Called to Worship - book review

You may remember that I have done some book reviewing for the Book Review Blogger program, which is now under the name of "BookSneeze" for Thomas Nelson Publishing. As a result, I received a copy of "Called to Worship" by Vernon M. Whaley.

This book was an interesting read for many reasons. First and foremost, in my "day job", I serve as a Music Minister and am constantly studying the origins of worship and how they can be applied to our modern times. In this book, Whaley covered the introduction of even the thought of worship, which was not a Sunday morning exclusive thing. Worship is a 24/7 thing that we should begin to take hold of.

In the very origin of life, we were created to worship God. In all we do, every action, every word, every thought should be God-honoring. This book just gave me a few more reminders of how worship was presented to us in the Bible. He also used quotes from varied teachers and speakers, who many times share completely opposite beliefs. I didn't have a major issue there, but thought he incorporated them well to get his idea across.

All in all, the book was a good read although somewhat lengthy. It has the feel of a textbook. Never being a great fan of reading textbooks word-for-word, I would give this book a rating of 3 1/2 our of 5 possible stars. If you want to know more about worship, "Called to Worship" would be a great resource book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

No More Pretending...

Okay, we are into the New Year a couple weeks now. How are you doing with those resolutions? Did you make any this year, or just give up on even trying anymore? One of the things I am trying to keep focused on is being real. That's right...just be real. We are not expected to be perfect, but be real and let others see how we can face anything through the power of Jesus' name. With that thought in mind, I would like to share the following video of one of my favorite songs. It talks about just being humble and acknowledging that we don't have the answers and we need help. I'll include lyrics after the video, which will play the first verse and chorus only.

No More Pretending from Chris Ko on Vimeo.

No More Pretending by Scott Krippayne
I can look good when I want to
I know the right things to say
I cover up what I don't want you to see
But you see it anyway
Maybe I think I can fool you
Maybe I'm fooling myself
I want to change but I don't know how
And I need your help

Chorus
No more pretending
No more pretending
Lord, I know I need to tell you the truth tonight
But everything is not alright in my life
And I need you like never before
I don't want to pretend anymore

I'm tired of hiding my weakness
I'm tired of trying to look strong
I don't want to say that everything's fine
When there's so much that's wrong
Tell me again that you love me
Though it's more than my heart understands
And I will lay down my disguises
And show You who I am

No more pretending
No more pretending
Lord, I know I need to tell you the truth tonight
But everything is not alright in my life
And I need you like never before
I don't want to pretend anymore


Can you relate? I can...and I realize I need the Lord more and more everyday. I pray that this was encouraging to you today. Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf.

Oh, by the way, thanks Scott for giving me permission to use your song. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my request! If you would like to know more about Scott and his music, head over to his site by clicking here.

All Things Really for Good???

After the events of last week, which I have questioned continuously, I have been setting my mind on the verse notated above. Are you having issues come up in your life that just don't seem to make sense? Are there people getting the promotion you think you deserve? Is someone less qualified or passionate being exalted while you are being overlooked? Does your life and the circumstances surrounding you right now just seem downright unfair?

If so, let's look at Romans 8:28, which states..."And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." But, wait a minute...how can that be possible when I am doing right, but am being "punished" in the decisions that are made around me? I know...aren't you glad you don't have the mind of God? There are times I wish I knew the reasons behind everything that doesn't go according to plan, or at least "my" plan.

But, are we really confident in knowing that God's plan is the right way? It's one of those sayings that we as Christians are programmed to say to others who are going through trying times..."God has a plan in everything"...but what about when that plan affects YOU!?! I can say most assuredly that I know God has a plan, and although I might not understand everything that comes my way, I realize that God's ways and thoughts are far superior to mine.

That obviously leads us to another verse, which is found in Isaiah 55:8..."For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." We must take the things we hand over to God and do just that...let Him handle them. And, at the same time, realize that we aren't able to comprehend or grasp the reasonings behind every decision. Much as when we were children, we thought our parents had "lost it" when they wanted us to do certain things. Now, as adults, do we find our kids thinking the same of us? Amazing how perspective can change with a little growth and maturity, huh?

The next verse I would like to share comes from Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." We must be careful not to jump out in haste when sometimes we just need to cool off and realize that the Creator has a plan. I am reminded that in this life, I am not the star of the story, but rather a bit player. If we can remember that, we will find it easier to relax and know that God is in control!

And finally, let's look at Hebrews 13:5..."Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Let's be happy with what God has given us...like the old saying goes..."when life hands you lemons, make lemonade"...when God allows things to come into your life, allow it to work and bring praise to His name.

