Category: Worship - Jethro TOOLS

Rule of God

11/30/2025

Psalm 93
My parents enjoyed music. My father was very skilled musically, especially on the trumpet, while my mother was able to play the piano quite well. For all of their efforts I have no real skills in music other than making noise. However, my parents did try to cultivate an interest in the fine art of music. I remember being taken to special musical plays, Christmas and Easter cantata’s, and even beginner music lessons with a recorder. Nothing worked. Eventually, they gave up and just bought me some cassette tapes to play in the stereo of my first car. Regardless of my disconnection with music to this day, I can still remember going to musical events called the King’s Choir, the King’s Quartet, or the King’s Brass. These were displays of impressively talented individuals blending voices or instruments in rapturous harmony. It was truly music fit for a king. In life, the rule of a good king is honored with what is the best. The rule of a good king is based on the proper use of power for the good of the kingdom. Psalm 93 is written to tell us of the good rule of the greatest king. The author describes the Lord God as the all powerful and supremely sovereign king. He is the eternal God (1-2); He is the all powerful God (3-4); and He is completely righteous (5). The eternal God praised in Psalm 93 is completely different from the false gods people worship either past or present. The LORD God is unique and unrivaled in His rule in the present and for all time. Psalm 93 reminds us that God is the perfect ruler in three ways. First, only God is deserving of our worship because He alone is eternal. Second, only God is deserving of our submission because He alone is all powerful. Third, only God is deserving of our obedience because He alone is righteous. Is Jesus, the king ruling your life today?

For More See PSALMS

Faith and Worship

5/18/2025

Hebrews 11:4
A simple search of a dictionary or on line sources will often define worship by its elements or activities. For example worship is prayer or it is led by a worship leader. These and other elements simply describe parts of worship. So how are we as people to respond to God? How should we respond to all that God has done for us? In the first chapters of Romans, Paul addresses what God has done for sinful humanity to provide salvation through Jesus Christ. Then, in Romans 12 Paul shifts His approach by addressing the believers response. Because of all that has previously been said Paul urges his audience to give themselves fully to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). This is an act of worship that impacts and directs all of life. Paul uses the wording of living sacrifice to describe the ongoing daily practice of giving ourselves in obedient service to God through a life that is changed (Romans 12:2). This is what is good and acceptable to God. Worship is not a single event one day a week where we go to church to experience a worship service. Worship is a changed life that is directed by faith each and everyday. That is Paul’s message in Romans 12 and that was the practice of Abel in Genesis 4. Able, in faith, offered a better sacrifice than his brother Cain (Hebrews 11:4). He lived his life by faith believing that God was worthy of all his work. Therefore, everything that he did was done in worship and honor of God. All his work with his flocks was done in faith, in preparation for the day of sacrifice. Everything was done to present God with his very best as worship. Able’s offering was accepted by God because of his faith in God and desire for a righteous life. His faith changed his life, his work, his service and his worship. May the same faith be found in us.

For More See HEBREWS

The Disciple's Connection

1/12/2025

John 15:1-8
The garden this past summer produced a bumper crop of sunflowers. In fact one was over sixteen feet tall. However, large objects like that do not handle the force of wind very well. Examining the garden after a bit of strong wind revealed sunflower damage. Several plants were down. Upon further inspection we saw that two of the sunflowers had broken stalks and were wilting because they lost their connection to the roots and the life giving nutrients supplied to them. The plants with the broken stalks were beyond repair. They wilted, died and had to be removed. Just as the connection to the roots is essential for a sunflower to grow so also the disciple must remain connected to Christ to grow. In John 15 Jesus tells His disciples that he is the true life giving vine (1). Spiritual growth and fruitfulness are only found though our connection to Christ as our savior. That connection is formed as we trust in Christ’s sacrificial payment of our sin. However, Jesus does not end the conversation with saving faith. He challenges the disciples to a growing faith that is spiritually productive (4). The production of faith and true spiritual life is never found through individual effort. Jesus says that apart from Him there is no life and no fruit (5). The challenge that Jesus leaves His disciples, and us, is to allow His power to flow through us to produce His results and His praise (8). God desires that we have fruitful spiritual lives known for righteousness, giving, serving, and witnessing. That can only be accomplished through a relationship with Christ as we are connected to Him as savior. That connection is maintained through time in the word, prayer, fellowship and worship. Are we connected to Christ? Remember, just like a sunflower, it is not how tall you grow, but that you remain connected.

