Guys,
I know it's been a while since I've put anything out, and for that I apologize. I've been in a bit of a music-lull this last six months or so.
However, recently I felt convicted to put out this booklet on the prophecies about Christ. I created a while back in an attempt to help others, but never really disseminated it.
Take it. Use it. Let me know if you need anything else...
Your Brother in Christ,
NickG
__________________________________________
Guys,
I think I have had a calling recently to work within mental institution ministries. However, from what I've discovered, this may not be a realistic possibility as of yet. As it turns out, prison ministries have Christ involved because prisoners have the right to defend themselves and their religious freedom. However, with people in mental institutions, they are clinically mentally incapable of thinking effectively for themselves and/or are a danger to themselves and others, and thusly would not have the same religious freedoms to be regularly exposed to Christ's love if someone was not fighting for them.
This has peaked both my Christian faith and my American sense of justice for all men and women regardless of whether someone is mentally capable of making right judgments or not. Regardless of how how young or old you are, or how intelligent you are or aren't, God loves us all the same (John 3:16).
If this subject peaks you're interest, especially for prayer, please let me know that. I have no idea where God's gonna to take this, but my past history both sin and not, and my interests have given me a feeling there's merit for legitimate and unique ministry opportunity here. Please pray for my efforts here.
Your Brother in Christ,
NickG
P.S. This may be grant-worthy according to our government. We'll see...
__________________________________________
Philippians 2:1-18:
2:1 If (there) (is) any encouragment in Christ, any comfort of love, any partnership of spirit, any affections and compassions, 2:2 Fill me (with) the joy: (having) the same mind of your's ((singular)), having the same love, (and) (having) the same mind of all of you ((plural)), 2:3 (doing) nothing by selfish ambition or empty splendor (or conceit), but in the humble-minded-ness of considering one another --above-- yourselves, 2:4 not looking (after) (just) yourselves, but also (looking) carefully (after) each other.
2:5 (Let) the (same) mind (be) in you which (is) also in Christ Jesus, 2:6 Who, (though) in (the) form of God did not consider the existing equality with God (something) to be seized (or exploited). 2:7 But (rather) He emptied Himself having taken (the) form of (a) slave, in becoming like men in (the) shape (of) being (a) (physical) man, 2:8 He humbled Himself, being obedient unto death (even) the death on (a) cross.
2:9 (As a result), God elevated Him beyond (others) and favored Him (as) the name above all name(s) 2:10 that in the name of Jesus, all knee(s) might (or will) bow in (the) Heavens, on earth and under the earth, 2:11 and (that) all tongue(s) might (or will) confess out that Jesus Christ (is) Master (or Lord) into the splendor of God (the) Father.
2:12 So, my loved (or beloved), just as you always obeyed not (just) as in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work (out) thoroughly your deliverance (or salvation) with fear and trembling, 2:13 for God is the One operating in you both the want (or desire) and the (ability) to operate (or to work or to do) on behalf of His good thought (or pleasure).
2:14 Do all (things) without grumbling or (negative) reasonings (or complaining, doubts, etc.), 2:15 that you might (or will) become faultless and innocent, children of God, blameless in (the) middle of (a) crooked and perverted generation in which you shine as lights in the world, 2:16 holding on (to) (the) Word of life (that) in the day of Christ, I may (or will) brag (or boast) that I (did) not run emptily (or in vain) or labored emptily (or in vain). 2:17 But if I am also being poured out as a libation (or liquid, wine, oil) on the sacrifice and service (or ministry, offering) of your trust (or faith), I rejoice and I rejoice together (with) you all.
2:18 But (in) the same you ((plural)) also rejoice and rejoice together (with) me.
Your Brother in Christ,
Nick
P.S. (My translation is based off of the United Bible Societies' Third Corrected Edition of the literal, interlinear word study of the Greek New Testament.)
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Team,
I wanted to ask for some prayer. Recently, though I've discovered problems with anger and unforgiveness. I've got friends praying for me on that issue that are much more intune with my mood swings, and are much more effected by it, and they are actively holding me accountable.
However, a good friend brought up the fact that this site has become really popular. Either one of you guys keeps coming back to this site, or it actually is growing in popularity. No offense, but to someone who isn't good at being popular (i.e ME), this is a very frustrating problem. Though likely not in the eyes of the Lord, it does concern me because of my background.
