What Is Worship?

I ask this question all the time, "What is True Worship?" There's a lot of talk about "Biblical worship" and "Christ-centered Worship" but what does that mean? A quick answer comes from 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

For me, right now, worship means one thing - Rest.

For once I am not doing, planning, rehearsing, trying to sing louder and more often, pinpointing sin to kill...I am just resting. Through the power of the Holy Spirit I am ridding myself of self-sufficiency and I'm learning to be needy. I need Jesus. I need forgiveness. I need the love of God. I need God to have mercy on me, a sinner. Andy Lewis at Mitchell Road asked yesterday, "what is it that you boast in?" Whatever it is, it's taking the place of Jesus. Where do I find my identity?

I saw a quote on Matt Papa's tweet from Billy Graham's book Just As I Am recently that said,

"Although I have much to be grateful for as I look back over my life, I also have many

regrets. I have failed many times, and I would do many things differently. For one thing, I

would speak less and study more, and I would spend more time with my family.

I would also spend more time in spiritual nurture, seeking to grow closer to God so I

could become more like Christ. I would spend more time in prayer, not just for myself

but for others. I would spend more time studying the Bible and meditating on is truth, not

only for sermon preparation but to apply its message to my life. It is far too easy for

someone in my position to read the Bible only with an eye on a future sermon,

overlooking the message God has for me through its pages. And I would give more

attention to fellowship with other Christians, who could teach me and encourage me

(and even rebuke me when necessary).”

Now legalism says you must do more so you can be accepted by God. The Gospel says you are accepted by God therefore you do more (prayer, study, fellowship, etc). I am learning how to be with Jesus and rest in the Gospel truth that Jesus wants to be with me. I want to truly worship Jesus by finding my identity in His life, death, and resurrection. And right now I am doing that by resting.

(Mark Driscoll has a great article on the Resurgence about worship if you want a more in depth study)

Deuteronomy 14

I wonder if Moses ever went hiking back in the day and got super hungry because he forgot to pack his Nature Valley bars and all he kept coming across were rock badgers, nighthawks, and storks. Man! Can't a guy just run across an addax or a clean winged thing?

"Hey, Aaron is that animal chewing his cud and also is his hoof cloven in 2? I hope so b/c I'm starving."

Monday Confessions

I don't like frisbees. throwing them, catching them, holding them. nothing. I am useless at most Christian ministries till the kinda-long-haired-guy decides to impress the freshman girls and gets out his slightly out-of-tune acoustic guitar. Then I'm in my element but the aforementioned kinda-long-haired-guy is mad b/c his scheme failed and he attracted a 30 year old man instead.

2 Fun Worship Concerts

Last week I went to the Hillsong United worship concert in Greenville and it was pretty radical. They rocked as always. I really enjoy their use of lights, sound, scripture, and instruments to usher in the Spirit of God. It truly was an awesome night of true worship. THEN, last night I was invited to come to the HopePoint Youth Band practice. I believe their official name is Captain Megaphone and the Broadcast Funships.

Just between you and me...I figured they would be okay. I've heard my fair share of youth bands in my day and they have a similar sound - loud, off-key nontogetherness rocking. (Most of the youth bands I have heard are pretty sure they're going to be asked to open for Hillsong next time they come through town.) But I was wrong. 100% wrong. During the first song I forgot I was listening to 6-12th graders b/c I was worshipping. They are very good. Not because they are the greatest musicians on earth but b/c they are simple and humble and sing on key and don't try to do too much. It was a sweet night. I felt proud of them and proud of Willy, Rachel, and Stu who have worked very hard to start and train this band. These students know music, know their instruments, know how to sing...and (unless they were faking it) they know God and know what leading worship is about.

I was, and still am, blown away. I have been praying and asking the Lord that I would have the same heart and attitude that I saw last night. The youth are leading worship this Sunday morning and I know the church will be in good hands.

