One-Hour Service
This has almost become a sacred cow. I read in the Bible that Paul preached past midnight. I don’t think they met at 11:00 p.m. We honor this tradition for the most part, but we need to realize it’s not a matter of scripture.
We do this more as a convenience. Many times we could use more preaching and teaching time as a body. Do we give our visitors a true sense of what the church is all about during a sixty-minute service? Do our young people know the Word as much as the past generations?
One of my favorite hobbies is riding roller coasters. My boys and I enjoy some of the wildest, tallest, upside-down, inside out rides ever built. We have gone to all the great parks across the United States. Roller coasters can turn you completely inside out. They usually make me laugh and get an instant adrenaline rush. Usually when I get off the coaster the first thing I want to do is get back on again. When the ride is over I rush back and get in line again (My record is 12 times in a row on a coaster at Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, California).
Many times I have that same feeling or emotion when I have encountered God in worship. There are some days after an uplifting service of praise and worship I just want to start all over again. I want to continue singing and lifting up our Heavenly Father and thanking Him for giving His only Son because He loved me more than anything else in this world.
How about you? Ever feel like wanting to participate in a “marathon worship service?" Never wanting it to end? Ever feel one-hour just isn’t enough time to praise God?
The early church should be our example of a people that truly felt a need for worship:
Acts 2:46-47 “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Christians who worship in this manner think of worship as being a celebration of God's glorious works.
As I was examining this subject I read a blog by Travis Stanley from Abilene Christian University that stated the following:
“Whether we realize it or not, congregations are formed by their worship. If the purpose of our worship is simply to fulfill a requirement, then such worship will form Christians into legalists. If the purpose of our worship is to evoke some individual emotional response, then such worship will form Christians into selfish individualists. The very fact that we fight in our churches over worship styles signifies that we have missed the point of worship. Worship is not about elevating one style of music over another, it is about emptying ourselves of our own personal agendas, seeking to imitate the selfless Christ we worship."
I encourage all of us to leave our watches, organizers, palm pilots and even our own agendas at home next Sunday and really concentrate on heartfelt worship.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
Run the Race
This is a busy weekend for school administrators in Kansas. It’s high school state track, softball, baseball weekend. Every Memorial Day weekend (past 13 years) I have taken the two hour turnpike trip to Wichita and watch our kids compete at the state track and field meet. My high school principal will watch our girls in Manhattan at state softball for the third consecutive year.
My favorite event at the state track meet is the 3200 meter run (2 mile) on Saturday morning. It takes about three hours to run all 6 classes of boys and girls but I have seen some great runners the past few years. These young people display great determination and endurance in sometimes very difficult weather conditions.
Every Sunday, I also see a great group of runners. Those that meet at the corner of Huntoon and College in Topeka, at the Central Church of Christ. We all have our obstacles and tough times but we keep our eyes on the prize and run toward that great reward.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
My favorite event at the state track meet is the 3200 meter run (2 mile) on Saturday morning. It takes about three hours to run all 6 classes of boys and girls but I have seen some great runners the past few years. These young people display great determination and endurance in sometimes very difficult weather conditions.
Every Sunday, I also see a great group of runners. Those that meet at the corner of Huntoon and College in Topeka, at the Central Church of Christ. We all have our obstacles and tough times but we keep our eyes on the prize and run toward that great reward.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Go Into All the World
My prayer today is for Kristin, Russell, Brian, Julie and the rest of the mission’s team as they prepare to head to South Africa for a June trip next week.
The elders would like each member at Central to remember these individuals in your daily prayers. What a great love and heart each one of them has for the lost of the world.
The elders would like each member at Central to remember these individuals in your daily prayers. What a great love and heart each one of them has for the lost of the world.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
No Child Left Behind
The kids are celebrating. Teachers are turning cartwheels. Moms are depressed. The home food budget is about to increase. Summer vacation is about to begin at 3:20 today here in Osage City. It has been a great school year. Assessment scores have improved over last year, many students have accomplished a great deal in the classroom and in their extracurricular areas. Teachers have touched lives in a positive way.
