From Pastor Joe...

No Lenten history or personal experience today. I wrote too much on the Psalm Experience.

The Psalimst has a obsession with their enemies. Have you noticed? "Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked" –Psalm 3:7. At times, reading the Psalms gives me the experience that I am in a foreign country. After all, they are written by Jews and when you think of the conflict in the Middle East, you get the piont. Yet, I am a Christian and Jesus says that if someone slaps you, you are to turn your cheek (Matthew 5:39). In other words, you are to allow them to slap you again!

So how does a Christian handle this? The Psalmist want to see all enemies wiped out and Jesus appears to contradict this? Another question: Who are the enemies we face today?

Please do not be naive that we do indeed have enemies today. They want nothing more than to see you give up your faith. Personally, I have had people either write me an email, or sit me down for coffee or stop me on the sidewalk and say that they want Blue Sky Church to go away. (And I really think of myself as a nice guy). I mentioned last week that for three months, there was a mask which looked like the head of Satan, in a window across the street pointing itself toward our church building. A little odd decor, don't you think?

It is easy to think of people as enemies. You may have a few. But since Jesus died for all people (2 Corinthians 5:15; 1Timothy 2:6), people are not the enemies. This is where Jesus' words come in. He is not saying to be a walking doormat. He is saying that the cry for vengeance within you is valid, but trust that God will handle the justice. Don't take it in your own hands (Romans 12:19). I know it is very Hollywoodish that when someone steals from you, your vengeance needs to be vindicated. This may be entertaining, but it is not the life of the believer.

So who are our enemies if they are not people? Paul states in Ephesians 6:12 that we do not fight people, but rather against the spiritual, evil forces in this word. Namely, Satan and his spiritual cohorts. They influence people and societies, and when invited, they can control people's actions. Be careful not to blame all evil on him. Evil comes from three sources, the devil, society and ourselves. But be clear that he is our enemy. Those around you may do the Devil's will but pray that they can experience God's mercy. Pray that God will thwart the enemy.

Personally, I think Christians today are too passive and not angry enough. Being ticked off when God's interests are minded, is a holy experience. The Psalms remind us that we need this passion. Here is a quote from a very smart theologian, Walter Brueggemann. "God's vengeance is understood as the other side of God's compassion. God cannot act to liberate the chosen people without at the same time judging and punishing the oppressors who have perverted a just ordering of life." In other words, compassion helps the person who is bleeding on the side of the road. The cry for justice seeks the driver of the car who hit the wounded and then sped off.

If you want to be more of a compassionate person, you need to get ticked off. With your cry for vengeance, ask God to intervene. The Christian has the opportunity to invite the God's kingdom into our society. If not, the void will be filled with the Kingdom of Satan. Therefore, enter into the emotion of the Psalmist and cry to God.

Here are some thoughts to get you started. Did you know that slavery is at an all time high in the world today? Did you know that the salary between the CEO and the lowest full time worker is 400 to one. This may not be a big deal but 125 years ago, it was eleven to one. Did you know that one out of four Americans do not have insurance? Is it possible that corporate greed prices out the poor? Did you know that even the city of Windsor has a day shelter and Loveland does not?

Why do we accept the status quo? Rosa Parks did not. Neither did Martin Luther King. The Psalmist invites you to cry for the injustices in world. The Psalmist invites you to cry to God.

Day 18- Psalm 37

Psalm 37

Of David.
Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;

for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.

But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy great peace.

The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;

but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.

But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;

for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,
and their inheritance will endure forever.

In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

But the wicked will perish:
The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields,
they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;

those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be cut off.

If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.

They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.

Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.

For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.

The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.

The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
seeking their very lives;

but the LORD will not leave them in their power
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

Wait for the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
there is a future for the man of peace.

But all sinners will be destroyed;
the future of the wicked will be cut off.

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Day 17- Psalm 32

Psalm 32

Of David. A maskil.

Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.

For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah

Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.

You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

"Self Deconstruction" by Paul Baron

James 1:

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

This year's lent is hitting me hard... in a good way. i am feeling so deconstructed now, so weak and feeble. my heart is so wrenched with my own soul's poverty and the realization that i utterly need God. nothing i have, on my own- done in my own strength- is of any value. my failings are becoming more apparent as the days go on.

