to invent sliced bread as well. But enough about him, this blog is suppose to be all about me. Funny, I wonder if a Christian Blog site is an oxymoron. Enough already, the fact is I now have a blog to post my thoughts, feelings, songs, dreams, frustrations, jokes, advice, and lessons I'm learning. I can spell words "wrongg" forget punctuations or add them wherever I want. I am the master of this ship, I am the lead sailor of this vessel, I am the jenga master tonight, I am the blogging blogger writting on my blog. I can say what I want, want what I say, start a movement, be free to be me, sell a product, share a vision, cast a dream, and maybe even save a life all by way of blogging. I can blog in my jeans, blog on the way, blog at work, say whatever I wish to say. As short as I want, as long as I can go, impressing the crowds, my genious I show. Oh I feel the power growing with every key stroke on the key pad, with ever misspronounced overwritten non grammatically correct sentence I write. So now there is only one question that remains... and that is.... What should my first blog be about...

Ahhhhhhhhh I knew I wanted a blog. But now that I have one. . .

We all start somewhere don't we. Franklin Covey reminds us that we all must begin with the end in mind. What is your blog without a vision? It's probably a bunch of useless ramblings. But what if a blog was rooted in a vision? No better yet, what if a life was rooted in VISION!

I love the wise Proverb that says “Where there is no VISION, the people are unrestrained.” They can’t focus, can’t reach their goal, can’t follow their dream. An older translation says, “Without vision, the people perish.”

So in conclusion to this my first blog. Our blogs represent us. When we write, we reveal who we are, and what we are passionate about. Check your blog out today. Read over some of your last posts. What are you passionate about? Are you funny? Are you sad? Are you deep? Are you shallow?

My vision for my blog is to reveal the hidden image of God behind the body known as Jonathan Seller. May His image be seen through me, and may Jonathan Seller fade away.