A comment was made to me recently that has caused me to think about the relationship between culture and worship. I was in a conversation about a particular aspect of corporate worship when the comment was made "I guess you just don't understand our culture."
The first question this comment raised for me is "do we worship culture?" Do we bow down to and serve our culture? Of course, we are all affected by our culture. Culture often shapes us in ways we don't realize or recognize. When our culture is at odds with or hinders our worship of the One True God, will we say "no" to our culture and go against culture? But then, in our multi-cultural society in Canada, which culture do we worship? Ethic culture? Youth culture? Which segment of youth culture? Church culture? Which brand of church culture? Builder culture, boomer culture, buster culture, gen x,y,z culture? You get the picture.
This leads me the the second question which is similar to the first: how much does or should culture affect our worship? Even if we don't choose to bown down to and serve culture, how much should we allow our culture to affect our worship? It is certainly true that we will most freely and genuinely worship when we can worship within the context of our own culture. The interesting thing is, that in many churches the corporate church worship experiences do not accurately reflect the culture of the local community. We sing different styles of music in church, we often dress differently (our Sunday-going-to-meeting, or church clothes), and we act differently. People who are very active, animate and expressive suddenly become still and inexpressive in corporate worship.
Then thirdly, is it possible that our worship should help shape culture? If our culture is unhealthy or hindering us in our genuine living a life of worship, should we wave the white flag and say "too bad, but that is just how it is?" Or should we rather change how we do things in our corporate worship which will help to bring change to our culture?
Anyway, there is much more that could be talked about on the subject. What do you think?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Ecclesiastes Musings
Once again I was reading from Ecclesiastes. Two things struck me this time: 1) Solomon's understanding of life after death (or not); 2) How we take part of a verse in the Bible and often quote it while ignoring the second part of that same verse (or verses surrounding it).
Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."
Solomon seems to indicate that you may as well give life your best shot - while you are living - because that's all there is. After you are gone, you ain't gonna be doin' nothin'. Of course we know from the rest of Scripture that life on this earth is not the end. As a matter of fact, it is really only the beginning. Certainly what we do on earth affects our life after.
It is interesting to me that we often quote, or hear quoted, the first part of verse 10. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,..." A good quote to encourage those who may have a tendency toward laziness. However, the reason that he gives, which is the second part of the verse (which we don't quote, and likely didn't even realize existed) is because there is no more to our existence than life on this earth.
With this rationale, are we inclined to worship our work rather than the One who invites us to work and looks forward to spending eternity with us?
Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."
Solomon seems to indicate that you may as well give life your best shot - while you are living - because that's all there is. After you are gone, you ain't gonna be doin' nothin'. Of course we know from the rest of Scripture that life on this earth is not the end. As a matter of fact, it is really only the beginning. Certainly what we do on earth affects our life after.
It is interesting to me that we often quote, or hear quoted, the first part of verse 10. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,..." A good quote to encourage those who may have a tendency toward laziness. However, the reason that he gives, which is the second part of the verse (which we don't quote, and likely didn't even realize existed) is because there is no more to our existence than life on this earth.
With this rationale, are we inclined to worship our work rather than the One who invites us to work and looks forward to spending eternity with us?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Worship and Work
I suspect we don't often think of our work as an act of worship. The following probobly isn't true, but is quoted from an unknown source in a book I am reading.
When you have had one of those take-this-job-and-shove-it-days, try this. On your way home, stop at your pharmacy and go to the section where they have thermometers. You will need to purchase a rectal thermometer made by the Q-tip Company. Be sure that you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the drapes, and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed during your therapy. Change into something comfortable, such as a sweat suit, and lie down on your bed. Open the package containing the thermometer, remove it, and carefully place it on the bedside table so that it will not become chipped or broken. Take the written material that accompanies the thermometer. As you read, notice in small print this statement: "Every rectal thermometer made by Q-tip is personally tested."
Close your eyes. Say out loud five times, "Thank you, oh thank you, that I do not work in quality control at the Q-tip Complany."
I understand that Q-tip is actually not a brand, but a particular product. None-the-less, we have a tendency to "worship" our work, or feel we are slaves to it. How do we view our work?
