Blend

Blend

• combine into one; "blend the nuts and raisins together"; "he blends in with the crowd"; "We don't intermingle much"
• an occurrence of thorough mixing
• blend or harmonize; "This flavor will blend with those in your dish"; "This sofa won't go with the chairs"
• a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings; "`smog' is a blend of `smoke' and `fog'"; "`motel' is a portmanteau word made by combining `motor' and `hotel'"; "`brunch' is a well-known portmanteau"
• mix together different elements; "The colors blend well"
• the act of blending components together thoroughly

I'd like to talk about this word. I've been thinking about it because it seems to be a verb that's needed by everyone that participates in serving on Sunday's.

The audio team must literally blend the sound from the stage with a mixing board. (blending board might catch on) This blend communicates the most important things to the hearers, and serves to reinforce all the things that the people on the stage are working to communicate.

The media team must carefully blend lyrics & images with transitional timing for a presentation that points to the Savior!

The band must be multiple instruments blended together to make one sound that communicates passion for the Savior. Here's the math:

• 1 guitar = 1 sound
• 1 guitar (playing 1/2 as much) + 1 piano (playing 1/2 as much) = 1 sound
• 1 guitar (1/6 as much) + 1 piano (1/6 as much) + 1 bass (1/6 as much) + 1 drummer (1/6 as much) + 1 guitar (1/6 as much) + 1 keyboard (1/6 as much) = still blend to 1 sound

The choir must listen to people around them as they sing their parts, and blend vibrato, tone, and articulation to make a unified sound.

The gathered body of believers blend personalities and gifts, meeting in one accord, as one body! The Body of Christ!

Quick Bible Study that's mmmmmmmm good!

Look at this word that's often found in Acts: "homothymadon"
Do a quick Bible study & read Acts 1:14, and follow the chain links.
Now, read the definition of the word "homothymadon!" (highlights and italics are mine)

• A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rushalong" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize (or blend) in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master (this should be my new title), so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.

Listening @ Starbucks from 8-9 AM

Starbucks @ Kroger Shopping Center

My intention is to find a place to sit and listen. Today it will be with coffee, and maybe a book, and computer for journaling. The hope is that I will listen to interactions that may happen, discern world views that are in our culture, and pray about how we can introduce Jesus into these world views, and proclaim the Gospel so that faith can come through hearing, and hearing the Word of Christ!

As I approached Starbucks, a young black man was sitting outside. I had my Million Dollar Bills in my back pocket, and was "ready to draw." I greeted him, and he immediately asked me for some "help." I asked him why? He said that he had recently moved here from Las Vegas, having left his multimillion empire that he had built, to start over here. He had acquired a job to raise capitol for his book project, "Great America, He made me a Star."

A quick prayer went up, and having been convicted about being more generous in tough economic times, I pulled my wallet out, and gave him some money, on the condition that I could tell him "where it comes from." He agreed, and I sat, and shared my testimony from a very high level. By that I mean, I was preaching the Gospel to myself so that he could hear. I introduced myself. His name is Kevin.

I shared with him that because I had transgressed the law of our Creator, I deserved the depths of hell. However, that same Creator made a way for me to be forgiven. As passionately as I knew how, shared the story of the just for the unjust. I exalted the Gospel of Jesus with tears in my voice, and some in my eyes. I told him that the reason I am able to give him any sort of help does not come from a goodness within me, but from an "alien righteousness" that comes from Jesus.

Having spent most of my time with an introspective focus, only glancing at his eyes now and then, I smiled and looked at him, and asked him had he ever heard a story like that before. With the same introspective focus, he quickly stated that he had been saved since 1994, and began to tell of his journey. He claimed to be an "oracle" of God. I asked him if that was in the Bible, and he said that it really wasn't. I would have to understand the Book of Revelation to see his place in the Bible. After telling me he was an oracle (kept thinking of the Matrix,) he told me he wanted to correct me in one area. He told me that it was my sub-conscience telling me of my guilt, but my heart was really good, I just had to come to that reality. (paging Oprah).

