Tuesday, December 25, 2012

A Christmas Victory to Remember!



 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!
                                                     Luke  2:14  


This was spoken the night Jesus was born and it still rings true today. Nothing has changed – we still give glory to God in the highest and we still receive His peace on earth and goodwill to men! God has not changed and His plan for peace and His good will has not changed.

It would appear that evil and disease increases daily since the peace and goodwill proclaimed over earth appears to be overshadowed, causing many to lose sight of the hope and victory found in glorifying God. But it isn't as real as people think.

For a moment, let us imagine the events surrounding the birth of our Savior. Joseph and Mary made the long trek to be counted in the census while she was “very” pregnant and her time was near to deliver her child.

Once Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem she went into labor, delivered her baby, wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a feeding trough.

While this was happening, shepherds were living out in the fields protecting their sheep from predators during the nighttime hours when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and stood before them. The shepherds were wide awake, fully alert, and knew this was not a dream but was very real! They were watching for wild animals, not angels, so imagine their surprised faces and thoughts when the angel appeared with the glory of the Lord shining around them.

So great was the glory and the shock of seeing an angel the shepherds were “greatly afraid”.

Just as assuredly as predators, sin, and disease come, so comes the Lord! Just as God arrives to surprise the shepherds, He arrives to surprise us when we need it the most. While we are here, like the shepherds, we need to be about our Father’s business, fulfilling our calling, and staying ready and alert for His divine visits.

If an angel appearing were not enough, now “suddenly ” a multitude of the heavenly host shows up to praise God.

We must be ready for the “suddenlies” in life! Sometimes we can be so busy “with” life, enduring and persevering, far too absorbed with the evil and disease in the world that we are void of the joy, peace, faith, and hope that God will show up “suddenly”! If we “know” God is into “suddenlies”.

This was a life-changing, mountain-moving experience that changed the shepherd’s lives, and can change ours as well. This truth (His Truth) overcomes all sin and disease because when we give Him glory, believe this declaration of peace on earth and good will toward men, we will not magnify evil, sin, and disease in this world knowing it pales in comparison to His glory!

Perhaps you are struggling in the midst of evil, persecuted or suffering with disease. Perhaps you are one who is watching a loved one suffer. Maybe all things are calm and right in your world and you can only sense the turmoil around but feel untouched by it yourself.

Whatever your situation, join the angelic chorus and proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill to men!" Believe God is going to show up “suddenly” in your life. See God for who He is, not what we have made Him to be! This Christmas – Let’s declare, believe, and proclaim to our world “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to men!”


Dan Castleberry is on the Pastoral ministry team and leads various ministries at Royalwood. He is married to Robyn and has three beautiful daughters.  You can  follow Dan on Twitter, 



Thursday, December 20, 2012

Make It Or Break It

Why was I born?

This is a loaded question that we often times ask ourselves. Super loaded - like a baked potato with cheese, sour cream, onions, bacon, and LOTS of butter! It seems like this question could never be answered specifically. Of course, as believers we know we were created to worship, to reach others, and to one day be with our Savior in Heaven but, how do we answer it specifically for our lives? What am I here to achieve, specifically?

I am studying the book of Esther right now and I was totally inspired by the fact that even Esther had to ask herself these questions. You probably know the general story of Esther and how she became the queen of Persia. Can you imagine that happening to you? She probably wondered what in the world she was doing there? What purpose was she serving as queen? There were times where the King wouldn't call on her for months at a time! She probably felt totally useless. Knowing she was called but her life was at a total standstill. I know... I've been there. 

But, she is soon approached with a crisis. Her people, the Jews, are to be annihilated! It is now all up to her. She has to decide if she will put her life in jeopardy to save her people. She still didn't realize her calling at the time. Her uncle, Mordecai, had to put it in perspective for her. He asked her, “What if you were brought here for such a time as this?”. Think about it. She was a Jewish girl, chosen from among thousands of other women to be the queen! She didn't get there on accident. She was purposed to be there. At some point it clicked with her and she realized that she was born for this moment. Esther had to step out and do what she was called to do. And she did. She saved her people from extinction.

Now, many of us will look at this and not be able to relate it to our own lives. We also can’t see ourselves doing something this significant. You may be sitting in your boring cubicle at work wondering what eternal value this monotonous job has but, THERE IS A PURPOSE. You may feel like your ministry or calling is at a standstill, but it’s all leading you to the moment for which you were created. We are not queens most likely, but we ARE royalty. The Bible says we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood”. We have a specific purpose. YOU are chosen. 

So what are you doing with what God gave you and where God placed you? What are you doing with your job to help influence those around you? How are you demonstrating God’s love with every conversation that you take part in? You were brought into the kingdom for THIS time. So, don’t be afraid to take chances or to look foolish. This is YOUR time. It’s a “make it or break it” situation. Every decision counts, no matter how small it or insignificant it seems. You were born for this.

Lorna Brittany Wells leads worship at Royalwood and is also a youth leader in Anthem Student Ministries.  She is married to Tauren Wells and is expecting their first child in 2013..

