Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
I’ve been thinking about those words: Living Sacrifice. Sacrifice is not something that is natural for most Westerners. Most of us complain if the room is too hot or too cold, or if the food isn’t to our taste.
I was talking to my daughter the other day about how there are people in the world who don’t have food to eat. She said, “Why don’t we just buy them some food?” I told her the story of when I was in Cuba. It was shortly after a hurricane had hit the island. When I was picked up from the airport, I was picked up in an un-air-conditioned van that had huge holes in the floor (we suspended our feet as we drove). The man who picked us up told us that part of his daily routine was walking into town to see if there was food that day. If there was, they ate. If there wasn’t, they went hungry. I told him I’d buy him and his family some food. We stopped at every little town, and I offered my money. The problem wasn’t money—it was that there was no food. It was my first experience seeing people literally praying for food each day. As we went throughout the week, God provided rice and plantain for us each day. The last day, the family killed their rooster for us to eat. It was their sacrifice—their offering—to us to thank us for discipling them in the faith.
I say this, because we are such creatures of comfort. I’ve been convicted about this lately. Here is the question I have asked myself when I worship: “What have I sacrificed today for the Lord?” “What is my offering?” It may be something as simple as spending time away from the television and in the Word. It may be practicing for a rehearsal more so I can be adequately prepared to rehearse players and singers to lead worship. It may be denying myself something so I can give more generously to others. But, the Bible tells us clearly that we are to be “living sacrifices”. What does this mean? Here’s verse 2:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The key is transformation. We need to be growing in the Jesus Way every day. This requires submission, surrender, study, and yes, sacrifice.
As we approach worship this Sunday, we are singing a new song called “Awakening” by Chris Tomlin. Before we can begin to ignite this world for Christ, we first need a revival in our own souls. That’s what this song calls for. Here are the lyrics. I urge you to meditate on these as you prepare for Worship this Sunday. Pray for awakening in your heart…in your city…in your nation…in this world.
In our hearts, Lord, in this nation
awakening.
Holy Spirit, we desire
awakening
For You and You alone
awake my soul; awake my soul, and sing.
For the world You love
Your will be done, let Your will be done in me.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
From the Inside Out
This week, as I was beginning my youth band rehearsal, I had a kid (not in the band) say to me, "I need a minute to talk to you." I stopped and asked him what was up. He said, "You've been asking us what God is doing in our lives. I just wanted to tell you what He's doing in mine." We visited for a moment. It was great to hear about how He was listening to God's direction for his life. God was doing some great things in this young man's life, and he was so eager to share.
About 15 minutes later, we actually began rehearsal. We were halfway through a piece--just a normal rehearsal. Once of the players said, "Can we just stop and pray?" We stopped immediately and prayed. This young man felt the leading of the LORD to focus us and focus our hearts.
About an hour later, my youth choir came in. If you've ever been in a youth choir rehearsal, you may think it's complete chaos. I'll admit, there is that element. We began to sing. We were singing the song, "From the Inside Out". We got to the point in the song when it says, "My heart and my soul, I give You control. Consume me from teh inside out, Lord." I felt like we were just paying lip service. We stopped. We took a moment to pray. I asked them to focus on the things that they would praise God for right in that moment. Then, we sang the song again--not paying lip service this time, but worshiping from our hearts.
It was a POWERFUL afternoon of worship--probably one I'll never forget. These kids were so open, so unashamed before the Lord.
I went home, and read a story about the great violinist Joshua Bell. it said that Bell recently performed an experiment where he went into a Washington, D. C. metro station unannounced. He took his 1713 Strad violin (worth millions) and began to play the top pieces in his repertoire. A thousand people went by, and nobody recoginzed him or his talent, nor did they recognize the craftsmanship of the instrument. Finally, one woman recognized who he was and stopped to listen.
The point of the story was that, too often, we are so busy getting from one place to another that we are unaware of God's presence. We pass up so many opportunities with Him. The author used the passage from Matthew 11.
"Let him who has ears hear. To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance...'" Matthew 11:15-17 (NIV)
This was a wakeup call to me. I don't want to miss the Master playing for me. I don't want to miss a single opportunity to sit in His presence and learn.
WORSHIP. Take a moment to focus on these words to "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong.
A thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains.
And should I stumble again, still I'm caught in Your grace.
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades.
Neverending, Your glory goes beyond all fame.
