Launch Pad: The Blog

Launch Pad Dropping Out of December Max Steiners Show

2011-11-29T16:25:00.001-08:00

Regretfully, we won't be able to make the Dec. 15 gig at Max Steiners. It is our hope to return to the Max Steiners calendar sometime in 2012, probably in the spring.

In the meantime, Trial By Fire will likely be subbing for us at 9 pm on Dec. 15 at Max Steiners. Trial By Fire is fronted by Launch Pad's guitarist, Scott Johnson and features Launch Pad's drummer, David Rodriguez, on bass and former Launch Pad drummer, Mike Driml, on drums. Trial By Fire does all-0riginal material primarily by Scott and perhaps some stuff they've written together.

So make sure you go out and see current and former Launch Pad members at Max Steiners in Long Beach on December 15, 2011 at 9 pm.

Launch Pad is still planning on continuing the recording of new songs the week of December 26 and we'll be back on the flip side of the new year.

Peace on Earth!

Closing Out 2011 with Launch Pad

2011-10-13T09:15:00.001-07:00

As previously mentioned, you can now pick up our CD, Launch Pad: Plug Into Some Power, directly from our publisher. It is now also available from Amazon.com as a physical CD and also as downloadable MP3s.

There are also two more chances to join Launch Pad in a live setting this year.

On Friday, October 21, we'll be at Dipiazzas in Long Beach (right about where Anaheim hits PCH) for an ALL AGES show. We go on at 7 pm. The cover is $5, which we think is pretty low considering you can also stick around and catch other bands (Led Zepland, a Led Zep tribute band is also playing that night). We don't get a chance to do a lot of All Ages shows, so this is a great opportunity to bring kids too. We love Dipiazzas' stage and vibe so come on out. We hope to see you there.

If you can't make the October Dipiazzas show (or if you can, but you wanna catch Launch Pad again), we'll be closing out 2011 with one last show at historic Max Steiners (again in Long Beach) on Anaheim (nearby cross street is Cherry) on Thursday, December 15. We go on at 9pm. We've been writing new material, so it's possible we MAY debut a new song at this gig, if we feel one is ready. Max Steiners is a 21+ only venue but the good news is that there is no cover, so there's no excuse for not coming (other than being younger than 21 years old, that is).

It is very likely that a limited number of CDs will be available at both the Dipiazzas and Max Steiners shows. We tend to sell them for around $5 (cash only) which is just over half of the Amazon sale price. So if you want a CD at a discount, make it out to one of our shows and get there early. We sold out of them at The Blue Cafe.

So that'll wrap up our 2011 live shows. We've been writing new material and we've started recording songs from the current set for the next CD too. We expect to continue that work as we head into the holidays and pick it all back up in January.

Best way to stay up-to-date is to "like" our Facebook page.

Thanks, as always, for your support.

Plug Into Some Power Now Available at Amazon.com

2011-08-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Our CD, Plug Into Some Power, is also now available at Amazon.com both as a physical CD for the low price of $9.50 but also as MP3 downloads for $5.99 (full album) or $.89 a track.

It's also available in CD format at the same price from our publisher's site (we actually take home more money from it here by bypassing Amazon's cut so buying it from here actually better supports us).

We're very excited to be able to bring this collection of our music to you. It was roughly two years in the making and we're very proud of it.

CD NOW AVAILABLE: Plug Into Some Power

2011-08-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Our first independently-produced CD is now available online for $9.50.

Buy now!

Amazon.com availability forthcoming.

Oh, and come check us out at The Blue Cafe (Downtown Long Beach, 217 Pine Ave.) on Friday, September 2 @ 8 pm. $5 cover but if you let us know you're coming, we might be able to get you on the guest list. So if you're coming, let us know!

Launch Pad CD Coming Soon

2011-07-07T14:55:00.001-07:00

We're readying our first CD and it should be available soon. Hoping to have it for upcoming gigs this summer and fall. More info as it's available.

I’m Not Perfect…And Either Are You

2011-02-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

This message was originally given by Paul Carhart at the Launch Pad gathering on September 20, 2008 and was followed by an extended worship time. It was originally posted on this blog on October 10, 2008 and is being re-posted due to timely relevance.

It is by the Lord’s kindnesses that we are not destroyed, because His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:23-24

It seems like Christians are constantly being held up to a very high standard. And rightly so. Christians are, by definition, followers of Christ. The primary tenet of Christianity, indeed, is that even though Christ was 100% man, He was (and is) 100% God. He was therefore perfect. So it stands to reason that those who follow Christ would not only seek perfection but would also be identified with perfection.

But how many know that no one is perfect? We all come from fallen man. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they set the stage for not only an imperfect world, but their descendants would also be forever imperfect as well. We have been condemned to be sinners.

There would only be one cure.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1

So what’s the point in following Jesus if we don’t become perfect?

Ultimate perfection becomes something that is within our reach when we follow Christ. We won’t realilze it until we join Him in heaven but, because the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, it is something that CAN be reflected in us on a daily basis.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

To be clear: We confess our sins to Jesus. Not to another man.

Should we judge those who are not perfect?

