I've seen many signs in front of church buildings that read, "Come as you are," and often wondered what message they hoped to convey. I know that regardless of "how" I show up to services, God knows whether my heart is focused on Him or caught up in self. I may come impeccably dressed while my heart is in shambles. I wear threadbare clothes while possessing a heart receptive to God's discipline. Our attire, whether stainless or shabby, might be able to create a certain impression on people, but it will not conceal from God the state of our hearts or our minds.
Tag: worship
How Can We Improve at Helping Others Within the Church? (Coffee Chat 17)
We are long overdue for a coffee chat! Today's question is two-fold: How do we get better at seeing those who need help, love, and encouragement? How do we conquer social anxiety when it comes to helping others? Join us for a little chat over your cup of coffee, tea, or chai!
What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
“Why do I have to go to church?” “I can do “church” on my own.” “I don’t get anything out of it.” I’ve heard all of them. I used to say the last one in my weaker seasons. I once had a friend tell me, "I can worship God anywhere. I can do church in… Continue reading What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
The Need for Rest
Yesterday, as I reviewed my retirement accounts with my financial advisor, she commented, "Retirement looks much different now than in years past. People used to retire and live a leisure life; these days, people pick up another job just to stay busy." She is right, of course, although I believe there are more factors than… Continue reading The Need for Rest
Are you ‘getting nothing’ out of your church service?
Throughout my years of being a Christian, I’ve attended thousands of worship services. I’ve listened to sound and engaging preaching, endured a fair number of confusing sermons, sung countless songs, and watched the behavior of fellow Christians. I am ashamed to admit there are more than a few services from which I leave saying, “I got nothing out of it.” I frequently blamed the preaching, the song leading, the members nodding off, my own exhaustion, the failure of others to acknowledge my existence, but rarely did I do the thing that really needed to be done. Instead of saying, “I got nothing out of it, I should have been asking, “What did I put into it?” When we feel like we are leaving worship “unfulfilled,” it’s time ask ourselves some hard questions.
A heart in tune
O Thou Fount of ev'ry blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me ever to adore Thee; May I still Thy goodness prove; While the hope of endless glory, Fills my heart with joy and love. Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither… Continue reading A heart in tune
A Prayer Before Worship
Dear Heavenly Father, I approach your throne of grace with joy this morning as I prepare to worship you today. You are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You are my creator. You have given me purpose. You have redeemed me through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. You demonstrate perfect justice, and… Continue reading A Prayer Before Worship
To The Parents with the Squirmy Kids at Worship
I saw you on Sunday morning. I watched you walk down the aisle at least three times. On the first trip, you held a squirmy baby in one arm and a diaper bag in the other. Your second exodus involved a recalcitrant toddler, howling like a wolf at the moon. You made your last… Continue reading To The Parents with the Squirmy Kids at Worship
The Meeting We All Desperately Need
Last week, I attended a webinar hosted by Michael Hyatt, the New York Times Bestselling Author, speaker, and blogger. I highly recommend his work, especially as he teaches from a Christian perspective. One of the action items from this webinar involved “making an appointment to write” and keeping it just as you would any other… Continue reading The Meeting We All Desperately Need
Why “going through the motions” is necessary at times
There is a popular song that plays occasionally on the Christian radio station called "The Motions." I had to look up the lyrics because I could only remember the chorus (even after I looked them up, they made little sense to me). This is how the chorus goes: I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day Without Your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking What if I had given everything Instead of going through the motions? Not to slaughter anyone's sacred cow (or song), but this song has got it backwards.
Elihu's Corner 