Are We Offering Polluted Worship? Part 2

October 18, 2011 in Worship Living with 0 Comments

I find it very interesting that God would tell Israel He’d rather the doors to the temple be shut and fire kept unlit than receive their polluted offerings of worship to Him. “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.” (Mal. 1:11).

Jesus’ death and resurrection are the most pure offering to cover our sins. Jesus is our only salvation. But as living sacrifices to God, are we offering the best of our worship and adoration to Him?

Continue reading the rest of my guest post at butterflygenes as part of her 31 Days of Worship. This wraps it up.

Thanks Heather for asking me to participate in your series on worship. You can find Part 1 of my guest post here.

*Photo Credit

Are We Offering Polluted Worship? Part 1

October 17, 2011 in Worship Living with 1 Comment


In the book of Malachi, we read about an interesting discussion between God and His people. We hear a nation who is actually arguing with God, saying “How have you loved us?” (Mal. 1:2) God describes to His people how He loves them (God has a LOT of patience), but then prompts an interesting question.

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name.” (Mal. 1:6)

The people reply back, asking God, “How have we despised Your name?” (Mal. 1:6).

“By offering polluted food upon my altar.” (Mal. 1:7)

Continue reading Part 1 of my guest post at butterflygenes as part of her 31 Days of Worship

*Photo Credit

Songs and Worship, September 11, 2011

September 13, 2011 in Setlists, Washington Avenue Bible Church, Worship Leading with 4 Comments

Washington Avenue Bible Church. I cannot believe it’s been ten years since the attacks of 9/11. I can still remember the exact location and moment that I saw the live news report on the twin towers. In that moment, I hadn’t realized the severity of what was happening. It has changed our nation and even the world as a whole.

We took time to remember that day during our services. We used a reading that Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY did themselves and provided for other churches to use as well. It reflected on what happened, gave words for us to pray for our nation and those who suffered personally through loss and hardship during that time, and then focused and reminded us of our God and who He is and what is to come.

However it worked out, another incident happened during this past weekend that really tried people. We had some major flooding which normally doesn’t happen in our area. People lost their homes, many lost possessions and had damage done to their property. There were also a couple deaths. The songs could still speak to those people. Praise God for His sovereignty.

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Just Because You Can Does Not Mean You’re Ready

September 3, 2011 in Preparing, Worship Living with 0 Comments

Imagine the feeling of waking up to your clock’s impatient crow. I really hate that sound. You open your eyes just to hit the snooze button and quickly roll (literally) back into bed.

Another ten minutes pass, and repeat your clock’s unrelenting call. You know you need to get up, because you already set your clock to go off later than normal. You were up late last night watching that movie you wanted to see all week since you did not have the time among the other things you wanted to do.

You stand and drag yourself to the shower. On the way, you perk up a bit. The smell of coffee is filling the air from your auto-start coffee maker in the kitchen. What a relief.

After washing up and getting dressed, you make your way out to get some coffee and breakfast. Well, maybe a bowl of cereal or granola bar, because you really don’t have time to sit down and eat a good breakfast. If you live with other people, everyone has their routines, some having eaten already and getting the kids around, while your younger sibling may not even be out of bed yet. Chaos.

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Songs and Worship, August 21, 2011

August 25, 2011 in First Church, Setlists, Worship Leading, Worship Living with 0 Comments

First United Methodist Church of Ephrata. It was an honor and blessing to be with First Church last Sunday. We gave glory to the Lord with our hearts in song and expression. It is a joy to be with people who love just praising God.

Pastor Walter brought the Word and the focus of our worship was centered around Jesus’s victory over sin and the strength and promises He supplies in our need and persecution. Walt preached from Matthew 5:10-12.

 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The truth is, we need to expect persecution, trials, and hardship as followers of Jesus. The passage said, “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” It’s interesting what is said. The blessing comes to those who not only love God, but who are doing good for God. And it’s from doing good for God that the persecution is coming for them.

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