Certainly not.

The second part of the previous verse in 1 John reads as follows:

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. – 1 John 1:10

Again, everyone is a sinner. Christian or not. It’s only a matter of time before someone’s exterior armor will crack so we shouldn’t be surprised when it does. If you stand in judgment of someone who fails in some way, you risk judgment yourself. Indeed, Jesus himself had specific instructions regarding judgment in the book of Matthew (7:1-5).

Judge not, that you may not be judged. For whatever judgment you judge, you shall be judged; and with whatever measure you measure out, it shall be measured to you again. And why do you look on the splinter that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, Let me pull the splinter out of your eye; and behold a beam is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First cast the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to cast the splinter out of your brother’s eye.

It can be particularly bad for someone to judge a Christian, as God said to Peter in the book of Acts.

And the voice spoke to him (Peter) again the second time, What God has made clean, you do not call common. – Acts 10:15

We should instead concern ourselves without our own situation and not how others fare, as the apostle Paul declares:

For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. – Romans 12:2

Indeed, Jesus himself taught on this very subject. In a situation where a woman was clearly not perfect (she was caught in the very act of adultery) and it was within the legal right to have her killed by throwing stones, Jesus responded in the following way:

But as they continued to ask Him, He lifted Himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her. – John 8:7

Again, Romans 8:1 comes to mind.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1

If God does not condemn us for messing up, how can mere humans?

So how do we get this sort of “do-over” forgiveness that we can receive when the chips are down? How can we obtain forgiveness from God and even protection from the judgment of our neighbors?

Accept Jesus

If you’re a Christian and you’ve already accepted Jesus, you merely need to ask God for forgiveness and strength moving forward. If you don’t know what I’m talking about regarding “accepting Jesus,” let me share with you a simple scripture:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me. – Revelation 3:20

If you’re reading this today, it is not by coincidence. Jesus stands at the door of your heart and he knocks. All you have to do is open the door!

To accept Jesus, you must ask Him into your heart!

How? Pray this prayer or something similar to it:

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned against you and that my sins separate me from you. I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and turn to you for forgiveness. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Now will you be perfect?

No. Unfortunately, every day we have to forget our old ways and take up the ways of Christ.

Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his deeds and having put on the new, having been renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. – Col 3:9-10

And remember the opening scripture:

It is by the Lord’s kindnesses that we are not destroyed, because His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:23-24

Every morning! Every morning we must again ask for forgiveness and move forward! If we don’t, it’s only a matter of time before we mess up.

It’s an ongoing process and not one that is accomplished overnight. Everyone has issues that they deal with. Addictions. Anger. Haughtiness. Even when you’ve handed off your burdens to Jesus, they may still crop up in times of weakness. We must, every day, pass these burdens back off to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to take over and strengthen us throughout the day.

Summary

- So are we perfect? No. No one on the earth is perfect. We all have faults and flaws. We are all sinners.

- How do we obtain forgiveness for our sins? We accept Jesus into our heart and pray for a renewing every day.

- Do we keep trying? We do not give up! We trust God to see us through trying times.

- Do we keep asking God for forgiveness and the strength to carry on? Yes. Every day!

- Do we fail? Surely. We just have to put our failures behind us and trust God to forgive us.

- Does God forgive us? Thankfully, and clearly according to scripture, He does.

- Should we judge people for being human and showing their flaws? Clearly not.

- Instead, we should focus on our own plight and work on our own walk with God.

Questions can be posted in the Comments section below.

Thanks, and God bless!

Launch Pad @ The Blue Cafe (Downtown Long Beach, Pine Ave.) on Sat., Feb. 12 @ 8 pm

2011-01-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

by Paul M. Carhart

I think all of the pertinent information is in the headline. Additional information can be found at the following this Facebook Events link.

Blue Cafe is located UNDERNEATH Mariposa on Pine Avenue.

We recently (1/15) ran through this set at DiPiazza's (Long Beach) and it only gets better every time we play it. There are several newer songs that we hope will get a great response.

Please come check us out. We'd love to see you there!

Do You Got The Stones?

2010-11-10T14:35:00.001-08:00

KaRi from ThePrimeSpot radio show at KBEACH.org shot some video of Launch Pad at Saturday's Long Beach East Village Farmer's Market.

The song is called "Do You Got The Stones?"

The sound is surprisingly good considering how windy it was.

Launch Pad Returns to the EVFM

2010-11-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

There's a short piece today on the Long Beach East Village Farmer's Market blog about us coming back to the Farmer's Market this Saturday.

Check it out.

Launch Pad on ThePrimeSpot this Wednesday, 11/3

2010-11-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

KaRi on ThePrimeSpot internet radio show (www.KBEACH.org) tells us that she'll be playing our music this Wednesday night sometime between 8 and 9 pm PST. Please tune in and let us know what you think.

And then come out to Downtown Long Beach Saturday, November 6, to the Long Beach East Village Farmer's Market. You can check out some of our new material and have a great time with the family. We go on around 11:30 am.

Hope to see you there!

Launch Pad on ThePrimeSpot TONIGHT!

