It’s so good to get away

I finally arrived in New Mexico last night. It feels so good to get out of the “oven” that is Phoenix. I forgot how much I loved New Mexico. There’s just something about all that wide open space. I can’t remember when I saw a sky that blue. There were shades of blue that I didn’t know existed. Simply breathtaking. I stopped in Cloudcroft, which is close to 9,000 feet. When I got out of the car, I had to put on my jacket, and could smell the familiar smell of fireplaces being used. That’s a strange experience given that it’s been 113 and above in Phoenix and lows haven’t gotten below 90 (yuck). It’s good to see some familiar faces. I’m off for a much needed nap…

Until next time sports fans!

What a reminder

Well, for those of you who know me well, you know that one of my biggest heroes is Steven Curtis Chapman. God used him and his music during one of the roughest times in my life. It was through his music that God really began a new work in my life. One of the greatest songs I’ve ever heard – God is God – tells such a powerful story. I came across this video a few months ago on youtube. I figured I’d share it with you. It’s SCC at the White House playing this song all by his big bad self. As my friend Brett and I would always say – “man, that was Siiick!” amen to that. Preach on SCC. Here’s the lyrics just in case you missed them.

God is God – Steven Curtis Chapman

And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don’t know

And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
And I’m filled with awe and wonder
‘Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I

Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass

Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through
Him and from Him are all things

So let us worship before the throne
Of the One who is worthy of worship alone

We’ll see where this one goes

Well, there have been some ideas floating around my noggin for a number of years now. I’ve always had a desire to write a book or two. So, given the recent clearing of my schedule, I have started work on a book. I have had a number of close friends and mentors push me in this direction and encourage me to put these thoughts on a page. I can’t promise you’ll ever see my goofy face on a bookshelf someday, but who knows. We’ll see where God takes this project. Had an interview a few years ago with an editor. My good friend David and I thought we had a book deal. Long story short, this guy moved on and our project fell through a few cracks. Keep me in your prayers as I start writing. I’m excited to see where this will lead! God bless…

“Get busy living – or get busy dying.” Andy Dufresne

Grizzy McNizzy

Grizzly the black lab (aka “Grizzy McNizzy”) was recently diagnosed with a very serious form of cancer. It’s devastated our family, simply because Grizz had become part of it. He’s one of the closest friends I’ve ever had, and was always faithful to keep me warm at night by snugging up on the other side of the queen bed I slept on at home. My mom reminded me that that our dogs “weren’t normal dogs” they slept on beds, couches, and laz-y-boys – and ate better than most of us at times. If memory serves me right, we got him Christmas of ‘95. He’s been with us through some chaotic times, faithful to be our friend, and asking for nothing but unconditional love in return. I’m convinced God put those sweet animals on earth to teach us a lesson about life and love. I’ll get to see him this weekend. The vet told mom he probably only has days left. We don’t have a big family, and I’ve yet to really lose a loved one that I was close with. So, as cheesy as this might sound, I’ve already started to grieve the loss of one of my best friends. The world will be a less safe place because Grizzy McNizzy has given up patrolling the backyard. Now the squirrels will be able to raid my mom’s bird feeders, and the cats can roam across the back fence without permission. What a sad day it will be when the reality sets in that my friend is gone. You can’t tell me that Grizzly won’t be there to great me in heaven one day, slobbery tennis ball in mouth, ready for a new game of catch – one where he can run and not get tired, and his lil’ hips won’t hurt him anymore.

Tis so sweet

Well, for those of you who know me best, you can understand when I say “it’s been one heck of a week!” Some things have happened this week that have caused me to question a number of things about my beliefs and my passions. Why Christians treat each other the way they do sometimes… it’s beyond me. I start thinking about the words of Christ throughout the Gospels, and I can’t help but think that when we as the church start to live those things out, people are bound to wonder what makes us tick. My hero and mentor Dr. Roy Fish taught a lot of things, but one of the things I learned the best was the reality that we really aren’t promised tomorrow. All we have is today. For me it comes down to the reality that people, without a relationship with Jesus Christ, will spend an eternity separated from Him, in a very real place called Hell. Jesus paid so great a price for us, and He certainly didn’t die to start another religion. In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes; “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” It’s that love that drives this fire in my spirit to see a hurting world know the one that died for them and gave Himself up for them. For me, I know that I will stand before God someday and have to give an account for my life. I don’t want to look into the eyes of my Redeemer knowing I didn’t do everything I could to reach as many as I could. For me, there are some truths about God that I will hold on to with all my heart: 1. God loves me, and He has my best interests at heart and 2. God has allowed this to happen for a reason. So for me, I’m out of the boat – I’m walking and I’m not looking down. Some friends of mine who used to lead worship at our Bible study while I was at Texas Tech have put together a FANTASTIC version of one of my favorite hymns. If you get a chance, go stop by their site www.justincofield.com and listen to their version of “Tis so sweet” off of their new album. Simply amazing. Read these words…

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know thus sayeth the Lord

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace

Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
Oh for grace to trust Him more

I’m so glad I learned to trust Him
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend
And I know that He is with me
Will be with me to the end

So tonight, may you rest in those promises, and trust that God loves you more than you will ever know. May you have the courage to step out of your boat and walk towards Jesus, and may you see your world the way Jesus did – and do something about it.

New site coming!!

“hey bryan, welcome back to the 21st century!” oh thanks made up computer voice! I’m back! Just wanted to let you know to keep watching for the new and much improved baileyministries.org It’ll be here before you know it! On the site you’ll be able to see where I am, download messages, and book me to speak… all that and SO much more! So keep praying for us and praying that God would use this ministry to spread the good news of Jesus to a hurting world. I’ll write more later, but for now – Cops is on. Gotta run!

Until the new site is ready, feel free to stop by www.myspace.com/baileyministries

God bless!!