Barren Cross is getting ready

BC is getting ready for two shows, one at Cornerstone fest in California and the other in Norway at the Nortic fest. The guys and I looking forward to playing these shows and we know God will do great things in our midst. Please be praying for us as we make our journey.

Thanks

Jim

Festival In Mexico

I just returned from a trip to Mexico City. Pastor Miguel invited me to speak to the people attending the Exodo festival. The festival is actually three hours outside the city in some of the most breathtaking country side anywhere. The people of Pastor Miguel's church were amazing. The way they worked together to put on this event. They all just had such a singleness of mind in there mission. I got a chance to get to know Marco, one of Pastor Miguel's leaders. He inspired me in his servants heart and his passion for the great commission. On Friday I spoke three times, the tent was full of people hungry for Gods word. I also got to know the guys in the band Rivera Bomma. They put on a great show. We stayed up all night laughing and talking. Pastor Bob told me that I would fall in love with the people, he was right. Next week I will meet up with Pastor Bob at the Elements of Rock festival. I will keep you posted.

Jim

Have you ever tried to open a locked security door. It is near impossible to do with out the key. Revelation 3 says that God opens doors that no man can close and closes doors no man can open. I have seen God open doors in my life that on my own I could never do. There has also been times when I have tried forcing a door to open and I just got tired. I was just talking to a lady this week who knows God has great plans for her life. And also knows what those plans are, at least she thinks she does. I told her that often your plans don't quite line with Gods plans. I told her to get ready to yield. Yes God has plans for us, His plans. They are always the best thing for us weather we think so or not. Remember to look for the open door in your life. There is a song we used to play when I was playing Guitar for TBN. The lyrics said, Beyond the open door there a new and fresh anointing feel the Spirit calling you to go, walk on through the door for the Lord will go before you into a greater power than you ever known before.

Blessing

Jim

April is a busy month for me so I could use your prayers. I will be in Mexico speaking at a festival. Barren Cross might be playing as well.
I will be taking a worship team to Elements of Rock festival, to provide worship and teach.
I will also be leading worship along with my friend Don Poythress in Gatlinburg Tn. for the Charels Simpson leadership conference. I really want the Lord to speak through my while I am away.

Blessings

Jim

Thought

Lets not forget to esteam others, to be good listeners and to have the heart of a servant.

Musicians Beware

Musicians beware of the music monster that lurks in ours souls. I remember when Barren Cross was in the beginning stages. We were on our way, playing concerts, recording demos. Enigma records became interested in signing the band. That was great, but it took nine months to finally finish the deal. During that time another band that was at the same level as Barren Cross signed with there record label and had made there first record and was touring. I was so jealous of them. I cried out to God, " How could you do this to me" bring me all this way just to leave me. That music monster was raging in me. In the end it all worked out and God had to deal with my foolish pride. Music is a hard thing to deal with if you are a musician. It takes some skill to kill the monster. I call that monster the spirit of the musician. When I chose musicians to come over seas to do worship with me the first thing that I look for is, does this person have that monster in check. If you are a musician today and that monster rages in you, repent and humble yourself. Begin praying for other musicians, that God will bless them.

That's all I have to say bout that

Jim

Where is my passion!!!

I think that everyone has a passion for one thing or another. For me it is leading worship, teaching and traveling with Pastor Bob to minister at festival's over seas. I recently felt very burned out with leading worship at my church. I did not feel the passion for it that I once felt. I realized that I needed a break from my passion to regain my passion for my passion. That sounds confusing. So I am on a six week break and it has been good. I am going to take this time to hear God, seek His face. When I return I know that I will be refreshed with a new vision.