2010-10-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

There's an extremely strong possibility that ThePrimeSpot on KBEACH Global Radio (internet) will be playing some of our music and promoting our upcoming November 6 Long Beach East Village Farmer's Market gig (11:30 am) tonight between 8 pm and 9 pm PST.

I just handed KaRi a CD with rough mixes of "Live Life," "Abide," and "Real" on it.

Pretty exciting!

Check it out and let us know what you thought!

http://www.kbeach.org/

Thanks, KaRi!

Nov. 6, 11:30 am: Join Launch Pad in Downtown Long Beach!

2010-10-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Our next gig is a return engagement with the Long Beach East Village Farmer's Market (Downtown Long Beach, First Street between Elm and Linden) on November 6, 2010 @ 11:30 am.

We're debuting several new songs at this gig: "PWA," "Pitter-Patter Blues," "Vino," and "Perfect Punk Song." So make sure you come out and show Scott some love (it's our first gig with him onboard) and check out the new material!

Hope to see you there!

Launch Pad Update: Late 2010

2010-10-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

by Paul M. Carhart

I know it's been a long time since we've updated this blog. 2010 has been a big year for Launch Pad. We've moved forward in many areas and we're genuinely excited for what the future holds. So I thought I'd take a moment to sorta chronicle what's happened this year and outline where we hope to go by the year's end.

The Year So Far

The year started out with a bang. We had just finished recording "Little Miss Sunshine," "I'm So Glad," "Has Beens" and "All." We established an improved Web presence with our Facebook, MySpace and Reverbnation pages where we posted the songs. The recording experience was so good and the results, we were convinced, so positive, that we, as a band, had decided to move forward in recording additional songs. Initially, to limit the amount of studio time, Paul wanted to record parts of them live, but we decided that we should put the time and effort into making them as good as possible. In January, we laid down new drum tracks on a number of songs. Paul and Lori also introduced "Up" to the band, a song they had written and recorded a demo of (using a drum loop) over the Christmas break.

In February, we played Fern's, a (mostly) punk bar located in the Long Beach East Village Arts District to a largely favorable response (they asked us to come back the following week, but we couldn't squeeze it into our calendar).

By March, Paul and Lori began shaping some of the songs that we had recorded drums for. The first to near completion in April was "Real."

In June, we played the Long Beach East Village Farmer's Market with a very good response. Again, we were asked to come back the following week. But, again, we were unable to fit it into our busy schedules. At that gig, we debuted two new songs: "Up" and "Real." We did not know it at the time, but it was the last time we would play with Ed Che on guitar. Paul's brother Jim and his wife Megan took some photos of the gig. Many of the pictures can be seen on the band's Facebook page.

The loss of Ed threw a monkey wrench into our momentum. Throughout the summer, the search was on for a new guitarist. During that time, Paul took it upon himself to lay down a set of guitar tracks for "Real." The tracks were passable. But Paul quickly learned that he's a much better bassist than he is a guitarist. During this time, Paul and Lori also recorded "High," an emotional piano and vocal tour d'force primarily written and performed by Lori. "Up" demo and "High" were then added to our pool of songs on the web.

Although it seemed like a long time, it was only four or five weeks before we were led to Scott Johnson. Scott immediately clicked with the band and we began a period of ramping him up on as many of our songs as we could. Having finished and partially-finished songs recorded was very helpful because Scott was able to take those home and work on them on his own time. Scott was on-fire and really slipped into the role of our guitarist and friend.

Shortly after joining up, Scott laid down guitar tracks for "Real." Another session quickly followed and he also put down multiple guitar tracks for "Abide" and "Live Life." Over the summer, all three songs were added to our online music library on our various profile pages. Also during the summer, Paul's brother Jim came and took some new pictures of the band. Many of the photos can be seen on the band's Facebook page.

You can also hear all of the songs referenced so far on our Facebook, MySpace or Reverbnation pages.

Ahead In 2010

And this brings us to where we're at today and what we still hope to accomplish before the year is out.

We've been rehearsing more frequently now as we start playing again. Our next gig is a return engagement with the Long Beach East Village Farmer's Market (Downtown Long Beach, First Street between Elm and Linden) on November 6, 2010 @ 11:30 am. We're debuting several new songs at this gig: "PWA," "Pitter-Patter Blues," "Vino," and "Perfect Punk Song." So make sure you come out and show Scott some love (it's our first gig with him onboard) and check out the new material!

We're also following up many other gig leads but they probably won't bear fruit until early 2011. As a band, we'll probably take off most of December for the holidays.

Currently, all our attention is focused on preparing for the aforementioned gig on November 6. Following that, the plan is to have Scott lay down new guitar tracks on the four songs that Ed had previously recorded with us ("Little Miss Sunshine," "I'm So Glad," "Has Beens," and "All"), probably in late November, just before Thanksgiving. Once new mixes are ready, the old ones will come down from Facebook, MySpace and Reverbnation and they'll be replaced with the new versions.

