Any waiter at a restaurant will tell you that when serving others do-not-be surprised by the comments your patrons may openly say out loud. The same goes for the church.
While in the middle of searching for a new Pastor many questionable comments have been made from senior church members. Comments I have found disturbing, but describe the problems facing our churches for the past 40 years. Many older church members are afraid of a new young pastor fresh out of seminary. Claiming their inexperience will be a hindrance. Nearly all churches these days require their senior pastors to have at least a doctoral degree(s). You would be hard pressed to find such a requirement for the CEO’s of the Fortune 500 companies. We have a hard enough time getting church members to attend a 40-minute Sunday School class let alone attending seminary. Ask yourself this question, “Does our church encourage or sponsor our members to enter into the service of the Ministry?” Some may sponsor Missionary work and give a missionary offering once a year.
Each month we hear more and more pastors leaving the ministry. At the same time we hear reports of fewer and fewer students enrolling into seminary. This has been going on for decades. What did Jesus tell us?
He said to his disciples, The harvest is great, but the workers are few.
Matt 9:37 (NLT)
Church enrollment has been sliding downward for decades. Baptisms too. The church has lost its influence but more important it has lost its respect within society. We are Americans. We love numbers. So much so we feel it is the only way to keep score. Is that what Jesus taught?
In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7 (NLT)
Over the last 10 months I have been watching the employment section of a major Baptist publication. Over and over there are requests for Senior Pastors, Associate Pastors and Music Ministers. Asking for years of experience and degrees in education. In the last 10 months I have not seen one ad from one church calling for a man of God. Not one yet. What does God’s Word have to say about this?
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
1 Cor 2:1-5 (NLT)
Paul clearly shows us that the qualifications are not eloquent speech. A man of God is not an entertainer. Not one of long words that few can understand. He focused on Christ. Without Christ he had no purpose or reason. Paul came to us plain and simple before God. Relying solely on God the way all of us should.
We set standards we cannot live up too, let alone God’s standards. Let’s stop trying to reset the bar expecting our pastors, preachers, and servants of God to jump through flaming hoops to serve us. Instead let us follow their lead in serving Christ.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Dealing with Loss
This week I received a call that a dear friend, back in California, who’s wife had passed away from cancer. We grew up together during high school. He and his wife were high school sweethearts. Married afterwards. They were both dear friends. They have 3 boys now teenagers. The same age we were. A time we called the good old days. Those were hard times but we looked forward to the future. Death was never in our thoughts.
Just how do we deal with loss? It would be nice to say that just reading a few verses of scripture would some how take away the pain. Through my experience it does but it can take months or years.
My mother once told me that funerals were for the living. Yes they are and I find it sad how we try to sum up one's life in just a few words. It is a time of saying goodbye I guess. Each time I have attended a funeral within the tears I have been given a smile. Knowing they are safe with Christ and time will come when we will see each other again. This is the confidence that comes with being a Christian.
Death comes in many forms. The loss of a job cannot only hurt financially but can cut deep into one's confidence. Killing a man inside. Too often we are defined by where we work. If that were true then Paul would have been known as a tent maker and not a great servant of God. Paul suffered yet he rejoiced in his suffering. When dealing with loss the last thing that comes to our mind is rejoicing. It is when things are at there worse that we come to realize the light of Christ Jesus shines brightest. Too often I have missed it by keeping my eyes closed on this world instead of keeping them wide open on the Kingdom of God.
When dealing with loss, I am no expert; one cannot afford to look inward. The resources within self are just not there. We need to reach out for help. On the other side we need to be prepared to help others. In the Gospel of Matthew our Lord tells us how important it is to be a servant.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt 20:28 (NLT)
If I am to be like my Lord then I must focus on serving others. Just a simple smile at times can make all the difference in one’s life. Taking time to listen. Offering a helping hand. Even a rebuke is needed when done in love for one another.
When you hurt be willing to ask for help. Be willing and keep your eyes open to help others.
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Eccl 4:10 (NLT)
Just how do we deal with loss? It would be nice to say that just reading a few verses of scripture would some how take away the pain. Through my experience it does but it can take months or years.
My mother once told me that funerals were for the living. Yes they are and I find it sad how we try to sum up one's life in just a few words. It is a time of saying goodbye I guess. Each time I have attended a funeral within the tears I have been given a smile. Knowing they are safe with Christ and time will come when we will see each other again. This is the confidence that comes with being a Christian.
