Life In the Vine

I am a practical man. Know me for more than 8 seconds, and you’ll probably pick up on this truth at some level. Overly practical people have their faults and strengths. On the one hand, I am not overly sentimental. Memories are good, mind you, but they can never replace the importance of the current moment. I also don’t gain internal joy from process; that is to say, if there is a way to jump from point A to point C without going through point B, I’m likely to find it. Having said that, some of my strength comes in being able to be flexible and elastic in situations where change requires quick thinking. Also, I can accomplish a great deal in half the time it would take most to do it in because of my ability to cut through processes and get right to the results.

However, a major flaw of being an overly practical person is my aversion to possessing anything without a usable function. Take antiques, for example. In my opinion, a house full of antiques is a house poised for a great garage sale! Furniture that is uncomfortable and unaccommodating has no place in my life. Or, what about garnishes on dinner plates? Granted, I love to cook, don’t misunderstand, but I’ve never understood the importance of excess parsley, radishes cut like roses, or orange slices twisted up like a pig’s tail. Show me the food!!

And what about fresh cut flowers? Now, this is a sticky wicket for me. I know that my wife dearly loves fresh flowers in the house. On occasion, I like to surprise her by bringing home a bunch of daisies or astermedias to place on the kitchen table. However, I’m guaranteed that my small investment in beauty will only last a matter of days, and then will be chunked into the trash and forgotten.

The fact is, we surround ourselves everyday with things that can’t live outside their attachment to a lifesource. Take bananas, for example. How many times have you thrown out a banana that, when you purchased it, you thought it might stay edible forever – only to go bad in a matter of days. In fact, many of the fruits and veggies we buy at the store each week will quickly succumb to decay once picked from the ground or plucked from their host plant. What about fish? Have you ever had a fish get out of the tank at the house? What happened? If that fish does not make its way back into water so it can breathe, it will surely die. Finally, think about little babies? In just 5 short weeks, we will have our third child, a boy. If for some horrible reason he was separated from us after birth, what possible chance for life would he have, accept to be close to his mother to receive the food and care that she provides?

In fact, every living thing is dependent on something/someone else to survive. As Jesus speaks to his disciples for the last time, he tells them squarely that he is the true vine that supports life, and that they are the branches which thrive from his life-giving flow. A branch that stays intertwined with the vine does well and enjoys prosperity…but the branch that tries to detach itself from the vine will go the way of those week old daisies in the vase on our kitchen table. They are for no good, but to be thrown out. Jesus knows that a time is coming soon when he will not be there to protect the ones he loves, and that the only way they will continue to survive is to hold tightly to the things he has taught them and to love one another.

In your worship this week, reflect upon the life-giving flow that comes from being in the Vine. Think about the level of care the true Gardener must afford you to remain fruitful and fit for service. Meditate on what it is to be totally dependent on Jesus as your source of life, breath, and being. Finally, consecrate yourself for the task you’ve been fit to do: bear God’s fruit in love.

Resounding Themes:

Submission to the Gardener
Dependence on God for Life
Love of Jesus
Bearing Christian Fruit

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

John 15

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What kind of vine does Jesus say he is? What is God’s role? How are they different? What is very clear about the two types of branches he mentions? Why is the word “remain” used over and over?

- What becomes of the fruitless branches? What of the fruitful ones? Why is the treatment of the latter so important? IN the end, why do we bear fruit at all? How does Jesus display this truth in his own life?

- How does a branch (us) remain in the vine (Jesus)? What is the sum of Jesus’ commands? What is the direct seed of loving one another? What place does Jesus give to those who remain in him?

Ready, Set, PRAY

True Gardener, thank You for giving us life in the Vine of Your son Jesus! For it is through our connection with him that we derive our very life and breath. As a fish out of water or flowers cut from their plants, so are we helpless, breathless, and unable to survive without Your life-giving flow. We pray that we remain strong in you, fully attached to the sustenance You provide by the Words You have spoken to us.

And perfect us in love, O God. Show us that the righteousness You require is for us to love each other with our lives. We bless You for first modeling that for us in Your death on the cross. Thank You for showing us what greater love is, and taking us from a servant’s statue to a coheir with You in the kingdom.

