Glory

Tuesday Refocus: November 7

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“Glory to the Father who created us; glory to the Son who redeemed us; Glory to the Spirit who sanctifies us; glory to the most high and undivided Trinity, whose work is inseparable, whose kingdom abides, world without end. Amen.” - Augustine

We created beings have no glory of our own in which to boast. 

No saving work of our own in which to trust.

No ability of our own to grow up into godliness.

And what a comforting reality that should be!

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,

    for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” - Psalm 115:1

Father, forgive our attempts at earning, achieving, or possessing our own glory. All glory belongs to You, and You alone. Amen.

Amen,

AB

21 Years of Leading

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The first time I led corporate sung worship, it was a surprise.

This Fall I have been leading worship for 21 years. In 1,100 weeks of leading worship very rarely has there been a single week where I have not led sung worship at least once. It is wild to look back on that time and see how much has changed, and how much of the foundation upon which those early days were built remains unchanged.

It was Sunday night Bible study with our high school youth group. That morning I had agreed to play keys during worship that evening, but as we drove to church, I realized that the main worship leader was out of town that day. I called my youth pastor on my mom’s cell phone and asked, “Did you want me just to play tonight, or am I leading tonight?” “No, leading!” We turned the car around to get the guitar I had had for more than a year but had only seriously been playing for three months.

My mom helped me build a liturgy and set list with the handful of chords I could confidently play, and I recruited two other freshmen to play keys and sing. We practiced for an hour and led worship that evening for the first time. No microphones, no sound system, and lyrics on an overhead projector against the wall. I did not even have a strap for my guitar. I stood with one foot up on a chair - like Captain Morgan - and my guitar balanced across my leg.

There is often a humility devoid of pretense as we begin something new. There is a simplicity and innocence that mark those experiences that can be difficult to locate again as we grow and mature as people, as leaders, in our theology, and in our competence.

I heard Christy Nockels say that sometimes when she is leading worship a vision of her seven-year-old self flashes into her mind, and she sees herself as a child once again in that moment leading the crowd or congregation in worship. We should pursue excellence, we should seek to honor God and serve His people well with the gifts He has entrusted to us. But I am also learning that growth and maturity look like fighting against hardness of heart and opening ourselves to humility and vulnerability in our serving.

May the reminders of your own experience be ebeneezers of God’s kindness and faithfulness to you. Thus far the Lord has helped you.

Thoughts On Writing

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It has been said, ‘Write what you know…’ or others have said, ‘I write so that I might know…’ There is no doubt that words are formative. As followers of Jesus, we should not be surprised about this because God spoke the world into existence with His words. Jesus is the Word made flesh who sustains the universe by the word of His power. And God has given us His Word through Scripture.

Words are important. And personally, I believe that writing is important. That even if you do not consider yourself a writer, there is value, benefit, and importance to writing in, and for your unique context. Yes, write songs, but also write liturgy. Write in the language of your people, write to stretch them and grow them, write so that the trues of Scripture, deep doctrine, and beautiful devotion may inhabit their hearts, minds, and lives.

When considering writing, here are a few things I believe are worth considering:

Write all the time. Writing doe not just have to be pen to paper, it can also be exploring good writing, filling your own heart, mind, and life with things that are good, beautiful, and true.

Keep writing. I use my iPhone Notes app constantly. Lines, lyrics, phrases. Maybe they will turn into something - like a song, a call to worship, a blog, a responsive reading, a prayer, or devotional writing. Maybe those words are just a place for me to make sense of my own heart, and pour out my own praise. But keeping a running list of words, phrases, or quotes that have impacted me, can often jump-start a more intentional or focused time of writing.

Consider the purpose. If it is a song - is this a corporate worship song, a song of personal devotion, or something just for fun? What is it that the people of God need to hear? What is it that I just need to be able to say to God - or that He wants to speak to me?

Where are the gaps? As I am trying to bridge Scripture, songs, and liturgy, what words will help paint a clearer picture of the truths we are declaring? Does that passage of Scripture, Song, or pre-written liturgy already exist? If not, how might I prayerfully, and intentionally allow God to shape my words to fill in the gaps?

Are you feeling a need, a conviction, or a desire to write? How might you bring those desires to the Lord and allow him to shape them to bless, serve, equip, and challenge you, and those you lead and serve?

