The Power of a Song
Imagine what Stranger Things would be like without the techno music pulsating in the background. Or Full House without “Everywhere You Look”. Or SpongeBob without “Who Lives in a Pineapple Under the Sea”!? Or Jaws without “duuuun dunnn…”! Or Rocky without the “Eye of the Tiger”!?! Whether you realize it or not, music is one of the most powerful forces in the world. The right music can pump up an athlete for a hardcore workout while a lullaby can calm a child into a peaceful sleep. Music can feed a person’s rage… Read More
The Transforming Power of Observing Dawn and Dusk
I often drove my kids to school when they were young. Through the years we developed particular rhythms, habits, and traditions. One tradition that remained throughout elementary, middle, and high school years was the quotation of this Scripture: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” Psalms 113:3 ESV There are few things more beautiful and majestic than dawn and dusk. They happen every day, but we often take them for granted. We often plow through our daily and weekly schedules without… Read More
Praise is Not Merely Your Gift to God; Praise is God’s Gift to You
Praise is a choice, not a feeling. It’s easy to associate emotions with praise, because praise ushers into your life the manifest presence of God, which often prompts deep feelings of gratitude and joy. Praise, however, is not limited by how I feel. In fact, my choice to praise God when I don’t feel like it may be the strongest praise I can offer to God – it says, “Father, You are worthy of praise and I choose to give you praise in spite of my circumstances or feelings.” My worship of… Read More
Songs from the Prison Cell
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:25 ESV Many believers have wrong assumptions of what it means to praise and worship God. They assume: Praise and worship is something you do only at church. Praise and worship is something you do only when things are going well in life. Praise and worship is something for people who are musically inclined. Paul and Silas understood that worship and praise, combined with prayer, are powerful forces that pierce spiritual darkness,… Read More
My Praise
I praise You, oh Lord. Your goodness exceeds my worthiness. Your hand has brought me both protection and provision. All that I have I owe to You. You have given me a wife whose beauty and strength inspire me. You have given me children who now give back to me as much love as I give to them. You have been faithful. I have never lacked. In fact, I have always had abundance. Your words comfort me. Your Spirit fills me. Your joy strengthens me. Your mercy is greater than my sin…. Read More
Pastor Dale Jenkins 