For More See JOHN or DISCIPLESHIP

Worship the King

12/22/2024

Matthew 2:1-12
The other day as I walked into church I was swarmed by some bubbly bouncing children. Hollering out my name they excitedly asked, “Do you know what day it is?” I was certain that it was Saturday, but decided to play along, “No, I do not know what day it is.” It was then that it all spilled out from various directions, one of them had a birthday that day and another one had a birthday the very next day. With all the excitement and jumping around I was able to join in the celebration by singing Happy Birthday. As Christmas is almost upon us I am getting very excited. Do you know whose birthday it is? In Matthew 2 we pick up the Christmas story of some very excited Magi, commonly known as Wisemen. These men were led by God to come and worship the new king that was born (1-2). Their inquiry of the new king deeply troubled the current king (3-6) because he and the others surrounding him were not interested in another king (7-8). Disregarding the discouraging response the Magi remained intent on following God’s direction to the new born king (9). Arriving at the house they were not somber. Instead they were filled with joy (10) and humbly honored Jesus, the baby born to be our Savior and king (11-12). God graciously invited the foreign dignitaries to come and worship and they did so with honest joyful expectation. Do you know whose birthday it is? At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Like the Magi, a true desire to worship will align our heart with God’s in a proper attitude of joy and humility that seeks to serve Him alone with all that we have. This Christmas lets truly celebrate the birth of Jesus as we submit to Him as the king of our life.

For More See MATTHEW or CHRISTMAS

Proclaim the Gospel

8/25/2024

1 Timothy 1:12-17
My Grandma was one who made sure that we stayed warm by making various winter garments. I recall one Christmas my brothers and I opened our gifts to find our own matching pair of mittens plus a hat. These were not just any normal hat and gloves, these were double thick. Grandma made them with two layers of yarn that doubled the thickness and the warmth. In fact, that hat was so warm I remember sweating while wearing it in the middle of winter. Different people commented on the hat and asked where I got it. That was my cue to tell them that it was my Christmas gift from Grandma. In much the same way Paul is saying the same thing to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:12-14, Paul proclaims the gospel message because God has given him the gift of salvation and enabled him to serve (12), even though his past sin was great (13). He then turns and challenges Timothy to proclaim the gospel message of salvation (15-17). This is opposite of the false teachers, who had a message that was without substance and value because they did not hold to the truth of the gospel message (1:6). Paul’s exhortation to the young pastor, Timothy, is to keep Christ and His work on the cross central in his beliefs, teaching and practice. The same is true for us today. When we understand the greatness of our sin, and the greatness of God’s work, we will naturally proclaim the greatness of God and worship Him (17). In ministry, our past is to be an opportunity to display God’s grace in the present. Our guilt and shame of past sin do not limit God’s power in transforming the worst of sinners into His greatest servants. True ministers will view sin in light of grace and be an example pointing others to Christ and the gift of salvation He has given.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Participate in Worship

7/14/2024

Psalm 95
Last night I walked outside before heading off to bed. The evening was quiet except for the singing of crickets, the occasional faint rumble of distant thunder, and the systematic staccato flash of lightning. The pitch black night sky was illuminated by the continued and consistent bursts of lightning that almost hurt the eyes to look at. Without a doubt, I knew there was a storm brewing because of what I saw. The pulsating flashes in the night sky announced that God was doing something. Just as the night sky as not silent about God’s work neither should the believer in Jesus be silent about His work in their life and world. In Acts 2:46-47 we see that the believers in the early church were beacons that displayed God’s greatness through their committed worship and devotion to God. What is our worship like? Do we have the same enthusiasm for God like the early church? Did you realize that believers in Jesus Christ are designed by God to be worshipers? Just as lightning lights up the night sky, we are to declare the praises of God who has saved us (1 Peter 2:9). So how do we worship? Psalm 95 provides a good starting point in directing our worship. The author begins with an invitation, and challenges his audience to participate in worship of the LORD (1-2). We are to worship God who is great (3-5) and proclaim His greatness (7). However, like the Psalmist, we must come to worship in humility (6). Worship is more than the songs we sing. Worship is a personal and corporate lifestyle honoring God. We are to sing and declare His praises, but we are also to daily live the reality of His power displayed through us. Like lightning, we as believers we are to be beacons that display God’s greatness through our committed worship of Him.

