Bobby Lepinay

It's My Turn

 (I'm reposting this because I cleverly forgot to mention this is Will, the Worship Arts Pastor at Harvest.  It didn't seem important at the time...)

So Bobby asked me last week if I wanted to do the blog, and I managed to get it put off for a week, but I couldn't really think of a reasonable excuse this week.  It's funny, I used to write thousands of words a week back in college when I had aspirations of being a writer, but the idea of filling up a small blog AND having to talk about myself at the same time was having the same ring as a trip to the dentist.  But here I am, and here you are, expecting some deep insight from Pastor Bobby and instead...

So I've been the worship leader at Harvest since day one, literally.  We started in Bobby's living room, me, a keyboard, an acoustic guitar player, and a transparency machine.  (You can check out your local museum if you're unfamiliar with that device.)  12 or 13 years later (yikes!), I can honestly say I still love doing it.  My "job" at Harvest has expanded to other things, such as web design, graphic design, video and other things, but the music remains where my heart is.  I love working with musicians, although I recently heard it described as herding cats.  (I made the mistake of sharing that with the band one night... It was probably the Rockstar talking...that would be the energy drink, not my alternate personality.  That would be a bit pretentious, you know, referring to myself in the third person as a the Rockstar with a capital "R". On the other hand, how does a worship leader change a light bulb?  He holds the bulb and the world revolves around him.  Ha.  But I digress...)  Seriously, we have always had the best band in Pensacola, possibly the southeast...or the universe.  Many of them probably read this blog, so I'm in serious kissing up mode, but I really do consider myself blessed to have top-notch individuals to minister with week after week.  I also love working with new worship leaders and that moment when the light goes on and they make the amazing transition from musician/singer to worshiper.  

When I'm not in the office or behind an instrument, I have developed a small addiction to hiking (hence the picture, taken on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia) and just being outdoors, camping, biking, whatever.  God seems more immediate when you're in the mountains or at the beach or "away from it all."  His voice is clearer beyond the roar of every day life.  (And no, I've never gotten any great worship song ideas while hiking, outside of little numbers about the wonders of real food and soft, cushy beds...and Hampton hotels...)

So if I could leave you with one thing, with a shameless plug (following up on Jacob's last week about getting connected), it would be a very, very simple direction on how to live your life:  Worship God.  It's not as hard as you might think.  You don't need a band to play rocking music for you.  You don't need the latest worship CD. You don't need to play an instrument or even sing on key.  You just need to be aware that God is good, he's involved in your live, and develop a heart of gratitude for that.  The simplest--yet greatest--form of worship really is gratitude.    Being thankful, and being aware of God, everywhere, all the time, because as that song says, "Just to know that He is near is enough."  So I want to encourage you, take some time today (you can always make time), focus your full attention on him, and say "Thanks."  That's worship!

Coming This Weekend

We have a BIG weekend coming up! 

3 times a year, we try to bring in a special speaker to Harvest.  This time we have Pastor David Huskey.  David ministers around the world, speaking at churches of all sizes and all denominations.  He has a unique way to communicate truth in a way brand new, as well as seasoned Christians can connect with.  The power of God is likewise released in a significant way and many people are healed in his meetings, without even being prayed for. 

Just hearing the Word of God taught and the power of God manifested!

We are honored to have Pastor David Huskey in with us this weekend.  He will begin Sunday @ the Rave, continue at our Harvest @ 5 service, then conclude with a special service Monday night at 7pm.  Make sure to invite your friends and family!  Childcare will be provided on Monday for only 5 and under.

Oh,...and don't forget to set your clocks BACK one hour Saturday night.  We get an extra hour to sleep....yeah!!!! :)

See you Sunday,

PB

A DEEPLY Disturbing Conversation

Yesterday, I stopped by the bank our church is working with to just say hello to the Branch Manager.  I learned some things from my dad, and one of those things is to develop a good, face-to-face relationship with your bank manager.  You never know when you will really need them, and having a face to go with that name on paper goes a long way in harder times.

So every so often, I stop in and just chat.  And chat we did.....

We ended up talking for a whole hour!!

Something he told me disturbed me.  We of course got into talking about this Presidential election.  He supports McCain, soley because of the fact he made a commitment to never support any candidate that upholds abortion laws. 

A few days ago, in a branch inter-office meeting, he and all the employees got to talking about who they were voting for.  EVERY other employee was voting for Obama.  He was the one exception. 

