Chris's Musings

'So they called together all of the rulers of the Philistines and asked them, "What shall we do with the ark of the god of Israel?'" - 1 Samuel 5:8 In my devotional reading time this morning, I ran across a story that I've always found somewhat amusing (this narrative has been preached by Louie at Passion Conferences before), but somehow today God popped a couple of thoughts in my mind that I thought I'd share. Over in the book of first Samuel (the story about how Israel's monarchy started beginning with the rise of Samuel the judge), the writer records how the Philistines annihilate Israel's army while two uber-corrupt priests are judges over Israel (a quasi-kind-of their version of the King at the time).  These two dudes decide to bring the ark of the covenant out to battle after they were beaten, as a trump card for their next battle, and in the process were slaughtered and the Philistines capture the ark and take it into their city (this is rec

Ever catch one of those songs that you have to play over and over?  That was me, running over along the Hooch this afternoon.  Four times, actually.  After a week like I've had, these were good words to remind my soul of whom my hope rests in.   Nothing can separate Even if I ran away Your love never fails God, your faithfulness doesn't depend on me. I know I still make mistakes But You have new mercies for me everyday Your love never fails Please cleanse my heart and let it come alive with passion for you Lord.  I want to experience your mercy over me. Chorus: You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning And when the oceans rage I don't have to be afraid Because I know that You love me Your love never fails This is the part that got me - even when it seems like the tide is pressing up against me, I don't have to fear because I belong to Jesus.  His love for me never fails

As many of you know, I serve every week at my church with our kids services as a worship singer.  This is a really cool experience because singing is something I love, and I get to be a part of creating an environment for kids absorbing God's truth and wisdom principles that I wish I had in my life when I was a kid.  It's definitely one thing that motivates me a lot when I serve there. And secretly (don't tell the kids this), most of us adults, including me, need the same messages.  Yes, these life lessons aren't just for 8 year olds.  Shocking.   This month, we are talking about grace, which is a huge concept to a 29 year old much less a 9 year old (if we really understood God's grace, it would totally rock our worlds).  As a result, for most of the sessions we've really been talking about grace in the context of forgiveness, and especially today extending forgiveness to those that we don't think "deserve it."  (actually, do we ever "