Feeling Like Pete this morning

Feeling like Pete this morning

I have a friend, Pete Hedrick, that I have known for a long time. I was introduced to Pete years ago by Doug and Cindy Jones, dear friends that have been through many adventures with us over the years. Pete is a great musician, a really fine drummer, and a very versatile guitar player. He has a passion for music, especially contemporary Christian/Praise and Worship music. He has been leading worship as long as I have known him and is a faithful warrior for the Lord (and a heck of a bass fisherman).

We served together in several ministries and I always respected Pete's opinions and taste for music. One day we as a group were between ministries and discussing our next move as a musical family. We were all philosophizing the merits of here and there and discussing our options and it came to Pete's turn to share, He said something so simple, yet so profound.

I just want to play.

Where, when, what, why, who? These things took second place to the single desire to play. As musicians we sometimes take advantage of the wonderful outlet we have for expressing ourselves, the gift God gave us to play music. Then the day comes when all of the sudden, that outlet is gone. Situations change, people come and go, jobs take us away from our musical groups, or you just get older and nobody wants to use you anymore. 

It is a situation unique to worship leaders in contemporary music these days. Churches want young, vibrant worship led by young exciting worship leaders like my son Daniel and his wife Hannah. More seasoned players and lead worshippers are put out to pasture and sometimes without much warning. 

What is the answer? Go back to the secular world where is doesn't matter how much gray hair you have? Go find something else to occupy your time? Get over it? These are all things that get suggested to you. The Bible says that the Calling of God is without repentance, meaning it is irrevocable. It is not something that you just let go of that easily. 

So there it is in a nutshell.

I just want to play.

Twas the Day After Deer Season

Twas the day after deer season
and all through the woods
All the creatures were stirring
because now they could.

The bucks and the does
now are running around
not scared of the hunters
or making a sound

For three months we hunters
all sat in the trees
all battling boredom
coyotes and bees

in hopes that a big one
would come into sight
we kept on a hunting
both morning and night

While Bambi and Rudolph
were snuggled in bed
bowhunters were wondering
are we right in the head

The sport it is tricky
and hunting is hard
we sit there for hours
while the deer's in our yard

I know they're all laughing
and running around
now shootings illegal
on this side of town

I heard them exclaim
as they ran out of sight
Happy Hunting next season
and to all "You aint right!"

Jack Balthazor
Bowhunter 99

True story...This week, I went back to work after the holiday break.  My son Daniel happened to get a day off Wednesday and was going to hunt that morning.  He asked if I could go, even for a short while and I decided I could.  I quit around 8:30 to go home and get cleaned up for work.  After showering, shaving, and getting dressed, I stopped by the kitchen to refill my coffee for the trip.  I looked out the window and of course, there at the edge of my woods was the biggest doe I had seen all year.  Frances said, "get your bow, here's your chance!"  I went out to the garage and got my trusty crossbow back out and cocked and loaded.  I came back through the house and out on the back deck.  The doe alerted and looked right at me and I froze.  Amazingly, she didn't run, and eventually turned her head enough for me to line up a shot.  Since I don't normally hunt the back yard, I had to guess the distance and I guessed 50 yards, through the trees and brush, with a sooting window of about a foot and a half.  Not a great shot, and longer than I am comfortable, but hey, the season is almost over and I had to try.  So right there, in my work khakis and polo shirt, I let one fly.  Missed a little long, she ran, another doe nearby ran, and as they ran out of sight, behind them was the biggest buck, the grown man of the herd, the deer Daniel and I call Biggun, running 30 yards deeper in the woods.

Bowhunting is a great sport.  I have enjoyed chasing Biggun this year, and as it all came to an end, we were already planning strategies for next year.  We celebrated the end of the season, and snowpocylpse 2017 by cooking venison backstrap on the grill (yes, they all don't get away).

Now what has happened in the last three months while I was in the woods?

Holiday or Holy Day

What is it?

One or the other.....or both?  A reason to be off work, a time to behave and not argue politics, a breather in this hectic rat race, a good reason to not avoid your family, your church, your nearby Walmart, what?

There is a song on my practice CD for the church Praise Team that says "Jesus made Christmas a Holy Day".  As we enter the season of most busy-ness as well as business, it is an opportunity to notice not just the generosity and the selfishness of the people around us, but also the reason for everybody's season:  "Now just why is it we do this again?"

As we see the lights, the displays, the festive decorations, the ugly sweaters, I wonder.....what would this world be like if we all celebrated the Holy Day just as hard as the holiday.  If we got as excited about the Savior as we did the shopping.  Before you say "Hey Jack, you are the worst when it comes to spoiling your Grandkids!", and I am guilty as charged (since they were born, I have always whispered in their ears that I really am Santa Claus) let me throw myself on the mercy of the court and say how easy it is for us to get carried away.