1 Corinthians 12

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Day 16- Psalm 36

Psalm 36

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.

An oracle is within my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.

For in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much to detect or hate his sin.

The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and to do good.

Even on his bed he plots evil;
he commits himself to a sinful course
and does not reject what is wrong.

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.

May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

See how the evildoers lie fallen—
thrown down, not able to rise!

Day 15- Psalm 41

Psalm 41

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

The LORD will protect him and preserve his life;
he will bless him in the land
and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.

The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed
and restore him from his bed of illness.

I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you."

My enemies say of me in malice,
"When will he die and his name perish?"

Whenever one comes to see me,
he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;
then he goes out and spreads it abroad.

All my enemies whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst for me, saying,

"A vile disease has beset him;
he will never get up from the place where he lies."

Even my close friend, whom I trusted,
he who shared my bread,
has lifted up his heel against me.

But you, O LORD, have mercy on me;
raise me up, that I may repay them.

I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.

In my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.

Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.

Day 14- Psalm 30

Psalm 30

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David.

I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.

For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."

O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.

To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:

"What gain is there in my destruction,
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Day 13- Psalm 2

Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.

"Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.

Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

"I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :
He said to me, "You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.

Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.

You will rule them with an iron scepter;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.

Serve the LORD with fear
and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

From Pastor Joe...

Lent History
The history of Lent did not become a traditional practice until the 4th century. Of course, neither did many of our spiritual practices occur to then. Because the church was persecuted for the first 300 years, even holding a gathering was difficult.


One church father, Athanasius, wrote a letter to his church (Festal Letters, 373A.D.) saying that they would make a forty day fast prior to Easter. Yes, that is fasting by food for forty days.


But why forty days? The number forty is significant in the Bible. Generally this number reflects a time of preparation. We see Moses on the mountain for forty days before he receives the ten commandments (Exodus 34:28). Israel was wondering for forty years before the promise land, (Exodus 16:35) and of course Jesus was in the desert for forty days praying and fasting before his public ministry (Matthew 4:2). There are a ton of examples and one can see why the church today practices a forty day preparation before Easter.


Psalms
As you have read through a dozen or so Psalms by now, you have noticed that some are sorrowful and others are joyful. Generally, each Psalm has a classification and knowing this helps your understanding.


As you read through the Psalms, try to find its classification. A good commentary will also note this.


• A Lament: You have a "beef" with God. Your faith and life's experiences do not sync. Laments start off by crying to God and then makes a petition. Finally, the Psalmist discovers God. At the end, he is reassured even though his circumstances may not change. This is the most numerous of Psalms. (Did it ever occur to you why this psalm is the most numerous?) Psalm 13 is a classic example.


• Suffering: These are psalms which protest your experience and they do not end happy. Psalm 44, and 88 are examples.


• Psalm of confidence. These psalms express one's confidence that God is on your side. Therefore, provision and protection usually follow. Psalm 23 and 27 are examples.


• Hymn. This express the ideal. The psalmist praises God. Psalms essentially mean praise and the psalmist knows that this is the best place in life to be. In fact, every Psalm aspires to reach this place. That is why there are laments because one is protesting to experience a Hymn. This is the place of blessing and sharing the goodness of God. Psalm 113 is an example.


• Messianic Psalm. This psalm is prophetic and anticipates the Messiah. We read these now knowing that Jesus is the promised one. Yet, we also hope in the return of Jesus and therefore these Psalms are very relevant. Are you sick and tired of the evil in this world? Psalm 2 is an example.


• Wisdom Psalm. This psalm focuses on the practice of the Torah. Usually, it is Psalm song to give perspective even when the bad guys are winning. Psalm 1 and 37 are examples.


Some Psalms are easy to identity, while others break form. As you read, try to get the big picture. Check a commentary too for additional insight.


By the way, which Psalm classification best fits you today?


Pastoral/Personal Experience
Last night at the ministry team gathering, I asked them if this was their first Lenten experience. The majority said yes. We talked about what they are learning about God and themselves. I loved one gentlemen's thoughts. He gave up TV and he said that has been hard. He shared that now that there is silence, he just has his thoughts –and that scared him! He realized that TV can create a noise to drown out his fears. How insightful was this. I saw others nod their heads as they related to him.


