Christian Guitar Resources Newsletter May 8th, 2001 www.christianguitar.ws ------------------- CONTENTS ------------------- 1. MESSAGE BOARDS 2. KATY HUDSON INTERVIEW 3. LESSONS 4. MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL ------------------------------------------------ 1. MESSAGE BOARDS For those that haven't been out to our message boards yet, I need to ask - why not? They are a great place to fellowship with your fellow Christian guitarists, learn new tips and tricks, ask questions, and just hang out. We recently went over 500 members on the boards, so you're bound to find someone to help you with anything you need to know. http://www.christianguitar.ws/boards/ ------------------------------------------------ 2. KATY HUDSON INTERVIEW Last month I had the honor of interviewing the *crazy* Katy Hudson. I still don't have the full transcipt posted, but there are some sound clips from the interview for you to listen to. The rest of the interview will be posted shortly. Katy is a cool chick - you should check it out. http://www.christianguitar.ws/interviews.htm While we're on this subject, who would you like for me to interview next? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. ------------------------------------------------ 3. LESSONS Tyson just keeps cranking out the lessons. We recently added a lesson on strumming, and we'll have another new lesson posted within a few days. Learn lots of great new stuff, complete with photos, charts and sound clips! http://www.christianguitar.ws/lessons/lessons.htm ------------------------------------------------ 4. MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL Ben Kraker, a sixteen year old in his Junior year of high school, knows that God has called Him to bring revival to his generation. In his devotionals, Ben writes to all Christians but also makes references specifically aimed to today's teens. If you would like to learn more about Ben and his ministry, visit his website at www.BenKraker.com --- John 3:30 - 31 He must become greater; I must become less. "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all." I count it an honor to be able to write a monthly column for the Christian Guitar Resources Newsletter. It is something I look at and say "Wow! God, I don't know why You have me writing for this publication, but I'll do it anyway." That is what I am doing, I'm writing these monthly devotionals as God has called me to. However, I've come to a major checkpoint in my life. At this point in my life, I am finding myself asking questions like "Sure you may be doing what God's called you to do, but why are you doing it?" and "For who's glory do live? God's or yours?" I've come to a point where I've realized that I am nothing without God. I am no higher than you, and no lower than people like Billy Graham. I've come to realize that God's love and acceptance isn't based on my performance, but based on the ultimate sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. No matter how many events I speak at, how many people I lead to Christ, how many devotionals I write... no matter what, God will never love me any more or any less. He loves me just as much as He loves you. He has no favorites. Realize that without God, you are nothing. You wouldn't be where you are today without His grace. The same goes for me. Without God, you and I both would be totally lost and stranded, wandering around without a purpose. Isn't it amazing that God, in His infinite wisdom and power, chose to save us filthy and polluted creatures? Just think about that for a minute. God chose you, despite all that evil sin in your life that no one but He knows about. He chose you to make Him known to the lost world. If He's called us to make Him known to the world, how will we go about doing so? Take a look at the scripture at the top of today's devotional. He needs to become more, and we need to become less. We need to lay down what we want, and pick up what He wants of us. We need to stop taking detours, avoiding God's plan for our life, and return to the road-map - God's word, the Bible - and let it guide us as we travel this road called life. We need to serve God giving ALL the glory to Him and Him alone, and not to ourselves. We're not here to share in God's glory. It is for Him to keep, for our God is a jealous God who desires every last bit of our lives, and 100% of our worship. Instead of trying hard to live in God's glory, try living for God's glory. Let everything you do be for the glory of God alone and not yourself. Become less so that God can become more. In the palm of a mighty God, Ben Kraker ------------------------------------------------ Have a great month, and feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or problems with the site. IHL, Mickey mickey@christianguitar.ws http://www.christianguitar.ws/