Let me challenge us all, then.  Let's find a balance in these next few days.  Take a minute and celebrate the Savior.  Read Luke 2.  Sing Away in a Manger.  Love on your greatest gifts:  your kids and grandkids, brothers and sisters, your parents, your crazy cousins, your friends.  It's not just the greatest shopping season of the year, but also the season of advent.

My rant is done.  Let me leave you with a song I wrote a few years ago.  I don't know if I will have the opportunity to sing this in public this year so I will share it here.

First Born  

What took place that Christmas Day?
What transpired that Christmas Morn?
What inspired the Angels song, "Unto us a Child is Born"?
Who could love so much that day?
Whose anointing without end?
Who could know enough to say
Peace on Earth, Good will to men?

He's the Morning Star who leads the way
He's the First Born of a brand new day
He's the Reason why we need to sing
He's the Reason for this offering.

His Name is Jesus, Jesus
What more can I say, what more can I give
He is Jesus, Jesus
What more can I say, what more can I give

He is Jesus.

In the flow

Jack

There's No Place Like Home

So, after months and months of wondering and wandering, we find ourselves in a Dorothy frame of mind, "There really is no place like home!"  Before you tell me that this picture doesn't look like Judy Garland, or Kat McPhee, or whoever your favorite Dorothy might be, this is my favorite, my daughter Hannah.

So here we are, back from a tour of OZ, and clicking our heels, and we have a home church again.  Frances and I have chosen FreeLife Church of Winder as our place, and we could not be happier.  Our Pastors, Joel and Regina Talley, and the FreeLife family have taken us in with loving arms and have accepted us.  As two people who are not known to "church hop" the last months have been taxing to say the least.  Understand as I say this, that Walk on Water, our home base for the last 6 years, will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we hope and pray for the best for them and for Pastor Angie Burgess as she leads them into the next phase of their history.  May God Bless Walk on Water Church.

So here we are, getting involved in our new church.  Joel and Regina have set an aggressive vision for FreeLife Church and the programs in place, Music, Children's Church, and Youth have an excellence that most churches this size cannot boast.  Pastor Joel is known nationally as a great evangelist, revivalist, and Bible teacher and now Pastor.  You won't find a harder working man anywhere in ministry.   Frances and I are now leading worship on Wednesday nights and we love the freedom and the flow that we have stepped into at FreeLife.  This is a worshipping church and we are blessed to be a part of it.

So, get to the point, Jack.

Ok.  here it is.  If you have a home church, jump in there with all you have and let's do great exploits for the Kingdom of God.  If you do not have a church home, let me invite you to come to FreeLife Church in Winder Georgia and join us as we build this thing together.  If you are free Wednesday Nights at 7 join us for Power Hour and see what I am talking about.  No flying monkeys, no witches, no yellow brick road (except for the pollen right now), but truly no place like it.

In the Flow again, finally!

Jack

Not Prepared for This.....

Well here I sit, 4 months down the road, my journey of changes, and not one bit clearer about what happened to Healing Flow, the music, the band, the church, and Frances and myself.  Never before in our lives.....literally, have we been in such a predicament.  We have always known not only where we were to fellowship as a church, but also what the Lord was calling us to do.  Now we are dealing with the ultimate elephant in the room, are we getting too old for this.

Contemporary Praise and Worship is a fast evolving genre of music and churches that worship in this style are evolving rapidly as well.  The "new" church is relevant in style and worship and the music we love is central to that end.  Here's the rub (as Shakespeare would say).   The worship leaders in this kind of church look like the fisherman on the left, my son Daniel, who is an immensely talented and anointed young musician and not like the old guy on the right, who though he is a gifted musician and a heck of a fisherman is way down the road age wise for what he loves to do.

God put a call on my life in 1979, and has taken me all over the country to minister to all kinds of people.  We have never had to go looking for our next place of ministry.  It has always come looking for us.  We have served many great churches and Pastors and have met thousands of the Lord's Saints in churches, tent meetings, festivals, schools, parks and homes and have loved almost every minute of it.   We're just not prepared to go quietly into that good night.

Pray for us. Our greatest joy has been making music with my family.  Pray that the Lord would speak clearly what His plan for us might be.

May His Peace be on you this Christmas season.  We love you.

Jack and Frances

Changes

Transitions are always a challenge.  Why is it we are so quick to rebel against change?  Change takes us out of our comfort zone.  Change usually happens in the valley instead of on the mountain top.  Change often causes us to say goodbye to people we care deeply for and to fellowship with people we just don't know.  Change is hard.

