I cannot stand my school.

I went to Ron today to ask if my band could once again use the chapel for band practice. All this entails on his part is for him to ask either Ry or Sam to let us in and out. Ryan was sitting right there the whole time, so he could’ve easily turned around and said “hey Ryan, can you let these guys in on Sunday?” But no. Instead, he had to tell me that because I was half an hour late in asking him, I couldn’t practice on Sunday. This is right after I led worship at the chapel for the school.

Contrast this with a professor here at the school asking me the day before I had planned on going home for the weekend (something I haven’t done since February) if I could lead worship for a “Walk-Thru-the-Bible” seminar the school was putting on. Of course I said yes. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened either.

It just seems to me that this school is very quick to request things from people that cause people to sacrifice something, when they aren’t willing at all to budge on their “rules” or “guidelines.” This is exactly what I believe Jesus would want a church or other Christian organization to be like.

Anyways, that’s my rant for today. I hate Emmanuel Bible College.

※ Permalink for “March 31, 2005” published on date_to_rfc822

Worship has become an industry. Bands and artists are pumping out song after song, generating chart topping hits with songs that are “supposed” to be for glorifying God. Some songs are being recorded by other artists before the songwriter even gets the chance to take it to the studio! Sure there is a necessity for fresh worship music, but is it coming at the expense of passionate worship?

Where is the heart of worship we have sung about so often? Where have we missed the boat? I think the answer lies in Revelation 3, in Jesus’ letter to Laodicea. Take a minute and read Revelation 3:14-22.

When you read that, does it not sound a heck of a lot like today’s churches?!? All over the continent people are singing songs of “praise and adoration” to our God of love who is so great and kind and loving…but are we worshiping? Jesus says that he bases his judgement on a church based on their deeds (Rev 3:15). It is based on the Laodicean church’s actions that Jesus makes his comment “I am about to spit you out” (vs. 16). Better translated as “I am about to vomit you out” or, “you make me sick,” Jesus obviously has no tolerance for a church without passion. This church was going to church regularly, but they were not living. They were not dependent on God (vs. 17).

When was the last time our churches were hungry for God? So hungry that nothing we could do could satisfy our hunger, but only God could fill the void? Have we, in the last several centuries, experienced a lack of worship songs? Have we ever had a service where in our minds we were thinking “oh man, I hope someone writes a new song REAL soon…we’re running out!” I think we are depending less and less on God to produce God-honouring songs as it becomes easier and easier to create and produce the songs.

What will be the solution to our lethargic lives? 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us a hint. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” As the church, we need to be humbling ourselves, no longer accepting worship that comes from our own hands, but that which God has breathed divinely into us. We are told in Exodus not to come to God empty handed, but it is also important that we realize God is not only the recipient, but the provider of our offering.

※ Permalink for “The Passionate Worshipper” published on date_to_rfc822

We’re driving home from Dorchester right now. That’s so weird to say, as Dorchester has been my home for nearly 20 years, however now with me at school, I can now say that I am a resident of Kitchener. I suppose, however, that my heart will always be in Dorchester.

I just did a show at a coffeehouse. I was accompanied by my friend and yours, Mr. Tyler Martin on djambe. The show was great, so much talent coming from that little small town I grew up in. I have been so blessed to have a place where I can really grow my talents and showcase not only my music skills, but more-so my love for God.

The show had some great highlights. Sharon Bee had a great voice, accompanied by Jake something-or-other on guitar. They sounded great. Later on were a couple skits by James Cox and Brandon Cameron. They were priceless. Derek Drover, a singer/songwriter from Dorchester (also a youth pastor in Dorchester now) played a couple of great original songs that I loved. Sounded a bit like Bart Millard of Mercy Me. A personal favourite of mine, Todd Donald, did a couple of great songs he has written. Todd came up from Kitchener with us, and I had the great privilege of playing tambourine and singing back up vocals for his first song. It was fantastic.

My set with Tyler was great. We did “Catch Me” and “All I Need,” incidentally the two songs that are currently being played on the radio in Kansas! The crowd response was great, and it was great to rock out with the full Pat Dryburgh Band in attendance. Now, if only we can do a gig where all three of us play…

Thanks and props go out to Maria and Gord Hardcastle, as well as Charleanne their daughter, for putting on such a fantastic event. It was great to sit back with friends enjoying the amazing gifts that God has given all of us, as well as sharing the great things God is doing in our personal lives. Till next time Dorchester.

※ Permalink for “Coffee House in Dorchester” published on date_to_rfc822

Wow. what a night! Last night was great. I played at EBC, debuting several of the songs I’ve been working on over the last couple of years. I think people enjoyed it! To read more about the concert and it’s happenings, click here.

Also, some good news! My purevolume.com website, where you can download “All I Need” for free, has just recently hit 1000 hits! Click on the image to see the total as of today…

Thanks for all who have supported me over the last year. You are truly a blessing! God bless!

※ Permalink for “10-02-04” published on date_to_rfc822

Well, now that that’s over…

What a night! First, I have to say, Ryan, my roommate, you are hilarious! Ryan did a short stand up comedy bit, and it was great! Three cheers! There were lots of other acts as well last night, including Sketch and his story telling, Corrie Kessler singing/playing piano, and, who can forget the mannequin song? All the acts were totally awesome! Kudos!

As for my set, this was probably the most nerve-racking show I’ve ever done. It was the first time I have ever played almost all of the songs I played. In fact, the only song I had ever done before another group of people is “All I Need,” which obviously I’ve been playing for over a year now.

This show was interesting because it was just me and my guitar. It left my very open, very vulnerable. The first couple of songs I was a little uptight, but as I started talking to the crowd and really getting into it, I stopped worrying about what the people were thinking about the songs, and just focusing on singing my heart out. By the end of it, people were getting into it and singing along, which is always a great feeling!

So, now that that first show is out of the way, I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year. For those who were there last night, unfortunately I didn’t get any of the show recorded. So, I guess I’ll just have to wait until next time! Thanks very much for coming out and supporting me. It meant a lot!

※ Permalink for “10-01-04” published on date_to_rfc822