With those songs complete, we've had discussions of compiling a demo CD of the songs to-date. This CD will likely include (order TBD) "Real," "Abide," "Live Life," "High," "Little Miss Sunshine," "I'm So Glad," "Has Beens," and "All." Paul and Lori would like to see it completed in time for the holidays but that will only come to pass if nothing interrupts the timing. And, as we in the band all know all too well, life happens.

Also, in late November and probably extending into December, Paul and Lori are planning on producing some conceptual artwork for a facet of Launch Pad that is close to their heart. This conceptualization will embody the ultimate vision for Launch Pad moving forward and will inform our future direction.

And, hopefully, in late December, Scott will lay down guitar tracks for "Bring It On" (which also needs some additional bass tracks and vocals), "It's A Good Thing," "Do You Got The Stones?" (which needs a few minor edits), and (time permitting) "Fall On Me" (which will need the most work, not just from Scott but from Lori on keys and vocals and perhaps some vocal and bass touch-ups from Paul). But timing and scheduling with the holidays will be a factor in whether this happens in 2010 or not.

Early next year, we're hoping to record drum tracks for a lot of our new material: "PWA," "Pitter-Patter Blues," "Vino," and "Perfect Punk Song." We also want to capture drums for a few others that we didn't record last time, most notably, Mike's drums for "Up" (since the demo that is currently online uses the drum loop). Lori's also deep into the early stages of a new song that we hope to incorporate into this session.

We're extremely happy with the band's current line-up. Scott (guitar) and Mike (drums) bring passion and power to the music and the band dynamic has never been better. We all genuinely like to hang out together and that makes the band's chemistry that much better when we play. With new songs like "PWA" and "Pitter-Patter Blues," Lori's power-house vocals are coming to the forefront and we're able to be more free and the music is more able to flow from us in more of a jam-like way (and less a pre-determined structure). And, for the first time, it seems like everyone's really whole-heartedly onboard for the full Launch Pad vision. It's a blessing to all be able to play together and we're grateful for it. I think we all wish we could play together more often. But, as always, it's a balancing act between work, family time, writing, recording, rehearsing and playing. But we're convinced we're moving in the right direction. And we're excited for what 2011 will bring.

Happy Halloween, Thanksgiving, Harvest, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. May God be in it.

Rock on! And keep listening!

Launch Pad playing @ Fern's Cocktails in Long Beach

2010-02-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

We're playing at Fern's Cocktails in Long Beach (Downtown/East Village area), corner of 4th and Almond, on Saturday, February 13 at 4 pm.

More info at our Facebook and MySpace pages:

Facebook

MySpace

Hope to see you there!

Launch Pad Photo and Music Update

2009-12-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

As we near our year-end goals of preparing to take the musical and worship stylings of Launch Pad out into the world, we reach certain milestones.

One such milestone is the band photo that we recently uploaded to our Facebook and MySpace pages. This is the band in its current line-up. Check out the picture at either (or both) locations:

Launch Pad on Facebook

Launch Pad on MySpace

We've got four songs in some stage of recording. They are Has Beens, Little Miss Sunshine, I'm So Glad and All. All of the songs are produced by Paul and Lori, who are also the primary songwriters for all four tracks. Together, these songs do a pretty good job of representing the band's sound and make-up and illustrate the fine lines we walk between rocking out, telling it like it is, addressing pain and healing and worshiping God.

It's our hope to have this music up at both locations before the end of the year. Even if we can't get them all done and up by then, we hope to at least get some of them up by the end of the year and then get the rest up as we complete them. Mostly, they just need Ed's guitar tracks, a few new vocal tracks by Lori, possibly a new vocal track on Has Beens by Paul, and some additional re-mix/polishing. Please keep checking back for more news and information.

Merry Christmas and God bless!

And Thanks!

Where Have We Been?

2009-11-18T17:14:00.001-08:00

Wondering where we've been? Well, late summer, Lori and I decided that, in order to take the Launch Pad mission out beyond the walls of the Underground, we'd need to record a few demos of some of our songs. So we've been focussing on that. In the meantime, we've also set up a few social network points of contact. We've got a Facebook page now and we've got a MySpace page. We believe that both pages will help us push the boundaries of what God has planned for our music, which seems to be equal parts worship and telling it like it is.

The demos are coming along nicely. We've recorded four songs: Has Beens, Little Miss Sunshine, I'm So Glad and All. Only thing missing is Ed's guitar, which we hope to add very shortly. When they're ready, they'll go up on the Facebook and MySpace pages and we'll put a little note up here announcing it as well.

So go on out to our Facebook and MySpace pages and "befriend" or "befan" us. It's the best way to follow what's going on and stay in touch. And we can use your support too.

Launch Pad on Facebook

Launch Pad on MySpace

Next Launch Pad Gathering: July 18

2009-07-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Join us on Saturday night, July 18 for a night of worship in a true "underground" movement!

We're very excited to have the full band this time out. The music has never sounded so good and we know the worship time will be anointed.

921 Olive Ave. Long Beach, CA.

8:30 pm.

Alley-side entrance.

Next Launch Pad Gathering: June 20

2009-06-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

Join us for a brief time of study and extended worship on Saturday night, June 20 at 8:30 pm.