Healing Flow is in a season of change.  This is not something we were looking for at this time, nor is it something we particularly enjoy....but here we are.  This is more than a Praise Band,  more than a Contemporary Christian Band, this is a family of people who share joys and sorrows, mountain tops and valleys, good times and not so good times, but most of all we have shared the life changing Presence of the Lord.  We have a motto, "Worship that takes you somewhere".  This is the most important part of our music, and when we miss this, we have missed the point.

Walk on Water World Outreach Church has been a huge part of our lives for many years.  The people of Walk on Water are near and dear to all of us, and the last thing we would want to do is hurt them.  Pastors Perry and Angie Burgess can take a lot of credit for how our music has developed and we will always love them for that.  They will always have an important place in our heart.

That being said, please pray for us as we continue on this Journey.

in the flow,

Jack

Pushing back against the naysayers.....

I'm pushing back against the naysayers.  Yes, you heard me.   Those that might denigrate

the music I do, Contemporary Praise and Worship.  First of all, I have every right and may I say responsibility to be a musical snob, a Bachelors Degree in Music and a Masters Degree in Music Education from The University of Georgia, 30 years experience as a music educator, 5 years experience as a Music rep with a large school music dealer, Performance experiences ranging from Symphony Orchestras to Jazz Bands and everywhere in between,  and 35 years in Ministry, from evangelism to Youth Pastor to Choir Director, to Worship Leader.

That being said

The greatest satisfaction I get is from making music with my Healing Flow band, and leading worship at Walk on Water Church.  There is more energy, more creativity, more influence in what we do than anything this world has to offer.  I'm not saying it's everyone's cup of tea, and if you love your hymn book more than life itself, or insist on legit music at your place of worship, have at it.  But don't put down what we do as uber repetitive, lower class, or "devil music".  

What is the purpose of Worship, anyway?  To point us to Him, right?  I know some of the music that Christian bands put out don't always choose the best styles or lyrics, but I do hope they have the best of intentions.  But after all, doesn't it beat some of the junk that is out there on secular radio?

I know it seems funny to some that at my age I prefer Jesus Culture to Gaithers but it is because hearing Anointed Contemporary Christian music changed my life back in 1978 and I hope in some way I can help someone else someday.

In the flow, 

Jack

At least I know I'm free

I know that Hannah is always scared to death that I will make her sing God Bless the USA any time we have a political holiday.  With all due respect to Lee Greenwood, I want to borrow a line from him today as we celebrate Independence Day.

At least I know I'm free.........

I'm proud for several things this morning:

A loving wife

Two great sons

Two great daughters in love (Hannah becomes official in 7 days)

Two awesome grandkids (Myles has been with us this week!)

A great church family

An awesome job

A beautiful home

but lets get down to the subject for today, freedom.

Most people don't really understand what freedom really means.  That is why we are in the shape that we are in today.  Rules and standards don't take away freedom, they define it.  Let me explain.

Laws are not here to restrict us, they are here to protect us.  Borders are not here to fence us in or others out.  Standards of Holiness that God set forth centuries ago don't make Him the bad guy, it shows us that He loves us enough to set us free to fail.  Before we start to argue Grace, let me also say that we are not to take advantage of His Goodness and continue to hang on to our pet sins and shortcomings, but He gives us "free will"  in our covenant relationship with Him to make right decisions without feeling that He is standing over us with a cattle prod or a giant eraser to zap us when we fail.

The key is ownership.  We have to be citizens of the Kingdom of God to enjoy the true benefits of His Grace.  By the same token, If people want to explore the greatness of America, they should go about it in a lawful manner.  The jailbreak rush over the border is not freedom, it is anarchy.

How can you really know you are free?  Go about it the right way.  Get your citizenship through the right channels.  Take some responsibility and form the right relationships.  When you do you will discover the true wonder that we call freedom.

Marriage and family

Salvation and Grace

Citizenship and Country

There is a price to pay for what we call freedom.  Is it worth it?  I say YES!!!!!!

In the flow,

Jack

Passages

A great philosopher once said "We may never pass this way again".  A lot has transpired in the time since I last blogged here.  In fact I went through several passwords and finally gave up before I confessed to the powers that be (Google of course) that I have no clue what my password is.  I will post a hint in this blog for myself that only I and my sister and brother would get so this wont happen again!

Here we are, almost a year later.  My apologies for not taking care of this blog.  It's not that I don't have anything to say (although you may disagree with me after you read this) or my sometimes poor internet skills (just ask Google or my web server, Fat Cow.com) or my desire to express myself (just ask anybody, no shortage of opinion here), but probably that awful four letter word.....TIME.

