Hey guys, Lindsey here again. Today I wanted to look with you at a song that we have done several times. Desert Song is one of my favorite songs to sing because I love the melody and the rhythm, but the lyrics are so deep and important that I wanted to really dive into what we are saying when we sing this song.
In a video interview, Hillsong artist Jill McCloghry tells the story of how less than a week before the album recording she went into labor at only six months. Sadly after one night, her baby boy Max, was unable to keep fighting. She remembers the emptiness she felt and how recording an album was the last thing on her mind. After a few days, she felt the Lord reminding her that she needed to keep doing what she was meant to do; worship Him. During the recording, she did not feel as “spiritual” as she normally did when worshipping, but she believed in the words she was singing and she knew that He was still bigger than her pain.
When I think about a desert certain images come to mind; deserts are dry and harsh. I imagine feeling so insignificant when looking out at the vastness of a desert. I think that is exactly why “Desert Song” is the perfect title. When our lives feel so out of control; when it seems like there is no end to our pain and our faith feels dry, the first thing we need to do is keep praising our God. He’s bigger than it and He will carry us through it.
The book of Lamentations is about exactly what is sounds like; it was written as a song of lament for the fallen city of Jerusalem. In chapter 3:22-23 it says:
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Sing out to Him in every season of your life. He is still God, so you have a reason to sing and to worship.
Lindsey
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Who matters most?
Hey everyone, Brian here. In Proverbs 10:27 it says The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. . To fear God means to hold His position, authority, thoughts, ways, and opinions higher than anyone else s. I personally need to hear this because I struggle with being a people-pleaser. My constant temptation is to make decisions or say certain things or do certain things so that people will like me or think well of me. The truth is when I try and live to please others I end up letting everyone down and I fail to truly accomplish God s best.
I love Sunday mornings when we gather together as a church and declare in song God s promises, truths about His character and His worthiness to be number one in our lives. It is a purifying experience for me and it gets me in the right frame of mind and returns me to the right perspective. The challenge for me is continuing to fear and respect God above all else and everyone else the other 6 days of the week.
I heard of a pastor recently who challenged his congregation to set their watch alarm or phone alarm to beep at the top of every hour during their day. When they heard the beep they were to simply think about God. This simple act really had quite a profound impact on the congregation. It was amazing how involving God more in their daily lives had quite a dramatic impact on how people spoke, set their to-do lists, handled problems, made decisions, handled temptations, etc. The challenge for you and me is to go through each day with the frame of mind that God is the One we fear above all else and He is the one we are ultimately seeking to please. These are the kind of worshipers that God is seeking.
In Christ,
Brian
I love Sunday mornings when we gather together as a church and declare in song God s promises, truths about His character and His worthiness to be number one in our lives. It is a purifying experience for me and it gets me in the right frame of mind and returns me to the right perspective. The challenge for me is continuing to fear and respect God above all else and everyone else the other 6 days of the week.
I heard of a pastor recently who challenged his congregation to set their watch alarm or phone alarm to beep at the top of every hour during their day. When they heard the beep they were to simply think about God. This simple act really had quite a profound impact on the congregation. It was amazing how involving God more in their daily lives had quite a dramatic impact on how people spoke, set their to-do lists, handled problems, made decisions, handled temptations, etc. The challenge for you and me is to go through each day with the frame of mind that God is the One we fear above all else and He is the one we are ultimately seeking to please. These are the kind of worshipers that God is seeking.
In Christ,
Brian
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
True worship is never boring.
I love a fire. I'm always amazed at the way the it starts small and soon grows to a roaring fire. Always a cool experience to sit around a fire and just talk with friends and family. Maybe cook something or make s'mores.
At a summer camp as a young teenager, I dove at full speed through a Bonfire. I thought it would be cool and I thought I was indestructible at that age. I remember it was really loud and then I hit the dirt rolled and popped up, unhurt. But I did detect a funny smell. I had burned my hair gray. Fortunately I had a lot of hair in those days. So after a trim, I was back to my normal color. I had more respect for fire after that brief encounter.
