Worth The Wait

Pastor Ron asked us this morning if we had seen Jesus's face. He encouraged us to nourish sensitivity to His appearing so that we will be aware of His visits. Waiting for Him to show up is worth the waiting time. I hope that I, as Pastor Ron said, will recognize Him when He shows up. I want to be more like Mary who opted to sit at Jesus's feet, "rapt in His Words and His Holy Presence"(Gall 5). How exciting this adventure is with a God so amazing and so divine!

Posted by Sue Sanders

"Finding Our Way Again"

I just started reading a great book by one of my favorite authors, Brian McLaren. The book is entitled, "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices."

There are ancient ways that can teach us to practice peace, joy, self-mastery, and justice. The old disciplines--fasting, contemplative prayer, simplicity, meditation, solitude, silence, observing the holy days--do for our souls what exercise does for our bodies or study does for our minds.

These ancient practices are the means by which we prepare for grace to surprise us. They are the habits by which our souls grow strong; actions of the mind, body, and will that close the gap between the character we want to possess and the character we currently have.

I'll post more as I continue reading...

Go Beyond Religion To See The World Be Changed

I bought Lincoln Brewster's new CD today. I am a huge fan of Lincoln because of his "blistering" guitar chops and his dymanic guitar solos (he's sick). Better put, I am very influenced by him musically. Anyway, there is a song on this CD that is influencing me "lyrcially." I found this song in a video that someone posted on youtube.
We all need to hear this song and embrace the message. The song is entitled "Power Of Your Name." Read the lyrics below first. Then, click on the picture to your left to hear the song and watch the video.
(Click here to buy the CD.)
(Here is another link to hear Lincoln tell the story behind the song. )

Surely children weren't made for the streets
And fathers were not made to leave
Surely this isn't how it should be
Let Your Kingdom come
Surely nations were not made for war
Or the broken meant to be ignored
Surely this just can't be what You saw
Let Your Kingdom come
Here in my heart

(Chorus)
I will live To carry your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
I will give With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your Name

Surely life wasn't made to regret
And the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
Let Your Kingdom come
Lord break this heart

Your Name Is a shelter for the hurting
Jesus Your Name Is a refuge for the weak
Only Your Name Can redeem the undeserving
Jesus Your Name Holds everything I need

This song should be our dream as the church, living in the Kingdom of God--here and now--changing our world, through the power of Jesus name.

"God Is Not Mad At Us But Mad For Us"

Pastor Ron made an awesome statement this morning: "God is not mad with us but mad for us." How astounding to know that God desires a relationship with us! Pastor Ron encouraged us to give our hearts to Jesus as Christmas presents. The closing song reiterated the powerful call to give Him our hearts:
Lord, I give You my heart.
I give You my soul.
I live for You alone.
Every breath that I take.
Every moment I'm awake.
Lord, have Your way in me.

Today, Lord, I give You my heart.
(Posted by Sue Sanders)

More on "Wonder" (related to a previous post)

How easy it is to lose the wonder! I constantly have to repent of this and seek to hunger and thirst after Him. I long to know Him more and more intimately. The words of the chorus for "Holy Spirit, Rain Down," express my heart's longing:
Holy Spirit, rain down
Let Your power fall
Let Your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts
As we stand on Your Word
Holy Spirit, rain dowon.
Holy Spirit, rain down rain down
O Comforter and Friend
How we need Your touch again.
I long for His touch again.

Posted by Sue Sanders

What A Mess!

The loss of mystery has led to the loss of majesty.
The more we know, the less we believe.

No wonder there is no wonder.

We think we've figured it all out.

Strange, don't you think?

Knowledge of the workings shouldn't negate wonder.

Knowledge of the workings should stir wonder.

Who has more reason to worship than the astronomer who has seen the stars?

Than the surgeon who has held a heart?

Than the oceanographer who has pondered the depths?

(Max Lucado)