There is none like You. No one else could touch our heart like You do. We could search for all eternity long, and find that there is none like You. Our life is truly in the Vine, Jesus, we pray. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

You Will NEVER Wash My Feet!

Do you find that it’s generally easier to serve than to be served?

For some reason, I like to make my own salads and sandwiches. Those who quote the old proverb, “a sandwich tastes better from another hand,” clearly hasn’t met me! Oh sure, the pictures of preassembled masterpieces that stud most menus do look appealing…but quite frankly, when I want a good salad or deli sandwich, I’d much rather do the work myself. I mean, really, it’s so much trouble to line out all the details of the manner in which I like it best: bread & butter pickles, not dill; thinly sliced red onion, but not too thick; or, the first layer of greens needs to be lightly dressed before loading on the rest of the topping; croutons, onion rings and sunflower kernels on top, if you please. However, inevitably, if indeed I’m forced to bow to the salad or sandwich preparation of another, I am generally grateful and quite pleased with the outcome.
Yes, indeed, sometimes it’s hard to be served – for being served in our culture can be a signal of haughtiness or hierarchy or self-worthiness. Yet, in reality, when we choose not to be served by others, what’s really at stake is our pride. When we eagerly say, “here’s your charity,” and retort, “I won’t receive your charity,” we say in no uncertain terms that we’re too good to need others – to be in want for anything that we can’t grasp with out own two hands. Certainly, we have little problem being served a nice meal at a fancy restaurant or taking advantage of the concierge at a fine hotel, but what about accepting grace when we’ve screwed up? What about receiving benevolence during a time of need? Yes, when we serve without being served, we say in no uncertain terms that we are beyond the requirement of someone else’s offering.

In my life, I’ve been a part of, I’d say, about a dozen foot washing ceremonies. Some of them have been in the privacy of a home with just a few present, and some in a larger worship setting. If you’ve never been a part of something like that, I pray that you at least have the opportunity one time in your life to see if not participate in something similar. Inevitably, there are a few categories of people who emerge during a foot washing: 1) those who are eager to wash someone’s feet, 2) those who are hesitant to have their feet washed because of self-consciousness about their feet, 3) and those who are unwilling altogether to participate because of their discomfort in the matter.

I remember a particular foot washing when the latter of those people really took me aback. We were washing feet in a small group setting of about 15 people. I had begun the process by modeling the procedure to a few in the group and then asking if anyone would like to participate. At once, one of the group’s members, a former elder at the congregation, took the bowl and towel and proceeded around the group washing everyone’s feet. It was a poignant moment, as all had tears in their eyes for this elderly man who had done such an act. When he was done, I felt moved to take the bowl and towel, and likewise wash his feet. As I approached him, he was humbly reluctant, saying, “no, thank you,” as I drew near. Yet, when I began to implore him to allow me the privilege of washing his feet in front of the group, his humility shifted into discomfort which quickly gave way to outright disgust. “I will not allow you to wash my feet,” he fumed. “I’m glad I could do it for everyone else…but I just don’t feel like I can let someone else do it to me.”

What sad commentary from such a godly man, but I wonder if many of us don’t act and feel the same way in our lives, when we rob people of the opportunity to serve us in ways that cause us to be humbled and pride-fallen? In John chapter 13, we see Jesus entering into the last moments of his time on earth. He spends it with, who else, but his disciples; they are sharing the Passover which Jesus transforms into a representation and fulfillment of himself. And then, in an incredible act, the master becomes the servant and rises from the table and begins to wash their feet. One can only imagine the slurry of emotions as Jesus went from Thomas, to Phillip, to Andrew…and then to Peter. What a fuss he put on! “Lord, you’ll never wash my feet!” exclaimed the ever-prideful fisherman. Then Jesus says something that cuts right into the heart of everyone who would come after him, both in that age and all ages to come. “Unless I wash you,” Jesus said, “you have no part with me.” The washing of feet was merely a symbol – something Peter couldn’t overcome with his worldly lenses in focus. Yet, what Jesus was really saying was simply this – everyone has to be served and has been served by God the Father with my (Jesus’) very presence on earth. To follow Jesus is to be served by God! For, in being served in this way, a true washing - not of the head, feet, and hands – but of the heart must occur. To accomplish this takes a confession of utter humility and denial of one’s ability to save oneself.

