Sunday morning retuning: It does get better than this. Have you been reminded of that in the last two days? You have now. Good or bad, that truth still rings clearly. Hold on, dear one.
Tonight – recording of team, instruments and voices combined. ALL WELCOME!
Tomorrow night – recording of 3 choir pieces, Mercy, Jesus Hold Me Now, and Glorious Day from last years blue book.
If you can not make either, please be praying that what we labor to create these couple of nights would not only be a pleasing offering to our Great God, but a blessing to all who hear it in the months to come. Pray for clarity of mind for the players since we will be working through 13 songs tonight. Pray also for Todd Maki who will be helping us to capture what we sound like and them try to make us sound even a little better.
It’s going to be a lot of fun. Hope you can join us!!
Jesus, thank you for giving us something to sing about. Help us to do it well, both here and now, and there and then.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Sunday morning retuning: Do you find yourself singing praise to the Lamb of God and Heaven becoming a brighter reality in your life these days, or are other things distracted you causing Haven to dim? Read on.
Verse 1
Lord I stand in the midst of a multitude
Of those from every tribe and tongue
We are Your people
Redeemed by Your blood
Purchased from death by Your love
There are no words
Good enough to thank You
There are no words to express my praise
But I will lift up my voice
And sing from my heart
With all of my strength
Chorus 1
Hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah hallelujah
By the blood of Christ we stand
Every tongue every tribe
Every people every land
Giving glory giving honor
Giving praise unto the Lamb of God
Verse 2
Lord we stand by grace in Your presence
Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb
We are Your children
Called by Your name
Humbly we bow and we pray
Release Your power
To work in us and through us
'Til we are changed to be more like You
Then all the nations will see
Your glory revealed
And worship You
Bridge
Every knee shall bow
Every tongue confess
That You are Lord of all
CCLI Song No. 2316323
© 1997 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
Debbye Graafsma | Don Moen
For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights Reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License No. 213449
We introduced this song on Sunday that has been on of my favorites for some time when it comes to singing about Heaven. The images that is conjures up are not ones, like Heaven itself that we think of very often, so I wanted to give us a little visual here to help us get our thinking headed in that direction. [Stained glass window portraying the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) carrying a banner, Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Mass., U.S. John Workman] When you think of Jesus as the Lamb of God, Angus Dei as we sing it in another song we know, what kind of images come to mind for you?
Think about that while you watch this video.
Jesus, thank You for being the Lamb of God. Release Your power to work in us and through us until we are changed to be more like You. Then all the nations will see Your glory revealed and worship You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Friday, July 15, 2011
Look to the Light
Sunday morning retuning: Heaven is the hope of all who are bound for glory. Did you wake up today and ask God to help you live in the reality of heaven today? Will you ask Him tomorrow?
On a recent camping trip with my boys, Aiden’s first, I took this picture. I think it is worth at least a thousand words. I will share less than that to give you time to consider some of your own.
As I was reflecting back on it last week, several thoughts jumped out at me.
The light is intense. The boys’ faces are aglow. Everything just kind of fades into the darkness.
The light is intense. It forms the focal point of the picture. It is almost hard to look away from it. It reminds me of the glory of God and a verse from 2 Corinthians 4:6 which says that God has given us “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ”.
The boys’ faces are aglow. Their faces are simply reflecting the light that is coming from the source, the lantern. Each of their expressions are a little different. Isn’t that like us in our relationship to God? We simply reflect His glory to those around us. We each express that a little differently.
Everything just kind of fades into the darkness. The closer to the lantern the clearer things are seen. If it weren’t for the lantern this picture would be only darkness. Genesis 1:3 is quoted in the first part of that earlier verse from 2 Corinthians where God says, “Let light shine out of darkness.” We have a responsibility to do more than enjoy the light don’t we.
Jesus, shine Your light on us. We want Your glory to be seen as it shines in the darkness. Do it through us as our hope rests on You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
On a recent camping trip with my boys, Aiden’s first, I took this picture. I think it is worth at least a thousand words. I will share less than that to give you time to consider some of your own.
As I was reflecting back on it last week, several thoughts jumped out at me.
The light is intense. The boys’ faces are aglow. Everything just kind of fades into the darkness.
The light is intense. It forms the focal point of the picture. It is almost hard to look away from it. It reminds me of the glory of God and a verse from 2 Corinthians 4:6 which says that God has given us “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ”.
The boys’ faces are aglow. Their faces are simply reflecting the light that is coming from the source, the lantern. Each of their expressions are a little different. Isn’t that like us in our relationship to God? We simply reflect His glory to those around us. We each express that a little differently.
Everything just kind of fades into the darkness. The closer to the lantern the clearer things are seen. If it weren’t for the lantern this picture would be only darkness. Genesis 1:3 is quoted in the first part of that earlier verse from 2 Corinthians where God says, “Let light shine out of darkness.” We have a responsibility to do more than enjoy the light don’t we.
Jesus, shine Your light on us. We want Your glory to be seen as it shines in the darkness. Do it through us as our hope rests on You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Music and Missions
Sunday morning retuning: We had the chance to hear from three of our Elders on Sunday. What did God speak to you? What are you doing about that? Respond to what you heard!
On of the key parts of becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ is cultivating a desire to serve our world. That is to declare the truth and love of Jesus Christ both locally and globally. We do that through our worship services when we sing His praise, and we do that elsewhere when we share His compassion.
I mentioned on Sunday a concert that we will host at the church this Friday night. I wanted to give you a little more detail about that and share how excited I am to see a couple of our young people using their talents to support this endeavor. Julia Ciferno and Travis Pembridge will both be sharing in this event. They are both involved in our worship ministries and are very talented musicians and songwriters. I encourage you to come simply to hear their offering, but there is an additional reason.
A group of 6 young adults (ages 18-24) are getting ready to travel to the island kingdom of Tonga (located in the South Pacific) in August with the hope of being used by God to both encourage the believers there and provide any service possible to them. In an effort to help raise the necessary funds for this trip, the team has made preparations for a live concert and silent art auction to be held here at North-Mar in the fellowship hall this Friday evening at 7:00. Admission will be free but there will be opportunities to give throughout the night, through the art auction and other ways.
If you are wondering what type of music that will be there you can check out this page facebook.com/ashestooak where you can get a taste before coming. A more detailed description of the trip is on the event page on facebook and was written by one of the team members. You will probably need a facebook account to view it. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123905371025063
I will personally vouch for Julia’s content as I have been listening to a pre-release copy of her CD for a couple of months now. She is a living psalmist in my opinion by virtue of the poetic way she deals with the emotions each of us feels as we wrestle with the truth of our God. I have also heard a couple examples of Travis’ labor and believe that you will be blessed to hear those things as well.
Come out and support these young people who are using their music to support missions.
Jesus, help us to serve our world. We want to declare Your truth and love both locally and globally. Help us to find creative, effective ways to do that ourselves and to equip others to do it where we can not go.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
On of the key parts of becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ is cultivating a desire to serve our world. That is to declare the truth and love of Jesus Christ both locally and globally. We do that through our worship services when we sing His praise, and we do that elsewhere when we share His compassion.
I mentioned on Sunday a concert that we will host at the church this Friday night. I wanted to give you a little more detail about that and share how excited I am to see a couple of our young people using their talents to support this endeavor. Julia Ciferno and Travis Pembridge will both be sharing in this event. They are both involved in our worship ministries and are very talented musicians and songwriters. I encourage you to come simply to hear their offering, but there is an additional reason.