Thursday, December 6, 2012

What If You Discovered Justin Bieber?



What if you discovered Justin Bieber?  

The YouTube sensation turned teen pop star was discovered singing love songs on YouTube as just a boy.  But no one would have ever heard of him, had he not been discovered.  It’s easy to find talent these days with all of the social media present in culture but what about the people who don’t post what their capable of all over the internet.  The reality is that not all talent is discovered, more often, it has to be detected.

It has been said that a prodigy resides in us all.  Perhaps it isn't the musical ability of a young Mozart or modern day vocal ability of a young Justin Bieber, but I do ascribe to the belief that there is tremendous potential in us all.  Before you jump to the conclusion that this post is a 3 step plan to discover your inner prodigy, let me tell you straight up, it’s not.  Sorry, maybe another time.  No, these next few sentences are being written out of a sincere passion for awakening. Fathers, Husbands, Mothers, Wives, Students, Leaders, well, you can name the category must realize the opportunity to pull out the potential that resides in those around us.

We have all heard the phrase, “ You bring out the best in me” or “You bring out the worst  in me.”  Fortunately and unfortunately we all have people in our lives that effect us one way or the other.  The question I've been wrestling with within myself is which one am I?  Do I truly bring out the best in others?  In my relationship with my wife, as a friend and leader, am I pulling out the prodigy or stifling the potential?  The truth is we are all doing one or the other.  In every relationship or in whatever role in your home, business, school etc. we have to be intentional about doing three things: 

Detect.  Project.  Protect.

We have to detect passion and potential, project a vision for seeing that potential realized, and do our part to protect that person and their potential.

Whether it be a fellow employee, a child, a spouse, or someone you mentor, one of your high calling’s is to detect the potential resident in whoever that person may be. 

Many people don’t do great things simply because no one is telling them that they can. 

We must take it upon ourselves to probe for possibility inside of people.  We must become keen to detect talent and gifting. 

Next, we must project a vision for that potential to be realized and utilized!  A lot of people cannot see beyond insecurity, past failures, or disbelief, the many possibilities that exist within themselves to make a difference or pursue a new endeavor.  We must speak life, affirm, and incite an awakening within them.  Of course, we cannot force them into doing something great but we must allow them to realize that doing something great with their lives is indeed possible.  

Lastly, we must protect those we detect ability in and project vision for.  If someone very gifted suddenly rises up as a leader in an organizational context get ready for stones to be thrown.  Obviously, we cannot stop this natural process from happening.  Success comes with both celebration and criticism, but we can build walls with our support, love, and words that help shield them from the blow.  Additionally, with success comes more and more opportunities.  We must be sure to keep those we care about balanced and also aware of the new challenges that await us at every new level.

Instead of waiting for the next big thing to be discovered on YouTube, look around your house, the office, or your campus...because a prodigy resides in us all.


Tauren Wells is the lead singer of the band, Royal Tailor. He serves as the Creative Director for Royalwood and is also on the youth staff. He loves interacting with students and building relationships. Follow Tauren on Twitter.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Holiday Introspection


                                                   
I sat in the doctor’s office today getting a chance to do some introspecting (something it seems I rarely find time to do).   I began thinking about how crazy life has become.   I frantically began thinking about how I will get everything done in time for Christmas.  I am doing most of my shopping on-line this year, I am not having the parties at my house that I normally have, and I am not doing all of the decorating that I normally do.  So, how is it that I still do not have time to do it all?  It seems that life has become so complicated even with all of the technology that we have to save time.

I began to think back to more simpler times in my life, when both of my children were young. It was a time when I had so many things to do that seem humanly impossible that I would ever get them all done. Most Christmas seasons, there were at least one or two nights where I didn't go to bed until 5 or 6 a.m.  Even with being room mother for both of my kid’s class, Pastor’s wife, overseeing all of the music for Christmas, going to college, decorating home and church, getting gifts for families in need, and many other things, I still had time to take our children to see Santa Claus, go to the Alley Theater and see “A Christmas Carol”, go caroling, have friends over, cook, and get all of the gifts wrapped.  Somehow, times were a little simpler then.

Then I continued back in my mind to the time when I was just a child.  While we received only a few gifts for Christmas, my Mother and Granny cooked for days in advance and we spent many nights at home playing games and looking at the scrawny little Christmas tree that had the simplest of decorations.  We thought that tree was beautiful because we had all picked it out and cut it down ourselves. We threw the icicles on the tree in random form, hung the red breakable ornaments that already had some of the color scraped off, and put up other various home-made crocheted and paper ornaments.  We couldn't wait until Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought which usually included an apple, orange, nuts, and candy in our stockings.  The whole season was simply magical.  I don’t remember my parents being worn out and haggard looking.  It was always the highlight of our year!

Then I went on back to an even more simple time and that was when baby Jesus was actually born.  There were no tinsel and garlands, no beautiful gold and red velvet ornaments, and no peacock feathers atop a tree.  There probably were feathers but they were the feathers in the stable from the two chickens that got in a fight.  No, everything was simple and pure.  There was a stable with a few animals, a Mom and Dad who were weary but happy and filled with wonder, and a baby wrapped in a swaddling blanket.  Of course, we know later that the wise men and shepherds came but at this time, it was just pure and simple baby Jesus!

