Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.
Here's the scripture that stuck this week:
Psalm 146:3-5 The Message
Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! I've been discussing the idea of "What is a blessing?" We can confuse God's blessing with worldly success if we're not careful. To know God, truly, is to know real blessing. What's your Word?
This is a post that you can participate in on every Monday. Everyone likes music, and there are obviously many tastes in music. This is here to see what different types of music are filling everyone's lives. Chime in!
Hey, in case you didn't know, I am a Worship Pastor at my church. I lead worship every week, so...
What's your favorite worship song that your church does right now?
We just introduced "How He Loves" and it's definitely my favorite one right now. I love all the versions of it. We do a version that's mix between John Mark McMillan's and David Crowder's. I'll be posting a review of John Mark McMillan's new album very soon.
Since July 4th is on a Sunday this year, God led us to take a little time and celebrate our nation's Independence Day at Bethany. This will still be a worship service focused on God, and we will be talking about freedom. True freedom comes from God through Jesus Christ. We are hoping to see our people invite their friends and family to church that weekend. It will be a great and appropriate way for all Christians to begin their 4th of July. Here's a promo video I made to promote the day:
ALM;uk or Abundant Life Ministries is a multi-cultural church based in Bradford, England. The debut CD from ALM:uk, Name Above All Names definitely resonates with me as a worship leader in the local church. Writing songs for the church is definitely a completely different mind set than writing songs for the radio. This album definitely is excellent in musicality and in the heart of worship. Matt Hooper, one of the worship leader's at ALM, says, "Our heart and our mission behind our album is to provide great congregational songs that help the local church and their worship teams connect with God in a really strong, faith-filled and practical way." On this 10 track release there were some great, fresh songs for the local church. The opening track, "Great and Glorious" was a great way to kick off the album. It had a lot of energy. The song that stuck in my head immediately was "God is For Us". I found myself singing the hook of the chorus throughout the day. I still hear it. Great scripture for congregations to sing. My favorite song was "Be Glorified". It was one of those songs that grabbed me emotionally. Incredibly well-written, Christ-centered ballad of worship. My only criticism is of the title track, "Name Above All Names". It's a great song, but every time I heard the chorus, all I could think of was "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins from the Tarzan movie. Great melody, but unintentionally borrowed. As a songwriter, I'm always trying to guard against that. It can be a difficult task to come up with fresh, yet simple melodies. I also really liked the song, "My God Reigns". That is another one that will be filling worship services, I'm sure. All in all, this a great worship project from a band that obviously has a heart for God and the Church. Great job ALM & Integrity!!
Psalm 98:1 says, "Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him."
Evidently, the maker of this toy seemed to think that God needed an AK-47 assault rifle in his right and on his holy arm. God is definitely a figure of action, but maybe we should stay away from the action figures.
Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.
Here's the scripture that stuck this week:
Psalm 103:6-18 The Message
6-18 God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we're made of mud. Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said.
This is a post that you can participate in on every Monday. Everyone likes music, and there are obviously many tastes in music. This is here to see what different types of music are filling everyone's lives. Chime in!
Remember when MTV actually had music videos. Those were the days, so.. . What's your favorite music video(s) of all time?
I love these videos by Coldplay and Alanis, because they're simple, yet captivating.
Today, our youth band led us in worship. I had the opportunity to, basically, just come to church. A rare occurrance, and much appreciated when I get the chance. The youth band sounds great, and Warren, our youth pastor is a gifted worship leader as well. It's great to have a good back-up in house.
In an ever-growing materialistic society, it's becoming more difficult to distinguish the difference between what we really want and what we really need. It's time for you to weigh in on this discussion. It's real simple...is it a want or a need?
Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.
Here's the scripture that stuck this week:
Psalm 65:1-2 The Message
1-2 Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God, And also obedience. You hear the prayer in it all.
I've been talking to different people about this lately. Do we categorize worship as music way too much? I think so. It's one of the dangers of the success of the corporate worship movement we've experienced in churches all over the world. Worship and praise can be done in ALL we do, if we are led by the Spirit as opposed to the flesh, which is obedience in it's purest form. What's your Word?
This is a post that you can participate in on every Monday. Everyone likes music, and there are obviously many tastes in music. This is here to see what different types of music are filling everyone's lives. Chime in!
I had an amazing week last week. I led worship at a camp and was able to chill by the pool a little bit and listen to some tunes, so... What album do you like to listen to when you're chillin'?
I've really enjoyed Jennifer Knapp's and Phil Wickham's new albums. Great songs and great vibes.
11 years ago today, I married my soul-mate. Today's our anniversary, and I can honestly say I'm more in love with her today than I was 11 years ago. She's made me better and given me 2 amazing children. Happy Anniversary to my wife, Jennifer. I'm excited to spend the rest of this life with her.
Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.
Here's the scripture that stuck this week:
Psalm 49:16-19 The Message
16-19 So don't be impressed with those who get rich and pile up fame and fortune. They can't take it with them; fame and fortune all get left behind. Just when they think they've arrived and folks praise them because they've made good, They enter the family burial plot where they'll never see sunshine again.
That pretty much speaks for itself. God's Word always does. What's your Word?
This is a post that you can participate in on every Monday. Everyone likes music, and there are obviously many tastes in music. This is here to see what different types of music are filling everyone's lives. Chime in!
I've always said that there's never been a song so good that it can't be overplayed, so...
If you had to pick one song to listen to over and over, what song would it be?
This is easy for me. It would definitely be "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. My favorite version is by Rufus Wainwright. My least favorite version is anytime it's done on American Idol...simply wretched.
We had a amazing acoustic set with upright bass, guitars, djembe, & mandolin. Click here to watch the video. Really an amazing, unique time of worship at Bethany.
Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.
Here's the scripture that stuck this week:
Job 42:1-6 The Message
1-6 Job answered God: "I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.' I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor." This is a great passage that was first brought to light for me by this book. How much do we live by rumors of God, instead of experiencing Him first hand. This is probably one of the biggest problems with Christians. We rely so much on people opinions, doctrines, and interpretations, instead learning about life directly from the Holy Spirit and God's Word. Get closer everyday. It's a wild ride! What's your Word?
In an ever-growing materialistic society, it's becoming more difficult to distinguish the difference between what we really want and what we really need. It's time for you to weigh in on this discussion. It's real simple...is it a want or a need?
Word Wednesday is posted every Wednesday. Each week I post a scripture that I've read that week that has spoken to me in a fresh way. I believe that if we read God's Word every day, He will give us at least one scripture every week that will impact us. Sharing Scripture with each other is like iron sharpening iron. Leave a comment and share a scripture that has impacted you this week.