Death comes in many forms. The loss of a job cannot only hurt financially but can cut deep into one's confidence. Killing a man inside. Too often we are defined by where we work. If that were true then Paul would have been known as a tent maker and not a great servant of God. Paul suffered yet he rejoiced in his suffering. When dealing with loss the last thing that comes to our mind is rejoicing. It is when things are at there worse that we come to realize the light of Christ Jesus shines brightest. Too often I have missed it by keeping my eyes closed on this world instead of keeping them wide open on the Kingdom of God.
When dealing with loss, I am no expert; one cannot afford to look inward. The resources within self are just not there. We need to reach out for help. On the other side we need to be prepared to help others. In the Gospel of Matthew our Lord tells us how important it is to be a servant.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt 20:28 (NLT)
If I am to be like my Lord then I must focus on serving others. Just a simple smile at times can make all the difference in one’s life. Taking time to listen. Offering a helping hand. Even a rebuke is needed when done in love for one another.
When you hurt be willing to ask for help. Be willing and keep your eyes open to help others.
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Eccl 4:10 (NLT)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Is Christmas unchristian?
To make my point one only has to go to the mall during the last Saturday before Christmas to see for them selves how our society has fallen away from the faith. The Christmas holiday as we know it was not declared a federal holiday until 1870. In fact the celebration of Christmas was banned in Boston from 1659 to 1681. For most of our history December 25th has been considered a pagan time of worship. Ancient Rome celebrated “Dies Natalis Invicti Solis” this time of year. Which means the birthday of the unconquered Sun. History tells us they had parties, formal meals and exchanged gifts. So when was Jesus born? The following scripture is one of many keys to the story.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8 (KJV)
It is highly unlikely that the shepherds would be out at night during the winter season. It would have been too cold and wet more likely in spring, summer or fall. October would be more accurate. When we read the story of the shepherds we find they were given specific instructions on where to find the Savior. No mention of wise men there.
Notice within the following verse the word “house.” No mention of the word manger. We may have established the idea of three wise men based on the three gifts mentioned within the following verse.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matt 2:11 (KJV)
The story of the wise men coming to see Jesus much later after His birth is again noted in the following:
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Matt 2:16 (KJV)
The time frame of two years and under suggest that Jesus may have been several years old by the time the wise men came to see him. Certainly they saw the Savior in a house and not a manger.
Another tradition celebrated at Christmas is the Christmas Tree not a Holiday Tree. Is this biblical? At the birth of Christ the Bible has no mention of a Christmas Tree, Yule logs, wreaths, boughs of holly, mistletoe, lights, eggnog, elves, toys, cookies, reindeer, Santa Claus, Bing Crosby or a report of Grandma being run over by a reindeer. Today we have it all and it is getting worst in my opinion. We do have a biblical reference and warning about the tradition of trimming the tree.
This is what the Lord says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol. They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over. Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.” Jer 10:2-5 (NLT)
Since the Book of Jeremiah was written around 600 B.C. we can conclude that the trimming of a tree for celebration dates back before the birth of Christ.
Another point is made that the apostles throughout the New Testament have no mention of the birthday celebration for Jesus. December 25th may not have been the accurate birthday for our Lord and Savior. Evidence shows that pagan celebrations and Christianity have intermixed in some way. Many of the Christmas tradition we do celebrate may not be biblical.
I too am guilty of following the worldly view of Christmas. Scrambling across the Mall. Driving from store to store. Falling deep into the Hallmark conspiracy of what Christmas is all about. God gave us the greatest gift of all. What have I done with this priceless gift? It would honor my Father in Heaven better if I were to openly read aloud from my Bible in the middle of the mall and risk going to jail for it than too continue to run like a mouse in a maze during this holiday season.
The only unchristian thing about Christmas is what we make of it. Take a moment to say thank you to the hard working underpaid clerk behind the counter. The waiter or waitress at the restaurant who is working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. Too often we find our Christian brothers and sisters with their heads down wondering where has the joy gone? For the unsaved it is even worst. God gave us Christ Jesus. Make a point to share this gift with others throughout the year.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8 (KJV)
It is highly unlikely that the shepherds would be out at night during the winter season. It would have been too cold and wet more likely in spring, summer or fall. October would be more accurate. When we read the story of the shepherds we find they were given specific instructions on where to find the Savior. No mention of wise men there.
Notice within the following verse the word “house.” No mention of the word manger. We may have established the idea of three wise men based on the three gifts mentioned within the following verse.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matt 2:11 (KJV)
The story of the wise men coming to see Jesus much later after His birth is again noted in the following:
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Matt 2:16 (KJV)
The time frame of two years and under suggest that Jesus may have been several years old by the time the wise men came to see him. Certainly they saw the Savior in a house and not a manger.