For More See PSALMS

Service: What Must I Do?

3/10/2024

Matthew 26:6-16
The other day my yard was invaded by a bunch of kids, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We started with games like tug of war, and ended with a big fire. The definition of a fire is a spark that ignites oxygen and fuel. On a cold day the warmth of a fire is nice. But, have you noticed that a fire on a warm day also draws you in? Why? What is it about a fire that attracts us? The movement of the flame is intriguing; the light from the flame is illuminating; the warmth of the flame is inviting. Is that not also true about Jesus? What He does in our world is intriguing. The truth of His words illuminate the darkness of our lives, and His presence invites us into the warmth of a relationship with Him. Like a fire we see that Mary was repeatedly drawn into a relationship with Jesus her Savior. She sat at Jesus feet, listening to Jesus, while Martha made the meal (Luke 10:38-42). She bowed down at Jesus feet, grieving the death of her brother Lazarus (John 11:28-32). Now, at the meal with the disciples, she worships at the feet of Jesus (Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). Mary willingly gave her most valued possession in service to Christ. She had a passion to be with, to worship and to serve Jesus, her Savior. In much the same way our love and worship for Jesus should fill the air around us like Mary’s perfume. Do we have that same passion to be with Jesus and sit at His feet and serve Him? We can sit at Jesus feet by spending time listening to His word, responding in prayer and doing what honors Him. Mary’s love for Jesus, and faith in Him, filled the room. Like a fire, may our faith in our Savior draw others into the warmth of His love for them.

Fore more see MATTHEW or EASTER

What is the Church?

1/28/2024

Matthew 16:13-20
“Throw the rocks into the woods and listen to the music they make… rock music!” We all groaned at the joke that our gym teacher had just made. It all started as the weather began to warm, the rocks began to show up and our Jr. High teacher who was also the track coach saw a need. The problem that needed to be addressed was that the gravel running track around the school was full of rocks that would cause tripping or twisted ankle hazards for the track team. His simple solution was to get each and every gym glass outside to throw rocks into the woods and thus clean the track for the runners. However, multiple rocks making multiple thuds is not music in any form. Yet, often we think of the church in that way. We look at what the church does and use that to define what the church is. The function of the church can never define the church. Instead the church finds its source in who God is as one who has a passion for people (Luke 19:10) and a desire for true worshipers (John 4:23-34). Out of that passion and purpose God created something new through the new promise given in the blood of Christ to create a new community of worshipers who are connected through belief in Christ and under the direction of the Spirit. A proper understanding of who God is leads to a correct definition of the church. This in turn directs the function of the church, one that has a passion to whole heartedly follow and worship God. In Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus states that He will build His church (18). Many people have misapplied this passage to historical or present day people. Notice however that Jesus words are a reference to Himself and His action of building His church. Still today we struggle with the idea that our actions are what build a church. In doing so we define the church by what the church does rather than by who the church is founded on. It is just like saying that rocks make music. When we believe that our actions build the church that is not music to God’s ears… it is just a dull thud, like rocks falling in the woods.