All of them attend local churches and are professing believers.  As he said, they are great people.  What was so disturbing to him (and to me) was that when he asked them WHY they were voting the way there were, every one of them said "because he is for the poor and people like us." 

He then asked as Christians, how they could reconcile the fact Obama is for keeping abortion legal, as well as supporting gay unions as legal marriages, CLEARLY something the Bible condemns,......?

.......they got mad, and said they didnt want to talk to him any further about it.

This is troubling.  I respect everyone's right to vote for whoever they feel represents their beliefs best.  But, help me here.....how do you just brush aside even the 2 above things right under the rug and totally ignore it???? 

No question, Obama has led a pretty flawless campaign.  As I said way in the beginning of this thing, I believe he is the more 'likable' personality, and usually, that is who wins.  And again, if Christians sincerely had thought through their Bible in one hand, each candidates platform in the other, I say that is a big "win", even if the outcome is different than mine.  It is intelligent, it is intentional. 

Again, I may not agree, but I can respect that.

But some of the stuff I am hearing out there, from the above, to African American Christians voting Obama because "this is our chance to make history"......???

..........Man, ...are we really THAT shallow?????

Again, deeply, deeply disturbing....

PB

Monday Musings

• LOVED Sunday!! I felt a real 'flow' Sunday morning at the Rave service.  There is nothing I love more than talking about JESUS!! Great feedback as well.  The message will be up Tuesday and you can hear it here: Harvest Podcast
• Our Senior Overseer, Jack O'Brien finished our Proverbs series at the Harvest @ 5 service.  Jack is an inspiration to me of serving the Lord LONG-TERM faithfully.  It is a privelege to have he and Nancy serving with us.  Again, his message will be up Tuesday, same link.
• Man, I could not believe how many went up for the altar call Sunday night!!  Jack is right:  Revolution will be in the hands of this generation, the "Millenials"!
• God is doing an awesome work in this season.  Each week, we are getting testimonies of people being healed of cancers and other significant things.  I have had 3 people in the last week come up to me to tell me they REALLY (not just kind of..! :)..) got delivered from nicotine addiction.  Very cool!
• So far, our congregation has been making it through this economic downturn.  As a matter of fact, I have been getting reports of PROMOTIONS and INCREASE!  I and our staff and intercessors really cry out to God to show 'favor' to the people of Harvest.  So far, so good!
• I saw this morning that 30 churches banded together Saturday to get their people to registration as new voters.  Interesting.....
• I am LOVING the "who-a-ohhh" song we have been doing!! :)
• David Huskey will be speaking this Sunday at the Rave and at the Harvest @ 5 service.  We are believing God for a powerful, powerful time.
• Just met with the bank on a construction loan for our theater.  PRAY!!  I think things are going to be moving much faster than we thought!

Staff meeting starts in ONE minute!! Grace...

PB

Serving at Harvest

Hi everyone. . . Nope, this isn't Pastor Bobby. It's your Connections Pastor, Jacob.
My wife, Jennifer got a crack at the is blog thing last week. To rave reviews I might ad.
And, Pastor Bobby would like all of his staff members to blog a bit about themselves. . . . For those of you who do know me, you know that if you put a microphone in my face, I'll talk. But to blog?

So, here I go. . .my first blog entry. . . hmmmmmm. Last week , as I mentioned, you were able to meet my wife, Jennifer in her debut into blogosphere. She and I have been married a bit over 8 years. And, we both serve at Harvest. She's the Office Manager and Pastor Bobby's assistant, and I am the Connections guy. . .Sort of the cruise director .( Dont' call me Julie ! )

To be honest, serving and/or working for a church can have it's challenges. As with much of life, things don't always exactly go how you had planned, and people don't always . . .Well, let's just say, people can be people. Do I hear a Depeche Mode song?

Regardless of its highs and lows, serving at Harvest has got to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Week after week I get to see people begin, and grow in their walk with the Lord. What a miracle, and honor that is! People that would normally feel like an outsider can walk into the Rave location and be shown the love of Christ. And, like we will discuss Sunday morning, encounter an atmosphere of grace, mercy, and acceptance. . .Something all of us need.

Most people wouldn't look at serving at a church, and being a part of it's staff as a dream job. But, I do.
Reason being, I knew for a very early age I wanted to serve God in ministry. In fact, my mother tells how I used to follow Bro. Ken Sumrall around  at Liberty ( 57th Ave. location ) , and help him pray for people. I was probably around 4 or 5 at the time.

