Linda Richmond and I Would Say, “It's Like Butta”

Great post Rob. In fact the culinarian (fancy term for chef) in me would like to break it down further. I will use a cooking process as an analogy and, at the same time, explain where I came up with the title of my post.

As you may or may not know in cooking there are sauces, stocks, and other preparations made through a purifying process called clarifying. You know, the clear butter you dip your lobster in, or a really clear soup called consume’. Anyway, when clarifying butter or a stock you need an outside ingredient or source, be it heat or egg whites etc., to remove the impurities. Take butter for example. You start by placing butter in a saucepan over a very low heat, letting the butter melt slowly. As the butter melts, it will separate. The top layer is a foamy scum while the second layer contains the bulk of the liquid we want in the end product. There is a bottom layer which is where the water and the milk solids are. This natural separation is what makes clarifying possible.

Now the good part, and there are just so many ways I can go with this it is making me a little verklempt, talk amongst yourselves for a second. I will give you a topic, Microsoft Works is neither micro, soft, nor works, discuss. (Sorry, computer geek in me coming out ; )

Ok, in one of Rob’s examples of the pitfalls of “clarification” he said, and I quote, “Example Three: “That’s not what I meant by that! Let me clarify!” <– Truth? The first thing you said is exactly what you meant. It’s what comes next that ends up being the lie, but you’ve been found out, so now you need to “clarify.” WOW, that is exactly like the butter. It was originally real butter (the truth) but after it was manipulated, the scum (lie) came to the surface. One good thing is that the truth, the first thing that was said, is still in there somewhere.

So how can we get that back and in all things speak and seek the truth? Test everything against His Word and follow Christ’s example. He is the “heat source” that refines, cleanses, and removes any impurities (sin) in our lives. Isn’t it awesome to know that, even though we don’t deserve it, we are clarified (spotless) because of His sacrifice and His shed blood? We truly serve an awesome God. Oh and Rob, still got your back. http://www.robsingleton.net/

Have You Ever Noticed?

In an Andy Rooney-esque tone, "have you ever noticed that sometimes people can say things that not only make sense but really stick with you?" I can remember and have picked up a lot of maxims and rituals from other people that I still remember and use to this day. I once was told by a good pastor friend of mine, Ray, that it is best to learn from and emulate people and organizations that have had success and expand on that success. I do not want to just do something because someone else is doing it but if it works for them..... Anyway, after hearing Rob's message yesterday I wanted to try praying on my knees. I think I have a healthy prayer life, consistently set aside devotional time, and work on ways to strengthen my walk with Jesus every day. After praying on my knees last night and this morning the area of prayer just went to a whole new level. I thanked Him for our church and ALL the leaders, our family, our wealth, the skills and abilities he has given us, and many more things. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with something I cannot describe in words. A few that would come close would be awe, reverence, overwhelming joy, brokenness, humility, and love. I know it sounds like a whirlwind of emotions but it was more than just that, He showed up big time. I was not expecting that but I am so glad that door to an even deeper connection with His Spirit was opened. I am thankful for you Rob. http://www.robsingleton.net/

Thank you for sharing your heart, and rituals, with us. I would also like to thank you and the whole staff for opening your lives for His fame, His will to be done, and to reach out, touch, and move us all. Cannot wait to see what is next.

On the Launch Pad

Continuing on with the worship theme, I remember something Rob said in the past, probably during a stewardship series. "We should not come to church to worship but come worshiping". That should include ALL aspects of our walk not just the singing of GREAT songs from our worship teams. We should be excited to be able to give back to His body from what we have been given charge over. What great a attitude to have, be excited about giving! Rob has not been the first Pastor to say this to me but if you test Him by giving you will not be let down, His word does not return void. The word says - Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 I did not get this until about 6-7 years ago when we were members at NHF and the pastor there said that if you are not giving your tithe with joy then test Him for 30 days and see what happens. I had always tithed but not with the right heart. The attitude when you give does make a difference. In fact, if you want to talk about Ignition, when I finally "got it", tithing that is, our finances were suddenly firing on all eight cylinders . Now I am not saying you will not go through some dry seasons but if you give with the right heart, out of your first fruits, God will provide. I am sure you have heard from other people, their family's, and from previous posts. Another scripture that has always stuck with me is - Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

Lay it out Rob and let’s get Southbrook off the launch pad and into orbit!

P.S. Awesome does not even come close to describing Saturday night at the CD launch. The Spirit was definitely in the house. You could feel the love between God, the worship teams, and the worshipers. Thank you all for leading us into His presence.