Sound simple…maybe so, for some. But the acceptance of grace has always been a much easier prospect than receiving it. In your worship this week, meditate on what it is in the Christian life to be both servant and served. Taking your lead from Jesus, contemplate on what it is we can learn from the Master turned servant. Rejoice in the grace you have received in being served by God and seek to become a better grace-giver with those in your sphere of influence.

Resounding Themes:

The Joy of God’s Reign
The Amazing Grace of God
Humility
Becoming a Grace-giver

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

John 13:1-17

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- Where do we find Jesus as the scene unfolds? What emotions were present? Why? Foreshadowing what Jesus is about to do, John commentates that Jesus shows his disciples the full extent of his love – what does that mean? What motions did Jesus have to go through being the foot washing? Knowing what Jesus represents to the disciples, why are his actions shocking?

- When Jesus came to Peter, how did he react? What part of what Peter says reveals he still didn’t know who Jesus was? How does Jesus respond to him? What does Peter retort?

- When Jesus was done, what did he have to say to the disciples? Why was this teaching so important to be understood? Why would the disciples blessed if they practiced what Jesus said?

- Are you eager to accept grace from others or reluctant to do so? Deep down, why do you have a difficult time receiving as opposed to giving? Have you ever hurt someone because you wouldn’t receive something given you like forgiveness? Money? Time? Love? What would Jesus say about our inability to be served by God?

Ready, Set, PRAY

Lord God, we exalt Your righteousness to the world. We hold up Your integrity and everlastingness for all peoples to see. In You is found all good qualities of man – for they came from You.

Yet, even in Your transcendence, You envisioned a way to embody all that You are in person of man. In Jesus, we have seen Your glory and the full representation of God formed in into the Creation, forever wrapped in finite, Master become servant. You serve us God…how can we understand?! In the giving of Jesus into the world, You lowered Yourself to us, descending to the level of our need. Truly You showed us how to become the servant of all.

Lord, in Your example and by Your power, we implore Your Spirit to invade our hearts and to tear down the strongholds of pride that hinder us from being serve. And God, as we are served first, may we then find blessing in doing so to others, as You have done to us

It’s in the name of the Servant of man we offer this prayer. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

The Preciousness of LIFE

As we approach the 5th anniversary of 9/11, I’ve had a great many emotions regarding the latest box office release, World Trade Center. “It’s just too soon,” I’d told myself several times as I saw the previews on the TV and in the theater. Indeed, that day for America and for the world was one that will stand as a hallmark for all that’s evil and depraved in the hearts of men. The meaningless destruction of life was mesmerizing and almost, surreal. However, after reading many reviews and contemplating the 9/11 story once again, my wife and I went to see the movie this week.

I’ll be as frank as I can…it was hard to watch. As the plotline unfolded, every memory of that day came flooding into my mind, and as the horror and reality exhibited itself on the faces of the actors, they were most evidently reflected on my own. Yet, to be sure, World Trade Center is not a movie that focuses on the incalculable disaster of terrorism, but on heroism and the beauty of life. In a day where the cinematic mind can create any level of visual horror imaginable, the director chose to minimize (or at least not overplay) the disaster of falling buildings, and focus on the actual lives that were affected by the terror. In the end, the movie was an amazing commentary on the beauty of life, and a tribute to those who sacrifice to give it to us.

But 9/11 will always be a day for my family that has a tangential plot line to that of NYC and Washington DC. On the morning of 9/11, my wife and I got up and made plans to take a trip to the OB/GYN’s office in downtown Houston. You see, we hoped we might be pregnant, and after two confirmed at-home tests and a “thumbs-up” from the doctor a few weeks earlier, we were going to confirm the viability of the pregnancy by seeing the heartbeat.

It’s a procedure that millions of couples had gone through before time and time again…but this one was a little more meaningful for us, because just 4 months earlier, my wife had a miscarriage of our first baby at the exact same time as we were currently in this pregnancy. Every day since we’d learned we were pregnant again was an anxious one. Every visit was a held breath, followed by an exhale of relief when the heartbeat was found. And so, as we loaded in the car that morning, we had other things on our mind than what the day would behold.