A group of 6 young adults (ages 18-24) are getting ready to travel to the island kingdom of Tonga (located in the South Pacific) in August with the hope of being used by God to both encourage the believers there and provide any service possible to them. In an effort to help raise the necessary funds for this trip, the team has made preparations for a live concert and silent art auction to be held here at North-Mar in the fellowship hall this Friday evening at 7:00. Admission will be free but there will be opportunities to give throughout the night, through the art auction and other ways.
If you are wondering what type of music that will be there you can check out this page facebook.com/ashestooak where you can get a taste before coming. A more detailed description of the trip is on the event page on facebook and was written by one of the team members. You will probably need a facebook account to view it. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123905371025063
I will personally vouch for Julia’s content as I have been listening to a pre-release copy of her CD for a couple of months now. She is a living psalmist in my opinion by virtue of the poetic way she deals with the emotions each of us feels as we wrestle with the truth of our God. I have also heard a couple examples of Travis’ labor and believe that you will be blessed to hear those things as well.
Come out and support these young people who are using their music to support missions.
Jesus, help us to serve our world. We want to declare Your truth and love both locally and globally. Help us to find creative, effective ways to do that ourselves and to equip others to do it where we can not go.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pursuing God’s Heart, A Quick Recap
Sunday morning retuning: The Lord wants us to focus on Him, and keep our focus on Him. I am praying for you if you heard that challenge. God is Your victory, and He is with you!
We have taken the last nearly ten months looking into David’s life, with some detours along the way. We started this journey last fall and concluded Sunday. What things have you learned about David over these months? What has that revealed about you? What are you doing to let God change you into a man or woman after his own heart? Take some time and thank God for the things you have learned.
Maybe you need some help. Perhaps you have a Message Minder that you have been keeping your sermon notes in. [If you still need one you can get them at the Welcome Center FOR FREE!] Maybe you want to use the online resources that are made available. Click here for audio sermons, outlines and PowerPoint files to help you review. Maybe you want to simply flip through 1 Chronicles asking the Holy Spirit to remind you the things you heard but maybe have forgotten.
However you do it, take a few moments to reflect on this journey and prepare for the next part. After a short series on heaven later this summer, we will begin a series in the fall on the life of Jesus. I can hardly wait!
While I’m waiting though I wanted to give you a chance to chime in. For these upcoming series are there songs that come to your mind that would be great songs for us to sing or have sung to us? Would you share those thoughts with me? There are no guarantees we will use your suggestions, but I want to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me through you if there is something He wants to show me about our upcoming repertoire. I look forward to your input.
Jesus, help us to pursue Your heart. We want to be more like You everyday and we know that will require us to change so we yield ourselves to You. Have Your way in us Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
We have taken the last nearly ten months looking into David’s life, with some detours along the way. We started this journey last fall and concluded Sunday. What things have you learned about David over these months? What has that revealed about you? What are you doing to let God change you into a man or woman after his own heart? Take some time and thank God for the things you have learned.
Maybe you need some help. Perhaps you have a Message Minder that you have been keeping your sermon notes in. [If you still need one you can get them at the Welcome Center FOR FREE!] Maybe you want to use the online resources that are made available. Click here for audio sermons, outlines and PowerPoint files to help you review. Maybe you want to simply flip through 1 Chronicles asking the Holy Spirit to remind you the things you heard but maybe have forgotten.
However you do it, take a few moments to reflect on this journey and prepare for the next part. After a short series on heaven later this summer, we will begin a series in the fall on the life of Jesus. I can hardly wait!
While I’m waiting though I wanted to give you a chance to chime in. For these upcoming series are there songs that come to your mind that would be great songs for us to sing or have sung to us? Would you share those thoughts with me? There are no guarantees we will use your suggestions, but I want to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me through you if there is something He wants to show me about our upcoming repertoire. I look forward to your input.
Jesus, help us to pursue Your heart. We want to be more like You everyday and we know that will require us to change so we yield ourselves to You. Have Your way in us Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
In Every Season
Sunday morning retuning: Lord of all of me, that’s what I want Him to be. How about you? Are you doing business with what the Lord said to you on Sunday through worship and the Word? I am praying you will.
Happy Summer! Today is the first day of summer and I welcome it. We already have VBS behind us and are looking forward to a couple of months of adjusted schedules, extended time with family, and simply a slightly different pace of life. But that is not the kind of season the writer is thinking about in that song from Sunday. You remember the words…
That’s easy to sing on a Sunday morning standing in our sanctuary loving Jesus with hundreds of your closest friends and a bunch of people whose names you do not know…but what a bout the rest of the week?
What about when your loved one is lying on the operating table undergoing exploratory surgery with less than an ideal prognosis? All of my life…
How about on Monday morning when you get the call from your boss and they tell you they are giving your position to the person you just trained? …in every season…
When you get a text telling you that something that an opportunity for which your child has been training for months has been cancelled? …You are still God…
Right after you son greets you with these words, “The frame on my glasses just snapped” and you are not certain they are still under warranty …I have a reason to sing…
[You fill in the blank with something from your life in the last few days]…I have a reason to worship…
God is our victory and he is here. That is another line from the end of the chorus of that song. Let Him be Lord of all of you. He is already, it would be good to adjust your thinking accordingly, and then let Him be your victory. Whatever you are facing today, tomorrow, in this season, or the next, you have a reason to sing, to worship, and it is because He is still God.
Rest in Him today.
Jesus, You are Lord of all of me. I will trust You in this and every season to help me walk with You, singing all the way.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Happy Summer! Today is the first day of summer and I welcome it. We already have VBS behind us and are looking forward to a couple of months of adjusted schedules, extended time with family, and simply a slightly different pace of life. But that is not the kind of season the writer is thinking about in that song from Sunday. You remember the words…
All of my life, in every season,
You are still God,
I have a reason to sing.
I have a reason to worship.
(Bridge from Desert Song, 2008 Hillsong Publishing)
That’s easy to sing on a Sunday morning standing in our sanctuary loving Jesus with hundreds of your closest friends and a bunch of people whose names you do not know…but what a bout the rest of the week?
What about when your loved one is lying on the operating table undergoing exploratory surgery with less than an ideal prognosis? All of my life…
How about on Monday morning when you get the call from your boss and they tell you they are giving your position to the person you just trained? …in every season…
When you get a text telling you that something that an opportunity for which your child has been training for months has been cancelled? …You are still God…
Right after you son greets you with these words, “The frame on my glasses just snapped” and you are not certain they are still under warranty …I have a reason to sing…
[You fill in the blank with something from your life in the last few days]…I have a reason to worship…
God is our victory and he is here. That is another line from the end of the chorus of that song. Let Him be Lord of all of you. He is already, it would be good to adjust your thinking accordingly, and then let Him be your victory. Whatever you are facing today, tomorrow, in this season, or the next, you have a reason to sing, to worship, and it is because He is still God.
Rest in Him today.
Jesus, You are Lord of all of me. I will trust You in this and every season to help me walk with You, singing all the way.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Jesus Makes a Difference Everyday
Sunday morning retuning: “The Lord is enough for me” It was easy to say on Sunday morning, but how about since then? I am praying that you will experience the truth of that as you walk one step behind Jesus today. Thanks for reading.
That is our theme for VBS (Vacation Bible School) this week. I really enjoy this week every year, not only because it is a different schedule and routine for me (and I like different), but mostly because I get to be taught some truths I thought I already knew from a different perspective, that of a child. And I also love being infused with the contagious energy that working with several hundred kids brings.
There is an interesting dimension to the opening and particularly closing sessions this year. A common element of drama has been modified to include a very tangible, practical lesson for the kids. That lesson is that we can and should bring everything to Jesus.