HopePoint Set List 8.14.11

Glory To God - Fee

You Are the One - Josh Ridings Band

The Greatness of Our God - Hillsong

You Hold Me Now - Hillsong United

Jesus Paid It All - Passion/Nifong/Traditional

HopePoint Set List 7.3.11

Search My Heart - Hillsong United

Our God - Chris Tom Tom

Christ is Risen - Matt Maher

Desert Song - Hillsong United

You Hold Me Now - Hillsong United

btw, have I said what an amazing band we have at HopePoint? They love the Lord and love leading worship so much it's ridiculous. The fact that they're all really good helps too.

There was a new guitar player named Bill, in case you were wondering. It was stange seeing someone move whilst playing since Shag is a statue. (did i just compare shag to a Tanooki Suit??)

I am old

There is so much I want to write about...Alaska, turning 30, getting stung by a bee last night (ouch)...but I don't have time. Well, technically I just wrote about those things. I have to go.

HopePoint Set List 6.19.11

Hosanna - Hillsong

Cannons - Phil Wickham (Rachel led this one..she was awesome)

All Creatures - David Crowder Band

I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin

Check Out This New Video!

Everyone Needs To Have A Yard Sale

If you want to be incredibly happy/tired/amazed/rich then you need to have a yard sale. First, where do these people come from? It's like they can smell junk...I mean, merchandise, from miles away. Waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday was totally worth it. Not only did we get rid of tons of stuff but we got money for it! I would've thrown it all away or given it to Goodwill...now we can pay for Jennifer's class at Spartanburg Community OR buy an iPad?? Eh? Which one is wiser? Ipad, of course. (Jennifer may punch me if I mention an ipad again).

Speaking of Jennifer, she was an excellent addition to the Ridings family. I am pretty glad we got married. She is terrific. We giggled all morning at the stuff that sold..old tvs, broken end tables, 98º Cd, Dave Matthews poster...just to name a few items. I was amazed that we barely had anything left. People are savages at yard sales. You seriously need to have one just for the experience.

I met a lot of my neighbors. The highlight of my morning was when an old guy who lives down the street asked if we had just moved in. Jennifer said "yes, I just moved in" and he thought we were new to the neighborhood. I've lived there for 3 years with a bunch of dudes and we were slobs. He went on to say that "the guy who used to live here parked cars in the yard, had an ugly trailer sitting in the front yard, didn't have any grass or bushes...this place looked terrible!" He congratulated me on my yard and cleanliness and asked what happened to the previous owner and I, of course, told him he died. I am SO glad Willy and Gene (my old roommates) were standing there because we laughed for about 30 minutes once he left.

I love my neighborhood. I also love yard sales. I wasn't looking forward to it at all but it was hilariously awesome. You need to have one. You will meet some raaaaaandom people. You also will get sunburnt. But it's well worth it.

HopePoint Set List 6.5.11

Glory To God - Fee

Starry Night - Chris August

Before the Throne - Shane and Shane

Amazing Grace - Chris Tomlin

I Cry Out - Josh Ridings Band

I thoroughly enjoyed Willy playing mandolin on Amazing Grace. Twas hot.

HopePoint Set List 5.29.11

Everlasting God - Tomlin

Come Ye Sinners - Robbie Seay

In Christ Alone - owl city

Because of Your Love - Phil Wickham

I Surrender All/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Little Philly

My good friend/ex-roommate/coworker/fellow laborer at Wofford, Philip Long, totally got married to Amber Green Long this past weekend. I've been to a lot weddings in my day but this one (also Bill's) was one of my favorites because I've know Philip for a long time. I've watched him grow from a 45 year old man to a 60 year old in his 4 years at Wofford. (i just made myself laugh).

