Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Book Review: "The Air I Breathe [Worship As A Way of Life]"

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[I read old books because they are there]

 Louie Giglio’s book, “The Air I Breathe [Worship As A Way of Life]” (2003) is well, a breath of fresh air, considering the number of contemporary books available on the subject. This 122 page book (consisting of 11 chapters plus questions for group discussion) fits nicely in just about any pants pocket or purse. If you’ve enjoyed any of Louie’s talks, this will be a nice refresher.
Louie begins with a captivating question then goes beyond any typical answer, demonstrating “why worship matters” and the cost of worship--both for Him and for we who worship. Here, Louie proves that worship begins not with the one who worships, but with the object of worship; that is, worship is our response to God.

“When God is not greatly praised, it’s only because we don’t think He’s that great of a God. When our worship is small, it’s because our concept of God is small. When we offer God little-bitty sacrifices, it’s because we’ve somehow reduced Him in our hearts to a little-bitty God . . . . As a result, our lives shrivel into insignificance and meaninglessness . . . . We lose sight of the reality of realities: There’s an infinite, limitless God high and exalted on His throne, ruling with all power and authority over the heavens and the earth.” (p. 55-56)

Louis encourages us to take another look at God (as it were), knowing Him as infinitely awesome and intimately approachable. How can we offer Him less, the one who gives us life and breath? We are free of religion because Christ is the final offering for sin. He should receive both our lips and our lives, our words and our works--perpetually, a little at a time (like climbing a mountain--Mount God). Worship is the act of the individual and everyone together, believing Him.

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