Jon Groves

2012-02-23T09:26:00.001-08:00

Through the Gospels

2012-01-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Matthew chapter 4, we find Satan's temptation of Jesus. Every single time Satan presents Jesus with something, Jesus responds with scripture. One concept really stood out to me while I was reading. Satan shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world and says he will give them to Jesus, if he will fall down and worship him. Jesus' response to Satan is a rebuttal not only of Satan's request, but also of his promise to grant him the kingdoms. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou serve."

First, Jesus placed himself in submission to his father. Every word, thought, and action was in service to His God. Likewise, the whole earth has been given this command to worship and serve the One True God. How could Satan be so arrogant to believe HE could grant the allegiance of the world to Jesus. It was their duty already! So many times Satan offers us shiny things that may look good, but they are not his to offer. He trips us up with wording and visuals, but when out focus is on God, and only striving to please and serve him, its going to be impossible for Satan to catch us with those deceptive details.

Through the Gospels

2012-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

Reading your Bible can be hard. Not because it isn't a potentially great read, but it seems when you sit down to actually commit, everything in the world attempts to stop you. I have been challenging my Jr. High guys to dig in and eat in the Word every day. Though I preach at them to do it, I struggle with staying committed myself. You probably do too. So, I now have an accountability partner to help keep me on track in my devotional life. I am going to attempt to share, not a whole blog, but just a simple thought from somewhere in my reading. Forgive the grammatical errors, and at times, discontinued thoughts, but if you are reading, I hope you enjoy. Maybe you will find something you never saw before. Feel free to comment below and share with me!

As I was reading in Matthew chapter 1, the genealogies really started to bog me down. At first, I thought, "Why are these even in the BIBLE?!" Then a couple of names really stuck out to me. Not the great mighty warrior, David. Not kings, not patriarchs, but two women. Rahab, a known prostitute of the city of Jericho. One who had lived a life of sin, but in one move surrendered her life to the will of God. One would think that the sparing of her life would be reward enough, but God saw otherwise.

One other lady, by the name of Ruth. A foreigner. She made the choice to follow her mother in law because she saw something in her, or her God, that she could not turn her back on. She had every right to return to her father's house, and potentially find another husband of her native land, but she chose otherwise. Her faith and obedience, and humble spirit merited the same reward as the harlot of Jericho.

THESE TWO, the most common, unsuspecting women, found themselves in the line of Jesus Christ!

THAT's why God placed this family line at the beginning of the New Testament. To show me, that no matter where someone begins, what they look like, or what everyone else thinks of them, God can do something extraordinary in their lives. God uses plain old everyday people!

Stuff of Life...

2012-01-06T17:40:00.001-08:00

“The times most favorable to fits of depression, so far as I have experienced, may be summed up in a brief catalog. First among them I must mention the hour of a great success. When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint.

It might be imagined that amid special favors our soul would soar to heights of ecstasy and rejoice with joy unspeakable, but it is generally the reverse. The Lord seldom exposes His warriors to the perils of exultation over victory. He knows that few of them can endure such a test and therefore dashes their cup with bitterness.

Uninterrupted success and unfading joy in it would be more than our weak heads could bear. Our wine must needs be mixed with water, lest it turn our brains.

My witness is that those who are honored by their Lord in public have usually to endure a secret chastening or to carry a peculiar cross lest by any means they exalt themselves and fall into the snare of the Devil.”

The words you just read are from one of history’s greatest preachers, Charles Spurgeon. This man of God, who authored some of the greatest books in Christianity, preached messages that far outlived him, and was closer to God than I can even dream of being, died of gout and depression.

My mind goes to 2 Corinthians 12 where Paul talks about his “thorn in the flesh.” We can speculate as to what it was, but we don’t really know. We do know that he begged and pleaded with God to take it from him, and God did not. Paul had to continually conquer his thorn, seeking victory over it day by day.

