This is a guest post by Tim Chester, coauthor of Why the Reformation Still Matters. This post is part of our 10 Things You Should Know blog series. 1. The Pope started the Reformation. The fourteenth century was a bad time for the papacy. For a period, there were two
Author: parkwayworshipministry
Unbroken Praise – Song Devotional
Matt Redman
Even though it’s the title song of the album, Unbroken Praise was the last one to be written.
The day before the recording I’d been looking through the songs selected and felt we were missing something; a simple song, one with not too many lyrics or chords, an expression of praise that talks about bringing God an offering of wor-ship.
I called Jonas Myrin who came straight from the airport, and he and I finished it at 11:30pm in Abbey Road studios.
I’d been playing around with the phrase unbroken praise and it seemed that there might be a song in there. To me it’s all about bringing God an offering of wor-ship that’s as worthy of Him as possible. So the song talks about praise unen-ding, praise unfailing, praise untainted. It talks about surrender and devotion, of bringing the overflow and outpouring an offering of our hearts and lives.
That last point is the one thing that this song really tries to hammer home; we need to back up the things we sing. My favourite line on this whole record comes from this song’s bridge: ‘let my deeds outrun my words, but let my life outweigh my songs.’
Ultimately that’s what worship is all about. It has to mean surrender, some de-gree of life change. If it doesn’t, our worship is just singing.
There’s a great example of this in Psalm 95. ‘Come let us sing for joy’ he writes before encouraging us to ‘bow down and worship’. After the joy and reverence comes the clear instruction: ‘today if only you would hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…’
We have to make the complete offering, to back up our songs and sounds with a life of humble obedience and full surrender to Jesus.
What’s worship without change? It’s just a game.
From WeAreWorship.com
Good Good Father – A Song Devotional
The Bible is not discreet about our relationship with God. It is clear. God is our Father; we are His children. In fact, God is identified as our Father 265 times in scripture. Most of those are found in the New Testament because through Christ, we have a new identity as an adopted child of God.
Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:7 says, “Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”
You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
The word “father” invokes up all sorts of images for people. For some, “father” is associated with warm memories, laughter, family trips or long conversations on a front porch. For others the word is associated with absence, rejection, hurt, or pain. At times, we have greatly distorted what the role of a father was intended to be.
This is why it’s so important to understand that God is not only our Father, but He is a good Father.
You may believe you are a child of God, but do you believe, really believe to your very core, that you are loved by God? This can be a difficult truth to grasp, even for the most fervent believer. Guilt, shame and sin can prevent us from believing in and experiencing the love of God. Bitterness and past experiences remain in our hearts and minds and over the years, we grab hold of a lie that He wants good for others, but not for ourselves.
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
This sort of thinking is counter to what scripture says about God as our Father. Think about how the Father figure of God is described and what this says about His character:
He embraces the prodigal son, and the older brother—He is loving, accepting and patient. (Luke 15)
He takes care of the sparrows but says He cares much more for his children than the sparrows—He provides and is attuned to our needs. (Matthew 10)
He goes after every single lost sheep until it is found—He pursues a relationship with us and doesn’t ever get tired of looking after the lost. (Luke 15)
The two truths that have the most transformative power in your life are that you are God’s child and God is a good Father. Tell yourself that today, over and over. It’s who you are, and it’s who He is.
Devotional by Andrea Lucado
“Good Good Father” Words and Music by Anthony Brown and Pat Barrett
From WorshipTogether.com
Worship in the Joy of the Lord
Worship in the Joy of the Lord is a curated collection of over 300 quotations on the deep meaning and purpose of Christian public worship.
- By: John D. Witvliet
- Publisher: Calvin College Press, 2016
Worship in the Joy of the Lord: Selections from Chip Stam’s Worship Quote of the Week is a curated collection of over 300 quotations on the deep meaning and purpose of Christian public worship designed to inspire, challenge, and equip worshipers and worship leaders to be transformed by the renewing gospel of Jesus Christ.
Edited by Calvin Institute for Christian Worship and John D. Witvliet.