As I was cruising facebook one day I saw where a former student of mine was retiring from teaching.  She was admittedly from one of my earliest years of teaching, but still looks like she could be in her 20's or 30's and with the same sparkle in her eye that she had when I taught her.  My response was something like "how can you possibly retire?  Go back in that classroom and do another 20 years!"

It seems like only yesterday when we were all out there on that practice field (parking lot) or at band camp or at a football game and now?????  Some of my students have more grandkids than I do.

not you, Paige, that remark was for some of your classmates.

Which brings me now to current events.  My kids.

Kid #1, Christopher is as we speak finishing a family vacation at Myrtle Beach.  He and his lovely wife, Angie have two beautiful children.  Myles, who is now 5 and a pre-school graduate looks just like his dad (and therefore like me, don't you love the tie in to the beautiful remark?) and Emma, who is 20 months old and still looks at me like a calf at a new gate.  He is a customer service rep and a children's pastor.  I remember the first time he went to church camp and ended up going commando because Lew Nix, his counselor and Christopher couldn't locate everything in his suitcase.

Kid #2, Daniel just finished his Doctorate at Emory University in Physical Therapy.  He completed his education with a 4.0 average (Highest Honors) and is studying for his boards next month.  Also next month He is marrying Hannah Roesch, a beautful redheaded soon to be Elementary School teacher from Toccoa, Georgia.  He is also beginning a job search and together they are looking at houses in the Jefferson area.  It seems like only yesterday, Daniel was getting in trouble with Mary Williamson for disrupting Kindergarden.

Frances and I will be fine, no empty nest syndrome here.  We have plenty to keep us occupied, me with work, my music, my ministry, bowhunting, and my dogs and her with being my snowbunny super hot midlife crisis incredible drummer, gardener, sidekick, accountability partner, and soulmate.  As we prepare for Daniel and Hannah's wedding I remember when she came in the back door of Jefferson United Methodist church on that day in 1979 and took my breath away.

So my journey continues, from that place where the train City of New Orleans pulled out of in that famous song, (there's a hint for you) to a lazy morning on Runt's Private Drive.  Time is flying by and life couldn't get much richer.  To those of you who have played a part in this adventure, I say thanks and I love you, and stay in touch.  I promise to do better......really.....

In the flow, 

Jack

Matters of the Heart

Above all, guard your heart....

Let's look at two HUGE issues facing Christian people today:

Holy Spirit Baptism and Lust.   I will pause here for everyone to take a deep breath and to steady themselves.  OK.  READY?

1.  Holy Spirit Baptism   As someone born into the Methodist church, and sprinkled into the fellowship of believers in 1957 I can promise I had much catching up to do in this regard when I discovered the possibilities of gifts and manifestations of the Holy Ghost in the spring of 1978.  (math students, I was 22 years old, and in a close encounter of the God kind, I told the Lord that I was totally incapable of living a "Christian" life and if He wanted me to do so, He would have to give me the power to do it.  To make a long story short, He did exactly that.

There are many doctrinal discussions and theories about whether or not it is necessary to speak in tongues to be "Spirit filled".  Many Pentecostals insist that you must speak in tongues or you didn't receive it (or Him as it were).  I always say you don't have to speak in tongues, you GET TO.

Here is the key, as I see it.  Speaking in tongues is an exercise of faith that involves bypassing your understanding (and thus your mind) and speaking out of your spirit man.  To do so requires a level of submission and trust that supercedes any previous experience you have ever had.  The flow of living water from within should be beyond human understanding and communication skills, as the awesomeness of God is so far beyond description.  Trust me on this one.  If you think the essence of an unlimited, all powerful God can fit in your tiny human noggin you are kidding yourself.  So relax, check your submission level, take a deep breath, and say, "Holy Spirit, Speak through me".

Speaking in tongues is not the point.....Where is your heart?  Out of that overflow will come a sound with which you will be amazed.  We usually get this one backwards.

2.  Lust  Before you SuperChristians start to bark, let me say that as humans walking around in our earth suits, nobody is perfect and nobody is sinless.  Lust is a very real thing.  That new car, that boat, that diamond ring, that big house, all these things appeal to all of us.  When someone else has it, it is a perfectly normal thing to want it yourself.  Let's go one step deeper (or darker).

Sex

There, I said it.