No Child Left Behind has forced us to make changes and improvements in the overall education program for our students. It has made us become more accountable to each and every student and parent. It places a lot of additional pressure and stress on us as educators to adequately find the resources to help each student succeed in school.
What about Bible teaching for our kids?
It is up to the parents to teach their children, and when they fail to do so it is up to the church to make teaching the children their first priority. One of the Rochester, Michigan's Church's five commitments is that they will not leave any child behind. The Rochester Church believes, "that each child should be taught lovingly and thoroughly, given ample opportunity to fellowship, study, pray, and grow together with the rest of the congregation".
It has to be the highest priority that each young person is taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The churches mission is to seek and save the lost! We must as followers and as concerned Christians strive to reach each young person at Central.
Look around and see who are 4 and 5 year olds are at Central. Will each of them be a Christian some day? Will each be attending when they are 16 years old? I’m praying they are. And I hope you are praying for our kids as well. Be that light, be that positive individual that can make a significant influence in a child’s life for eternity. Be a teacher of God’s Word, and share the message that can change lives and give hope in a sometimes hard and cruel world. No child should be left behind!
No Child Left Behind has forced us to make changes and improvements in the overall education program for our students. It has made us become more accountable to each and every student and parent. It places a lot of additional pressure and stress on us as educators to adequately find the resources to help each student succeed in school.
What about Bible teaching for our kids?
It is up to the parents to teach their children, and when they fail to do so it is up to the church to make teaching the children their first priority. One of the Rochester, Michigan's Church's five commitments is that they will not leave any child behind. The Rochester Church believes, "that each child should be taught lovingly and thoroughly, given ample opportunity to fellowship, study, pray, and grow together with the rest of the congregation".
It has to be the highest priority that each young person is taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The churches mission is to seek and save the lost! We must as followers and as concerned Christians strive to reach each young person at Central.
Look around and see who are 4 and 5 year olds are at Central. Will each of them be a Christian some day? Will each be attending when they are 16 years old? I’m praying they are. And I hope you are praying for our kids as well. Be that light, be that positive individual that can make a significant influence in a child’s life for eternity. Be a teacher of God’s Word, and share the message that can change lives and give hope in a sometimes hard and cruel world. No child should be left behind!
Monday, May 23, 2005
The Trouble With Traditions #2
Sunday Night Services
I love Sunday night worship. But what is their history? Two explanations: One they originated in England when London put up the first street lights, which made it possible for people to get out and around at night. The great theologian Charles Spurgeon found many people going to their local pubs that were now staying open at night. He started Sunday night services to keep his people out of the bars. I hope that’s not the reason we have Sunday evening services.
Second, was in the United States the first buildings to have lights were church buildings. People flocked to evening services to see this new invention.
Sunday night services were first evangelistic. Many brought their friends who didn’t have a church background. Today there are a variety of Sunday night formats churches have explored and gone too to fit the needs of their own congregation.
Sunday night services, a great tradition. One that is not a scriptural matter but one that I hope we keep forever.
I love Sunday night worship. But what is their history? Two explanations: One they originated in England when London put up the first street lights, which made it possible for people to get out and around at night. The great theologian Charles Spurgeon found many people going to their local pubs that were now staying open at night. He started Sunday night services to keep his people out of the bars. I hope that’s not the reason we have Sunday evening services.
Second, was in the United States the first buildings to have lights were church buildings. People flocked to evening services to see this new invention.
Sunday night services were first evangelistic. Many brought their friends who didn’t have a church background. Today there are a variety of Sunday night formats churches have explored and gone too to fit the needs of their own congregation.
Sunday night services, a great tradition. One that is not a scriptural matter but one that I hope we keep forever.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Welcome Robert and Natasha
On behalf of the Central Family we want to welcome Robert and Natasha Klutts to Topeka. Robert will be serving the Central Church, as it’s new Youth Minister. Natasha will be our summer intern working with our young girls. Were excited to have Robert and Natasha with us. We pray that our ministry together will touch the hearts of many young people. Keep Robert and Natasha in your prayers as they begin this great work.