I hope that in the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season, that we will take time to spend with our families, sit down, take a deep breath and just enjoy this wonderful time of the year.  But more than all of that, let’s be sure and remember Jesus and be thankful for the many blessings in our lives that we sometimes rush past!  Pastor Macey wanted our theme this year to be “Simply Jesus”!  Let’s take some time at the end of this year to think on just Him!


Jeanna Macey is married to Pastor Ron Macey. She is the Chorale Director for Royalwood and serves as Advisor to Royalwood's various ladies ministries. Follow Jeanna Macey  on Twitter 

Monday, October 29, 2012

The Royalwood Worship Arts Collective



Get ready to take your creative arts and music programs to the next level!


You're invited to inspiration and instruction for all genres and styles of arts and church music for worship leaders, songwriters, musicians of all kinds, worship team members, choir directors and members, graphic designers, audio/visual techs, and more. It's our desire that those who attend the Worship Arts Collective walk away with resources, ideas, and practical applications they can put to use immediately!

Get ready to take your creative arts and music programs to the next level!

Clinicians:

Aaron Lindsey, Aaron Shields, Vonnie Lopez, Blake Few, Shayne Hargass, Marcus Gibson, Tauren Wells, Jarrod Ingram, Daniel Bernard, Myron Smith, T’Neil Walea, Jeanna Macey, Lorna Wells, Johnathan Dean, Amber Beard, Logan Wilkinson, Blake Hubbard, Andrew Koontz, DJ Cox, Ben Stuckey, Aaron Lopez, Anthony Hughes, Annie King, Tyler Walea, Kevin Howard, Alvin Richardson, and Reggie Strong.


Classes Include: 

Enhancing Worship with Multi-Media and Graphic Design
Producing A Worship Service
Voice As A Group and Individual 
Song Writing
The Worship Band 
Enhancing Worship with Lighting
Music and Student Ministry
The Effective Music Department
The Church Online 
Live Sound Techniques
Choir
Classes for: Bass, Guitar, Keys, Organ, Auxillary Keys and Drums
AND MORE!


Cost:

Individual Workshop Ticket: $115.00
Groups of 3 or more from the same church: $99.00
Concert Only - Friday, Nov. 2nd at 7:30 pm: $10.00

For more information and download the registration form, visit http://royalwood.cc/#/events

Online Registration has been extended! To register online, visit http://theworshipartscollective.eventbrite.com/ 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Party In The Parking Lot!


Are you ready for Crescendo |Flags| 2012

It all kicks off Thursday, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. with Party in the Parking Lot at the Chick-Fil-A at Beltway 8 & Wallisville. This FREE concert features musical guests Graceful Closure and hip hop artist DA Davies

What are you waiting for? Make plans to attend!


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Crescendo 2012 |FLAGS|


WHEN:    Friday, October 19: 7:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
                  Saturday. October 20: 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:   7803 Uvalde Rd. Houston, TX 77049

SPEAKER:  Joseph Aaron

MUSIC BY: Graceful Closure & DA Davies

COST:  Friday - $15 (Concert & Meal)  |  Friday & Saturday: $20


So what does "FLAGS" mean?

I don’t know why a good man will fall while a wicked one stands and our lives blow apart like flags on the land.

Above is a line from a sobering lyric written by Brooke Fraser. The tension in the lyric and the truth it speaks about the reality in which students live is obvious. The struggle that comes with the relentless force of adversity is blowing the lives of humanity a part like a wind worn flag, doing all it can to just stand and fly. Within the four corners of tightly knitted material, people from all different cultures see an idea beyond what is just spoken in word, as it is revealed in symbol. A visible image of an unseen hope. 

A flag unifies the voice of a nation and displays in color and crest, their inherited identity, a common faith, a resident hope for freedom and justice. In times of war, the flag flies. In times death, the flag flies. In times of triumph, the flag flies. In times of peace, the flag flies. 

The people of God also unite around a common flag. It is a flag that is given to those who have blown a part. It symbolizes love and justice, hope and life, salvation and redemption, power and truth. Ancient men said it like this; “Jehovah-Nissi“ meaning, “the LORD is my banner.” We know Him as Jesus Christ. We echo the voice of an ancient King who said, “In the NAME OF OUR GOD we will SET-UP OUR BANNER.” It’s time for 21st century world changers to take position. To go to the tattered, torn, and broken and show the world that THERE IS MORE. It is time to raise...our...FLAGS.





Friday, September 28, 2012

Cloverleaf Grocery Giveaway - Tomorrow!


WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 2012 | 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Cloverleaf Community Center


On Saturday, September 29th, our Cloverleaf Ministry is giving away 200 bags of groceries. Groceries are first come, first serve and we are excited about the opportunity to "Reach, Teach and Serve" in our community. 

For more information about the Grocery Giveaway or about our Cloverleaf Minstry, contact Waylon & Joy Peoples.  



The Pentecostals at Royalwood