Another tradition celebrated at Christmas is the Christmas Tree not a Holiday Tree. Is this biblical? At the birth of Christ the Bible has no mention of a Christmas Tree, Yule logs, wreaths, boughs of holly, mistletoe, lights, eggnog, elves, toys, cookies, reindeer, Santa Claus, Bing Crosby or a report of Grandma being run over by a reindeer. Today we have it all and it is getting worst in my opinion. We do have a biblical reference and warning about the tradition of trimming the tree.
This is what the Lord says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol. They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over. Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.” Jer 10:2-5 (NLT)
Since the Book of Jeremiah was written around 600 B.C. we can conclude that the trimming of a tree for celebration dates back before the birth of Christ.
Another point is made that the apostles throughout the New Testament have no mention of the birthday celebration for Jesus. December 25th may not have been the accurate birthday for our Lord and Savior. Evidence shows that pagan celebrations and Christianity have intermixed in some way. Many of the Christmas tradition we do celebrate may not be biblical.
I too am guilty of following the worldly view of Christmas. Scrambling across the Mall. Driving from store to store. Falling deep into the Hallmark conspiracy of what Christmas is all about. God gave us the greatest gift of all. What have I done with this priceless gift? It would honor my Father in Heaven better if I were to openly read aloud from my Bible in the middle of the mall and risk going to jail for it than too continue to run like a mouse in a maze during this holiday season.
The only unchristian thing about Christmas is what we make of it. Take a moment to say thank you to the hard working underpaid clerk behind the counter. The waiter or waitress at the restaurant who is working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. Too often we find our Christian brothers and sisters with their heads down wondering where has the joy gone? For the unsaved it is even worst. God gave us Christ Jesus. Make a point to share this gift with others throughout the year.
Friday, November 28, 2008
You Need Friends
I do not know about your family but ours has had a hard time within the recent economic crunch.
When hard times hit it is difficult to maintain your joy. Worry and immediate family concerns can feel overwhelming. Friends are priceless especially in times of crisis. The sharing of ones experiences can help you prepare for what you are facing now.
A close friend of ours gave me a book this week. Billy Graham's "Hope for the Troubled Heart." Reverend Graham in chapter 8 sums it up well. "Out of pain and problems have come the sweetest songs, the most poignant poems, and the most gripping stories."
Right now my life story seems more like a tragedy than one of hope and inspiration. The problem is that I am looking at just one chapter when God already knows the whole book of my life.
God has given us His Word, His Son, His Love, and His Promise.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Heb 13:5 (NLT)
Friends are there to lean on when needed. As a friend we are there to reach out and help one another up when they have fallen down. A friend is truly a brother or sister in Christ for my Bible tells me in the following verse: We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 (NLT)
Jesus laid down His life for me. Making my troubles trivial in comparison. And that is what my troubles are, trivial. It is our problems that remind us that we just cannot make it on our own. That is why we need Jesus. That is why He came to us in the flesh over 2,000 years ago. We cannot make it in this life or the next without Christ Jesus.
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Eccl 4:10 (NLT)
The above scripture warns us about going at it alone. Asking for a friend's help is also the act of friendship. Be a friend. Help those in need and do not let pride get in the way when you need to ask for help.
When hard times hit it is difficult to maintain your joy. Worry and immediate family concerns can feel overwhelming. Friends are priceless especially in times of crisis. The sharing of ones experiences can help you prepare for what you are facing now.
A close friend of ours gave me a book this week. Billy Graham's "Hope for the Troubled Heart." Reverend Graham in chapter 8 sums it up well. "Out of pain and problems have come the sweetest songs, the most poignant poems, and the most gripping stories."
Right now my life story seems more like a tragedy than one of hope and inspiration. The problem is that I am looking at just one chapter when God already knows the whole book of my life.
God has given us His Word, His Son, His Love, and His Promise.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Heb 13:5 (NLT)
Friends are there to lean on when needed. As a friend we are there to reach out and help one another up when they have fallen down. A friend is truly a brother or sister in Christ for my Bible tells me in the following verse: We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 (NLT)
Jesus laid down His life for me. Making my troubles trivial in comparison. And that is what my troubles are, trivial. It is our problems that remind us that we just cannot make it on our own. That is why we need Jesus. That is why He came to us in the flesh over 2,000 years ago. We cannot make it in this life or the next without Christ Jesus.
