Praise FM

A Holy Moment ... of Rest

2010-07-20T10:49:00.001-05:00

See if you can relate to this comment by Mark Buchanon in his book “The Holy Wild.” “I don't play enough and I don't rest enough. I am closing in on fifty, and my life has become narrowed down to deadlines and appointments and conferences and business lunches, chores and duties and tasks and projects. It had been ages since I had last cartwheeled through a meadow or danced to an old seventies song or slept in and not felt guilty… It had been ages since I immersed myself in anything and just sat still and waited. And sometimes God hides right there, waiting with me for the stones to sing.”

I’ve been feeling that way and decided to do something about it. I’ve always loved fishing and the last several years have had almost no time to get away… so last week when I drove my son to Trout Lake Bible camp, I took along my rod and reel. And instead of rushing back to work, I walked down to the dock, made a few casts and reeled in a largemouth bass. Then I sat for just a moment to look out at the lake. It took just a moment to have that memory.

If your life is filled with deadlines and appointments … I encourage you to look for that moment where you can be refreshed.

David McIver, Executive Director, Praise FM
Listen online from anywhere in the world - www.PraiseFM.org

Posted via email from Praise FM

Care For Orphans

2010-04-27T14:24:00.001-05:00

Listen in to Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, as he fills us in on the Lausanne Conversation and the Alliance Summit coming to Grace Church this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Download now or listen on posterous

Jedd_-_Alliance_for_Orphans.mp3 (7335 KB)

Posted via web from Praise FM

Caring For Orphans

2010-04-27T12:27:00.001-05:00

Do you want to help the orphans of the world? Be a part of the Lausanne Conversation and the Christian Alliance for Oprhans Summit happening this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Grace Church Eden Prairie.

Listen in as Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, fills us in on what this great organizatio is up to and how you can play a part in caring for the least of these!

Posted via web from Praise FM

Step Into Africa with EBC and World Vision

2010-02-12T10:55:00.003-06:00

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

Tyler Gregory from Eagle Brook Church called into 95.3 Praise FM to fill us in on the World Vision Experience: AIDS - Step Into Africa exhibit going on now at their White Bear Lake Campus.

Worship in Haiti

2010-02-10T09:32:00.002-06:00

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

North Central University student, Sarah Blesener, recently returned from a trip to Haiti and stopped by the 95.3 Praise FM studios to share her story of how she saw God move in an amazing way through worship!

Tell Us Your Story and Win!

2010-01-29T11:49:00.001-06:00

How has worship changed your life? What role does it play in your day-to-day routine? What’s your favorite worship song? Leave your worship story in the comments or go here to tell us, and you’ll automatically be placed in a drawing to join 95.3 Praise FM and other members of our listening family in a skybox at Mariucci Arena to watch the mens Golden Gopher hockey team take on Colorado College on February 19.

We'll pick our winners the week of February 15 and announce them during the morning show and also, notify them via email or Facebook message with more details.

Gopher Game Info:
Who: 95.3 Praise FM, you and a guest, & 18 other members of our listening family
What: Mens Golden Gopher Hockey vs. Colorado College
When: Friday, February 19 – 7:00pm
Where: Mariucci Arena

BGEA Rapid Response in Haiti

2010-01-20T13:02:00.008-06:00

UPDATE: Chaplain Keith Stiles called in to 95.3 to fill us in on his time in Haiti.

A few pictures of the Billy Graham Rapid Respose Team bringing hope to those in Haiti.

Haiti: How You Can Help

2010-01-14T10:28:00.003-06:00

First and foremost, pray
You can text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross
You can text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5 to Yele
Desiring God has put together a list of 11 organizations collecting donations which you can see here

In addition to all this, Preston Parrish from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association called in to 95.3 to fill us in on the relief efforts through their Rapid Response Team.

Kevin Love Coat Drive

2009-12-10T11:50:00.004-06:00

You can help families in need of coats this Christmas when you donate a new or gently-used coat to the Kevin Love Coat Drive. Kevin, forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, recently called into 95.3 and gave us all the details.