My heart and my soul I give You control.
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace, to love You from the inside out.
Your will above all else, my purpose remains,
the art of losing myself in bringing You praise.
When was the last time you heard His voice? When was the last time you lost yourself in praising Him? Find some time this week. Lose yourself in praise. It was amazing to me, as I began praising Him how my needs became so small, and the LORD -- His sovereignty, His grace, His provision, His greatness -- overwhelmed me. We worship THE Almighty God! What a privilege.
About 15 minutes later, we actually began rehearsal. We were halfway through a piece--just a normal rehearsal. Once of the players said, "Can we just stop and pray?" We stopped immediately and prayed. This young man felt the leading of the LORD to focus us and focus our hearts.
About an hour later, my youth choir came in. If you've ever been in a youth choir rehearsal, you may think it's complete chaos. I'll admit, there is that element. We began to sing. We were singing the song, "From the Inside Out". We got to the point in the song when it says, "My heart and my soul, I give You control. Consume me from teh inside out, Lord." I felt like we were just paying lip service. We stopped. We took a moment to pray. I asked them to focus on the things that they would praise God for right in that moment. Then, we sang the song again--not paying lip service this time, but worshiping from our hearts.
It was a POWERFUL afternoon of worship--probably one I'll never forget. These kids were so open, so unashamed before the Lord.
I went home, and read a story about the great violinist Joshua Bell. it said that Bell recently performed an experiment where he went into a Washington, D. C. metro station unannounced. He took his 1713 Strad violin (worth millions) and began to play the top pieces in his repertoire. A thousand people went by, and nobody recoginzed him or his talent, nor did they recognize the craftsmanship of the instrument. Finally, one woman recognized who he was and stopped to listen.
The point of the story was that, too often, we are so busy getting from one place to another that we are unaware of God's presence. We pass up so many opportunities with Him. The author used the passage from Matthew 11.
"Let him who has ears hear. To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance...'" Matthew 11:15-17 (NIV)
This was a wakeup call to me. I don't want to miss the Master playing for me. I don't want to miss a single opportunity to sit in His presence and learn.
WORSHIP. Take a moment to focus on these words to "From the Inside Out" by Hillsong.
A thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains.
And should I stumble again, still I'm caught in Your grace.
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades.
Neverending, Your glory goes beyond all fame.
My heart and my soul I give You control.
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace, to love You from the inside out.
Your will above all else, my purpose remains,
the art of losing myself in bringing You praise.
When was the last time you heard His voice? When was the last time you lost yourself in praising Him? Find some time this week. Lose yourself in praise. It was amazing to me, as I began praising Him how my needs became so small, and the LORD -- His sovereignty, His grace, His provision, His greatness -- overwhelmed me. We worship THE Almighty God! What a privilege.
Imitate Me!
I'm reading a fantastic, challenging book right now by Bob Roberts, Jr. called Transformation. Transformation is a word we're going to be hearing a lot about. As a matter of fact, it is our (FBCA) theme for 2011. Our Pastor will be further unpacking the growth areas we've adopted as he teaches us how to be "Transformed along THE WAY."
Roberts talks a lot about how to measure spiritual growth. He issues a corporate challenge early on in his book. He says (p.24), "When people say the name of your church and the church you attend or in which you serve, what do they think? May it be that we love God with all our beings and are trying to live transparent lives of integrity. May they see us giving out all that we have and all that we are."
As I read this, I thought about our church and what people would say. I believe that, thanks to 150 years of healthy people that have gone before and healthy leadership now, many positive things would be said. But, then I took it a step further. "May it be that we love God with all our beings and are trying to live transparent lives of integrity." That statement hit me close to home. What facades do I put on? What areas of my life am I keeping hidden because I'm not fully walking the Jesus Way? This challenging word has caused me pause. It's caused me to re-evaluate some of the things in my life.
What would someone see if they looked into your everyday, unguarded life? Would they see someone who reflected Christ? We know that we are supposed to be like Christ. Ephesians 5:1 tells us, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." I often think about imitating Christ -- or the proverbial phrase, What Would Jesus Do? -- and, so often, I talk myself outof being Christ-like because, after all, none of us are expected to be perfect. Christ is the only perfect one who ever walked the earth, and the only one who ever will. What a cop-out on my part! Someone said recently that many of us [Christians] have learned how to "manage" sin. They said, "We believe it's okay to be a responsible sinner." In other words, as long as we're not committing the BIG sins, we're really okay, right? Our little sins don't really affect anyone, do they?