Worship should be more like that. Should we come boldly to God's throne......certainly. But we should also worship God with reverence and awe. Paul writes words of instruction as to how we should worship in Hebrews 12:28-29.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Worship of God is not to be careless. We don't want to handle holy things casually. I am still in wonder that the Creator of the universe knows my name. He is an awesome God. He is all powerful and is a great mystery. And like a roaring fire, He has my attention and respect. When God is in the house, it's never boring.
Joe
At a summer camp as a young teenager, I dove at full speed through a Bonfire. I thought it would be cool and I thought I was indestructible at that age. I remember it was really loud and then I hit the dirt rolled and popped up, unhurt. But I did detect a funny smell. I had burned my hair gray. Fortunately I had a lot of hair in those days. So after a trim, I was back to my normal color. I had more respect for fire after that brief encounter.
Worship should be more like that. Should we come boldly to God's throne......certainly. But we should also worship God with reverence and awe. Paul writes words of instruction as to how we should worship in Hebrews 12:28-29.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Worship of God is not to be careless. We don't want to handle holy things casually. I am still in wonder that the Creator of the universe knows my name. He is an awesome God. He is all powerful and is a great mystery. And like a roaring fire, He has my attention and respect. When God is in the house, it's never boring.
Joe
Monday, April 25, 2011
He is the God of the living.
He is alive,.... are we!!!!
Matthew 22:31
31 But about the resurrection of the dead–have you not read what God said to you,
32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”
I have always thought of this verse as being about God .....and it is. And I loved how Jesus was teaching about the resurrection, that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had died but were now all alive.
But tonight I am especially struck by the phrase, He is not the God of the dead but of the living.
Jesus is talking to all of us. Do you have loved ones who trusted Christ as their Savior, and have preceded you in death. I would say to you, they are alive, with Him in paradise. Remember, He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Are you living a life bereft of power and purpose? Saint Irenaus said, "The glory of God is man fully alive." Jesus is in the business of waking the dead. That means you and me, right now. God intends for us to spread a life giving message from a "full of life" heart.
John 11:25-26
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
We are not worshiping a concept, idea or philosophy. We celebrate Christ our Living Hope.
1 Peter 1:3 reads
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
My prayer is that we will allow the Lord to make make us fully alive in His Spirit.
For He is the not the God of the dead but the living.
Joe
Matthew 22:31
31 But about the resurrection of the dead–have you not read what God said to you,
32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”
I have always thought of this verse as being about God .....and it is. And I loved how Jesus was teaching about the resurrection, that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had died but were now all alive.
But tonight I am especially struck by the phrase, He is not the God of the dead but of the living.
Jesus is talking to all of us. Do you have loved ones who trusted Christ as their Savior, and have preceded you in death. I would say to you, they are alive, with Him in paradise. Remember, He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Are you living a life bereft of power and purpose? Saint Irenaus said, "The glory of God is man fully alive." Jesus is in the business of waking the dead. That means you and me, right now. God intends for us to spread a life giving message from a "full of life" heart.
John 11:25-26
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
We are not worshiping a concept, idea or philosophy. We celebrate Christ our Living Hope.
1 Peter 1:3 reads
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
My prayer is that we will allow the Lord to make make us fully alive in His Spirit.
For He is the not the God of the dead but the living.
Joe
Christ The Lord, He Is Risen!