There is a cross set up on the sanctuary floor where it can be easily accessed by the kids. Four of the five days of VBS, during the closing session, the kids will bring something to the cross. The first day it was sticky notes with words or a picture representing something for which they are thankful: gratitude. The second day, today, it was a band-aid with someway they help someone around them: compassion. Tomorrow they will bring rocks representing a sin they need to confess: forgiveness. And the last day a gift bow representing using our gifts to serve our world in Jesus’ name: gifts.
Each day the kids come to the cross. I wish you all could be there and see each day as hundreds of kids bring these things to Jesus. It is teaching them our theme for the week: “Jesus makes a difference everyday.” When we bring our gratitude to the cross, to Jesus, He makes a difference in us. When we bring our compassion to Jesus, difference. Sins, difference. Gifts, difference. We can bring everything to Jesus. We should be bringing everything to Jesus. How are you doing at practicing this simple truth?
You may be wondering about the other day. On one day the kids will take a small jewel home with them. It is meant to remind them of the great treasure of God’s grace. Jesus gives us that and we get to keep it. What a wonderful way to teach that God’s grace is a gift to us, and that we should accept and cherish it accordingly. How are you doing at treasuring this gift?
These are some pretty simple questions, but the way you answer them are truly life-changing. The way the kids answer them tells whether they are allowing Jesus to make a difference in their lives today, and the same goes for me and you.
Jesus, make a difference in me today. Turn me inside-out and upside down. Draw me closer to You, Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
That is our theme for VBS (Vacation Bible School) this week. I really enjoy this week every year, not only because it is a different schedule and routine for me (and I like different), but mostly because I get to be taught some truths I thought I already knew from a different perspective, that of a child. And I also love being infused with the contagious energy that working with several hundred kids brings.
There is an interesting dimension to the opening and particularly closing sessions this year. A common element of drama has been modified to include a very tangible, practical lesson for the kids. That lesson is that we can and should bring everything to Jesus.
There is a cross set up on the sanctuary floor where it can be easily accessed by the kids. Four of the five days of VBS, during the closing session, the kids will bring something to the cross. The first day it was sticky notes with words or a picture representing something for which they are thankful: gratitude. The second day, today, it was a band-aid with someway they help someone around them: compassion. Tomorrow they will bring rocks representing a sin they need to confess: forgiveness. And the last day a gift bow representing using our gifts to serve our world in Jesus’ name: gifts.
Each day the kids come to the cross. I wish you all could be there and see each day as hundreds of kids bring these things to Jesus. It is teaching them our theme for the week: “Jesus makes a difference everyday.” When we bring our gratitude to the cross, to Jesus, He makes a difference in us. When we bring our compassion to Jesus, difference. Sins, difference. Gifts, difference. We can bring everything to Jesus. We should be bringing everything to Jesus. How are you doing at practicing this simple truth?
You may be wondering about the other day. On one day the kids will take a small jewel home with them. It is meant to remind them of the great treasure of God’s grace. Jesus gives us that and we get to keep it. What a wonderful way to teach that God’s grace is a gift to us, and that we should accept and cherish it accordingly. How are you doing at treasuring this gift?
These are some pretty simple questions, but the way you answer them are truly life-changing. The way the kids answer them tells whether they are allowing Jesus to make a difference in their lives today, and the same goes for me and you.
Jesus, make a difference in me today. Turn me inside-out and upside down. Draw me closer to You, Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
The Earth is His Footstool
Sunday morning retuning: How are you serving our world this week in a way that provokes questions about Jesus?
At Your Feet
Verse 1
Oh that I may know You
Oh that I may worship
Oh that I may bow down at Your Feet
All I have to offer
All I have to give You
Everything I lay here at Your Feet
Chorus 1
Let my sacrifices
Let my heart of worship
Let the praise I lay here at Your Feet
Be a holy fragrance
In this sanctuary
Only You are Worthy of my praise
Bridge
I worship I worship
I worship I worship You Lord
We have been singing this song over the last few weeks. There have been some lines that have become really meaningful to me, as I am sure is the case with you on certain songs that we sing. For me, a week ago Sunday, the line “Only You are Worthy of my praise” really hit me. We were enjoying a wonderful encounter and then God showed me a bit of His glory in this line.
When we are singing, let God speak to you. Worship is a dialogue. It is not just our talking to Him. Though you know this, be willing to receive the things He is impressing on you as we share that experience together each week.
Also be willing to think critically about the things we sing. Do not just accept them because they are on the screen. Make sense of them, and when you can not, ask someone to help you.
I have been thinking about the apparent spatial limitations to this song. You would pick up on this in the line “in this sanctuary”. So are we really only singing about what we offering as we stand in that space on Sunday morning? I think not. Yes, there, but certainly everywhere. Rather than an Old Testament temple mindset of God dwelling between the cherubim, think of it in the context of Isaiah 66:1-2.
“ 1 This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?”
declares the LORD.
So if earth is His footstool, that means that everywhere we go we are “at His feet”, right? And if everywhere I go I am at His feet then I can offer my worship anywhere, right? I can not speak for you, but I want to know Him at the grocery store. I want lay everything down at his feet when I am with my family at the park. I want my sacrifices, my heart of worship, the praise I lay at His feet when I am at home relating to my wife and kids to be a holy fragrance in THIS sanctuary.
Do you see where I am going with this? I am out to lunch or is this resonating with you? I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Challenge mine if they need it. Affirm them if you like. Let’s continue to position our heart, soul mind and strength to worship!
Jesus, show us how to stay at Your feet. Help us to see you as holy, high and lifted up. Pour out Your power and love and help us to worship You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
At Your Feet
Verse 1
Oh that I may know You
Oh that I may worship
Oh that I may bow down at Your Feet
All I have to offer
All I have to give You
Everything I lay here at Your Feet
Chorus 1
Let my sacrifices
Let my heart of worship
Let the praise I lay here at Your Feet
Be a holy fragrance
In this sanctuary
Only You are Worthy of my praise
Bridge
I worship I worship
I worship I worship You Lord
We have been singing this song over the last few weeks. There have been some lines that have become really meaningful to me, as I am sure is the case with you on certain songs that we sing. For me, a week ago Sunday, the line “Only You are Worthy of my praise” really hit me. We were enjoying a wonderful encounter and then God showed me a bit of His glory in this line.
When we are singing, let God speak to you. Worship is a dialogue. It is not just our talking to Him. Though you know this, be willing to receive the things He is impressing on you as we share that experience together each week.
Also be willing to think critically about the things we sing. Do not just accept them because they are on the screen. Make sense of them, and when you can not, ask someone to help you.
I have been thinking about the apparent spatial limitations to this song. You would pick up on this in the line “in this sanctuary”. So are we really only singing about what we offering as we stand in that space on Sunday morning? I think not. Yes, there, but certainly everywhere. Rather than an Old Testament temple mindset of God dwelling between the cherubim, think of it in the context of Isaiah 66:1-2.
“ 1 This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?”
declares the LORD.
So if earth is His footstool, that means that everywhere we go we are “at His feet”, right? And if everywhere I go I am at His feet then I can offer my worship anywhere, right? I can not speak for you, but I want to know Him at the grocery store. I want lay everything down at his feet when I am with my family at the park. I want my sacrifices, my heart of worship, the praise I lay at His feet when I am at home relating to my wife and kids to be a holy fragrance in THIS sanctuary.
Do you see where I am going with this? I am out to lunch or is this resonating with you? I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Challenge mine if they need it. Affirm them if you like. Let’s continue to position our heart, soul mind and strength to worship!
Jesus, show us how to stay at Your feet. Help us to see you as holy, high and lifted up. Pour out Your power and love and help us to worship You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Sacrifice of One, Continued
Sunday morning retuning: Are you living with a forgiving attitude? That was our big idea Sunday. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you do that as Jesus leads you into the places where you will get to practice.
