Friday, October 2, 2009

... an introduction



Most of you already know who I am, one way or another. Most of you know that I've been playing drums for about 17-thousand years; that I am a strong believer in God, though I make at least as many mistakes as everybody else. Those of you who really know me well know that God has been on the move in my life, especially in the last few months. He has really blessed me with so many wonderful friends, brothers and sisters, if you will. He has given numerous opportunities to actually do something for Him, instead of just wondering through life like most of us are doing. I'm in no way trying to bash anyone. We are each responsible for the lives we live, whether for ourselves, or for something greater than ourselves. My eyes have been opened to the Truth, and I can never again be satisfied with simply living my life, especially if I'm living it just for myself. For many years I was pretty much a hermit. I rarely got out, and when I did, I always seemed to be trapped in some sort of a shell. This was my comfort zone. I wasn't vulnerable inside my little bubble. It was like this musically, too. I felt safe and at home behind a set of drums, but anywhere else you could forget about. I was deathly afraid to ever sing in front of anyone. It was so bad that I wouldn't even sing above a whisper in my own home, if I thought for a moment that my neighbors were at home. I was so afraid that someone would hear me, that they would have something to use against me. Well, long story short, I surrendered everything in my life to God, including my fears and failures. That is all He asks from everyone of us. But since then, I have almost literally seen the hand of God moving in my life. He has been breaking apart my shell, my comfort zone, piece by piece, until there's hardly anything left of what used to paralyze me in fear. He is preparing me for something far greater than anything I could ever envision for myself. I have learned many infinitely valuable lessons in the past few months, lessons that I will continue building on for the next few decades, God willing. And God has placed on my heart a passion to share these lessons with others who might have never even considered themselves in need of anything. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Some of the things I've learned, however are:


1. My life, though my own, is ultimately not about me at all. (2 Cor. 5:15)
2. Freedom can only be found in the presence of total surrender.
3. Everything in my life is to be done for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)
4. My life is to be a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1)
5.This is a decision I must make every single day; to carry my cross for the glory of God. (Mark 8:34-35)


I must destroy my comfort zones in order to be or do anything that matters. This life is the only time we get to make a difference for God. Every single one of is called to be a minister, in one way or another. God has given each of us the talents we need to do His work in the world, and He has given us the passion and desire to see these things done. Net everyone is called to be a pastor or teacher. Some of us are called to be musicians or artists. But we are all called to something. There is much more to this life than being alive, and I thank God every day for this revelation. This is the essence of Finding Freedom. Yes it is a band of sorts, but more than that, it is a tool in the hands of God. It is a ministry to those who might not otherwise hear the Truth that is Christ. There is much power in music, but even the music is just another tool. The focus is on the Message that God loves each one of us, despite all the crap that we have done. Not one of us could ever deserve an ounce of God's love, but He still loves us, no matter what. I for one am no longer content to live this life in vain. I will take up my cross daily, and give all the glory to God, because who am I really to keep any of His honor for myself? I know this may be a lot to take in at one time, but the word needs to get out. I hope everyone can find some hope and truth in this message. If this reaches one person, it will be so worth it. May God receive all the glory. I am just one of His servants. I ask you not to look up to me, for I am merely a man, living by God's grace. Look to Jesus. He's the one I follow, and anything good I do is because He lives through me. Thank you all, and may God bless each one of you. I am finding freedom. Now, who's coming with me?
As Silver Refined: (A New Creation )

i must be less - that You may become more
in Your holiness - i can't stand before You
i'm crying out - from my broken spirit
i lift my voice - oh Lord please hear it

why in the world would You ever want me - when i'm such a wicked man
how in the world could You ever love me - i just don't understand
what in the world would lead You to choose me - and make me a part of Your plan
how in the world do You plan to use me - just take me as i am

humble me Lord - this broken vessel
rebuild the pieces - into something beautiful
purify me - in Your holy fire
as silver refined - this my desire

why in the world would You ever want me - when i'm such a wicked man
how in the world could You ever love me - i just don't understand
what in the world is this forgiveness - after all i've done
mercy and grace You are my Father - today i've become Your son

as a new creation - i stand before You
You have made me worthy - and i will adore You

01.01.09 -

for me to be anything oh Lord
that You ask of me
from You i need everything oh Lord
that You have for me
You see my heart
You know my mind
nothing here is hidden from You
and i am finding freedom
when i lose myself in You

once again i find myself
lost in Your presence
covered by Your mercy
in a flood of grace
You know my faults
You've seen me fall
let me be found worthy of You
Lord i am finding freedom
when i lose myself in You

oh Lord You're my heart's desire
You're my everything
set my heart on fire - consume me
You are the Way the Truth and the Life
i am just a slave to You
but i am finding freedom
when i lose myself in You