Some people think of worship like a business transaction––a quid pro quo. Others offer their praises in order to feel something. Enjoying the emotional reaction to God’s presence isn’t bad. In fact, it’s one of the most pleasurable of human emotions. But worshipping only in order to achieve that feeling can be self-seeking instead of …
Nothing but the Presence Will Do
God had told Moses that he would send an angel before the people as they battle their way into the Promised Land.[i] Most of us would be elated to have a commanding angel marching out in front of us! Evidently, Moses wasn’t satisfied. While an angel would be splendid, he wanted something (Someone) much more. …
Missional, Merciful, Worshipful: An Introduction
This is the introductory chapter of the book. You can listen to the 7-minute audio (above) and/or read the text (below). I hope you'll get the rest of the "Pay What You Can" book here. All the proceeds go to a very worthy cause. Fans of the game of baseball fawn over the “five-tool player.” …
Continue reading "Missional, Merciful, Worshipful: An Introduction"
The Cost of Worship
Mary, who already loved Jesus and was now even more grateful to him for raising her brother, brought with her an alabaster jar of sweet-smelling ointment worth a year’s wages. She dumped it on his head and his feet, and then wiped his feet with her hair. How much do you make in a year? …
Francis #2
I recently mentioned my friend Francis, an older man with a long unkempt white beard, soiled and sweat-stained clothes, worn tennis shoes, and an odor that lasted in your mind longer than you wished. Though he is limited in social skills and displays some mental health issues, Francis reads five or six newspapers a day …
barney wiget 