When Jonathon Crowe transferred to UVA 4 years ago he gave me Philip's number and said he'd be great to work with at United, a ministry I help with at Wofford college. I was like, "a freshman...great". That "great" was totally sarcastic until I met him. Dude's the man. It takes about 5 seconds to realize that. His love for God was infectious. It still is. I loved the past 4 years of rocking with Philip. When he needed a place to live last summer he crashed at my place. He's also working at HopePoint this summer before he heads off to Gordon-Conwell in the fall (he's getting paid to go there...no big deal. Did i mention that Philip is a genius?).

One of the coolest things is that Philip looooooved this random pastor named David Platt. No one had ever heard of him...at least not in Spartanburg. Philip drove to Birmingham to go to Secret Church 3 years ago, which is a 6 hour worship service comprised mostly of teaching (i thought he was bonkers). But this year Secret Church was broadcasted online and he rented a room, bought tons of food, and got 50 people to come. I went and it was awesome. After 7 hours (it never ends on time) I wanted to hear more. So P Diddy, thanks for introducing me to Platt. You're neat.

Longshanks, I'm going to miss you. You're going to love being married. I'm so happy to know you. We're absolutely going on double dates with our babes this summer. Man, we are married...that's what I'm talking about.

William Loyle Harritt Is Hitched

This past weekend Jennifer and I went to Memphis to watch the world end. (if you haven't heard, the world was predicted to end on May 21st at 6 pm according to your time zone...of course). I find it ironic that the day Bill Harritt gets married the world is supposed to end: we all have been saying that for years. I guess I can't talk...no one ever guessed Young Harritt and I would be married to actual girls.

The Eckstroms (Andrew and Florence) decided to drive (our wallets decided for us) and the Ridings hitched a ride with them. What should have been a rough, 10-12 hour trek ended up being one of the best parts of my weekend. You are guaranteed to giggle, party, and have an entire new vocabulary ("in essence", "probably should", and "you're right" were repeated upwards of 100 times) after 22 hours of exposure to Andy Ex.

But the weekend was terrific. Vitters, the Don, Robby, Trip, Terry, Jack, and Mike were all there as were about 500 other people. The wedding was super cool. The church, 2nd Pres, Memphis, was radical, the dudes were in rare form, and Bill's wife Janet is awesome.

Also, back in the 'burg, Laura Story led worship at HopePoint whilst I was away. That made my weekend pretty swell. If you haven't heard her new CD, you "probably should". Thanks Andrew.

Anywho, Bill is the man. I've known him since that glorious day in the year 2000 when he hobbled into Public Speaking 101 with a torn ACL. My life has not been the same since. He and Janet are going to love being married to each other and I can't wait to party with them soon. Bill, keep it raspy and loud. I love you.

HopePoint Set List 5.15.11

Hosanna - Hillsong

Come Thou Fount

Forever Reign/Inside Out - Hillsong

Rob played a cajon (pronounced kuh - hon) yesterday. It was hot.

Mother's Day

Yesterday was a terrific Mother's Day. Being married is great for 10 million reasons but one of those is the crock pot. Jennifer cooked and baked and my parents and my sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and nephew came over. My house is no longer a frat house. It is filled with pillows and curtains and fancy plates, which is awesome. I fell like a real person. It is fantastic.

We sat around the table and talked and we reminisced about last Mother's Day. It was hard on our family b/c Heather was pregnant with Evie, who was diagnosed with HLHS, which means she only has half a heart. It was super scary but now, after 2 heart surgeries, she is a healthy, hilarious 1 year old (almost). On the way to church yesterday Heather was getting a little emotional as the thought about the past year and the following conversation ensued:

Heather: Kids, I love being your mommy. The Lord is so good to us. I love you very much. (probably with tears)

Katie Hays (who is 3): you look like a chicken nugget

Heather: Ummm, thanks?

Katie Hays: oh I wasn't talking to you, Mommy, I was talking to Evie

I love my family.

