Cite some worship practice that seems to help others but leaves you cold and empty. Prayerfully explore the uses and aim of that worship practice as well as why it doesn’t touch you.

When I think of a worship practice that doesn't resonate with me, it would have to be responsive reading. I think it might not be the actual practice itself, but the format and way that it is done. Often it just feels like we are going through the motions in reading something, or we are going through a dirge that no one is really interested in or engaging in. I think responsive reading would have to be presented in a different light or style if it were to be a more engaging act of worship for me. 

I listened to a sermon from a pastor this evening who comes from a line of liberation theology. In the 30 minutes of listening, I felt much of what he was saying was accurate, and resonated with my soul in where God was calling me and all believers to be. He was preaching a wonderful message of reconciliation, and in the midst of all of that, he took a political shot, questioning the intelligence of a prominent politician, for no real apparent reason. This politician is a follower of Christ, a believer in the same ministry of reconciliation that this pastor was espousing; why did he feel it was all right, or even necessary, to tear down somebody for no reason, other than to make a joke? His message was powerful, but a senseless comment made in a few seconds does a lot to negate the positives from his message.

As I write this, I am convicted. I too, have been guilty of saying something that was deemed offensive by a member of the audience. It is for this reason that I preach a scripted sermon. Every single thing I say from the pulpit has been written out; it has been practiced, and it has been preached to an empty room. I want to make sure that when I stand in the pulpit, I do nothing but lift up the great name of our Lord, and share his message of love and reconciliation. The only time I have ever regretted saying something was when I said something I had no plan of saying. I have to make sure that I show myself study approved, and off the cuff marks will not help in the venture, even to get a laugh.

One idea, Bible verse, or story that make an impression on me in class today was when I read Genesis 1:1-2 and John 1:1-2 for my assignment that was due. It brought me to a realization of all the Beginnings that God is a part of. In the Beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. God was there in my beginning. He was there in my faith beginning. He is there in the beginning of my children's beginnings. He is always there, ever present, ever loving, ever available to reach out to. God is so good indeed, and I am excited for all of the beginnings that I get to be a part of as I live my life serving Him!

In your journal write a prayer of confession that could be used in a worship service:

Father, I pray now for the hearts, minds, body, and souls of those individuals who are in this place. I pray that they would sense your presence in this place today. As they recognize that you are here among them, my prayer is that you would reach out to them, that they would turn away from the sin that so easily entangles, and the things in their life that are holding them down. I pray that they would turn over themselves to you, forsaking their sin, and asking you to be their Lord and Savior. I pray that they can learn to love you with all that they are, and that you will continue to put people in their life that will guide them and direct them on this great journey of walking in relationship with you. Thank you for continuing to work your great work at changing hearts and lives. Amen.

My small group raised an issue that I hadn’t considered before: During Sunday school, we talked about Samson, and the concept of whether God promotes revenge. Samson states in the temple of Dagon: "Lord, give me my strength one last time so I might get revenge for my two eyes" that were gouged out by the Philistines. Does God allow for Samson to seek disproportional revenge on his enemies? The answer is no. God giving Samson his strength did not simply allow him to enact vengeance; it was part of God's plan all along for Samson to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The revenge factor was just a by-product of God's greater purpose at work.

When I complete my present ministry assignment, will I be remembered for my character or for my reputation?

I think the answer to that question will be largely determined by the degree for which people know and interact with me. I think those that only know me from a distance will remember me for my reputation, because the only base line that they will have to work with is what they have heard about me or what they have witnessed from a distance. Those who actually get to know me and build relationships with me will remember me for my character. 

What evidence is there that Christ’s character is being formed in you, and you are growing and maturing in Christlikeness?

I think the evidence of Christ growing in me is found in the fruits of my relationship with him. I am continuing to grow and mature into the man, husband, father, and leader that God is calling me to be. My faith and trust in him grows each day, and I find myself relying on him more and more. The biggest evidence is praying for his help! I used to try to do things all on my own strength, but now I rely more and more on the source of strength for me. God is so good, and he is continuing to make me into the person he wants me to be.

Reflect on your experience in the small-group exercise in class or another recent small group experience. What did God say to you in the Bible reflection time?

I love the time in the small group where people can share their praises, needs, and requests. I think this is such a beautiful and wonderful time of people connecting with each other, lifting each other up, and encouraging and providing strength to one another. I think this in a lot of ways can sometimes be more important than the study that has been prepared, yet it is something that can often be done at the very last second when a teacher has been long winded. 

Study Psalm 108:1-5 and write the lyrics to a song of praise. Use a familiar tune if you wish.

My heart, O God, is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music with all my soul.
² Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.
³ I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
⁴ For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
⁵ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

All right, lets give this a shot:

Let the music play,
Let the music play,
Lets sing out with all our heart and soul.

Let the music play,
Let the music play,
For the love of god is higher than can be told.

Be exalted o God.
Be exalted o God.

We will praise you
We will praise you.

Be exalted o God.

We will seek your way
we will seek your way
For great is your love for us everday

We will seek your way
we will seek your way
For your glory fills the nations and the earth.

Be exalted o God.
Be exalted o God.

We will praise you
We will praise you.

Be exalted o God.