I too have a thorn in the flesh, a specific temptation that creeps into my everyday life. It creeps into conversation and slithers through my thoughts. The ways in which it manifests itself can be so sly that at times, I don’t even realize it is there. At moments, I have felt like nothing could ever take this thorn away. At others, I have pretended like it wasn’t there. There have been times I have allowed it to conquer me, and others where Satan has told me it will never go away.

Today I came to the realization that it may never go away, and I’m ok with that. I can blame it on people who may have taught it to me. I can become depressed because of the times it has found me out, or I can make a choice - A choice to seek God for victory. It’s not going to get me down anymore. Sure, I may still fall. Yes, I’ll make mistakes. The difference, is this time, I’ll rise up knowing that I can have victory. I don’t have to be a statistic. If God’s greatest men dealt with stuff, who am I to think I won’t. And, if God’s greatest men can find victory, I serve the same god who can give me strength.

Your sin doesn’t just affect you. It affects everyone around you. The people it will hurt most are the people you love most. You can ask God for victory today, and take steps toward improving, or you can let it come to a head, and then deal with all the repercussions. Let me tell you from experience…KILL IT NOW.

Whatever problem you’re dealing with. No matter how big or small. We serve an awesome, mighty God with enough power to conquer them all. When I discover myself in sin’s despair, with no way to get out, His grace and mercy never fail. His love I never doubt. I’m just a human. I’m going to fall. I will be strongest in the areas where I’m weak when I allow God’s power to fill those cracks and holes.

Reflecting

2012-01-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

The Booth Brothers sing a song called "Testify." In this song, some of the lyrics go like this: "I've got to tell someone what a mighty thing that the Lord has done. His love has changed my life. I've got to stand and testify."

These words have been flooding my mind all day long as I have reflected over the journey of 2011. God has been so good to me. I have moved two times during this last year which has been difficult. Early 2011, I was working as part of the GFM based out of Texas until God called me into the music ministry. From the GFM, to the Shireys, I have been constantly on the road, traveling several thousand miles. I can't even begin to express just how much God taught me during those times.

The summer probably held the greatest change. During my weeks at Camp Victory, God got ahold of my heart. He opened my eyes to so many things around me, and I surrendered my life to him. At the close of the summer, I made a trip to OH to surprise the girl I had been corresponding with frequently over the past few months. This girl and her wonderful parents have changed my life. You've no idea how much you mean to me.

I left KY, drove to OH, drove to SC to pack, and flew to MO to the only place God had given me peace about. It was truly like being adopted. I was welcomed into the place I would call home, with the people who I love as my own blood family.

All I can say is, "thank you God." Through every trial and mountain, He has continually showed his grace and mercy. Most of all, I have come to know God's Unconditional Love. This has been my theme for 2011. God has crossed my path with people just this year who have demonstrated His love and have restored my faith and refreshed my soul. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for 2012.

Outside the Lines

2011-09-19T17:57:00.001-07:00

If you have followed this blog for any length of time, we have gone on a musical rollercoaster. I grew up on a steady diet of southern gospel, until I was exposed to the wonderful world of Bob Jones music. When you have grown up on something, you tend to think that is the ONLY way to go, so, my choir teacher challenged me to study out what I believe and why. My study tended to be a little one sided in an extremely conservative direction. With study on the science behind music, the Bible behind music, and the very nature of music, I eliminated anything but ultra conservative “Bob Jones” music from my diet. This lasted for about a year. Finally, I REALLY began to study music and why I believed what I believed. This study brought me to a very simple conclusion. God is so far above cultural preference.

I have sat in services where conservative groups have sung and preached, and watched the spirit of God descend upon that place. I’ve been in services and at camps where southern gospel music was sung, and YOUNG people, not just old, have been touched and brought to the altar. I have also been part of a church where contemporary worship was played and sung, and that SAME GOD has moved in the congregation.

The ultra conservative deem any other kind of music “contemporary” and ungodly.

