Attendance to week-night meetings
(home groups, bible classes, prayer meetings)
is an indicator of not only your love for
the Body of Christ, but also one sign of a
true disciple. How close are you following?
Do ya think Jesus ever glanced over
his shoulder to see how the guys were doin'?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
filters
When it comes to the voices around us,
this is why we need to filter through everything we hear:
Some statements are people's opinion/viewpoint,
but most of the time, not necessary.
Some statements are true, but untimely
(especially ugly gossip).
Then, there's the Bible. Strong, True,
and discerning. In and of itself, it says that
all flesh, just like grass, withers. And the flower fades.
But the Word of God is forever.
this is why we need to filter through everything we hear:
Some statements are people's opinion/viewpoint,
but most of the time, not necessary.
Some statements are true, but untimely
(especially ugly gossip).
Then, there's the Bible. Strong, True,
and discerning. In and of itself, it says that
all flesh, just like grass, withers. And the flower fades.
But the Word of God is forever.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
One reference to hatred in the Bible is not about people,
but about sin. Love God, hate sin.
Cling to what is good, it says.
Look at the 2nd verse of Psalm 36,
"In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much
to detect or hate their sin."
We need be weary of growing numb and
passive concerning this dynamic
in the culture we live in.Wednesday, March 17, 2010
315
Why So Quiet?
Being a full-time worship Pastor, it’s a joy to have a youth praise leader to partner with you. My friend, Dallas, and I had the recent privilege of a day with Kari Jobe and Lincoln Brewster (first names, enough said) and their bands, thanks to one of our affiliate churches who graciously hosted the event. Great things happened throughout the speedy, one-day workshop, and, on the same token, some things didn’t happen. Let me explain and perhaps you can help answer the title question.
In a small group Q&A session, the question was raised, “How do we lead a conservative/traditional crowd into modern/progressive praise with grace?” When the question was presented, maybe half dozen people raised their hands exclaiming “Yeah, we need help.” Of course, it was briefly addressed and blended with some other discussion topics as there were so many to cover.
In contrast, during some corporate worship earlier that day, there came moments of shocking silence during times that should have been amazingly loud. This in a room filled to capacity with worship leaders and church singers. Being led by predominantly strong-hearted worshipers who know and love God, the group was over and over again encouraged to open up and lift their voices, to little or no avail. It was the quietest I have heard in quite some time. Perhaps what we need most is to learn how David’s crew sounded.
Bounce forward; as Sunday rolled around and we were back at home, I couldn’t help but stop mid-way through our local worship and exhort our people. The address was one of joy and gratefulness on how well they have done in learning to open their mouths and let the song and the praises rise. In that moment I was so encouraged by our folks. We have seen great development in recent months with our congregation and our praise team, so it was thrilling to encourage them and ‘share the love’. The same encouragement goes out to our entire city.
Today, reflecting on the question raised in the small group session, “What can we do to help facilitate this global transition? Is it only in our American church culture there is such a hindrance? From the reports I hear, other nations are thriving on the passion and running to respond to the Lord’s love and call. Having watched, participated, served, learned from, and been part of this transformation in America for about three decades, plus being raised in a conservative background, the thing that affected me most during this workshop was the lack of participation in the most opportune of passionate moments in Kingdom development. What to do? Why so quiet? If Worship Leaders don’t know how to go to that Place, how will our people ever learn?
Thank you all for your investment in South Texas. Even just one day. Next time you’re here, expect it to be very different.
Being a full-time worship Pastor, it’s a joy to have a youth praise leader to partner with you. My friend, Dallas, and I had the recent privilege of a day with Kari Jobe and Lincoln Brewster (first names, enough said) and their bands, thanks to one of our affiliate churches who graciously hosted the event. Great things happened throughout the speedy, one-day workshop, and, on the same token, some things didn’t happen. Let me explain and perhaps you can help answer the title question.
In a small group Q&A session, the question was raised, “How do we lead a conservative/traditional crowd into modern/progressive praise with grace?” When the question was presented, maybe half dozen people raised their hands exclaiming “Yeah, we need help.” Of course, it was briefly addressed and blended with some other discussion topics as there were so many to cover.
In contrast, during some corporate worship earlier that day, there came moments of shocking silence during times that should have been amazingly loud. This in a room filled to capacity with worship leaders and church singers. Being led by predominantly strong-hearted worshipers who know and love God, the group was over and over again encouraged to open up and lift their voices, to little or no avail. It was the quietest I have heard in quite some time. Perhaps what we need most is to learn how David’s crew sounded.
Bounce forward; as Sunday rolled around and we were back at home, I couldn’t help but stop mid-way through our local worship and exhort our people. The address was one of joy and gratefulness on how well they have done in learning to open their mouths and let the song and the praises rise. In that moment I was so encouraged by our folks. We have seen great development in recent months with our congregation and our praise team, so it was thrilling to encourage them and ‘share the love’. The same encouragement goes out to our entire city.
Today, reflecting on the question raised in the small group session, “What can we do to help facilitate this global transition? Is it only in our American church culture there is such a hindrance? From the reports I hear, other nations are thriving on the passion and running to respond to the Lord’s love and call. Having watched, participated, served, learned from, and been part of this transformation in America for about three decades, plus being raised in a conservative background, the thing that affected me most during this workshop was the lack of participation in the most opportune of passionate moments in Kingdom development. What to do? Why so quiet? If Worship Leaders don’t know how to go to that Place, how will our people ever learn?
Thank you all for your investment in South Texas. Even just one day. Next time you’re here, expect it to be very different.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
this past week
We caught a fresh perspective in Proverbs
in context with our devotional theme this past Sunday.
Throughout the prayer-themed songs, we read from the2nd and 3rd chapters of Proverbs where,
when crying out for wisdom and understanding,
you see that you will hear and know the voice
of Father. And find yourself safe with Him.
These thoughts and promises coincided with
singing a devotional theme..."and i will go
to Your secret place..." and "Hear our prayer;
come bless our land..."
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