For more see MATTHEW or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Invitation to Worship

6/18/2023

Psalm 95
Do you remember the school song from your high school or college days? Most schools will have some sort of theme song that is used on various occasions to emphasize the school and its values. I vividly recall one song from one of my previous schools. The song All Hail the Power of Jesus Name was written by Edward Perronet and it captures, in words and music, the picture of honor and submission given to Jesus as the King above all kings. The words of the first verse begin,
All hail the pow’r of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall, Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, crown Him, and crown Him Lord of all.
I still remember sitting in chapel and hearing the words of the chorus echo through the auditorium. Crown Him, crown Him, crown Him rolled like thunder through the student body each time we lifted our voices in praise. The worship of God is an expression of praise from our lips, but it is also the submission of our heart, our attitude, and ultimately our life to the King of all. For us as people the concept of submission is often difficult. We as people, at the core, are rebellious and prideful, as we seek our own way apart from God. Our worship of God is not looking for what we can get from God. Instead, the worship of our life and our words is to seek the glory of God by declaring His greatness and submitting to His way in our life. May the constant worship of our great God and savior Jesus Christ continuously roll through our lives each day with thunderous reverberation as we crown Him Lord of all. So, like Psalm 95, I invite you to join me in worship. It is a simple invitation that you can pass on to others as well. Come let us worship and bow down.

For more see PSALMS or INVITATION SERIES

Satisfaction

3/19/2023

Jeremiah 2:1-19
Have you heard the word “Hangry?” No, that is not a typo. Hangry is a made up word that is a combination of hungry and angry. Basically the word describes how we can become irritable and often angry when we are hungry. Because our stomach is not satisfied it affects us physically and emotionally and we can become easily angered. The problem is when we feel the hunger pangs coming we have a tendency to eat something, or anything, to ease the hunger. We seek the fast, and often unhealthy solution to being hangry, rather than food that is healthy and nutritious. The same is true spiritually. We have a tendency to not be satisfied with God’s solution and wander away seeking our own satisfaction. The nation of Israel had the same problem. They wanted their solution immediately, and thus wandered from God, and what He provided, which was best. Jeremiah 2:13 states that the people have forsaken God and sought their own solutions. In this verse, Jeremiah describes sources of water. The water that God provides is an unlimited pure spring that gives what is best. The people have become dissatisfied with the best, as Jeremiah illustrates, and have sought to store water their own way. The problem is that the supply is limited, the water is not pure, and the self made cistern is failing. What a picture of dissatisfaction with God and pride that leads to a failed self made solution. Even today, God desires that we follow Him and not seek our solutions for life. We find that we are satisfied with God as we seek His wisdom, follow His ways, and listen to His word. That will keep us from wandering from His presence, and encourage our declaration that He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion. With God satisfaction is guaranteed. We can always trust Him to satisfy us with His goodness.

For more see JEREMIAH or DISCIPLESHIP

Reflections on Worship

2/13/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
The sun was just setting in the western sky as I stepped our for a short evening walk. However, my eyes were distracted by the sight of flashing beacons on a plane as it flew overhead. My prayer was, “Lord, you know that we live in a busy world where we use what you have given us and flaunt our power only to neglect your power and grace that you display in the simplicity of the setting sun. Thanks for allowing me to see that illustrated before me.” In almost the next instant, my ears heard the scream of an ambulance and my eyes caught a glimpse of its flashing lights as they sought to solve someone’s emergency. Then in perfect contrast, from the other side, my ears heard the joyful honk of geese as they peacefully winged their way to their evening rest. Again my thoughts turned to praise, “Thank you God that you have placed us here to be your witnesses to people in pain, and yet we are still blessed to hear creation sing out your praise.” This simple stroll outside illustrates that worship of our great God can occur anytime and any place. Psalm 95 gives two invitations, first the invitation to praise God (1), and second the invitation to worship Him (7). As we recognize the greatness of God we should be drawn to honor and worship Him. Along with the psalmist, I invite you to come and sing out your praise to God through a heart full of worship. His greatness is on display for all our world to see. May you hear creation sing out our Creators praise, and hear the call to come and worship Him for His greatness and grace that He constantly puts on display for us.

For more see PSALMS

Why Meet Together?

