tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73545847853181967062011-07-25T14:52:20.796-07:00The Lord Is A Warrior And The Lord Is His NameJudd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.comBlogger241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-70096018337410003162011-07-25T14:51:00.000-07:002011-07-25T14:52:20.808-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Sometime between Jesus Christ leading his disciples in the first "Lord's Supper" and the garden of Gethsemane Jesus and his disciples "sang a hymn" Matthew 26:30. Really? They sang? This response from Jesus has haunted me this week. Leading up to the deepest darkest moment of humanity the very son of God worships his Father. I can only begin to understand the significance of this worship response. The questions that have raced through my mind today as I think about this beautiful moment of worship are full of mystery and awe....</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">What at this moment did He sing?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">What was the emotion in His voice?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Did the his voice shake as He sang of a loving God that He would soon be separated from?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">I wonder at the thought of Jesus’ beautiful gift of worship. I cannot help but think it may have sounded much more like Psalm 136. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">(Psalm 136:1-26 ESV)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> <em>His love endures forever.</em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Give thanks to the God of gods,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Give thanks to the Lord of lords,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who alone does great wonders,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who by understanding made the heavens,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who spread out the earth above the waters,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who made the great lights,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">the sun to rule over the day,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">the moon and stars to rule over the night,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">and brought Israel out from among them,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who divided the Red Sea in two,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">and made Israel pass through the midst of it,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who led his people through the wilderness,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">to him who struck down great kings,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">and killed mighty kings,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Sihon, king of the Amorites,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">and Og, king of Bashan,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">and gave their land as a heritage,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">a heritage to Israel his servant,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">It is he who remembered us in our low estate,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">and rescued us from our foes,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever;</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">he who gives food to all flesh,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Give thanks to the God of heaven,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">for his steadfast love endures forever.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">I am blessed and changed by this beautiful revelation. God calls us to sing throughout scripture* but will I sing out to God as my “Refuge and Strength” during the darkest nights of my soul.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">*(Psalm 66:2, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 81:1)</p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-7009601833741000316?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-33809753306946030662010-09-13T08:24:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:30:36.600-07:00This move is going to be tougher than we thought. Trust me, I will not miss South Carolina much. I will not miss the Gamecocks, the good ole boy system, Lexington County Detention Center or the tough season of infertility that we have been through.<div><br /></div><div>I will miss our friends. The Lord has allowed us to have so many deep friendships. </div><div><br /></div><div>Paul often begins his letters with "I thank God for you..." and I can echo his ancient words. I thank God for the people of South Carolina that God has used in our life and growth. </div><div><br /></div><div>"I thank God when I think of you!"</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-3380975330694603066?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-63122367479251716592010-09-07T11:59:00.000-07:002010-09-07T12:00:07.016-07:00<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Gateway Family -</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">As some of you may know, I will be leaving my role as worship pastor at the end of September. Katy and I will be joining the Summit Church staff in Fort Myers, Florida.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">I have built so many meaningful relationships here in South Carolina and the Lord has used those relationships to build me. Saying goodbye to those you love is one of the hardest things to do, and I find it to be increasingly difficult now that I are leaving so much. