Second star to the left....

Sorry for the lack of posting lately, times are tough you know? Anyway, I went running tonight to clear my head. I haven't gone in a long time and I was pleased to find that I can still jog a mile without stopping. I know thats not alot to some of you... but I'm pretty out of shape, so it was encouraging.

I go running on the Oroville Dam. Its really nice up there at night. Nice cool breezes, and plenty of stars. That was actually my favorite part. I've just recently moved back to Oroville, and there are far more stars visible here, than in Sacramento.

It just really got me thinking about how awesome God is. (Duh) But how He is really extravagant in his creativity for us! I dunno, something about the stars really moves me and always has.

"Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers. Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose, And said, 'Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'
Job 38:1-3

The return of the Social Party

Google announced today that it would be releasing a group of standard web based applications for any social networking site that wanted to interface with them (Story here). For those of you who don't understand a word of that, it means they are developing some generic tools, like SuperPoke, a popular way of interacting with people on Facebook.

Google's intention in all of this is to combat the popularity of Facebook and Myspace, and promote different web based social networks such as Orkut and hi5. These applications are so far, not supported by Myspace or Facebook.

Social networking sites are growing in popularity in a huge way. When I signed up for Myspace in 2004, the network was 30 million people strong. Today it is well over 207 million. Web trackers have been reporting that sites like myspace are actually starting to get more hits than popular portal sites and home pages like Google and Yahoo.

So how does this effect us as Christians? I know that I have heard many cry against sites like Myspace for their less than wholesome advertising. And I would ask them if the own a TV. I believe that while we should always be careful to make sure we are making real connections with people, that sites like Myspace can be a great tool for making connections and spreading God's love.

What social network are you on?
How are you using it to love people?

The only thing I know how to do

I posted a new song on my Music Myspace page tonight. Its a cover of a John Mayer song and its exactly how I feel lately.

Go check it out here: Michael Day Rocks

What songs describe your life right now?

A Mighty Fortress is our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.

This is a hymn called "A Mighty Fortress is our God". It was written by Martin Luther the Reformer and was translated by Francis Hege in 1853. This is a famed song in the protestant tradition, and has been called, "The Battle Hymn of the Reformation."

As a worship leader, it is a constant battle to find songs that are relevant to those you are leading, yet still convey truth and give glory to God. I think in the recent wave of modern worship, some people have sought out songs that are musically relevant to their congregations but may be lacking lyrically. Looking back on the hymns and reading the stories behind them, you will find immense beauty and depth that some of our modern worship music really lacks in.

"And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us"

I mean, lyrics like that may at first read seem archaic and out-dated, but they carry a heavy weight, and I believe they are very beautiful. I am a big believer in all forms of worship, and we should always be finding ways to draw our culture and our community toward Jesus. What we cannot forget though, is truth. Don't forget the Hymns, Rock them.

Positively Discouraging

This morning I was doing deliveries for work. I work at a wholesale bakery, and I deliver pastries to coffee shops all over northern California at 3:00 in the morning. Its not such a bad job, because even though I have to wake up really early, I get to drive around, listen to music, and spend time with God. It was while I was driving around this morning that I was yet again let down, by the positive alternative, Air 1.

Now, I want to start this out by saying that I don't hate Air 1. In case you don't know, Air 1 is one of the largest Christian Radio stations in the country. They are owned by EMF Broadcasting, who also owns K-Love. Now Air 1 does alot of great stuff, they do play wonderful Christian music that encourages people, they share verses of the day, and support good causes that help people.

And now, my issue, with Air 1. Air 1 has always advertised themselves as an a positive Alternative Radio Station. I used to listen to them before they were purchased by EMF broadcasting and they did play, alternative rock and hip hop Christian music. Listening to Air 1 today, you will find a station that is only slightly different then K-Love. It more resembles a top 40 station then an alternative station, and it has one of the shortest, and most repetitive playlists that I've ever heard on christian or non-christian radio.

Here's an example of what irritates me about Air 1. This morning, the station started playing a song called "Say this Sooner" by The Almost. Now, I was really happy to hear this, because its a great song, and its pretty hard rock for Air 1 to be playing. Then things went terribly wrong. They introduced the song as a brand new song, and a brand new sound. They literally talked about how it was brand new and wanted people to call in to let them know how they felt about it. The album has been out since April 3rd or this year. Not only that, but a secular alternative radio station in Sacramento has been playing this Christian band's song in pretty heavy rotation for at least the last 2 months. But wait, it gets worse. Air 1, has a different version of the song that calms the screamy bridge down and puts an entirely different part in its place. AHHHH!!!!! This wouldn't be a problem if they didn't constantly advertise themselves as being alternative.

I guess my question is this, shouldn't we, as Christians be doing better to go against culture, and be giving them an example of great alternatives to art that support Jesus? Why are we censoring great music that promotes Jesus? Why are we the last to promote our own team? Like I said, I support what Air 1 does, but I really believe we can do better. I've posted the Almost's song, "Say this Sooner" at the player at the bottom of this page.

A feeling you just can't shake...

2Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Lately I've been unbearably sad, I've got a real hard situation that is really wearing me down. This state I'm in has even effected my physical health, and this verse was just what I needed to hear today. How many times do I forget, or not hold on to the fact that Christ has died so that I may live? When times get hard, because they do, I can hurt, and be unstable, and live in pain and anger as long as I remember Jesus, and the things He has done for me.

How does God provide for you in your suffering?

When times are tough and won't seem to get better, how do you keep Jesus in your focus?
Its a hard thing that I've yet to get down. I can only hope that I survive this in a way that glorifies Christ, and shows people that I couldn't have made it without Him.

The Causeway...

Causeway: A path that leads over a ditch, moat or other area of ground.

A friend of mine and I have gotten a vision for our community. Currently there are no modern services in our community, and most of our friends our age are nowhere to be found.

The vision is for a Saturday night church service for young adults and young marrieds who are transitioning from their youth, to adulthood. We want to point our peers toward Jesus, in hopes that we can build a city inside of our city, of people who love God, and love their community.

We are thinking of using a name of an old college group I used to attend called Causeway. The symbolism is that Jesus, and fellowship with other believers can help you on your road to the rest of your life, much like a bridge or a road that takes us over rough terrain. We are already facing opposition on this and we haven't even gotten to form our team. I am sure this will be good! Please be praying for us as we pursue what we believe God is calling us to do. Also, pray that the hearts of the young people in our community would get ready and be open to hearing the great news of our savior, Jesus!