Friday, May 20, 2005
The Trouble With Traditions #1
Songbooks
A couple of years ago the Central Church purchased the necessary components to project our songs for worship on to a large screen in front of the auditorium. As a worship leader it’s nice to see smiling faces looking up instead of faces buried in books as we sing praises to God and edify each other in song. We still have issues of lighting and glare but for the most part the change has been widely accepted and has improved the overall worship. It also allows us the ability to use songs not included in the book that we currently have, new music, and scripture that can be shared during our periods of worship.
Have you ever heard anyone complain because their congregation did not have songbooks or because songs were sung from memory or from a projection system?
According to research, the first songbooks were published in the 1500’s. Gutenberg’s Bible was the first book printed on August 15, 1456. The World Book Encyclopedia said that in the next fifty years the Catholic Church printed the Psalter (the first songbook). Records indicate that the Church of Christ started using songbooks in the late 1500’s.
The early Church sang most of their first songs from memory. They used scripture and the Psalms as their first hymnbooks.
I would imagine that most of us today would of felt a little uncomfortable meeting with the early New Testament Church. They didn’t have the modern conveniences that we have today and the traditional items that we use in our periods of worship.
Maybe we can learn from the early church. More heartfelt worship and less concern over buildings, pews, songbooks and stuff.
I am thankful for the traditions that have been carried down through the generations but always wish to be Biblically sound in our worship practices. As we try to reach out to a lost generation today we have to meet many individuals where they are in a modern ever-changing society. Video and projection systems are just one way to reach this new technological, fast-paced, visual, virtual generation and allow them the opportunity to see the true Family of God worship in Spirit and in Truth.
A couple of years ago the Central Church purchased the necessary components to project our songs for worship on to a large screen in front of the auditorium. As a worship leader it’s nice to see smiling faces looking up instead of faces buried in books as we sing praises to God and edify each other in song. We still have issues of lighting and glare but for the most part the change has been widely accepted and has improved the overall worship. It also allows us the ability to use songs not included in the book that we currently have, new music, and scripture that can be shared during our periods of worship.
Have you ever heard anyone complain because their congregation did not have songbooks or because songs were sung from memory or from a projection system?
According to research, the first songbooks were published in the 1500’s. Gutenberg’s Bible was the first book printed on August 15, 1456. The World Book Encyclopedia said that in the next fifty years the Catholic Church printed the Psalter (the first songbook). Records indicate that the Church of Christ started using songbooks in the late 1500’s.
The early Church sang most of their first songs from memory. They used scripture and the Psalms as their first hymnbooks.
I would imagine that most of us today would of felt a little uncomfortable meeting with the early New Testament Church. They didn’t have the modern conveniences that we have today and the traditional items that we use in our periods of worship.
Maybe we can learn from the early church. More heartfelt worship and less concern over buildings, pews, songbooks and stuff.
I am thankful for the traditions that have been carried down through the generations but always wish to be Biblically sound in our worship practices. As we try to reach out to a lost generation today we have to meet many individuals where they are in a modern ever-changing society. Video and projection systems are just one way to reach this new technological, fast-paced, visual, virtual generation and allow them the opportunity to see the true Family of God worship in Spirit and in Truth.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Traditional or Contemporary?
Am I traditional or contemporary? Strange question? Common question today. Someone asked me that question the other day. I said, yes. I’m both. Many people, I believe really don’t understand the meaning of the words. Traditional means: “the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. An inherited pattern of thought or action as a religious practice or a social custom.” Contemporary means: “happening, existing, living, or coming into being during the same period of time. Marked by characteristics of the present period, modern.”
As a Christian I hope I’m both. Jesus was. He appreciated and respected the traditions of his forefathers (at times) but lived and ministered to a people of his time. He used real life situations to teach people that true happiness and peace come from a life found only in Godly living.
The words traditional and contemporary have been “twisted” and used incorrectly for many years. Today in the church you can cause a great controversy by bringing up those two words. The majority of religious people like what they are use to. What they grew up with and what they were taught and instructed to do. It makes them feel comfortable.