2/12/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
Much preparation has taken place, and now we gather with friends and family to share the joys and sorrows of a win or a loss. We honor and cheer the hero’s of the play by calling them the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). It does not matter if it is Football and the Super Bowl, Baseball and the World Series, Hockey and the Stanley Cup, Soccer and the World Cup, or Tennis and a Grand Slam, we participate with passion, and praise the people with the greatest of plays. There is nothing wrong with enjoying sports as a participant or a passionate observer. But, let’s stop and think for a moment about how this same drive relates to the spiritual life. What if that same preparation, passion and practice were true of our spiritual lives? Those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior have become part of His family and His body the church (Colossians 1:18). However, unlike sports, the purpose of our gathering is not to praise the ones who are seen, but the One who is unseen. The believer displays the authenticity of their relationship with God through their fellowship with other believers and their worship of God. Much like a sports game, but in a spiritual arena, fellowship is a shared partnership, purpose, and participation. In fellowship the believer connects with other believers in Jesus to strengthen their faith, participate in service for God, and grow in passion for God who saved them. Our purpose of gathering in church and fellowship with other believers is to display the greatness of our Savior through our lives and our words. Everything about us is to scream and shout that God alone is worthy of our total devotion. On earth there may be people that we celebrate, but as believers in Christ we must always worship and celebrate Jesus as the greatest of all time.

For more see PSALMS or DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus Role as King

12/22/2022

Matthew 2:1-18
Giggles and wiggles… that is the best way to describe grandchildren. The birth of children is a special time for any family, but even more exciting for grandparents. Placed side by side or seeing a picture you will notice that the main similarity between grandparents and the new baby is wrinkles! Grandchildren bring new life and hope for the family to be lived out through this little one. There is a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren often because the stress and pressures of living life are removed. There is an understanding of grace, in that they have done nothing to gain this bond, and yet they get to enjoy the peace and wonder of the relationship. In Matthew 2 we see the Magi come and visit the new born King. These men were not from the nation of Israel yet God, in His grace, displayed a star for them to follow. This sign that they knew and understood led them to the new born King. They did not belong, yet they were invited by God and led by the star to Jesus. Their only desire was to see the King and worship this baby as King. As they worshiped the new born King others ignored Him or worse yet plotted to destroy Him. This Christmas we have a choice in how we worship Jesus, our King and Savior. Jesus came as King to do what was necessary, and make it possible, that all who believe in Him as Savior will be made right with God. I hope that we approach Him with wonder, and with joy sit enthralled in His presence, truly honoring Him as the King sent by God to save us. I hope that we clearly understand that the God of the universe sent His one and only Son to not only dwell with us but also to be our Savior. May we like the wisemen seek the King and worship by thanking Him for His gift of grace to us.

For more see MATTHEW or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Jesus Role as Priest

12/22/2022

John 17
Have you ever gone to a doctor and felt like they did not listen or care? You probably walked out and looked for another doctor. We expect doctors to have our best interest in mind. They are giving us advice and researched opinions regarding our health. They have the job of making us better. Similarly, Jesus as a priest is deeply concerned about the spiritual health of people. A priest will offer sacrifices for sin, guide in true worship and help restore mankind to God. In John 17 we see Jesus express a passionate interest in His disciples and other future believers in Him. He is requesting that the Father guide, protect and unify His disciples. He desires that His followers accept His gift of salvation and know that they are kept securely in that salvation by the Father. He also seeks their transformation through the revealed word of God so they will share the greatness of Him with others. Jesus, as priest, is the one who seeks God’s best for mankind. This Christmas I hope that you grow in your joy knowing that Jesus came to save us, change us and cure us from the sickness of sin.

For more see JOHN or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Be Still

10/23/2022

Psalm 46
Where I grew up there was a simple saying… “Two men working together can do the work of three or four men working alone.” You would think that it is not possible, but it is. The sheer efficiency and ability to team up on a project, plus the boost of morale helps the team of two accomplish much more together than multiple people alone. I have seen that truth play out in physical life and also in spiritual life. For those of us who know Christ as Savior, we have a partner and strong refuge that we can always rely on. Psalm 46 reminds us as people that God is as a strong defender. This Psalm is written as a song reminding the hearer that God’s power is sufficient for victory over the disasters experienced in nature and the conflicts brought on by nations. Psalm 46 describes God’s strength (1-3), and presence (4-7) that are essential for us to function in a world that is falling apart. We can respond in confidence to the chaos of our world as we worship God who is not only present but powerful to protect (8-11). When we stop our own striving and effort (10), we then have the space to be still and observe who God is and what He does. This Psalm reminds us to praise God for the victory He brings because of His strength and presence. The problem is the difference between knowing that truth and practicing that truth. When I am still and stop my striving, I realize that God is at work in my world for His honor and His praise. He can only be lifted up or exalted as I cease trying to solve my battles my way. When I pause and rest in God, others will take notice and see God’s strength. Have you teamed up with God or are you trying to work out your life alone and on your own?