The final day of the coat drive is now Tuesday, December 15th and you can drop off your donation at any of the following locations in the Twin Cities:

1. Brooklyn Park - 8401 West Broadway Ave, Brooklyn Park MN 55445
2. Inver Grove Heights - Salem Square, 5300 S Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55075
3. Little Canada - 2800 Rice Street, Suite 159 Little Canada, MN 55117
4. Minneapolis - 801 Plymouth Avenue N. Minneapolis MN 55411
5. St. Paul - 10 River Park Plaza St. Paul, MN 55107
6. Target Center Box Office - 600 1st Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55403

Joy Is In Our Hearts

2009-11-18T10:32:00.004-06:00

Sara Groves stopped by the 95.3 Praise FM studios and gave us the story behind the song "Joy Is In Our Hearts" from her new album Fireflies and Songs.

The Christmas Window

2009-11-12T06:44:00.004-06:00

Check out The Christmas Window starting the weekend of December 4th at North Heights Lutheran Church in Arden Hills! The Christmas Window is an original production featuring the music of Michael W. Smith and American Idol alum Phil Stacey as part of the cast. Listen in to our conversation with NHLC Director of Worship, Mark David Williams, as we discuss this exciting production.

One Shoebox Can Change A Life

2009-11-11T10:31:00.003-06:00

We recently talked with Ted, an Operation Christmas Child Full-Circle Kid, who received a shoebox from OCC as a child and is now returning the favor and giving gifts and the hope of Jesus to children through Operation Christmas Child.

True Greatness

2009-11-09T11:27:00.002-06:00

My dear friend Glenn Martin, director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the State of Minnesota, shares this wonderful story which was submitted by Jake Vanada who directs FCA in the west metro area.
-David McIver

It's the last game of the regular season, Minnetonka Vs. Wayzata, a huge rivalry between two high profile and greatly successful teams. Wayzata is the undefeated State Champ who beat Minnetonka earlier this year. However, on this particular night, Minnetonka wins this game 3-0 in overtime.

Through the FCA huddle ministry, Wayzata has a tradition of prayer after the game lead by their students and some coaches. Working in advance with the coaching staffs at both schools, Wayzata invited the players from Minnetonka to join with the Wayzata players after the game on the field for a joint time of prayer.

It was an unbelievable moment on a cold and misty night under the lights after a very tough well-played game. Probably 30-40 players from each team took a knee and gave God the glory and thanked Him for the night and the game. One Wayzata player prayed “Lord, our brothers from across the lake beat us tonight, and as much as we hate to lose, we are happy to have been in this game with them.”

I was humbled to have the chance to also pray with the teams and to see young men sincerely bow and give God the glory.

Way to go Wayzata and Minnetonka Football. You are two classy, well coached teams!

Operation Christmas Child

2009-10-29T09:04:00.002-05:00

Nicole Sheldon, Upper Midwest Regional Director for Operation Christmas Child, shares about the exciting new program called Follow Your Box with 95.3 Praise FM. Through Follow Your Box, families, organizations, businesses, and churches can now know where their shoe boxes have been sent. Use the EZ Give feature on www.samaritanspurse.org to pay for shipping and a special label with a barcode will be available to print. Affix the label to your box and drop-off at a site near you during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23. When your box ships, you will be notified via email which country your box is being sent to and important information about what Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan's Purse activities are happening in that country.

Parenting With Purpose

2009-10-27T12:13:00.003-05:00

You have the chance to instill hope, vision and purpose in the lives of incarcerated parents and their children in need of healing and restoration. Lori Strong, Executive Director or Parenting With Purpose, stopped by our studios to tell us about their amazing vision and how you can be a part!

Until the Whole World Hears Preview

2009-10-27T06:50:00.000-05:00

How Good and Pleasant...