It's funny, though you may not see what you'll be doing, and  who you'll be in the future. God does. Who knows. . .maybe you'll get to be a part of an amazing church like Harvest! Oh wait. . .you CAN!!
Have you signed up to serve somewhere?. . . Just checking. I'd love for you to a part of this great commission.

Join us. . .With love and grace,

Jacob

Top 5 Christian Classics

Without a doubt, great Christian literature has been huge in creating hunger for more of God in my Christian life. 

The cool thing about books is that someone who has been dead for hundreds of years can still be ministering to the Body of Christ for generations beyond their time on earth.  In a very direct way, they 'disciple' us.

The books I am listing are on this list solely because they accomplish this ONE thing:  They create great hunger and thirst for God.  There are many great books not on this list that I would recommend, but these here are 'devotional' literature that, as the word implies, increase devotion. 

Again I am listing them in the order they affected my life.  Interestingly, all of them are from great saints of God who walked the earth at least 100 years ago, with the exception of Tozer.  The way I used all of them is that I read a chapter - underlining, writing prayers in the margins, interacting with the Lord over what I was reading - each day along with my Bible reading for that day.  From there, I would go out prayer walking. 

Click the link to go to Amazon to purchase.  ALL are 'must haves' for a Christian's library, most are around 100 pages, but must be read in small bites, as the truths are heavy and condensed:

1. Amazon.com: Like Christ (Andrew Murray Christian Classics) (Andrew Murray Christian Classics): Andrew Murray: Books  This book changed everything.  I had become a Christian about 6 months before, but had no depth.  Murray knew Christ in a way few who have walked this earth ever have.  I was living in a trailer on campus at Bible College and the memory of being impacted with wave after wave of "Oh, God...Oh, God...." as revelation enlarged my heart.....as the commercial says, "Priceless."
2. Amazon.com: Humility & Absolute Surrender (Hendrickson Christian Classics): Andrew Murray: Books  For about 2 years, I stayed with Murray, fed off his writings.  I read "Humility" next, while in Bradenton, FL for a summer term, right after Deb and I got married.  I remember reading it on my knees each day, hunched over a folding chair, again, being blown away.  The following fall, I went to "Absolute Surrender".  I worked through absolute surrender in those months, then was done with my Murray season.  I picked up other of his books off and on, but the deep imprint of my early Christian life was formed with the above 3 books.
3. Amazon.com: The Normal Christian Life: Watchman Nee: Books  Nee was a Chinese pastor who was imprisoned for most of his life, but had more of an effect on Christianity in China than almost any other human being.  This book totally altered my thinking and mindset concerning the Christian life. 
4. Amazon.com: The Chronicles of Narnia Set: C. S. Lewis: Books  Deb had just finished reading these while I was in my "Nee" stage.  She was blown away, and said I would enjoy them, to which I replied, "I HATE fiction!"  After seeing her go back to reread them, I decided to give it a try.  I could not put the series of 7 books down til I finished! I cant describe it fully, but I have no doubt that C.S. Lewis had 'glimpses' from the other side that he somehow translated into an earthly story.  There are moments I would be reading when I would be overwhelmed by the depth of some of the truths Lewis allegorizes and I would have to put the book down to absorb it all.  I do believe these need to be read in the order they were written.  Lewis was an atheist professor at Cambridge who was powerfully converted while on the back of a motorcycle.  Great story and great stories resulted from one of the 'intellectual powerhouses' of the 20th century.
5. Amazon.com: My Utmost for His Highest: Today's Language: Oswald Chambers: Books  Without a doubt, THE 'standard' of daily devotional reading.  Over the years, I have probably read through this 10 times.  It's truth never gets stale.  No one says more in less words than Chambers. 

I have to say that there are many books that could have made this list, but deserve honorable mentions:  Tozer's 52 Best Chapters;  Reese Howell's: The Intercessor; The Autobiography of George Mueller; Sit,Walk,Stand by Nee; The Release of the Spirit by Nee; Loving God by Packer; The Calvary Road by Hession; No Other Foundation by Fromke.......I could go on. 

Start reading. 

Start reading great books that will fan the embers of your heart for God.  You have the privilege and opportunity to sit with and listen to some of the greatest men and women who ever walked planet earth.