But Paul issues us (imperfect, human journeymen) a challenge of his own. He says in 1 Corinthians 4:16, "I urge you to imitate me." Is that something that you can say to others? Is that something I can say? People DO imitate us whether we say it or not. They imitate our compassion (or lack thereof). They imitate our commitment (or lack thereof). They imitate the way we love others, relate with others, etc. People watch and imitate.
Bob Roberts issues this challenge to us: "We [the Western church] talk about the qualifications for ministry in terms of education, ordination, rules, and regulations. However, isn't the main qualification for ministry the ability for a person to say, 'Imitate me'? Not that they are perfect, but that they are willing to live their lives as examples for others." (p.27)
Okay Bob & Paul...way to throw down a challenge! Is what I am doing, how I am living my life, how I love others, how I love God worth imitating?
I attended Barry Rock's class at DBU this past week, and here was one of the things he said. "The greatest problem in worship today is personal godliness. Worship means NOTHING apart from a transformed life." I believe he's right. I believe we (and I say this as a guilty party) find ways to justify or overlook our sin, and therefore stunt our growth as Christians and our ability to lead others along The Way.
This Sunday, we are participating in the Lord's Supper. Before the Lord's Supper begins, we have built in a small time of confession. Don't wait until Sunday. Find some time this week in your personal time with the Lord and lay yourself wide open. See what transformation He desires to take place in your life. Make it your prayer to be able one day to stand up in front of others and say these radical words, "Imitate me."
Roberts talks a lot about how to measure spiritual growth. He issues a corporate challenge early on in his book. He says (p.24), "When people say the name of your church and the church you attend or in which you serve, what do they think? May it be that we love God with all our beings and are trying to live transparent lives of integrity. May they see us giving out all that we have and all that we are."
As I read this, I thought about our church and what people would say. I believe that, thanks to 150 years of healthy people that have gone before and healthy leadership now, many positive things would be said. But, then I took it a step further. "May it be that we love God with all our beings and are trying to live transparent lives of integrity." That statement hit me close to home. What facades do I put on? What areas of my life am I keeping hidden because I'm not fully walking the Jesus Way? This challenging word has caused me pause. It's caused me to re-evaluate some of the things in my life.
What would someone see if they looked into your everyday, unguarded life? Would they see someone who reflected Christ? We know that we are supposed to be like Christ. Ephesians 5:1 tells us, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." I often think about imitating Christ -- or the proverbial phrase, What Would Jesus Do? -- and, so often, I talk myself outof being Christ-like because, after all, none of us are expected to be perfect. Christ is the only perfect one who ever walked the earth, and the only one who ever will. What a cop-out on my part! Someone said recently that many of us [Christians] have learned how to "manage" sin. They said, "We believe it's okay to be a responsible sinner." In other words, as long as we're not committing the BIG sins, we're really okay, right? Our little sins don't really affect anyone, do they?
But Paul issues us (imperfect, human journeymen) a challenge of his own. He says in 1 Corinthians 4:16, "I urge you to imitate me." Is that something that you can say to others? Is that something I can say? People DO imitate us whether we say it or not. They imitate our compassion (or lack thereof). They imitate our commitment (or lack thereof). They imitate the way we love others, relate with others, etc. People watch and imitate.
Bob Roberts issues this challenge to us: "We [the Western church] talk about the qualifications for ministry in terms of education, ordination, rules, and regulations. However, isn't the main qualification for ministry the ability for a person to say, 'Imitate me'? Not that they are perfect, but that they are willing to live their lives as examples for others." (p.27)
Okay Bob & Paul...way to throw down a challenge! Is what I am doing, how I am living my life, how I love others, how I love God worth imitating?
I attended Barry Rock's class at DBU this past week, and here was one of the things he said. "The greatest problem in worship today is personal godliness. Worship means NOTHING apart from a transformed life." I believe he's right. I believe we (and I say this as a guilty party) find ways to justify or overlook our sin, and therefore stunt our growth as Christians and our ability to lead others along The Way.
