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Worship Ministry - October 2024

Choir

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to get the choir back together again. In just a few weeks on October 27th, we will begin
practicing for our Christmas Night of Worship (December 15th). Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm. We will also be joined by the children’s choir (5 years old to 5th grade) for the Night of Worship as well. Practice for the children’s choir will begin November 3rd at 4:30 pm.

Whether you can sing well or you’re a beginner, I would love for you to join us this year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! Reach out to either me or Jen Church if you have any questions or would like to sign up!

Glory
It’s hard not to love Fall, right? The cooling weather, the changing leaves, and the pumpkin spice lattes, what’s not to like? Fall reminds me of the beauty of God’s creation! As the leaves turn from green to red, orange and yellow, nature truly becomes a work of art. The fields are harvested and the pumpkins come out, I’m reminded of God’s provision.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

Sometimes it feels like we are close to God, that we can reach and touch Him. We are in tune with His will for our lives, we are sold out for Him and our hearts and minds are focused on Him. A lot of days, it feels like He is far away. We are confident that God is there, we trust and hope in Him, and believe in Him, but He doesn’t feel near. It’s on days like this that I have to remind myself that God’s glory is all around us. We can witness God’s beauty, creativity, power, and glory every day we just have to look around us.

“From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens.” Psalm 113:3-4

As we witness God’s glory around us, how are we to respond? The simple answer is, with praise. Christine Batchelder (author at the Billy Graham Training Center) writes “Friends, when we open our eyes in the morning, let’s make a conscious decision to praise Him. Let’s make a conscious decision to be more intentional to give God the Glory in everything we do and say. God deserves that because He is so faithful and so good to us. Praise Him! Give Him Glory!”

So, tomorrow when you open your eyes, choose to praise the Lord! Then the next day, when you see the leaves changing color and rustling in the wind, praise the Lord. When you and your family pick that pumpkin, praise the Lord for all He has given you. On that day that you feel alone, cry out to our God and praise Him.

Love you and mean it!

Worship Ministry - September 2024

Wisdom and Peace

Why is living peacefully so hard? Why is it so easy to get irritated or angry at someone? Whether it be conflict with your neighbor over a fence line, someone cutting in line at the store or how other people drive, it is so easy for us to give in to our self-righteous anger. I know I am quick to yell at the car next to me during the morning commute, and I am sure you could make a list of things that get under your skin.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” James 3:17-18

As we live our lives, we must seek Christ and all that is good in Him. We seek His wisdom and pure heart. We desire His strength and humility. His righteousness! We know this, but doing it with a steadfast heart is a bigger task. We give way to our flesh and worldly desires, and then we try to redeem ourselves through our own strength and
works - as if that’s even possible. Has God not made it clear to us where we should find wisdom, strength, and peace? We must remember to turn to the Lord, not just first but God alone. It is only God that can make us righteous and holy, turn to no one else but Him.

“God’s Wisdom produces that which is right, that which is pleasing and honoring to God, and that which is good for the people of God.” - David Platt (Christ-Centered Exposition commentary) When it comes to choosing between God’s wisdom and our own, choosing God’s is never followed with regret. We are never left wishing that we'd gone a different direction when we decide to follow God’s Word and Will. Seeking and following God’s wisdom brings us peace! “The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God” (Matt 5:9)

Have you ever tried picking a restaurant to eat at with a group of people? It’s like pulling teeth to get everyone to decide on one place. This is true for all aspects of our lives! Life would be easy except that there are other people in the world who make it difficult; however, as we walk with Christ there can be peace through Christ. A.W. Tozer wrote, “As long as you set yourself up as a little god to which you must be loyal, how can you hope to find inward peace.” We can’t find peace when we rely on ourselves or anyone other than God.

As we desire Christ, we desire His wisdom and peace for He too desires these things for us. “Peace is what God desires in our relationships, our homes, and our churches.” David Platt (Christ-Centered Exposition commentary)

“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting....” James 1:5-6a

Ask the Lord for His wisdom and peace! In those times of frustration or trouble, stop and pray that He would guide you and give you a heart and mind like Christ’s. Rely on Him alone!