We're in the Downtown / East Village Arts area of Long Beach and we'd love to have you come worship with us.

More information.

The Real Purpose of The Church

2009-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

This message was originally given by Paul Carhart at the Launch Pad gathering on May 16, 2009 and was followed by an extended worship time.

What is The Church?

When I refer to The Church, I’m not talking about a building somewhere with a steeple. I’m not talking about specific denominations. I’m talking about the whole of all Christian believers. All Christians, regardless of denomination and doctrine. That is The Church.

Why do people go to church?

1) Activities
2) Fellowship or social gathering… maybe even gossip.
(I’ll speak more on the evils of gossip another time)
3) Teaching… morality
4) Feel better about yourself

Why SHOULD people go to church?

1) Learn more about God
2) Experience the presence of God
3) Experience the blessings of God (Another word: Miracles)
(Blessings and miracles are a result of God pouring out His Spirit on those who love and worship Him in spirit and in truth)

If you're not getting at least one of these things from church, you might as well sleep in. Many believers have decided to do just that and have abandoned going to church altogether.

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25

I want to take a quick moment to point out here that the “assembling together” spoken of here in the book of Hebrews is the early church. It was not in the form it takes now in Western society (and subsequent satellite missionary offshoots). It was a gathering of believers, usually under Roman persecution that took place, most often, within someone’s home. There were no such things as cathedrals, pews, podiums, Powerpoint presentations, worship teams and all of the trappings that we have come to know as part of the traditional church setting. I’m sure there was singing and the reading of scripture, all meant to, as the scripture says, “exhort one another.” But the idea of the traditional church setting as being sacred is not scriptural and can be, in fact, a harmful box to put God into. Instruction is very important and the Word of God should be used. Worship is also an important aspect of the early church. But just as the disciples gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the modern church structure doesn’t have to be in place for God to move. In fact, it can indeed be hindering and can be used to quench the Holy Spirit.

So what is worshiping God?

Maybe we should take a look at a few things it isn't.

1) Is it ten minutes of music before preaching?
2) Is it American Idol or some sort of concert?
3) Is it competition?
4) Is it misplaced or misdirected…
- toward man?
- toward money?
- toward material possessions?

The very first of God's commandments given to Moses is "You shall have no other gods before Me." - Exodus 20:3

We can try to pinpoint what worship is, but we might be selling ourselves short unless we define it in this way:

Worshiping God is to bask in His presence. What it boils down to is that to worship God is to fulfill the purpose for which man was created.

Don't believe me? Let's look at what the Bible says in the book of Genesis. Chapter 3, verse 8.

"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden."

This is immediately after both Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit. But notice something about this passage:

"…they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden."

Notice that God walking in the garden was a common thing. So common, in fact, that both Adam and Eve were familiar with the sound. Could it be that mankind was created to walk with God? I submit that we were created for that primary purpose.

Beings who fulfill their purpose

Naturally, after Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, the world is in a fallen state. Still, other than man, most other facets of creation fulfill the purpose they were created for.

What does Jesus say about birds?

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them."
from Matt 6:26

And flowers:

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;" from Matt 6:28

And…

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse," - Romans 1:20

Indeed all of creation fulfills its purpose.

But does man fulfill his/her purpose?

For the most part, no. Most people spend very little time walking with God. So how can we improve that? The closest we can come now is to worship God in spirit and in truth and to let the Holy Spirit move.

How can we worship God?

1) Worship through music

"Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet
Praise Him with the lute and the harp
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes
Praise Him with loud cymbals
Praise Him with clashing cymbals" - Psalm 150: 3-5

It’s also worth noting here, that one of the reasons that music comes to the forefront as a means of worshiping God is that it is, scripturally, a form of worship practiced by angels at God’s throne (Revelation 5:8-14).

2) Worship through the arts (and other talents, gifts and abilities)

"So you shall speak who are gifted artisans who I have filled with the spirit of wisdom that that they may make Aaron's garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest." - Exodus 38:3

3) Worship through kind acts and giving

"Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the lease of these My brethren, you did it to Me." - Matt 25:37-40

4) Worship as a lifestyle

"You shall have no other gods before Me." - Exodus 20:3

5) Corporate worship,

"Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying: 'For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,' that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."
- 2 Chr 5:13-14

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
- Matthew 18:19-20

Clearly, there’s power in coming together to worship God.

6) Just about anything you do when you put God first

The Key: Putting God First

"You shall have no other gods before Me." - Exodus 20:3

In Genesis, 4:1-16, we read the story of Cain and Abel. Both brought sacrifices to God but God was only pleased with Abel's sacrifice. I believe it was because Cain had an attitude problem, that God wasn't pleased. God wanted an animal sacrifice. Cain was a farmer and didn't have any animals. Rather than trade grain for a suitable animal (his brother would have probably been glad to trade with him), Cain simply offered whatever he wanted. In the end, he killed his brother out of jealousy, almost as if to prove how twisted his heart had always been.

My point is: the most important element you can bring is a right heart. Forgiveness of sins daily = a right heart.