Purchase a copy online from Amazon.
Endorsements
Chip Stam was a gift to the church. This anthology is a deep treasure chest full of Chip’s carefully assembled refl ections. It is an invaluable volume for anyone who treasures Christian worship.
Constance M. Cherry, Indiana Wesleyan University
This collection of worship quotes displays Chip’s unceasing desire to worship the Savior, proclaim the gospel that changed him, and encourage that passion in others.
Bob Kauflin, Sovereign Grace Music
From Aristotle to Wesley, and everybody in between and before and aft er, Chip Stam has done us the irreplaceable service of gathering worship quotes so that we can drink from the wisdom of the ages and ponder the saints’ insights. These extracts are gems that I will treasure and continue to apply to the Church and her worship. I love this book!
Marva J. Dawn, Christians Equipped for Ministry
Chip Stam was not only a source of much personal wisdom about worship that glorifies God, but he also had the gift of pointing us to other sources of wisdom. We miss him, but the gift lives on in his wonderful collection of gems about bringing more joy into our worshiping lives!
Richard J. Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary
What a rich resource of God-centered, biblically sound and theologically profound reflections! Our brother Chip has provided us a feast of gleanings from a wonderful variety of different authors and sources. A fountain of devotional resources for every worshiper (and, with the index, an invaluable sourcebook for the desk of the pastor or worship leader), this collection bubbles with life and wisdom and love for Christ—as did Chip himself. Drink deeply from this well and be refreshed!
Ron Man, First Evangelical Church, Memphis, Tennessee
In Memoriam: Carl (“Chip”) L. Stam (1953-2011)
Chip Stam was a frequent speaker at Symposium, attending regularly even when not presenting. He came out of his warm-hearted love and passionfor the worship and music of the church, which developed into a close relationship with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Chip had been director of choral music at Notre Dame University and pastor of worship and music at Chapel Hill Bible Church before moving to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000, where he became the founding director of their Institute for Christian Worship. One of Chip’s best loved legacies was his “Worship Quote of the Week,” an on-line devotional (that ran from 1995-2011) that mined the wisdom of church leaders throughout Christian history in ways to challenge Christians today. His contagious joy was present even when wearing a back brace the last time he was able to be present at Symposium, during his four-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
About the Author
John D. Witvliet
John D. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and professor of worship, theology, & congregational and ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. Read more »
View other Publications or Resources by John Witvliet.
Humility Looks Good on Everyone
by Louie Giglio
REFLECTION
Jesus is the King of Kings, yet He arrived as a humble servant. Humility is not thinking you are less, it is never forgetting the fact that it is Jesus who made you more. So, how do you become like Jesus? How do you develop a spirit of humility?
Humility is the byproduct of being with Jesus. Anyone who walks intimately with Him will not think more highly of himself than he should. To be loved by Jesus and invited into a relationship with Him, is all we need to right-size ourselves and to assume His gentleness and grace.
To be humble doesn’t mean you have to be weak. God has given you all you need to live confidently as His. The proud will never truly lift up God’s name in praise. Yet He raises the humble to new heights.
MEDITATION AND PRAYER
A Private Litany of Humility
From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of comfort and ease, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being criticized, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being passed over, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being lonely, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being hurt, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering, deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, strengthen me with your Spirit.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, teach me your ways.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
help me put my self-importance aside
to learn the kind of cooperation with others
that makes possible the presence of your Abba’s household. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by Rafael,
Cardinal Merry Del Val, 1865–1930
Louie Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of Passion Conferences—a global movement of college-aged people living for the fame of Jesus Christ. A dynamic and effective communicator, Louie holds a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Atlanta.
Glory In The Highest
by Louie Giglio
REFLECTION
God has no equal. No rivals. No shortages. No needs. He is before all things and at the end of the day He will be the last one standing. The world is filled with “little g” gods, but our God made the heavens and the earth. No one compares to Him. No one even comes close.