This is why the reading of the Psalms is so important. The goal is to hear God's thoughts. The voice of the Psalms becomes our voice. These thoughts from the Psalms are God inspired thoughts, given to us by God –authenticated by him and then expressed by the Psalmist.


One thought that I had from last night. Our community needs more grace. And I believe these are thoughts God wants to communicate to us during this Lenten Pilgrimage.

Day 12- Psalm 20

Psalm 20

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah

May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call!

Day 11- Psalm 51

Psalm 51

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Day 10- Psalm 27

Psalm 27

Of David.

The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Glory in the Highest! A prayer for Blue Sky Church...

As I spent my normal Friday night "TV" time worshipping instead of watching my usual 5 hours of CSI Miami, the Lord brought me to new places in my walk with Him. He brought a specific song to my heart, and gave me this prayer for Blue Sky Church...

He alone deserves all of the Glory!

We must praise Him continuously for His unending love and His gracious mercy!

He so desires for us to be a community of people that lives to bring Him Glory and proclaim His name to each and every person we encounter.

He alone is worthy!

The Lord desires to use this pilgrimage to change our hearts, our minds, our thoughts, our church and our city!

May we listen to Him and follow His lead.

He wants us to come running to Him. May we run full speed into His loving arms.

He wants to heal us. He wants to comfort us. He wants to use us in mighty ways for His Kingdom and for His Glory!

May we as the body of Christ at Blue Sky Church step up! May we extend ourselves beyond our comfort zones. May we step out in faith unlike ever before! May God use Blue Sky Church to change this city for Him. May everything we do, think and say bring Him Glory In The Highest!

Glory in the Highest:

Words and music by Chris Tomlin. Copyright 2006. Sixstep Records

You are the first

You go before

You are the last

Lord, You're the encore

Your name's in lights

For all to see

The starry Host

Declare Your glory

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

Apart from You

There is no God

Light of the world

The Bright and Morning Star

Your name will shine

For all to see

You are the One

You are my glory

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

And no one else could ever compare

To You, Lord

All the earth together declares

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

To You, Lord

To You, Lord

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

Glory in the highest

To You, Lord

To You, Lord

All the earth will sing Your praise

The moon and stars, the sun and rain

Every nation will proclaim

That You are God, and You will reign

So Glory, glory, hallelujah

Glory, Glory, to You, Lord

Glory, glory, hallelujah

Hallelujah

I love worshipping with all of you!

-Kristi Carleton

Day 9- Psalm 25

Psalm 25

Of David.

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.
The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!
Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.
Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!

Day 8- Psalm 24

Psalm 24

Of David. A psalm.

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— He is the King of glory.

Celebrating the life of Mike Calistro

Dear Blue Sky Family,

Here is a special note from Pastor Joe...

Hello,
Mike Calistro went to be with the Lord last night. As some of you know, Mike had been suffering with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Syndrome as it is sometimes called. I ask for your prayers, and continued prayers for Deb, Nate and Stephen. Pray for God's strength, his peace and his hope to flood their lives. A couple of Scriptures come to mind:

1Thessalonians 4:13-14
"And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope.
For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died."

The Apostle Paul wants us to grieve, but not without hope. We are to be comforted with these words.

1Corinthians 15:55-57
"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

As more details come in, I will let you know.

-Pastor Joe



A special message from Nick Carleton Band...

Dear Friends, Family and Fans of NCB,
Last night at approximately 4:00am, the Nick Carleton Band family suffered a tragic loss. Our wonderful, young bass player Nathan Calistro lost his father to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We were very honored and blessed to be there with Nathan and his family as his dad entered the Kingdom of Heaven. Although we are deeply saddened by his loss, we celebrate his beautiful life as a loving husband, father and follower of Christ. And, as children of God, we rejoice in that fact that Mike is no longer suffering! He has been healed in the best way possible! He is dancing and singing a new song with his Maker!
Please join us in praying for Nathan and his entire family during this difficult time. Please pray for his mom Debbie, and his siblings Krissy and Stephen. Pray for comfort and mercy for this precious family. May God be glorified!