This Sunday, we are participating in the Lord's Supper. Before the Lord's Supper begins, we have built in a small time of confession. Don't wait until Sunday. Find some time this week in your personal time with the Lord and lay yourself wide open. See what transformation He desires to take place in your life. Make it your prayer to be able one day to stand up in front of others and say these radical words, "Imitate me."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Transition
The last six weeks of my life have been a whirlwind. I did something that I usually don't do--I took on a 6 week gig that involved 8 shows a week (in all my spare time). I realized this would be a sacrifice for my family, but I also knew it would be a great musical experience, and would really stretch me. It did all of that. It met and exceeded every earthly expectation that I had. What was most amazing, though, were the unexpected blessings.
I had time every day in the drive back and forth to Dallas to think. I spent a lot of time praying, visioning for the future, thinking about relationships. It was time needed and well spent for me. But the most unexpected blessing came the last day of the show. Someone said to me, "I've been praying for you every day for the last 6 weeks--for your safety on the road." That blew me away. I felt so incredibly blessed to have that person in my life.
As I thought about that, I thought about all of our seniors that are graduating over the next few weeks. I looked through the beautiful program that David McDurham did for this weekend, and saw so many faces that I have prayed over for the last 18 years. It was a reminder to me that prayer is so important. It is foundational. It is heard. It is powerful. God is faithful to answer our prayers. I looked through the pages and saw the lives that He had transformed over the years. I saw lives that He had brought through great hardship. I saw lives that He had matured well beyond their years. I saw lives that He has just taken hold of. Beautiful children of God.
This morning's WOG4POG reading in Deuteronomy 31 takes place during a transitional time in the life of the Israelites. As I read, I thought about our graduates, and how they must have some of the same emotions and fears that Israel had. They've journeyed. They've at times wandered. They've followed. Now, they have to cross over into the next phase of life. But, I was comforted that we don't go alone. Moses says, "The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you." He does that at every transition point in our life. He is always ahead of us!
So, as we approach this transitional time, take time to pray for one another. Take time to evaluate the transitions taking place in your life. Turn over the fears and the doubts and the uncertainties to Him. Write Moses' words on your heart:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
I had time every day in the drive back and forth to Dallas to think. I spent a lot of time praying, visioning for the future, thinking about relationships. It was time needed and well spent for me. But the most unexpected blessing came the last day of the show. Someone said to me, "I've been praying for you every day for the last 6 weeks--for your safety on the road." That blew me away. I felt so incredibly blessed to have that person in my life.
As I thought about that, I thought about all of our seniors that are graduating over the next few weeks. I looked through the beautiful program that David McDurham did for this weekend, and saw so many faces that I have prayed over for the last 18 years. It was a reminder to me that prayer is so important. It is foundational. It is heard. It is powerful. God is faithful to answer our prayers. I looked through the pages and saw the lives that He had transformed over the years. I saw lives that He had brought through great hardship. I saw lives that He had matured well beyond their years. I saw lives that He has just taken hold of. Beautiful children of God.
This morning's WOG4POG reading in Deuteronomy 31 takes place during a transitional time in the life of the Israelites. As I read, I thought about our graduates, and how they must have some of the same emotions and fears that Israel had. They've journeyed. They've at times wandered. They've followed. Now, they have to cross over into the next phase of life. But, I was comforted that we don't go alone. Moses says, "The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you." He does that at every transition point in our life. He is always ahead of us!
So, as we approach this transitional time, take time to pray for one another. Take time to evaluate the transitions taking place in your life. Turn over the fears and the doubts and the uncertainties to Him. Write Moses' words on your heart:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Find Us Faithful
Last week, my son got in the car and absolutely fell apart. When I asked him what was wrong, he said he was afraid he was going to have a B in math. Now, I’m not a “check every grade”, “has to make straight A’s” parent. I don’t have regular teacher conferences—as a matter of fact I don’t know that I’ve ever had a teacher conference about grades. I’m probably too “hands off”. I had noticed that he had trouble with some of his papers, so, quite honestly, it didn’t come as a shock to me that he might make a B. But he was devastated.
I think sometimes we get so caught up in perfection. Perfection is something that is impossible to achieve this side of Heaven, yet we still get discouraged when we fall short. For my son, every college scholarship, honors class, and award was fleeting before his eyes. Ridiculous, right? But that was how he felt. For us, it may be as simple as getting behind in our daily readings for The Word of God for the People of God, and giving up because you can’t catch up. Or, maybe you don’t feel like coming to rehearsal, and don’t think anyone will really notice, or that your voice or instrument will really matter if it’s missing. Or, maybe you have fallen at some point in your life, and you feel you can never be useful to God’s Kingdom again. These are ways that satan steps in and discourages us from being faithful in our service to God.