Hey this is Brian. What a great weekend of worship it was for our church family. We had a powerful time of reflection outside by the crosses on Friday, where we took in a little deeper what it cost our Savior to set us free from sin and death. Then, yesterday, how sweet it was to pack into our worship center and celebrate the empty tomb .Jesus is alive! The very first song we sang yesterday was entitled, Christ is risen! Below are some of the lyrics to this simple song:
Come and see
Come and see where they laid Him
He is not here
He is not here, He is living
Quickly now go tell the world
Christ, the Lord, He is risen
The power of God
Forever raised Him from the grave
Where oh death'
Where oh death is your sting'
Swallowed up
You're swallowed up in vict'ry
He is risen, Hallelujah
He is risen, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The first Easter began as a simple discovery by two women named Mary. That one little discovery of an empty tomb in the Middle East has grown into a global movement. As Joe shared yesterday it is an awesome thought to think as we were singing our praise songs and shouting out in English, Christ is risen He is risen indeed! that millions and millions of voices in different languages of different cultures of different skin colors around the world were shouting and singing about the same good news of hope and salvation. Indeed as we begin a new week coming off of Easter what else can we do but to quickly now go tell the world that Christ the Lord, He is risen! Below is a sampling of some of the shouts that could have been heard around the world yesterday:
Al Maset'h ahm! Hat'em ahm! - Arabic
Helisituosi fuhuole! Queshi fuhuole! Chinese
Kristus er opstanden! Ja, sandelig opstanden! Danish
Christos T'ensah Em' Muhtan! Exai' Ab-her Eokala Ethiopian
Christus ist Auferstanden! Wahrhaf auferstanden! German
Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Greek
Cristo e' Risorto! Veramente e' Risorto! Italian
Harisutosu Fukkatsu! Jitsu Ni Fukkatsu! Japanese
Jesu Kristi Ebiliwo! Ezia o biliwo! Nigeria
Khristos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese! Russian
Cristo ha resucitado! En verdad, esta resucitado! Spanish
Kristos Ame Fu Fuka! Kweli Ame Fu Fuka! - Swahili
In Christ,
Brian
Come and see
Come and see where they laid Him
He is not here
He is not here, He is living
Quickly now go tell the world
Christ, the Lord, He is risen
The power of God
Forever raised Him from the grave
Where oh death'
Where oh death is your sting'
Swallowed up
You're swallowed up in vict'ry
He is risen, Hallelujah
He is risen, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The first Easter began as a simple discovery by two women named Mary. That one little discovery of an empty tomb in the Middle East has grown into a global movement. As Joe shared yesterday it is an awesome thought to think as we were singing our praise songs and shouting out in English, Christ is risen He is risen indeed! that millions and millions of voices in different languages of different cultures of different skin colors around the world were shouting and singing about the same good news of hope and salvation. Indeed as we begin a new week coming off of Easter what else can we do but to quickly now go tell the world that Christ the Lord, He is risen! Below is a sampling of some of the shouts that could have been heard around the world yesterday:
Al Maset'h ahm! Hat'em ahm! - Arabic
Helisituosi fuhuole! Queshi fuhuole! Chinese
Kristus er opstanden! Ja, sandelig opstanden! Danish
Christos T'ensah Em' Muhtan! Exai' Ab-her Eokala Ethiopian
Christus ist Auferstanden! Wahrhaf auferstanden! German
Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Greek
Cristo e' Risorto! Veramente e' Risorto! Italian
Harisutosu Fukkatsu! Jitsu Ni Fukkatsu! Japanese
Jesu Kristi Ebiliwo! Ezia o biliwo! Nigeria
Khristos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese! Russian
Cristo ha resucitado! En verdad, esta resucitado! Spanish
Kristos Ame Fu Fuka! Kweli Ame Fu Fuka! - Swahili
In Christ,
Brian
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Good Friday
Lead Me to the Cross
Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemption's hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong_united/lead_me_to_the_cross.html ]
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Oh Lead me, lead me to the cross
You were as I
Tempted and tried
Human
The word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Oh Lead me, lead me to the cross
Today is Good Friday. I remember many times in my faith where I found that to be an interesting name. I mean, the day was filled with so much pain, suffering, betrayal, mockery, shame how could Good ever be used to describe that day?
I m talking about the day our Savior was crucified. As I ve grown up, I ve come to realize the beauty in the crucifixion. We can t have the Resurrection without the crucifixion. We can t have freedom from our sins without the sacrifice of the Lamb. In Matthew 27:50-51 it says, Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. This curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. It symbolized our separation from God. But as Jesus released his spirit, the curtain was torn! No longer did we have to be separated from our Heavenly Father. Our sins were atoned once and for all. That s the beauty of it.
I love the first line of Lead Me to the Cross :
Savior I come, quiet my soul.
Too often I have let the intensity of this day pass me by without remembering what was done for me. Ask God to quiet your soul today and spend some time remembering. I invite you all to join us for our Good Friday service tonight. Come worship by the cross with us as we praise Him for willingly laying down His life so we no longer had to be separated.