Mark Buchanan in his book "The Rest of God" writes, "The opposite of a slave is not a free man. it's a worshiper. The one who is most free is the one who turns the work of his hands into sacrament, into offering. All he makes and all he does are gifts from God, through God, and to God."
When you have had one of those take-this-job-and-shove-it-days, try this. On your way home, stop at your pharmacy and go to the section where they have thermometers. You will need to purchase a rectal thermometer made by the Q-tip Company. Be sure that you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the drapes, and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed during your therapy. Change into something comfortable, such as a sweat suit, and lie down on your bed. Open the package containing the thermometer, remove it, and carefully place it on the bedside table so that it will not become chipped or broken. Take the written material that accompanies the thermometer. As you read, notice in small print this statement: "Every rectal thermometer made by Q-tip is personally tested."
Close your eyes. Say out loud five times, "Thank you, oh thank you, that I do not work in quality control at the Q-tip Complany."
I understand that Q-tip is actually not a brand, but a particular product. None-the-less, we have a tendency to "worship" our work, or feel we are slaves to it. How do we view our work?
Mark Buchanan in his book "The Rest of God" writes, "The opposite of a slave is not a free man. it's a worshiper. The one who is most free is the one who turns the work of his hands into sacrament, into offering. All he makes and all he does are gifts from God, through God, and to God."
Friday, January 22, 2010
Worship and Ecclesiastes
According to our DVD series on "What Is Worship," worship is...
- The ascription of ultimate value and worth (the reason)
- To a person, place or thing (the object)
- By the focusing of all activities of the human spectrum (the actions)
- On that object's value and honor (the result)
How we worship pivots around the reality that we are crated in God's image.
Last night I heard a young lady sing in our local coffee shop. She sang that if God was made in our image, he couldn't be trusted. Thankfully, we are made in His image, not He in our image.
So... as we worship God by focusing all our activities on God how does that affect life?
Changing the subject... In my personal "worship time" I am reading through Ecclesiastes. I admit there are some 'proverbs' in chp. 7 that I wrestle with.
Vs. 3 "Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart." Surely the author is not advocating a morbid life!?! Is it true then, that we should walk around with long faces rather than cheerful ones? What about Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."?
How about Eccl. 7:10 "Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions." Is this verse suggesting that we should not reflect on the past and learn from it? Often I hear people talk of the 'good old days.' I would like to know, why were they good? Were the Israelites not instructed to erect monuments which would provoke their children to ask so they could tell them about the 'good old days' when God accomplished the miraculous?
What do you think?
- The ascription of ultimate value and worth (the reason)
- To a person, place or thing (the object)
- By the focusing of all activities of the human spectrum (the actions)
- On that object's value and honor (the result)
How we worship pivots around the reality that we are crated in God's image.
Last night I heard a young lady sing in our local coffee shop. She sang that if God was made in our image, he couldn't be trusted. Thankfully, we are made in His image, not He in our image.
So... as we worship God by focusing all our activities on God how does that affect life?
Changing the subject... In my personal "worship time" I am reading through Ecclesiastes. I admit there are some 'proverbs' in chp. 7 that I wrestle with.
Vs. 3 "Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart." Surely the author is not advocating a morbid life!?! Is it true then, that we should walk around with long faces rather than cheerful ones? What about Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."?
How about Eccl. 7:10 "Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions." Is this verse suggesting that we should not reflect on the past and learn from it? Often I hear people talk of the 'good old days.' I would like to know, why were they good? Were the Israelites not instructed to erect monuments which would provoke their children to ask so they could tell them about the 'good old days' when God accomplished the miraculous?
What do you think?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Worship that leaves one empty
I have been reading in Ecclesiates lately. It is very interesting to read the author's struggle with what he observes in life. Several times in the first few chapters he talks about how people strive & work hard to attain wealth - and actually achieve that wealth. The problem is, they never seem to get to the place where they can fully enjoy what they have achieved.
In Eccl. 6: 3 he writes "... yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper buriel, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he." It is interesting to note that it is very often true that those who strive so hard to achieve wealth and success, never seem to be able enjoy their wealth - and rest.
I think it all comes down to worship. What is it that we worship? What is it that we bow down do and serve? We will receive our reward according to whom or what we worship. If we worship money, we will never be satisfied. After all, how much do you have to have until you have enough? "Just a little bit more."
