Gettin' My Jam On!

It is sooo awesome to finally meet some people who are as passionate about worship music as I am. So far, we've only had one brief jam session but hopefully we'll be able to convene for another tomorrow afternoon. Been looking forward to it all week :) I wish I had some of my gear here with me. Hopefully I'll be able to get a few things brought down to me in June . I think it will probably be just my delay pedal and maybe an instrument cable (I'm currently borrowing a second one from a guy in my PBL group).

I made a couple more additions in October that I didn't post up. I found a couple great deals on wah and volume pedals online and decided to go for it. Added a Dunlop Crybaby Classic Wah and an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal Jr. I went with the Classic because it's supposedly "true bypass." I didn't have a ton of time to play around with it but I think there is still some tone loss. Oh well :P The VP Jr is really handy to have and with it, I am able to keep my tuner out of the chain and preserve the tone as best as possible.

Rig as of Oct 21/07

Crybaby Classic --> Boss SD-1 --> ProCo Rat --> Amp [FX Loop: CE-2 Chorus --> VP Jr --> Echo Park]
(Tu-2 off VP Jr and amp channel selector footswitch)

NHL Playoffs - Round Two

(imported from my Facebook note...)

Wow. Somebody please fire Jim Playfair? I didn't get a chance to watch any of the Flames/Wings games but judging from the stats, two things are certain: a) The Flames can't win on the road in the regular season and the playoffs b) They forgot how to play defense. I looked up the shots on net for both teams and it came out to 255 to 129 in favour of the Red Wings. That's an average of 42.5 shots on net per game allowed by the Flames. I was afraid that they'd drag their feet into the playoffs. I think Colorado would have put up a better fight.

So I was 4/8 for predicting teams and I think I only got the Ducks/Wild series correct for 5 games. Not too impressed with myself.

EAST

Buffalo Sabres (1) and the New York Rangers (6)

Like I said on my blog, Buffalo has speed, depth, skill, and goaltending on their side. Watching their transition game makes me drool. Buffalo won all four games of the season series (I think a couple in OT and one shootout). I really can't see the Sabres losing unless they gets hit by a sudden plague of injuries. Sorry Jagr, no dice this year.

Sabres in 6

New Jersey Devils (2) and the Ottawa Senators (4)

Well, the Sens are the only Canadian team left in the playoffs that actually deserves to be in the 2nd round based on how they played in the first round (not going to mention any names yet...). Alfie is definitely leading by example and the rest of the team is clicking. I can't stand the Devils but they are a solid team. If they can continue their scoring rampage, they will probably have a date with Buffalo. Five of their players are in the top 11 for points (Gomez, Rafalski, Elias, Parise, Gionta).

Ottawa in 7
(If I was betting money it would be Devils in 6)

WEST

Detroit Red Wings (1) and the San Jose Sharks (5)

I don't like the Red Wings but I respect their team. They play a consistent offensive and defensive game - a consistency that the Flames did not have. However, San Jose is a BIG team that's going to be hard to stop. If Nabokov can keep his GAA down, the Sharks will be advancing to the conference finals.

Sharks in 6

Anaheim Ducks (2) and the Vancouver Canucks (3)

Sorry to say this, but the Canucks don't deserve to be in the 2nd round. They were outplay by Dallas. That's okay because their success will be short lived. Everyone wants to watch a Ducks/Sharks conference finals anyway.

Ducks in 5

I miss hockey...

Being Still

I was recently reminded of the song Still. I love many of Reuben Morgan's songs and this one is no exception. I'm learning to be still before God whether He's taking me for a ride through a storm or the calm seas. I'm reminded that He is a God of refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble; and reminded that I should give thanks to Him and tell of all His wonderful acts when the blessings flow. Thanks for reminding me of this awesome song Rich :)

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

So sometimes when you're up at 2am in the morning on the account of your noisy, drunk neighbours, it can be difficult to feel the love. How do you lovingly tell them to please shut up and respect those living around them because everyone else is trying to sleep? It isn't the first time I've heard them screaming in the middle of the night. But it hasn't really affected my sleep or livelihood. Where is that fine line of action and inaction? It's not bothering me too much so therefore I will refrain from action. But what about other people? Should I act on behalf of my other neighbors who undoubtedly can hear the noise as well?

I am reminded of the story of Catherine "Kitty" Genovese who was brutally stabbed to death outside her New York apartment at 3:20am on March 13, 1964. Many people heard her screams but did nothing to help her. The murderer actually came back to sexually assault her and rob her before finally leaving her to die. It wasn't until 3:50am that someone called the police and her body was found. Different sources say that between 12 and 38 people heard her cries and did nothing - either driven by apathy or the assumption that someone else would do something.

