This weekend our pastor, Joe Hishmeh, preached from Philippians 4:14-23 to talk about "An Appraisal of Giving." It was a challenging message regarding stewardship and generosity in our lives, with the proper perspective on our resources being that God is the giver and owner of those things anyway. Also, we can give in such a way as to give God the glory He deserves, in an act of worship through giving. I believe we were all called through the word to live simply so we could all be more generous, for the purpose of advancing the kingdom of God, and investing in the things that last: God, His Word, and people. For our song selection process, we emphasized how God gave first. He demonstrated His great love for us by giving Jesus to die in our place for our sins (John 3:16-17). Our giving is merely a response to His goodness and love for us.
Here's our set from this weekend:
Pre-Service - "All Because of Jesus" (Bb) [Steve Fee] Call To Worship/Prayer "Blessed Be Your Name" (Bb) [Matt Redman, Beth Redman] Welcome/Offering/Announcements/Greeting Time "I Stand Amazed" (D) [Charles Hutchinson Gabriel] "Lord of Lords" (D) [Brooke Fraser] "Jesus Paid It All" (B) [Elvina Mabel Hall, John Thomas Grape, Alex Nifong] Message - "An Appraisal of Giving (Philippians 4:14-23)" [Joe Hishmeh] Response - "Take My Life And Let It Be" [Frances Ridley Havergal, Henri Abraham Cesar Malan]
This weekend was a good weekend of worship. We tried a few new things and stretched a little, and I think it was healthy for the church and for the team. For one, I played electric guitar for the majority of our worship set. I definitely felt stretched. Becky Tindell did a great job on rhythm acoustic guitar and leading.
"All Because of Jesus" - This song is a solid part of our worship vocabulary, and our congregation always engages with it and participates. This song served the purpose of reminding us that everything we have is because of God's grace and goodness. This idea is foundational for us to understand what generosity really means.
"Blessed Be Your Name" - This song was used primarily for the bridge: "You give and take away/ You give and take away/ My heart will choose to say/ Lord, blessed be Your name." We
"I Stand Amazed" - Becky Tindell led this song, and she did a great job. She is one of our newest leaders, and she has been faithfully serving and leading with our Children's ministry called the Mountain. This was the first time I have had this song in a "girl" key, and I really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed being able to play lead on this one, in particular. I love the chord progressions of both the verse and the chorus, and it makes room for some interesting melodic lines.
"Lord of Lords" - Becky also led this song. I love how this song helps us to picture the throne room of heaven, and to see Jesus as the Lamb of God seated on that throne.
"Jesus Paid It All" - This song is a staple here, and one that our congregation still connects with well. This song reminded us again that Jesus gave first, and our giving of our lives in obedience and worship is right response to who He is and what He has done.
"Take My Life And Let It Be" - This hymn was chosen mainly for the final verse, which speaks to our money and our mind being given as an act of worship to our King. I love how the congregation sings out on this song, and I think it something we need to reflect on frequently - that all aspects of our lives would be dedicated to worshiping Jesus.
I was encouraged by this weekend, and really enjoyed our times of worship together. May we be generous with our lives for the King and for His kingdom.
I hope you had a great weekend of worship as well. Check out The Worship Community to see what other worshipers experienced and why.
Let me know your thoughts! I love your opinions and feedback.
In the Son,
Bill