Dick Marcear, a retired minister, wrote an article a few years ago entitled the Trouble with Traditions. Jesus ran into some serious problems with the Jews over traditions that had become so much a part of their lives that they had put them on a par with, or even above, the scriptures.
In Mark 7:1-8 for an example. The question arose over the washing of hands. Mark explained that the washing of hands was a matter of tradition, not hygiene. Jesus received their wrath because he did not keep their traditions.
We often have the same problems today. We have accepted some things in the church as “biblical” concepts which in reality are just traditions. In the coming blogs I hope to explore some of those issues to see if they are matters of tradition or Scripture.
As a Christian I hope I’m both. Jesus was. He appreciated and respected the traditions of his forefathers (at times) but lived and ministered to a people of his time. He used real life situations to teach people that true happiness and peace come from a life found only in Godly living.
The words traditional and contemporary have been “twisted” and used incorrectly for many years. Today in the church you can cause a great controversy by bringing up those two words. The majority of religious people like what they are use to. What they grew up with and what they were taught and instructed to do. It makes them feel comfortable.
Dick Marcear, a retired minister, wrote an article a few years ago entitled the Trouble with Traditions. Jesus ran into some serious problems with the Jews over traditions that had become so much a part of their lives that they had put them on a par with, or even above, the scriptures.
In Mark 7:1-8 for an example. The question arose over the washing of hands. Mark explained that the washing of hands was a matter of tradition, not hygiene. Jesus received their wrath because he did not keep their traditions.
We often have the same problems today. We have accepted some things in the church as “biblical” concepts which in reality are just traditions. In the coming blogs I hope to explore some of those issues to see if they are matters of tradition or Scripture.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
O to Be Like Thee
One of my favorite hymns “O to be like Thee” was written in 1897 by
Thomas O. Chisholm. This is my prayer for today:
O to be like Thee! Blessèd Redeemer,This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee, Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! Full of compassion, Loving, forgiving, tender and kind, Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, Seeking the wandering sinner to find.
O to be like Thee! Lowly in spirit, Holy and harmless, patient and brave; Meekly enduring cruel reproaches, Willing to suffer others to save.
O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming, Now to receive anointing divine; All that I am and have I am bringing, Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
O to be like Thee! While I am pleading, Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love; Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling, Fit me for life and Heaven above.
Thomas O. Chisholm. This is my prayer for today:
O to be like Thee! Blessèd Redeemer,This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee, Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art; Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! Full of compassion, Loving, forgiving, tender and kind, Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, Seeking the wandering sinner to find.
O to be like Thee! Lowly in spirit, Holy and harmless, patient and brave; Meekly enduring cruel reproaches, Willing to suffer others to save.
O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming, Now to receive anointing divine; All that I am and have I am bringing, Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
O to be like Thee! While I am pleading, Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love; Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling, Fit me for life and Heaven above.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Graduation
How many I have sat through? How many kids have I seen walk across the stage? My favorite event of the school year is graduation. I enjoy watching each high school graduate walk across the stage with new dreams and aspirations that they have set, as they are about to become young adults. I reflect on what they were like as elementary students, the most important rules that were taught; while in the lunch room learn how to properly “wolf down’ your food in 15 minutes and then go run around on the playground for 15 minutes before coming back into your classroom to do math. Or in the halls always walking on the right side next to the wall so others can pass by also. Never run with a pencil in your hand. It takes two hands to properly open a milk carton (I’m still learning that one). Even with all the basics that were taught they had support along the way from caring adults who guided, encouraged and corrected them along the way.
Today I would like to challenge the high school graduates from Central. Stay close to God and build a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Always go to church. Support each other. Encourage each other. Be involved in the work of leading others to the cross. When you have difficulties seek the right answers, it’s found in God’s Word. Pray always, in the good times and in the rough days ahead. Never stop loving.
I commend you for your academic dedication and preparation. My prayer for you is to take what God has given you and be the very best servant possible in the next phase of your life.
Remember the Central Family will always be here to support you and love you as you walk with Jesus each day.
May God richly bless you!
