Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Chris Lizotte

A number of years ago, I had the privilege to take HS students to a summer conference in Kentucky, a yearly trek for our group for many years. It was and I'm sure still is a premier event that many kids look forward to each year (OK, and the lucky adults that get to go, too). One year, we were introduced to a new worship leader from California. Not only was he a little different from what we were used to, but so was his style of worship. I vaguely remember scratching my head for the first couple of days, wondering why this guy was invited. But then Wednesday came. Suddenly, something clicked, and for me and most of our group, we found ourselves in a somewhat mystical environment of worship. Up to that point, much of our "worship" during the morning sessions was happy-go-lucky, "If You're Happy And You Know It Bang Your Head" rock-band stuff. But this laid-back, ultra cool, I-don't-really-care-what-you-think-of-me guy named Chris just led us in a way that was unfamiliar. And it was good. In fact, it was revolutionary for my own personal growth, and I am glad to have intersected with Chris and his ministry.

It's been awhile since I've seen or heard much about Chris Lizotte. We still do several of his songs, as well as several that he introduced us to back in the day. I recently came across his webpage, and was glad to know that you can listen to a lot of his songs. His song "Brighter Day" is especially good. He's been hanging out and discipling a guy named Marc Ford, former guitar wizard for the Black Crows. Kinda cool story. So check out Chris, and listen to a coupla songs. He's unique, genuine, and talented. (And I don't think he fixes NBA games, sponsors dogfights, or uses steroids.) That's him with the beard; his wife (Christy, I think) in the pic. If you listen to "Brighter Day," Crystal Lewis is singing with Chris. Very cool (I believe they're brother & sister-in-laws).

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Compare Bible Verses

Came across a site that allows you to see a particular verse or passage of Scripture in many different translations. Thought it was worth sharing. It's a Zondervan service, and you can access it yourself at www.zondervanbiblesearch.com Good for just looking up a verse that you're having trouble finding, or comparing the translation to multiple versions. Nice resource.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Where Would Jesus Live?

Came across this short article today and thought it worth spreading around. Here's a coupla quotes from the intro.....read the rest by clicking here.

Prompted by the ubiquitous bracelets and bumper stickers, many Christians are asking (or being annoyed by) the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” Thanks to the creative folks at the Evangelical Environmental Network, we’ve also been encouraged to ask, “What Would Jesus Drive?”

So here’s another pithy iteration to ponder:
“Where Would Jesus Live?”

If you’re like most Christians concerned about justice and peace, “the suburbs” would probably not appear in your answer. You might say the city, where Jesus could minister to the poor and the oppressed and walk downtown to preach to corrupt politicians. Or perhaps you think of the country, where he and his disciples could raise organic tomatoes and share their free-range chickens with the hungry. But Jesus in a split-level, mowing his lawn on Saturdays and waving to the neighbor kids on their trampoline? Hmmmmmm....

Check out the rest of the article. I found it rather insightful.