I Don't Really Like "Worship" at Our Church -- Just the Sermon



Photo taken by T. Getz

 Hello Church-Goers Out There :)

How many times have you heard someone from church say something like this, "I don't really like the "worship part" of the service. I come for the Word... the sermon."

What is worship? It's not just the music part of the church before the "real stuff" of the service, the sermon. It's not predicated on whether we particularly enjoy the style, rhythm & presentation of each song. Worship is offered up to God in honesty by each person individually.  It's what each of us does every moment of our lives to bring honor to God.  Yes, we need to hear the sermon from God's Word.  But, we must also offer up our own worship. When we seek Him daily, we worship Him by showing Him his worth in our life. When we seek Him, we find Him. Deuteronomy 4:29 says "... from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

When we worship God, we praise Him -through our words, deeds, thoughts... through our lives. Psalm 145: says, "I will praise the LORD, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever."

(written 07 Jan 2011)

I Am A Voice in the Wilderness

Each week I pray & ask God to tell me what to say in this section.  The Word is full of great promises & ways that we can draw nearer to God & be used more effectively by Him.  So, finding something GREAT to share from God's Word isn't a hard thing at all.  My goal is to allow God to make the choice of what I share each week in order to fit into HIS plan for that day/week :) 

In reading John 1 this week, I was reminded over & over of a play that Highland High School's Music & Drama Departments did a few years ago, "Godspell" - adapting the 1973 play & movie.  In the New Testament, when asked by the priests & temple assistants if he was the Promised Messiah, John told them flat out, NO.  When they asked, "Well, then who are you, he replied In John 1:23:  ... in the words of Isaiah: "'I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, `Prepare a straight pathway for the Lord's coming!'"  I especially LOVE the fact that John said I am A voice... instead of I am THE voice.  Each of us can be a voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord :)  

Here's a link from Godspell where John is helping PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9viyJB8a7GQ

As said in Ephesians 2:10, "... we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."  There's lots to do out there that God planned for YOU.

He Can't Derail the Plan!




Thanks to T. Getz for capturing this photo 
& adding the scripture!

If you know anything or hear anything about "being a Christian", you will most likely have heard 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 

 One translation reads, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

For ME, when things explode in my life & the walls start crashing around me, I often find myself sulking in a corner feeling like the last part of that verse is a curse on me. But my God, who sees all things & knows all things, knows what I will encounter along the way is often allowing me to go through tough times to better prepare me for what will happen in the future. God doesn't let the road blocks that Satan throws in front of us derail His great plans! Satan wants to pull our eyes away from God. I believe that he tries to do this through hardship & tough life circumstances. However, if we keep our eyes on God in the tough times:

• we learn valuable lessons, 
• we grow stronger with the struggle, 
• we open our eyes to the suffering of others around us, 
• we soften our hearts to what God wants us to see, 

and so many more things!

And another cool thing... usually down the road God gives us a glimpse of how the tough times served to draw us closer to Him & bring honor and glory to Him.

I've been in a rough patch for some time now. I can't lie & say that it's easy to stay focused on God. But, in all sincerity, I couldn't make it without Him. He has never let any of His children down. He is faithful to save. God doesn't waste a single moment of our lives.

I encourage you (and remind myself) to learn from life's experiences while GIVING THANKS for how God will use them!

Shared with the Ann Voskamp One Thousand Gifts community on 11/12/12: 

Sometimes We Have No Words...

Sometimes We Have No Words...
           ... and, in those times we hear the words of Jesus.
 
When life gets crazy, sometimes we just don't know what to say.  Right now, it's hard for me to think of much else than what has happened & is happening to 1,000's... 1,000,000's of people on the other side of the earth this March 11, 2011. Jennifer at the office has this scripture at the bottom of her email notes: "He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:2, NLT.

Photo by T. Getz  John 8:16

No matter how HORRIBLE life can seem, GOD IS OUR ROCK! He is present in times of trouble. Here's Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

I encourage you to go to God in prayer today for those suffering in our world... and for the things that break your heart! God hears His children!

Too Much To Do ... Too Little Time!

If I'm being honest here (and, I always try to be honest here)... I am a bit frazzled today. My plate is full & overflowing, so to speak! There are TOO MANY things to do in TOO LITTLE time. The thing I have to keep reminding myself is that if I will let God set my agenda, HE will accomplish what HE needs to accomplish through me today. Ephesians 3:14-20 is one of my very favorite scripture passages. The last verse goes like this, "Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." It's not up to me to figure out HOW to get things done for God. Thank you Lord for the words in Zechariah 4:6, "‘Not by might nor by power; but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts." The notes in the Study Application NLT Bible say that... "It’s only through God’s Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities. Instead, depend on God and work in the power of His Spirit!" Ahhhhh... I feel better already :D

What's the Body of Christ?

The church.... what is the church?  It's the BRIDE OF CHRIST, the BODY OF CHRIST.  What does God want for his bride/body/church?  He wants them to have the best & use what He has freely given to them to shine a light in this world in order to bring glory to Him.  Romans 12:4-12a describes the church...

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body (the church). We are all parts of His one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to do prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you."

