music!

Yeah, so I'm a big proponent of music.
I love to sing. To play guitar (as much as I'm able). To teach others. To listen to various genres (mostly)
And I love even more to take some of that music and worship Jesus Christ with it. Voices only, or full band rockin' out, or with a huge ensemble - I enjoy worshiping in music.
That's what was on my mind today.
hmm...

make the effort

I had my weekly accountability today. My quiet time has suffered the last week. I'm not listing reasons. I'm saying this - it's my fault. I've enjoyed work and family time. I've gotten some exercise. I attended worship and meetings and a recital. And... I failed. I failed to CHOOSE to open my Bible and give God the chance to encourage, correct, cheer, and instruct me. Not completely. But mostly.

The week didn't get any less full at 8:30 this morning. Still packed. But IN THE MIDST of all 'that,' I need Him. I need His power, help, forgiveness, joy, and companionship. And He answers and shows up EVERY time on a moment's notice. I need to make the effort, regardless of my 'stuff,' to put myself in His Word and His presence in worship and prayer every day.

Anybody else?

'Not My Will'

Christmas is a favorite time of the year for me. The tenderness of Christ as a child. The excitement and generosity of my children. The buzz of decorating the tree and singing together many December evenings. The music... Ahhh.

Preaching around Christmas can be a challenge. The story is familiar. It should be shared, taught, I know. But most everyone coming knows the cast of characters, place names, etc. So... being 'fresh' in presenting the Word is a challenge. And this year I really LIKE the challenge. God has graced me with a gorgeous theme and simple title. "Not My Will." Most bible-belters know the main 'not my will' was when Jesus was praying right before His arrest. But that was not the 'first' occurrence, nor, I would argue, the most important one. Not failing to value that decision, but noticing the ones that preceded it as well.

The Sundays of Dec 12 and 19, we'll explore the 'not my will' moments in Christ's earthly parents. And on Christmas Eve, we'll look at the 'first' 'not my will' moment of Jesus Christ.
Be glad to have you with us in worship if you can.