As I was preparing for our services this past weekend, I came across the video we used last year in our Memorial Weekend services. I found myself watching it again, and tearing up even though I pretty much remembered exactly what was coming. I know that I shared it in my Tunings/blog last year, but felt inclined to offer it again with some additional/different thought.
There are at least a couple of reasons for this. First of all consider the text of the song that is being sung as the underscore for this video. It is a powerful song of hope and rest. Honoring to the Lord, and the servicemen and women to whom it is sung.
I sometimes wrestle with how closely some people connect American patriotism with Biblical Christianity. We should be careful when we begin to draw such parallels; however, I do think their are examples from the former that are “like unto” the latter. And we see one such example in The Sacrifice of One.
But an even greater reason on my mind. Memorial Day is a chance for us to remember the sacrifice of those who have given their lives to protect our American freedoms. I think of the verse, “Greater love has no one than this, that He lay His life down for His friends.” John 15:13 The sacrifice of our military men and women is a great example of this. The sacrifice of Christ, who spoke those words, is the GREATEST example of this. He, after all, is the authority on this…and all things.
I hoped you lived some moments on Memorial Day mindful of the sacrifice of those that we were remembering. I pray you live every moment of every day mindful of the sacrifice of the One we worship.
Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. You laid down your life for us, and though we have committed to lay down our lives for you, we are apt to pick them up quickly when we feel we have need of them. Forgive us Lord, and help us live with a forgiving attitude.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
As I was preparing for our services this past weekend, I came across the video we used last year in our Memorial Weekend services. I found myself watching it again, and tearing up even though I pretty much remembered exactly what was coming. I know that I shared it in my Tunings/blog last year, but felt inclined to offer it again with some additional/different thought.
There are at least a couple of reasons for this. First of all consider the text of the song that is being sung as the underscore for this video. It is a powerful song of hope and rest. Honoring to the Lord, and the servicemen and women to whom it is sung.
Mansions of The Lord
To fallen soldiers let us sing
where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
to the mansions of the Lord
No more bleeding no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
just divine embrace, eternal light
in the mansions of the Lord
Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard tho the angels sleep
All through the ages safely keep the mansions of the Lord.
I sometimes wrestle with how closely some people connect American patriotism with Biblical Christianity. We should be careful when we begin to draw such parallels; however, I do think their are examples from the former that are “like unto” the latter. And we see one such example in The Sacrifice of One.
But an even greater reason on my mind. Memorial Day is a chance for us to remember the sacrifice of those who have given their lives to protect our American freedoms. I think of the verse, “Greater love has no one than this, that He lay His life down for His friends.” John 15:13 The sacrifice of our military men and women is a great example of this. The sacrifice of Christ, who spoke those words, is the GREATEST example of this. He, after all, is the authority on this…and all things.
I hoped you lived some moments on Memorial Day mindful of the sacrifice of those that we were remembering. I pray you live every moment of every day mindful of the sacrifice of the One we worship.
Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. You laid down your life for us, and though we have committed to lay down our lives for you, we are apt to pick them up quickly when we feel we have need of them. Forgive us Lord, and help us live with a forgiving attitude.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
At Your Feet
Sunday morning retuning: What was your take-away from the time with John and Darlene Sunday?
Last week I challenged the choir with this idea of staying at Jesus feet. You remember the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42. Martha is scurrying around working and Mary is sitting at the Lord’s feet. Jesus gently teaches Martha that Mary has chosen the one needful thing. But how do we live and do the things that are a part of living and yet stay at Jesus feet? How do we stay at His feet and stay a step behind Him? This is easier said than done.
Pastor Myron challenged our elders in the spring with these words from Psalm 27:4.
I am very literal thinker and so I can struggle with phrases like this in Scripture. Really Lord, I am supposed to ask for one thing. Like Mary, the one thing is to worship, but notice that it has different verbs used to describe it: dwell, gaze, seek. Both active and passive words. Words that require different degrees of activity to be sure, but activity nonetheless. I need to stay at His feet,
This thought is echoed in the song that we began to sing together Sunday. Here is a link for those of you who may not have been there to sing it with us. At Your Feet Even as we sang the words to this song below I was struck again by those words “be a holy fragrance in this sanctuary”. It requires us to translate this idea of the temple/sanctuary to our understanding of our being the reservoir of the Holy Spirit. It helps to flesh out this idea of living our lives as an act of worship, for we do not have to go to a sanctuary, we are the sanctuary.
I can be Martha and Mary and the same time. Does that make sense? Hear me out.
Certainly there are times when I need to be mostly Mary, with a little Martha, and other times when I need to be Martha but I better always keep some of that Mary posture in mind. In other words, I can worship as I work, and I must also work at my worship. I can stay at Jesus feet while I am engaged in a myriad of other pursuits as life requires them.
I do not have to stop worshipping to go and do other things. In fact, I had better not do that. As we continue to learn this song, I pray Jesus will teach us how to live it out every day.
Jesus, show us how to stay at Your feet. Teach us what that looks like. Help us to dwell, gaze and seek well as we live in You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Last week I challenged the choir with this idea of staying at Jesus feet. You remember the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42. Martha is scurrying around working and Mary is sitting at the Lord’s feet. Jesus gently teaches Martha that Mary has chosen the one needful thing. But how do we live and do the things that are a part of living and yet stay at Jesus feet? How do we stay at His feet and stay a step behind Him? This is easier said than done.
Pastor Myron challenged our elders in the spring with these words from Psalm 27:4.
“One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.”
I am very literal thinker and so I can struggle with phrases like this in Scripture. Really Lord, I am supposed to ask for one thing. Like Mary, the one thing is to worship, but notice that it has different verbs used to describe it: dwell, gaze, seek. Both active and passive words. Words that require different degrees of activity to be sure, but activity nonetheless. I need to stay at His feet,
This thought is echoed in the song that we began to sing together Sunday. Here is a link for those of you who may not have been there to sing it with us. At Your Feet Even as we sang the words to this song below I was struck again by those words “be a holy fragrance in this sanctuary”. It requires us to translate this idea of the temple/sanctuary to our understanding of our being the reservoir of the Holy Spirit. It helps to flesh out this idea of living our lives as an act of worship, for we do not have to go to a sanctuary, we are the sanctuary.
I can be Martha and Mary and the same time. Does that make sense? Hear me out.
Certainly there are times when I need to be mostly Mary, with a little Martha, and other times when I need to be Martha but I better always keep some of that Mary posture in mind. In other words, I can worship as I work, and I must also work at my worship. I can stay at Jesus feet while I am engaged in a myriad of other pursuits as life requires them.
I do not have to stop worshipping to go and do other things. In fact, I had better not do that. As we continue to learn this song, I pray Jesus will teach us how to live it out every day.
Jesus, show us how to stay at Your feet. Teach us what that looks like. Help us to dwell, gaze and seek well as we live in You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Looking Forward
Sunday morning retuning: The Williams challenged us regarding faith, commitment and faithfulness. How are you applying this to your walk?
Dear Worshipers,
I have been thinking about vacation times coming up this summer and getting really excited! My high school class is organizing a reunion, one son has a national basketball tournament, another a Cub Scout Resident camp, and some other time spent in my home among the hills all make me look forward to future events. The time of rest and relaxation fill my heart with great anticipation.
So what are you looking forward to? One of our secretaries just got married and it was really fun to watch her anticipate the wonderful event. Maybe for you it is graduation for yourself or a loved one, or some upcoming visit, reunion, celebration, etc. Whatever it is we all have something to look forward to…
Now before you correct me, or begin to become discouraged let me tell you why I say that. I will use one word: Heaven. Now I will use some other words, if you please.
Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have Paradise awaiting us. I am thinking of our Savior’s words to the thief who offered his version of “Lord, have mercy” when he asked, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Luke 23:42 (English Standard Version) Do you remember Jesus response? He replied “…today you will be with me in Paradise."
Have you ever stopped to imagine what that thief must have thought? He obviously had faith to ask the question he did. He had already rebuked the other thief who had joined in the crowds jeering. Was he thinking, “Really? Paradise, today? With you? But I have done nothing to deserve this.”
Neither have we. But we have the same thing, Paradise, to look forward to. So how does that shape your gaze? If you are like me, you think far more of the joys one week, one month away, and set not only your eyes, but your hearts on them. Paul told the church at Colossae, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 (English Standard Version)
Jesus, thank you for securing Paradise for us. Help us to live looking forward to it everyday. It will change us.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
I have been thinking about vacation times coming up this summer and getting really excited! My high school class is organizing a reunion, one son has a national basketball tournament, another a Cub Scout Resident camp, and some other time spent in my home among the hills all make me look forward to future events. The time of rest and relaxation fill my heart with great anticipation.
So what are you looking forward to? One of our secretaries just got married and it was really fun to watch her anticipate the wonderful event. Maybe for you it is graduation for yourself or a loved one, or some upcoming visit, reunion, celebration, etc. Whatever it is we all have something to look forward to…
Now before you correct me, or begin to become discouraged let me tell you why I say that. I will use one word: Heaven. Now I will use some other words, if you please.
Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have Paradise awaiting us. I am thinking of our Savior’s words to the thief who offered his version of “Lord, have mercy” when he asked, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Luke 23:42 (English Standard Version) Do you remember Jesus response? He replied “…today you will be with me in Paradise."
Have you ever stopped to imagine what that thief must have thought? He obviously had faith to ask the question he did. He had already rebuked the other thief who had joined in the crowds jeering. Was he thinking, “Really? Paradise, today? With you? But I have done nothing to deserve this.”
Neither have we. But we have the same thing, Paradise, to look forward to. So how does that shape your gaze? If you are like me, you think far more of the joys one week, one month away, and set not only your eyes, but your hearts on them. Paul told the church at Colossae, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 (English Standard Version)
Jesus, thank you for securing Paradise for us. Help us to live looking forward to it everyday. It will change us.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
What Kind of Friend are You?
Dear Worshipers,
...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
As I reflected on that verse from Pastor Myron’s message my mind trailed off to the only brother I have. He is my half brother from our father’s first marriage. I only spent a few of my adult years near enough to develop a relationship but I squandered that, thinking I would have more time. You may have some things in your life that you figure you will get to eventually. Like me you are hoping for the right set of circumstances to come along. I regret not being more proactive in that brotherhood.
There is a brotherhood in the faith. Many of you have probably experienced a relationship with someone in the faith that was closer than a blood relative. I have invested in some of those relationships through the years. Some friends in Jesus have been very dear to me. I have been a friend to them when they needed it, and they reciprocated that for me at my time of need.
I know this verse from Proverbs to be true because I have personally experienced it. You probably have as well. You may have a close relationship with a friend right now that helps you to know this as well. If you don’t, I want to encourage you today.
Take some time and consider what kind of friend you are and to whom, and determine to be a better one to the people God has placed in your life for that purpose. While you may really need a friend right now, maybe there is someone around you who needs one even more. After looking at yourself, look beyond yourself and consider how you might be the friend that sticks like the one described in the verse. Maybe you need to be the stick-er, and not the stick-ee.
Even if you have that kind of friend right now, or are investing in a friendship to develop it, keep in mind that no matter how close that friendship becomes, Jesus is closer still. Take some more time to develop that friendship. Other friends may disappointment, Jesus never will. Spend some time with Him today...
Jesus, I want to know that friendship with You so that I can mirror it in another relationship in my life. Thank You for being my friend. Help me to be a good friend for Your glory and the good of that person that needs one.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
As I reflected on that verse from Pastor Myron’s message my mind trailed off to the only brother I have. He is my half brother from our father’s first marriage. I only spent a few of my adult years near enough to develop a relationship but I squandered that, thinking I would have more time. You may have some things in your life that you figure you will get to eventually. Like me you are hoping for the right set of circumstances to come along. I regret not being more proactive in that brotherhood.
There is a brotherhood in the faith. Many of you have probably experienced a relationship with someone in the faith that was closer than a blood relative. I have invested in some of those relationships through the years. Some friends in Jesus have been very dear to me. I have been a friend to them when they needed it, and they reciprocated that for me at my time of need.
I know this verse from Proverbs to be true because I have personally experienced it. You probably have as well. You may have a close relationship with a friend right now that helps you to know this as well. If you don’t, I want to encourage you today.
Take some time and consider what kind of friend you are and to whom, and determine to be a better one to the people God has placed in your life for that purpose. While you may really need a friend right now, maybe there is someone around you who needs one even more. After looking at yourself, look beyond yourself and consider how you might be the friend that sticks like the one described in the verse. Maybe you need to be the stick-er, and not the stick-ee.
Even if you have that kind of friend right now, or are investing in a friendship to develop it, keep in mind that no matter how close that friendship becomes, Jesus is closer still. Take some more time to develop that friendship. Other friends may disappointment, Jesus never will. Spend some time with Him today...
Jesus, I want to know that friendship with You so that I can mirror it in another relationship in my life. Thank You for being my friend. Help me to be a good friend for Your glory and the good of that person that needs one.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Have You Seen Jesus Lately?
Last weekend we shared a work entitled "I've Seen Jesus". While it centered about five encounters that Jesus' disciples has shortly after the Resurrection, the musical turned on the synopsis of each of these encounters and our response to them. This was captured with the question, "Why 2,000 years later, are we still so slow to embrace the presence of our risen Lord in our lives?
Here were the synopses:
Perhaps...perhaps something has been keeping you from seeing Jesus. Perhaps you need to deal with that so that you can see Him clearly, again. Perhaps.
Jesus we want to see you clearly and often, but there are a lot of things that divert our attention. Rather, wold you allow those things to drive us to You and not away. We are desperate for you, more than we realize.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Here were the synopses:
Perhaps, like Mary Magdalene, we may be blinded by personal pain, unable to see Him clearly through our tears--until He calls us by name.
Perhaps, like the two travelers on the road to Emmaus, we can become so consumed in daily worries, we don't realize He is always walking beside us, desiring our fellowship.
Perhaps, like the disciples, we have hidden ourselves behind locked doors, hesitant to proclaim His name to a hostile world-until He is suddenly there among is, saying, "Peace be with you."
Perhaps, like Thomas, we can easily become hardened skeptics. demanding physical evidence of Christ's claims-forgetting that Jesus offers spiritual assurance beyond any temporal proof.When we believe without seeing, we are, indeed blessed.
And perhaps, like Peter, we let our past failings rob us of the conviction that we can still serve Christ-until we face the Cross and know we are forgiven, forever.
Perhaps...perhaps something has been keeping you from seeing Jesus. Perhaps you need to deal with that so that you can see Him clearly, again. Perhaps.
Jesus we want to see you clearly and often, but there are a lot of things that divert our attention. Rather, wold you allow those things to drive us to You and not away. We are desperate for you, more than we realize.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Loving Jesus
Sunday morning retuning: So we have been charged anew to be “Loving Jesus”. What that looks like on Sunday morning, got it. What that looks like the rest of the week, still working on that. How about you?
Dear Worshipers,
This is easy to say, and not so east to do. Especially when we realize that loving Jesus requires that we love others. Others who are often, rather never as easy to love as Jesus is. But this is no excuse.