The psychological phenomenon known as the bystander effect was derived from this example. It states that people are less likely to intervene in an emergency situation if others are around than if they are alone. Often it's an assumed diffusion of responsibility, the hope that someone more qualified to assist is there, or maybe just a feeling of inadequacy to do anything significant in the situation. Bottom line: it's easy to default to apathy.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
- Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

Time to stop being a bystander. I'll start by knocking on their door and politely asking them to be quieter. Gotta start losing the apathy.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does."
- James 1:22-25 (NIV)

"Here am I. Send me!"

Today I received awesome news from some good friends in British Columbia that their 2nd child was born. They named him Esaias, which I discovered is the Greek translation of Isaiah - one of the great prophets in the Old Testament. His name means 'The Lord saves.'

I was just reading through Isaiah's commission and it really spoke to me. He hears the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah replies...

"Here am I. Send me!"

What's interesting is that this commission occurs in the 6th chapter. You'd think that the book of Isaiah would start with his commission but he was already a prophet prior to this. Dr. Allen Ross, a former Professor of Old Testament at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, points out that this was "a call to a new and more difficult task that had to be performed." He then goes through this exegetical expositional process that involves doing thorough word studies; analyzing poetic structure and literary structures; solving textual problems;
explaining syntactical relationships; biblical theology; and developing an accurate and meaningful exposition of the text. In other words, a thorough and proper way of studying the bible.

Since I don't really have time to do that right now, I will borrow some of Dr. Ross' findings on this passage - particularly on verse 8. In the previous two verses, there is a sanctification process that involves a symbolic touching a live coal to Isaiah's mouth. In verse 5, Isaiah is convicted by the holiness and awesomeness of the Lord and acknowledges that his lips are unclean - not necessarily referring to sin but not really acceptable to God. Only after this sanctification does Isaiah hear the voice of the Lord.

The way Isaiah responds is also significant. Abraham responds to God similarly in Genesis 1:22 with, "Here I am." Isaiah boldly responds and asks for God's divine authority in sending him. He didn't say, "I'll do it." Instead, he asked God to send him.

As a disciple of Christ, there is the great commission recorded in the gospels to go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. To make disciples of all nations and to teach them to obey the commands of Jesus. It's an imperative that applies to all Christians in any kind of work, school or play - not just "international workers."

I've heard many people talk about hearing the voice of God and knowing God's will. How when we pray it's often not a conversation between us and God but a soliloquy. It ends up being an exhaustive list of things we want God to do for us like a big wish list for Santa. A conversation should involve both speaking and listening and it's the listening part that's so easy to miss. I'm learning to take time to not only talk to God but to also be still before Him and let Him speak to me. There are so many decisions in my life that require guidance and I really need some divine wisdom to make the best choices. There are some more simple choices like whether enrolling in a Christian Development School class is the best use of my time. Or perhaps investing in a car in the coming years so that I commute easier. Others are much more complicated. Where does God want me to go after I graduate? What does He want me to specialize in? Who should I marry?

God commanded Isaiah to proclaim a message of judgment to the people. There really aren't any pleasantries in being tasked to deliver bad news. But there's purpose in the message and that is to bring about repentance. One of my big concerns is not having the courage and faith to respond as Isaiah did if God says to me "Will you sell all you possess and give to the poor?" or "Will you leave your house, brother, father, and mother for My sake; and give up the comforts and pleasures in life to work in a developing country to care for those that are suffering most?" Because that just might be part of the cost of discipleship.

NHL Playoffs: Round Uno

I posted up my first round predictions on Facebook but I usually like to break down why I make my picks. The thought of missing out on all the playoff hockey action is a bit depressing. I caught a bit of the quadruple overtime game one between Dallas and Vancouver over internet radio. Since my beloved Colorado Avalanche have prematurely traded in their hockey sticks for golf clubs, I will now cheer for Calgary. They came out a bit flat against Detroit in the first game; but then again the Flames are a terrible road team. I think they should be able to win all the home games and take game 7. The West definitely is the best. I think almost all of the Western playoff teams could be matched up against any of the Eastern playoff teams and win. For the sake of consistency, I'll keep the same predictions I made earlier...

Eastern Conference

Buffalo Sabres (1) and the New York Islanders (8)

It was no surprise that the Sabres took the Presidents trophy this season. Anyone who has watched Buffalo play can see that they are a monster of a team. They have all the ingredients of a team that can crank out the 16 wins and hoist the Stanley Cup at the end of it all. Depth, speed, skill, goaltending - it's all there. Briere, Drury, Vanek, and Roy all have more than 30 goals. Plus, they have Afinogenov and Tim Connolly healthy again. The Islanders are going to have a tough time especially since DiPietro is not back yet. They've picked up Ryan Smyth (who I actually found out is a member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance from Wikipedia lol) but he's not going to be able to singlehandedly pull the Islanders into round 2.