David is one my favorite heroes of the faith. He failed time and time again, but he sought God. He didn’t just seek Him halfway—he sought him full out. He sought God with an uninhibited passion matched by no one else in scripture. David was also skilled. He dedicated his talents to the LORD. He played and wrote psalms of praise to God, using his gifts and skills. And God blessed him. David’s “heartsongs” to God have stood the test of time and exist even now to bless us, to minister to us during times of difficulty and to use as prayers and praises to Him. A perfect life? No. A life that mattered to the Kingdom of God? Absolutely!
So, what is required of us?
Jim Cowan wrote a song, “When It’s All Been Said and Done”. Here’s a portion of the text:
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth
Did I live my life for You?
My son was really upset last week. I couldn’t do anything to fix his grade…that time had come and gone. But, I asked him one simple question: “Did you do your best?” He could honestly say he had. I hugged him, and told him, “Then, that’s all you can do. It’s going to be okay.”
Only one perfect man walked this earth. Aren’t you glad He did?
Lord, thank You for loving us, imperfect as we are. Thank You for sending the One and Only to live a perfect life, and bear the weight of all of our shortcomings. Thank You for molding us and shaping us into who You desire for us to be, even when we fail You. Encourage us. Find us faithful.
I think sometimes we get so caught up in perfection. Perfection is something that is impossible to achieve this side of Heaven, yet we still get discouraged when we fall short. For my son, every college scholarship, honors class, and award was fleeting before his eyes. Ridiculous, right? But that was how he felt. For us, it may be as simple as getting behind in our daily readings for The Word of God for the People of God, and giving up because you can’t catch up. Or, maybe you don’t feel like coming to rehearsal, and don’t think anyone will really notice, or that your voice or instrument will really matter if it’s missing. Or, maybe you have fallen at some point in your life, and you feel you can never be useful to God’s Kingdom again. These are ways that satan steps in and discourages us from being faithful in our service to God.
David is one my favorite heroes of the faith. He failed time and time again, but he sought God. He didn’t just seek Him halfway—he sought him full out. He sought God with an uninhibited passion matched by no one else in scripture. David was also skilled. He dedicated his talents to the LORD. He played and wrote psalms of praise to God, using his gifts and skills. And God blessed him. David’s “heartsongs” to God have stood the test of time and exist even now to bless us, to minister to us during times of difficulty and to use as prayers and praises to Him. A perfect life? No. A life that mattered to the Kingdom of God? Absolutely!
So, what is required of us?
Jim Cowan wrote a song, “When It’s All Been Said and Done”. Here’s a portion of the text:
When it's all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth
Did I live my life for You?
My son was really upset last week. I couldn’t do anything to fix his grade…that time had come and gone. But, I asked him one simple question: “Did you do your best?” He could honestly say he had. I hugged him, and told him, “Then, that’s all you can do. It’s going to be okay.”
Only one perfect man walked this earth. Aren’t you glad He did?
Lord, thank You for loving us, imperfect as we are. Thank You for sending the One and Only to live a perfect life, and bear the weight of all of our shortcomings. Thank You for molding us and shaping us into who You desire for us to be, even when we fail You. Encourage us. Find us faithful.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Living Life
Yesterday, in our Staff Meeting, Ricky C delivered our staff devotional. He was talking about our responsibility as Christians to live holy lives—set apart. Here’s what he said, “We are to live lives separate from the world, but not isolated from it.”
That is something that as a follower of Christ and as a Christian parent I am trying to balance. This past weekend, we had a wonderful time of retreat with our Praise Team members. We didn’t talk a lot about music. We didn’t focus on calendaring. We retreated. We spent time in the Word and with the Word. We carved out just a few hours for God to speak to us about living life. It was an incredible time together. I want to share with you all one of the passages that we studied.
2 Chronicles 14:2
Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.
As I read that, I was amazed. Can you imagine God inspiring someone to write that statement about me or you? What an honor that those words about Asa exist for all time! Here’s what Asa did. He was King of Judah. He removed foreign altars, he commanded Judah to seek the LORD. Here’s what 2 Chronicles 14-15 says about Asa. Azariah came to see Asa, and old him basically the following things:
- Live right & serve God
- You are surrounded by nations crushing nations. You are surrounded by turmoil on every side. Don’t cave into what you see others doing, but lead YOUR nation to seek God.