The SG crowd as a majority looks down on those who prefer the contemporary or conservative flavor.

The contemporary crowd arrogantly deems anything preceding them “irrelevant.”

I can honestly say I have lived in all three of those camps. I have studied their ways, watched their methods, and I have come to the conclusion that they are ALL wrong and right simultaneously. I love relaxing to the sound of well trained choir, and appreciating the beauty and talent it takes to perform a worship song as a mass group. I love the energy and drive that powers praise and worship music. It’s great for getting people on their feet and really focusing on the message of a song. Southern gospel is such a wide genre that it covers nearly every area of music. SG is just a cover label for most all Christian music. So, if you are one of those people who has ruled out an entire genre based on your own personal preference – you are wrong! Something only becomes irrelevant when we SAY it does. Time does not determine a song’s value. For instance, Happy birthday has been around for DECADES! When was the last time you were at a birthday party and they said, “we aren’t going to sing that song because it’s old and outdated?” NEVER! The new generation of pastors and church workers strive to get us to “think outside the box.” In doing so they mock the older generation and their way of doing things, when in actuality the NEW generation are JUST AS GUILTY of placing God in a box as the older generation. You are just as wrong to assume a NEW way of doing things is the only way, just as the older generation says the OLD way of doing things is the only way. Whether it is contemporary worship or the “contemporvant” worship style, these are just a new repackaged form of modern legalism, just as the older generation dogmatically stood on methods and preference instead of scripture.

God has called me to the area of full time music ministry. Whether its preaching to the people through song, or using songs to prepare hearts to receive the word, music is a much-needed ministry. God would not call someone to a field that was irrelevant. It may be a hard road to travel, but it is one I will take confidently as God leads the way. The rollercoaster has finally found its end. I have a direction and a goal, and they are God given.

Family

2011-09-07T21:32:00.001-07:00

This subject of "Family" has captivated my mind and study these past few weeks. Maybe eventually I'll take the time to pen some of the Biblical stuff, but for now I would just like to share some thoughts.

America's perspective on family is so marred by today's culture. With broken homes, divorce, and abandonment, not many kids today truly know what FAMILY really is. A dictionary would define family simply as a bond by blood that exists to provide the physical needs of a group of individuals. That just seems so cold and distant to me.

I come from a broken home, and even though I had some examples of what a family should look like, I just hadn't experienced it to the fullest. Growing up in and around the ministry has allowed me to watch as blood has turned on blood. Family member against family member. Husbands against wives. Parents against children. "Family units" that thrive on drama and oppression. That has just seemed to be the norm for alot of people through the years.

A family could be described as a group of people that accept and love you for you. Not always trying to change your personality, characteristics, and enjoyments. They support you because they recognize God has created you in that manner. A family watches out for its own. They help protect and ward off those who would cause harm. They seek the good and advancement of each other, and don't play them for their own personal gain. I'm learning that a family goes out of its way to demonstrate LOVE. Love isn't just a word that we should use flippantly. It's a passion that exhibits itself in ACTION. Not "love emotion," but rather "love INmotion." You do for each other without thought of reciprocation.

This is all pretty basic stuff, but some of it is totally new to me. I have recently been grafted in to a couple different families. People who are proud to claim me as part of their family unit. God has used them to bless me in ways I could never have dreamed of. Not just physically, but spiritually, and emotionally. I just sit in awe at this. I have never really even begun to understand the concept of unconditional love until this year.

To my dads (you know who you are), thank you for teaching me, defending me, supporting me, and loving me. Without your advice I wouldn't be where I am today. You have totally changed my life and I don't express enough how grateful I am for you.

To my moms, (you especially know who you are ;) ... Thank you so much for your prayers, motherly advice and care. I have truly been touched and blessed by the way you treat me. With families of your own, you still take so much time to make me feel like a son, and I love you for that. Some of the things you do, say, and ask, still shock me...Just be patient as I continue to adjust and learn.