It is only as we worship God, the One who created this universe, the One who holds all things in his hands, that we will find true happiness, fulfillment and rest.
In Eccl. 6: 3 he writes "... yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper buriel, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he." It is interesting to note that it is very often true that those who strive so hard to achieve wealth and success, never seem to be able enjoy their wealth - and rest.
I think it all comes down to worship. What is it that we worship? What is it that we bow down do and serve? We will receive our reward according to whom or what we worship. If we worship money, we will never be satisfied. After all, how much do you have to have until you have enough? "Just a little bit more."
It is only as we worship God, the One who created this universe, the One who holds all things in his hands, that we will find true happiness, fulfillment and rest.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sun Worship
I love these morning when the sun rises to meet the day with a great big smile! The sky is clear and after a dark night that seemed to go forever the sun seems to refresh the mind and soul. It is on these mornings when I can understand how many on this earth have (and some still do) worshipped the sun.
Ths sun seems to bring life to the earth. It brings light where there was darkness. It warms the earth. The sun appears to command the universe. Is it not surprising that people would bow down to and serve the sun?
Then I am reminded of when Debbie and visited Egypt and hiked up Mount Sinai at night to watch the sunrise from the top of the mountain. As the sun began to brighten the sky and finally broke through the horizon we watched a breathtaking, glorious sight. I was filled with awe and wonder.
But then I was reminded of Moses who met with God on that very mountain and the glory of the Lord was so powerful that no one else was allowed to set foot on the mountain. And the words of a song began to play in my mind. "The sun cannot compare to the glory of the Lord. There is no shadow in Your presence..." And I was reminded that the sun was created by the Lord. It does what it has been told to do. It does not command our world. It is the Lord who is the "general manager of the universe." We all could stand in the presence of the glory of the sun. No one can stand in the presence of the glory of the Lord unless the Lord grants permisson.
Why worship the sun when you can worship the Lord who created the sun and tells it what to do?
Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker!
Ths sun seems to bring life to the earth. It brings light where there was darkness. It warms the earth. The sun appears to command the universe. Is it not surprising that people would bow down to and serve the sun?
Then I am reminded of when Debbie and visited Egypt and hiked up Mount Sinai at night to watch the sunrise from the top of the mountain. As the sun began to brighten the sky and finally broke through the horizon we watched a breathtaking, glorious sight. I was filled with awe and wonder.
But then I was reminded of Moses who met with God on that very mountain and the glory of the Lord was so powerful that no one else was allowed to set foot on the mountain. And the words of a song began to play in my mind. "The sun cannot compare to the glory of the Lord. There is no shadow in Your presence..." And I was reminded that the sun was created by the Lord. It does what it has been told to do. It does not command our world. It is the Lord who is the "general manager of the universe." We all could stand in the presence of the glory of the sun. No one can stand in the presence of the glory of the Lord unless the Lord grants permisson.
Why worship the sun when you can worship the Lord who created the sun and tells it what to do?
Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The word "worship" in the Bible
The words used most frequently when referring to worship are
- “Shachad” in Hebrew and “proskuneo” in Greek.
- Shachad means to bow down or prostrate one’s self.
It is an act of worship representing humble submission before one who is superior. It involves paying homage to royalty. - Proskuneo means “to kiss toward .”
Among the Orientals, especially the Persians, it meant to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence.
Several other words translated worship are “abodah” in Hebrew and “latreia” in Greek.
- Both of these words mean “to serve” or “to work.”
- Exodus 34:14 Do not worship (bow down) any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
- Matthew 2:2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship (bow down) him."
- Exodus 3:12 And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship (serve) God on this mountain."
- Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship (serve).
Worship involves action. It is a positive action of an inferior submitting to a superior. There is a sense in which worship is not only bowing down before the object of worship, but involves active service for the one being worshipped.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Definition of Worship
I have read many definitions on worship and have discovered there is no consensus on the definition of worship.
Bob Sorge, in his book Exploring Worship, lists a number of definitions and concludes “real worship defies definition; it can only be experienced.”