2009-10-26T13:48:00.003-05:00

When I attended Bethel University in the early 1980’s, I attended a service in this old building located near the seminary. This Church was built in 1857 and moved on campus in 1973. With five rows on each side it would seat about 50 people. One winter evening the girls from the building next door invited all of the guys in J Building to a campfire and time of ministry in the sanctuary. There were candles and singing, and then the student leading the service passed around styrofoam cups. We were told to punch holes in the cups as we acknowledged areas of sin and weakness. One of my roommates virtually destroyed his cup. It was funny, but to those of us who knew him it was also revealing. The cups were placed on the altar and we were reminded that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. We were encouraged to not go through life looking for the holes in the cups around us. As we closed the speaker took all the cups and stacked them together. She then took a pitcher of water and filled the top cup. Not a drop of water escaped, and in the silence of that moment she recited Psalm 133, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” A small gathering of believers but it changed my life. I stood at the altar of the old Scandia Baptist Church today and remembered.

-David McIver

MN Teen Challenge Christmas Concert

2009-10-21T09:48:00.003-05:00

Minnesota Teen Challenge invites you to their 2nd Annual Christmas Concert to celebrate the FREEDOM found in Christ!

Reggie Dabbs

2009-10-20T11:31:00.003-05:00

Reggie Dabbs, the #1 most-requested public school speaker, stopped by 95.3 Praise FM and had a chat with North Central University's Nate Ruch. Listen in to learn about Reggie and his heart for America's youth.

Jimmy Meets His Compassion Sponsor

2009-10-15T11:33:00.002-05:00

Jimmy Wambua met Mark, his Compassion sponsor for 19 years, for the 1st time at Catalyst 2009. Jimmy starts sharing his story at the 3:45 mark.

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Joel Hanson - "New Way to Live"

2009-10-13T11:54:00.002-05:00

Joel Hanson stopped by our Twin Cities studio to peform "New Way to Live" from his new album What If It Is. Joel's CD release show for What If It Is happens this Friday at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove. The clip starts with Joel explaining the idea behind the new record and the song. Enjoy!

Don't Waste Your Life

2009-10-06T06:28:00.003-05:00

Enjoy this free E-Book version of Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. We promise, it will challenge you!

Give This Christmas Away

2009-10-01T14:25:00.003-05:00

Learn more about how you can impact a child's life this Christmas through Operation Christmas Child and don't forget about the FREE screening of VeggieTales - Saint Nicholas tonight at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Anoka!

If you missed our chat with Matthew West & VeggieTales Co-Creator Mike Nawrocki. we've got you covered!

A Summer of Changed Lives

2009-09-24T08:49:00.003-05:00

The Billy Graham Evangelical Association presents a special look back at this summer's Rock the River Tour. You can watch the entire thing right here!

ReignDownUSA Interview Pt. 2

2009-09-23T08:19:00.002-05:00

Part 2 of our exclusive interview with ReignDownUSA founder, Shawn-Marie.

Join us this Tuesday, September 29th in Elliot Park from 6-10pm

ReignDownUSA In Minneapolis!

2009-09-22T10:07:00.003-05:00

ReignDownUSA is coming to Minneapolis on Tuesday, September 29! It will be from 6-10pm in Elliot Park, right across from the Praise FM Twin Cities studios! Dave recently caught up with Shawn-Marie, the founder of ReignDownUSA, and in part 1 of this interview she tells her amazing story of how ReignDownUSA started...and how it involved Michael W. Smith and President Bush!

A New Hallelujah Tour!

2009-09-21T09:19:00.001-05:00

Vicky Beeching in Studio - "Vocal Booth Truth"

2009-09-17T09:40:00.000-05:00

Video Blog #2 From The Studio - "Vocal Booth Truth!" from Vicky Beeching on Vimeo.

Casting Crowns on Huckabee

2009-09-11T08:04:00.000-05:00

MWS Sneak Peak!

2009-09-08T11:43:00.001-05:00

Michael W. Smith gives you a sneak peak at his new album he's working on!

A Note From David McIver

2009-08-25T09:50:00.005-05:00

When I was 17 years old my Grandfather gave me a trip to the Holy Land. The theme of the trip was the fullness of time. As we visited places like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and even Cairo, our instructors took us through the divine order of the events in God’s Word. We stood upon the very ground where God demonstrated that he is never early and never late in the unfolding of his plan.

