Dear Worshipers,
Come, Let Us Adore Him. That is my call to you in this season. Though a familiar phrase to all of us I pray it will ring with freshness in your ear and then your heart as we go through advent and into the Christmas season.
Many of our Christmas carols give us wonderful opportunity to sing of the story of the coming of the Christ. They let us proclaim that to each other and to send the greatest story ever told to those who have not yet heard it. But many of them do not give us much opportunity to sing to the Lord.
Adeste Fidelis [O Come All Ye Faithful] is no different. Though it has a passing line sung directly to Jesus, many of the lines are encouragements to come and adore Him, sung to the faithful, the angels, even the “citizens of heav’n above”. This is all good, but it leaves the joyful feeling a little incomplete. Paul Baloche, the writer of “Offering” which we sang this past Sunday, adds “O Jesus, we adore You” after the final chorus to give the worshiper a chance to respond to all that admonishment. I love that.
You may remember a chorus that I introduced to the church last Christmas titled “I Adore You”. [Check out worshipideas.com for a pdf of the song] The intent was the same as Baloche’s added chorus above, to give the worshiper the chance to sing to Jesus. As I was singing through this jus today, I encountered the Lord in a fresh way. One of the lines says, “Jesus, I was made to love You.” The Spirit quickened my conscience with that truth, and I worshipped the Lord, as I was made to do.
The challenge for me in that moment was the realization that I have many things on my agenda that I have to do. But I must be careful to be certain that I take the time to do the thing I was created to do. Even to allow all those things to be expressions of service to the Savior whom I love. If they are not, something must change, either my attitude or my agenda.
As you make your way through the busy holiday season, make certain you are taking time to adore Him. After all, that is what you were made to do. Come, let us adore Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
Give Thanks
Dear Worshipers,
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136.1 (NIV)
Sometimes it is easy to be thankful. Everything’s going your way. Finances are in order. Family is getting along. Friends are helpful, happy and healthy. Fears are stilled. It is easy in those moments to give thanks to the Lord, primary because you can see His goodness so clearly.
Other times you might find yourself having a difficult time being thankful. Checkbook is out of balance. Children are fighting. Companions are sad and sick. Concerns are looming. In these moments it can be very difficult to thank the Lord, primarily because you might not be able to see His goodness as clearly, if at all.
But let us always remember the last part of the verse. His love endures forever. It may look differently at times, but it endures. It may seem near sometimes and far away at others, but it still endures. It never fails. Forever is a really long time.
I was clinging to this last week as I drove with Sarah to Charleston to see my father-in-law. Having been transferred there from Beckley where they had started angioplasty, he had experienced a heart attack and in surgery undergoing a quadruple bypass. As I drove down I-79 we prayed, some together, some separately. All the while we were trusting in God’s enduring love. We hoped we would arrive to find that he had come through surgery beautifully, that he had not bled though he had been on blood thinners just days before, that the Lord was going to give him a little more time with us here.
Chances of all that happening were not great. A few doctors at WVU told him last spring they would not do the surgery because they felt as though he could not survive it. We hoped for the best, but feared the worst.
While we drove, I was thanking God for His faithful love. Thanking Him that no matter what happened I knew it was the best. Thanking him that we were close enough to get there quickly. Thanking Him for the times I had shared with Sarah’s dad. I praise God that I was able to see His goodness even in the uncertainty of the situation.
I praise God that all we prayed for He gave us. Sarah’s father came through “beautifully”, the doctors words. He did not bleed. Praise the Lord! That we would have a chance to talk to him even later that day, and then the next. He is not out of the words yet, still on a ventilator, but yes I am thanking God for His love, the expression of His goodness to our family in these days.
Next time you face some uncertainty, maybe later today. Thank God. Thank God right now that when that time comes you are confident His love will be faithful. Thank God for the way you are experiencing that today.
Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He certainly is good. His faithful love endures forever.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136.1 (NIV)
Sometimes it is easy to be thankful. Everything’s going your way. Finances are in order. Family is getting along. Friends are helpful, happy and healthy. Fears are stilled. It is easy in those moments to give thanks to the Lord, primary because you can see His goodness so clearly.
Other times you might find yourself having a difficult time being thankful. Checkbook is out of balance. Children are fighting. Companions are sad and sick. Concerns are looming. In these moments it can be very difficult to thank the Lord, primarily because you might not be able to see His goodness as clearly, if at all.
But let us always remember the last part of the verse. His love endures forever. It may look differently at times, but it endures. It may seem near sometimes and far away at others, but it still endures. It never fails. Forever is a really long time.