Remember the passage about the sheep and the goats. [Matthew 25:31-46] Jesus was teaching about when He would come in all His glory. All the nations will be divided into two groups as a shepherd separates sheep and goats. To the sheep God will say “Come” and to the goats “Depart”.
The goats immediately object and Jesus describes all the times when the sheep showed love and the goats failed to do so. A key line in this quotes the King as saying “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Oh, boy. That is convicting.
So how do I get from where I am, not loving as I should, to where I want to be, loving as I should? I follow Jesus. I determine to let Him guide me in every circumstance, every situation. I decide on the front side how I will choose to respond when things happen. Routinely offering myself to the Lord for the purpose of loving Him and loving others is a great place to start.
An Everyday Creed
Worship is my response to who I value most.
Who I value most is the Lord Jesus Christ.
I was made by Him and for Him.
He is awesome beyond
my mind’s ability to comprehend.
I exist for the purpose of reflecting back to the Lord His matchless glory.
I will exalt Him with my mouth
and with my life for He is my hope,
my joy, my strength, and my salvation.
This day will be used to know Him
and love Him more!
Determine today to know and love Jesus more, everyday.
Jesus, help me to know You and love You more everyday. Help me love the people around me more. Fill me with Your love and help me to be spontaneous in my expressing it. I want to love You more.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
This is easy to say, and not so east to do. Especially when we realize that loving Jesus requires that we love others. Others who are often, rather never as easy to love as Jesus is. But this is no excuse.
Remember the passage about the sheep and the goats. [Matthew 25:31-46] Jesus was teaching about when He would come in all His glory. All the nations will be divided into two groups as a shepherd separates sheep and goats. To the sheep God will say “Come” and to the goats “Depart”.
The goats immediately object and Jesus describes all the times when the sheep showed love and the goats failed to do so. A key line in this quotes the King as saying “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Oh, boy. That is convicting.
So how do I get from where I am, not loving as I should, to where I want to be, loving as I should? I follow Jesus. I determine to let Him guide me in every circumstance, every situation. I decide on the front side how I will choose to respond when things happen. Routinely offering myself to the Lord for the purpose of loving Him and loving others is a great place to start.
An Everyday Creed
Worship is my response to who I value most.
Who I value most is the Lord Jesus Christ.
I was made by Him and for Him.
He is awesome beyond
my mind’s ability to comprehend.
I exist for the purpose of reflecting back to the Lord His matchless glory.
I will exalt Him with my mouth
and with my life for He is my hope,
my joy, my strength, and my salvation.
This day will be used to know Him
and love Him more!
Determine today to know and love Jesus more, everyday.
Jesus, help me to know You and love You more everyday. Help me love the people around me more. Fill me with Your love and help me to be spontaneous in my expressing it. I want to love You more.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
First Love
Sunday morning retuning: One thing Pastor Paul is not short of – PASSION! And what a blessing that is to us. You heard it load and clear “Love the Lord your God” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” As certainly as that image of him holding Levi is etched in your minds, allow these truths to be etched unmistakably into your lives.
Dear Worshipers,
The President of the C&MA, Gary Benedict included in a communication to official workers last week a wonderful personal story that helps us consider our love for God from a different perspective. I share it with you here:
I found that very encouraging and challenging. I hope you will as well.
Jesus, speak to me about my love for You. My life and ministry must flow from there so I must be healthy. Help me Lord to see it clearly.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
The President of the C&MA, Gary Benedict included in a communication to official workers last week a wonderful personal story that helps us consider our love for God from a different perspective. I share it with you here:
I’d like to share an experience with you from my local church ministry days. If you don’t identify with this story, please pass it along to someone you know who could use some encouragement.
In Revelation 2, John received a message from Jesus to deliver to the church at Ephesus. The message contained the results of their examination. On part one, the grade was an “A.” “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:2-3).
But part two didn’t go as well. “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (4-5). Part one of the exam looked pretty good on the outside. But part two went deeper and looked at the heart.
As a young pastor I experienced a similar assessment from our Lord. On the outside everything looked good. People were getting saved, our church was growing, and we were pushing back the darkness in our community. We sponsored evangelistic banquets and other large group events. One encouraged city leader stated after one of the banquets, “More was accomplished for God in the city tonight than has been accomplished in years.”
Hard work and perseverance were achieving fantastic results! By percentage of growth, we were the fastest growing church in The Alliance at that time. But then came part two: While pressing toward the goal, my heart had drifted from a passion fueled by unreserved love for Jesus. While achieving great results on the outside, I was growing empty and tired inside.
The Master had the same three words for me that He spoke to the Ephesians: Remember, repent, return.
• He graciously challenged me to remember the days when infatuation with Him motivated my achievements. When I was seeking Him, the results followed.
• He exhorted me to repent—to turn from any lesser motive and live for Him. I had Kingdom priorities but not “first love” motives. Obedience, duty, and obligation had obscured my vision, and I wasn’t captivated by Jesus.
• He invited me to return to the place of refreshing and true energy for service—to an unencumbered love for my Savior. It is at that place, filled with His Spirit and occupied with His presence, that I found true rest for my soul.
I learned a valuable lesson: Jesus’ words in Revelation 2 were as much for me as for the church in Ephesus. Sometimes I need to take time to revisit that special relationship I share with my Lord. I was busy with ministry and things were going well, yet I had drifted from the best place.
I found that very encouraging and challenging. I hope you will as well.
Jesus, speak to me about my love for You. My life and ministry must flow from there so I must be healthy. Help me Lord to see it clearly.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Directing the [Over]Flow
Sunday morning retuning: How’s your elbow? Your 90 degree PVC elbow that is? Are you praying about how God would want you to redirect a portion of your extra? Please do. You will be glad you did every time you hear a report from our missionaries.
Dear Worshipers,
Pastor Myron’s excellent illustration Sunday really got me thinking. There is a great system in place to pipe support to our 700+ international workers around the world. And it is easy to tap into that pipeline and thus become an integral part of what God is doing.
But we must be careful as we begin to reflect on how we can get involved or more involved, that God is the Source. He simply gives us the opportunity to direct the flow of all He floods into my life. What an incredible blessing that is. To be, as one hymn writer put it, a “channel of blessing.”
In this ministry we share, we do that same thing. God is the Source of our talent and passion and we simply get to direct that toward Him and His people. It is a sacred trust we have been given. May we always cherish it, and be quick to examine our hearts when our directing is tainted in any way.
As I reflected on this I was reminded of a thought I had years ago about this idea of being a channel. We are learning to ask God to fill us everyday with His Holy Spirit. [Eph. 5:18b] Out of the fullness of Him, we are empowered to bless others. There is a real sense in which though God does channel His blessings through us, we are really more of a reservoir than a channel.
This thought occurred to me years ago as I drove by a retaining pond. There was a pipe sticking up above the surface of the water, as well as a drain on one end. Obviously, when the pond was full, the overflow would be channeled through that pipe or drain. That is similar to what happens to us. As we are filled, God overflows and blesses others.
We must be careful to seek that fullness so that we do not serve, give, pray, etc. from another other position, ie. emptiness. Let’s be quick to guard our hearts so that our love for Christ, in all its fullness, would be the sole motivating factor for all we do. I am praying for you to that end.
Jesus, fill us so that we can be reservoirs of blessings to those around us and even to the end of the world. We want to see You at work in our lives, flowing through us. We are desperate for You to do this because we can not do it for ourselves.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
Pastor Myron’s excellent illustration Sunday really got me thinking. There is a great system in place to pipe support to our 700+ international workers around the world. And it is easy to tap into that pipeline and thus become an integral part of what God is doing.