What are you waiting for!?! :)

Grace today,

PB

Top 5 Worship CD's

As promised Sunday in my message on "Hunger for God", and how to cultivate it, I am posting my own top 5 worship CDs that have stirred 'holy hunger' in my heart for more of God.  I will be posting my top 5 Christian Classic books tommorow.

As I said Sunday, when I feel my heart is dry, I like to go to a room in our house where no one will interupt, lock the door and turn down the lights.  I then put on the worship CD (actual or Ipod), put in my earbuds or headphones, lie down of the floor face up, and just soak.  I allow the words to saturate my heart, sing with it sometime, raise my hands and worship in moments, pray,.....whatever.  Sometimes I doze off, resting in His Presence and love. 

An hour of this goes by too quick.  I always rise up tender again, my heart refreshed and nourished by my Father.

God wants us to love him with all our heart (spirit, will, choices), soul (emotions), mind (intellect) and strength (service).  The above engages my soul, the place I feel my love for God.

Here are my Top 5 Worship CDs.  They are listed in the order of time in which I listened to them.  Each one fueled me for about a year or so.  Also, the links are to Amazon.  If you have Itunes it is easier:

1. Amazon.com: This Is Our God: Hillsong: Music  This most recent offering by Hillsong United is  simply put, AMAZING.  The more you listen to it, the better it gets.  lyrically so simple, so very 'Jesus' centered.  I will be feasting on this one for a long time to come I am sure.
2.  Amazon.com: Mighty to Save: Hillsong Live: Music  What can I say?? Just like Integrity owned the 80's, Vineyard music the 90's, these guys from Aussie land have it hands down these days when it comes to inspiring, fresh worship music.  I still listen to it after 3 years.
3. Amazon.com: Now Is the Time: Live at Willow Creek (CD+DVD): Delirious?: Music  I saw Martin Smith and Delerious last year in Baton Rouge and they were by far the best concert I have ever seen.  These guys redefined worship music for a generation.  Laying on the floor, worshipping to this one, brought me through some of the hardest times of my life a few years ago.  It still holds its power if you put it on today.
4. Amazon.com: Passion: One Day Live - Stereo Accompaniment Trax: Passion Worship Band: Music   This one goes back to around 2002 or so.  Being at a Passion Concert in Atlanta at that time was the first time that what I had SEEN in my spirit years before as to what God wanted to do with this generation in worship was actually in front of me.  The artists were far 2nd, Jesus and worship of Him was front and center.  This CD will feed your soul in a very deep, rich way.
5. Amazon.com: Facedown: Matt Redman: Music  This and the Vineyard CD "Dwell" came out around the same time and both watered me significantly, but, "Facedown" takes the nod.  The song itself, "Facedown", just gets more and more powerful each time you listen.  This brings back good memories of being hunched over, facedown, with my 'prayer blanket', pulled over me as I just worshipped my King.  Craig and I had just come back from Africa.....quite a memory.  :)

Hope you make the investment guys to get some or all of the above.  If you buy them all, you will spend less than a tenth of what you would on a new TV, but how much more you will get out of it!!

To loving God with all our soul......

PB

Weekend Review 10/20/08

• Is this weather amazing or what???  It is interesting to me how we had the threat of 2 hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, then absolutely NOTHING stirring out there.  Strangely enough, I told Deb at that time that I really felt that Ike was it, the end of the hurricane threats for this season.  Does that make me a 'prophet'??? :)
• Men's Breakfast Saturday morning was good as usual.  Mike and Gin always give their best toward blessing our stomachs!  :) Got to meet some new guys and that is always enjoyable and rewarding.
• Harvest @ The Rave has been a joy to preach at lately!  We started the "Real Church:  Harvest at the Core" series yesterday with a message on our 1st Core Value at Harvest, Hunger for God.  I cant begin to tell you how much fun I had preaching it!! Sacred cows were being trampled all over the place.....all in a spirit of grace and laughter.  :)
• We planned out our 2009 Preaching Calender last week at our Pastors Retreat.  I think everyone is going to be blown away by what we feel God leading us to!  Much more creative emphasis, especially in the Harvest @ 5 service.
• By the way......were my dancing skills awesome or WHAT Sunday morning??!?!? :)  That is what 25 years of church-life will get you, folks....you can 'break it down' in about ANY church style!
• I have to say I feel rejected:  My Assistant, Jennifer, got the MOST COMMENTS EVER on my own blog!!!!!!! What is up with that???? I slave all day, week in, week out on this blog, .....then she waltzes in with her new shoes, and everybody 'ohs and ahs'.....As Rodney Dangerfield used to say, "I get no respect....no respect at all!"
• Seriously, Jennifer, you have a writing gift.  Cant wait to see what you write for the 2009 sketches we are doing.  "Be 'noited', girl!!!"  :)
• On the subject of 'nointin' (anointing), last night we experimented with a new flow for our Harvest @ 5 service.  I felt strong anointing on our prayer time.  Any feedback?  Pastor Greg did a great job talking about "What God Loves- What God Hates".  I am really getting saturated in our night service worship.  The Rave worship is good, but the 5 worship is just off the charts to me personally.  Steve, our Sound and Media Maestro, says it is the acoustics, that the Rave just sucks the life out of the sound.  Maybe he is right...??