Lindsey
Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemption's hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong_united/lead_me_to_the_cross.html ]
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Oh Lead me, lead me to the cross
You were as I
Tempted and tried
Human
The word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Oh Lead me, lead me to the cross
Today is Good Friday. I remember many times in my faith where I found that to be an interesting name. I mean, the day was filled with so much pain, suffering, betrayal, mockery, shame how could Good ever be used to describe that day?
I m talking about the day our Savior was crucified. As I ve grown up, I ve come to realize the beauty in the crucifixion. We can t have the Resurrection without the crucifixion. We can t have freedom from our sins without the sacrifice of the Lamb. In Matthew 27:50-51 it says, Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. This curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. It symbolized our separation from God. But as Jesus released his spirit, the curtain was torn! No longer did we have to be separated from our Heavenly Father. Our sins were atoned once and for all. That s the beauty of it.
I love the first line of Lead Me to the Cross :
Savior I come, quiet my soul.
Too often I have let the intensity of this day pass me by without remembering what was done for me. Ask God to quiet your soul today and spend some time remembering. I invite you all to join us for our Good Friday service tonight. Come worship by the cross with us as we praise Him for willingly laying down His life so we no longer had to be separated.
Lindsey
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
That Song Playing In Your Head.
Hey Brian here. Today is Thursday of holy week and the day we remember the Last Supper or the Passover meal that Jesus had with His disciples. In Matthew 26:30 it says ‘When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.’ So the way they conclude their evening in the upper room was by worshiping God together through song. The hymnal or songbook of their day was the Psalms which were almost all set to music. Psalms 113-118 are called the hymns of praise or the ‘Hallel’. Halleluia means “Praise Yahweh’ or ‘Praise God.’ From one of these Psalms the disciples most likely closed their time together that night.
Most scholars believe that Jesus and the disciples most likely sang Psalm 118 together. It begins by saying, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ What a powerful reminder that even while hanging on a cross God’s lovingkindess or unfailing love had not ceased. It goes on to say, ‘From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me…It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.’
How important it was for Jesus to know that He was not alone in His distress. What strength He surely found in that moment when the whole world seemed to be against Him. Soldiers and bystanders hurled insults at Him and mocked Him. He was continually ridiculed and belittled by the Jewish leaders who stood and watched Him suffer. He was betrayed by Judas and denied 3 times by Peter. Yet somewhere deep inside He knew that ultimately God’s lovingkindness was toward Him and that God was His refuge and that the Lord was still for Him. So most likely this was the song that was playing in Jesus’ head as He walked to the Garden of Gethsemane and ultimately toward Calvary.
What song is playing in your head as you go throughout your day? Is the music you’re listening to filling you mind and heart with God’s truth and God’s promises toward you or does it contain the empty promises of the world? I want to challenge you today to allow the powerful force of worship music to carry you closer and closer towards the heart of God so that you may face the challenges of life in His strength and power.
In Christ,
Brian
Most scholars believe that Jesus and the disciples most likely sang Psalm 118 together. It begins by saying, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ What a powerful reminder that even while hanging on a cross God’s lovingkindess or unfailing love had not ceased. It goes on to say, ‘From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me…It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.’
How important it was for Jesus to know that He was not alone in His distress. What strength He surely found in that moment when the whole world seemed to be against Him. Soldiers and bystanders hurled insults at Him and mocked Him. He was continually ridiculed and belittled by the Jewish leaders who stood and watched Him suffer. He was betrayed by Judas and denied 3 times by Peter. Yet somewhere deep inside He knew that ultimately God’s lovingkindness was toward Him and that God was His refuge and that the Lord was still for Him. So most likely this was the song that was playing in Jesus’ head as He walked to the Garden of Gethsemane and ultimately toward Calvary.
What song is playing in your head as you go throughout your day? Is the music you’re listening to filling you mind and heart with God’s truth and God’s promises toward you or does it contain the empty promises of the world? I want to challenge you today to allow the powerful force of worship music to carry you closer and closer towards the heart of God so that you may face the challenges of life in His strength and power.
In Christ,
Brian
I Will Rise
This coming Sunday we celebrate the greatest single event in human history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Jesus rose from the dead, it proved that He indeed was the Son of God.
But before there was Easter Sunday, there was Good Friday. A day of pain, suffering, and death. A day when hearts were broken, seemingly beyond repair. A day, for the disciples, of hopelessness and despair.
