That's Good to Hear

This past Sunday a guest brought an announcement to our congregation about a local help organization that we support. This person got up to speak a couple minutes after we had finished worship. She said that she was so overwhelmed by the worship and music that she had to take a minute to collect herself. It was evident that she was having a bit of trouble gathering herself.

It is quite refreshing to hear of a newcomer expressing the impact of the worship that we often as 'old-timers' can take for granted. We are so blessed here at Abundant Life Church with an amazing worship team. Our Director of Worship, Jeff Knowlen, has over two decades of experience leading worship. He is doing a phenomenal job and is endeavoring to keep it fresh by introducing new and current songs. He is also bringing in the young to be sure that the baton is passed to the next generation. I am grateful that my own children are a part of that.

It is just good to hear that the Holy Spirit is still having His way during our worship and that He is experienced in such a powerful way by individuals. That is what it is all about. Our mission is "to effectively communicate biblical truth in a way that transforms lives." Well, we were effective this past Sunday through the music and worship. People experienced the truth that God is real and loves them.

The Bible tells us that He inhabits the praises of His people. We are so privileged to be able to enjoy the Presence of God. We can have His presence anytime, but it is more evident when we join together in praising and worshiping God together. That is biblical, too, as we see it in many places of scripture where God manifests Himself extraordinarily in the midst of people worshiping together.

I also heard a couple days ago from a family that moved away. They said that they so missed our church. That is good to hear, too. We are causing people to be transformed by our continued ministry of holding up the Word of Truth in relevant ways.

Just Not Good Enough

Have you ever felt like you did your best, but still you came up short? Your heart was right, but how it turned out was not how it was planned? I sure have. I felt like what I was doing was just not good enough. So, what do you do?

I have gotten mad, and upset, disappointed and even disillusioned. I have wanted to quit and run away. You know, just like the airline commercial -- "Ever want to get away!" The announcer says that right after someone innocently knocked over all the store shelves or something.

Well, after you settle down and think about it, you can't run away. You have to deal with it. You have to stay motivated to your expectations and do your best. If it's not working, try it another way, or even get help -- coaching even. You have to keep trying your best. Don't give up now.

Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. NIV

Even though others may not see your heart and the effort you are putting in. God knows and He is the one that rewards you anyway. Though others are quick to judge and even make you feel condemned, keep yourself motivated by looking at the promises of God. Ask Him to help you and then keep the faith. You will reap wonderful results if you don't give up!

No One Likes Change

Over the years I have learned first hand that no one likes change. We all like to settle into a nice routine that is comfortable and convenient. We usually are involved in something because it fits our schedule and we like it. That is naturally the way most of us operate.

I am amazed to find that when we are forced to change, and sometimes we have to be forced, it is not as bad as we thought it would be. Then, we actually end up getting it into a new routine and a few months later we don't really think about it too much.

Change is for our good. Growth requires change. So, think about what you can change that will make you a better person. I know I need to start exercising again. It's getting it started that is the hard part. Making it routine and habitual will come later, at least we hope. If we can keep at it long enough to see some results, then it is easier to keep with it.

When you change by God's leading, you know it is for your best. Often we want to do it differently, or at least a lot quicker. But, go with God. Let Him have His way. Know that the change will cause His best to flow into your life. The Bible says it like this in Phillipians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

If you've been forced to change a job, or how things are done, or how you relate to your kids, or friends, look for the silver lining of that cloud. Find what you need for growth and go with it. I look to see you this time next year to be different; changed.

Pomp and Circumstance

As we approach the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we first remember His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. A large crowd of people preceded Him putting their coats and palm branches on the ground in front of Him as He came in riding on a donkey (as was prophesied). There was a large crowd before and after Him crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matt. 21:9). (Hosanna - A Hebrew expression meaning "Save!" which became an exclamation of praise).

There is much pomp and circumstance for national leaders that come to the U.S. I have seen the greatly and lavishly decorated rooms that the State Department uses to entertain state dignitaries. There are priceless artifacts and many are two hundred years old or more. They don't have reproductions of furniture, it is the real deal. I think that it is important to honor those that lead and serve their nations and peoples as long as it does not go to their heads. Wealth and honor can be deserved and is great for a nation as long as all the boats rise with the high tide together.

With shouts of praise and proclamations of Jesus being the long promised Messiah, He enters the capital of Israel. What a sight. It says that the whole city was stirred. Jesus did not stop them from this as He had before. Because it was now time for His true identity to be proclaimed. The praise and adoration of the people was deserved for the sinless, and compassionate Son of God. Of course, in a few days, He would be brought before a similar crowd and the people would shout to crucify Him. People, the masses, the crowd, are not to be followed as they can easily be turned by fear or reward. Follow Jesus only, not what is popular.

Let's set our hearts to celebrate the Savior, Jesus Christ, this Palm Sunday. Let's proclaim Him as Savior to the world and testify of His saving grace that transformed our lives as well. He is worthy. He took the praise, but He also took the extreme abuse for you and me. Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest!