Steven Curtis Chapman has released more than 20 records. He’s won five grammys and seven “Artist of the Year” dove awards. He is certainly recognized as one of the finest artists in the Christian music industry. However, none of that mattered a couple of years ago when his five year old daughter, Maria, died after … Continue reading The Pain that Prompts Our Worship – The Life of Jacob
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Worship Reflections for Christmas Eve
Never let us forget that through Jesus’ humiliation and suffering He purchased for us a title to glory.Through His death, He has obtained eternal redemption for us. It teaches us that our situation is more desperate than we feared. It teaches us that God loves us more than we hoped. It teaches us that God … Continue reading Worship Reflections for Christmas Eve
Reawakening Wonder This Christmas – Luke 2:17-20
Luke 2:17-20 - "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, … Continue reading Reawakening Wonder This Christmas – Luke 2:17-20
A New-Born King: The Irony – Matthew 2:1-12
Have you ever lived in a city where it was difficult to become an insider? No matter how hard you tried, you always felt excluded and on the fringe. Our experience in church can oftentimes be the same. Have you ever attended a church where you felt like you didn’t measure up and no matter … Continue reading A New-Born King: The Irony – Matthew 2:1-12
The New Born King – The Agony – Matthew 2:1-12
The Agony – How do insiders respond to this news? The birth of this King troubles and agitates insiders… the power brokers of the establishment (both political and ecclesiastical). Rather than rejoicing at this news, they are troubled by it. Now, if we are honest, most of us find repulsive the idea of someone ruling … Continue reading The New Born King – The Agony – Matthew 2:1-12
The New Born King – The Ecstacy – Matthew 2:1-12
The Ecstasy – How do outsiders respond to finding the King? When they find the newborn King, what do they do? When I mention the word ecstasy, I am talking about a state of overwhelming, overpowering emotion. In this case… rapturous delight. See Matthew 2, verse 10. The most arresting verse of the entire passage. … Continue reading The New Born King – The Ecstacy – Matthew 2:1-12
“Serve the Lord with gladness.” — Psalm 100:2
I was recently examining the minutes of our elders' meetings during this past year and came across this devotional thought I had shared with our leaders a year ago from the esteemed preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, on Psalm 100:2. It challenged me anew to pray that cheerfulness and joy would mark my service and ministry … Continue reading “Serve the Lord with gladness.” — Psalm 100:2
Personal Worship Guide: The Transforming Power of God’s Book
Teach: The Transforming Power of God’s Book (click on the link here for guide) I. God’s Book grants us discernment into how He works (Isaiah 29:1-8) The Holy Spirit uses His Word to show us how God has worked in the past. The first eight verses of this passage show us two things: God humbles … Continue reading Personal Worship Guide: The Transforming Power of God’s Book
Going to the House of the Lord
Sinclair Ferguson claims that the Psalms of Ascent serve as "A Hitchhiker’s Guide for Spiritual Survival." In Psalm 122, the hitchhiker anticipates what it will be like to worship in the house of the Lord. He says in verse 1: "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of … Continue reading Going to the House of the Lord
Worship & The Power of Our Bodies
In our fear of substituting substance for show, evangelical Christians have often ignored the power of our bodies. Kneeling, lying prostrate on the floor, or standing with hands uplifted in prayer can all be physical expressions of true postures of prayer – humility, brokenness and receptivity. Raising our hands in worship can be flamboyant, self-promoting … Continue reading Worship & The Power of Our Bodies
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