Today I would like to challenge the high school graduates from Central. Stay close to God and build a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Always go to church. Support each other. Encourage each other. Be involved in the work of leading others to the cross. When you have difficulties seek the right answers, it’s found in God’s Word. Pray always, in the good times and in the rough days ahead. Never stop loving.
I commend you for your academic dedication and preparation. My prayer for you is to take what God has given you and be the very best servant possible in the next phase of your life.
Remember the Central Family will always be here to support you and love you as you walk with Jesus each day.
May God richly bless you!
Friday, May 13, 2005
Sunday Order of Worship
Order of Worship
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Welcome
1 Chronicles 16:29-36
15 Step by Step
3 Hallelujah Praise Jehovah (Verse 1 Only)
That’s Why we Praise Him
Prayer
Luke 18:31-33
315 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Verse 1 and 3 Only)
337 Hallelujah What A Savior!
Communion
Contribution
702 Fellowship Medley
Message
538 Invitation- My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Announcements
Light the Fire
Closing Prayer
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Welcome
1 Chronicles 16:29-36
15 Step by Step
3 Hallelujah Praise Jehovah (Verse 1 Only)
That’s Why we Praise Him
Prayer
Luke 18:31-33
315 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Verse 1 and 3 Only)
337 Hallelujah What A Savior!
Communion
Contribution
702 Fellowship Medley
Message
538 Invitation- My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Announcements
Light the Fire
Closing Prayer
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Thanksgiving
Today, I am thankful for six men that I serve with as Shepherds at the Central Church. I love and appreciate these guys a great deal. We are different in many ways but have a common bond in Jesus Christ. May God bless Mark, Rex, Bill, Jerry, Roger and Gary this beautiful spring day! Please keep us in your prayers as we minister the Central flock!
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Thank You for Mothers
I have received several requests for the lyrics to the song we used on Sunday for Mother’s Day at Central. The song that was played during the video in honor of our mothers. The song is Thank You for Mothers written by Ken Young in 1993. The song is from the Hallal CD Worship Faithful. You can go to hallalmusic.com for more information. Thanks to Steve, Carl and Ed for their great video and editing ability on Sunday.
Thank You for Mothers
Lord, in your wisdom You gave us someone,
Someone to hold us through the long, lonely nights.
Someone to laugh at the silliest things,
Someone to lovingly call out our names.
But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers
Who pray for their children every day.
Lord, through Your mercy You gave us someone,
Someone to notice every tear that was cried.
Someone to magically make things all right,
Someone to read us sweet stories at night.
But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers
Who pray for their children every day.
But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers,Who pray for their children every day.
Thank You for Mothers
Lord, in your wisdom You gave us someone,
Someone to hold us through the long, lonely nights.
Someone to laugh at the silliest things,
Someone to lovingly call out our names.
But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers
Who pray for their children every day.
Lord, through Your mercy You gave us someone,
Someone to notice every tear that was cried.
Someone to magically make things all right,
Someone to read us sweet stories at night.
But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers
Who pray for their children every day.
But, most of all Father, we thank you for mothers,Who pray for their children every day.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Finding the Heart to Go On
Yesterday in our Young Professionals/College Class we started a new series on the Life of David. The theme is Finding the Heart to Go On. This morning I found a quote that best describes the life of David and the life of many of God’s servants:
"Rebellion does not nullify God's promises to us nor disqualify us from inheriting them. God's grace guarantees that they are always available to us when we sincerely turn our hearts back to Him."
David had a heart like God’s. Even when David stumbled he always came running back to his first love. He knew what worship and praise was all about it. It wasn’t an hour on Sunday and he was done with his commitment. It was a life of prayer, praise and meditation to the One he loved. His Heavenly Father.
Spend some time today asking God to give you that type of heart. A heart of worship. A heart that wants an eternal relationship with the one who gave us the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.
"Rebellion does not nullify God's promises to us nor disqualify us from inheriting them. God's grace guarantees that they are always available to us when we sincerely turn our hearts back to Him."