Marva Dawn in her book, Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, suggests
The word worship comes from the Old English roots weorth, meaning “honor” and “worthiness,” and scipe, signifying “to create.” Of course, we cannot “create” God’s honor because it is inherently God’s but we do devise ways to honor God that bespeak his worthiness, all the while recognizing that our attempts are inadequate, that we will never duly laud the Trinity until we join the saints and angels in perfectly glorifying God forever.
Bob Sorge, in his book Exploring Worship, lists a number of definitions and concludes “real worship defies definition; it can only be experienced.”
Marva Dawn in her book, Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, suggests
The word worship comes from the Old English roots weorth, meaning “honor” and “worthiness,” and scipe, signifying “to create.” Of course, we cannot “create” God’s honor because it is inherently God’s but we do devise ways to honor God that bespeak his worthiness, all the while recognizing that our attempts are inadequate, that we will never duly laud the Trinity until we join the saints and angels in perfectly glorifying God forever.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Worship Team
Okay, so my worship team is on to lead worship this coming Sunday. And I love my team. I really appreciate their commitment, talents, spiritual heart, etc. I very much enjoy the team.
But now I have a problem. One of our key singers is busy with a wedding. Another gave birth to twins this week. Our drummer just found he will be gone for a week, and our other main drummers are not available. The music I planned would seem "empty" without a drummer.
My question today is... with these key parts missing, how can we effectively lead worship on Sunday? Will the music not be up to the expectations of the people (never mind the team)? And if not, will they enter into worship? Does our worship on Sunday really depend that much on the quality of the sound that comes from the worship team? (okay,that was more than one question).
If so, I wonder what it is that we worship?
But now I have a problem. One of our key singers is busy with a wedding. Another gave birth to twins this week. Our drummer just found he will be gone for a week, and our other main drummers are not available. The music I planned would seem "empty" without a drummer.
My question today is... with these key parts missing, how can we effectively lead worship on Sunday? Will the music not be up to the expectations of the people (never mind the team)? And if not, will they enter into worship? Does our worship on Sunday really depend that much on the quality of the sound that comes from the worship team? (okay,that was more than one question).
If so, I wonder what it is that we worship?
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
What is worship?
Starting this coming Sunday, I am going to be teaching a Sunday School class on the subject of "What is worship?" I have not taught a SS class in a few years so I am looking forward to the challenge of preperation & teaching the class itself. During this time, I will endeavor to write some thoughts on worship on this blog.
Please feel free to respond or ask questions in the comments section.
When I think of worship, what comes to mind first? Well, I am associate pastor responsible for "worship." That leads me to think about worship as what we do on Sunday mornings when we gather at 'the church.' I certainly hope that we do worship at those events on Sunday morning. I wonder what it is that we worship when we are there?
There must be more to worship than what happens on Sunday morning! Lets join the journey of discovery as we look at what the Bible teaches and then put into practice what we learn.
Please feel free to respond or ask questions in the comments section.
When I think of worship, what comes to mind first? Well, I am associate pastor responsible for "worship." That leads me to think about worship as what we do on Sunday mornings when we gather at 'the church.' I certainly hope that we do worship at those events on Sunday morning. I wonder what it is that we worship when we are there?
There must be more to worship than what happens on Sunday morning! Lets join the journey of discovery as we look at what the Bible teaches and then put into practice what we learn.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Relationships will end
A quote I read today...
Wow, that is a tough idea to grasp - at least we don't want it to be so. The reality is that unless Christ comes back during our lifetime, one day, we will all die. At that time relationships as we have known them come to an end. Of course, we still love that person who has "passed on" and we have many memories.
For me... that means... enjoy the relationships I have and treasure the people with whom I have a relationship.
"The dearest human relatinohsips must some day come to an end;
it is only the joy of heaven which lasts for ever,
and if we have it in our hearts,
nothing can take it away."
Wow, that is a tough idea to grasp - at least we don't want it to be so. The reality is that unless Christ comes back during our lifetime, one day, we will all die. At that time relationships as we have known them come to an end. Of course, we still love that person who has "passed on" and we have many memories.
For me... that means... enjoy the relationships I have and treasure the people with whom I have a relationship.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Update
I guess it is time to update what I am up to...