I never learned how to deal with popularity in high school or college. In high school, when someone would think I was popular, I would work to gain only their approval, and I was stupid in doing it. I would do and say things I normally wouldn't do, to include stepping on people I loved.
That's a pathetic excuse for not loving someone, and an excellent example of a child that hasn't learned how to grow up. I say that, because I've come to respect you guys, and for those of you that have shared your opinions, I'm encouraged to hear what the Lord is doing in your lives.
However, it's also mutually important that you keep me accountable. It's my responsibility to make sure that I don't end up stepping on you guys over issues that I deem "insignificant", but the Lord believes are "significant". That implies that I think I'm too important for my own good. I got two Scriptures that speak to that:
Galatians 6:3 (NIV):
"For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself."
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV):
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Hold me accountable guys. Today's culture breeds environments of self-inflated egos that are not beneficial to what Christ is really doing behind the scenes. I'm an alien ( 1 Peter 2:10-12 ) here. I desperately don't want to become a part of the problem, but rather a part of the solution...
Your Brother in Christ,
NickG
----------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends,
I made a major mistake. See, I've been noticing how much everybody listens to my music, and the one thing that puzzled me was that "Rescue Me" was listened to three times as much as any other song I had. At first, I was naive to think that just maybe it was that good of a song. ...well, that was arrogance on my part.
I recently played this for a class on the Psalms (from the Old Testament), and the professor and I got into a really good discussion on the normal progression seen in every lament psalm (...which coincidentally, is what Psalm 6 is...). One of the critical elements is what is called a "Declarative Praise" or "Vow of Praise" that is noticed in every lament psalm (ex: Psalm 6, 13, 142).
DECLARATIVE PRAISE:
A declarative praise is when the author of the psalm reflects back on God's character, what He has done, and/or what He promised to do. Basically, he's praising God for who He is and/or the fulfillment of the things God has promised.
VOW OF PRAISE:
A vow of praise is when the author of the psalm is reflecting on how he will praise God in the future for the things noticed in the "Declarative Praise" section above. For what ever reason, the author is pressed and not able to praise the Lord at that time. Unlike us, with paper, pencils, computers, etc., the psalmist likely had to write the psalm on dead animal skin or parchment that is costly, with a quill and ink of some sort. He probably also had to do it during the day, because the light wasn't as good at night.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT:
This is vitally important because any psalm that discusses complaints, feelings, etc., but doesn't praise God for who He is and/or what God has promised He will follow through with in the future leaves the reader/listener in a state of despair.
THIS IS BAD!
God's promises are final, even though we haven't seen the follow-thru. Regardless of whether God has fulfilled His promises now or not, has nothing to do with whether God will. Looking forward, if we claim no success and that God can't win, we're playing the fool.
I added in Psalm 6:8-10 into "Rescue Me" because I felt that if so many people felt moved by the song, that they better understand the reality of God's promises to them. I understood that when I play it live, as I always read Psalm 6:8-10 afterwards, but it never occurred until now that you weren't getting that in the recording.
I sincerely apologize for any undue harm this may have caused to you in your thought-life and/or private-time with God. I will continue to pray that the Lord will grow you, as He has me, in an ever-growing understanding of His Word, and in the application of that to your own lives.
Your Brother in Christ,
NickG
P.S. I gotta colonoscopy tomorrow. For those of you that know what it is, PRAY FOR ME! For those of you that don't, DON'T ASK, but still PRAY FOR ME! Thanks, ya'll...
Tomorrow, at my college, Cedarville University, there's a try-out for Acoustic Fiire, which is essentially a montly coffee house where they allow musicians to play their stuff. Well, I'm "auditioning". Really, as I talked about with a recent accountability partner, I struggle a lot with self-glorification issues. Either I'm so afraid that I'm gonna look like a fool, or I'm so afraid that I'm gonna be glorified. Regardless, I struggle with it, and satan often de-focuses me from the task.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter if I'm good or bad, or even how others perceive my "success". What matters is that regardless of whether people like me too much or not at all, that I give the Lord my best, and that I remain focused on Him. As a musician, lyric and song writer, that's a real hard task that takes real and regular efforts to accomplish effectively for the Lord.
So, if you guys could pray (present), and backpray (past) if you read this after tomorrow morning (15Sep), that would be awesome. The Lord listens to the prayers of those who call upon Him (Psalm 4:3, 34:17, 55:17), and I'm encouraged that you would be willing to spend that time with Him for me.