This is a very contemporary thought! This is something that we encounter every day as Christians. We are surrounded by worldliness. Think about that and how it applies to your families. In your jobs, do you see backstabbing? How about your children’s sports or school activities? What about your neighbors? How many of your children’s friends still live in a home with both their mother and father? We are surrounded by nations crushing nations even today! So here is our challenge, too, from Azariah’s lips:
- Live right & serve God
- Don’t cave into what you see others doing, but lead YOUR household to seek God
Easier said than done, right? But Asa obeyed and did it. Read with me 2 Chronicles 15:12-15, 17
They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side…Asa's heart was fully committed [to the LORD] all his life.
Asa’s heart was FULLY COMMITTED to the Lord all his life. WOW!
How do we follow Asa’s example? It’s a journey. But, God tells us in Colossians 3 how to live:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
It’s a journey that we’ll be on for the rest of our lives. And, we’re going to have failures along the way. It doesn’t happen overnight. And satan will use every opportunity to discourage you, derail you, demoralize you. Don’t let him. Stay attached. Know that YOU make a difference. You are important to this ministry and to the believers around you. You are a blessed child of God!
My closing prayer for us is this…taken from the last few verses of Colossians 3:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Glorify Your Name
Paul Baloche wrote a song recently entitled "Your Name". This song has been so meaningful to me as I've read through the Psalms in "The Word of God for the People of God" over the past few months, as so many of the images in this song come from the Psalms. Below is the text:
As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
and glorify Your Name
CHORUS
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name
Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
and glorify Your Name
This Advent, I had more time than ever to meditate, praise and be nourished in the Word. It has been an amazing time for me personally. I want to thank each of you for the blessing that you are to me in my life and ministry here. I wouldn't have had that time had it not been for your hard work, preparation, giftedness, willingness, flexibility, love, service and godliness. From hearing the TMS musical, to seeing the brass play at Mission Arlington (with the guy covered in tattoos leading the sing-along), to the fun of Family Night to the blessing of the Youth Choir singing "Glory in the Highest", I felt the presence of God like no other Advent. I know that the Christmas season can be a hectic time, but for this one person on this journey alongside you, it was truly blessed. Thank you!
As we move into this new year, I want to encourage you in the following things:
1. Stay connected. One great way to stay connected is simply to be here every time you are able.
2. Stay rooted in the Word. If you haven't been reading the daily readings our Pastor has laid out for us in The Word of God for the People of God, start with today's reading. It has already been an amazing journey for my family. I know it will bless you as well.
3. Encourage one another. As you have the opportunity, drop someone an email or call them and check in on them. Or, simply take time to thank someone who has blessed you.
4. Pray for one another and for this church. Pray that people will remain faithful during this difficult economic time. Pray for continued health and unity within the church. Pray that we will grow deeper and glorify God through our daily lives.
Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
and glorify Your Name
As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
and glorify Your Name
CHORUS
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name
Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
and glorify Your Name
This Advent, I had more time than ever to meditate, praise and be nourished in the Word. It has been an amazing time for me personally. I want to thank each of you for the blessing that you are to me in my life and ministry here. I wouldn't have had that time had it not been for your hard work, preparation, giftedness, willingness, flexibility, love, service and godliness. From hearing the TMS musical, to seeing the brass play at Mission Arlington (with the guy covered in tattoos leading the sing-along), to the fun of Family Night to the blessing of the Youth Choir singing "Glory in the Highest", I felt the presence of God like no other Advent. I know that the Christmas season can be a hectic time, but for this one person on this journey alongside you, it was truly blessed. Thank you!
As we move into this new year, I want to encourage you in the following things:
1. Stay connected. One great way to stay connected is simply to be here every time you are able.
2. Stay rooted in the Word. If you haven't been reading the daily readings our Pastor has laid out for us in The Word of God for the People of God, start with today's reading. It has already been an amazing journey for my family. I know it will bless you as well.
3. Encourage one another. As you have the opportunity, drop someone an email or call them and check in on them. Or, simply take time to thank someone who has blessed you.
4. Pray for one another and for this church. Pray that people will remain faithful during this difficult economic time. Pray for continued health and unity within the church. Pray that we will grow deeper and glorify God through our daily lives.
Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
and glorify Your Name
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On Top of Pecos Baldy
...what a memory!
