A monk shared an experience with theologian Karl Barth: “One evening, being choirmaster of his monastery, he was chanting the Magnificat with his confrères, when suddenly a French shell crashed through the roof and exploded in the nave of the church. But the smoke thinned away and the Magnifcat continued.”* Even the violence and chaos … Continue reading It exploded, but praise continued
worship
Surround me with songs of deliverance
In Psalm 32:7 a struggling David prays these words to God: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” He needs relief. He needs protection. And so he asks that God surround him “with songs of deliverance.” He knows that the music will serve as … Continue reading Surround me with songs of deliverance
For ALL people (Epiphany)
Today is Epiphany. Um, what? “Epiphany” means “manifestation.” Historically, it’s a day when Christians mark the manifestation (or appearing, or showing-forth) of Jesus to the gentiles—in other words, to ALL people (not just Jews). It’s associated with the visit of the wise men who came from a faraway country: “When they saw the star, they were … Continue reading For ALL people (Epiphany)
Directing your happiness
In the Bible, James is so wise. He gives insight about how to respond to a variety of different situations. Here’s an example. In James 5:13 he writes: “Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” Simple. Straightforward. But what difference does it make? Earlier he has said that “Every good and perfect gift is … Continue reading Directing your happiness
Prepare to worship
Prepare to worship The “Up!” Devo for October 29 Worship is a big part of what we do as God’s people. First and foremost, God deserves it. He’s THAT good. No wonder Psalm 96:9 encourages us to worship God “in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him.” Worship also nourishes us … Continue reading Prepare to worship
True beauty
Our world is often messed up when it comes to what it thinks is beautiful. That’s why I think the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is such a success. People know—deep within—that we’re paying attention to the wrong things when it comes to beauty. Well, do you want to know who is TRULY beautiful? God. … Continue reading True beauty
The strengthening effect of praising God
Do you want to be fortified, braced, strengthened? Me too. That’s why it’s vital to praise God. Here’s how those things are connected. In Psalm 103 David talks about praising God. A lot. Check it out: Verse 1: “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Verse 2: “Praise the LORD, … Continue reading The strengthening effect of praising God
Do you EXPECT to hear from God?
Do you want to hear from God? With some help to make a decision, or for encouragement? If so, consider this.
A worship state of mind
Today, let’s worship God. ‘But Matthew, it’s not Sunday.’ Well, yes—you’re right. It’s not. But worship is an all-the-time thing, not just a some-of-the-time thing. Theologian John Piper writes that “worship means consciously knowing and treasuring and showing the supreme worth and beauty of God.”* Oh yes. While there is something special that happens on … Continue reading A worship state of mind
The privilege to worship the newborn King
Last week I visited someone who’s had a lot of challenges in the past year. Let’s call him Jake. Jake was sad because for the first time ever he won’t be able to go to a Christmas Eve service. Physically, he just can’t do it. How many of us can do it—quite easily, actually—and therefore, … Continue reading The privilege to worship the newborn King