I was clinging to this last week as I drove with Sarah to Charleston to see my father-in-law. Having been transferred there from Beckley where they had started angioplasty, he had experienced a heart attack and in surgery undergoing a quadruple bypass. As I drove down I-79 we prayed, some together, some separately. All the while we were trusting in God’s enduring love. We hoped we would arrive to find that he had come through surgery beautifully, that he had not bled though he had been on blood thinners just days before, that the Lord was going to give him a little more time with us here.
Chances of all that happening were not great. A few doctors at WVU told him last spring they would not do the surgery because they felt as though he could not survive it. We hoped for the best, but feared the worst.
While we drove, I was thanking God for His faithful love. Thanking Him that no matter what happened I knew it was the best. Thanking him that we were close enough to get there quickly. Thanking Him for the times I had shared with Sarah’s dad. I praise God that I was able to see His goodness even in the uncertainty of the situation.
I praise God that all we prayed for He gave us. Sarah’s father came through “beautifully”, the doctors words. He did not bleed. Praise the Lord! That we would have a chance to talk to him even later that day, and then the next. He is not out of the words yet, still on a ventilator, but yes I am thanking God for His love, the expression of His goodness to our family in these days.
Next time you face some uncertainty, maybe later today. Thank God. Thank God right now that when that time comes you are confident His love will be faithful. Thank God for the way you are experiencing that today.
Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He certainly is good. His faithful love endures forever.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Worship and the Word
Dear Ministry Team Members
Below I hope you will find Part 1 of a series of articles about Worship and the Word. THough I have note received them all I enjoyed this very much. I think you will see why as you read. My concept of corporate worship, actually worship in general, is revelationand response. This is a good beginning at defining that more clearly.
If you like it there is information as to how to subscribe to the weekly newsletter yourself. I get this every week and always find it thought provoking. I trust you will as well.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
From: Worship Matters [mailto:Worship_Matters@crosswalkmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2005 10:26 AMTo: worship@cmachurch.netSubject: Mail FilterCrosswalk - Worship Matters: Worship and the Word, Part 1, November 15, 2005
Worship and the Word, Part 1
Craig Cabaniss
This week we begin a guest series by my friend, Craig Cabaniss, a pastor from San Diego, based on an outstanding message he gave at the recent Sovereign Grace Ministries worship conference. - Bob Kauflin
As a Christian father, one of my goals is to foster in each of my children the heart of a worshiper. Some time ago I experienced what I thought was a breakthrough in this area. While at work in my upstairs office, I overheard my 3-year-old son break into spontaneous, enthusiastic singing. "Hallelujah, hallelujah!" he repeated in a zealous, toddler melody. I paused in my work, inwardly rejoicing over my success as a parent.
As Christopher ascended the stairs, and the refrain grew in volume and intensity, I began imagining him one day writing songs and leading congregations in worship, all the while crediting his godly father's training and example. It was one of those triumphant moments a father treasures. Then he reached the top of the stairs, just as his song reached its stunning crescendo:
"Hallelujah...to... MEEEEEE!"
Stunning, indeed. Did I mention he was 3?
The truth is, we are all prone to worship ourselves - we're just more subtle about it. We are so inclined toward self-centeredness that, on our own, we could never stumble into selfless, God-focused worship. It's true - we are able to worship God only to the extent that God reveals Himself to us. Without revelation, we could not know who God is or what He is like. We could not know how to worship or what brings Him glory. My son's hallelujahs were misdirected because His worship wasn't based on revelation.
At its most basic, worship is simply man's response to God's revelation. New Testament scholar Ralph Martin writes, "The distinctive genius of corporate worship is the two-beat rhythm of revelation and response." Authentic Christian worship must be anchored in the Word of God.
Over the next few weeks, we will explore this theme as it is found in Psalm 19. In this psalm David meditates upon the wonders of God's written revelation. We will look at characteristics of Scripture and how they should inform our worship.
Before David proclaims the wonders of the Word, however, he considers God's self-revelation through a different means - the created world.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving His chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
We all know that God reveals Himself through the handiwork of creation. Who hasn't been provoked to worship by a snow-topped mountain or star-lit night? Here the psalmist is provoked to worship by the beauty and mystery of the sun and sky.
God provides His creation as revelation to all men everywhere. The beauty of the world has always provoked men to consider a transcendent Maker. But the revelation of nature isn't enough. An unbeliever can watch a sunset and discover a Supreme Being of beauty, power, and creativity, but nature doesn't reveal man's need for a savior or Christ's sacrifice for sin. That kind of revelation comes only through Scripture.
In His Word, God speaks clearly and specifically. He reveals Himself and His will for man. That's why keeping the Bible at the heart of worship is so important-it keeps our hallelujahs pointed in the right direction.
