Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Endurance & Encouragement

Last night at APEX we finished our summer series. The text we applied was Romans 15:4-6

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I believe it’s healthy to pause at the end of a season and reflect on what God is doing in your heart. I asked this question: Will this just be a nice Bible study you attended or something that will be part of an ongoing transformation in your life?

In order to live strong as young adults in 2009 we must have our hope anchored in Christ. We do this through two things: Endurance and the Encouragement of the Scriptures. Everything about our lives is shakeable – people, job, school, finances, possessions, etc. Christ is the only unshakeable foundation that we can set our hope on.

Circumstances have the potential to circumvent your hope, unless that hope is Christ.

Remember this truth: There are no setbacks for the man/woman of God, only stepping stones. When your heart is anchored in Christ, every trial, difficulty, and obstacle can become a stepping stone into God’s greater destiny and purpose.

Keep hoping… in the God of endurance and encouragement.

DS

The Atmosphere of Coffee

Call me a little artsy. Maybe too introspective. Definitely a nerd, but I love the atmosphere of coffee. On my Twitter yesterday I made this statement that I’d like to expound on for all your sanctification and growth.

I THINK I LIKE COFFEE MORE FOR THE ATMOSPHERE IT CREATES THAN THE ACTUAL DRINK.

I’m not just talking about sweet locations like Starbucks, Crazy Mocha, or your favorite local coffee shop. I’m talking about everywhere you hold in your hands a good cup of joe. It’s transformative to me on a number of levels:

  • Coffee assists me in ‘enjoying the moment’. Slow down and take it all in.
  • True, meaningful conversation does not happen without coffee.
  • Very helpful for the morning devo’s.
  • Visiting a Starbucks makes any routine outing worth it.
  • The smell of freshly ground coffee is like being on vacation.

Weekend Worship Songs 8.8-9.09

This was a great week of listening to a couple new musicians who are interested in playing at APC. I love bringing new, gifted musicians on board with us. The cool dynamic of church worship ministry is that it’s not about the musicians but about serving the church and glorifying God. Yet in that whole process, worship team members grow musically, spiritually, and learn from working on a great team with a great vision.

By the way, if you’re interested in joining one of our worship teams at APC, please let me know! I’d love to explore the possibility of ministering together!

On to our songs for this weekend:

  • The Lord Reigns (Klaus Keuhn)
  • I Have Found (Kim Walker)
  • Son of God (Starfield)
  • All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Hillsong – "Yahweh"

This is the best song off the new Hillsong album, “Faith+Hope+Love”. Written by one of my favs, Reuben Morgan. Take some time to watch this.

Essential Questions for Leadership

Raising up leaders is very exciting work. The easy part is asking people. The hard part is following through. It’s fairly easy to build a team of people. It’s another thing to maintain a strong momentum in your leadership team. But that is where you must focus your energies.

Getting a bunch of bodies on board is essential, given they are the right kind of people. But how are you actually leading your team? Questions to ask:

  • Am I modeling the work ethic I am requiring?
  • Am I modeling a disciplined lifestyle of consistent prayer/Bible reading?
  • Am I praying for each of my leaders?
  • Am I breathing consistent, faith-filled vision?
  • Am I smiling and laughing a lot? (more important than you may think).
  • Am I constantly seeking to improve my leadership through reading & observing other great leaders?
  • Am I following through with team assignments?
  • Am I having one-on-one, face-to-face conversations and not just sending random emails all the time?
  • Do I know where we are going?
  • Am I improving my communication skills?
  • Am I challenging/coaching/encouraging in real time?
  • Do I honor/value/spend QT with my wife above my leaders?
  • Am I happy?

Any others you would add?