Giving Thanks for All Good Things

It would have been enough to enjoy a combo one from Chick-fil-A. It would have been enough to hang out with the kids for a few hours. But no, the goodness doesn't end there. Ladies and Gentlemen, behold, the caramel concrete from Andy's...

HOW SWEET IT IS!!!

Too Much

Have you ever heard the statement, "They are too heavenly minded to be any earthly good?" What is generally meant by the statement is that a person does really well when it comes to talking about God, but in the area of doing something about it, not so well. Well, I was wondering if what a person says is matched by what they say, is there ever a point when too much can be said about the Lord and His Kingdom? Can you wear out a conversation about God? Can you think about God too much? Are we less weirded out in a never-ending conversation about football or a movie or a new outfit than we are in one about God? Why is it easier for us to talk about weather, politics, games, and television programs, than it is for us to talk about God? Is it possible that we get uncomfortable with conversations about God, His Word, His Kingdom, and His Church, because there are things that we hold closer to our hearts than Him? Do we go through the motions of loving God when, in fact, we are indifferent to the things that matter to Him?

Ephesians

Typography Time-lapse: Ephesians from Cornerstone Church of Knoxville on Vimeo.

Today Is the Day

We're singing "Today Is the Day" for the first time this Sunday night. Written by Paul Baloche and Lincoln Brewster, the song is a great declaration of praise and faith in God. Check it out.

Acts

Read the book of Acts. Seriously. Go ahead, I'll wait. You can come back to this later...

TICK. TOCK
TICK. TOCK.
TICK. TOCK.
TICK. TOCK.
TICK. TOCK.
TICK. TOCK.

OK. So, what did you think? Can you believe it? Ever been around people like that? Ever seen God work like that? Have you ever seen anything that even vaguely resembles that?

My first reaction is, "Well, that's the Bible. It's the apostles. Of course, we haven't seen anything like that. That's an entirely different time. It's apples and oranges. It won't ever be that way again." But then I catch myself. WHY NOT?!?! The Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, and filled Peter, Stephen and the other apostles, and came at Pentecost, and caused thousands to be saved, is the EXACT SAME Holy Spirit that has been sent to us. He indwells us and empowers us. He is in the process of conforming us into the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He has given us an assignment to do and the power to do it.

Holy Spirit of God, break us, fill us, and use us. May Your Kingdom come. May Your will be done in us and through us. Make us bold and courageous. Help us not shrink in fear. Help us not shirk our responsibility. Change our hearts so that we're not just wandering through life, enjoying things that don't matter while ignoring those that do. We need You to move.

Fill Us, Lord

The Zambia team is currently reading through Acts 6 & 7 and considering questions like...

• Why was Stephen chosen to serve?
• What are some of the characteristics that marked Stephen's life?
• What were the accusations against Stephen? Were they justified?
• What did Stephen's accusers all notice about him?
• What did Stephen answer in response to their accusations?
• What was the result of his answer?
• What was the result of that result?

I think this passage and these questions are worth our consideration as well.

May God fill us with His Holy Spirit.

Older songs that might be new...

This Sunday night we'll be singing a couple of songs that might be unfamiliar to some. The first is "Great Is the Lord Almighty" by Dennis Jernigan. The clip provided features Charlie Hall and Dennis Jernigan. We will sing the bridge and chorus of the song.


The next is "Wonderful Maker" by Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin.

A Different Kind of Music Recommendation

Certain music and musicians have been with me for years. You know what I mean? It seems like no matter where I've been, no matter what's been going on in my life, their songs have brought me great joy, peace and happiness. Other songs, and albums, and artists, although enjoyable and meaningful at the time, have come and gone like the latest fashion. Then there's an entirely different category. These artists just kind of slip into my life. For some, I don't even remember how I became aware of their music. There aren't many that fall into this category. Somehow though, by God's grace toward me, specifically to me, He has occasionally provided an artist that ministers to my heart and soul at just the right moment. In those moments it's really not about music anymore. In those moments the sweet Spirit of God is lifting my eyes toward Him. He is rescuing me all over again. One of those artist is Rita Springer. From the very first time I heard her almost 10 years ago, through the release of her latest album this week, God has used her powerfully to minister His grace to me. Rita, the Lord has sung over me through your ministry. I could never say thank you enough.