Beside Still Waters Ministries

This week went better than last, in part due to Curt’s suggestion that we take a breath and give the congregation a break from new music.  So, it was all hymns done fairly traditionally today.  The real blessing for me was the suggestion by my friend Wendy that I take my keyboard so that I can still play out of the hymnal, but transpose the key down to where I can sing.  I did not have time to put the hymns into Sibelius and transpose the music I play from, so this was the best solution.  

I believe that God is glorified no matter what “style” of music we sing - it is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit breathing life into our worship that makes the difference.  I’ve seen churches that do contemporary music, but are still lifeless and struggling because they aren’t allowing the Holy Spirit to work among them. Anyway, I hope that in my playing and singing old hymns that the Holy Spirit is working through me and within the congregation.

Prelude: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing arranged by Mark Hayes

All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name (Coronation)
O Worship the King
Be Thou My Vision

Message: Live Love Loud 2: The Elder Son
Offertory: In The Sweet By and By arranged by Dino Kartsonakis
Communion: I Surrender All arranged by Mark Hayes
Be Still And Know/Be Still My Soul arranged by Mark Hayes

Closing Hymn: O How I Love Jesus

What was really impacting to me today was Curt’s message about the older son in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:25-32). I’ve really been having a hard time with still being single and seeing the girl at work who is 8 1/2 months pregnant. She lives with her boyfriend, and I guess I don’t understand why I am still waiting for one of the things I have desired as far back as I can remember - getting married. I can see in myself a lot of the older son - I’m angry at God, the Father, not giving me what I want even though I feel that I’ve been pretty faithful to Him (though I’ve screwed up plenty). I guess I have a hard time seeing those that seem to be more blatantly sinning getting things in life that I want but I’m not getting, and I forget that “you’re with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours” that the father tells his elder son and the Father is telling me. In the end I need to continue to be faithful, to appreciate what He has given me, and to just trust Him.