But we must be careful as we begin to reflect on how we can get involved or more involved, that God is the Source. He simply gives us the opportunity to direct the flow of all He floods into my life. What an incredible blessing that is. To be, as one hymn writer put it, a “channel of blessing.”
In this ministry we share, we do that same thing. God is the Source of our talent and passion and we simply get to direct that toward Him and His people. It is a sacred trust we have been given. May we always cherish it, and be quick to examine our hearts when our directing is tainted in any way.
As I reflected on this I was reminded of a thought I had years ago about this idea of being a channel. We are learning to ask God to fill us everyday with His Holy Spirit. [Eph. 5:18b] Out of the fullness of Him, we are empowered to bless others. There is a real sense in which though God does channel His blessings through us, we are really more of a reservoir than a channel.
This thought occurred to me years ago as I drove by a retaining pond. There was a pipe sticking up above the surface of the water, as well as a drain on one end. Obviously, when the pond was full, the overflow would be channeled through that pipe or drain. That is similar to what happens to us. As we are filled, God overflows and blesses others.
We must be careful to seek that fullness so that we do not serve, give, pray, etc. from another other position, ie. emptiness. Let’s be quick to guard our hearts so that our love for Christ, in all its fullness, would be the sole motivating factor for all we do. I am praying for you to that end.
Jesus, fill us so that we can be reservoirs of blessings to those around us and even to the end of the world. We want to see You at work in our lives, flowing through us. We are desperate for You to do this because we can not do it for ourselves.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
State of the Worship Ministries
Sunday morning retuning: As you follow one step behind Jesus, I am fairly confident your path will look different than the one Tom Stebbins has traveled. It will however have this one thing in common: you will not cease to be amazed at how He will guide your steps if you simply determine to follow in faith!
Dear Worshipers,
Though I had another idea for the communiqué, as I listened to the address of the President Tuesday evening I realized that reflecting over the past season and looking ahead to what is coming is a healthy discipline for any group of people. I did the former part of that labor over our Worship Ministries earlier this month. You can read those reflections in the Annual Reports which will be available for consumption this weekend.
I have also been doing a fair amount of thinking and praying about the future course of this ministry. I have done some listening along the way as well. I have come to some conclusions as we look ahead that I think will help us to better serve the church in her worship as we act upon them. Allow me to elaborate.
When we launched our Encourage/Engage service model, the intent was to create two distinct worship experiences which reflect the diversity of expression currently resident in our church and to create an atmosphere for those experiences to be enhanced. Initially, I was uncertain as to how quickly we could make that differentiation due the demands in would place on our current system. Those increased demands have dictated a slow progress that has left some wondering why we are not experiencing more of a difference.
Lately, I have felt that it was time to reapply ourselves, particularly myself to this diversification, if you will. I spoke of this with choir on Wednesday explaining to them the demands it will place on their ministry as I see it directly before us. My observations and our subsequent course corrections seemed to resonate with them.
All this to say, that for being patient as we have striven to serve the church. Please be patient and prayerful as we enter another season of discovering what Jesus would have us to aid God’s people in their worship. I am excited about the possibilities in each service and simply look to the Lord for the strength, grace and wisdom to stay one step behind Him. Thanks for all each of you does to help in that.
Jesus, as we continue to endeavor to stay one step behind you in worship, please help us to know Your heart on these matters. Though there is great freedom in the tools we use to serve, help us to choose wisely with Your glory and the churches good ahead of all other considerations. We will worship while we’re waiting.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
Though I had another idea for the communiqué, as I listened to the address of the President Tuesday evening I realized that reflecting over the past season and looking ahead to what is coming is a healthy discipline for any group of people. I did the former part of that labor over our Worship Ministries earlier this month. You can read those reflections in the Annual Reports which will be available for consumption this weekend.
I have also been doing a fair amount of thinking and praying about the future course of this ministry. I have done some listening along the way as well. I have come to some conclusions as we look ahead that I think will help us to better serve the church in her worship as we act upon them. Allow me to elaborate.
When we launched our Encourage/Engage service model, the intent was to create two distinct worship experiences which reflect the diversity of expression currently resident in our church and to create an atmosphere for those experiences to be enhanced. Initially, I was uncertain as to how quickly we could make that differentiation due the demands in would place on our current system. Those increased demands have dictated a slow progress that has left some wondering why we are not experiencing more of a difference.
Lately, I have felt that it was time to reapply ourselves, particularly myself to this diversification, if you will. I spoke of this with choir on Wednesday explaining to them the demands it will place on their ministry as I see it directly before us. My observations and our subsequent course corrections seemed to resonate with them.
All this to say, that for being patient as we have striven to serve the church. Please be patient and prayerful as we enter another season of discovering what Jesus would have us to aid God’s people in their worship. I am excited about the possibilities in each service and simply look to the Lord for the strength, grace and wisdom to stay one step behind Him. Thanks for all each of you does to help in that.
Jesus, as we continue to endeavor to stay one step behind you in worship, please help us to know Your heart on these matters. Though there is great freedom in the tools we use to serve, help us to choose wisely with Your glory and the churches good ahead of all other considerations. We will worship while we’re waiting.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Working to Resolve the Issue
Sunday morning retuning: Remember, you may be facing some very difficult circumstances. Even financially the outlook may look bleak. Simply remember, “But God…” That tends to alter our perspective when we factor Him into the equation.
Dear Worshipers,
I am thankful for the myriad of talented, passionate people around me who help me exalt the Lord Jesus week in and week out. One in particular I am thankful for this week is our Audio Coordinator, Todd Maki. We have been working for some time to balance the choir and instruments on Sunday morning, and this past Sunday was evidence that we have not conquered that issue yet. Todd wanted to speak to you directly to bring you up to speed on where we are with this issue. Rest assured we are seeking the best solution for this issue.
Jesus, we want to make Your praise glorious. Would you help us discern the cause of this balance issue and deal with it, whether with acoustic treatments, new equipment, a combination of these or something else. Please give us wisdom Lord, particularly to Todd and Timothy.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
I am thankful for the myriad of talented, passionate people around me who help me exalt the Lord Jesus week in and week out. One in particular I am thankful for this week is our Audio Coordinator, Todd Maki. We have been working for some time to balance the choir and instruments on Sunday morning, and this past Sunday was evidence that we have not conquered that issue yet. Todd wanted to speak to you directly to bring you up to speed on where we are with this issue. Rest assured we are seeking the best solution for this issue.
Hello everyone,
I wanted to drop a quick note to address a reoccurring, and extremely valid concern. Namely; ….ahem…."I CAN'T HEAR THE CHOIR". Again, it's an extremely valid concern that has been expressed by quite a few people, and most likely thought by many who have not expressed it. I would assume that the following questions would logically be asked, so I thought that I would state them, and offer an explanation:
1. "Why don't the sound guys simply turn their microphone levels up?" Extremely fair, valid and reasonable question, that has an equally valid and solid answer: we can't. I don't mean that we're at max volume with the microphones (they can go 10 times louder). I mean that because of the poor acoustics of the sanctuary, we're not able to raise the levels of the choir mics any louder without having them feed back (making that really annoying "chimey" sound that sounds like a high pitched whistle). Each Sunday is a wresting match to try to get as much volume out of the choir mics without them feeding back. The next logical question could be asked:
2. "I understand. So…..why don't we fix the acoustic problems in the sanctuary"? As far as I understand it, while some of the prohibitive reasons might have been financial in the past, that is not necessarily the case at present - from what I understand, there have been some funds allocated directly towards this - which helps immensely. So, onward: We were in contact with one man who seemed to have a lot of expertise, that we were looking forward to hire to do the job. But for various reasons, he was not able to. He referred us to a company that he thought would be a good match. We waited quite some time to hear back from this company…and then staggered at the potential 100,000 estimate. Yes….that's how Timothy and I responded as well. So, in a nutshell, each time we get in contact with a new potential person trained in acoustics, it somehow doesn't seem to work out….
