Are you struggling with a change at your church? Maybe a change of leadership, a change in ministry direction, a change of a particular style, or a change in your ministry focus. Here is a good and encouraging word from a seasoned pastor, John Stott: “Change is painful to us all, especially when it affects … Continue reading Struggling with Change at Church
Worship Reflections
Reflections on “The Poor in Spirit”
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) The sermon on the Mount describes what human life and human community looks like when they come under the gracious rule of King Jesus… Still today the indispensable condition of receiving the kingdom of God is to acknowledge our spiritual poverty… Thus, … Continue reading Reflections on “The Poor in Spirit”
Psalms of Ascent – What do they teach us about our Lord?
The Lord gladly answers us when we call out to Him in our distress (Psalm 120) The Lord exercises His watchcare over us when we face physical and spiritual dangers (Psalm 121). The Lord is worthy of our thankful praise for He extends peace to us (Psalm 122). The enthroned God of heaven delights to … Continue reading Psalms of Ascent – What do they teach us about our Lord?
Hungry Hearts
Like Bruce Springsteen said, all of us have hungry hearts. We have a hunger to experience the transcendent. We have a hunger to love and be loved. We have a hunger for purpose and meaning in life. Left to ourselves, we generally look to satisfy our hungry hearts with the treasures and pleasures of this … Continue reading Hungry Hearts
Reflections on Spiritual Drifting
‘We must pay the greatest attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away (Hebrews 2:1).’ Drifting is the besetting sin of our day. And as the metaphor suggests, it is not so much intentional as from unconcern. Christians neglect their anchor — Christ — and begin to quietly drift away. … Continue reading Reflections on Spiritual Drifting
The Psalter Lesson for Reformation Sunday – A Responsive Reading
Our Psalter Lesson highlights God’s protection of us, God’s presence with us, and God’s power for us that instills the courage to face and conquer fear. Let us read responsively Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though … Continue reading The Psalter Lesson for Reformation Sunday – A Responsive Reading
Martin Luther & The Courage to Face Your Fears
On Sunday, October 29th, we will celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. We remember on this day that Martin Luther began a process that resulted in the recovery of the biblical gospel. Many congregations will recall the efforts of Martin Luther and will sing his famous hymn based on Psalm 46 entitled "A Mighty … Continue reading Martin Luther & The Courage to Face Your Fears
Martin Luther’s Reflection on Music
God’s Fair and Glorious Gift “Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forego my humble share of music. Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and smile through their troubles in song. Music makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am strongly persuaded that after … Continue reading Martin Luther’s Reflection on Music
Two Alternate Paths to Take in Life
Henry David Thoreau, in his classic Walden, sets forth two alternate paths that lie before each of us: One is broad, common and natural. The other is narrow, uncommon and supernatural: " The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them. What is … Continue reading Two Alternate Paths to Take in Life
God’s Vision for His Church
God’s vision for His new community - the church. It is His family which He loves, His kingdom which He rules and His temple in which He dwells. As this reality dawns in our hearts, we “shall constantly be seeking to make our church’s worship more authentic, its fellowship more caring, and its outreach more compassionate. … Continue reading God’s Vision for His Church