Below I hope you will find Part 1 of a series of articles about Worship and the Word. THough I have note received them all I enjoyed this very much. I think you will see why as you read. My concept of corporate worship, actually worship in general, is revelationand response. This is a good beginning at defining that more clearly.
If you like it there is information as to how to subscribe to the weekly newsletter yourself. I get this every week and always find it thought provoking. I trust you will as well.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
From: Worship Matters [mailto:Worship_Matters@crosswalkmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2005 10:26 AMTo: worship@cmachurch.netSubject: Mail FilterCrosswalk - Worship Matters: Worship and the Word, Part 1, November 15, 2005
Worship and the Word, Part 1
Craig Cabaniss
This week we begin a guest series by my friend, Craig Cabaniss, a pastor from San Diego, based on an outstanding message he gave at the recent Sovereign Grace Ministries worship conference. - Bob Kauflin
As a Christian father, one of my goals is to foster in each of my children the heart of a worshiper. Some time ago I experienced what I thought was a breakthrough in this area. While at work in my upstairs office, I overheard my 3-year-old son break into spontaneous, enthusiastic singing. "Hallelujah, hallelujah!" he repeated in a zealous, toddler melody. I paused in my work, inwardly rejoicing over my success as a parent.
As Christopher ascended the stairs, and the refrain grew in volume and intensity, I began imagining him one day writing songs and leading congregations in worship, all the while crediting his godly father's training and example. It was one of those triumphant moments a father treasures. Then he reached the top of the stairs, just as his song reached its stunning crescendo:
"Hallelujah...to... MEEEEEE!"
Stunning, indeed. Did I mention he was 3?
The truth is, we are all prone to worship ourselves - we're just more subtle about it. We are so inclined toward self-centeredness that, on our own, we could never stumble into selfless, God-focused worship. It's true - we are able to worship God only to the extent that God reveals Himself to us. Without revelation, we could not know who God is or what He is like. We could not know how to worship or what brings Him glory. My son's hallelujahs were misdirected because His worship wasn't based on revelation.
At its most basic, worship is simply man's response to God's revelation. New Testament scholar Ralph Martin writes, "The distinctive genius of corporate worship is the two-beat rhythm of revelation and response." Authentic Christian worship must be anchored in the Word of God.
Over the next few weeks, we will explore this theme as it is found in Psalm 19. In this psalm David meditates upon the wonders of God's written revelation. We will look at characteristics of Scripture and how they should inform our worship.
Before David proclaims the wonders of the Word, however, he considers God's self-revelation through a different means - the created world.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving His chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
We all know that God reveals Himself through the handiwork of creation. Who hasn't been provoked to worship by a snow-topped mountain or star-lit night? Here the psalmist is provoked to worship by the beauty and mystery of the sun and sky.
God provides His creation as revelation to all men everywhere. The beauty of the world has always provoked men to consider a transcendent Maker. But the revelation of nature isn't enough. An unbeliever can watch a sunset and discover a Supreme Being of beauty, power, and creativity, but nature doesn't reveal man's need for a savior or Christ's sacrifice for sin. That kind of revelation comes only through Scripture.
In His Word, God speaks clearly and specifically. He reveals Himself and His will for man. That's why keeping the Bible at the heart of worship is so important-it keeps our hallelujahs pointed in the right direction.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Supplication
Dear Worshipers,
Prayer. It continues to be on the front of my mind for a number of reasons. Not the least of the things keeping it there is the sermon series Pastor David is taking us through, To Be Like Jesus.
This week we turn from the preconditions of holiness to the practice of it. We begin this part of the discussion with SUPPLICATION. In our weekly meeting today, Pastor David shared with me this thought. “All spiritual disciplines are prayers. All prayers are supplications.” While he will be expanding this in Sunday, let me give you my version.
All of our life lived out before the Lord must be done in an attitude of prayer, bathed with prayer, marked by prayer. (I Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1) I have always considered our corporate worship prayer, and you may have noticed me saying things like, “As we continue in an attitude of prayer…” as we have gone from prayer to a song. But if all of our life is to be one grand act of worship (prayer) made up of a million smaller acts of worship (prayer) then of course the corporate or combined, congregated worship of the church is prayer.
Maybe you can wrap your heart around that pretty easily, but check out the next phrase. “All of our prayers are supplications.” Whether is a prayer of adoration (worship), which I have already done a scant definition of, or a prayer of intercession, thanksgiving, confession, etc., it is ultimately supplication. Why? Because in praying we are portraying our reliance on One Who is above us Who has absolute authority to grant our request or plea, i.e. glorify Your Name.