3. "So…..what are you going to do about it?"- We're NOT giving up! I'm asking the "me" to turn into "we". Choir - I'm challenging all of you to pray with me, and with Timothy, that the Lord will bring the right person to our church, who has the expertise, insight and knowledge on how to fix our troublesome acoustics - and search as well. Ask around at other large churches, and friends of friends. Any insight that you all might have, please feel free to send out my telephone number and have them contact me directly.
In a nutshell : please be patient with the low volume of the choir until we can find the right person/solution to fix the acoustics - and help us find one!
Jesus, we want to make Your praise glorious. Would you help us discern the cause of this balance issue and deal with it, whether with acoustic treatments, new equipment, a combination of these or something else. Please give us wisdom Lord, particularly to Todd and Timothy.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Resolution
Sunday morning retuning: Are you allowing God to redirect your heart with the money in your hand. Following “One Step Behind Jesus” takes on a whole new meaning when we take out the extra in our wallets, doesn’t it. I am so excited about the Spirit’s work in our midst. Embrace it with me.
Dear Worshipers,
That word has a lot of different meanings. More than I at first realized as I sat in church the first weekend of the New Year. Of course at the beginning of the year the one that comes to mind is setting in our minds that we will do this or that. But there are several others.
Of course, the main ones for us in our little musical world revolve the progression of a voice part or of the harmony as a whole from a dissonance to a consonance. Resolution is also the term used to describe the tone or chord to which the dissonance is resolved. In other words, the tension that results when a chord is suspended finds its release when the chord is resolved. Tenors often have this as they more from a fourth to a third in a chord. It’s the “Ah-h-h-h-h” moment in music, time and time again.
There can be a resolution to the same note, but that is not nearly as “enjoyable” as when the tension is resolved into a harmony or chord. Unison may seem to be the preferred ideal, but I have a different perspective on that. When resolution comes, it may not end up being the same note, but one that sounds good and creates something possibly even more beautiful than unison or the exact same note.
When there is that dissonance, there is a longing for it to be resolved. Even the untrained ear can hear it. There is something that longs for consonance deep in our souls. Resolution meets that longing.
That idea of dissonance to consonance is the constant in many of the different uses of this word. Coming to a place where the tension is resolved, even if not in sharing the exact same view. Truth be told, no two of us think exactly alike. Best friend or spouse. So this longing for resolution is a constant for all of us, in all our relationships.
A solution, accommodation, or settling of a problem, controversy, etc. Resolution. So maybe you are longing for resolution. I know I am. I am praying fro it even today. For me, for you. May Jesus be glorified in all our resolutions…
Jesus, consonance out of our dissonance. Resolve the things in our lives that are suspended. Ease tensions. Create harmony. We believe You can do this, and are trusting you for it.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
That word has a lot of different meanings. More than I at first realized as I sat in church the first weekend of the New Year. Of course at the beginning of the year the one that comes to mind is setting in our minds that we will do this or that. But there are several others.
Of course, the main ones for us in our little musical world revolve the progression of a voice part or of the harmony as a whole from a dissonance to a consonance. Resolution is also the term used to describe the tone or chord to which the dissonance is resolved. In other words, the tension that results when a chord is suspended finds its release when the chord is resolved. Tenors often have this as they more from a fourth to a third in a chord. It’s the “Ah-h-h-h-h” moment in music, time and time again.
There can be a resolution to the same note, but that is not nearly as “enjoyable” as when the tension is resolved into a harmony or chord. Unison may seem to be the preferred ideal, but I have a different perspective on that. When resolution comes, it may not end up being the same note, but one that sounds good and creates something possibly even more beautiful than unison or the exact same note.
When there is that dissonance, there is a longing for it to be resolved. Even the untrained ear can hear it. There is something that longs for consonance deep in our souls. Resolution meets that longing.
That idea of dissonance to consonance is the constant in many of the different uses of this word. Coming to a place where the tension is resolved, even if not in sharing the exact same view. Truth be told, no two of us think exactly alike. Best friend or spouse. So this longing for resolution is a constant for all of us, in all our relationships.
A solution, accommodation, or settling of a problem, controversy, etc. Resolution. So maybe you are longing for resolution. I know I am. I am praying fro it even today. For me, for you. May Jesus be glorified in all our resolutions…
Jesus, consonance out of our dissonance. Resolve the things in our lives that are suspended. Ease tensions. Create harmony. We believe You can do this, and are trusting you for it.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thankful for His Presence
Dear Worshipers,
Jesus, we live in a world where peace seems to elude us. Where fighting and disagreements are far more familiar than understanding and acceptance. A world that seems so divided and so confused. I am thankful today that peace is not the absence of conflict-peace is Your presence in our lives. We need Your peace. We need Your presence. We need You, Jesus.
I know these words have been much on my mind because I had to memorize them, but they really are a beautiful, simple prayer. I struggled bit with why the arrangers had us singing “Silent Night” so quickly after that prayer, but I came to terms with it and want to encourage you with my reasoning.
The song speaks of a quiet night where the holy infant and mother are basking in calmness and light. Then the words, the prayer, “Sleep in heavenly peace.” In a sense it is our prayer for the little baby, our Lord, but in another real sense it is His prayer for us. It becomes a prayer for us to sing to one another, and a very appropriate moment to do so in the work we shared.
We have reminded them of the Christmas story, through word and song, and on the heels of singing some familiar carols and affirming there is peace in the world, we encourage them, “Sleep in heavenly peace.” How does one do that in the midst of the chaos and storm of life? By basking in the calmness and light offered by the babe in the manger, the Prince of Peace.
I want to encourage you in these last days before we come to celebrate Christmas, take some time to cultivate peace in your world. Get quiet. Stop. Light a candle. Be still. Let the Prince flood your soul with the peace that only He affords.
Jesus, help me to keep praying. There is a lot happening and I want to see You in it all, and for others to see You too. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Jesus, we live in a world where peace seems to elude us. Where fighting and disagreements are far more familiar than understanding and acceptance. A world that seems so divided and so confused. I am thankful today that peace is not the absence of conflict-peace is Your presence in our lives. We need Your peace. We need Your presence. We need You, Jesus.
I know these words have been much on my mind because I had to memorize them, but they really are a beautiful, simple prayer. I struggled bit with why the arrangers had us singing “Silent Night” so quickly after that prayer, but I came to terms with it and want to encourage you with my reasoning.
The song speaks of a quiet night where the holy infant and mother are basking in calmness and light. Then the words, the prayer, “Sleep in heavenly peace.” In a sense it is our prayer for the little baby, our Lord, but in another real sense it is His prayer for us. It becomes a prayer for us to sing to one another, and a very appropriate moment to do so in the work we shared.
We have reminded them of the Christmas story, through word and song, and on the heels of singing some familiar carols and affirming there is peace in the world, we encourage them, “Sleep in heavenly peace.” How does one do that in the midst of the chaos and storm of life? By basking in the calmness and light offered by the babe in the manger, the Prince of Peace.
I want to encourage you in these last days before we come to celebrate Christmas, take some time to cultivate peace in your world. Get quiet. Stop. Light a candle. Be still. Let the Prince flood your soul with the peace that only He affords.
Jesus, help me to keep praying. There is a lot happening and I want to see You in it all, and for others to see You too. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
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