In the early 1990’s the Holy Spirit began to show the leadership of Praise FM that He was calling us to develop a worship format, and that if we would say yes to this calling He would open doors of expansion in rural areas, major metropolitan cities, and around the world. We have grown from one station to four, and in the last few weeks have heard from organizations in Africa, Sweden, Canada and the Cayman Islands, asking us to assist them in covering these areas with the sounds of worship and prayer.

As the opening of doors accelerates, it is apparent that this is the fullness of time spoken to us 15 years ago.

We believe that this is the time to strengthen our existing stations in Western Minnesota and the Dakotas, and this is the time to expand into the Twin Cities. We believe this is the time to send our programming into Europe, Africa and even to the distant islands referred to in the Psalms.

This Friday, I invite you to invest in this opportunity during our special one-day fundraiser as we encourage you, your family and your community in life of worship.

The Time Is Now!

Vicky Beeching In Studio

2009-08-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

Video Blog #1 From The Studio! from Vicky Beeching on Vimeo.

Rock the River

2009-08-19T13:08:00.004-05:00

23,000 people gathered on Harriet Island this past Sunday for Rock the River, and close to 1,000 people said yes to Jesus Christ!

In case you missed it, we took some pictures for you!

Powerful Video on Missions

2009-08-18T15:00:00.002-05:00

We saw this powerful video on the great blog Between Two Worlds and had to share it with you.

The Lost Art of Reading

2009-08-12T14:08:00.004-05:00

Today, it seems it is not contemplation we seek but an odd sort of distraction masquerading as being in the know. Why? Because of the illusion that illumination is based on speed, that it is more important to react than to think, that we live in a culture in which something is attached to every bit of time.

That quote comes from this great Los Angeles Times article, and while the author's focus is reading, that concept applies readily to our daily lives as Christians.

We need daily times of quiet to be alone with Jesus. We need to shut off the phone and log off of Facebook to hear the still small voice of God.

Questions

2009-08-11T12:43:00.007-05:00

My parents just sold their house in Des Moines and bought a house in the Twin Cities. Those two events transpired in just one week’s time, but behind that one week were 8 months of prayer and waiting. Within those 8 months were hundreds of questions, many of them without answers until now. And yet even with a house sold and a house purchased, questions still remain, most of them sounding something like, “Why did it take so long, God?”

As we saw earlier, our way of thinking is not like God’s, and so we question. We question why he’s placed us in a town or job or relationship. We question why he would allow sickness and suffering, and we question why we have to wait.

The truth is that God is sovereign and completely just in doing whatever he pleases.

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? Romans 9:20-21

At Praise FM, we’ve waited 15 years on a promise from the Lord, and we’ve had plenty of questions during that waiting period. But as we look to strengthen our reach in Western Minnesota and the Dakotas, and as we establish ourselves in the Twin Cities, we believe that now, as we speak, God is going to show us answers to our questions. As we seek to assist ministries in Canada, Sweden and the Cayman Islands with our programming, we firmly trust that God’s answers will be both surprising and above and beyond anything we could have dreamed of or asked for.

To be continuted…

Rock the River This Sunday!

2009-08-10T10:49:00.006-05:00

The last stop on the Rock the River tour happens this Sunday at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul!

So far, the tour has seen close to 100,000 attendees and 805 people give their lives to Jesus!

The latest stop in Davenport, IA drew over 13,000...

...and the stop in St. Louis brought in...wait for it...65,000!!!

Oh, and make sure you stop by the Praise FM booth to say "hi!"

Plans

2009-08-05T12:00:00.013-05:00

How do you make God laugh? Make a plan.

They say that the truth is said in jest, and that old joke certainly holds some truth, doesn’t it? Looking back on your life, remembering all the ways that God has protected and provided, how many times have your plans turned out exactly the way you thought they would? How many times have you had to wait while God worked all things together for good?