So, I asked him if he was a good person, and took him through the good person test, God's law. It took a really long time to get through 4 commandments, but the verdict was simple. He was a liar, thief, blasphemer, and an adulterer at heart just like me. When I questioned him of his verdict on Judgement day, and he pleaded Christ, which was very interesting to me.

I asked him if he believed that man was generally good, or generally bad. He said that they were generally good. I asked him if I could see his Bible, and he said he didn't have one (?!?) I pulled my Gideon NT out, and we walked through Romans 3 (yes all of it). I told him that what he was saying contradicted what the Bible is saying. He shared that this scripture was all history, and needs to be understood in history. Then he talked for a long time, very detailed how people can discover God. In that, quoted L. Ron Hubbard. I couldn't place the name, but I new was a clue to his understanding and worldview.

I asked him if he believed in a place called hell, and he said that we were already living in hell. I asked him why Jesus had to not only die, but to suffer a horrible death. He said Jesus was an example to show how we could end the conflict within ourselves....... SCIENTOLOGY IN LEAGUE CITY / FRIENDSWOOD?!?

I knew that in order for this to be profitable, it was time to teach. I told Kevin about Cliff, the blind man. I said, "Suppose you saw a blind man about to walk off a cliff, would you not do everything in your power to stop him from walking off? It would even be kind to physically pull him away until you could convince him of his potential demise. I told him that it was illegal for me to physically restrain him, but for now, it's legal for me to use my words.

I emphatically expressed to him that he was following a path of destruction, and that if he continued, his ways would be futile, and even worse, he would have to face a different Jesus, with a different Gospel on judgment day. The volume of the conversation rose as he asked me if I believed that he, L. Ron Hubbard, and Steven Spielberg were wrong. I pleaded with him that if they preached that same message, then it contradicted the Bible no matter how successful they were. He firmly leaned forward and stated (with a joking/fake punch to my arm which I hope to get some sort of crown for), "You need to free your mind, and embrace all the religions."

I answered gently that he was wrong, and on a path to destruction, and that I will pray for God to bless his income, but to squash his pursuit of heresy. (with a compassionate Aragon grin.) At this, he laughed, stood up, and hugged me. He said, "Frank, you're a smart man, and know exactly what you are doing. I've got to go to Bally's."

I asked him, in honor of our "open minded" discussion if he would accept my Bible as a gift. He laughed and called me tricky. He then hugged me once more, and kissed me on the cheek, and said, "Be blessed."

We parted ways, I ordered coffee, and recorded this, believing that God will rescue him both physically and spiritually.

Conversation # 2:
The small Internet business group was here again. There were only 2 of them this time. From what I could hear, they talked tech. stuff, hoping that the rest of their group would show up. People like community.

Conversation # 3:
Two retired guys, took their seat in front of me, and leaned over the table to talk to one another. Seemed to simply be enjoying conversation.

Conversation # 4:
Girl that worked there had been sick all weekend with stomach bug, and this was her first day of work this week. She said she was tired, and ready for a nap, then took the trash away.

Conversation # 5:
Two ladies walked in, and one seemed to dominate the conversation about some sort of training, flipping through papers, and looking at her in the eye, as if making a presentation.

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. Psalm 51:13

Jesus is a Miracle Worker

Luke 4:40 (English Standard Version)

 ⁴⁰Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.

John 5:1-9 (English Standard Version)

John 5

The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath

 ¹After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

 ²Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. ³In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. ⁵One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. ⁶When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" ⁷The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me." ⁸Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." ⁹ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

John 4:49-53 (English Standard Version)

⁴⁹The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." ⁵⁰Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. ⁵¹As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. ⁵²So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." ⁵³The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." And he himself believed, and all his household.