Yes, I am serving as associate pastor at Zion Church in Didsbury, Alberta, Canada. My primary responsibilities include overseeing the Worship and Life Group (small groups) Ministries. I also oversee the Newcomers ministry and the Adult Sunday School.
In a way, it is refreshing to be able to spend time with the worship ministry because I get to be involved in music - which I love to do. I lead a worship team, but am training someone else to take the leadership and I am moving more towards playing guitar and singing backup. It gives me a chance to work on my guitar skills. I also play guitar on another team where I get to dabble with playing lead guitar.
Recently, our worship team performed the Imperials song "Water Grave" at our church on the Sunday when we had a baptism. Watch the video here:
Yes, I am serving as associate pastor at Zion Church in Didsbury, Alberta, Canada. My primary responsibilities include overseeing the Worship and Life Group (small groups) Ministries. I also oversee the Newcomers ministry and the Adult Sunday School.
In a way, it is refreshing to be able to spend time with the worship ministry because I get to be involved in music - which I love to do. I lead a worship team, but am training someone else to take the leadership and I am moving more towards playing guitar and singing backup. It gives me a chance to work on my guitar skills. I also play guitar on another team where I get to dabble with playing lead guitar.
Recently, our worship team performed the Imperials song "Water Grave" at our church on the Sunday when we had a baptism. Watch the video here:
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
We've Moved!
On July 1st, Debbie and I moved to Didsbury, Alberta. On August 1st I will begin serving as Pastor of Adult Ministries at Zion Church in Didsbury. As much as we will miss British Columbia, we are looking forward to this new challenge and chapter in our lives.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Name Change
I decided to change the name of this blog. Seeing as it basically contains my ramblings from time to time and is not necessarily directly related to our church - Heritage Mountain Community Church, I may as well reflect my thots, not those representing the church :).
We are about to enter a New Year. That can be exciting. Although nothing has changed, except the last digit in our year, we tend to look at life differently. It is a time when we "turn over a new leaf," "start a new page" or whatever we want to call it. It certainly does help us make a fresh start from time to time - and we need that.
We also need a time when we look back and get rid of some baggage. Anywhere from forgiving those who have wronged us, to forgiving ourselves, to seeking forgiviness from others - and God.
I am looking forward to a new year.
We are about to enter a New Year. That can be exciting. Although nothing has changed, except the last digit in our year, we tend to look at life differently. It is a time when we "turn over a new leaf," "start a new page" or whatever we want to call it. It certainly does help us make a fresh start from time to time - and we need that.
We also need a time when we look back and get rid of some baggage. Anywhere from forgiving those who have wronged us, to forgiving ourselves, to seeking forgiviness from others - and God.
I am looking forward to a new year.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
God Knows
I wonder who watches the video I posted on Youtube?
I logged on to Youtube this morning and noticed that this video has surpassed the 1,000 times being viewed. I could not help but think of all those who had watched the video. Why do people watch it? What drew them to it? Who are they? What are they going through? What are their joys? Their struggles? What are their hopes for the future? What are their dreams?
Then I thought, God knows the answer to all those questions. He knows exactly who logged on at what time - and why. The Spirit of God is there with them as they watch the video - which is a psalm of praise. God was, is, and will be there as they watch. What an amazing thought. Even more, what an awesome experience.
So today, wherever you are, take comfort and courage from the reality that God is with you wherever you go. He is there to guide you into reality and truth. He is there to bring comfort. He is there to challenge you to grow. You likely cannot SEE him, but if you look around, you wil lfind Him! Enjoy!
I logged on to Youtube this morning and noticed that this video has surpassed the 1,000 times being viewed. I could not help but think of all those who had watched the video. Why do people watch it? What drew them to it? Who are they? What are they going through? What are their joys? Their struggles? What are their hopes for the future? What are their dreams?
Then I thought, God knows the answer to all those questions. He knows exactly who logged on at what time - and why. The Spirit of God is there with them as they watch the video - which is a psalm of praise. God was, is, and will be there as they watch. What an amazing thought. Even more, what an awesome experience.
So today, wherever you are, take comfort and courage from the reality that God is with you wherever you go. He is there to guide you into reality and truth. He is there to bring comfort. He is there to challenge you to grow. You likely cannot SEE him, but if you look around, you wil lfind Him! Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Good Gracious!