9 April: Liturgy + Set List

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REJOICE

Welcome + Call to Worship: Psalm 111:1-4, 9

  • AND CAN IT BE

  • ALL HAIL KING JESUS

    Let’s confess what we believe and what we celebrate this morning. I will read the parts marked ‘Leader,’ and together we’ll read the parts marked ‘All’:

Corporate Prayer:

Leader: Alleluia! Christ is risen.

All: He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Leader: Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

All: He has given us new life and hope.

He has raised Jesus from the dead.

Leader: God has claimed us as his own.

All: He has brought us out of darkness.

He has made us light to the world.

Leader: Alleluia! Christ is risen.

All: He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

—based on 1 Peter 1:3-5 [From the Worship Sourcebook]

Sermon: Ephesians 2:4-7

Scripture tells us that we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Let’s sing this morning in light of that day - the further up, and further in revelation of God’s glory. Would you stand if you’re able:

  • O PRAISE THE NAME (ANÁSTASIS)

  • SON OF SUFFERING

    Benediction: 1 Peter 1:3-4

Tuesday Refocus: January 17

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“In all acts of worship let us summon our whole nature to the work; let our intellects know God, our wills choose him, our hearts go out after him, our confidence lean on him, our love delight in him, our tongues praise him, and our hands clap for joy of him.” - William S. Plumer

In more than our songs.

In more than our words.

In more than our Sunday services.

In more than our Bible study.

In more than our times of prayer.

In more than our deeds.

In all of life, worship is the right response of our whole lives to God’s revelation of Himself.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:1-2

Lord, may every corner of our lives be lived in response to You. Responding to Your heart, Your character, and Your completed work on our behalf. In Christ’s name, amen.

From worship,

AB

Tuesday Refocus: January 10

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“If we do adoration right, then confession becomes the reflex of our souls.” - John Onwuchekwa

The new year tempts us to turn inward - what are the things I hope to accomplish? Who would I like to become? Certainly, there is nothing wrong, or sinful about having dreams, goals, and desires - some of these things are God-given. But followers of Jesus know that our lives are not our own, we have been given a new heart and new desires.

What if this year began not with a list of our desires, but by stilling our hearts toward adoration? Adoration turns us outward, away from created things and to the Creator of everything (Romans 1:25). In adoration my longs and affections are focused on Someone other than myself. My desires are uncovered and refined. My hope is aimed eternal rather than the temporal.

In adoration, I am forced to face up to the glory of God, and in so doing, see how I have fallen short (Romans 3:23). And in this glory gap, I am invited not toward self-loathing, not toward trying harder, but to confession. To draw near to the One who has first drawn near to me. To have my lips and life purified by the sacrifice of the One reveals the glory of God (Isaiah 6:5-6, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Lord, may our hearts be steadfast in adoration, and quick in confession, for You are beautiful, good, and kind. In Christ’s name, amen.

Adoring,

AB

The Tension of Gift and Heart

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At many churches, finding volunteers can be difficult. But there is a unique challenge for worship and production teams:

Sometimes the most gifted musicians, are not the godliest.

Sometimes the most spiritually mature, are not the most gifted musicians.

How do we navigate this dynamic?

People are not widgets. Every person is in a different season and stage of life. We do not grow at the same rate musically or spiritually. God has gifted every person in different ways, and this is why we must use wisdom and discernment with each person as an individual. For the sake of efficiency, we can be tempted to compose dualistic categories that allow us to ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ someone who desires to serve. Don’t allow the ease of expediency to compromise the character and competency you are seeking to establish on the team.

Have consistent rhythms for auditions. What is the process someone needs to walk through to serve on the team? Each context is different, but I have found that easy and obvious on-ramps to joining the team are important. But so is an initial process that requires some time, and ownership from the person who is expressing interest in serving. If I have to chase someone to complete a brief interest survey, chances are high I will be chasing them for involvement on the team as well.

Don’t missionary date. Disciple without agenda. When you know there is an incredibly gifted musician who is a part of your church but not involved, you can be tempted to pursue that person, not for relationship, but for what you can get from them. This is selfish and sees people as tools and objects to be used at your disposal.