David had a heart like God’s. Even when David stumbled he always came running back to his first love. He knew what worship and praise was all about it. It wasn’t an hour on Sunday and he was done with his commitment. It was a life of prayer, praise and meditation to the One he loved. His Heavenly Father.
Spend some time today asking God to give you that type of heart. A heart of worship. A heart that wants an eternal relationship with the one who gave us the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Mothers Day
“Thank you for Mothers who pray for their children every day”
These are the words to a song by Ken Young from Hallal who wrote these words for Mothers Day several years ago. Moms are special. They take care of us in so many ways. They never think about themselves. They love their children and always place them above their own needs.
My mom is special. She has given me such love and encouragement growing up and today I look back and appreciate everything she has done for me. Especially telling me the story of Jesus! Thanks mom. I Love You!
Sunday will be a special time at Central as we celebrate Mothers Day! Jim has a special message ready for the morning. Our kids will also have some special words of love for their moms. Be in prayer for our moms, they need our love and support as they have an awesome daily responsibility.
These are the words to a song by Ken Young from Hallal who wrote these words for Mothers Day several years ago. Moms are special. They take care of us in so many ways. They never think about themselves. They love their children and always place them above their own needs.
My mom is special. She has given me such love and encouragement growing up and today I look back and appreciate everything she has done for me. Especially telling me the story of Jesus! Thanks mom. I Love You!
Sunday will be a special time at Central as we celebrate Mothers Day! Jim has a special message ready for the morning. Our kids will also have some special words of love for their moms. Be in prayer for our moms, they need our love and support as they have an awesome daily responsibility.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
An Encounter with God
In the March/April issue of Worship Leader Magazine, Robert Webber discusses the findings of a survey he did among worshippers:
88% said their deepest desire is to have a genuine encounter with God.
88% believed that such an encounter should take place in the worship assembly. But what is surprising it doesn’t seem to be happening. In a Barna survey they asked how often services brought them into the presence of God:
27% said always;
12% usually;
27% sometimes or rarely;
34% said never.
What people want most of all is an encounter with God. So how do we come into His presence in a worship assembly?
This begins with preparation. As an early morning runner, I didn’t start out by running three miles on the first day. I had to work my way up and get my body is some type of physical condition. Each morning I still have to prepare to run by stretching and getting my body ready for the physical exercise. An encounter with God doesn’t just happen either. We must prepare to meet the King of Kings on the throne before we come to the corporate assembly. Prayer and study will properly prepare your mind and body to encounter the Creator of the Universe as you seek His presence on Sunday morning. If you want that personal relationship with God it begins with individual worship time between you and God.
John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”
88% said their deepest desire is to have a genuine encounter with God.
88% believed that such an encounter should take place in the worship assembly. But what is surprising it doesn’t seem to be happening. In a Barna survey they asked how often services brought them into the presence of God:
27% said always;
12% usually;
27% sometimes or rarely;
34% said never.
What people want most of all is an encounter with God. So how do we come into His presence in a worship assembly?
This begins with preparation. As an early morning runner, I didn’t start out by running three miles on the first day. I had to work my way up and get my body is some type of physical condition. Each morning I still have to prepare to run by stretching and getting my body ready for the physical exercise. An encounter with God doesn’t just happen either. We must prepare to meet the King of Kings on the throne before we come to the corporate assembly. Prayer and study will properly prepare your mind and body to encounter the Creator of the Universe as you seek His presence on Sunday morning. If you want that personal relationship with God it begins with individual worship time between you and God.
John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Teacher Appreciation Day
Today across the nation we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day. As a school superintendent I love this week. It gives recognition to a great group of educators that give of themselves each day to the students of my district. I am blessed to have a great group of educators that believe every student is valuable and deserving of the very best education possible.
During this week I write articles for our local paper and try to communicate to my community the importance of good educators. I encourage everyone to reflect on a teacher in the past that made an impact on him or her in some positive way.
I have several that influenced me along my way: Mary Landreth in Wichita; Dale Neal in Henderson, Tennessee; Rick Wunderli in San Diego; Ray Bowen and Virginia Johnson in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Each encouraged me on my path as I dreamed and focused on my future and the possibilities that I could have.