Oh, I'll be playing "I Can't Ask For More" (see the playlist, 3rd song down). I'll let you guys know if I actually get selected, cuz it'll go on the "Shows" section. I'm not planning on that, but obviously, the Lord works in many mysterious ways, and it may be His will that I play once for the student body before finally graduating and leaving Cedarville. (...of course, for now, it is definitely His will that I play for at least 4-5 people on the audition board...).
Your Brother in Christ,
NickG
P.S. Also, pray for Colby and Garrett (www.purevolume.com/garrettwilliams/) as I think they'll be auditioning tomorrow as well. They are both really, really good, and I know that they likely struggle with glorification and self-doubt issues as well (...but likely a lot less than I do on the self-doubt aspect...). AND, I'll mention if either of them (or both) get selected and their show dates. Garrett is a phenomenal guitar player, and I love listening to him play live, especially with Cody their, too). If you're anything like me, I HIGHLY recommend that you go see him play in person... ...even if your coming from way far away, it'll be worth it. I'll keep you posted.
It just occurred to me that a "fan" is someone who at some point in time has made a decision that the musician they are listening to is worth listening to. At this point in time, I didn't realize you guys were listening to me, but rather I thought that I was just a manager in encouraging others. Sorry, I'm slow like that.
For you guys, if you see me show up at your website, know that its NOT because I'm stalking you. I'm a 28 yr old man, married to a wonderful wife, but I know it does happen. But, I just wanted to clarify and let you know that if you see me come over, I'm praying for you... ...NOT stalking you.
Please, as you visit different Christians and their ministries for Christ, either on the web or in person, I pray that you pray for their influence of others as well. I just noticed that I have techically 11 "fans" who God has allowed me to share my heart with. How many people do you influence daily? How many do you think the musicians you visit do? Hence my point.
Christ is eager for us to come to Him and pray for these things. If you study anything Paul wrote in the New Testament, you'll see that he actively cites "praying for the saints". This is what I'm talking about. Actively "pray for the saints" of our day and age... ...INCLUDING YOU!
Your Brother in Christ,
Nick G
P.S. If any of ya'll get "lonely" like the guy I encountered this weekend, send me something so I can pray for you. It doesn't have to be much, just a comment or message to let me know "Hey, pray for me.". If you don't feel comfortable discussing, I'm totally cool with that. Personally, I'm constantly excited to see other Christians encouraging me to go to the Savior and develop my relationship with Him because of them. God listens, even when we feel He doesn't answer it the way we want Him to. Regardless, He is always listening.
If it's a girl-girl issue, I can hook you up with my wife as she's good at accountability and girl-stuff, and she's a good prayer warrior as well.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
PRAYER CONCERNS - LONELINESS - 28Aug07:
I've encountered several people recently struggling with loneliness. Please, without naming anyone, please pray that the Lord squelches their loneliness with His grace.
Though many of us have come to terms with the idea that we've been forgiven, that doesn't mean that we really have accepted that fact internally. ...it's hard... Often, someone can tell us that they have forgiven us, but until we accept that fact in our own minds and hearts, we never really internalize the realization that we have been forgiven. So, that fact carries with us, and it destroys us from the inside. It develops into a thing called loneliness.
Are you forgiven? ...I'm serious. Ask yourself that question. According to the Scriptures, has God forgiven you? If according to Romans 10:8-13, you are genuinely forgiven, than do everything in your power to internalize that great gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). It's a reality folks.
Please, if you're struggling, take a moment and listen to "I Can't Ask for More", remembering that if you are forgiven by grace because you chose the choice to ask and continually believe, that YOU REALLY HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN! Don't give the loneliness inside you a face to destroy what Christ is trying to do through you.
Your Brother in Christ,
Nick G
P.S. Keep praying for Curtis. I still don't think he knows Christ, but I'm praying that the Lord is doing things in His life that are leading him to Himself.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
PRAYER CONCERNS:
(1) I just went on a ride-a-long with a police officer named Curtis who is a very interesting guy. Anyway, I've been wandering for a long time trying to figure out what it is that God has created me to do, and after my 6 degree changes, 10.5 years of college, 6 years in the military, 8 years functioning within the church, 3.5 years as a consultant, and 3.5 years as a married man, I think God has shown me what exactly it is.