Alright, buckle your seat belts.  Here we go.  What causes lust?  Pornography?  Scantily dressed men or women?  Improper physical or emotional contact?  Flirting?  I say these things are not the cause of lust, but are manifestations of a lustful heart.  The condition of your heart causes you to look at that R rated movie, to pick up that magazine, to flirt or even be unfaithful or lacivious.  If we would fill our hearts with good things, and take into captivity any wild imaginations or thoughts, and call upon the Lord to wash us clean with the water of His Word, we would see a difference in how these things manifest in our lives.   Try it this week and see what happens in your heart.

Because out of your heart flow the issues of life.

In the flow...

JACK

                                                               

Resurrection Sunday

Resurrection Sunday.....He is Risen indeed!

Amazing service yesterday at Walk on Water.  We continue to be surprised by His Presence week after week.  Pastor Angie Burgess did a super job with the teaching on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.  Altars filled with people hungry for a touch from God.  Worship time was strong, including the following songs:

Happy Day by Tim Hughes
Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche
Glorious Day by Casting Crowns
Grace Flows Down by Chris Tomlin
Here I Am to Worship/When the Music Fades

this blog, infrequent as it is, is networked with others at http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-245/#more-5844

Healing Flow will be leading worship Friday night, April 5 at a Seder dinner at the Garrison Center in Homer GA.  Yall come out and celebrate Passover with us!

in the flow...

Jack

Guitar Wars

been a while, huh?

Gun control, taxes, football teams losing heartbreakers, what?

Ok let's quit whining for a minute and get down to what is important.  What in the world is going on?

I feel a great disturbance in the force.  Well, in the Spirit, then.  God is moving at our little fellowship, Walk on Water church in Commerce, Georgia.  Peoples lives are getting changed, out little building is filling up, and we wonder what is next.

Question for all you deep thinkers.  Has this ever happened to you?  When we were going through our sound check today, I couldn't get my acoustic guitar to behave.  We tried everything and kept getting static, feedback and overall bad sound.  So, I switched to the Tele and made it work.  Me on an electric guitar is always an adventure, but at least it was working right.  Then in the middle of the set the top e string popped.  I reached for my all of the sudden no so trusty Taylor.  It worked fine.  WHAT'S UP WITH THAT!

Except for having to turn off a monitor because of switching from passive to active pickups the rest of the set was just fine.  Actually pretty good.  So the question remains, do you ever experience this kind of interference when God is about to move?

Today's set included

You are Good  Israel Houghton (first time in about 6 years)
Our God  Chris Tomlin
Hymn Medley  (In the Garden, There is None Like You, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, I Saw the Light)
Hold On  Healing Flow
We Prepare the Way  Rick Pino

in the flow

Jack

This blog is networked from time to time with the Worship Community.com  check it out and see what others around the country are singing! http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-235/

Running on Water, Chasing Him....a followup report

So, its Monday morning and rainy and still trying to get my sea legs under me.

well, figuratively of course.

Sunday was amazing at Walk on Water Church.  Pastor Angie spoke on Worship using the story of Mary and the alabaster box.  The Presence of the Lord was there in a powerful way and lives were touched.

The set list included:

Rooftops by Jesus Culture
Everyday by Hillsongs United
Glorious Day by Casting Crowns
Treasure by Healing Flow
Ascend by Lenny LeBlanc
The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe

Its cool to see how our Hannah Roesch has learned to flow in the Spirit.  She is a gifted singer who is developing into an Anointed Worship leader.

Pray for us and Walk on Water Church as we seek the Lord's wisdom in the coming weeks.  I really feel that God is up to something big.

In the flow....

Jack

Walking on Water

OK, here it is, a shameless plug for my church home.  There are many reasons why I love my church.  Let me share the top 10.

10.   The Praise Team.  Yes, Healing Flow.  You have got to understand, a church like ours does not usually get to have live, passionate, contemporary praise music.  I am not bragging on myself and my family, I am bragging on God.  You really can't possibly understand how blessed I am that God uses us like he does.  Cathy Roesch, Hannah, Kenny Voyles, my wife Frances, and my son Daniel are all anointed by God to lead worship.  Commerce, Georgia's best kept secret.

9.  The People.  We have a core of people at Walk on Water that will absolutely go to war.  This is in a converted garage, at a body shop, with no sign, no advertising, and only word of mouth.  We are soon going to have to make decisions concerning where we will meet based on running out of space.

8.  The Spirit.  God shows up on a regular basis, in that very same garage.  We should never take the Glory of God for granted as few churches get to experience the freedom and the flow that we get at WOW church.  Thank you Lord.

7.  The Word.  Great preaching week in and week out by our talented Pastoral staff,  Pastors Perry and Angie Burgess and Outreach Pastor Greg Roesch.  Fresh Rhema word straight from the Throne in a challenging yet highly entertaining delivery.  Never a dull moment.