"Now we know that God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him." - John 9:31

Worship paves the way for a closer walk, which finally fulfills man's purpose.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. - John 4:23

Conclusion

If more of mankind fulfilled its purpose, the body of Christ would be stronger and the Church as a whole (as in the body of believers in Christ currently upon the earth) would not be as diluted and powerless as it is today.

Next Launch Pad Gathering

2009-05-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Join us for a true "underground movement" at our next Launch Pad gathering on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 921 Olive Ave., Long Beach, CA.

8:30 pm. Enter through the side-alley entrance.

Short Bible study and extended worship time!

Next Launch Pad Gathering

2009-01-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

We will be gathering to worship again on February 21, 2009. For more info, visit the Launch Pad site.

Healing Scriptures

2009-01-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

The November Launch Pad gathering did not benefit from an actual message. Instead, we focussed on healing scriptures before going into our time of worship. Many of the healing scriptures we went over, originally compiled by the late Ray Hedgpeth (Lori's father), are listed below. Feel free to read them over your own ailments or those of your friends. This is not superstition or magic. This is the Word of God and there is power in speaking it.

And said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the lord your god and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the god who heals you. - Exodus 15:26

So you shall serve the lord your god and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. - Exodus 23:25

I will extol you, O Lord for You have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God I cried out to You and You healed me. O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave: You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. - Psalms 30:1-3

The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness: You will sustain him on his sickbed. I said, "Lord be merciful to me; heal my soul for I have sinned against you. - Psalms 41:3-4

No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. - Psalms 90:10

Bless the Lord, oh my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies - Psalms 103: 1-4

He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. - Psalms 107:20

The Thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and destroy. I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly. - John 10:10

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.") that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the gentiles in Christ. - Galatians 3:13-14

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope, (faith), witout wavering, for He who promised is faithful - Hebrews 10:23

Have faith in God, for assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, be removed and cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. - Mark 11:22-23

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you recieve them, and you will have them. - Mark 11:24

He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Himi, and by His stripes we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5

For I will restore health to you and heal your wounds. - Jeremiah 30:17

He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sickenss. - Matthew 8:7

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. - Deuteronomy 30:19

And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known, but will lay them on all those who hate you. - Deuteronomy 7:15

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may posper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. - 3John 1:2

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2John 1:7

Finally my bretheren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickeness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with the truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, adn the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. - Ephesians 6:10-17

Amen.

Family Time

2008-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

This message was originally given by Paul Carhart at the Launch Pad gathering on December 20, 2008 and was followed by an extended worship time.

At this time of the year, it is common (and possibly even cliché) to pull out the old tried and true Christmas story. Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem. No room in the inn. Born in a manger. Silent Night. Angels We Have Heard On High. Shepherds. Wisemen. Etc. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. The story is timeless and it reminds us not only of how our savior came into the world with little man-made fanfare. Even more importantly, and I believe the primary reason the story is in the Bible, is to bring into focus a good number of earlier prophesies that were fulfilled by Christ’s birth. It’s certainly something worth celebrating and it is, indeed, my favorite time of the year. It’s a time to spend with family and to share the gift of giving.

But what if there are members of your family that you’d rather not spend the holidays with? What does the Bible say about that? Can you put up a wall and shut them out? Or are you compelled to break bread with people who, if they were not a blood relation, you would never associate with?

First, Jesus makes it clear in Matthew that to follow Christ is to live a life of forgiveness.

Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Until seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21-22

Forgiveness is just as important for the one who is doing the forgiving as it is for he or she who is being forgiven. If you do not forgive those who wrong you, your heart will become corrupt with the resentment and anger that will fester there. So whether or not one asks for forgiveness, according to Jesus, you need to forgive that person in order for YOU to continue to function in Christ. If the person who has wronged you asks you for forgiveness, you can therefore easily grant it because you’ve already forgiven them. But when one apologizes or asks for forgiveness, that connotes that the person has recognized that they have wronged you and that they will not do it again. What if a person asks for your forgiveness and then turns around and wrongs you in the same way again? Or what if the person who has wronged you has never asked for forgiveness at all? We are still to forgive them. Again, read the passage above. However, we do NOT have to continue to associate ourselves with that person. This is true of friends, associates AND family members.

Consider the following passage from Jesus’ youth:

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast. And fulfilling the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know. But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey. And they looked for Him among the kinsfolk and acquaintances. And when they did not find Him, they turned back to Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it happened that after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. And seeing Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him, Child, why have you done so to us? Behold, your father and I have looked for you, greatly distressed. And he said to them, Why did you look for Me? Do you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? And they did not understand the word which he spoke to them.

Luke 2:42-50

Here Jesus’ parents are surprised to find that He has remained at the temple. They had traveled out a day and therefore had to travel another day back before they found him. Two days he continued with the teachers without his parents! They were surprised to find Him there but He was just as surprised that they didn’t know what he was doing. In a similar way, if we are truly followers of Christ, our family members should be aware of it. They shouldn’t be surprised and if they want us to attend family functions, they should abstain from activities in which we would not be comfortable.