Sabres in 6

New Jersey Devils (2) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (7)

I say this every year and I'll say it now - I dislike the New Jersey Devils with a passion verging on hate. It stems back to the days of the old NHL. They used the neutral zone trap and used it effectively to shut teams down. It was the most boring hockey to watch ever. That's why I love Colorado. They play a very entertaining, offensive based, style of hockey that makes it great to watch from a fan's perspective. If only they could mix it with some defense and consistent goaltending...anyway, I hope Tampa can knock off this boring team. Lecavalier, St. Louis, and Richards are all capable scorers. Dan Boyle was a great later addition to my fantasy team and can really work the power play from the point. The Devils have Brodeur and I have no idea who's playing in net for Tampa. That could be the x-factor.

Lightning for the upset in 7

Atlanta Thrashers (3) and the New York Rangers (6)

I'm not sure why I picked Atlanta over the Rangers. I've never been impressed with the Thrashers. The Rangers have added the uber-pest Sean Avery and the veteran Brendan Shanahan. I want to say Rangers in 7 but, like with multiple choice exams, i'll stick to my first guess. I do get goosebumps watching Atlanta's powerplay when it clicks.

Thrashers in 6

Ottawa Senators (4) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (5)

It's time for the Senators to step up in the playoffs. Heatley came up with another 50 goal season and together with Spezza and Alfie, form one of the most talented lines in the league. Emery appears to be solid in net for the Sens and they have a solid defensive corp in front of him. Crosby will most likely take the Hart trophy and Malkin will take the Calder, but no Stanley. The Sens should have no problem dispatching this inexperienced Penguins team.

Senators in 6

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (1) and the Calgary Flames (8)

Whether you like them or not, you have to respect the Red Wings. They are one of the most consistent teams every single season and always end up near the top of the standings. They also should be in the top being in a very weak division with Chicago, Columbus, and St. Louis. Signing Datsyuk to a 7-year contract was a smart move as he is one of the most talented forwards in the NHL. Calgary's scoring has definitely improved with the help of Tanguay and Huselius has seen a huge increase in point production. But Calgary is in a slump right now. They ended the season with a whimper and are dragging their feet into the playoffs. On paper, Detroit's blueline isn't as impressive as the Flames but they allowed the 3rd fewest goals against during the season (tied with SJ). If the Flames play to their potential and play the body, hopefully they can squeak by Detroit.

Flames in 7

Anaheim Ducks (2) and the Minnesota Wild (7)

At the beginning of the season, I predicted a Stanley Cup final with Anaheim and Buffalo. With Pronger or Niedermayer on the ice at all times and Minnesota's tough defensive play, this is going to be a very low scoring series. The new guy in net for Minnesota - Backstrom - has been quite impressive. The Wild have a lot of great players - Gaborik, Demitra, Rolston - that need to step up if they hope to stand a chance. Step up and stay healthy lol.

Ducks in 5

Vancouver Canucks (3) and the Dallas Stars (6)

How did the Canucks make it to the top of the NW? I totally didn't predict that. Grabbing Luongo = money well spent. Grabbing Theodore = worst investment ever. I'm not bitter at all... Dallas is a much better team and more well rounded. If Turco can avoid his playoff tendency to play like Dan Cloutier, the Stars should be able to dispatch of the Canucks no problem.

Stars in 6

San Jose Sharks (4) and the Nashville Predators (5)

This will be a great series to watch. These two teams have a lot of talent and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The Sharks are a big and that's going to help them go deep into the playoffs. Nashville picked up Peter Forsberg who is a game breaker. He can score, he can setup plays, and he plays physical - Foppa had double the hits of any player on either team in game 1 (8 of them). I think Nashville has a slight edge in goaltending with Vokoun but I think the Sharks are going to pull off the win with their very good power play and their physical play.

Sharks in 6

No Ordinary Death

So right after some Evangelism on Campus, I was walking past the main refectory and saw a bunch of people from the Evangelical Students Society (ESS). They are one of the various Christian clubs on campus and would be the equivalent of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) back home. They put on a short Easter service at 2pm right outside the Student's Union and were handing out booklets with the gospel of Mark and some info on why Easter is all about Christ. I really thought that they did a really good job at effectively presenting the gospel and I just wanted to recap some of what was said here.

They sang three songs that I absolutely love and know by heart: The Wonderful Cross, Worthy Is The Lamb, and Amazing Grace. I was surprised that I've actually committed four of the verses from Amazing Grace to memory because there was one Sunday a while back when I tried a Tree 63 version of it and practiced it over and over and over.

