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He Knows My Name (John 20: 10-18)

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT

The song title above has been a favorite of mine for many years. It's not a new song, but the message is timeless. In celebrating the Resurrection Sunday, we find Mary Magdalene and the disciples. They were seeking Jesus in an empty tomb. We read how they were very disturbed to not find the Savior (for He had risen). In Mary's distress, she was questioned by the angel as to why she was crying. In the next moment, the Lord found her. He called to her, "Mary." I imagine that the hearing of her name had to have been one of the most thrilling moments. At the same time, when her name was spoken, she was filled with comfort. Mary responded to the Savior's call as she turned toward him, cried out and held on to Jesus.

What an amazing event! The risen Savior, raised in glory, still with the very people he loved and called them by name. Even in the hour of desperation, our Lord is there. When we are empty, He fills. When we are lost, He finds. When we are lonely, He calls our name. In this holy fellowship with the Father, he initiates and we respond. Just as he called Adam in the Garden and called Abraham to form an everlasting relationship, he calls for us today to respond to His love. God Almighty completed the work of the covenant through Christ. We now have access to the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. We now have an incredible joy to go and share this love to all mankind. For those of us who are close are far from Christ, we are never too far from His reach. He still calls us by name, knows our every thought and sees each tear that falls. What an awesome, mighty and unbreakable love we have in Christ. It is a true joy and relief for Him to call us by name. He is Risen!

What Is The Most Embarrassing Moment In Worship?

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CST

Whether we lead worship or participate in some form, we all have experienced the unpredictable, the unbelievable and the unreal-are-you-kidding-me circumstances. I have known worship leaders and teams who have really succeeded in becoming the most embarrassing wonders of the world.

Band starts in the wrong key, singers in another, associate pastor dresses up as a sumo wrestler, worship leader backstage left his head-worn mic on, drama actor split his pants and/or misspelled words that were projected during a worship song. You may have better stories.

Tell us: what is your most embarrassing situation you experienced in worship?

American Idol

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CST

You watch it too. I have come to understand that American Idol is pure cheap entertainment at its finest. We pull for the underdogs and vote for our favorites. The judges banter about the audition process and make comments to the contestants. The beginning auditions are hilarious. We witness the many walks of life, the silly get-ups and the variety of sounds. The ones who nail the audish victoriously go to Hollywood. The ones who don’t go home in tears. Either way, we enjoy the show because it makes us laugh, cry and faint all at the same time. Unfortunately, there are contestant who don’t make the cut and feel that their dreams are crushed. Some kick and scream, while others respectfully walk away. Some unveil their ill feelings to the judges, while others thank them for the opportunity. All in all, this show gives people a chance for the voice to be heard - for better or for worse.

But what about the identity of the person? Our personal identity? We are all talented in many things. However, we can damage ourselves when we put our complete personhood into our gifting. Further damage is caused by allowing others to determine our self-worth - expectations. Our personhood is in Christ. The Bible says who we are, not the world. We are His kid, His child. Real life is found in the fellowship of His Spirit. Because we live in a fallen world, we are subjected to the hurts of life. The difference is, we are not defined by our past or present situation. We are defined by the Authorship of God. Our identify comes from Christ, being hidden in Him. Real life is given by the Spirit as we see our reflection in Christ. He has called us by name. He has drawn us with loving kindness. Even when the world rejects us, He holds us in His hand. We can make an idol out of many things, but these are worthless in comparison to the One who bought you and cherishes you for Himself.

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.” - Col.3:3-5

Hope

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CST

I was astonished. As of last night, my best friend’s father passed away. After years of health battles with a deteriorating heart, he went to be with the Lord. I’ve met grandpa Lain a few years ago. A sweet man with a soft voice and gentle sparkle in his eyes. You easily knew what he treasured. The simple things. Faith, hope and love. When we got word last night, I quickly called my best friend to extend our sympathy and prayers. As always, my best friend was solid, secure and at peace. I have seen my him go through many other challenges before and I am always surprised by his resolve. He is always calm. Most often, when you offer words of comfort, he begins to comfort you. I can see how his father’s life made such an impact. You can see the hope through his father’s eyes. Hope is an amazing reality. But what is hope? Is hope an expectation that guides us through the fog? Is it something that falls from the sky to bring relief? Is hope really a tangible thing? When I looked up the word hope, I found something different:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Rom 5:1-3.

