Thursday, June 10, 2010
Impulse of Thy Love
The key verse that drew me into the text this week was in verse 12, “Live such good lives among pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us”. How can our actions demonstrate the gospel? Would there be evidence of God’s presence in my life? This line from Take My Life, written in 1874 prays this way, “Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love”. Before we strive to simply not do bad things, we need to realize that it is God’s love in us that transforms us. It is Christ’ s love in us that leads us to love others, we are simply following his impulse.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Reflections
Songs;
Beautiful One
Blessed Be Your Name
Never Let Go
Our Great God
Father Let Me Dedicate
Do we trust God through tough times?
During Beautiful One we prayed that we would not become too familiar with God. That He would open our eyes to see how wonderful He is and that our hearts would be "captured" with the love He has for us. It is an everlasting love and He is a faithful God.
God is in the dark times and tough circumstance can bring a stronger and more real faith. Sometimes we have to experience His faithfulness in order to grow. Jesus is the "Living Hope". This week lets fix our eyes on him, "the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2). Our hope can be secure, lets not put our hope in anything else.
Throughout the songs I was reflecting on the familiar passage from Psalms which promises His presence in our dark times.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:1-4).
May His presence restore your soul this week.
Beautiful One
Blessed Be Your Name
Never Let Go
Our Great God
Father Let Me Dedicate
Do we trust God through tough times?
During Beautiful One we prayed that we would not become too familiar with God. That He would open our eyes to see how wonderful He is and that our hearts would be "captured" with the love He has for us. It is an everlasting love and He is a faithful God.
God is in the dark times and tough circumstance can bring a stronger and more real faith. Sometimes we have to experience His faithfulness in order to grow. Jesus is the "Living Hope". This week lets fix our eyes on him, "the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2). Our hope can be secure, lets not put our hope in anything else.
Throughout the songs I was reflecting on the familiar passage from Psalms which promises His presence in our dark times.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:1-4).
May His presence restore your soul this week.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Glorious One
by Steve Fee
We praise God's glory and the wonder of his greatness in this song. He is great and yet intimate with us as our Healer and Redeemer. My favorite line so far in this song is, "You hold the universe and still you run to the broken". I think this song connects well with our need as a church to see God as great, but also be more aware of his presence among us and in our lives. His love for us is demonstrated in the sacrifice of Christ, he desires a relationship with us. That is something to sing about.
Lyrics...
Our hands are lifted high, our hearts are bowing in reverence
And we're surrounded by the glory of Your presence
With ev'ry creature ev'ry tongue, we're lifting our voice to the Glorious One
Glorious One, Glorious One
Light of the world, You outshine the sun
King of all kings, eternity sings - Glorious One
Oh God of infinite worth with hands that carved out the ocean
You hold the universe and still You run to the broken
With ev'ry heart that's been redeemed we're lifting our songs to the Glorious King
There is none more beautiful...none more wonderful - Glorious One
Scripture Prayer...
Since I am receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, may I be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for my God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29)
We praise God's glory and the wonder of his greatness in this song. He is great and yet intimate with us as our Healer and Redeemer. My favorite line so far in this song is, "You hold the universe and still you run to the broken". I think this song connects well with our need as a church to see God as great, but also be more aware of his presence among us and in our lives. His love for us is demonstrated in the sacrifice of Christ, he desires a relationship with us. That is something to sing about.
Lyrics...
Our hands are lifted high, our hearts are bowing in reverence
And we're surrounded by the glory of Your presence
With ev'ry creature ev'ry tongue, we're lifting our voice to the Glorious One
Glorious One, Glorious One
Light of the world, You outshine the sun
King of all kings, eternity sings - Glorious One
Oh God of infinite worth with hands that carved out the ocean
You hold the universe and still You run to the broken
With ev'ry heart that's been redeemed we're lifting our songs to the Glorious King
There is none more beautiful...none more wonderful - Glorious One
Scripture Prayer...
Since I am receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, may I be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for my God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29)
Friday, November 20, 2009
My Savior My God
lyrics by Dorothy Greenwell in “Songs of Salvation”, 1873.
New music and chorus by Aaron Shust.
“I am not skilled to understand what God has willed what God has planned
I only know at his right hand, stands one who is my Savior
I take him at his word and deed; Christ died to save me this I read
And in my heart I find the need for Him to be my Savior
Yes, living, dying, let me bring; my strength, my solace from this Spring
That he who lives to be my King; once died to be my Savior
That he would leave his place on high; and come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I; before I knew my Savior
My Savior loves, my Savior lives, my Savior’s always there for me
My God he was, my God he is; my God he’s always gonna be”
_____________________________________________
From the lyrics of this beautiful hymn, the author was struck by the honesty of them. He desired to bring it back to his church, so he took the time to translate the music and write a new chorus that would communicate how our King is also our Savior.
The people who sat at the feet of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount felt the same way as the religious leaders made it impossible for them to understand how to have a relationship with God. They were the outcaste of the religious society, but Jesus comforts them and calls them blessed.
For us today it is the same principle, we are unified in our humble need for a Savior. May we never forget that and in the words from the author of Amazing Grace John Newton, there are only two things we need to know, that we are great sinners but he is a great Savior.
New music and chorus by Aaron Shust.