We all experience such days. Days when the worst happens. Days when we stand by the graveside of a loved one. What then? How do we respond?
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in chapter 4, verse 13, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."
Are there dark, difficult, life shattering, heart breaking days?....the answer is yes. So we grieve, but not without hope.
Sunday we will sing the song "I Will Rise". This is a song I want sung when my body fails and my loved ones gather.
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
This past week two friends of mine passed away, both very near my age. They died suddenly and unexpectedly, and I am grieving with my friends and loved ones. But not without hope. Because Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed, the victory is won, He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise,
Joe
But before there was Easter Sunday, there was Good Friday. A day of pain, suffering, and death. A day when hearts were broken, seemingly beyond repair. A day, for the disciples, of hopelessness and despair.
We all experience such days. Days when the worst happens. Days when we stand by the graveside of a loved one. What then? How do we respond?
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in chapter 4, verse 13, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."
Are there dark, difficult, life shattering, heart breaking days?....the answer is yes. So we grieve, but not without hope.
Sunday we will sing the song "I Will Rise". This is a song I want sung when my body fails and my loved ones gather.
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
This past week two friends of mine passed away, both very near my age. They died suddenly and unexpectedly, and I am grieving with my friends and loved ones. But not without hope. Because Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed, the victory is won, He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise,
Joe
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Ultimate Concert of Worship.
Hey guys this is Brian. We just wrapped up a Sunday night sunday on a book by Mark Driscoll called 'Doctrine.' In this final lesson Mark described the book of Revelation as alternating between heavenly scenes and earthly scenes. He pointed out that 45 times in Revelation that it speaks of God's throne upon which Jesus Christ, the King of Kings sits. Starting in Revelation 4 there is this growing scene of worship of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. It begins with the 24 elders who cast their crowns down before Him and moves onto the four living creatures who sing, 'Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty Who was and is and is to come.'
It moves on from here into Revelation 5 where its says that thousands upon thousands of angels join in the praising of Jesus. Next it says that 'every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea' were singing praises to the Lamb of God, Jesus. Lastly we come to Revelation 7 as the last participants join in this amazing concert of worship, the church, the bride of Christ. Those Christians who are saved during the great Tribulation join in the song and then lastly a multitude too many too count from every tribe, tongue and nation, who've been purchased by the blood of Christ, join in this awesome beyond description eruption of worship. What would that sound like? The elders, the 4 creatures, the angels, the animal kingdom, and the global church singing together in unison in praise of God!
My challenge to you today is to picture this scene in your mind. When you observe the chaos around you and hear the sensationalized news reports about all the horrible things in our world and you begin to feel anxoius, worried and fearful remember who sits on the throne. The lamb of God sits there and is ruling and reigning over heaven and earth. He defeated sin and death at the cross...He rose victorious on Easter Sunday...He is coming again...He will overthrow all opposing kingdoms....His kingdom is eternal and has no end! 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!' - Revelation 5:13
Join in the praise today!
Brian
It moves on from here into Revelation 5 where its says that thousands upon thousands of angels join in the praising of Jesus. Next it says that 'every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea' were singing praises to the Lamb of God, Jesus. Lastly we come to Revelation 7 as the last participants join in this amazing concert of worship, the church, the bride of Christ. Those Christians who are saved during the great Tribulation join in the song and then lastly a multitude too many too count from every tribe, tongue and nation, who've been purchased by the blood of Christ, join in this awesome beyond description eruption of worship. What would that sound like? The elders, the 4 creatures, the angels, the animal kingdom, and the global church singing together in unison in praise of God!
My challenge to you today is to picture this scene in your mind. When you observe the chaos around you and hear the sensationalized news reports about all the horrible things in our world and you begin to feel anxoius, worried and fearful remember who sits on the throne. The lamb of God sits there and is ruling and reigning over heaven and earth. He defeated sin and death at the cross...He rose victorious on Easter Sunday...He is coming again...He will overthrow all opposing kingdoms....His kingdom is eternal and has no end! 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!' - Revelation 5:13
Join in the praise today!