“while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” - Titus 2:13

This hope, is not what the world can provide. Hope is defined by the reality, life and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The kind of peace I saw in the eyes of grandpa Lain was the hope of Christ. As Titus says, Christ is our blessed hope. Not found in things, solutions or people. These all have their purpose and position in this earthly life, but they do not guarantee our eternal frame. How do we extend this kind of hope to others? Being filled with this kind of hope flows from Christ. This kind of hope is attractive and fulfilling. Hope is like a water well, overflowing and cannot be contained. This is parallel to the love that Christ offers in those who are thirsty. It is a curious blessing to receive an encouraging word from friends and especially from strangers. Christ - our hope is our guarantee of sanctity and eternal life. We move from faith to faith and from strength to strength, believing in the power of the Resurrection and Return. He is our living hope. While we remain on earth, may each day be spent abiding in the hope and peace of Christ. Spend a moment today sharing this kind of hope to the people around you. This can be done through words or by actions alone. What a surprise it will be when our Hope appears.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” - 1 Pet. 1:3

Home Free

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CST

As of last week, we experienced a loss in our family. We had to put down our family dog Cookie. She was a sun-ray of joy to all of us. If you ever have lost a pet, you know, that it is like losing a family member. One interesting story I’d like to share with you is of her last day. As hard as it seems to write, it is always good to release the pain to heal.

My wife and I left after our final goodbye of Cookie. Our crying turned into laughter. We re-lived sweet and funny memories. We remembered how she always loved chasing ducks at our favorite duck pond. Next, we agreed to take one more walk around that same duck pond. As we were driving, my wife leaned over and shared an idea. She told me that in her mind she could see Cookie with God. She began to wonder. Along the way to Heaven, God let Cookie stop at the same duck pond to chase and catch one more duck, one last time. We laughed until we cried again. Finally, she said it would be if the event became true: finding a dead duck at the pond. We arrived at the famous duck pond. Got out the car and walked down the path. The graveled walking trail led the way to the waters. The hills had a misty, yet green appearance. The wind was billowing across the lake. Children were off playing in the distance. Down between the grassy banks, in the middle of an open space, guess what we saw? A dead duck.

I went down to confirm the site. Sure enough, it was a dead duck. It looked about two days old, but it was the real deal. Heather and I were astounded. Cookie finally got her duck. I don't know about you, but we were amazed not just at the sighting of the duck alone. We were stunned at what Heather verbalized earlier from the car ride. Either way, we both got what we loved. A duck and a wealth full of sweet memories to last a lifetime. Now she is home free. It’s a weird way to view life through the lenses of a dog. When we do, we can see that there are only the simple things in life that become more important than the rest. When we set our minds on being Home with the Lord and being Free in Christ - there is nothing better.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord,” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Your Treasures

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CST

The New Year is a time of great beginnings, aspiration and vision. In a way, this time reminds me of spring cleaning. We shed the old year and put on our best for the new to come. We value and prize our dreams and ambitions with great expectation. Recently, I set out all my plans and to-do lists only to find the enormity of their demand. My initial thought was to dive right in and swim as much as possible. Along the way, I grew tired, faint and directionless. I realized that I was swimming up stream instead of with the current. Here's the danger, it's only been 15 days into the New Year. So what's the problem? It's found in where I am placing my value. This alone will cost precious time, energy and more time. For something to be a value it must require attention.