To my brothers and sisters, y'all are amazing. I'm so proud to be "big brother" to some of the most talented and godly kids out there.

I AM SOOOO BLESSED! I could never repay you all for the way you've treated me, but I pray God allows me to be a blessing to you on multiple levels, and that he greatly rewards you for your investment in my life. I LOVE YOU!

Roadblocks

2011-08-05T18:51:00.001-07:00

As we open to the seventh chapter of Matthew, we find ourselves in the middle of some very familiar verses. Verses 13 and 14 relate the Christian walk to a journey. God gives us instructions as to which path to take. One phrase in particular catches my eye, but not in a good way. Broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be that find it. Why would so many chose the wrong path? Though popular opinion would suggest that the road to destruction is an easy, carefree road, it is NOT.

Consider this. If you were to chose the path of righteousness, beginning with the street of salvation, the road you will take will be rather easy. The road is always straight! The walls are always narrow. Though the road has some mountains that must be climbed and valleys that must be crossed, the Lord will always be there to drive for you.

Suppose today that you have ignored that path. You have chosen the broad path. Let me warn you of the roadblocks you will have to overcome. The first of which is the will of God. John 3:16 says, God is not willing that any should perish. In Matthew 7 we find the Righteous Judge saying, “depart.” As you chose the path that leads to destruction, realize that you are kicking aside the will of God. Don’t FORCE God’s hand, where he must say to you, “depart.”

The second roadblock that God has placed in your path is his very Son. When you chose the broad way, you smack the face of the compassionate, loving, and merciful Son of God. Jesus placed his very LIFE in the middle of the road to keep you from taking the wrong way. Will you kick the face of Jesus Christ?

As you have taken this road that will eventually ruin your eternity, you have also shoved aside the Holy Spirit. That gentle, comforting whisperer that so tenderly reminds you of God’s love. The loving Savior who stands at the gate to the road crying “the bridge is out!” Don’t selfishly drive passed him into an eternal lake of fire.

Finally, you find yourself pushing your way passed God’s linebacker, the preacher. Never take your preacher for granted. Love him. Help Him. Stand in the gap!

I would like to personally thank a few of God’s “linebackers” who have kept me from choosing the wrong path for my life: The preacher men in my family, Dr. Griffis, pastor Darryl Jones, and a select few who have taken specific interest in giving me good advice. Thank you all for taking the time to steer me in the right direction.

Branson GMR - Day 5

2011-07-02T12:58:00.003-07:00

"It was the best of times. It was the..." Nah we can pretty much stop there. This week of GMR has been spectacular! The move to the Tri-Lakes Center was genius. Though the relocation did result in a smaller crowd, we needed this time to relearn how to do things. Planning for next year has already begun. Advertisements will increase. If you billboard it, they will come. The attitude and spirit of this year was drastically different with the "revival" approach instead of the "convention" approach. Honestly, we just had church each day.

Friday morning, Bobby Carter of the Jay Stone Singers delivered a powerful word. The main idea of his talk was giving everything to the Lord. He used an illustration of a man taking off his shoes and stepping into the offering plate, giving himself to the Lord. If you were to scan the auditorium there was not a dry eye in the house. As the invitation was extended, every single artist and minister alike brought their all to the altar and gave it to the Lord.

From chapel, I took my place in the rear sound room to prepare the projector slides, and sit patiently as hours worth of groups would sing. Later, Paige came to relieve me and I crossed paths with Shannon Bunch. If you've never met this guy, you are missing out. He has a heart for ministry, a dynamic personality, and killer piano skills. Until this time, we had never really sat down and talked much, so he invited me to hang out with him and his family for the day. I HAD A BLAST! It is not often in the ministry or "music industry" that you will meet people who are down to earth and actually REAL. I am proud to call Shannon and Melissa Bunch my friends. They also have the cutest little 2 year old daughter who followed me around for the rest of the day. She cried when I told her goodbye...talk about ripping your heart out. I am going to miss this family so much!