Recognize that this tension of gift and heart is true for everyone. “If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you, there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” (Psalm 130:3-4) This is good news for every person! There is hope in Christ. Discipleship is the long game. Just because someone is not ready to step onto the team and serve right now, does not mean in a few months or years that will be the case. Be patient and faithful. Serve the Lord with the people he has entrusted to this area of ministry in this particular season - not those you hope he will bring.

We desperately need the Holy Spirit to reveal our own motivations and desires, and to fill us with wisdom as we seek to lead God’s people. We need to see with God’s eyes, not the eyes of man. We need to be able to see the heart, not just the outward gifts - or lack thereof. Thankfully, God gives wisdom generously to those who ask (James 1:5), so ask!

25 September: Liturgy + Set List

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  • GRACE ALONE

    Call to Worship: Psalm 143:8

    Could there be a better way to begin the morning than with the reality that the love of God is steadfast? His mercy is new this morning, His grace is sufficient, let’s lift our souls to Him as we set our trust in God.

  • WAYMAKER

  • SON OF SUFFERING

    Sermon: John 18:28-19:42

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, 

Maker of heaven and earth; 

and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, 

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, 

suffered under Pontius Pilate, 

was crucified, died, and was buried. 

He descended into hell. 

The third day he rose again from the dead. 

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; 

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, 

the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, 

the forgiveness of sins, 

the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Jesus died the death we deserved, so that we can enjoy the life that Christ deserves. Let’s sing and celebrate:

  • GLORIOUS DAY

  • Benediction

October 5: Tuesday Refocus

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“God is not too great to notice you, but He is too great to overlook you.” - Ray Ortlund

He upholds the universe by the word of His power and is acquainted with all our ways (Heb 1:3, Ps 139:3).  

He established the foundations of the world and knit every person together in the womb of their mother(Ps 104:5, Ps 139:13).  

He has numbered and named the stars and knows every hair on our heads (Ps 147:4, Luke 12:7).  

He holds the water of every ocean in the palm of His hand and knows every word before it is uttered (Is 40:12, Ps 139:4).  

He dwells in unapproachable light, and He knows even the hidden corners of our or hearts (1 Tim 6:16, Heb 4:13).

We are kept by the One who does not slumber or sleep (Ps 121:3).  The One who is not too great to notice, but too great to overlook.

Lord, may we be reminded of your transcendence and your immanence.  Your holiness and Your nearness to sinners.  May our lives be marked by both realities.  Amen.


Remembering,

AB

June 29: Tuesday Refocus

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"Worship is not something we “work up,” it is something that “comes down” to us, from the character of God." - Sinclair Ferguson

Revelation and response are the rhythm of our worship (Rom 12:1).  God reveals Himself, and we respond.  There can in fact be no right worship, without God’s revelation of Himself - thus the reason we cannot ‘work up,’ our worship.  Right worship is the response of our whole lives to God’s revelation of Himself.  And where do we see God’s revelation of Himself?  Everywhere.  

Scripture tells us that no one is without excuse because God’s creation reveals our Creator (Rom 1:20, Ps 19:1).

People, all of whom are made in the image of God reveals some small glimpse of the Father (Gen 1:26, Gen 5:2).  

God’s Word reveals Himself to us - it is living and active, He inspired the Word to be written, He speaks through it even now (2 Tim 3:16, Heb 4:12).  

God reveals Himself through His Spirit, the One through whom we are led in all truth to Jesus (Jn 16:13).  

God reveals Himself through His Son, His great love in sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins (1 Jn 3:16, Rom 8:32).  

God reveals Himself in His Church, the ones who are tasked to love one another as Christ has loved us, to display His heart and character in our slow transformation to resemble our Savior in His life, death, and resurrection (Jn 13:35, Rom 6:5).

God reveals Himself in all of our brokenness.  The awareness that we are not - our world is not - as it should be.  God reveals Himself as the one who has come and is coming again to make all things new, wipe every tear, and see every sad thing become untrue (Rev 21:5, Is 65:17).

Don’t work up your worship, open your eyes to a God who has revealed Himself in the darkest places as the One who illuminates our hearts.

Father, reveal yourself to us.  Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to comprehend, and lives to obey.  Let us respond to You with worship.  Amen.

To worship,

AB