We hadn’t rounded the corner from our subdivision, when the first collision came on the news. There was confusion as no two stations could give a report about what exactly had happened. It seemed like little more than an average news story on an average day. I remember turning the radio back to a music station moments later and continuing on our journey to the doctor’s office. However, a few minutes more, there was another interruption to report a second plane had collided with the other tower, and that it was visually confirmed to be a jetliner. Our minds began to race, and the idea of a terror plot had still not entered into our minds…I mean, how could something so bizarre happen twice. And then it came, the words of a confirmed terror plot blasted across the airwaves, and for the first time, we began to get a clear understanding about just what was going on. I remember being on the interstate, praying as we drove when President Bush came on the air from the elementary school where he was visiting. As he spoke to the nation, I wept. Every word he spoke was full of fear, concern, and resolve. The reports coming from the WTC were horrifying as the prospect of the loss of life was staggering.

And then the first tower fell. It was like listening to H.G. Well’s War of the Worlds – except it was real. My wife and I walked into the doctor’s office. There was no conversation among the patients. The two nurses were huddled around a small radio in the reception area. As we waited for our turn, the second tower fell, and there was a noticeable tension in the room. Already apprehensive and frightened by what this day held for us as a family, my wife and I were now on the edge of complete hysteria. And then our name was called. As my wife readied herself and lay on the table, we could only hold hands and be silent. When the sonogram began, there was a great moment of silence as signs of life were sought out.

Blink, blink, blink…there it was…blink, blink, blink. It was the heartbeat of our child being formed in the womb. Blink, blink, blink. Like a tiny cursor on a computer screen, we saw evidence of life! A life that God had created through us! Blink, blink, blink. A life that would be realized more fully in the coming months and years.

We saw life…and in the greatest paradox I could imagine, thousands of lives were simultaneously being snuffed out like so many unwanted cigarettes. It wasn’t until almost 1:00pm that afternoon when we saw the first images of what had happened on that day. Words could not do justice to the horrors of what the eyes beheld as the planes flew into the towers, and the towers plummeted to the ground beneath them.

All of these images went through my mind as we watched the movie a couple of nights ago. And as we watched the struggle of Sgt. John McLoughlin and Officer Will Jimeno, we were reminded of the privilege that is life, and how important it is everyday to live it in such a way as to fully comprehend how precious it is and how precious is the One Who gives it.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of himself in many ways. However, in John 14, he refers to himself as “the life,” and that no one could experience real life without experiencing him first and last. In our worship this week, let’s focus our thoughts not only the preciousness of this life that we’ve been given, but more importantly on the richness and fullness of life that comes from knowing Life – Jesus Christ.


Resounding Themes:

Jesus, the Life-giver

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

John 14:1-14

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- As Jesus begins this discourse, where is he? Who’s he with specifically? What spot on Jesus’ timeline of ministry are they? Why are the words Jesus has to say from here on out so important?

- What promise does Jesus reveal to them? How can the disciples access that promise? What seems to be the problem? Who is the disciple that eventually speaks up? What do we know about him? What do the disciples think they want from Jesus? Instead, what is Jesus offering them?

- When Jesus refers to himself as “the way, the truth, and the life,” what is he saying about himself? To what end does Jesus say that we are supposed to access him? What does true life in God look like? What does Jesus tell the disciples they will do in his absence? Why is that so incredible?

- Can we experience that “life” right now? Is it possible for us to do greater things than Jesus did? Why? How?

Ready, Set, PRAY

God…thank You for life! We recognize today that life is a gift both precious and awesome. For the life we have is not our own, nor is it complete without You. God, we want to experience Jesus more fully, so much so, that we might have the life that he offers, and that we might have it to the full. And by knowing Your son better and better, Lord, we realize that we will begin to understand and know You.

God we have seen Your glory…the glory of the One and Only, sent from Your side full of grace and truth! And so, God, we come to you, directly through the conduit of your faithful Son, Jesus. For we know that He alone is The Way to You, The Truth about You, and the representation of The Life we enjoy in You!

God…we thank You for life!

And its in that full life through Jesus we pray. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

Because We Were First Loved

Have you ever made the difficult decision to speak into a loved one’s life?