6.  The Children's ministry.  Children's Church led by Linda Seabolt, a Saint of God with a lifelong passion for children and a calling and Anointing to match.  You don't have to worry about what is going on with your kids when Linda is in charge.

5.  The Heart for Ministry.  Walk on Water served as a homeless mission in Athens and fed and housed hundreds of people during that time.  Our Pastors have such a giving heart and a drive to help people that is evident when you meet them

4.  The Heart for Souls.  People can and will be confronted with the Gospel in this church.  Lives are changed and people are meeting Jesus.  What more can you ask for?

3.  The difference.  This is not your usual church.  As a matter of fact, this church cannot be copied or compared to any other church.  There is no compromising of the truth, no meaningless religious rituals, no preconceived notions.  Only genuine seeking of God.

2.  The Freedom.  Unparalleled liberty in worship.  You might need a few weeks to get your sea legs as the flow can be pretty powerful.  In my over 30 years of leading worship I have never experienced a trust and a freedom to worship as I have with Pastors Perry and Angie Burgess.

1.  The Pastors.  They make it all happen.  Now, before you rebuke me about exalting man let me qualify this by saying, these pastors bring this to pass only because they are 100 percent sold out and submitted to the Holy Spirit.  Their transparency and honesty before God is so refreshing in a world that is crying out for something real.  We are truly blessed.

There you have it folks.  Now if you are curious, or need a church home, come to 217 Sandy Creek Road (off the Ila Road near the golf course) and turn at the sign for Scott's Body Shop.  You will not be disappointed, I promise.

In the flow.....

Jack

Free Fallin

With all due respect to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

I just have to talk about my friend Vanessa.

Nessa and her husband Ray are some of our closest friends.  We have spent many hours together,  fellowshipping, sharing great times and great food, Playing cards for hours on end, sharing a love for great coffee and whatever the baristas can talk us into at Starbucks or Jittery Joes, or creating the same drinks in the comfort of our own kitchens but most of all, talking about our Lord and sharing our passion for worship and intercession and what the Lord is doing in the world today and in the future.

Nessa and Ray are unique individuals and a unique couple, devoted not only to each other and to the Lord but to their son Jason, his wife Karen and their daughter, and grandaughter number one, Savannah.  Savannah is battling a health condition but seems to have a handle on it through the healing hands of God and the fine Doctors in Augusta.

Ray is semi-retired, working when he can of wood working projects and creations and taking care of Vanessa.  The family pet, Misty is the luckiest and most spoiled dog in the world.  Nessa has been an accomplished baker and restauranteer and creator of many crafty things of her own.

Early on this year Nessa heard from the Lord that this year would be about her health.  She set about with great fervor to eat more healthier and to be more healthy.  In the midst of great successes in weight loss and such, Nessa had a nagging cough that would not go away.  As time went by, her energy level dropped and her ability to "catch her breath" became more and more challenging.  After dealing with this for quite some time, and seeking answers with different doctors, she had a complete blood work up.
The results were scary and Vanessa was transported to the hospital for tests and treatment.  Almost daily transfusions and countless units of platelets had little effect.  The diagnosis?  Cancer in the bone marrow.  Chemo and more platelets followed, but encouraging words were not coming from the Doctors.  Vanessa got to go home, but had to return daily for more treatment, more platelets, oxygen, and more.  After a three week stretch of this tiring routine, Vanessa called my wife Frances and said, "Is there any way you and Jack could meet us for lunch and coffee one day this week?"  We said of course, and said what day would be best for you?  We settled on Thursday, when we would be in Athens on business and we would hope for a good day for Nessa.  Thursday came and as her platelets test was not great, she was encouraged to go in for a transfusion.  Nessa asked if it might be possible to take a day off.  The Doctor enthusiastically said yes.  Go and have lunch with your friends, we can do this tomorrow.

Thursday came.  We met at the Olive Garden for a great feast of food and good times.  It seemed we had the old Vanessa back.  Cutting up and enjoying the time together.  We headed from there to Jittery Joes for lattes and more good times.  There we talked about the Lord, sharing rhema words from the Lord and where we felt the world might be heading.  Talking about the deep things of the Spirit and Nessa sharing the burden of what the Lord was speaking to her.  I remember encouraging her to journal, saying that the Lord could use her to touch many people.  She gave us such encouragement and shared victory and the assurance that the Lord was working in her behalf.  She never wavered in the knowledge that she was firmly in the palm of God's hand.  Then she shared that she wanted me to tell my son Daniel that she now understood why he loves to sing Free Fallin by Tom Petty in the midst of a worship set.  I told her how much I admired her faith in the face of the obstacles she was facing.  We told her and Ray we were going to the mountains for a few days of R&R but to keep in touch and call if they needed us.

