Day Two - LA in the afternoon

There has been a lot of talk here about values – in the context of: “Our values determine what we say “Yes” to & also allows us to know what to say “No” to. Values are not something that we merely aspire to fulfill or would like to want to live out in some perfect world. Values are the “ground-level, lived out, this is what is so important to me” stuff that it thoroughly permeates every decision where I, right now, put my time, energy, & resources.

This is my one & only shot at this life – I don’t have multiple go-rounds to “get it right” – whether or not Christ returns in my lifetime, this is the final generation for me. How then do I live?

The “Desperation Band” led worship today – really enjoyed it, especially after a workshop they led on worship – those that went to it hoping to glean a gimmick or two from them would have been disappointed. These guys are the Sr High, College, & Saturday night worship leaders at New Life in Colorado Springs (Home to Ted Haggard.) They are all about – authentic, real worship, a life fueled by prayer & fasting, doing what they do with excellence, but keeping Jesus Christ & the cross front & center… I loved the analogy given by one of the guys: you can admire a beautiful abstract painting – but then you ask, “What is that picture of? What’s it saying?” Our worship of Christ shouldn’t be like that, beautiful, but abstract, but rather be firmly centered on Christ – clearly focusing on Him & the message of forgiveness, grace, love, & the cross. I’d encourage you to check out their music. Good guys.

The first session after the lunch hour was with Josh McDowell – talked about truth a lot. And his books. He’s got a new one coming out called – “DaVinci – A Quest for Truth”. He was a bit alarmist about the pending end of the world as we know it. Moses loved it.

Me & Moe went to an afternoon workshop with Jerry Cook – he emphasized a very similar message from when he spent time with us @ Hillside – Jesus loves us & wants to be our friend – &, He wants us to be friends with His friends. Simple. Straightforward. Great explanation of what God wants His people to be & do.

Tonight there’s a Desperation Band concert, & also a session with Ron Luce of Teen Mania – I’m hoping it won’t be another “the sky is falling & Christianity is going down the toilet” session – things are bad, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, & forever. He says to love Him, & love people & follow what the Holy Spirit tells us to do daily. And we win.