SCRIPTURE
David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David. He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces [a] to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city. And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him. 1 Chronicles 11:7-9
OBSERVATION
There have been many times that God has placed me in situations or places that needed a little "fixin' up". David had to build "up" the supporting terraces..I saw the terraces as places used to "look out" over the the walls for those coming toward the city. The walls were used to "protect" the city. God brings people into our lives to "protect and look out" for us. And they might seem like "rubble" to us in some way. I have to remember that God was there all along.
APPLICATION
The Worship Department Section Leaders are currently going through leadership study together. This scripture reminded me that many people are going to come to serve on the different ministries. They will come from all walks of life...large boulders, medium rocks, little pebbles. They will be different physically and emotionally. As leaders, God is here to help us develop them so that they fit into God's plan for what He's doing in the kingdom.
PRAYER
Father, help me to build up those "walls" and "terraces" in my life that you have appointed to "look out" for me...those that You have assigned to "protect and support" me. What I do in this walk with You, I am reminded daily that I want to please You. I ask that You make me sensitive to the needs of those who do those "small" things that make me and others look big. We reflect that to You....the glory is Yours! I pray for the Spirit of Encouragement on all leaders...parents, teachers, employers, etc..to build up their walls!
Christel Richards
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Knowledge and Understanding
SCRIPTURE
"To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them." Matthew 13:12
OBSERVATION
If I don't focus on God's word and soak it in word for word, then I will be missing out on the knowledge God has in store for me.
APPLICATION
This scripture teaches me that I need to devote myself to God's word. Through God's word I will gain knowledge. I need to stay focused on his word in order to reap all that God has in store for me.
PRAYER
Dear Lord help me to devote myself to your word. I pray that I keep a focused mind and that I truly listen to what your word tells us. I pray that I seek the gifts that you have for me. I pray for wisdom gained by your word. That way I can use my gained wisdom to defeat the attacks of the enemy. I pray for the abundance of knowledge in your name. Amen.
Caleb DeLaCruz
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
"To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them." Matthew 13:12
OBSERVATION
If I don't focus on God's word and soak it in word for word, then I will be missing out on the knowledge God has in store for me.
APPLICATION
This scripture teaches me that I need to devote myself to God's word. Through God's word I will gain knowledge. I need to stay focused on his word in order to reap all that God has in store for me.
PRAYER
Dear Lord help me to devote myself to your word. I pray that I keep a focused mind and that I truly listen to what your word tells us. I pray that I seek the gifts that you have for me. I pray for wisdom gained by your word. That way I can use my gained wisdom to defeat the attacks of the enemy. I pray for the abundance of knowledge in your name. Amen.
Caleb DeLaCruz
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
Friday, April 25, 2008
Are you an in-law?
SCRIPTURE
“If you had known what these words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matt 12:7-8)
OBSERVATION
This part of chapter 12 highlights the difference between living in the law and living in love. It is actually easier to live in the law because there is a clear winner and loser – you are either in or out based on what you do. Being raised Catholic, I could tell you exactly what my religion expected of me, and I did it (at least when I was at church). It was all about religion, and that religion included building my own stairway to heaven by my good works. Hey, I worked hard for it – I earned it! That’s what I thought, anyway.
APPLICATION
Giving mercy can be harder for our works-based flesh to deal with. We want to be judgmental, especially of other Christians and other churches whose traditions or methods don’t match up with ours. Giving mercy means allowing others to have their freedom in Christ and trusting the Holy Spirit to do His job, convicting, shaping and changing us. Our personal convictions from Him should not necessarily be turned into application for every Christian – we are each different and the Holy Spirit deals with each of us differently.
PRAYER
Oh, Lord, help me to remember to choose mercy over the law – help me to remember You came to call sinners, not the righteous. Help me to love those that religion would condemn. Help me live as the prophet Micah says, “to do justice, to LOVE MERCY, and to WALK HUMBLY with my God”.
Carole Leitgeb
Worship Department
Alto/Section Leader
“If you had known what these words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matt 12:7-8)
OBSERVATION
This part of chapter 12 highlights the difference between living in the law and living in love. It is actually easier to live in the law because there is a clear winner and loser – you are either in or out based on what you do. Being raised Catholic, I could tell you exactly what my religion expected of me, and I did it (at least when I was at church). It was all about religion, and that religion included building my own stairway to heaven by my good works. Hey, I worked hard for it – I earned it! That’s what I thought, anyway.