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Eccl 4:10 (NLT)
The above scripture warns us about going at it alone. Asking for a friend's help is also the act of friendship. Be a friend. Help those in need and do not let pride get in the way when you need to ask for help.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Pastors, Pastors, Pastors
Some recent events have come to my attention. As a seminary student we look forward to our assignment in continuing service to God for God. Lately I have notice the number of churches that are in the process of looking for a pastor for their church. Statistics show that the average tenure for a Southern Baptist Pastor is 27 months. That seems outrageous to me. How can churches survive? How can a Pastor expect to be able to serve God knowing how little time he has? How can a Pastor’s family survive with such change and lost of their church family? How can a church congregation move from "welcome" to "please leave" in such a short time?
In 1 Peter we learn the great responsibility that is placed on the shoulders of the Pastor.
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 1 Peter 5:2 (NLT)
A Pastor is called by God to serve God. It is for this reason that so many seem to be rejected by the very flock they are entrusted to care for. Though it may not be popular it is required to preach of the cross, the blood of Christ and dare I say it, SIN. Yet the Bible clearly tells us of the gifts we have been given.
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
Eph 4:11 (NLT)
Please see my posting of Sheep without a Shepherd.
I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15 (NLT)
I am ashamed to admit it but I have seen Pastors belittled, discouraged by and beaten up more by their own congregation than from Satan’s own demons. Make no mistake I am guilty in allowing this to happen within my own church as anyone else.
Again statistics show that half of all seminary students drop out before graduating. Half of those who do graduate and enter the ministry leave it within their first two years. That leaves only 25% of those who enter seminary continue in their service for God. The parable of the farmer scattering seed in Matthew 13:1-8 comes to mind.
It is a small group that continues to bare the burden that enters the ministry. It is a hard life. One filled with longsuffering, disappointment, hardship, poverty, and relentless service for others.
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17 (NLT)
In 1 Peter we learn the great responsibility that is placed on the shoulders of the Pastor.
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 1 Peter 5:2 (NLT)
A Pastor is called by God to serve God. It is for this reason that so many seem to be rejected by the very flock they are entrusted to care for. Though it may not be popular it is required to preach of the cross, the blood of Christ and dare I say it, SIN. Yet the Bible clearly tells us of the gifts we have been given.
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
Eph 4:11 (NLT)
Please see my posting of Sheep without a Shepherd.
I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15 (NLT)
I am ashamed to admit it but I have seen Pastors belittled, discouraged by and beaten up more by their own congregation than from Satan’s own demons. Make no mistake I am guilty in allowing this to happen within my own church as anyone else.
Again statistics show that half of all seminary students drop out before graduating. Half of those who do graduate and enter the ministry leave it within their first two years. That leaves only 25% of those who enter seminary continue in their service for God. The parable of the farmer scattering seed in Matthew 13:1-8 comes to mind.
It is a small group that continues to bare the burden that enters the ministry. It is a hard life. One filled with longsuffering, disappointment, hardship, poverty, and relentless service for others.
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17 (NLT)
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Trick or Treat
It is that time again. Ending of the month of October with the nationwide experience of Halloween. We could go down that road of its history. That would be the tradional thing to do, but that would be boring. Let us focus on what Halloween has become.
I remember a time long ago as a young boy in the neighborhood on Halloween night. I was dressed as a pirate my friends as an astronaut and the other a cowboy. It dates back a while. We would walk for blocks and blocks. Each one flooded with children in costumes. Laughter and giggles filled the streets. Joy and excitement a dentist could love a time of innocents now long gone.
Today the commercialization of the holidays is the main theme. Retailers now pushing products endorsed by the Hollywood movie industry. Halloween products ordered from suppliers over six months ago to be shipped in time for the holiday. Many of the items on the shelf have returned from storage inventories from the previous year. Perhaps they will sell this year? Video stores, TV, and movie houses around the country release their latest stories of horror to entice our pagan roots.
As Christians we try to point out the evil involved in this season. Our critics are quick to point out the carnage found in our Holy Bible. How David cut the head off of Goliath in 1 Samuel Chapter 17. Again they point out the story of the execution of John the Baptist in Mark Chapter 6:24-28 the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The history of the church has its bloody tale too. Crusades that used force to convert entire populations that continues to rebel against the truth to this day.
How we have missed the point that the instrument of death, the cross, was turned into a symbol of life through Christ Jesus.
With many youngsters coming to your front door this Halloween. Do we see an opportunity to witness to them? Along with candy could we also include a gospel track? Perhaps even an invitation to visit us at church? What about an announcement about an upcoming youth activity at your local church?