The next day, Friday,  Nessa's body rejected the platelet transfusion for the first time.  By Saturday, she had to go back to the hospital,  where they put her in ICU.  Pneumonia was setting in and things looked rough.  I talked to Ray Sunday morning when he called for prayers of the saints.  I prayed for Vanessa and asked God to give her her miracle.  We were sitting at the table in the condo in the mountains when the text came in around 2:15.  I almost didn't even want to look at it.  Frances said "Oh No!" and I handed her the phone.  Vanessa went home to be with Jesus at 2:00.

It still doesn't seem real.  We had a celebration service, a homegoing as Pastor Conine called it.  We shared worship, stories, food and fellowship, and I believe Vanessa would be proud.  Ray, Jason, Karen, Savannah, and Mrs. Dollie (Vanessa's mother) are holding up remarkably well.  Please join me in lifting them up to the Lord for His comfort and the Peace that passes all understanding.

For Vanessa, I sang Free Fallin at the Potters House as we led worship there Wednesday night.  I can only imagine Vanessa as she is experiencing a Free Fall into the Master's Arms.

Now I'm Free....Free Fallin

Jack

Whole lotta shakin going on

Way too long since last post, I know.

no, not me, Daniel, Hannah and some friends...

Last week at Walk on Water Church we had an amazing woman from Alaska named nancy Haney speak.  She shared a prophecy concerning a shaking that is coming in the near future.  I remember seven years ago when Kim Clement (I think it was Kim) prophesied the same kind of message before Katrina hit New Orleans.  Anyway, with the way this world is heading, I think we should all keep our heads up and our eyes on the horizon.

A young man in a local high school tragically took his own life the other day.  Several things come to mind as I pray about this situation.  First, the family and friends of this young man, as they deal with their loss.  My friend and colleague, who teaches across the hall from where this happened was out of work Friday, and many others interconnected with the young man that I know....

Second, the school as a whole.  I taught in this area for many years and I can't imagine the raw emotion of the students, staff and administration as they attempt to go on with the school day today.  God Bless them.

What is our responsibility as the Remnant?  To stand in the gap, to jump into the breach, to be restorers of the wall, to pray, pray, pray.  In a world where movie theaters and busy city streets can suddenly turn into scenes of horrible violence and understandable fear, we cry out for Your Mercy Lord.

As the song so ably says (thank you Building 429)

All I know is I'm not home yet, this is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong

This weeks set list at Walk on Water

We Cry Out by Jesus Culture
Made to Worship by Chris Tomlin
Treasure by Healing Flow
Where I Belong by Building 429
We are Hungry by Jesus Culture

This blog is connected to the Sunday Set List on theworshipcommunity.com where worship leaders all around the world share the music that they are experiencing.  Check it out. here is the linkhttp://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-214/

in the flow....
Jack

Winning the Battle of the Mind

Sometimes we just get a little too wrapped up in our work, huh?



Evangelist Rebecca Wheeler brought this timely word this week at Walk on Water Church.  We spend way too much time believing all the junk that is poured through our noggins and not nearly enough time considering the truth of God's Word.

Let's try this out for a minute.  Lie #1  Women have no business in the pulpit.  Rebecca Wheeler can just bring it.  No question.  Our Pastor, Angie Burgess can hold her own with just about anyone.  Where do people get these ideas?

Lie #2  Rock and Roll is the devil and has no place in a house of worship.  Hang on to your red back hymnals, folks, but there is some annointed rockin music that lifts up the Name of Jesus.  As one who was saved, not at a church service but at a concert of Contemporary Christian Music, I can say that, personally, withour music that spoke to me, I would be lost and probably dead.

When we forget that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, when we try to explain a supernatural God in terms of our finite minds, we fall so short.  The Bible tells us to "Magnify the Lord".  He's a big, big God.

This week's set list:

Come, Now is the Time  (a classic)
Breath of God (Healing Flow)
Healer (Planetshakers)
Where I Belong (Building 429)
I Lift My Hands (Chris Tomlin)

Let's step back this week and see things from His perspective.  He's a Big God.