Got to head to the gym for a quick workout with Roger before Staff, etc....I have lost 10 pound!! Only 10 more to go before I can fit in my suit...in 7 weeks....! :)

pb

Hijacking Pastor Bobby's Blog by Jennifer Head

  As some of you know I am Pastor Bobby’s Assistant at Harvest and have served at the church for around 8 years now on Staff.

So far this has been a normal Thursday for me. A little scattered, but always enjoyable because tomorrow is my day off. There is not much on my plate with the office, just a short list of things to do in preparation for Sunday. Pastor Bobby is always reminding me when I lose sight of the goal: “Sunday is always coming.” So that is my day's focus on Thursdays.

Normally I try to keep my “to do” list full, as to not leave room for extra requests on Thursdays from 'certain' Pastors ........like,.. “Hey Jennifer, What is on your list for today? Do you think you could do something for me? Maybe make another flyer, call the bank, plan a small party or hey, why don’t you write in my blog?”

Well that is what got put on my list today from PB. Can you believe it!?!  And just after I sent out a friendly reminder to our Harvest members that it is Pastor’s Appreciation Month and they should do something nice for our Pastors. I think there may need to be a change to the Administrative Assistants day in April.  It needs to be changed to a month long one with gift certificates for spa treatments.

Anyway, I was asked to hijack Pastor Bobby’s blog and write something about myself. Now, I do enjoy writing, but telling people about me is a little daunting. So much pressure, so much to think about, and not much to write!

So, a little about myself. I do work full time at Harvest. The days I work are Sunday – Thursday. Yes, I do consider Sunday a work day. Hence my excitement when Thursday is here. I love my Fridays!

Some questions you may have for me.

“How do you work for Pastor Bobby?” (Yes, many have asked!) The great thing about Pastor Bobby is that although he is always vision casting and moving forward, he also gives time for the rest of us to catch up. The best way that PB and I work together is that he throws out a bunch of thoughts, ideas and tasks he needs done and then he walks away and gives me the time, space and freedom to figure them out and accomplish them. I’ve been allowed to grow in my position as his assistant because he has allowed me the space I need to do my best.

How does Jennifer handle stress?

Good question! I handle stress through www.endless.com! I buy shoes. I know it is ridiculous but I just bought a pair after Pastor Bobby asked me to write this blog. The thought of sharing about me was a bit overwhelming and so I bought some really weird looking shoes and I felt better. Now I’m a typing fool.

Last question

Is it hard being married to a hairstylist? Does your hair always have to be perfect or does he do your hair for you every morning?

Are you serious??

2009 Pastors Planning Retreat

I am about to head out to meet up with our Pastors (and Jennifer..! She will be playing 'Vanna' and handling whiteboard duties..:)...) to pray and plan out 2009's preaching schedule. 

This is an 2 day 'marathon' of prayer and planning.  We do not like to give our people 'half-baked' bread that is just prepared spur of the moment at Harvest.  We want to give time for our messages to 'soak' and slowly bake! :) Then, take time to prepare it well, pray it through, then present it to our people, believing God to nourish hearts and souls with the Bread of Life.

So....we SERIOUSLY covet your prayers guys...!!

Last year, the Lord gave us exactly what we would need to be speaking on for 2008.  I know He will do the same this time. 

We live in exciting times folks.....and we have an exciting message to bring, the 'whole of God's Word and counsel'!!!

Thanks for praying...

PB