For more see PSALMS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

Act Justly: The Corruption of People

5/29/2022

Micah 1:1-2:2
Roman mythology personifies justice as a blindfolded woman holding scales and a sword. The scales are used to represent a balanced view of the case, which shows support and also opposition to the competing sides. The blindfold is meant to symbolize that justice is to be impartial, not showing favoritism to any side, any person or be influenced in any way. Finally, the sword pictures the authority that justice holds to bring final judgment in the case at hand. Often justice is measured from the view of the one that has been harmed unjustly. However, justice should be measured by a fair judge who is pure and unbiased. Seeking justice on a human level will always be faulty, because of our flawed and sinful human character. The human mind and emotions will not always be impartial and accurate. On the other hand justice from God will always be accurate because God is pure. In Micah chapter 1 the prophet sees God’s coming judgment on his people because of their sin. God delivers His authoritative message through Micah stating that He as the just judge will bring judgment on the sinful (2-5). Micah sees the way sin has corrupted the people and through his tears calls the people to repent of their sinful ways (8-16). God seeks a pure people who will worship Him alone and put into practice what they know from God to be true and just. This passage helps us see that justice is based on God’s authoritative discerning judgment. Do we submit to God’s authority on a daily basis? Do we worship the giver of correction and seek His perspective? Do we put to use daily what we know to be true spiritually? Justice is God’s correct action that corrects us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and is an accurate reflection of Him toward others.

For more see MICAH

The Vision of Jesus Christ

2/6/2022

Revelation 1:9-20
With the Winter Olympics just around the corner we wait, hoping our favorite athletes overcome the obstacles and opponents and win. Yet this one moment and victory in time is not just by chance. If it was by chance then every one of us would be in the Olympics looking for our chance. In fact the athletes that we cheer for have been preparing, practicing and persevering in their sporting event for years. They have restricted their diet and refused certain activities all to focus on their development and training. In Revelation 1:9-11 John recounts how he arrived on the island of Patmos. Very simply he was exiled to the island because of his teaching and preaching about Jesus. In the midst of his persecution and banishment he was able to be an encouragement to the people and churches addressed in this letter. John was a spiritual brother and fellow partaker in the tribulations and spiritual blessings that the audience was experiencing (vs. 9). Then in verse 10 John mentions being in the Spirit in fellowship and worship of God. In these verses we see that John does not allow his circumstance to change his relationship with other believers; neither does he allow his circumstance to change his worship. It was through his exile on Patmos that God spoke and told him to write (vs. 11) what became the book of Revelation. It is often easy for us to allow our circumstances to impact our spiritual perspective and even our spiritual life. Note that John’s life was not easy and yet it is out of the trials which he was in that God called him and used him. Perhaps God is preparing you through your present circumstances for something He has not yet revealed. Practice faithfulness to Christ in the present.

For more see REVELATION

Waiting on God: Hopeful and Expectant

1/2/2022

Psalm 42 & 43
Today I am getting help … my second granddaughter is helping me write this. At one point she and her older sister had a dental appointment. Like every good dentist the kids received toys and everyone was happy, well that is, at least until they got home. A problem developed because the older sister got a green car and the young one did not. Being the sisters that they are, the car was not shared. The little one helping me write this really wanted a car. She could look at her sisters car but could not play with it. The more she looked at the car the more she wanted one for herself. She thought and worked out schemes to take her sisters play car for herself. The jealous desire for the toy car caused relationship friction and fights all because one had what the other wanted. Jealousy and greed are the evil twins of the same problem. Greed wants what another has while jealousy is discontent that someone else has what you want. It is a problem that starts in our corrupted hearts when we are young and grows with us unless we get God’s help to deal with it. There was a man named Korah in the Bible who was a grumbling leader and fought for his own way (see Numbers 16). However, his descendants learned a valuable lesson about jealousy, greed and personal pride. God used them to write a number of worship Psalms including Psalm 42 & 43. Oh yes, you are wondering how the car situation was resolved. Well, it took a bit of time and another visit to the dentist where the one who was without a car was able to get her own blue car. Funny how God worked that out, just like the He did with the descendants of Korah.