God is amazing! And surprising!
Many of us think of God as One who draws a line in the sand and you had better not cross it - or else! Crossing that line is called sin. The problem is that we have a hard time differentiating between the line that God draws and the lines that we as people draw. Is something wrong because God said so, or because we say so?
During the time of the Kings in Biblical times, God had laid down some pretty clear and specific rules for the people to follow. Among them were rules for how people were to prepare themselves to enter the "sanctuary." During the time of Hezekiah the people of Israel had been crossing the line God had drawn for them. The people began to return to God but due to the fact that they were unclean - according to the rules - they could not present their lambs as their sacrificial offering before God.
In 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 an unusual thing happens. Hezekiah took a bold step and prayed to God and said "May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God - the LORD, the God of his fathers - even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary." And Good, Gracious - God "heard Hezekiah and healed the people."
When you have crossed the line, God is still gracious.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Many of us think of God as One who draws a line in the sand and you had better not cross it - or else! Crossing that line is called sin. The problem is that we have a hard time differentiating between the line that God draws and the lines that we as people draw. Is something wrong because God said so, or because we say so?
During the time of the Kings in Biblical times, God had laid down some pretty clear and specific rules for the people to follow. Among them were rules for how people were to prepare themselves to enter the "sanctuary." During the time of Hezekiah the people of Israel had been crossing the line God had drawn for them. The people began to return to God but due to the fact that they were unclean - according to the rules - they could not present their lambs as their sacrificial offering before God.
In 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 an unusual thing happens. Hezekiah took a bold step and prayed to God and said "May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God - the LORD, the God of his fathers - even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary." And Good, Gracious - God "heard Hezekiah and healed the people."
When you have crossed the line, God is still gracious.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Meeting God on the Mountain
Watching the sunrise from the top of Mt. Moses (Mt. Sinai) was amazing. Imagine Moses hiking up the mountain alone - to meet with God. Was he afraid? Was he excited? After all, God had summoned Moses to meet with Him and NO ONE else was allowed to join him.
As we watched the sun come up, there were a group of eastern European believers gathered at the edge of the cliff, singing and praying together. At first I felt distracted in the awe of 
the moment; however, I quickly appreciated the joy of what this group of gathered believers must be experiencing. Imagine an entire group of dedicated followers of God, labouring through the night (old and young) to gather together at that spot to commune with God - together.
the moment; however, I quickly appreciated the joy of what this group of gathered believers must be experiencing. Imagine an entire group of dedicated followers of God, labouring through the night (old and young) to gather together at that spot to commune with God - together.Thinking of Moses meeting with God and experiencing the glory of God's presence was stunning. As I stood there, watching the sun come up, I could not help but think of the words to a song written by Paul Baloche which we sing in our worship services at HMCC.
The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love
There is no shadow in your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne
Before the holy one of heaven
It’s only by your blood
And it’s only through your mercy Lord, I come
I bring an offering of worship to my king
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that You’re due
O Lord I bring an offering to you
© 2003 Integrity’s Hosanna Music
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
What is a Win?
Do you ever look back at the end of the day and wonder what you have accomplished? Was this a successful day? A successful week? How do we know?
I am presently reading the book, 7 Practices of Effective Ministry. The first practice of successful ministry is clarifying what a win looks like. A baseball team knows that it has won the game when it has scored more runs than the opposing team. During the game there are some smaller wins as players get on base, then advance the bases until they cross home-plate, scoring a run. Using this analogy, the authors identify that in ministry (and I would say in much of life) it is important to identify what a win looks like for us.
This is an amazing exercise. I now find myself asking the question as I enter the day, “What will it mean for me to have a ‘win’ today?” At the end of the day even my wife now asks me if the day was a win.
Try it. For more information pick up the book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry, by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner and Lane Jones, ©2004 North Point Ministries, Inc. Published by Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Thanks Jason!
I would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to Jason Krause for his awesome, enthusiastic and faithful service as Associate Pastor at HMCC. Jason has served with integrity and inspiration, often working behind the scenes – and of course often very publicly.
I will greatly miss Jason in his role as Associate Pastor.
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