If your like me, you want to overachieve more than what is actually necessary. I like to get-it-all-done when I can and as much as I can. Here's another problem. Along the way, I pass up what is truly important. You see, the things we value and treasure really aren't what we really need. Sometimes what we think we need are someone else's' dreams, expectations or self inflicted demands. Maybe the old tapes playing in our minds relentlessly compel us to obey. You must do this. You should do it that way. You don't want to end up like this do you? Ok. Stop and think. Right now, what do you really value. I mean, what really calls out to you in the middle of the night. What cries for relief? If there was an open field or sky that had your remedy, what does it look like? Who would be standing there? What are the true things that really make you happy or that are truly important - to you - not someone else? Have you really considered this alone between you and God?

The concerns of this life are crafty and lead us to believe in a lie that says we must have it all. But when we don't get it all, we aren't happy. When we do get it all, there is always something more to have. This chasing of the wind was exactly Jesus' point when he said: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal," (Matt. 6:19-20). Re-evaluate what you treasure in this life and in this New Year. It's great to have the plans in our hearts as long as the Lord directs our steps. When we lean on His understanding and treasure what is right, true and life-worthy we are truly free. In the good and bad, we are able to see what truly matters most. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," (Matt. 6:21).

R-U Certain?

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CST

What does the New Year of 2009 hold for you? A better question may be, what has God called you to do and to complete? This second thought speaks to my heart. We tend to look at the things that we don't have, rather than what we do have. This half-empty perspective affects what we desire to accomplish. It also seals our fate. For me, longing for what I do not have clouds my vision. In fact, when I am looking for the visible, I am in deed not walking in faith. How can I? When I am too busy to find a sign, I am veering off the road. Think about all that you completed or still have left to complete from 2008. What has God called you too?

I ran across this verse today that really grabbed me by the throat: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Heb. 11:1. The question that ran through my mind was: am I certain? Yes, I am certain that if God gave me ability, opportunity and His wisdom, I have every reason to complete the work He's called me to do. Ephesians already has said that He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph.1). What better blessing in life is there? Having your own way? No, because Proverbs reminds us that our own way, without leaning on His understanding, will ultimately lead to death. So think of what God has already given you in order to complete His work in 2009. You may already know what this work is even as you read these words. Well then my friend, go and do. Trust in the Lord and be certain to make the most of every opportunity as he provides. He is with you in prayer and in Spirit as we walk on. May this verse encourage your souls and lift your hearts for the New Year: "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." - 2Cor. 8:11.

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 CST

Sad to say, but Church maybe the last place to have relational difficulties. The truth: it's more prominent than we realize or would like to admit. Over the past two weeks, I've spoken to many worship leaders who tell me about this concern. A larger concern involves the volunteers in their own ministries. Like you, I hear of problems that spill into rehearsals, meetings and even awkward discussions that take place before worship. Are you kidding me? Well, the reality is, none of us our perfect. In fact, we suffer from the same condition as everyone else: being human. When you put anywhere from 100 to 3,000 in one room, you have that many more opinions and differences. Scary? Maybe. Outcome? Beautiful. Why? We are made in God's fabric of a kaleidoscope of colors and tones, likes and dislikes.

God loves us all the same in our array of contrasts. Why can't we love another just the same? It takes a lifetime for God to hammer out our hearts and minds, that's the beauty in this journey. None of us will have the same preferences and thoughts as the next person. Life would be boring. We can never change a person either. We are only to love one another as in the same love of Christ. Romans 12:16 puts it this way: "Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are."

Remember, when we lead worship with our teams, we are making more than just music. We are modeling the love of Christ. We model what it means to be in harmony with one another. We model what it means to be a leader of worship. We model what it means to lay our differences aside, pray, love and accept one another. Besides, did not Christ gird himself with a towel and wash the feet of his disciples. My friends in the same way, He commands us to do likewise.