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The season that Katy and I have spent here at Gateway has set the stage for the way that we will continue to live our life. We have learned the importance of authenticity and community. Many of you have walked alongside of us through triumph, fear, laughter and tears, and the Lord has used our relationships to inspire our lives. I know that our experiences here will go with us and continue to form our future ministries in powerful ways. Katy and I cannot begin to thank you enough for all the love, support and inspiration that you have given us.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">I will continue to be excited about the future of Gateway and the many ways God is working, speaking and moving through you. My prayers are for you as you continue share the gospel of Jesus Christ. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Thank you for your prayers as we move into this new season. Thank you and God bless!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Be the Feet </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Romans 10:15</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Judd Wright</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-6312236747925171659?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-60256152164211606962010-06-23T07:35:00.000-07:002010-06-23T10:27:21.558-07:00If I am honest it is sometimes painful to truly engage my heart in the worship of my creator. Even to myself this sounds like a negative statement but I have come to understand that pain is not all together bad. <br /><br />Let me give you an example: <br />Pain #1 Taking a bullet from a gun is painful. There is nothing good about being shot with a gun. Ignoring the bullet inside of you and leaving the bullet in you body could be deadly and poisonous. The bullet must be removed.<br /><br />Pain # 2 Removing the bullet.<br /><br />While both pain #1 and #2 are…well painful, one is bad while the other is vital to maintaining life.<br /><br />Again, if I am honest it is sometimes painful to truly engage my heart in the worship of my creator. It is possible to enter into and leave a worship service and never experience God. We can make statements and not mean them, we can sing songs without conviction and we can take communion but never have communion with God. This should not be. I am guilty at times and I am sure I am not alone. This isn’t a specific contemporary church music culture thing; it is a human nature thing. <br /><br />Isaiah 29:13<br />The Lord says: 
 <br />"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”<br /><br />I think pain can play a bit of a role in our lack or desire to dig deep and allow God to do a work in us. If you have a pulse, then you have sinned and need Jesus. This sin is like the "Pain #1" I spoke of earlier. The healing process begins with "Pain #2" when the poison is removed from our bodies. God wants to remove the poison... the bullet. During worship we interact with God, when we interact with God we are confronted with our depravity and our neediness. Our limited understand of life’s paradoxes are made aware to us and if we surrender God can use this time to heal us as we worship and bring Him glory. This surrender leads to freedom but it can be painful.<br /><br />Colossians 1:16 “All things were created through Him and for Him.” <br /><br />Sometimes “spirit and truth” does not define our worship because we are in pain and we won't allow ourselves to surrender to be healed. In truth, the act of worshiping God can be the very thing that God wants to use in your healing. <br /><br />Prayer: God do not allow me to make the mistake of just singing songs in church today. I want to experience your healing and because I know I was made for and by you, I want to bring You glory through my worship. You mystery is beautiful and your grace underserved. Help me to bless you today in “spirit and truth”. Amen.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qe5VXedwoZU&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qe5VXedwoZU&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-6025615216421160696?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-51421230036682693482009-11-15T17:39:00.000-08:002009-11-15T17:56:38.516-08:00I have often looked to the characters in the bible to be my example in life and Godliness. I have looked to men of faith like David, Abraham, Paul, Job etc... Hebrews 11:1-2 says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation." We can look toward their faith and be encourage because "everything is common to man" 1 Cor 10 but it doesn't stop there. I have been so encouraged this week by the next chapter of Hebrews. Hebrews 12:1-4 says<br /><br />Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. <br />Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.<br /><br />This is huge! Our standard is the "man" Jesus Christ. WOW! What a standard. What a blessing. My friends you have been called and the very same strength that raised Christ from the dead is the same strength that indwells us now. Amen.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-5142123003668269348?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-258681859910197792009-09-30T11:41:00.001-07:002009-09-30T12:25:55.762-07:00The other day I was talking with my friend Shawn about community, church, relationship, ministry... like we often do and he said something in that conversation that I have been wrestling with ever since. Shawn said that many people "aspired values but not true values". I have been thinking about this for a week or so and I am finding it to be more and more true. I will give you an example<br /><br />I have the gift of being able to spend my days planning worship services and dreaming of creative ways to help the church connect with the heart of God and the community. Now realize I am a passionate/creative person but I am not an incredibly articulate person. With that in mind I wrote our Gateway worship ministry values in the form of a mission statement. It states:<br /><br />"Our team exists to create atmospheres where our family can actively and expressively interact with God. It is our goal to exalt God above all; His first commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We worship Him when we love Him with our whole being; this love is manifested when our faith has feet.