I thank you for allowing me to speak to myself through this post and would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Maybe you have a verse that comforts you in such a situation...share it with us.

As always, let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

Thanksgiving Time...

Today, I want to take a few moments and reflect upon the things that I am most thankful for in my life. That includes my family, friends, church and many others!

First off, I am thankful for a Savior that doesn’t ask for us to clean up to come into our lives. He is there with arms open wide, waiting for the sinner to see the need of an all-sufficient Savior. I am thankful for His forgiveness, even when others in our lives would have written us off because of our past failures. Like 1 John 1:9 states… “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” There is no qualifying factor here…it doesn’t say if this is the first time you’ve made that mistake…just confess and He forgives.

The next thing I would share being thankful for is my family. I am thankful to have been raised up in a Christian home, where we learned what the Bible taught and how to apply that to our lives. Though many times I strayed, the teachings I was brought up with stayed as a reminder of what was good and right. I am also blessed beyond measure to have parents who have always been there, regardless of the trouble I was in, and were willing to dust me off and point me the right direction, whether that was what I wanted to hear or not.

My wife and children are a blessing that I cannot believe God found favor enough in me to bless me with. I can’t believe that I actually have a teenager, who will be in 9th grade next year. I also can’t believe that my little girl is soon to be five. Time flies by so quickly. And the love of my life, Lindsey, who has gone through her share of trials and tribulations in this thing we call marriage. Many times she could have folded under the pressures, but has stayed strong and committed to what God has brought together. I thank the Lord for you everyday, my love!

I am also thankful for the numerous friends I have across the world. Over the past couple years, I have been able to re-connect with many of them. They have been a constant encouragement, even by simply writing a short note via Facebook, Twitter, text message, email, or even a card in the mail. Philippians 1:3 states it perfectly... "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you"

There are numerous things I am thankful for in our church. First and foremost is the openness to let God’s will be made evident and lead in every ministry opportunity that presents itself. The main goal of every venture we come into is…“Will this help lead others to Christ?” Another point that I am thankful for is the willingness to welcome the “unlovable” and reach out to the “untouchable”. That was how Jesus loved and we, to so many out there, are the only version of Jesus they will ever see.

I am also truly thankful to be ministering under a pastor who is not afraid to preach what God lays upon his heart. He also lives the words that he preaches. In a world that says “Do as I say and not as I do”, it is a blessing to see a God-centered life showing how to live by his daily example.

I am thankful also for a congregation who forgives and shields one another in their times of greatest need. I have so much to be thankful for…and am blessed to have been placed where God has led me.

Now, I would like to hear from you…what do you have to be thankful for? Who has been there for you when you needed them? Please take a few moments and leave a short comment of Thanksgiving to those who matter most to you.
And, as always, please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

So Routine...

Over the past two weeks, our Singles' Sunday School class has been working through the Chase the Goose study book by Mark Batterson. For more information, you can click here. This Sunday, we were talking about routines in our lives and whether or not they were just keeping us in a rut, or actually growing us as we seek to follow the Holy Spirit.

One of the passages in the Bible that deals directly with how to deal with breaks in "our plans" is found in Mark 10:46-52. In this passage, Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho as they continued in their ministry when their trip was interrupted by blind Bartimaeus.

Here's the passage..."And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimæus, the son of Timæus, sat by the highway side begging. (47) And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. (48) And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. (49) And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. (50) And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. (51) And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. (52) And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."

This is a perfect example of how we should respond to changes in our daily routine, right? I know that's a bit of a stretch, but what happens when you get stopped by someone in need of help jump-starting their car in a parking lot when you're rushing to a get-together??? What about the accident that slows you on your way to work in the morning??? Do we deal with such setbacks gracefully or does it immediately infuriate us???

I fail in this miserably on most occasions...my lack of patience gets the best of me most times. When I think about those "delays" we run into, I am reminded of the story of those who were slowed on their way to work at the World Trade Center on 9-11-01. I am sure when those interruptions occurred, many of them were frustrated and impatient, like I would have been. But, looking back, I am sure they realize that God's timing was perfect...there was a reason!

Now, I am not saying that every single thing that breaks our routine will be a life-changing experience, but I am simply asking are we able to be used if the opportunity presents itself...or has our fallen nature gotten the best of us already?

Let's try something together...is there something you are doing in "routine" that could be adapted differently? Sometimes when we are stuck in the routines, we miss out on true leading because we are more worried about the whens and wheres than we are the Who, right? Sometimes a slight change can produce new results as we come out of our comfort zone and open up and allow the Holy Spirit to deal with us afresh and anew.

I pray that you have a blessed day...and please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!