What if we went as far as to set-up a living manger scene rather than a haunted house display? Reminding everyone of the gift available at all times and not just on Christmas.
I remember a time long ago as a young boy in the neighborhood on Halloween night. I was dressed as a pirate my friends as an astronaut and the other a cowboy. It dates back a while. We would walk for blocks and blocks. Each one flooded with children in costumes. Laughter and giggles filled the streets. Joy and excitement a dentist could love a time of innocents now long gone.
Today the commercialization of the holidays is the main theme. Retailers now pushing products endorsed by the Hollywood movie industry. Halloween products ordered from suppliers over six months ago to be shipped in time for the holiday. Many of the items on the shelf have returned from storage inventories from the previous year. Perhaps they will sell this year? Video stores, TV, and movie houses around the country release their latest stories of horror to entice our pagan roots.
As Christians we try to point out the evil involved in this season. Our critics are quick to point out the carnage found in our Holy Bible. How David cut the head off of Goliath in 1 Samuel Chapter 17. Again they point out the story of the execution of John the Baptist in Mark Chapter 6:24-28 the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The history of the church has its bloody tale too. Crusades that used force to convert entire populations that continues to rebel against the truth to this day.
How we have missed the point that the instrument of death, the cross, was turned into a symbol of life through Christ Jesus.
With many youngsters coming to your front door this Halloween. Do we see an opportunity to witness to them? Along with candy could we also include a gospel track? Perhaps even an invitation to visit us at church? What about an announcement about an upcoming youth activity at your local church?
What if we went as far as to set-up a living manger scene rather than a haunted house display? Reminding everyone of the gift available at all times and not just on Christmas.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Witness Reaction Program, Step Three: Worship
In step-one we learned to get in tune with God and stay in tune with Him through prayer. In step-two we learned to know God through His word. Studying His word is essential for our Christian growth. The first three steps of the Witness Reaction Program are the foundation work for our Christian faith. If you do not have it or do not live it then how can it show in you? How can God’s light shine through you?
The next step is worship. Have you ever been in church service with the choir singing and tears come running down your face? For that brief moment everything is fine even though you might be at you’re lowest. It is at that moment we come before God with a repentant heart. It is at that moment that we give up all we are to God. I will let you in on a little secret. We do not come to church to worship. We bring our worship to church.
Worship is associated with song or music. If you are like me then you know how to make a joyful noise. Those around me hear the noise and God and I hear the joy. Yes, call me a Jesus freak. I am one of those who move back and forth when the music plays. I enjoy hearing the choir sing. Come Monday morning has the joy left you?
Each day and each moment is a time to worship God. When that choir song keeps ringing in your ear let it move you. Perhaps you only remember the chorus line. Sing it over and over. Today there are many Christian radio stations as well as Internet radio Christian videos on Godtube.com and on CD. A good song can change your mood from negative to positive.
Reading the Book of Psalms has helped ease my heart in times of trouble. The more of them you read the more your heart will cry out to God.
Our youth band is a joy to listen too. Sure I know I am getting older since I often think the music is too loud. So I sit in the back. The point is that you need to search out different opportunities in worship. Go to a Christian concert with friends from church. Ask fellow Christians what groups or songs they listen too. Your Minister of Music at your local church is a great resource. Ask him.
The next step is worship. Have you ever been in church service with the choir singing and tears come running down your face? For that brief moment everything is fine even though you might be at you’re lowest. It is at that moment we come before God with a repentant heart. It is at that moment that we give up all we are to God. I will let you in on a little secret. We do not come to church to worship. We bring our worship to church.
Worship is associated with song or music. If you are like me then you know how to make a joyful noise. Those around me hear the noise and God and I hear the joy. Yes, call me a Jesus freak. I am one of those who move back and forth when the music plays. I enjoy hearing the choir sing. Come Monday morning has the joy left you?
Each day and each moment is a time to worship God. When that choir song keeps ringing in your ear let it move you. Perhaps you only remember the chorus line. Sing it over and over. Today there are many Christian radio stations as well as Internet radio Christian videos on Godtube.com and on CD. A good song can change your mood from negative to positive.
Reading the Book of Psalms has helped ease my heart in times of trouble. The more of them you read the more your heart will cry out to God.
Our youth band is a joy to listen too. Sure I know I am getting older since I often think the music is too loud. So I sit in the back. The point is that you need to search out different opportunities in worship. Go to a Christian concert with friends from church. Ask fellow Christians what groups or songs they listen too. Your Minister of Music at your local church is a great resource. Ask him.
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