<br /><br />To accomplish this goal we employ any means necessary- to use speaking, singing, instruments, prayer, readings and visuals to touch the imagination, mind, emotions and heart of those in attendance and to become a catalyst for a Christ-centered LIFE so that people are inspired to worship Him well."<br /><br />If I were to write these values out but do nothing about them it would make Shawn's quote many people have "aspired values but not true values" true about me. I see this happen so often. People have a dream, a vision but they never work it out in their own lives. They live with the values but they never live out the values.<br /><br />I am sure this happens for many a varied reason (fear, lack of back up, lack of wisdom etc). I am sure it has happened to me and will happen again and again but truth lies in this "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17The things I do are for the Lord and not for man. This perspective is vital for me to keep because no man has ever inspired me to dedicated service and devotion. <br /><br />Lord help to make Psalm 26:8 true of myself "I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-25868185991019779?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-52356138029152035812009-08-10T20:43:00.000-07:002009-08-10T20:45:02.059-07:00<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.todaysbigthing.com/betamax/betamax.swf?item_id=1980&fullscreen=1" width="480" height="360"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-5235613802915203581?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-37743149060399207542009-08-06T08:23:00.000-07:002009-08-06T08:24:15.892-07:00<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z5YzI7b92L8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z5YzI7b92L8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This is great!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-3774314906039920754?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-52236851278155627712009-08-05T19:14:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:26:02.497-07:00I must say that I haven't been too excited about music since John Mark McMillan's album "The Medicine" came out last September. When it comes to worship cds...wow... I guess the last great cd that came out was Charlie Hall's "Bright Sadness" . <br /><br />And then I found this little jewel... "White Lies For Dark Times" By Ben Harper and the Relentless7. I haven't listened to much else since this came out. This is raw, nasty rock n roll. I love it.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTMqPTIbvzI<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/Sno-7TCKZqI/AAAAAAAAABo/jCSIwJA60Ck/s1600-h/Ben+Harper.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/Sno-7TCKZqI/AAAAAAAAABo/jCSIwJA60Ck/s320/Ben+Harper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366671094407915170" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-5223685127815562771?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-64614442226968541202009-08-04T12:34:00.000-07:002009-08-04T12:56:52.203-07:00"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" John Wayne<br /><br />Life takes a lot of courage. Life can be so tragic and we are so frail. I am reminded of this daily as I talk with people in my life and even as I experience life myself. It can be scary to face life and sometimes to even want to wake up in the morning can take a lot of courage. As a Christian I do not generally feel hopeless but it is easy to often feel helpless and even alone. I am sure that Joshua in the Old Testament was scared to death to cross the river Jordan and go into the place that the Lord promised him but God told Joshua "be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you where you go." Joshua 1:9 We all feel helpless, alone and scared at times but the God of Joshua is the same today and He is with us. We are not alone.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-6461444222696854120?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-4063977214859685222009-07-28T06:24:00.000-07:002009-07-28T06:42:11.629-07:00Today I spoke with my great friend Russ about my heart for worship and the church. This is a summarization of the email that came from that conversation. I thought I'd blog it.<br /><br />A large part of my worship is delighting in others worshiping God and seeing them getting intimate with God. It is so neat to see people experience Christ and this brings me much joy. I know I must keep proper perspective and not allow other people’s engagement or lack of engagement cause me to feel worth. Worship is not about me. Worship is complexly about God. However it is my job as a worship leader to worship God and faithfully declare freedom and love and help others to do the same. It is hard to not place this burden on my own shoulders when it is my job. I am so burdened to see other’s engage with God in worship, to see them experience Him, to see that injustice devoured and God lifted into the highest place. There is a liberation, a communion, a freedom in worshipping God that I want to lead Christians to see. I grieve for the saints to experience communion with God. I still can’t help but to long for something deeper. I feel God calling me to deeper intimacy in worship and life and I believe it can happen this side of heaven. I am going to open my heart and the word and pray that the Lord