Brian
Friday, April 15, 2011
Sovereign Hands
Hey everyone, Lindsey here! I am still so overwhelmed by what God did last week during the Concert of Worship. I am so excited to watch our church continue to grow as worshipers. This Sunday we will be introducing a new song entitled “Sovereign Hands” by Hillsong United.
This song has a lot going on in it. Much of the lyrics refer to the cross and how God was willing to lay down His only Son- and how Jesus was willing to obey. With Good Friday coming up in a week, the lyrics have been a great reminder of the beauty that is found in the scene of the cross.
“Sovereign hands nailed to a humble cross, scars You bear speak of Your redeeming love”
I love the reaction that the song gives to this sacrifice: “No wonder I call You the Savior, no wonder I’m singing”
The writers of this song are declaring their praise to our God because they can think of nothing else to do when considering what has been done for us. Is your life reflecting this today? Do you find yourself so overcome with joy and gratitude that praise is just flowing out of you? If not, I challenge you to revisit this scene. Next weekend is a huge weekend. It’s the time we as believers celebrate a life being laid down for our sins and death being overcome through Christ’s resurrection three days later. Take this next week and pray that God will reveal something new to you. Don’t lose your wonder at what has been done.
I’ve attached a video of the new song. Take a listen and come Sunday morning eager to worship our Sovereign God!
-Lindsey
This song has a lot going on in it. Much of the lyrics refer to the cross and how God was willing to lay down His only Son- and how Jesus was willing to obey. With Good Friday coming up in a week, the lyrics have been a great reminder of the beauty that is found in the scene of the cross.
“Sovereign hands nailed to a humble cross, scars You bear speak of Your redeeming love”
I love the reaction that the song gives to this sacrifice: “No wonder I call You the Savior, no wonder I’m singing”
The writers of this song are declaring their praise to our God because they can think of nothing else to do when considering what has been done for us. Is your life reflecting this today? Do you find yourself so overcome with joy and gratitude that praise is just flowing out of you? If not, I challenge you to revisit this scene. Next weekend is a huge weekend. It’s the time we as believers celebrate a life being laid down for our sins and death being overcome through Christ’s resurrection three days later. Take this next week and pray that God will reveal something new to you. Don’t lose your wonder at what has been done.
I’ve attached a video of the new song. Take a listen and come Sunday morning eager to worship our Sovereign God!
-Lindsey
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Glory and Sacrifice
I was listening to a message by Mark Driscoll recently on worship and he defined worship as the object we give glory to and that we make sacrifices for. The basis of this definition comes from Romans 11:36-Romans 12:1. It says, ‘For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.’
We are finite creatures that have limited time, energy and resources. We therefore are forced daily to say ‘yes’ to things and ‘no’ to other things. When we give ‘glory’ to something it means we are giving it prominence and first place in our lives. Whatever or whoever occupies that place of ‘glory’ in our life will determine the sacrifices we make. For example, food, might occupy the place of glory in your life. As a result you willingly sacrifice money, time, and your own health in order to worship the god of food.
Worshiping Jesus means that He has the highest place of prominence or glory in our life. When we say yes to Jesus it also means that we are sacrificing our right to call all the shots, chase any pleasure or sin we want to, and act how ever we feel, etc. The fact is we ALL are worshiping someone or something. I choose to stumble up hill along the path of becoming more and more of a true worshiper of Jesus. Why would we ever want to entrust our life into anyone else’s hands?
In pursuit of Him,
Brian
We are finite creatures that have limited time, energy and resources. We therefore are forced daily to say ‘yes’ to things and ‘no’ to other things. When we give ‘glory’ to something it means we are giving it prominence and first place in our lives. Whatever or whoever occupies that place of ‘glory’ in our life will determine the sacrifices we make. For example, food, might occupy the place of glory in your life. As a result you willingly sacrifice money, time, and your own health in order to worship the god of food.
Worshiping Jesus means that He has the highest place of prominence or glory in our life. When we say yes to Jesus it also means that we are sacrificing our right to call all the shots, chase any pleasure or sin we want to, and act how ever we feel, etc. The fact is we ALL are worshiping someone or something. I choose to stumble up hill along the path of becoming more and more of a true worshiper of Jesus. Why would we ever want to entrust our life into anyone else’s hands?
In pursuit of Him,
Brian
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