Then they started with a reading from Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (NIV). It's an old testament prophecy some 800 years prior to the first coming of Jesus Christ that was made complete with His death and resurrection.

"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.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes ^[f] his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life ^[g] and be satisfied ^[h] ;
by his knowledge ^[i] my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities."

Then they read an account of Jesus' crucifixion from John 19 that contained the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.

One of the chaplains here at UQ started to talk about how death is really the only certainty we have in life. The only variable is when and how. He then went on to talk about the significance of the death of Christ. He lived some 33 years and the gospels focus largely on a single week leading up to his death on a cross. Another key aspect was that Jesus predicted the exact timing and nature of his death.

Will I be remembered for my death 2000 years later (assuming Christ doesn't return before then)? Probably not. I always tell my friends that if they had to choose between attending my wedding or my funeral, I'd rather them be at my funeral. Not that I don't want them to celebrate with me when I get married...but honestly? I'm probably going to be so focused on making sure everything goes smoothly and when I'm not worrying about that I'll be basking in the beauty of my wife. But at my funeral, my hope is that those who know me will remember me as someone who sought to put God at the center of my life.

So once we realize the significance of the death of Jesus Christ, it then becomes necessary to understand how this ONE death WON life for you and I. Romans 5:18-19 states:

"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous."

Sure, sin entered the world through Adam but we've all sinned on our own since then. I like Ray Comfort's method of evangelism. He will start simply with the 10 commandments. Many people will know that it says that we shouldn't lie, steal or murder. Often people will admit to taking something small that wasn't theirs or telling a lie at some point in their life. If we hate someone we commit murder in our hearts. If someone claims to have never lied, stolen something, or had feelings of hate towards anybody - they're probably lying hahaha - they're almost certainly guilty of loving something more than God and thus guilty of breaking the first commandment of having no other gods.

After establishing this and pointing out that death is the result of sin, it's pretty clear that we all need salvation that comes from Christ's death and resurrection. I am reminded of the chorus to a a song by Robin Mark that is based on Romans 8 called "Behold the Son of God." The bad part about death isn't the actual death itself but the potential condemnation that we face afterwards - standing before God the almighty judge and being given a guilty sentence for all eternity. But once we put our trust and hope in God, there is no condemnation! Death is swallowed up in victory and loses it's sting (1 Cor 15:54-55)!

Behold the Son of God
Who dies upon the cross
Suffering my punishment
Sacrifice of grace
Though He dies
Yet shall He live forever

And here we stand oh God
As trophies of Your grace
Drawn from darkness into light
Of Your Spirit born
Though we die
Yet shall we live forever

There is no condemnation now for those
Who put their trust in You alone
We worship You oh Son of God
There is no separation from His love
No pow'r on earth or heights above
Can take us from You Son of God

Behold the Son of God
Who sits upon the throne
Over death victorious
Heaven's Prince of Peace
Though He died
Yet shall He live forever

And we shall stand O Lord
Before that throne of grace
Bought by Your redeeming love
Purchased by the blood
Though we die
Yet shall we live forever

Thank You For Saving Me

I remember back in 2004 when "The Passion of the Christ" was released. I remember watching that movie in the theater at around Easter time. I remember that although I love action movies and nothing really fazes me in terms of violence, I could hardly bear watching some of those flogging scenes. I remember thinking that it was my sins that kept Him there and that every time I sinned I was like one of the Roman guards taking a shot at Jesus. I remember crying.

When people think of easter, they may think of chocolate or a bunny or a chocolate bunny. I tend to think of a cross and how Jesus Christ died on a cross some 2000 years ago to pay the price for my sins and the sins of everyone. Because of this, I owe Jesus everything and there is nothing that I can do that will settle this debt. For we are all sinners and fall short of God's perfect glory (Rom 3:23). It's only by his compassion, grace and mercy that I am saved from God's righteous judgment (John 3:16-18; Eph 2:8-9). Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you [and I] to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit (1 Pet 3:18). And as a result of my salvation, I continue to love others because He first loved me...

Thank You For Saving Me
By: Martin Smith

Thank You for saving me, what can I say?
You are my everything, I will sing Your praise.
You shed Your blood for me, what can I say?
You took my sin and shame, a sinner called by name.

Great is the Lord,
Great is the Lord,
For we know Your truth has set us free.
You've set Your hope in me.

Mercy and grace are mine, forgiven is my sin,
Jesus my only hope, the Saviour of the world.
"Great is the Lord" we cry, God let Your kingdom come,
Your word has let me see, thank You for saving me!