For more see PSALMS or DISCIPLESHIP

Wisemen: Worship the God of Grace

12/26/2021

Matthew 2:1-18
Giggles and wiggles… that is the best way to describe grandchildren. The birth of children is a special time for any family, but even more exciting for grandparents. Placed side by side or seeing a picture you will notice that the main similarity between grandparents and the new baby is wrinkles! Grandchildren bring new life and hope for the family to be lived out through this little one. There is a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren often because the stress and pressures of living life are removed. There is an understanding of grace, in that they have done nothing to gain this bond, and yet they get to enjoy the peace and wonder of the relationship. In Matthew 2 we see the Magi come and visit the new born King. These men were not from the nation of Israel yet God, in His grace, displayed a star for them to follow. This sign that they knew and understood led them to the new born King. They did not belong, yet they were invited by God and led by the star to Jesus. Their only desire was to see the King and worship this baby as King. As they worshiped the new born King others ignored Him or worse yet plotted to destroy Him. This Christmas we have a choice in how we worship Jesus, our King and Savior. I hope that we approach Him with wonder, and with joy sit enthralled in His presence, truly honoring Him as the King sent by God to save us. I hope that we clearly understand that the God of the universe sent His one and only Son to not only dwell with us but also to be our Savior. May we like the wisemen seek Him and worship by thanking Him for His gift of grace to us.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Worship in Faith

9/26/2021

Exodus 12
Quite a while ago I had to get my vehicle worked on and the mechanic noticed the parking permit on my windshield and asked, “Are you a preacher?” I responded affirming his observation. At that point he became a bit embarrassed about his poor choice of words at times. I assured him that I was not offended. A short while later I went to pay the bill by providing a debit card. Unknown to us there was a problem with the machine that day. As he scanned my card the machine responded with the message “Redemption.” He looked at me in shock and said, “You must really be a preacher even the machine says so.” The first card did not work so I produced a second, and the same message of “Redemption” appeared. He looked at me with a smile and said, “Well I can’t believe it, I have had redemption twice in one day.” He was amazed that I forgave him and I praised God for the past conversations and His present work in the life of this man. That is worship. However, often we think that worship only happens at church. Worship is much more than what happens one day a week for one hour at church. Worship involves all of life (see Romans 12:1-2). In Exodus 12 God institutes a special feast so the people would continue to remember His powerful action of deliverance from Egypt (1-11). It was to be a joy filled celebration remembering God’s power and faithfulness (14-28). Like the nation of Israel we are called to worship by remembering God’s action of redemption through Christ. In doing so we reaffirm our belief and help others renew their faith in the God of redemption. Let us worship in faith and live to proclaim God’s redemption.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

God of Power

9/12/2021

Exodus 7-11
Buzz… There it was, an active bee nest under an old tree in the corner of my yard. On my own I was powerless to handle them. I would be stung and forced into submission, running from their nest. However, I knew that there was a cure for this conqueror of my yard. A simple can of bee spray knocked out the nest. I needed the bee spray to free me from the problem of being held captive by angry and aggressive bees. In Exodus 7-10 Moses, under God’s direction, continues to confront Pharaoh and demand that Israel be released to worship God. Repeatedly Pharaoh refuses and God proceeds to bring ten plagues as judgment against Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. Through each of these plagues God displays His supreme power over the strength of Pharaoh and the gods that Egypt worshiped. But, Pharaoh refused to submit and the plagues increased in severity. The first ones started by bringing difficulty, then they moved to bringing sever discomfort and finally destruction of the nation. The most powerful nation of its time found its economy, resources and people in shambles. All of this brings up an important question. How do we respond when we are confronted with God’s power? Do we continue to fight God and firmly hold to our incorrect beliefs and our power like Pharaoh? Remember, the bees could not withstand the power of the bee spray and Pharaoh could not stand against God’s power. We need to respond to God’s display of power in our life and world by submitting to Him. God desires that we recognize Him as God alone, worship Him as God alone and follow Him alone. May God give us the faith to follow Him completely as we trust in His power for each day.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Who is God? Creator, Redeemer, Restorer