We’ve all been there, and while we’re waiting, our feelings can waver back and forth, changing our perception and opinion about God. Thankfully, our fickle, finite emotions don’t change who God is.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Simply, our ways are not His ways.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

For 15 years now, we’ve waited as God worked out his perfect plan for this ministry. Today, as you read this, the time has come to fulfill what God promised to Praise FM in the early 90’s. Namely, that He would open up doors of expansion to rural areas, major cities and nations around the world.

To be continuted…

Filled To Be Emptied

2009-08-03T10:24:00.002-05:00

Hopefully, you've heard "Desert Song" from Hillsong on Praise FM, but perhaps you've not heard one of the stories behind the recording. Hillsong vocalist, Jill McCloghry, shares her testimony about choosing to praise God in the midst of tragedy.

2009-07-30T11:37:00.004-05:00

A recent article in the Pioneer Press highlighted the fact that the Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis are suffering a severe drought this summer and have more or less dried up.

I (Alex) was at the Falls a month or so ago when the waters were sparse but not yet dried up and was able to snap this on my phone...

Even without the rushing waters, it's still quite remarkable, isn't it?

It reminds me of Psalm 19:1-2 that says:
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech,and night to night reveals knowledge.

And concerning the current state of the Falls, Psalm 33:6-7 tells us:
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.

Prayer on Praise FM

2009-07-24T13:12:00.008-05:00

95.3 Praise FM Twin Cities recently hosted it's first time of extended prayer with Pastor Tim Hatt from Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville and John Tolo, Prayer Chair for Rock the River and director of The Hot Spot, an internet cafe ministry reaching out to the U of M campus.

These extended times of prayer are central to the mission of Praise FM as we seek to change the way people, cities and nations worship.

Church Music

2009-07-23T10:33:00.002-05:00

Here it is! The cover art for the David Crowder Band's new album, Church Music, which comes out September 22nd!

How Long Will This Last?

2009-07-13T10:24:00.003-05:00

If you're enduring a spiritual storm right now, this post from Jon Bloom of desiringGod is for you.

"...you can trust the Father, whose will sometimes is that you drink a cup you really wish you didn’t have to drink.

But it’s only because there is joy unspeakable and full of glory for those who do."

Read the entire post here.

2009-07-07T10:00:00.005-05:00

Tenth Avenue North has been keeping busy...

Their lead singer, Mike, is part of the new Glory Revealed album coming out next week...

And the Billy Graham Evangelical Association just partnered with the band for the BGEA Rapid Response Team...Click Here to learn more...

Prodigal God

2009-07-06T11:14:00.005-05:00

Praise FM artist, Brian Doerksen, is offering 5 free songs from his new musical, Prodigal God!

Harriet Island

2009-07-06T08:53:00.007-05:00

A few pics from Harriet Island in St. Paul where Rock the River is happening Sunday, August 16th.

These were taken with a camera phone, so just imagine what it will be like live with Franklin Graham speaking and Flyleaf, Kirk Franklin, Superchick and many more performing...

Glory Revealed II

2009-06-22T10:31:00.004-05:00

We love the Glory Revealed album at Praise FM and we're excited about the release of Glory Revealed II on July 14th!

Glory Revealed II EPK from Provident Label Group on Vimeo.

Music - Part 5: Horizontal

2009-06-19T08:21:00.004-05:00

When you think of witnessing, what comes to mind? Tracts? Street evangelism at Mardi Gras? Leading a friend down the “Roman’s Road”?

These things are all well and good and really do have the potential to lead people to Jesus, but there are times when we focus exlcusively on methods or programs and forget what it is to really be a witness for Christ.

Jesus himself tells us:

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Did you catch that? Our good works, the way we live, act and respond to others are our witnessing tools. Of course, it’s not our good works that bring us to God; we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. But out of our love for God, and in an effort to be more like Jesus, the things we say and do should reflect more and more of Him for the world to see. Quite simply, we become what we worship.

So as we worship Jesus, the music in our Horizontal category is there to remind us of what it means to be a city on a hill. They’re songs that encourage us to be salt and light as we witness to a world in need of a Savior.