Mark 5:25-34 (English Standard Version)

²⁵And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, ²⁶and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. ²⁷She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. ²⁸For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I will be made well." ²⁹ And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. ³⁰And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?" ³¹And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'" ³²And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. ³⁴And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

Mark 5:35-42 (English Standard Version)

 ³⁵While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" ³⁶But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." ³⁷And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping." ⁴⁰And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." ⁴²And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise.  Psalm 51:13

Listening

6/30/09
8:45-10:45
Starbucks

This morning, I spent time at the Starbucks at the corner of 528 & Bay Area, just down the road from the church. My goal was to listen, and of course, given the opportunity, share the hope I have in Christ. I found a seat in the corner, and listened with a book in front of me like a spy.

• Desire to be connected if they want to be – Of course there were those that were withdrawn, but those that wanted to be connected, were very intentional about it.

• Desired to be happy and showed it – The people that were there, which gave no indication that they were Christians, seemed delighted to be with each other. Despite the heat outside, or economic news, there was much laughter. A no pressure kind of atmosphere.

• Loud discussion on where “booze” could be sold – For some reason, this conversation was with a full table of people. They discussed where the lines were that divided who could sale alcohol.

• Heard the phrase “time wasted…” in two different conversations - People value time, and do not like it when people waste it.

• Most of the people I listened to were over the age of 50, but were very tech savvy and curious – the majority of conversations I heard revolved around computers, blackberries, Iphones, Facebook, trouble shooting. At most there were 25 people in the store at 1 time, and 6 laptops out and working.

• I feel like a spy

• Heard a long conversation about surfing – It was from a woman speaking of her husbands hobby. She said he surfed everyday! He also made surf boards for people, and only charged for material.

• Mother-ship purse – Lady left to get a much larger purse. She said, “this is the mother-ship purse. It stays in the car, and the smaller one comes in with me.” Thought it was funny.

Ephesians 1:15-18

Ephesians 1:15-18 (English Standard Version)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

 ¹⁵For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, ¹⁶I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,


That's my prayer for the people I'm working with this morning, as well as the prayer for my family. That we would have a "spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him..."

This morning, God has given us a full team of musicians.  They are all very precious servants of the Lord, willing to serve Jesus this morning. 

Drums - Mike
Bass - Kyle
Elec. gtr - Tom
Keys - Gwen
Piano - Leslie
HP Choir!

All people that love Jesus, and serve Him this morning.  I pray that they will be hungry for the word.  That their family will hear scripture dripped from their mouths.  I pray that every decision would be filtered through the revelation of knowledge of Him.  This is no ordinary morning, but it's the Lord's Day!  Many people will gather today to sing the praises of Jesus, the One True God.  I pray that God uses leaders like these to lead our country in repentance as His glorious Gospel is proclaimed. 

God, please give us a hunger for You and Your word, and do so with the gentle hands of a Father.


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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise.  Psalm 51:13

1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

I like the way that this is phrased..... that we "may proclaim the excellencies."  Proclaiming the Gospel is a privilege.  Lord, how can I be louder today?

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise.  Psalm 51:13

Ps. 29:1-2 Pointing

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

This weekend, we take the time to remember those that have given their lives. This freedom that we have is all I've ever known. As I approach this weekend, I fight apathy, and I hate that I do. It's so distant from me, and I do not want it to be.

Another thing strikes me. We have this great country because of the sacrifice of many. We have the sacrifice of many, because it was a gift from God. Why has God poured out blessings on this country? Because of those faithful praying saints of old? The strive for holiness from days gone by? Or was it just that He, "....will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."

I'm not sure if God has removed His hand of blessing or not. I do know that there was a time in near history that it didn't seem awkward to say, "God has truly blessed us," and expect a nod of agreement. Has the evolutionary atheist mind set truly been that indoctrinated?

Why not point to God this weekend? Why not "ascribe the glory due his name." Remind people that God has blessed our nation, and continue to seek his favor on our government in domestic as well as foreign affairs.

THE LAMB IS WORTHY!