Now consider this passage from later in Jesus’ life, during His ministry:

But while He yet talked with the people, behold, His mother and His brothers stood outside, desiring to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, Behold, Your mother and Your brothers stand outside, desiring to speak with You. And He answered and said to him who told Him, Who is My mother? And who are My brothers? And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, Behold, My mother and My brothers! For whoever shall do the will of My Father in Heaven, the same is My brother and sister and mother.

Matthew 12:46-50

Here, Jesus goes as far as to identify those with whom he is ministering to be His family even to the extent of denying family status to those who are his blood family. Clearly, He was making a point here and did not intend to permanently distance Himself from his mother and brothers. But the message is clear. Those who actively participate and partake of His ministry are the priority in His life. It is a clear guideline that we should follow.

Is this just the excuse we need ostracize everyone we disagree with spiritually or anyone who makes us uncomfortable? No. However, just as Jesus used His ministry to exclude members of his family, we can use the follow scripture from Proverbs to decide where to put up a wall between ourselves and others.

These six the LORD hates; yea, seven are hateful to his soul: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked plans, feet hurrying to run to evil, a false witness who speaks lies and he who causes fighting among brothers.

Proverbs 6: 16-19

If there are people, family members or not, who continue to have a toxic hold on you, check them against this scripture. Jesus clearly did not make special provision for blood relations. If the toxicity of your relationship is not associated with one of the above-mentioned “sins” that the Lord hates, I would be very surprised. We can still pray for these people but I believe you have every right to exert a certain level of control over the extent of your exposure to these people.

Do not give that which is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and tear you.

Matthew 7:6

Leave the Scrooges to themselves.

After all, ‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Two Commandments

2008-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

This message was originally given by Paul Carhart at the Launch Pad gathering on October 18, 2008 and was followed by an extended worship time.

We've often heard that actions are louder than words. It is not merely a cliché but a biblical truth.

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." - 1 John, 3-18

Indeed, we can profess love for someone or something, but our actions may betray where we truly stand.

For example, a man may say he loves his wife but if he is not faithful to her… if he betrays her… if he beats her. I would question the worth of his statements.

Likewise, a woman may say she love s her child, but if she locks the child in a closet or beats the child in a way that goes far beyond simple discipline…. Again I would question her love.

And if a person says he or she loves God but then they go out and partake in any manner of worldly elements that God has clearly taken a stance against, well you know where I'm going.

In writing, there's an oft-repeated rule: "Show, don't tell." Again, when telling a story, the plea is to show an action… to have something occur "on stage" rather than merely impart the facts of an action. When something is shown, it is immediate, passionate, important. The reason this is true in telling a story is because it is true in our every day lives.

Commanded to Love

God gave Moses Ten Commandments by which His people should live. By the time Jesus had come upon the scene, many other rules and regulations had sprung from those original commandments. So Jesus simplified it even more.

"Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." - Matt 22-37-40

In these two commandments given by Jesus, all of the ten given to Moses are fulfilled.

The first commandment here is to love the Lord your God. Just as in the examples I've previously given, we can say we love God. Or we can show him.

How do we show God we love Him?

The best way to know what it is that God wants on any given subject is to see what he says on the matter. He left us His word for just this purpose.

Naturally, there is the obvious answer.

"The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways." - Deut. 28:9

We are meant to do our best to follow God's laws. Of course, we know it's impossible for man to do this. That's why there's grace. That's why there's forgiveness. It's why Jesus came and died on the cross. Still, we are meant to do our best.

There is another way, above and beyond doing our best to follow God's commandments, to show God that we love Him.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. - John 4:23

I'm emphasizing the last part of this scripture because the Bible clearly declares that God is "seeking such to worship Him." He longs for those who love Him to worship Him!

Again, we can say we love God until the cows come home but how do we show Him? Are we doing our best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live a righteous life? Have we incorporated worshipping God into our every day lifestyle?

What about the second Commandment?

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. - 1 John 4:7-8

Also:

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. And everyone who loves Him who begets also loves him who has been born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, whenever we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome. For everything that has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? - 1 John 5:1-5

The Bible makes it clear that we are not to merely stop with loving God. In many ways, it's easy to love God. I mean, God loves us, right? When someone loves you, the natural inclination is to return that love. But what about those who hate you? Again, the Bible makes it clear.

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you." - Proverbs 25:21-22

Again, loving your neighbor, whether they are friendly or hateful toward you, is more than merely stating it. Loving is an action. It requires you to act.

Perhaps the most important way we can show "our neighbors" love is by telling them about God. Sometimes people are open to evangelism. They want to know more about God. Sometimes, they are not. They do not want to be "Bible-thumped." That's okay. We can still show God that we love our neighbors by praying for people, not only their well-being in time of need, but for their salvation, even when they think everything is fine.

Again, worship comes into play. Heartfelt worship flowing from God's people can bring healing, deliverance, and even salvation.

Summary

- Love is professed by actions, not merely words.

- God longs for those who love Him to worship Him.

- Through the act of worship, we can fulfill both of the commandments that Jesus gave, and thus fulfill the Ten Commandments in our lives.

- What better way to truly let God know that we love Him?