Growing up in a small town, friends are few and friends are forever. I met my best friend growing up when I was about three years old. From that moment on, we were best of buds. Living on different sides of town, we had to go to different elementary schools, although we still went to church together and hung out most weekends. I had my first overnight sleepover at his house when I was six. If there was trouble to be had, my best friend was in close proximity. I remember broken windows, broken curfews, but, fortunately, no broken bones (although there was a broken tooth during a trampoline incident). Many a carefree summer day was spent with my good friend.

And then came high school. I was in band and he was into basketball. Even though our friend pools were different, we still had contact through church stuff. But, as the sixteens and seventeens hit, we each had our own patches of rebellion and exploration. And then it happened…a girl. I for one did not have a steady girlfriend, whereas my best friend began to spend more and more time with his new found love. As the relationship continued, my friend’s level of intimacy began to advance farther and farther. In a matter of months, a boy and girl who had met through our youth group were becoming sexually active. I was devastated. Not that I was a saint…but he had crossed the line. In time, his grades were dropping, his relationship with his parents was deteriorating, and he began to pull away from me.

Then it happened. One night, they had a scare…you know…that kind of scare. For weeks, he sat on pins and needles as they awaited the results from the pending pregnancy test. It was negative. We all breathed a sigh of relief. And just when I thought he was about to get his life back on track, he renewed his relationship with his girlfriend and the cycle began again.

Seventeen year olds shouldn’t have to make such choices…but I was at a crossroads with the best friend I’d ever known. He was headed down a path of destruction very early in life. We’d all seen those kids who’d blown it, the ones who had kids while they were still in high school. The lost lives, confused parenthood, arrested development – I saw the train wreck coming and I just couldn’t stand by and watch it happen.

To make a long (and otherwise censored!) story short…I did it. I stepped in, cashed in every relationship chip I’d earned over the previous decade and a half, and went for broke. I knew that intervening in his life might cost a great deal – even my best friend. Suffice it to say, my friend listened. He respected what I had to say, and he made a much needed course correction. Even now, years and years later, my friend would be the first to say that what I did for him saved, or at least greatly changed, his life forever.

As we continue in our current preaching series, OurSpace.com: A Place for God, we come to concept called “Add Comment.” Many people are quick to speak into others’ lives to criticize what they’re doing, but they have no relationship with them whatsoever! The truth about an authentic friendship is that it takes a lot of effort and involvement to get the privilege to be able speak into others’ lives. And then, when the time is right, one has to have the courage to practice true tough love.

In your worship this week, think about how difficult it is to build life-long relationships, and what is required of a true friend? Meditate on a time when either you inserted your own comment into the life of a true friend, or had one inserted into yours. Thin about the way Jesus was so masterful to correct and affirm the ones he loved dearly. Imagine for a moment where you’d be if God had not decided to add his own comment (through Jesus) into your life.

Resounding Themes:
Compassionate Savior
Love for One Another
Iron Sharpening Iron

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

1 John 4:7-21

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- Why does John believe that we have the power to love? Do you believe this to be true? Explain. What test does John offer to prove the validity of one’s love?

- If God is indeed love, in what way did he communicate his love for us? In what ways did God “Add Comment” into the world? What role did Jesus serve?

- How does John assert that love is made complete? Why is this important in the circle that is God’s love? What is the opposite of love? If you said “hate,” you might want to reread 1 John 4: 18. How is fear the adversary and polar opposite of love? Explain from your own circumstance.

- Why do we love in the first place? Why would we make the effort to “Add Comment” into the life of someone we love? Is this something we can do by our own power? What does John suggest in this passage of scripture? What word of love and challenge do you need to speak into someone’s life? Into your own?

Ready, Set, PRAY

God, we love You.

Even as we say the words, they seem so hollow and lacking in worth. Certainly, we do love You, God, but all rational faculties tell us that in doing so, we underestimate the breadth of Your power and the deepness of Your devotion.

God, we love You.

Could the inadequate utterances of Your creation ever even begin to express the gratitude we have in our own hearts And yet, You gave us that burn and desire for You. And when we chose to kindle that passion, You meet us in the burial of baptism, regenerating us into a new life – full of the Spirit! How could we possibly know what love is, unless it had first been modeled by You and the giving of Your Son, Jesus. For by that offering, You spoke into our circumstance and changed us forever! For only by Jesus have we been saved! Give us the courage to be both authentic friends and friends who care enough to speak into each other’s lives. Set our hearts aright and show us our own sin, that we might become better aid our brother and sister in need. And may our love for our friends be a direct reflection of the love You have so graciously extended to us first.

