Later that day, I countered that thought with, “Who does that?” “Would anyone come?” When discussing it with my sweet husband, he said, “Sure”. Hmmm, no protest there. Same thing with a worship leader friend of mind, Amy Nobles Lyday, “Why not?” and she committed to help lead.
So Twilight Worship began. We know God’s direction and leading is always His best for us and this is no exception. We recently gathered together for worship and eating and fellowship this summer – and it was such a sweet time. We s l o w e d down and worshiped and listened to Him – unified in the Spirit.
Jesus invites us to come to Him when tired and worn out. The early church in Acts 2 started out meeting together in homes, praising and worshipping God and sharing meals and everything else.
So, come and join us for future Twilight Worships if you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. And if not, invite a few friends over to your home for a simple meal, and sing praises to Him and worship.
In His presence~
I tend to be an independent and resilient person – one who gets the job done. I can still hear my father’s words, “If you want something done right, do it for yourself.” This motto works well, until life throws you a curve ball.
Our recent curve ball came the week preceding Easter. My husband was advised to go to the ER to rule out the flu when his symptoms worsened. Expecting basic lab work, we were shocked when he was hospitalized for four days with an unknown “viral episode” that affected the major organs. At home, I began to research the medical terms that I overheard the staff use and realized he was blessed to be alive.
As I was driving back to the hospital the next morning, I felt God’s presence with me in the car. Peace, calming peace. I was reassured that our future was in His hands.Lord, I need You, Oh I need You… But as for me, I am poor and needy. (Ps. 40:17)
Every hour I need You… Lord, do not delay. (Ps. 70:5)
My one defense... Because He always lives to intercede for them. (Heb. 7:25)
My righteousness… A righteousness that is by faith. (Rom. 1:17)
Oh, God how I need You... Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb. 4:16)
God is near in my most desperate days and in my most mundane days.
Oh, Lord how I need You!
April 22, 2016
“How Great Thou Art.”
Yes, more than any other song I lead, “How Great Thou Art” has been translated into the heart language of many people groups.Often at an international retreat, I encourage the attendees to sing the chorus in their heart or ministry language – all at the same time. The memories alone give me goose-bumps.
What is it about “How Great Thou Art” that moves our spirit in worship of God? The song speaks of the mystery in Romans 1:20:”For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and Divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
We see God’s character in the creation around us and cannot deny His greatness in our lives as well.
So go ahead, whether in personal or group worship, join the global praise of “How Great Thou Art.” As you once more consider “His awesome wonder,” may you be blessed.
In praise of our Savior,
My “To Do List” is long and impossible today. Can you relate?
*Decorate tree
*Finish cyber shopping
*Set up Advent wreath (a week late)
And these are just the beginning on top of my usual responsibilities. Perhaps you’re smiling and nodding, remembering highlights of your own list… the season is certainly upon us!
Yet, I often think that this perhaps is not what Jesus had in mind when He came as a helpless Babe to homeless parents in a stable.
I’ve discovered that music often helps me to make this transition in thought. It brings truth to my moments and purpose to my being.It gives permission to let go of the urgent (but actually the not-so-important). And graciously, it adds margin for the all-important but easily missed worship of the King.
Take a few moments now, lay your “to do’s” aside like the shepherds, and listen to “In Christ Alone,” beautifully sung by Jaclyn Wilhelm.
Your heart may find new peace – renewed hope in your journey – as you worship the “Christ who took on flesh”.