Have you ever been frustrated with the mess that happens in life? Ever angered by the number of people mistreated in our world? Ever think something needs to be done for the thousands of children dying of starvation in the world? Ever ask why doesn’t someone do something? Ever wonder why God hasn’t done something for these terrible situations? Continue reading
Tag: #sacramental (Page 2 of 5)
It’s a prayer that we have a really hard time meaning. We use the words as a great platitude but actually wanting to apply them is a whole other story! We think we’ve got life pretty well under control even when we admit things are spiraling into a chaotic mess. In the Lord’s Prayer, probably one of the most popular prayers of all time, we say the words Thy Will Be Done. Continue reading
So far in our look at worship, we’ve covered the topics of What Is Worship and Service or Serve Us. This week we look at the storyline of worship. While it may not be as evident to some, there is a storyline to our gatherings of praise and worship. Whether it’s a service built around the historic liturgy or a service using a more modern expression, the story should be similar. From start to finish we can see the story fleshed out in all that happens. It’s a story that mirrors the story of God in the bible. In order to know the story of worship, we must first catch a glimpse of the story of God. Continue reading
There’s an old camp song that many of us in “church-topia” used to sing called It only takes a spark. The idea is that God is ready to light us on fire with passion and desire to share the love of Jesus with the world around us. The message is so simple and the song so calming. Continue reading
Now I have to be honest. It’s easy to get overcome by the troubles in life. We get stressed about the things life throws our way. As a matter of fact, I’m writing this devotion just days before my family goes on a vacation, on a cruise. And to be completely transparent, I’m scared. No – I never was held under water as a child. I have no reason at all why I should be afraid. It’s a completely irrational fear. I’m afraid of not being in control. I’m afraid of something happening that I can’t anticipate. In short I just simply am having a hard time getting the courage to step onto that boat. But I know that I have to do it. Continue reading
Last week we looked at the basic idea of what is worship. Simply put, worship is the action of God coming to us and filling us. It’s God inviting us to a time and a place, to a lifestyle of receiving from God then (and only then) do we return with hearts of thankfulness and praise. The whole post on What Is Worship can be found here.
This week we’ll look more at how we are served in worship. It sounds so self-centered to say that worship is about what we receive but in reality that’s what the invitation is all about – God inviting us to receive. Now before we get too deep into this, it’s important to understand one key aspect to this whole receiving business. Worship isn’t about what I want but what I need. Continue reading
Since Christmas is by all appearances behind us, I thought it important to post another Christmas song this week. Actually, Christmas is a season. It’s not just a single day. I’m sure that if you drive through your neighborhood tonight, you’ll likely see trees disposed by the curb, lights removed, and extra garbage by the curb. But it’s important that as followers of Jesus, we keep Christmas going! This week’s song will hopefully do just that – keep Christmas going! Continue reading
A favorite Christian artist of mine has to be Casting Crowns. They have a way of putting such amazing story into their songs. This one was supposed to be up yesterday on Christmas morning but for some reason it didn’t make it. So here it is.
While you were sleeping some amazing things have happened! There have been some huge changes to the landscape of our lives overnight. It’s amazing what can be missed while we sleep. Continue reading
I love the season of Christmas! It’s wonderful and gives a strange sense of warmth that just isn’t there the rest of the year. But this year’s been somewhat different. There have been a lot of things going on this year and I just feel busier than normal. I’ve not really felt that whole Christmas spirit thing that I normally have by early October. Continue reading
As you are probably well aware, Christmas is about a week and a half away. With all of the prep for the big day, it’s pretty easy to get a bit lost in the shuffle. This week we’re going to slow things down quite a bit and take a minute to celebrate the beauty of this precious season. Continue reading