As I said, Pastor David will flesh it out much more eloquently on Sunday, but here is a place to start for you as you consider supplication. I know you are praying. The invitation to pray even more is one the way, from Pastor David this week, and from me early in the New Year. Get ready.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Prayer. It continues to be on the front of my mind for a number of reasons. Not the least of the things keeping it there is the sermon series Pastor David is taking us through, To Be Like Jesus.
This week we turn from the preconditions of holiness to the practice of it. We begin this part of the discussion with SUPPLICATION. In our weekly meeting today, Pastor David shared with me this thought. “All spiritual disciplines are prayers. All prayers are supplications.” While he will be expanding this in Sunday, let me give you my version.
All of our life lived out before the Lord must be done in an attitude of prayer, bathed with prayer, marked by prayer. (I Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1) I have always considered our corporate worship prayer, and you may have noticed me saying things like, “As we continue in an attitude of prayer…” as we have gone from prayer to a song. But if all of our life is to be one grand act of worship (prayer) made up of a million smaller acts of worship (prayer) then of course the corporate or combined, congregated worship of the church is prayer.
Maybe you can wrap your heart around that pretty easily, but check out the next phrase. “All of our prayers are supplications.” Whether is a prayer of adoration (worship), which I have already done a scant definition of, or a prayer of intercession, thanksgiving, confession, etc., it is ultimately supplication. Why? Because in praying we are portraying our reliance on One Who is above us Who has absolute authority to grant our request or plea, i.e. glorify Your Name.
As I said, Pastor David will flesh it out much more eloquently on Sunday, but here is a place to start for you as you consider supplication. I know you are praying. The invitation to pray even more is one the way, from Pastor David this week, and from me early in the New Year. Get ready.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Reaching Out
Dear Worshipers,
Now that we are officially past Halloween, are you beginning to think about Christmas? Does the thought paralyze you with the list of things that need to be done between now and then? Don’t worry I have not forgotten about Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays in the entire year which I will address in a subsequent issue, but I want to think about the true nature of Christmas for just a few moments today.
What is the true nature of Christmas? We all know the story, but what was the point of it? Jesus incarnation. He became one of us. There was no other way to save us. For us to tell the story of Christmas best, we must live it first. We must incarnate with people, being willing to walk with them in the difficult times. This requires us to reach beyond ourselves.
Reaching out. How good are you at that? Is it easy for you to reach beyond yourself and identify with, and then help meet the needs of others? Or is difficult for you to even think about engaging in such an activity?
If it is difficult for you to even imagine reaching beyond yourself there could be a number of reasons. Maybe you are just too busy. Maybe you are too self-focused. Maybe you are not doing what the Lord created you to do. Whatever the circumstance I want you to realize that a change is necessary.
As we quickly approach the Christmas season, I want to challenge you again as I did a month ago. What are you going to do that will be a true reaching beyond yourself? You had better begin planning, or at least clearing some time in your schedule for the Lord when He provides the opportunity. Invite someone to the Christmas musical, or the Christmas Eve service. Visit someone in the nursing home. Have some neighbors over to just sit and talk. Call up an old friend who has been on your mind lately. Reach out, and be prepared for what God will do through you.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Now that we are officially past Halloween, are you beginning to think about Christmas? Does the thought paralyze you with the list of things that need to be done between now and then? Don’t worry I have not forgotten about Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays in the entire year which I will address in a subsequent issue, but I want to think about the true nature of Christmas for just a few moments today.
What is the true nature of Christmas? We all know the story, but what was the point of it? Jesus incarnation. He became one of us. There was no other way to save us. For us to tell the story of Christmas best, we must live it first. We must incarnate with people, being willing to walk with them in the difficult times. This requires us to reach beyond ourselves.
Reaching out. How good are you at that? Is it easy for you to reach beyond yourself and identify with, and then help meet the needs of others? Or is difficult for you to even think about engaging in such an activity?
If it is difficult for you to even imagine reaching beyond yourself there could be a number of reasons. Maybe you are just too busy. Maybe you are too self-focused. Maybe you are not doing what the Lord created you to do. Whatever the circumstance I want you to realize that a change is necessary.
As we quickly approach the Christmas season, I want to challenge you again as I did a month ago. What are you going to do that will be a true reaching beyond yourself? You had better begin planning, or at least clearing some time in your schedule for the Lord when He provides the opportunity. Invite someone to the Christmas musical, or the Christmas Eve service. Visit someone in the nursing home. Have some neighbors over to just sit and talk. Call up an old friend who has been on your mind lately. Reach out, and be prepared for what God will do through you.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
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