---- Please pray for Curtis' and my safety as I continue to ride and we run into some hairy stuff. Curtis' is a very bold police officer and somewhat intimidating, and I'm impressed with his instinctual abilities as a cop, but I can see why people would want to hurt him and others like him. He is in need of prayer, and rest assured, I'm doing that when I'm on the ride-a-long.
(2) Shannon's car blew up and we're looking for a replacement. We ain't got a whole lot of money to pay for a decent car (...that will last...), but we're praying that something will come in.
(3) I wanted to be many things in my life time: a teacher, a programmer, a professional musician, an analyst, a pastor... ...but after further investigation (and 10.5 long years of research), and many hours on the parts of many God's people, I don't think those things are what He created me to do. Please pray for all those who have been there for me throughout the years, as I discover the one thing that none of us expected.
--- This police career will come as a shock to ALL of them. I know it has to Shannon and I. But, if that's what God has created me to do (Romans 13:1-12), than I will respect it and follow that calling. To many of them, this will seem like a step down, but after talking with Rhonda and Curtis about there lives, I realized that to claim this is a step down will be saying to them that their job is somewhat inferior to those other things I desired to be...
...dreams are wonderful things. They keep us excited and often keep us going in a positive direction, IF THEY ARE GUIDED BY REALITY FROM GOD'S EYES! God opens doors. God shuts doors. When God opens doors as He had done in Curtis' life to become a police officer at incredible odds, then we can best understand how it is that God will guide us in our own lives. If our dreams are contary to reality, though its a bold statement to say that they might be wrong, maybe we should just admit, THEY MIGHT BE WRONG!
I have and do desire many things in this world, but I desire Christ above all others. I will not let perceived dreams developed in time through some honest and some selfish intentions stop me from accomplishing the possible goals God actually has in the REALITY of my own life.
Your Brother in Christ,
Nick G
P.S. No one ever asked whether being a cop was a dream of mine. They just encouraged me from doing it. When I was little, I never had anyone that was a cop around me ever do anything good. Now, I have met many good many and women who serve God both honorably and dishonorably in the government, and there's one thing about this police job that intrigues me... ...I can help serve, too. ...and God knows my heart... ...and God has my heart... ...and so I'm gonna make my dream that the dream of me finally discovering what I was created to do becomes a reality sooner rather than later... ...and that in the process, I don't leave God in a corner (...the God that died for me...), but rather put Him at the forefront of my life lived out for Him. Pray that God does miraculous things thru this effort, and that God will be glorified at every junction...
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
2 NEW SONGS
--- Ephesians 2:8-9 ---
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
NEW SONGS ! ! !
I pretty much gave in and put out the last live performance I did for the youth group. It's the whole thing, so listen to it from #1 - 11. It's about an hour in it's entirety.
If you have problems loading a song, press "Reload" on your web browser, and try again. Usually that helps.
Depending on the amount of times it gets listened to, I'll post it for download. If you like it, press play 50 times, and I'll post it per Cal's permission. Thanks, guys!
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
I just started offering some songs for download. I've been very cautious until now in doing this, but recently, I've come to realize that I've been selfish with what I've been given. If you want, please download and play as you wish. I will continue to pray that God will reach your heart and use the songs to bless you in your walk with Him.
Please pray for me. Right now, I've had so many things going on in my head, my life, everything. It's been kinda hard. I know this is a James 1:2-4 issue, but that doesn't make it any easier.
Your Brother in Christ,
Nick
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
IF THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME YOU'VE VISITED THIS SITE, AND YOU'RE COMING BACK TO SEE IF I'M POSTING ANYTHING NEW, PLEASE CONTACT ME.
I'm not putting anything out because I'm dumb to what you're interested in.
For example:
"The song 'The Day I met Jesus' is amazing. It made me cry. I could just feel Jesus right there beside me. He was filling my heart with his unfailing love. It really inspires me to do what God has planned for me and follow him.I listened to it over and over again. Thanks Nick Gray."
- - - Live4theLord - - -
For a musician like me, that's powerful stuff, and it reveals a lot about what the Lord is doing through this effort. Mainly, it tells me not to quit.
If that is what you are thinking, and you're not saying it for fear of sounding stupid or thinking it's a waste of time, PLEASE, tell me!
Also, If you think it SUCKS, great. Let me know that, too.
I want to know how the Lord has influenced you through this, if at all.
That's ultimately the goal of my mission before the Lord.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
IF YOU LIKE THIS MUSIC, GO TO THIS WEBSITE:
http://www.onseeker.com/music/bands/516/
...AND VOTE FOR ME.