I’m Not Perfect…And Either Are You

2008-10-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

This message was originally given by Paul Carhart at the Launch Pad gathering on September 20, 2008 and was followed by an extended worship time.

It is by the Lord’s kindnesses that we are not destroyed, because His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:23-24

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

To be clear: We confess our sins to Jesus. Not to another man.

Should we judge those who are not perfect?

Certainly not.

The second part of the previous verse in 1 John reads as follows:

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. – 1 John 1:10

Judge not, that you may not be judged. For whatever judgment you judge, you shall be judged; and with whatever measure you measure out, it shall be measured to you again. And why do you look on the splinter that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, Let me pull the splinter out of your eye; and behold a beam is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First cast the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to cast the splinter out of your brother’s eye.

It can be particularly bad for someone to judge a Christian, as God said to Peter in the book of Acts.

And the voice spoke to him (Peter) again the second time, What God has made clean, you do not call common. – Acts 10:15

We should instead concern ourselves without our own situation and not how others fare, as the apostle Paul declares:

For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. – Romans 12:2

But as they continued to ask Him, He lifted Himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her. – John 8:7

Again, Romans 8:1 comes to mind.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me. – Revelation 3:20

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned against you and that my sins separate me from you. I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and turn to you for forgiveness. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Now will you be perfect?

No. Unfortunately, every day we have to forget our old ways and take up the ways of Christ.

Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his deeds and having put on the new, having been renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. – Col 3:9-10

And remember the opening scripture:

It is by the Lord’s kindnesses that we are not destroyed, because His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:23-24

Entering Into The Presence Of The Lord

2008-10-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

by Paul and Lori Carhart

This message was originally given by Paul Carhart at The Connection Foursquare congregation in Long Beach, California on June 1, 2008 accompanied by an extended worship time.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. - John 4:23

Worshipping God. What does that mean?

Going To church doesn't equal worshiping God. Singing songs doesn't mean you're necessarily worshiping God. Raising your hands, doesn't necessarily mean you're worshiping God. And doing any number of these things doesn't mean that you'll automatically enter into His presence.

Indeed, thousands of dead churches around the world proclaim Christ as Lord and their members gather to worship Him every Sunday morning. Still, many of them never enter into the presence of the Lord. Some don't even know they're supposed to.

We must first recognize that worshiping God is more than just a show, both on the stage as well as individually. There is an attitude of worship that we must achieve as individuals. There is a place in each individual heart where we must arrive. This place is not the presence of God, however. It’s more like a bridge. But unless you arrive at this place, you cannot enter into the presence of God.

Think of this place as a portal. It’s a stepping off point or a doorway. I like to think of it as a Launch Pad. You can choose to go forward or you can choose to remain where you are. Individuals will make their own choices. When two or three are gathered, they reach this place and they choose to to move forward, that’s when we get something different than individual worship. We call it corporate worship.

It's Not About the Music

Just to be clear, worship music can be of any style, at any pace, with any instrumentation. It's not a certain number of fast songs followed by a certain number of slow songs. It isn't about a certain amount of time singing. It isn't about choirs or lead singers or guitar solos. God doesn't care about any of that. We could do it without music if we wanted to and sometimes we do! God does care that we've come to worship Him with a right heart. He cares when we submit to him. When we let Him take over. That's where it begins. This is how we get to the place that I spoke of earlier. That's where we open the door to enter into God's presence.

Entering In

There is no set formula for entering into God's presence. However, there are some ingredients.

1) You must have a right heart. Forgive those who have done you wrong. Ask God to forgive you of your sins. Indeed, we can use The Lord's Prayer as an example of how we should approach God. (Matt 6:9-15)

2) Love God with all your heart, soul and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." - Matt 22-37-40

3) Let go of all your problems and burdens. Give them to God. Don’t bring the Christmas List of what you want. Focus on God and what he’s already done for you. Your needs will coalesce during worship. You don’t need to bring an agenda.

4) Don’t try to control God. You cannot expect to enter into God’s presence and not have a supernatural experience. But the experience is not for you to determine. Let go of your own ideas of what you think it should be and let God move.

It might take time. It may not. Corporate worship depends on more than one person. It may take some people longer to let go than others. The key is to let it take as long as it takes. But you don’t want to be the one holding things up, do you?

Human beings were created to worship God. Therefore, until you really worship God and are able to enter into His presence, you'll never be truly fulfilled. Not really. And not only are we fulfilled, but God is also pleased. We are blessed AND God is blessed. The last part of John 4:23 says:

"…for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."

Healing and Deliverance through worship

When we enter into God's presence and the gifts of the Spirit flow, this is when people are healed. People are delivered. This is when God moves. This is when miracles happen. And because this doesn't happen very often anymore (for whatever reasons), this is why people can convince themselves that God is dead… or that He doesn't care… or that He was made up by man… or that he doesn't work miracles anymore. These are some of the deeper things of God… things that much of mainstream Christianity has forgotten. When you thirst for God and cry out for the deep things of God, only then will God respond in kind. He may not respond immediately, but He will not respond if you do not truly seek him.