·           Hey NewSong family!            January and February have been so fun-busy. I am learning about self-denial. Maybe not learning, but am thinking about it. What have I thought about it? I will never be an expert in it! But resistance is neccessary as there is a downward drag in this world to succumb to. So much that is not good. Yes, just not good! Just not worth it. Watch over your eyes! Watch over your mouth and what goes down the hatch! Watch over your spirit and what goes through your ears. Gravity... it'll bring you down. I need to resist. You do too! There is a difference between ragtime magazines at the grocer's counter and a great book. Choose the book. Who cares about Billy Bob and the Spear's family. Walk away from trashiness man! Cleave to the best..leave the rest!

So... What have you been reading lately? I like reading John Grisham and have read all of his stuff thus far. My favorite is The Partner. And I actually liked The Painted House. I am reading his latest, "The Appeal." Three stars only. I like reading Irwin McManus too and find he challenges me to grow and go for it! Every Pastor and Leader should read "an unStoppable force." Five Stars.

Someone told me that our NewSong Nights of Worship are too loud. I told them to try a Bono concert and then come back. Somehow I don't think they liked my suggestion.I preached yesterday and one of our Thai leaders who knows my style said, "If you preached that way in my old church the congregation would be shocked." I said, "What do you mean?" He said, "You were so quiet and didn't jump around at all!" Hmm, is loud preaching out? I still get excited when I preach. But maybe a new rhetoric is in. Maybe a new style is needed. Maybe we need to rethink how we communicate the "sermon." Where does that word come from anyway?  

• Are you praying about your future? I am. In the future I want to be a better  man, not a bitter man.

 Mould me Lord. Help me to resist the popular pastimes that would keep me from what is most important and the pressure of succumbing to what is in. for a brief moment. Shape me. Shape my mind. Shape my heart. Shape my world through your presence and grace. Amen.