I don't know how they got my name, but I got an invitation from them to solicit my entering the competition. It was really kind of odd...
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
BIO:
I am an am amateur recording artist and live musician. I am not signed.
Please, if you see something you like, assume that from the very beginning, as these recordings aren't the greatest at all. I did them all on my own (w/ the exception of Josh's song) with really low-end equipment, very amateur, yet developing skills, and with very little time.
I ain't got no money to pay to do this professionally, and as a full-time student getting my youth ministry degree at Cedarville University (www.cedarville.edu), working part-time both for my job (www.macb.com) and at the church (Colonial Baptist Church, New Carlisle, Ohio), and then my responsiblities to my wife (Shannon)...well, I really don't have the time to put out anything great without motivation from outside parties. I do have more songs than this, but I just haven't found the energy or time to record them well because I feel no one is really interested. Until now, it's just been between me and God. You guys can change that.
If there's an overwhelming response, I will reconsider about redoing those songs, and putting them out, but I need your input. To quote Greg Steir from Dare-to-Share, "Opinions are like armpits. Everyone's got one, and they all stink." Please, know Greg is right, on average. But sometimes Truth hurts to those not living in the reality of God's will for their lives. Many of you out there have a much better perspective on this game than I do. So, email me (see below) and let me know your thoughts, even if it stinks. I respect your opinions, as without that interpersonal communication, I have no idea whether this sucks, or is God's mission for my life.
Right now, this is just a computer. Make this real for me. Thanks for visiting, ya'll...
Your Brother in Christ,
Nick
James 3:1 (NET) - "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly."
-
said:
My older bro goes to cedarville, just though i\'d let you know Oct 02
-
ChristAlive
said:
I can\'t ask for More is a great addition to your tracks here. You getting clearer and cleaner as you write. Oh And thanks for yout Godly Counsel, I am sorry we missed each other over the OVMF Labor Day Weekend , I pray that you and I do get to work together on this side of paradise. God\'s Best to you and Christ Spirit Pour Richly over you and your wife, with showers of blessings. May your studies come to you ever more clearly. God is the one who taught the Israelites how to build the Ark of The Covenant of The Lord. It never said how long it took them to learn there craft. but We know it couldn\'t\'ve taken to long. He is building in you and I and the rest of the Body of Christ up into an amazing tool for His use. Praise His Name! See you Later John Sep 10
-
andreappd
said:
Hmm, I just stumbled across you today. I was searching for bands in the genre Christian. And you seem like a really cool guy. I just wish I would have known you earlier. ;) Your 11 fans just became 12, keep rocking for Him! Your fan, ~Andrea Sep 03
-
Live4theLord
said:
The song The Day I meant Jesus is amazing. It made me cry. I could just feel Jesus right there beside me. He was filling my heart with his unfailing love. It really inspires me to do what God has planned for me and follow him.I listened to it over and over again. Thanks Nick Gray. May 11
-
Starts with an "R" and ends with "onnie"
said:
Hey man sounds great!!! You should add \" I Can Feel You Now\" Apr 21
-
ChristAlive
said:
ChristAlive! Hello Nick I am blessedto have stumbled by the will of God, this sermon is moving and I myself find myself in the trenches of this message. I myself am also one who 6 yrs ago. Whom God picked up out of the ashes of my own essential death. Many days I had looked back on my past, and in remorse for what I put Christ and people, as well as myself. But I have been redeemed and to what? Service to my King! Though I am seeking his place for me to serve, I have been on the Road to Emmaus, and I have had an encounter with the truth, and He Revealed that All hasbeen burnt and there are even he slightest hint of substance left. His love desolved them. I want to thank God for blessing you foir recognizing your humanity in light of the Gospel. For this is the measure of man, to which all will be sought to see what lies beneath the surface. I\'d love to see you particapate in our One Voice Music Festival. Your message and your musical talent a joy. Check us out and see what you think. ChristAlive! Apr 16
Random
Oct 12, 2008
Unknown Intentions
Nov 30, 1999
Biblical Philosophy of Leadership
No release date
Christmas Collection
No release date
.tessa*
United States
tombradybg
Farr West, UT
bReNnYeNaToR
United States
JesusDisciple
Canada
Eloquence Mute
United States
youlicense
United States
Jam Studio
United States
Your comment is being submitted, please wait a moment.