God, we love You.

In Jesus, AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

What's So Great About Loyalty?

Why is loyalty one of, if not the most, desired characteristic of a true friend?

A story is told about two men were traveling together from the northern border of Washington into Canada. As they were hiking along one day, they were suddenly met on their path by a bear. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other man, unable to climb or flee, right then and there made decision to fall flat on the ground, for he quickly remembered being told from childhood that bears would not touch something that appeared dead. Sure enough, the bear came up to him and felt him with his snout – smelling him from head-to-toe. As the bear made inquiry of him, the frightened man held his breath and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. In one last motion, the bear placed his snout next to the man’s ear, whispered something, and then walked off. When he was quite gone, the other traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger."

Loyalty is a characteristic that must lie at the heart of every sustainable relationship. Even in the business world, the whole idea of “loyalty economics” has become a multi-billion dollar enterprise for corporations and brand names to create lasting relationships with their clients. Companies will go to great lengths to make and retain repeat customers to buy their products.

Why is this so important you might ask? If you went into a store to buy a can of corn, let’s say, and you decided to try out a new brand that was on sale…chances are, that corn is being bought and sold at very little profit simply for the purposes of getting something new into the hands of consumers. At the same time, if you, the customer, bought the sale corn and discovered a dead insect in it, there’s a strong chance that you would never purchase that brand again. Conversely, however, if you found that same insect in a can of corn whose brand you’ve known and trusted for many years, you’re likely to be repulsed, but not repelled from buying it again. Why? Because of the loyal relationship that has been developed through the years. If this can be said of groceries, blue jeans, and automobiles, it must be all too true of meaningful relationships among people!

Yet, what does loyalty look like?

Loyalty’s hands are gnarled and calloused from constant laboring.
Loyalty’s face is creased with the wrinkles of experience.
Loyalty’s back is muscular from years of load bearing.
Loyalty’s eyes are perceptive of reality, yet full of unique wisdom.
Loyalty’s heart beats with both warmth and strength for its true friends.
In short, loyalty is the bedrock that unshakable, authentic relationships must be built on.

In your worship this week, think about the loyalty that exists for those who are in Christ: both the relationship we enjoy with Jesus and the relationship the Father has with the Son. Craft your daily worship habits in such a way as to act in greater loyalty to those you have relationship with. Also, contemplate on what it might take for you to become faithful as God is faithful.

Resounding Themes:

Unchanging God
Steadfastness
Reflecting Jesus
Authentic Community

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- Who is the most loyal person you know? Relate a circumstance when their loyalty towards you produced an amazing result? Are you a naturally loyal person?

- Who is you best friend in this life? Why? Can you point to a single circumstance in you relationship that solidified this bond, or was it a series of circumstances that has grown and matured it? Are you able to share everything with this person? Even the darkest parts of your makeup that no one else knows? If not, what keeps you from being fully known by them? If you have, what has sharing in this way done for you?

- How is it possible for a friend to be able to love at all times? Are there times when you are unlovable? Your friends? What truth under girds all true friendships? Is it true that brothers and sisters are necessary during times of adversity? Relate a time when you’ve found that to be all too true.

Ready, Set, PRAY

Yahweh…even to type Your true name brings awe and terror. Yet, in as much as the ancients could not bring themselves to fathom such a feat, we now have the confidence to call upon You fully – with both fear and adoration. You God were faithful Abraham, You were faithful to Moses, You were faithful to David, and You are still faithful today. We worship You Yahweh! Your loyalty to humankind is measurable only by the bond of Your Covenant. For as You speak Truth, O God, that Truth is as reliable as bedrock - as is the cornerstone. Lord, any ability we boast in this life to be loyal to others is a direct reflection of Your model to us. Grant us the constancy of a faithful heart. In times of adversity, may we serve as anchors for those in distress. And as we experience that dark night of the soul, would You surround us with loved ones that are willing to go the distance with us. We pray to a faithful God, through a faithful Son. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!