The finale with the Branson family was energy packed, spirit-filled, and just plain FUN! After we had torn down our displays and product tables, we all met at Dino's 24 karrot cake for a time of fellowship. He actually opened his brand new restaurant a week early just so we could come! IT WAS AMAZING. I've never had cake or cookies that literally melted in your mouth. Red velvet, carrot, cinnamon, chocolate, and strawberry.....no words can describe this place. All I can say is you MUST try it!

God is moving, and making changes. I am looking very much forward to seeing what he does, in my life, at the Branson GMR, and in the ministries of everyone who was present. We serve an awesome God!

Branson GMR - Day 4

2011-07-02T12:58:00.001-07:00

Day Four. Hump Day. This is the day that everyone feels like they've been working for months at the same place, but also dreading the end of such a wonderful time. From the time chapel started until the last song was sung, it was a fantastic day.

We kicked off the day with a "New Faces" segment. The young people from the groups were to perform without the rest of their groups. The name "new faces" is a little misleading. Nearly every young person who took the stage has been part of the ministry for years. They have experienced the bad and the good, and watched God take their ministries from small, local things to nationally recognized ministries. Young people like fast music that gets people excited and clapping. I listened as they each took the stage and delivered powerful, up-tempo music. As Kenny Bishop introduced me, and the applause subsided, I sat down at the piano. I would have loved nothing more than to play a flashy song filled with runs and frills, but I just couldn't. God had one song on my mind. Tears filled my eyes, and my breath was limited as I sang, "He's Been Faithful." I'm sure it was flat, and elementary in comparison to the big bands of others...but I know one thing for sure. God received the glory.

It was my birthday. Julie bought a cake and I was able to celebrate with so many of my dear friends in the ministry. Darlene felt it was necessary to purchase two more cakes...so many of the fans were able to enjoy as well. :)

Truly, the highlight of my day was sitting and discussing ministry with Jeff and Sue Duffield. These two have grown to be two of my dear friends, mentors, and heroes. If I never take the main stage at NQC, if I never make the cover of another magazine, if my name is never listed in the SGM hall of fame, I don't care. I want to have a ministry like these two. I want to leave a legacy, not of talent, but of heart. I believe the advice they gave me was life changing. I love them dearly, and I hope that God allows me to work side by side with them for years.

Branson GMR - Day 3

2011-06-29T23:34:00.001-07:00

Day three begins center stage, with the spotlight shining down on Sue Duffield. If you have never heard her speak, you haven't lived. God spoke through this wonderful woman and it was exactly what I needed. If I had ten pages, I could not express the blessing and word that God gave me this morning. With the attack that the enemy launched against me yesterday, I needed the encouragement. I thank God that he knows what I need right when I need it.

Here in Branson, the spotlight is on the message. It didn't matter what level of professionalism each group had, their goal was to encourage one another through song and testimony. I watched as people prayed, cried, and worked side by side to help one another. Though the enemy attacked and worked all day long and tried to discourage the leadership, all in all God received the glory for an awesome day with him. The Shireys sang another segment this morning, and I believe they sounded as good as I've ever heard them. (They do have a killer piano player. LOL )

My day was filled with encouragement from the Lord. Sue delivered a powerful devotion. Jeff and Shannon took time to sit and encourage me and show me ways that I can improve. Then, to top it all off, I was privileged to sit and talk for over an hour with Jimmy McMillan. (McMillan & Life) This man of God is one who I am privileged to call "friend." Things that I had been struggling with and debating in my mind were cleared up with the advice from someone who's been there and done that. I am SO ready for tomorrow! Not only am I singing and playing some solo stuff in the morning....it just so happens to be my BIRTHDAY! You need to come be a part of the Branson GMR.