The Fall Of Change

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

The Fall is my favorite time of the year. There’s something sweet about the colors of amber, mahogany, deep red and orange. There’s something refreshing about the cool wind and the crackling of leaves under your feet. Toasty fires, mocha coffee and a harvest moon seems to kindle my heart. Over the weekend, my wife and I went back to our favorite old town square. The streets are lined with antique black lampposts among old maple and oak trees. Early century small shop houses invite you for a visit and some window shopping. The brisk weather rustled through the leaves with the sounds of horse drawn carriages and the laughter of children.

I asked my wife, “why do we enjoy the fall?” She replied, “the fall brings change as well as memories.” In amazement, I thought of how all the colors, smells and sounds appealed to my senses. Each association was coupled by a fond memory. Jumping into a pile of leaves with my friends, fire-side deserts with my family and long walks with my high school sweetheart (now my wife). These are great memories.

If you can’t tell already, I love trees, particularly the branches and leaves. For me, the changing colors, shapes and sizes remind me of life. Leaves indicate the changing of time. Leaves also provide shelter, food, gardening and are a resource for other uses. I love the way leaves provide scenery: sunrises and sunsets, on top of mountains, through the river, along-side of oceans and even in the desert (well, at least there’s cactus). All of these environments bring a palate of inspirations and responses.

I was amazed in connecting the dots between memories and events stemmed by one season. There were good memories as well as bad. Some days were my most difficult struggles, while others brought unspeakable joy. Each memory was tied to a relationship and/or person. Each thought was a reminder of how things change, like the passing of time seen from the leaves of trees.

Change is not easy for some, while it is embraced by others. However, there are things in life, where we do not want to see change. Sometimes, we want to hang on to the moment and hope of its eternity. Letting go can be so hard, even when we can’t understand the winds of change. Looking down can feel so lonely, that you can’t even see through the trees. Trying to figure out our direction, where to go and what to do, can be like waiting for spring in the midst of winter. All in all, things must change.

Jesus says "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” Jn. 15:1-4.

The act of cutting and pruning of the branches is painful. Change involves the removal of old to bring forth new. He is not only our Father but our Gardener. Like a caretaker of crops, He know exactly how and where to prune in places we cannot see or know. He knows the right tools to use and the right time. He also knows what kind and how much pressure to use. All the while, He is cleaning, purifying and gently caring for us. He knows how much pain we can bear and how much we cannot. LIke the falling of leaves and the passing of branches, we witness the results of His pruning. Our comfort lies in how and what He is saving us from. At this point, our faith really is the evidence of things unseen. Think about how ginormous and frightening our problems would be if we can see all that God sees. “but God, can’t I have just a peek?!” Then the Lord whispers, “No, my child, because I know what is best for you,” It’s funny how a silent whisper can speak so clearly. God has to pass over us first before we can see what He is doing. Think about how God showed his glory to Moses. God had to pass by him first. Even when God passed, Moses could only see the backside of Him, and even this was more than enough.

Our God, Father, Gardener and Gentle Shepherd, knows our needs even before we ask (Ps. 139:4; Matt. 6:32b). We can take comfort in the passing of change through the seasons. May we be forever plugged into His vine to feed on his faithfulness (Read Ps. 37:1-11). As you go through this fall of whatever change you are facing, hold on to the good memories, the good colors and the good that fills your senses. Let go of what is falling and passing. Our bodies are just a shell. May the comfort we find in this season be used to comfort others who maybe falling. The Lord breathes new life again into our souls. He refreshes our branches as a good Gardener. He desires to see us reap a harvest of righteousness - to never give up.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Gal. 6:9

Is Worship Traditional or Contemporary?

no@spam.com (Branon Dempsey) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Is Worship Traditional or Contemporary? After speaking with many of you, there have been a lot of discussions on music styles. Some claim that contemporary music breathes new life in the faith; others say that our traditional heritage reminds us of our faith. While both of these are true, is there only one way that ought to be more embraced or do you find a balance in both styles of worship that can coexist? Watch author and speaker, Marva Dawn in this video to hear her response as she shares the biblical perspective on the styles of worship and their role in the Church.