To send your condolences to Nathan, please email him...nate@nickcarletonband.com, or leave him a message on our myspace page. www.myspace.com/nickcarletonband

Thank you for your continued love and support of Nick Carleton Band!
He Cares,
NCB

Day 7- Psalm 19

Psalm 19

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,

O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Day 6- Psalm 13

Psalm 13

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

From Pastor Joe...

Lenten History:

The word "Lent" has an Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning "Spring." You can see the spiritual parallels –from ashes to new life. The same story is found in the Bible. As believers, we experience death in Christ, so that we can experience his life (Philippians 3:10-11). Therefore, we need to grieve for our sin (James 4:9-10) so that we can experience the life of Jesus This is the journey for every believer.

Psalms Experience:
From what I have read, a penitential Psalm is read at the beginning of each week in Lent . Today's Psalm is just that. Here are some guidelines this week for your Psalm readings:

Enter into the Psalm experience. The Psalms are the language of emotion. You have to feel them to do justice. The Psalms are for people not afraid of emotion and who also live on the edge of life. It is the place where faith strikes life like flint strikes steel.

If you are not in the emotional space of the Psalmist, then here is my suggestion. Use his words to pray. For instance, when David says, "I am deeply sorry for what I have done." You may not feel like you are in his penitential space, so pray, "Lord, what is in my life that I need to confess?" "Lord, help me see sin like you see it." Lord, help me feel the wrong I have done." Lord, help me experience your forgiveness."

For families:

Psalm 38 is helpful for kids to get a sense that sin has consequences. Sin should also cause remorse. Often, my kids say "sorry" to each other like it is mechanical often lacking a genuine remorse. This Psalm teaches us the saying sorry is more than what is spoken on the lips, but also it is felt deep within.

Pastoral/Personal Experience:

Here are some thoughts from others and myself...

From Others:

"I really enjoyed the Lenten service last night, just another way to consecrate myself to the pursuit of God’s presence in my life. Thank you for all of your effort in prodding us toward the kingdom!"

"This time of Lent is so exciting! Thank you for making it a part of Blue Sky. The stations set up around church that evening were wonderful. Also, thank you for praying for our family. During this time of Lent I feel so much more hope. I guess I was running low. The Psalms you choose are great. I noticed they were so far short and very clear about the message they are sending. They have been easy to use with the boys and very powerful for meditating on. We are looking forward to the rest of the journey. Thank you as well for the daily emails they are adding depth to the journey."

"It was an awesome evening the other night! Please give feedback to your worship team that they did a great job in making it a spiritually powerful experience. It made me more focus during this pilgrimage."

From myself:

The Ash Wednesday service was an amazing start. I loved seeing Kristi Carleton in her giftedness as she directed the worship service. Loved Nick leading worship until 9pm. Loved seeing families worship together as they went around to the prayer stations. Loved how the youth and young adults closed the night. Loved seeing others go around the room and pray for others. Loved seeing how people confessed their sin to each other and not just to God. Loved the weeping and the dancing.

Keep walking and may you experience God's renewal!

-Pastor Joe

Day 5- Psalm 38

Psalm 38

A psalm of David. A petition.

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.
For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me.
Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.
I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away. Those who seek my life set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they plot deception. I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear, like a mute, who cannot open his mouth; I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God. For I said, "Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips." For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
Many are those who are my vigorous enemies; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil slander me when I pursue what is good.
O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.

Day 4- Psalm 8

Light Echo From Star V838 Monocerotis- October 28,2002- From NASA Hubble Telescope

A psalm of David.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Day 3: Psalm 15

A psalm of David.

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Images from the Ash Wednesday Gathering

Day 2: Psalm 1

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Day 1: Ash Wednesday - Psalm 6

Wednesday Feb. 21, 2007

ASH WEDNESDAY

Please join us this evening for a time of worship, prayer and reflection.

Ash Wednesday Gathering

Blue Sky Church

Wednesday February 21, 2007

7:00pm

Today's Psalm reading for the Pilgrimage is...

"Psalm 6"

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith.

A psalm of David.

"O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?

I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace."