Of all the winds that blow on love, The demand for money is the coldest and most destructive. - Gustave Flaubert A reversal at the outset of the story is that the beggar is given a name and the rich man is not. That single fact ought to alert us that the story we are … Continue reading Worship Reflections based upon The Rich Man and Lazarus
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The Marks of a Missional Church – Acts 13
At our Vespers service this week, we delved into and prayed concertedly through Acts 13 for our church. Acts 13 is a transition chapter in Dr. Luke's letter. The gospel begins to go to the nations. It chronicles the first stages of Paul's first missionary journey. In the process, it highlights the distinguishing marks of … Continue reading The Marks of a Missional Church – Acts 13
Pain that Prompts Worship – Part Two
Let’s be honest. Our earthly pilgrimage often involves pain. Genesis 47:1-12 does not fit our notion of a good testimony. In this passage, Jacob tells Pharaoh that his life has been short and sour. That isn’t a very good case for Christianity is it? The thrust of much evangelism today is that trusting Christ and … Continue reading Pain that Prompts Worship – Part Two
The Pain that Prompts Our Worship – The Life of Jacob
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
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
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