Wow, I had a great time yesterday with the students at Grace. I mean it can't get any better than firing off some paintball rounds at some kids, legally! But it was a great time for some of the guys to get to know each other and for me to hang out and get them as well. But it was a busy day for me with preaching two services and also teaching the middle school class in between then sacrificing my body on the paintball field. So why am I writing this: not for a pity party but if I had to do this every week, I would. I loved it. Even though I didn't want to get out of the bed this morning.
God is doing great things here. I mean out of the 15 guys that went yesterday with us, 3 students were new faces. God is drawing students to His church and it's exciting to see the work that has been put in place turning heads so to speak. There is much rebuilding to do. I love the book of Nehemiah. If the people can rebuild the walls in 52 days then God can rebuild this church and student ministry to gain glory and honor. I just want to be a part of the building process and see students and families re-united in one accord glorifying God. Pray with me that this small part of the body of Christ will rise up and take hold of the task at hand. God has great potential for His people, it's up to us to reach it!
Aaron
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Worship please!
in the midst of many churches today the issue of attitude towards worship rears it's ugly head for some churches every Sunday morning. play this song, they don't do it like I used to sing it or maybe that's not the problem. maybe it's my problem and yours. i am reminded of a psalm this morning that brings a hopeful understanding to the nonsense we sometimes make of worship: ourselves. if you were to read psalm 84 with an honest heart and reflected on the true nature of why this man worshipped God, I think quickly we would, well at least I did, see that sometimes our hearts are not even merely close to where they need to be on Sunday mornings or even more importantly 24/7.
read the chapter below and if you heart is not set on truly glorifying God in your day-to-day walk and if your focus is set more on you and your needs on Sunday mornings than the King, then my response is why even come. when we come to worship ourselves, we have no need for God and we better understand that God will not hear our plea unless full attention is given unto him and our hearts are set on his face. with much love i eat these words myself. come on church let's focus our eyes and be excited that we have the chance to proclaim the name of God! that's all.
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises.
Selah
5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
7 They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.
8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.
Listen, O God of Jacob.
Selah
9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!
Show favor to the one you have anointed.
10 A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you. (NLT)
Aaron
read the chapter below and if you heart is not set on truly glorifying God in your day-to-day walk and if your focus is set more on you and your needs on Sunday mornings than the King, then my response is why even come. when we come to worship ourselves, we have no need for God and we better understand that God will not hear our plea unless full attention is given unto him and our hearts are set on his face. with much love i eat these words myself. come on church let's focus our eyes and be excited that we have the chance to proclaim the name of God! that's all.
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises.
Selah
5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
7 They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.
8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.
Listen, O God of Jacob.
Selah
9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!
Show favor to the one you have anointed.
10 A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you. (NLT)
Aaron
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