Branson GMR - Day 2

2011-06-28T23:49:00.001-07:00

Today was the first full day of the Branson GMR. The early concerts were amazing. We had way more time to socialize and begin the family reunion. I got to be with some amazing people like Paige Burton, Stone and Emma Carter, and Jake Holder. You really don't have friends, if your friends aren't like these guys. I also got to spend a little time with one of my favorite couples, Jeff and Sue Duffield. Unfortunately, we had a no-show, and the emcee asked Victoria to do a surprise solo segment. I ran quickly to play. This was one of the best segments of the day. Though spontaneous, and unprepared, we worked great together with the help of Stone and Bro. Bobby Carter. God is good. Other than this wonderful speed bump, the morning moved effortlessly until the afternoon break.

The enemy was certainly NOT happy with what was taking place within the walls of the Tri-Lakes Church. Revival truly did continue and the spirit filled the house. I don't know how every other group was, but satan started attacking mine. The devil will use just about anything and anybody to bring discord and discouragement. If he knows one thing, he knows that a group will crumble if you attack it from within. It only takes ONE Jonah's pride to take the ship through the storm. As a helpless crew member, I watched as the waves began to beat the side of my ship. I would be lying if thoughts of jumping didn't pass through my mind...it seemed the storm would never end. In the end, the storms wouldn't come if Jonah would let God have his way instead of trying to control everything themselves. Desperately, I made my way to the front row to listen and try to lose myself in the music of others.

I find myself now hearing the JayStone Singers saying, "It's o.k. to feel the way you do, he knows about your pain. Even though you feel like giving up, have faith, just wait." The McMillans sang, "Don't let this storm go to waste." Even though the storm winds continue to blow, and the sailing is rough, I'll wait on the Lord. God has been so good to me. Someone made the statement, "unless you have experienced, or are willing to experience the lyrics to a song, DON'T SING IT!" Though I cannot list every song that flooded my mind, I will tell you that "through it all, God's been good." No matter who has turned their back on me, "I have found a friend in Jesus," and "he loves me like I was his only child." I tasted a bit more of that Revival Rain.

Thank you Rod and Kelly, Jimmy and Liz, Bobby and Sharona, and all the other people who made this revival possible. I NEED THIS! God isn't done yet, and I cannot wait to see what he will do next.

Branson GMR - Day 1

2011-06-28T08:55:00.001-07:00

   God greatly blessed the Shireys Sunday morning and afternoon with two wonderful concerts. God's spirit was so evident. One pastor had canceled on us that evening and a few group members just weren't sure what they were going to do. We just prayed that God would provide, and like he always does, he provided an unexpected, last minute place for Sunday afternoon. Due to other circumstances, we did not get on the road until 12:00 AM Monday morning.

   Hours of travel brought us to the wonderful city of Branson around 6:00 PM Monday evening. Victoria, Rachael, and I quickly showered and headed out to the Tri-Lakes Conference Center for what we thought would be a simple preliminary artist meeting. We were SO wrong. As I entered the auditorium, I could sense the presence of the Lord. The Branson GMR is no ordinary convention. It is a REVIVAL. People began to praise and be blessed as Sue Duffield led worship. I watched as people gave their burdens to the Lord, and tears of relief fell down their face. I watched as people who work day after day to be a blessing to people were able to sing, not to be a blessing, but to receive a blessing. You see, this revival is a family reunion and time of refreshment for the ministers. The audience is very blessed to get to watch.

   It is so easy to become a dried up Christian when you are in the ministry. It seems as you minister to the hurting, thirsty people in our churches today, they pull every amount of moisture from your soul. We don't get to sit in services on Sunday and be ministered to. It is rare that we have people call just to check up on and encourage us. Here in Branson, the clouds of blessing have moved in. God has opened the windows of heaven to poor out a blessing. Revival Rain has already begun to fall. God, please give us a blessing that we cannot contain. The question remains, will you hide in a building while the blessings fall, or will you come dance with us in the rain?