Blog
Setlists that Major on the Majors
Good morning, worship leaders! It’s amazing how the Lord Himself interacts with us again and again in corporate worship settings. It never gets old—I mean, never ever gets old—to see the “lights” turn on for people, and most humbling of all is being able to help facilitate these sacred moments as the worship leader. Just, wow. I have found that one of the most obvious ways I can serve my congregation is by building a well-balanced setlist of songs. I know I’ve written about setlists extensively before, but [...]
A Bruised Reed, A Smoldering Candle
The Advent season is full of longing and hope for the Messiah. It’s no secret that Christ has already come and won salvation for the world, but we still posture ourselves to receive Him anew. Isaiah speaks of the advent of the Messiah, in Isaiah 42:1-4, which reads, “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My chosen One in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise His voice [...]
A Delay & A Double-Blessing
Sometimes, the issue we bring to Jesus is not the issue He wants to deal with right away. Maybe, like in the case with the paralytic, before He heals your body, He wants to first heal your spirit.
Waiting, Complaining, and Trusting
Little is known about the prophet Habakkuk. We know that he lived at the same time as the more famous ministry leader Jeremiah, which would put him somewhere in the 600s B.C. through late 500s. Most scholars locate him in Judah, at least toward the end of Josiah’s reign or at the beginning of Jehoiakim’s, based on his knowledge of events and prophecies. The Apocryphal book Bel and the Dragon asserts that Habakkuk ministered to the needs of Daniel in the lions’ den, but Church tradition considers that [...]
In the Presence of My Enemies
Life with Jesus is fulfilling, adventurous, beautiful, empowering—and frees one to pack light. However, no one is exempt from the obstacles and tragedies that are common to humankind. I’m certain you don’t need me to remind you of that! There are financial devastations, fertility difficulties, employment issues, and horrific injustices. There is also ungodly relational conflict. I’ve read and listened to influential, fruitful Christian leaders (whom I deeply admire and earnestly pray for) who have admitted that there are some who oppose their ministries. These opponents will send [...]
Made Alive in Christ
Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians is, much to no one’s surprise, incredible. Oh, can you imagine the revelation Paul must have received to pen such a fabulous letter, jammed to the brim with important theology, insights about the magnitude of the cross and resurrection, myth-busters regarding the relationship between Jews and non-Jews, marriage counseling, and more! I want to look at Ephesians 2:1-10, which has been revving my engine lately. Verse 1 states: “As for you (the faithful in Ephesus), you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” [...]
Lifestyles of the Blessed and Bountiful
Psalm 112 has been a source of deep encouragement for me. Even writing through this piece, my spirit has felt so energized! I feel as though letting it marinate richly into my mind is causing my “soul to prosper” (3 John 1:2), and I pray it will yours, too. I really would like to exposit this with you—one of my favorite things to do! Study the Scriptures!—but let’s start first with some context. The author of Psalm 112 remains anonymous to modern worshipers, but it’s written in a [...]
Mephibosheth & the Gospel
It’s no secret to anyone that the biblical David and Jonathan shared a powerful friendship, perhaps something that a modern TikToker would even call a bromance. In 1 Samuel 18, shortly after David’s triumph over Goliath, Jonathan forged a covenant with him, and although the terms of the agreement are not specified there exactly, it appears to be a pledge of mutual loyalty and submission (as Jonathan seems to recognize the call on David’s life to be the future king). Later, in 1 Samuel 20:16-17, the two forged [...]
Leading Worship: A “Place” We’re Familiar With
Hey, worship leaders! I moved into Johnstown, PA, in 2014—almost seven years ago. Wild! I don’t know if you’ve ever made a major move in your life before, but it takes quite a bit of energy! I’ve moved from Daleville, Alabama, to Springfield, Missouri, to Seattle, Washington, and now to Johnstown, so I’ve gotten pretty good at moving. I’ve learned to live “light” and not cling to material possessions, and I’ve also learned to not be too terribly choosy about neighborhoods and locations. I mean, if the doors [...]