Archive for September, 2023
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:5, ESV
When we can admit that we can’t get through this life in our own power, that only in Christ can we fully thrive, then we find that we can be co-heirs with Him, living eternally on a restored Earth in glorified bodies like His, worshipping and truly living.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4, ESV
As the saying goes, it’s okay to not be okay. In fact, we must realize our sinfulness and that we have wounded God. Not just wounded, but our sins held Jesus to the cross until He died.
When we mourn our sin and its destructive, killing power and offense to God, then we can find comfort and forgiveness in the resurrected Savior.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3, ESV
We must do the difficult thing of admitting we are wretched sinners to a holy God then we will find ourselves lamenting our condition. This is when we are free to receive God’s grace and forgiveness in Christ and find the full eternal freedom He offers.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Psalm 34:4-5, ESV
Our fear darkens our outlook on life and connection with God, and when we can admit our need for help, He puts His light in us and shows us hope and grace.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Romans 8:26, ESV
It is not always easy to admit we are weak and need help, but our God is fully aware of where we fall short and need help. He has given us His Holy Spirit who lifts us up, helps us and encourages us, and gives us hope and means for overcoming.
For a long time, I was the only backup for A/V in our church. Thankfully, we have a good team to help with words, media, and sound, but it took time to help our music pastor not have to control things WHILE WORSHIPPING AND LEADING!
I was sick this precious week, and I was actually not concerned things would be handled. (I watched the livestream, so I can confirm they did well!)
It can be nerve-wracking when the words don’t progress, the sound cuts out, or anything else goes wrong. I am grateful for a congregation that typically checks that the person is okay wrather than jumping to annoyance.
Daniel
For this Sunday here’s what you can do: Encourage the Media Team. If your church has someone do audio visual matters you should be grateful for them. Not just grateful for them but also thank God for them. Often their job is not noticed by others; until there’s a problem! Suddenly people remember they have […]
This Sunday at Church: Encourage the Media Team
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4, ESV
It takes humility to admit we’re wrong and need help. Until we can do that, we’re under God’s wrath. When we admit our need for God, He honors us with forgiveness, life, and the glory offered through His Son.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
Psalm 31:24, ESV
We begin with praise for God, and then we see that we are able to face anything in this life, knowing He is with us, He has a plan, and He will fulfill His promises.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24, ESV
We praise God for making us, for saving us, for giving us life.
We can only praise if we believe Jesus – the perfect Son, truly God and truly man, the sinless substitute who died for our sin and physically rose again – has taken our penalty and led us into eternal life.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2, ESV
We give God praise, because He made us. We may have rebelled from Him, but He does not leave us to fend for ourselves. He helps us grow in knowledge and relationship with Him.
a simple man of God 