Paul talks also of the church in Ephesians 1:19-23:

"I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe in Him... the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand... far above any ruler, or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and He gave Him this authority for the benefit of the church... his body... filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence."

(written 26 Jan 2011)

I Don't Need Help!

Photo by T. Getz

 Life is often difficult. And, I find myself wanting to figure things out on my own instead of asking God what to do. I want to figure out what's best. I've been through a lot. I've learned a lot. I've got this one covered God. 


Yet, I'm reminded daily in God's Word that my dependence upon Him is where my strength lies. 


When I read His Word, He is faithful to show me things... guide me... comfort me... strengthen me! 


Let my heart cry be the words found in Psalm 119:59-60... "I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes. I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands."

NOTE TO SELF:  Your energy needs to be spent on seeking God instead of trying to slay your own dragons!

(written on 11Feb2011)

Dreams of the Young & Old

A dream land of snow & sunshine  :) 

In the words of "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables...

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die...

Before I was in kindergarten, I dreamed a dream...


A dream awakened me from sleep and is still as clear to me as if it happened yesterday. The dream was full of color and brought mystery while filling me with unexplainable peace and comfort. In the background of my dream, the song, "Open My Eyes That I May See" - written in 1895 by Clara H. Scott - played over & over. 


Considering that I'm a preacher's kid (yep, a PK) and had probably heard that song at a recent revival or church service, it could have been for that reason alone that I heard the song. But, the images that went with that song in my dream will go with me from this earth into heaven. Those same images flooded my mind at the very moment my father sighed his last breath & entered into heaven as I sat beside him holding his hand!


From that young age until today, my very spirit is stirred when I hear that 1895 song & when I read the scripture found in Psalm 119:18,


"Open my eyes to see the wonderful truth in Your laws." 


I dreamed a dream in time gone by... that will forever remind me of the love of God & the TRUTH found in His Word.  That truth is wonderful... and freeing... and comforting. Not a truth of condemnation. But a truth of hope, a new life & a rich future in Christ. 

I want him to OPEN MY EYES daily to wonderful things God has for me :)  Lord, continue to allow me to dream dreams which bring me into your presence!


From Les Miserables... 

What's It All About?

My dad was born to a steel mill worker & a lifelong stay-at-home mom... born in a little white house perched on a small hill on a street lined with a dozen or two nearly identical homes. His dad walked to work carrying a homemade meal packed each morning by his wife... my grandma. Most weeks Grandpa worked 6 days. But, Sunday was always his day of rest... yet, up early with his wife & the 3 children for a big homemade breakfast before heading to church. 

My dad led a simple, conservative life, born & raised in that Ohio town. Most of his entertainment consisted of listening to the radio. Movies were taboo for his family. Music was how he learned of the world beyond his own. Although he remained conservative throughout his life... as a child... a student... a young man... and finally a husband, father & minister of the Gospel, he appreciated & learned from the culture around him.

I remember him referencing songs & books from his lifetime in his sermons - as I sat there in the front row with my mom & 2 sisters listening to his every word. For some reason tonight I thought about one of his sermons entitled, "What's It All About?" I wonder if it had anything to do with the song?

I'm thinking that while we are here on earth, we won't be able to answer that question about most situations we face. The words below were penned by Hal David & Burt Bacharach and give a haunting view of life & love. For me, life's answers often aren't clear... the road is frequently steep & winding... the "why's" are many. Yet, for me, my faith holds strong in the One who hung the stars in space, spoke music to life & loves each one of us like a long, long awaited child.

What's It All About... 


What's it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie, then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
I know there's something much more, something even non-believers can believe in.
I believe in love, Alfie. Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.

Sometimes... in the wee, small hours of the night... I weep over losses in my life. Tonight I say "Happy Birthday Dad! (12/8/27-10/20/02) Your love & your life helped me to answer the question... What's It All About?  ALWAYS, I know that our God is near.
 
"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

Before I Was A Mom...

This is for all the women out there who have adopted children (legally or IN THEIR HEARTS), the women who have balanced careers and/or stepped aside from them to make a difference in the lives of children, the women who've been the mom to kids who don't have the support of their own family, etc. With truly giving ourselves to others, comes inner joy -- yet, often, confusion, turmoil & heartbreak. Regardless, I believe that God created women with a heart that yearns to GIVE. In giving of ourselves (especially to children & young people), we bring honor to our Maker.

The following e-devotional from HomeWord Center for Youth & Families was in my InBox this morning:


"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28


BEFORE I WAS A MOM...
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.


Before I was a Mom...
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.


Before I was a Mom...
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Pottied on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.


Before I was a Mom...
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.


Before I was a Mom...
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.

Before I was a Mom...
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom...
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much love or so much pain before I was a Mom.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.


— Author unknown.

MOMS (of all kinds), I count it an honor to share this calling with you. May we lift each other in prayer. May we go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those around us - children, fellow parents & each other. May we look for ways to encourage each other in the dark times & celebrate with each other in the times of joy. May we extend grace & mercy in the challenging times yet, not hesitate to speak truth to each other in even the toughest times. May we seek HIS will & trust in Him for our daily strength & guidance.


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to every women out there who is a mom (by childbirth or by giving your heart)!