speaks to me and reveals himself to me. Oh how I long to worship with others from deeper places within my soul. I believe God desires that too. <br /><br /> AW Tozer said<br /><br />“Now, worship is the missing jewel in modern evangelicalism. We're organized; we work; we have our agendas. We have almost everything, but there's one thing that the churches, even the gospel churches, do not have: that is the ability to worship. We are not cultivating the art of worship. “<br /><br />I believe this worship is art and that it is beautiful to God because it is beautiful to me and He has created me in His image. “Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: For Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11) He created us here and now for His pleasure. I think He wants it now, so I want to give it now and see it’s revelation come alive now. It is an urgency for the saints to worship God. <br /><br />This is where my heart is. To see the Church worship God now, this side of heaven. <br /><br />“Them that honour me I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30)<br /><br />Thanks Russ. You are in the image of Lord “Exodus 15:3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.” That’s what you are.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-406397721485968522?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-40653553577417352762009-07-20T10:53:00.000-07:002009-07-20T11:03:47.259-07:00I have been off the old blog for the last month because I have been leading worship at Summersalt. For those of you that do not know, Summersalt is the youth camp that is put on by Steve and Cory at the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The Lord was faithful everyday and the Summersalt staff is a sharp staff of servant warriors that Love God. It was a honor to worship, fight and serve with these guys. <br /><br />Thanks Steve and Cory for the opportunity to serve.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-4065355357741735276?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-45685415108138755032009-05-18T13:04:00.000-07:002009-05-18T13:14:41.847-07:00Ok So... I Haven't written on this blog in 5 weeks. I am lame. So here's a bunch of random stuff that I have been digging lately.<br /><br />Ben Byxbe's wedding is this Friday. <br /><br />I have been riding my motorcycle a lot. It is stinking great!<br /><br />Jesse Isley is back in town and that rocks b/c he is super talented and a huge encouragement to me. This Sunday's worship set was sick.<br /><br />Not to Us / Here Is Our King <br />Lift High Eddie Kirkland <br />Hosanna Hillsong United <br />Everlasting God Brenton Brown <br /><br />The songs were good but the energy and spirit was great. The band sounded the best that I have ever heard. I was so pumped after we left. <br /><br />I have a recording at thehttp://www.jamroomstudio.com comimg up June 1 for Summersalt camp this summer.<br /><br />I have been writing a few songs lately. It has been nice to get back into the habit of writing.<br /><br />This motorcycle is hot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/ShHBmbzT_JI/AAAAAAAAABg/NK_N-Lafv9o/s1600-h/d0067332_14561675.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/ShHBmbzT_JI/AAAAAAAAABg/NK_N-Lafv9o/s320/d0067332_14561675.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337259899452914834" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-4568541510813875503?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-82565838944766230942009-04-08T19:46:00.000-07:002009-04-09T10:43:10.644-07:00I love Coldplay. I think the new cd is like good old Coldplay but newer (if that makes sense). This video rocked my face off. I had to share.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXSovfzyx28&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXSovfzyx28&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />That just happened.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-8256583894476623094?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-7639418899540703942009-03-18T05:41:00.000-07:002009-03-18T05:47:53.909-07:00My family went to Colorado this week. The skiing was great, the snow was great and the time with family was great. Our flight home was delayed through Phoenix. We should have pulled in our driveway at midnight Saturday but instead we pulled in the driveway 5am Sunday. I slept 1 hour, got up and lead worship.<br /><br />How Great Thou Art -Charlie Hall<br />Salvation is Here - Hillsong<br />You Never Let Go - Matt Redman<br /><br />It was a great morning of worship even with the sleep depravation.<br /><br />and now for a video from 1984. I was two.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UuMmT3E-KVU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UuMmT3E-KVU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This week we got back from Colorado<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-763941889954070394?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-77253267625251588062009-03-16T06:40:00.001-07:002009-03-16T06:41:56.540-07:00I am going to post some pictures from our trip to colorado later but for now a perfect bike.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/Sb5XAIYgoSI/AAAAAAAAABY/NYs0Jqmx40g/s1600-h/PERFECT.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/Sb5XAIYgoSI/AAAAAAAAABY/NYs0Jqmx40g/s320/PERFECT.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313780270105665826" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-7725326762525158806?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-4745229156290646252009-03-10T22:29:00.000-07:002009-03-10T22:35:45.504-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SbdMmJZ2pJI/AAAAAAAAABQ/p6hP_bLkEZU/s1600-h/640x480.aspx.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SbdMmJZ2pJI/AAAAAAAAABQ/p6hP_bLkEZU/s320/640x480.aspx.