Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Seasons of Delay

This coming Tuesday at APEX Young Adults, we are talking about the idea of CREATING – being active in shaping our future for the glory of God. We will look at the parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. I am absolutely stunned by this simple verse:

“As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept” (25:5).

Erwin McManus says, “Preparation is the beginning of the creative process” (Wide Awake, 164).

5 virgins prepared their lamps for the bridegroom’s coming. 5 did not. Are we preparing today for what God has for tomorrow? Your dream may seem very delayed, or non-existent. Your promise from God may seem delayed, or even forgotten.

I challenge you today: Don’t become drowsy and sleep simply because nothing seems to change in your life. God’s promise to you, based on His unshakable Word, WILL COME TO PASS! Live in the moment with expectancy and prepare your heart for when God’s promise comes to pass!

Father Let Me Dedicate

Father, let me dedicate,
All this year to thee,
In whatever worldly state
Thou wilt have me be:
Not from sorrow, pain or care,
Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer,
Glorify thy Name.

Can a child presume to choose
Where or how to live?
Can a Father’s love refuse
All the best to give?
More thou givest every day
Than the best can claim
Nor withholdest aught that may
Glorify thy Name.

If thou callest to the cross,
And its shadow come,
Turning all my gain to loss,
Shrouding heart and home;
Let me think how thy dear Son
To his glory came,
And in deepest woe pray on,
“Glorify thy Name.”

If in mercy thou wilt spare
Joys that yet are mine;
If on life, serene and fair,
Brighter rays may shine;
Let my glad heart, while it sings,
Thee in all proclaim,
And, whate’er the future brings,
Glorify thy Name.

Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864

Is Your Faith Your Own?

It is incredibly important to live a life of communing with God. Not just reading books. Not just listening to sermons. Not just talking theology with friends. Not just subscribing to the hottest podcast, blog, or attending great conferences.

I’m talking personal dialogue with the Holy Spirit.

While all those things are valuable in their place, nothing can replace personal communion with God. You must have a personal walk with God as a your life foundation.

If you do not have a personal, daily time with God where you talk with Him, you may be living off someone else’s revelation and journey. You can deceive yourself into thinking you personally know God, when actually you may rarely speak with Him. How can you know someone if you don’t hang out together?

Is your faith your own, or are you living off someone else’s?

Stand in the Presence of God

I’ve been working my way through Bob Sorge’s new book, “Power of the Blood” and loved his somewhat fictional conversation with the archangel, Gabriel:

Gabriel the archangel, when he appeared to Zacharias, described his occupation in this manner: “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19).

“So what do you do, Gabriel?”

“I stand in the presence of God.”

“Yes, I understand that, but I’m wondering what you do.”

“I stand in the presence of God.”

“Yes, I get that, but I mean, you’re an angel; so what exactly does an angel do?”

“I’m not sure you’re hearing me,” I can imagine an exasperated Gabriel retorting. “That’s what I do. I stand in the presence of God, gape with wonder at His glory, and burn with fiery desire before the throne. If He sends me somewhere, I go; if He doesn’t send me, I just stand there.”

Read the Red

Want to know a simple Bible study exercise? Read the red. I’ve been reading through the book of Luke over the past week and am amazed at the profundity, wisdom, beauty, and life-giving truth of Jesus’ words. Jesus is truly amazing. Take some time today and sit underneath the teaching of the greatest Teacher who ever lived, who also happens to be the Son of God.

What a privilege!