Music - Part 4: Vertical

2009-06-16T10:32:00.003-05:00

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

As hard as we may try, our finite minds cannot fully comprehend what it is to be infinite, what it is to be the beginning and end of everything. When we take the time to reflect on that truth, that our God is bigger than anything we could ever imagine, it should fill us with awe and reverence for so many reasons.

R.C. Sproul says:

“Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.”

We feel how small we are when we consider how majestic God is, and our only proper response is to bow down in daily, personal worship of our Creator where we marvel at his beauty and thank him for his love and mercy.

The music in our Vertical category is in place for this purpose. This is where a life of worship starts, with your own personal time of worship and prayer to Jesus.

Listening

2009-06-09T12:49:00.010-05:00

If you like the song "Listening" by Dan Macaulay you can download it for free at his website... http://www.danmacaulay.com/

Music - Part 3: Testimony

2009-06-05T08:15:00.011-05:00

Excruciating.

This word literally means “from the cross” and was invented specifically to describe the agony of crucifixion.

Jesus died an excruciating death.

Not only was it horrendously painful to die on a cross, it was utterly shameful. The book of Deuteronomy tells us:

“…if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God.”

The ancient Jewish historian Josephus referred to crucifixion as “the most wretched of deaths” and the ancient Roman Philosopher Cicero claimed that it was “too disgraceful a subject for the ears of decent people.”

So why in the world would Christians celebrate something so heinous? Why would we hold up the cross as a symbol of our faith when others consider it to profane to even mention?

This is why:

But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
wehave turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him theiniquity of us all.
(Isaiah 53:4-6)
And

…God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

John Piper puts it this way:

“…when John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave...”, the giving is God sending his Son to earth on a mission to die. It’s just as amazing—only a million times more so—as if you should say to your son, “There is something I want you to do for me: I have some enemies that deserve to perish, and I want you to go and die in their place, so that they can have eternal life.” Whatever else you know about God, make sure you know he is like that.”

When we look to the cross we cannot help but testify to the goodness, grace and mercy of our God. Our testimony category is filled with songs about the cross of Christ and proclaims the work of Christ in us and through us because of his atoning sacrifice.

Music - Part 2: Proclamation

2009-05-29T14:47:00.006-05:00

And may we never forget that one day, all nations--and all people--will stand accountable before you…I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, 'Isa, Jesus [Spanish pronunciation], Jesus…
-Rick Warren at the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, January 20, 2009

Did you feel the weight and glory of that moment? In front of a watching world, on a historic day, Pastor Rick Warren echoed the words of Philippians 2:9-11:

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above
every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on
earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Indeed, all nations and all people, presidents and peasants alike will one day bow down before King Jesus and confess that He is Lord.

We know this great truth and we want to proclaim it. Following our call to worship are songs of proclamation, songs that lift up the name of Jesus and invite you to marvel at the holiness and greatness of our God.

Music - Part 1: Call to Worship

2009-05-22T15:39:00.003-05:00

We all worship. The question is, what or whom do we worship? For some it’s career, money or family. For Christians, it’s Jesus. In fact, the first two commandments demand that we put God first:

You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God…(Exodus 20:3-5)

Martin Luther says that we only break the rest of the commandments after we have broken the first two. Mark Driscoll states it this way, “…if I only have the One True God as my God and I only worship that God, then I will not end up committing idolatry by worshiping such things as my job and not taking a Sabbath, worshiping my anger and becoming violent, worshiping sex and committing adultery, worshiping things and stealing them, or worshiping success and becoming covetous of what other people have.” If we choose to place anything, even good things like friends and family, above Jesus we’re committing idolatry*. So those are our choices, worship or idolatry.

We invite you to worship. Every half hour on Praise FM begins with a song, a call to worship, that focuses your heart, soul and mind on the person and work of Jesus. It’s an invitation to lay down your idols and to put God first.

*Tim Keller, author of The Reason for God, offers some great insight into idolotry here. You can also read his notes here.