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311798503749887122" /></a><br /><br />I am in Telluride CO this week with my family. I needed the break. It has been good to just get away and clear my head. I enjoyed clearing my head yesterday here at the Revelation Bowl. Amazing!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-474522915629064625?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-24660764650753697532009-03-10T22:25:00.000-07:002009-03-10T22:27:44.115-07:00<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z2BgjH_CtIA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z2BgjH_CtIA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Alan sent me this. Laughed my head off. I have to share.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-2466076465075369753?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-11728645354720802292009-02-25T05:32:00.000-08:002009-02-25T05:45:52.850-08:00I went to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus this weekend with my family. All I wanted was cotton candy but the only way to buy it is in a huge circus hat for $12 bucks. $12 Cotton Candy is not how I roll but the circus was exactly what I remember. Creepy clowns, tight ropes, live music, animals etc... Katy loved the elephants, I thought the 7 guys riding motorcycle in the "Ball O Death" was pretty cool. Aside from the $12 cotton candy the circus was awesome. Plus we hit The Varsity before we left Atlanta which is always a blessing right before a 3 hour road trip. <br /><br />I also sang at my pastor Ronnie Kendall's 20th anniversary at First Loganville with Shelley and Austin Prince. We used to have a sweet singing ensemble called Heaven Bound when we were 7years old so it was like a reunion.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SaVKFGqY2NI/AAAAAAAAABI/eFYkSmnrjDs/s1600-h/n904650025_5905275_3264.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SaVKFGqY2NI/AAAAAAAAABI/eFYkSmnrjDs/s320/n904650025_5905275_3264.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306729187474200786" /></a><br /><br />It was a pretty cool weekend.<br /><br />At Gateway we did and acoustic set. It was a great change of pace but we definitely missed the guitars.<br /><br />God of This City Recorded by Chris Tomlin<br />Beautiful The Blood By Steve Fee<br />Wonderful Maker by Matt Redman<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-1172864535472080229?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-11159585328390492632009-02-18T18:14:00.000-08:002009-02-18T18:19:48.657-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SZzA0XDepoI/AAAAAAAAABA/7J2ZKxyrWQQ/s1600-h/lost-logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SZzA0XDepoI/AAAAAAAAABA/7J2ZKxyrWQQ/s320/lost-logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304326466909939330" /></a><br /><br />I gotta shout it out. I love lost! It blows my mind every week. It might be an addiction.<br /><br />The character development is superior, the sets are perfect and the writing is totally twisted. <br /><br /> This week they are all being told that the island is calling them back. I'd probably go.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-1115958532839049263?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-21876062710448802612009-02-17T19:57:00.000-08:002009-02-17T20:18:20.660-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SZuH2XKeKFI/AAAAAAAAAA4/ohkKbybSu_I/s1600-h/amp+microphone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jfqms8Kjf5s/SZuH2XKeKFI/AAAAAAAAAA4/ohkKbybSu_I/s320/amp+microphone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303982354159511634" /></a><br /><br />We've been having a few VOLUME conversations at Gateway. Everyone has an opinion and every opinion can be backed with some type of personal truth. Here are a few...<br /><br />1) the louder the better. It's Rock N Roll!<br /><br />2) Loud music hurts my ears (we do provide ear plugs in the lobby)<br /><br />3) The music should be loud enough that the people around me can't hear me sing. Holding back distracts me and it may distract others if they hear me (Psalm 66:1) "Make a joyful Noise"<br /><br />4) I like to hear others sing out b/c it helps me feel unified. Plus we are (Psalm 66:1) "All ye lands" right?<br /><br />Anyhow, I am sure that I didn't cover all schools of thought on worship VOLUME or NOISE but these are a few and this post gave me the opportunity to put up this picture. <br /><br />Let me know what you think.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-2187606271044880261?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-5958470764802429422009-02-17T19:52:00.000-08:002009-02-17T19:54:25.103-08:00Our Love is Loud By David Crowder Band<br />The Highest and Greatest By Tim Hughes<br />Here in Your Presence By New Life Worship<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-595847076480242942?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-4311207323036245072009-02-17T19:46:00.000-08:002009-02-17T19:47:47.405-08:00I have had a lot of people from Gateway ask for the song titles from our sunday worship services. I am going to try to start posting them.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-431120732303624507?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7354584785318196706.post-71276111448435524852008-12-30T07:57:00.001-08:002009-02-18T13:31:22.270-08:00Sunday Worship:<br /><br />All Because of Jesus by Steve Fee<br />You Never Let Go By Matt Redman<br />Jesus Paid It All By kristian Stanfill<br />When All Is Said and Done by Tim Hughes<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7354584785318196706-7127611144843552485?l=juddwright.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judd Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487254064621006551noreply@blogger.com1