Challenge

Had an amazing time this weekend attending the Pray Reach Challenge conference at Southeast Christian Church this weekend.  I learned sooo much not only in how I conduct ministry, but in my personal life as well.  I have not really given myself to prayer as much as I should.  And I have not been as prepared in worship as I should be. 

This weekend has really challenged me to examine my spiritual life.  To be in prayer more, to devote more time in my personal times of worship.  I cannot lead, where I have not been myself.  This has been a time of refreshing and refocusing.  I pray that I can be the leader and worshipper that God has called me to be.

Have a great Sunday tomorrow!!!!

In Him,
Levi Monk

Punching your "Christian Card"

Can I borrow your ear... er... eyes as I rant about a pet peeve of mine????  Thanks... thought you wouldn't mind.
Ok, so I have been thinking about this lately.  It really bugs me when I hear of people complaining that worship services go too long on Sunday mornings at their church.  If we cannot give God (who sent His Son to die a horrible death for us) a few extra minutes on a Sunday morning... our priorities are WAY off.  I mean, when a ballgame goes into overtime- that's exciting. But when a church service runs longer than the usual hour and fifteen minutes, we start complaining that the service goes way too long and that the pastor should cut somethings out.  See a problem there?  To me, that says, "God, I love You, but I really don't have the time to spend with You.  I am just here to punch my 'Christian Card'"

I think it is something that is so easy to slip into and we are all guilty of getting our focus off of God.  There are so many things that get in the way.  But if we spend our time at church watching the clock, we are there for the wrong reason. 

Worship service is so important to our walk with God.  It is not a time to be entertained, but rather a time to focus on Christ, build each other up and let God speak to us. I encourage you, when you go to church this Sunday, don't watch the clock.  Keep your focus on God, and give Him the time that He needs to speak to you.

God Bless!
Levi

Awsome time of Worship today!

We had an awesome time of worship at church this morning!  I work with a top notch worship team at Cambridge City Christian :) 
I am looking forward to Easter weekend!

-LM

Taking Time to Reflect and Praise

Taking Time to Reflect and Praise

I love the Easter season.  Spring starts to unfold and as the weather gets warmer and we come out of our winter hibernation.  My favorite part of this season, however, is Easter.  Easter is a time that we remember that Christ died on the cross to save us from spiritual death.  But I think with all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, passion week becomes our frantic attempt to get everything perfect for Easter dinner, color eggs, etc.  This season is SO much MORE. 

This is a time to reflect on what Christ has done.  He came to this earth as a man, and DIED for us.  He had so much passion for us, that He was willing to give His all, His life. John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. " 

So, I encourage you to reflect on God's love for you this coming week.  Starting with Palm Sunday this Sunday, as we gather as the body of Christ- lift Him up in adoration Matthew 21:9, " The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!” .  Then, Friday, take some time to reflect on the pain and the punishment He bore for you. Isaiah 53:5, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,  and by his wounds we are healed."   Finally, rejoicing on Easter morning remembering that He not only died for you, but rose again, defeating the grave! Matthew 28:5-6, "The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

May your Easter season be a blessed time of rememberance and praise for what Christ has done for each and every one of us!

-Levi



A Night of Worship

Last night was the first of the rehearsals for the "A Night Of Worship" event.  "A Night Of Worship" is the brainchild of my good buddy, Aaron Milbourn.  This night is going to be an awesome time of worship,  bringing together 3 different bands, Radiant, Flight of the Fallen, and myself in one epic night. 
I am really looking forward to it and hope that you will make it out!  It is going to be February 19th @ 7pm at the New Heights Christian Church on State RD 44 in Connersville. 
God Bless!

-LM

Time is LIKE Money

I read this blog today, by Mark Henson, about being busy.  The author was talking about a book that he was wanting to write, but he just didn't feel like there was enough time.  He made the point that we ALWAYS have time for what is important.  

That really got me thinking about things in my own life.  I know what I need to do, what God has called me to do.  But am I focusing on all the "busy" work and letting all that eat at my time?  The author also brought up the point that we need to budget our time, much like we budget our money.  I think this is so true.  Time is finite just as money is. 

This all got me thinking, am I letting things slip that I know needs done and are there things I need to drop that do not need done?  What can I cut out of my schedule that is eating up my valuable time? 

-LM

To read the blog post from Mark Henson, http://www.sparknewthinking.com/

Didn't see that coming...

I really wish that I had everything figured out.  Don't you?  It would make things so much easier, more predictable, and a whole lot easier to control.  But often times (and I am learning this more everyday.) -

I DON'T

Just when I think that I have the plan, something changes.  It is frustrating sometimes.  But there is comfort in the fact that God has everything under control.  Not our control... but HIS.  That is the key to this whole thing.  God is not having trouble making up His mind on what should happen.  Here is the problem- US.  We have it in our minds how we think it should happen and sometimes God has something else planned.  

It is so tough sometimes to follow God's plan and timing.  Sometimes, it flat just doesn't make sense to our mind.  But God's plan, even if it pans out to be different than we expected, is ALWAYS superior and better for us and we will be blessed in the long run.  And it is certainly not boring.  So, I challenge you, just as I challenge myself, go with the flow of God's plan for your life.  Learn to tune your hearts to Christ and listen for His leading and DO what He calls you to do.

-LM