6/13/2021

Genesis 1, Genesis 3, Acts 2, Revelation 7
This past week I was saddened when I was made aware of the passing of two people. One was an elderly man and the other was a young woman. Both were described as adventurous and joyful, both had contracted cancer, but both had trusted Jesus as their savior. They lived life differently because of Christ and they lived to bring honor to God their savior as His image bearer. We are created by God and bear His image (Genesis 1:26-27). We resemble our creator in the aspect of being relational people in need of relationship with God and others (Genesis 1:28-29). The results of Adam and Eve’s sin (Genesis 3) have led to broken relationships with God and others, distorted worship of our self and others instead of God, and the destruction of murder by taking the life of others created in God’s image. Peter proclaims that Jesus came and was crucified thus becoming the source of salvation for all people (Acts 2:36). This message rang true and 3000 people respond (Acts 2:37-41). The church was started and redeemed people were now restored to worship their creator and redeemer. All those who are redeemed from sin by faith in Jesus Christ will one day be united together in their praise of their savior (Revelation 7:9-10). In Christ the divisions of geography, race and language are removed as people from every tribe, and nation worship their creator and redeemer as part of the family of God. We start our journey of faith here on earth but it continues forever in heaven through the worship of our creator, redeemer and restorer. The two that I mentioned earlier are doing just that.

For more see QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Restoration for a Purpose

5/18/2020

2 Chronicles 7:14
Recently there has been an explosion of new TV shows dealing with home renovations. They may be from the simple one room job to the whole house. A time frame is given, the work begins and we watch the transformation take place before our eyes. The problem with a renovation is that the builder has to deal with the original building design. If any of that is changed … well the cost goes up. Upon examination of 2 Chronicles 7:14 we see that God is the one who acts to restore His people in response to their humility. The difficulty for us today is that we say we believe in the strength of God, but very often do not live as if God is strong enough to redeem and restore our lives for His purposes. God desires to return people to their original purpose as worshipers in relationship with Him. You may look around at your world right now and think it is a mess. God is in the business of redemption and restoration. By His strength He will do more than renovate. His work in our lives is always the very best.

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

Saturated Sponge

4/6/2020

Colossians 3:16-17
The other day I went looking for a plain old sponge in the store. I did not want the ones with a scrub pad on one side I just wanted an ordinary sponge. The job I had in mind was for the sponge to soak up water and hold that water. I needed that sponge to be able to transfer the water to a bucket. But, have you ever had a sponge sit unused for such a long time that it turns hard? Time without water and the sponge becomes brittle. In order to rejuvenate the sponge it needs to be immersed in water to bring it back to its full functional form. In the same way Paul challenges his readers to let God’s Word into their lives so it stays in their lives. In doing so the Word will permeate every part of their life. Just like water in a sponge we need to allow God’s Word to alter every part of our life including our expressions of joy, our functions of faith all the way down to the foundation of our fears. The life truly lived for Christ will display the life changing power of His word. The more we let God’s Word in the more it will come dripping out like a useful saturated sponge.

Location Dedication

3/23/2020

Nehemiah 12:31-43
Location, location, location; these three words are a realtor’s dream and a business owner’s hope. The dream is to find the right house in the right location and place the business where the most people will see it. But, what about all of the other locations? In a way, this question is similar to what we see in Nehemiah 11-12. Some of the people were assigned to live in the city and others were living outside in the surrounding towns. Everyone had a job to do even though the wall was completed. There were ongoing jobs that were needed to support the economy and the temple but everyone was involved in the one job of worship and praise of God as the wall was dedicated. Together they raised their voices and made their joy heard by all. Like the people of Israel, together let us raise our voices and joyfully proclaim the greatness of our God to all who will hear. Just like the people of Nehemiah’s day, we are here for God’s purpose in this location.