We worship and praise God because God is great. He deserves it. Accordingly, Karl Barth says that worship is “the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take place in human life.”* But we can’t miss the fact that how you worship impacts how you live. This isn’t about worship style. It’s not about … Continue reading The launching pad for life
worship
Stumbling into (or preparing to) worship
We have been talking about worship and how Jesus says to worship God “in the Spirit and in truth.” In fact, “they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23). Wow. What do you seek? The weekend, a raise, losing 10 pounds? God seeks people to worship him in a certain way. Today … Continue reading Stumbling into (or preparing to) worship
The antithesis of worship
In John 4:23 Jesus says that God seeks true worshipers who “will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth…” After considering the context of this passage and others, here’s what I think this means: It means focusing more on what is happening within you than around you; being open to the movement of … Continue reading The antithesis of worship
Warning signs over sanctuary doors
Will Willimon was the dean of the Duke University Chapel. There was a student who had never been to chapel and didn’t have any intention of going. Willimon asked him why. The student explained that things were going pretty well in his life and he didn’t want to get “jerked around” by God in a … Continue reading Warning signs over sanctuary doors
Practical ideas for finding rest
The Valley of Vision is a devotional which contains this prayer. As you read it, keep in mind that “Immanuel” means God-with-us and is one of the names of Jesus: “Assure us that we shall at last enter Immanuel’s land, where none is ever sick and the son will always shine.”* That will be great… … Continue reading Practical ideas for finding rest
The One who makes our voices soar [and your musical favs]
Earlier this week, I invited you to submit your favourite praise songs or hymns. The full list is below. Thanks for sharing! Perhaps there is something in there to uplift you. God can use music to do just that! In The Shawshank Redemption, an inmate named Andy goes into the office of one of the guards … Continue reading The One who makes our voices soar [and your musical favs]
With reverence and awe
Many of us are worshipping God at home these days while sitting on a couch or a chair. Some churches have resumed limited in-person gatherings, but not all. [For those of you in America, you’re a bit further along than we are north of the border.] Either way, our external posture shouldn’t dictate our internal … Continue reading With reverence and awe
It exploded, but praise continued
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
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)
The Up Devotional 