Even though these individuals touched me greatly, the influence of my Bible Teachers that I had growing up was even more special. Elizabeth Ryan in Augusta, Kansas; Judge Morris and Kent Hall in Broken Arrow; Mabrey Miller at York College and so many at the L Street Church in San Diego. But most of all the two greatest teachers that I had were my mother and grandmother. Great examples of how we should live and treat others. Both taught Bible Classes for over 30 years. Those two are the treasures in my life.
John Wooden once said, “You ask me why I teach, where could I find such splendid company”. Being a teacher is great. Being a Bible teacher is the most rewarding; as you watch children learn about the love of Jesus Christ!
During this week I write articles for our local paper and try to communicate to my community the importance of good educators. I encourage everyone to reflect on a teacher in the past that made an impact on him or her in some positive way.
I have several that influenced me along my way: Mary Landreth in Wichita; Dale Neal in Henderson, Tennessee; Rick Wunderli in San Diego; Ray Bowen and Virginia Johnson in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Each encouraged me on my path as I dreamed and focused on my future and the possibilities that I could have.
Even though these individuals touched me greatly, the influence of my Bible Teachers that I had growing up was even more special. Elizabeth Ryan in Augusta, Kansas; Judge Morris and Kent Hall in Broken Arrow; Mabrey Miller at York College and so many at the L Street Church in San Diego. But most of all the two greatest teachers that I had were my mother and grandmother. Great examples of how we should live and treat others. Both taught Bible Classes for over 30 years. Those two are the treasures in my life.
John Wooden once said, “You ask me why I teach, where could I find such splendid company”. Being a teacher is great. Being a Bible teacher is the most rewarding; as you watch children learn about the love of Jesus Christ!
Monday, May 02, 2005
It Only Takes A Spark...
With one slip of the tongue, our lives can be changed forever. It happened in Norman, Oklahoma over the weekend when Baseball Coach Larry Cochell said a racial slur to an ESPN Sportscaster.
The following is a press release from the University:
NORMAN, Oklahoma. -- Oklahoma head baseball coach Larry Cochell resigned his position Sunday night. OU President David L. Boren made the following statement ...
“I have tonight accepted the resignation of Coach Larry Cochell as head baseball coach at the university. No one takes any pleasure in what has happened. A good and caring man has made a terrible mistake for which he must assume responsibility. "Athletics Director Joe Castiglione has designated Sunny Golloway as the interim head baseball coach for the rest of the season.”
So with one slip of the tongue a man who won over 1,000 games, an NCAA National Title for the University of Oklahoma and was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is done with his career in baseball.
What we say can hurt deeply. As a body of believers Paul spoke about the unity of the spirit we must have in Ephesians 4. As a body that comes to worship, we must be of one heart and one mind. A body that loves and appreciates each other. A body that looks beyond each other’s faults and sees a beautiful individual that is sanctified by Jesus Christ. Can we put away our differences and really be the church that Jesus wants us to be? I’m thankful for the Central family this morning. Be that light to a dark world this week!
The following is a press release from the University:
NORMAN, Oklahoma. -- Oklahoma head baseball coach Larry Cochell resigned his position Sunday night. OU President David L. Boren made the following statement ...
“I have tonight accepted the resignation of Coach Larry Cochell as head baseball coach at the university. No one takes any pleasure in what has happened. A good and caring man has made a terrible mistake for which he must assume responsibility. "Athletics Director Joe Castiglione has designated Sunny Golloway as the interim head baseball coach for the rest of the season.”
So with one slip of the tongue a man who won over 1,000 games, an NCAA National Title for the University of Oklahoma and was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is done with his career in baseball.
What we say can hurt deeply. As a body of believers Paul spoke about the unity of the spirit we must have in Ephesians 4. As a body that comes to worship, we must be of one heart and one mind. A body that loves and appreciates each other. A body that looks beyond each other’s faults and sees a beautiful individual that is sanctified by Jesus Christ. Can we put away our differences and really be the church that Jesus wants us to be? I’m thankful for the Central family this morning. Be that light to a dark world this week!
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