APPLICATION
Giving mercy can be harder for our works-based flesh to deal with. We want to be judgmental, especially of other Christians and other churches whose traditions or methods don’t match up with ours. Giving mercy means allowing others to have their freedom in Christ and trusting the Holy Spirit to do His job, convicting, shaping and changing us. Our personal convictions from Him should not necessarily be turned into application for every Christian – we are each different and the Holy Spirit deals with each of us differently.
PRAYER
Oh, Lord, help me to remember to choose mercy over the law – help me to remember You came to call sinners, not the righteous. Help me to love those that religion would condemn. Help me live as the prophet Micah says, “to do justice, to LOVE MERCY, and to WALK HUMBLY with my God”.
Carole Leitgeb
Worship Department
Alto/Section Leader
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Yoke's On You!
SCRIPTURE
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light.” Mathew 11:28-30 NIV
OBSERVATION
I love this scripture, especially when the toils of the human condition start to rise above my neck and I feel I have to start standing on my tippy toes (can anyone else relate?). This, for me, is especially true lately as things from work, worship team, school and family are pressing and crushing in. But there was one thing that stood out to me in this scripture today that I have overlooked in past years. Besides taking his gentle yoke upon us, Jesus wants us to learn from him.
APPLICATION
Learning has been very much a part of what has been happening on the worship team as we strive to serve God in new ways. We strive to learn leadership in context of the Kingdom, strive to learn teamwork in context of a worship team, strive to master your instrument to find yourself approved and able to be used by God.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we thank you for the opportunities that you give us to learn. May we always be conscious of your voice, your gentle direction your deep understanding and your boundless faithfulness.
Robert Leitgeb
Worship Department
Drums/Section Leader
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light.” Mathew 11:28-30 NIV
OBSERVATION
I love this scripture, especially when the toils of the human condition start to rise above my neck and I feel I have to start standing on my tippy toes (can anyone else relate?). This, for me, is especially true lately as things from work, worship team, school and family are pressing and crushing in. But there was one thing that stood out to me in this scripture today that I have overlooked in past years. Besides taking his gentle yoke upon us, Jesus wants us to learn from him.
APPLICATION
Learning has been very much a part of what has been happening on the worship team as we strive to serve God in new ways. We strive to learn leadership in context of the Kingdom, strive to learn teamwork in context of a worship team, strive to master your instrument to find yourself approved and able to be used by God.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we thank you for the opportunities that you give us to learn. May we always be conscious of your voice, your gentle direction your deep understanding and your boundless faithfulness.
Robert Leitgeb
Worship Department
Drums/Section Leader
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Lord and nothing but the Lord, so help me God!
SCRIPTURE
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39
OBSERVATION
If we truly love the Lord, then we need to spend time with him. But not only spend time with him, but WANT to spend time with him. It shouldn't be a HAVE to thing. We can't let the business of our lives get in the way of our one true love.
APPLICATION
If I were to be truly honest with myself I would say that I struggle greatly with this scripture. As a mother, your heart leaps for your children and how easy it is to love them and put them as number one on your list and in your life. And yet the Lord is very clear as to "Whom" we are to put number one in our lives. The Lord gives no room for exception in this commandment. "There is to be no one before Me"...no ifs, ands, or buts!!!
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for loving me and for giving me the opportunity to love you. Help me Lord to love you more everyday and keep you first in my life. Help me to be a good example in my children's lives as they learn to love you through my example.
Allison Doyel
Worship Department
Soprano/Section Leader
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39
OBSERVATION
If we truly love the Lord, then we need to spend time with him. But not only spend time with him, but WANT to spend time with him. It shouldn't be a HAVE to thing. We can't let the business of our lives get in the way of our one true love.
APPLICATION
If I were to be truly honest with myself I would say that I struggle greatly with this scripture. As a mother, your heart leaps for your children and how easy it is to love them and put them as number one on your list and in your life. And yet the Lord is very clear as to "Whom" we are to put number one in our lives. The Lord gives no room for exception in this commandment. "There is to be no one before Me"...no ifs, ands, or buts!!!