The Music of Praise FM

2009-05-20T11:59:00.002-05:00

Every half-hour on Praise FM includes songs that fit into our 5 categrories of worship:

Call To Worship
A song which begins each half hour
Proclamation
Songs declaring the names or attributes of God
Testimony
Songs that share our response to the activity of God, and testify to the cross of Jesus Christ
Vertical Response
Songs directed to our God
Horizontal Response
Songs speaking to the worshipper as salt and light to end each half hour

Over the next few weeks we'll take a closer look at these 5 categories and the part they play in inviting you into a lifestyle of worship.

Stay tuned...

FM419

2009-05-13T10:56:00.003-05:00

Our friends Matt Brown and Jay Anderson from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association recently stopped by to fill us in on FM419, which happens this weekend at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, and the Rock the River Tour coming to the Twin Cities this August.

That's Matt in the photo...sorry, Jay!

Thank You!

2009-05-08T18:26:00.001-05:00

Thank you for partnering with us to change lives with the good news of Jesus Christ during or 2009 Spring Sharathon.

To God be the glory!

You're Helping To Change Lives In Africa!

2009-05-08T11:33:00.006-05:00

Wayne Pederson, President of HCJB Global, shows off one of the solar powered radios you're helping to provide for people in Ghana, Africa when you pledge your support to Praise FM!

Click here to be a part of changing lives with the good news of Jesus!

Living Hope

2009-05-06T10:41:00.010-05:00

Be a part of changing lives and encouraging others in a lifestyle of worship!
Call 1-800-658-2229 or you can pledge online!

How has the Lord blessed you lately? It seems all around us the world is recognizing disaster, need and desperation, but God’s Word says His children do not belong to this world. We would like to share a few of the ways the Lord has blessed Praise FM recently.

Late afternoon announcer Michele’s son Josh was injured in a skiing accident, but he’s alive, experiencing daily victories and an outpouring of God’s love through His people!
Praise FM is on air 24 hours a day in the Twin Cities and word is spreading fast!
A woman was in the listening area for her daughter’s open heart surgery and when she went back to the car after the surgery the song playing was the exact song that her daughter was singing as she went in for surgery!
College students are reporting that Praise FM is being listened to in dorm rooms and even some of the campus buildings around the Twin Cities!
A listener in Ashby heard us interview Central MN FCA Director Rick Lenarz and in turn began a successful new FCA chapter!
This year Praise FM will be tithing a percentage of our Spring Sharathon to HCJB for solar powered radios in Africa!

Even better than all the rest, we know that we have living hope in Christ Jesus and an inheritance in heaven that can never perish, spoil, or fade (1 Peter 1:3-4). We have so much to be thankful for!

Your support during our Spring Sharathon sustains the ministry and makes growth possible. Right now Praise FM owes $50,000 on its operational budget. In addition, the expansion opportunities the Lord has presented in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area will require a significant additional monthly expense as we move forward.

God has commissioned Praise FM to bring His living hope to the many who are hurting in this world by inviting His presence to permeate the airwaves.

Would you help Praise FM accomplish His purposes?

All donations to Praise FM are tax-deductible, as we are a 501c3 non-profit organization. Your gift of any amount is greatly appreciated. You can donate today by going to www.praisefm.org/support.cfm or by calling Praise FM at 800-658-2229.

As you read this, we pray this blessing over you from Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, sothat you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Jason Upton at Praise FM

2009-04-29T09:07:00.006-05:00

Worship leader and recording artist Jason Upton recently stopped by our Twin Cities studios to talk with David and share his heart for worship.

For more on Jason you can visit www.jasonupton.net

Be Self-Controlled

2009-04-20T13:31:00.000-05:00

This week I'm reading in the book of Titus and today I was particularly struck by Chapter 2 in which Paul commands us to be self-controlled not just once, but four times:

v.1 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.

vv.3-5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

v.6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

vv.11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age

I study out of the ESV Study Bible and I like the very blunt note that accompanies this chapter that states, "To forsake godliness is to despise the sacrifice of Christ."

It's easy to see in just those four verses how self-control fits into a godly lifestyle, it's an indicator that we are truly being transformed into his image and that the fruits of the Spirit are in us.

Alex