HopePoint Set List 5.8.11

Search My Heart - Hillsong United

Forever Reign - Hillsong Live

Before the Throne - Shane and Shane

The Greatness of Our God - Hillsong Live

The One Who Saves - Hillsong Live

*My Friend Shane Fast spoke today at HopePoint and it was great. He shared about what the Lord is doing through Rebirth East St Louis..check it out - MP3 or Video

25 days of bliss?

I decided last year, around Christmas time, that it was time to get into shape. I may or may not have been wearing a jogging suit b/c none of my jeans would button.

Here's the deal...since I graduated college I have gradually gotten bigger. At this rate (25 lbs in 6 years) I will be on that show "Half Ton Dude" in a few years. I rarely, if ever, get self conscience about anything but I caught a glance of my double chin in a picture and I got a little Strong Sad.

Hence the 25 days of Bliss are upon us. I have drank only water, eaten tuna, walked/ran at least an hour most days, gotten 6-8 hours of sleep every night, started back at the gym, etc all month. It's been awful (compared to drinking 12 Cokes a day, staying up all night watching tv, and ordering wings and pizza @ 1 am most nights) but I feel terrific. I can tell I'm an old man b/c the weight isn't falling off super fast like it used to but those jeans are buttoning now. I'm down about 10 pounds (side story....my college roommate, Robby Woodard, and I have a 20 lb slap bet during the month of January. We both have to lose 20 lbs or you get slapped in the face. There is no way on earth I can lose 20 lbs in 1 month. I wish I would've know this 25 days ago when I agreed to said slap bet.)

I have a reputation in the Burg for being a cheeseburger consuming, nap taking slob, which is well deserved. But oddly enough, my motivation has come from people scoffing when I tell them I'm running or working out. Most people give me until mid February (I need some better friends). The Ridings inside of me, which loves to prove everyone wrong and win, has kicked into gear. The slob is gone.

So this is what I need: I need you, whenever you see me, to laugh, point, make fun, and tell me I'll never make it....that is the only way I can sustain this lifestyle. This is the year of doing what I know is right. Being healthy is just one of the many things I am working on.

Bring it on, naysayers.

New Year, New List!

Below is an all inclusive list of my favorite types of Caterpillars! Hooray!

1. Question Mark Butterfly Caterpillar
2. Monkey Slug Caterpillar (weiiiiiiiiird)
3. Luna Moth Caterpillar
4. Saddleback Caterpillar
5. Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar (i'm dangerous, don't try to eat me!)
6. Tent Caterpillar

I know we all love Caterpillars. If you are having trouble identifying your caterpillar (and you can't reach me at home) then try the Internet! There is a terrific website called Google that will help you. When you are done, you may want to think about moving out of your Mom's basement and getting some friends! Happy New Year.

I Cried Yesterday

People are always asking me when was the last time I cried; (they think I'm a wildebeest or something) which is a pretty weird question to ask someone, I might add. Well I can tell you....it was yesterday.

I've had this very dumb idea to not drink Coke and to start working out. This has been a huge lifestyle change compared to drinking 12 Cokes a day and sitting around telling jokes on my couch. I don't know what happened but when I was doing a shoulder exercise yesterday a little tear rolled down my left cheek.

I believe the tear was a result of my body realizing I might actually be serious this time and mourning the loss of Papa John's, Waffle House, Dr Pepper, and sweet tea (that was an average lunch). It also could have been my body rebelling against the gym....instead of sleeping or watching a delightful episode of Seinfeld I am now hanging out in a sweaty warehouse with a bunch of weirdos who grunt and flex in front of the mirror. OR it probably was the immense pain I was in since I was actually using my muscles for the first time in a few months/years. I think the tear was a combination of the three.

Either way, I cried yesterday. And I cried again today as I tried to put a shirt on b/c my arms are too tight and sore to reach into the sleeve. Should my whole body cramp up when I sneeze? I think at some point I will feel good and enjoy working out and drinking water but that time is not now. Right now I am mostly sore and a little sad. Goodbye old friend.