Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. — John 4:24 MSG We suffer from poor I-sight. Not eyesight, a matter of distorted vision that lenses can correct, but I-sight. Poor I-sight blurs your view, not of the world, but of yourself. Some see…
The Gift of Sabbath: I Am Not a Machine
In Genesis 2, at the end of the creation story, we read, Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. The creation story starts with God…
Worship Works Wonders
Christmas and gift giving. The two have always been associated with each other for good reason. The magi gave Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The shepherds gave Jesus the gift of their time and belief. Mary gave Jesus the gift of her womb. The offerings seem practical. The wise men’s treasures could…
Through Life’s Interruptions
Through Life’s Interruptions The very first time I led people in worship was in January 1983 in Woodward, Oklahoma. But there was just one problem. Snow. Everything, including the roads, was covered in snow. In the Northeast or upper Midwest, that is just normal fare for those folks, but that is not the case in…
Out of the Pit and Singing a New Song
You will have a new song in your mouth, a hymn of praise to your God. That’s the second way you’ll know you’ve waved goodbye to the pit. Right after the psalmist tells us that God sets us on the rock and gives us a firm place to stand, he tells us God gives us a new song: He…
Jesus’ Tears Give You Permission to Shed Your Own
Martha sat in a damp world, cloudy, tearful. And Jesus sat in it with her. I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. — John 11:25 NLT Hear those words in a Superman tone, if you like. Clark Kent descending from…
God Is Jealous. Is That Good?
You shall not make for yourself an [idol] in the form of anything… You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. — Exodus 20:4-5 Wouldn’t it be interesting if people were not only called by their given names but also by their most…
Worship Fully
The Missing Ingredient Our hearts are formed by what we worship. Excitement, anticipation, hope — each of these emotions swells around the object of our dearest affection. We spend our time and energy on what matters most to us. What do we worship during Advent? “Jesus” is the right answer, of course, but is it…
The Daniel Dilemma: Core Convictions Shape the Way We Live Our Lives
Convictions require you to decide what’s right ahead of time. They’re not based on what feels good or seems right in the moment. They are, instead, the unmovable foundation upon which our lives are built. We don’t need to be mean or judgmental when we share them with others, but we do need to be…
Worship & Prayer
Worship The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” – Acts 16:29-31 What a random question for a jailer to ask two prisoners.…