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for loving me and for giving me the opportunity to love you. Help me Lord to love you more everyday and keep you first in my life. Help me to be a good example in my children's lives as they learn to love you through my example.
Allison Doyel
Worship Department
Soprano/Section Leader
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
We All Need to Get a Job!
SCRIPTURE
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:35-38
OBSERVATION
Jesus was looking at all of the people who needed help and direction. They needed someone to lead them and care for them like a shepherd for his sheep. He had compassion not because of the needs they had, but because he knew the workers to meet those needs would be few. I have heard it said that 20% of the people in the church do 80% of the work. Can you imagine what the Church would be able to accomplish if everyone recognized the needs in people's lives and then did what was necessary to meet those needs? In verse 38, he gives us the solution, ask the Lord of the Harvest for more workers in the fields.
APPLICATION
Opportunities to serve others present themselves every day, whether it is the Children's ministry, ushering, the WOW Jam, or praying for a co-worker, the opportunities are endless. The first step is to recognize the people around you that need the touch of the Lord and the second step is to ask God to reveal how we should respond. We also need to be obedient and willing to serve where God directs us.
PRAYER
God, each day people go untouched because the need far outweighs the supply of help. Send workers into the field to prepare the land and harvest the crop.
John Doyel
Worship Department
Tenor/Choir Director
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:35-38
OBSERVATION
Jesus was looking at all of the people who needed help and direction. They needed someone to lead them and care for them like a shepherd for his sheep. He had compassion not because of the needs they had, but because he knew the workers to meet those needs would be few. I have heard it said that 20% of the people in the church do 80% of the work. Can you imagine what the Church would be able to accomplish if everyone recognized the needs in people's lives and then did what was necessary to meet those needs? In verse 38, he gives us the solution, ask the Lord of the Harvest for more workers in the fields.
APPLICATION
Opportunities to serve others present themselves every day, whether it is the Children's ministry, ushering, the WOW Jam, or praying for a co-worker, the opportunities are endless. The first step is to recognize the people around you that need the touch of the Lord and the second step is to ask God to reveal how we should respond. We also need to be obedient and willing to serve where God directs us.
PRAYER
God, each day people go untouched because the need far outweighs the supply of help. Send workers into the field to prepare the land and harvest the crop.
John Doyel
Worship Department
Tenor/Choir Director
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Simple Faith
SCRIPTURE
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith”…Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
OBSERVATION
My first observation? Where do I start? These verses are so full of rich layers of meaning. All will agree, this is a very powerful story, but the verse that touched my heart today was verse 9: “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me”. The centurion understood Jesus’ power under God better than anyone at that moment. His faith was based on a personal acknowledgement that Jesus had an authority greater than his servant’s suffering.
APPLICATION
My dad used to say, “Faith is simple”. He was right. The faith of the Centurion was truly simple because he simply acknowledged Jesus’ authority. Applying the meaning of these verses to our lives is also simple. It is clear that as Christians, we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and profess our understanding of His saving grace. And on a daily basis, we must also simply acknowledge His almighty authority as the one and only Son of God.
PRAYER
Father, in the busyness of my life, it can be too easy to forget your almighty authority as the God of the Universe. Please forgive me if I’ve overlooked your sovereignty in my life. Strengthen my understanding of Your authority. Teach me more and more about who You are. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department
Woodwinds/Keyboard/Section Leader
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith”…Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
OBSERVATION
My first observation? Where do I start? These verses are so full of rich layers of meaning. All will agree, this is a very powerful story, but the verse that touched my heart today was verse 9: “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me”. The centurion understood Jesus’ power under God better than anyone at that moment. His faith was based on a personal acknowledgement that Jesus had an authority greater than his servant’s suffering.
APPLICATION
My dad used to say, “Faith is simple”. He was right. The faith of the Centurion was truly simple because he simply acknowledged Jesus’ authority. Applying the meaning of these verses to our lives is also simple. It is clear that as Christians, we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and profess our understanding of His saving grace. And on a daily basis, we must also simply acknowledge His almighty authority as the one and only Son of God.
PRAYER
Father, in the busyness of my life, it can be too easy to forget your almighty authority as the God of the Universe. Please forgive me if I’ve overlooked your sovereignty in my life. Strengthen my understanding of Your authority. Teach me more and more about who You are. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department
Woodwinds/Keyboard/Section Leader
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