“I am not skilled to understand what God has willed what God has planned
I only know at his right hand, stands one who is my Savior
I take him at his word and deed; Christ died to save me this I read
And in my heart I find the need for Him to be my Savior
Yes, living, dying, let me bring; my strength, my solace from this Spring
That he who lives to be my King; once died to be my Savior
That he would leave his place on high; and come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I; before I knew my Savior
My Savior loves, my Savior lives, my Savior’s always there for me
My God he was, my God he is; my God he’s always gonna be”
_____________________________________________
From the lyrics of this beautiful hymn, the author was struck by the honesty of them. He desired to bring it back to his church, so he took the time to translate the music and write a new chorus that would communicate how our King is also our Savior.
The people who sat at the feet of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount felt the same way as the religious leaders made it impossible for them to understand how to have a relationship with God. They were the outcaste of the religious society, but Jesus comforts them and calls them blessed.
For us today it is the same principle, we are unified in our humble need for a Savior. May we never forget that and in the words from the author of Amazing Grace John Newton, there are only two things we need to know, that we are great sinners but he is a great Savior.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
For Your Glory
Written by Matt Maher
Devotional Themes: In every season of life seek God’s face,
Trust Him through Trails, and demonstrating Christ’s love.
Why we sing this song...
This song comes right out of our study in Ecclesiastes especially chapter two. We are called to seek God’s face in all the seasons of life - that is why worship is called a sacrifice of praise sometimes. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name”(Heb 13:15). The bridge reminds us that Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit and as a response we love and serve others.
Verse 1
There is a time to live; there is a time to die
There is a time to laugh; there is a time to cry
There is a time to dance; a time for joy's embrace
And in all seasons God, we humbly seek Your face
Verse 2
There is a time to sow; there is a time to reap
A time for victory; a time to claim defeat
A time to be renewed; a time to be reborn
And in all seasons God, we bow before Your throne
Chorus
This is our offering to You - this is our offering
Ev'rything I am is for Your glory; ev'rything I am for You Lord
BRIDGE
The earth stands still without You
We could only move because You made us to
The world is nothing without You
We could only love because You made us to
Devotional Themes: In every season of life seek God’s face,
Trust Him through Trails, and demonstrating Christ’s love.
Why we sing this song...
This song comes right out of our study in Ecclesiastes especially chapter two. We are called to seek God’s face in all the seasons of life - that is why worship is called a sacrifice of praise sometimes. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name”(Heb 13:15). The bridge reminds us that Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit and as a response we love and serve others.
Verse 1
There is a time to live; there is a time to die
There is a time to laugh; there is a time to cry
There is a time to dance; a time for joy's embrace
And in all seasons God, we humbly seek Your face
Verse 2
There is a time to sow; there is a time to reap
A time for victory; a time to claim defeat
A time to be renewed; a time to be reborn
And in all seasons God, we bow before Your throne
Chorus
This is our offering to You - this is our offering
Ev'rything I am is for Your glory; ev'rything I am for You Lord
BRIDGE
The earth stands still without You
We could only move because You made us to
The world is nothing without You
We could only love because You made us to
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Summer Blast Kids Songs
I absolutely loved singing with the kids this last week and I was blown away by the songs and response from the kids. God indeed was glorified as we came together each morning and worshiped him. Thank you Lyndsey for letting me apart of the team (and for the dance moves). Here were some of my favorite lines to sing with the kids;
"King of Majesty I have one desire, just to be with You my Lord/ Jesus You are the Savior of my soul and forever and ever I'll give my praises to You"
"Oh I believe the King of heaven died for me...Jesus loves me..."
"Oh Lord anything You want from me I'll give it - I'll fie it 'cause I know I'll find all I need in You...Lord I will lean on You"
"Tell the world that Jesus lives... Tell the world that He died for them...He lives again"
These are words that the kids will not forget and will take root in their hearts as they learn about what a relationship with Christ about. I am blessed to be a part of what God is already doing in the lives of these kids. Please pray with me, Lyndsey and the whole team that God would draw these kids to His heart.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday Reflections
Songs we sang this week.
In an effort to take notice of the Spirit's work among us when we gather, I wanted to jot down some notes that I wrote down during our worship time together (By the way, when I say 'worship time' I mean the whole service). I was caught up in the phrase "Author of Salvation" which was a line in the song "Mighty to Save". It was a phrase that stood out to me while I practiced the song and when we sang it together I was overwhelmed by God's message that he is mighty to save because he is the creator of salvation. Scott went on to talk about what was distinguishable about God and what was beautiful about him and it was that he is the mighty judge who made salvation possible...He is the Author of Salvation, the pioneer. Praise God for revealing these truths this week and I hope that it is an encouragement for your week and as you pray for your Oikos.
Please respond with comments about what you noticed the Spirit doing Sunday in our midst. You can leave a comment below or send me an email and I will post it for you. jrnall@fbcsd.com
- O Praise Him - Crowder
- Mighty to Save - Feilding and Morgan
- Jesus Paid it All - Hall and Nifong
- O Sacred King - Redman
In an effort to take notice of the Spirit's work among us when we gather, I wanted to jot down some notes that I wrote down during our worship time together (By the way, when I say 'worship time' I mean the whole service). I was caught up in the phrase "Author of Salvation" which was a line in the song "Mighty to Save". It was a phrase that stood out to me while I practiced the song and when we sang it together I was overwhelmed by God's message that he is mighty to save because he is the creator of salvation. Scott went on to talk about what was distinguishable about God and what was beautiful about him and it was that he is the mighty judge who made salvation possible...He is the Author of Salvation, the pioneer. Praise God for revealing these truths this week and I hope that it is an encouragement for your week and as you pray for your Oikos.
Please respond with comments about what you noticed the Spirit doing Sunday in our midst. You can leave a comment below or send me an email and I will post it for you. jrnall@fbcsd.com
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