This blog is linked to the Worship Community's "Sunday Set Lists" where you can see what others on the Worship world are singing.  Visit their site at http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-202/

Bridges, revisited

When last we talked, we were exploring the subject of building bridges.  This week we will be building more, beginning on Saturday Night.  This is an outreach we call "Rockin the Track".  The Racers for Christ ministry has invited us to do a concert at the Atlanta Dragway, which will begin around 5 in the Campground.  Look for the big tent near the top of the hill.  This is a unique opportunity as we will have thousands of people in ear reach of us, and it is street ministry at it's best.  With a little help from the Holy Spirit and a few hundred watts from out PA we can reach thousands more who are trapped in the usual parking lot traffic jam.  The idea is to draw a crowd, give away food, and share the love of Jesus.  I could picture the Lord in a situation like this, hanging out with real people and showing that He cares.  Come and join us.

Sunday Morning we will be joining Walk on Water Church and our Pastors, Perry and Angie Burgess as we travel to McDonough Georgia to worship together with Pastor James Scott and his church, Shabbach. This is an exciting, Prophetic, Charismatic, Contemporary Church which happens to be primarily made up of African-Americans.  The cool thing, without sounding patronizing or cliche, is that two somewhat diverse congregations coming together to worship doesn't happen that often, and the fellowship and kinship we feel is special.  I don't know exactly what God has in mind, and this is the fourth time we have worshipped together, but I do know that God's heart is after people who can lay down differences and enjoy the brotherhood that is truly a snapshot of what eternity will be like, as we worship at the feet of the Throne.  Come and be a part of what I think will be a mindblowing experience.  Shabbach meets at 500 Industrial Boulevard, McDonough GA 30253.

I hear Praise reports from around the state and the country that God is moving in a new and powerful way.  I challenge you to jump into the water, let God do a new thing in you as well.  There is so much more to this relationship with Him than we have ever experienced.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

in the flow.....

Jack

Bridges

Natchez Trace Bridge, near Nashville

In a world where bridges get too easily burned, where politics are divisive and Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week, when excuses are far too easy and patronizing phrases are thrown around for the throwers benefit, comes my Pastor, Perry Burgess.

This is a man who, even though he had no idea from where the funding was going to come, spent a great deal of personal energy and wealth to feed and house the homeless people of Athens for the last several years, only to be unceremoniously shown the door himself a year ago and his homeless outreach essentially homeless itself.

Fast forward to the present time. On Sunday, March 18, our fellowship, Walk on Water Church hosted another fellowship, Shabbat, and their Pastor, James Scott in a joint service. The peoples greeted each other as long lost friends, worshipped together with enthusiasm and unity of heart, pushed into the Presence of the Lord and then feasted not only on the Word of God but also on a huge array of food wonderfully made by some of this areas finest cooks.

Pastor Scott brought a great word, "Wait on the Lord" and encouraged all to not get ahead of God. This young man is a hooked up, family man, visionary, with obvious oratorical and prophetic gifts, with a word for this nation and this world. It's not a black thing, it's not a white thing, it's a God thing. Yes, if you haven't figured this out already, Pastor Scott is a black man with a black church. Pastor Burgess and Pastor Scott have come to realize that God has drawn them together for a reason, and plan on meeting again two more times (at least): April 15 in Commerce and May 6th in McDonough.

I highly encourage anyone who is the least bit curious, if the Lord has tweeked your consciousness, or if you just want to experience what was and could again be one of the most awesome Worship experiences of your life.....come. There are bridges to be built.

in the flow.....

Jack

Thank you Mr. President

Now, before you think I fell of the conservative wagon and became a democrat, let me just say the thanks go to Washington and Lincoln, and the inventors of Presidents Day, makers of the 4 day weekend without a trip to Hallmark to get a card.

As we watch gas prices jump dramatically and head for $5 a gallon, and wars and rumors of wars, and the US economy in tatters and many good God fearing people losing their jobs, houses, and ways of life, the best the Republican Party can do is tear each other down over social issues, faith, and their ability/inability to handle their personal lives. Good men run out of the race over such petty things and the choices left less than appealing.

This is the greatest county on earth, for crying out loud. Is this the best we can do to pick a leader? We put more real thought into picking the American Idol. There, I said it.

The big problem....2012, the end of the world (as we know it?).....time zipping by and we look like we could be headed toward Book of Revelation type stuff in the Middle East. What should we do, Randy Jackson? Where is the answer, Steven Tyler? Help us, Jennifer Lopez!

I thank God for friends that challenge me in my walk with the Lord, for colleagues and clients who feel free to talk about their faith, most of all for a Godly wife and kids who are secure in who they are and where they are heading. I've been in the studio this week working on a tune I wrote called Gotta Have Faith, a Southern Rock tune that reminds us...

Gotta hang on when the going gets tough

Gotta stay strong when it doesn't look good

Gotta keep trying when I don't have enough

Gotta know that He'll do what He said He would

Gotta have Faith

©2012 Healing Flow Music ASCAP