So as you wait on Him today, give Him praise. Maybe your circumstances appear to be upside down, but His throne is decidedly right-side up! Praise Him in the waiting. Exalt Him in the wondering. So don’t ask for much today, just keep lifting up the Name above every name. Let that Name ground your heart and still your soul. Let your praise drown out all others who contend for your allegiance and affection. When you do, your very song will lift your thoughts to the very highest place.
MEDITATION
Glory in the Highest
You are the first
You go before
You are the last
Lord, You’re the encore
Your name’s in lights for all to see
The starry host declare Your glory
Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest
Apart from You there is no god
Light of the world
The Bright and Morning Star
Your name will shine for all to see
You are the One
You are my glory
And no one else could ever compare
To You, Lord
All the earth together declares . . .
Glory in the highest . . . to You, Lord
All the earth will sing Your praise
The moon and stars, the sun and rain
Every nation will proclaim
That You are God and You will reign
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory to You, Lord
Glory, glory hallelujah
Hallelujah
Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash
PRAYER
Father, what shall I say to You? You have no equal or rival. My words and my thoughts are so small when compared to You. I have seen the starry night and it cannot hold a candle to Your glory. Expand my faith and give me words as I seek to join the anthem of Your praise.
All praise is Yours, now and forever. I will walk in that truth today. I will believe it. And act like it. And pray like it. And give like it. And praise like there is none like You. Amen!
Louie Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of Passion Conferences—a global movement of college-aged people living for the fame of Jesus Christ. A dynamic and effective communicator, Louie holds a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Atlanta.
Whom Shall I Fear?
by Louie Giglio
REFLECTION
In the midst of the fray and fury, keep your eyes on Jesus. He is fighting for you. Emmanuel is near. Though accusations fly and the enemy assaults your thoughts, though people try to cut you down and drag your name through the mud, though schemes are launched and temptations roar, though your flesh fails and screams for revenge—your hope is in the One who fights for you. You are safe in God’s love and in the power of His mighty name.
MEDITATION
Fear Not to Trust Me in the Storm
Fear not to trust Me in the storm,
I’m always very near.
I come thy needless fears to calm,
Then, weary ones, don’t fear.
Refrain
Fear not, I am with thee,
Fear not, I am with thee,
Fear not, I am with thee,
Am with thee all the way.
I may not always seem so near
As thou wouldst have Me be;
But in the calm and in the storm,
I all thy dangers see.
Refrain
Fear not to trust My mighty arm;
It bro’t salvation down.
I suffered much to give thee life,
To give to thee a crown.
Refrain
J.W. Howe, Stanzas 1–3
PRAYER
Father, in the middle of the storm I am setting my hope on You. You fight for me and You are greater than all my enemies. Nothing I face today is more powerful than You. You are the solid ground beneath my feet. Thank You for surrounding those who surround me. Give me peace in the presence of my enemies, knowing that You see me and defend me in Your love. Amen.
Louie Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of Passion Conferences—a global movement of college-aged people living for the fame of Jesus Christ. A dynamic and effective communicator, Louie holds a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Atlanta.
God Works While We Wait
by Louie Giglio
REFLECTION
If we are honest, we all hate to wait. In fact, most often we say something like, “I can’t believe this is taking so long; it’s costing me time I don’t have!” That’s because most of us consider waiting to be wasting. But it’s not so with our God.
God works while we wait. Even when you can’t see what He is doing, God is always orchestrating the events of heaven and earth to accomplish His purposes for your life. Trust in His unfailing love—love that moved Him to send a Savior from heaven to restore and rescue you. God’s plans for your life will not be thwarted. Wait patiently, knowing that waiting is never wasted when you are waiting on God.
MEDITATION
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
PRAYER
Father, I am here waiting for You. My heart and hands are open to Your purposes and plans for my life. Give me the patience I so desperately need and lead me in my waiting. Though my feelings may not be there just yet, I believe You are moving on my behalf right this minute, protecting, defending, preparing, providing. Give me grace to keep trusting in You in the face of the gale force winds of doubt that are blowing all around me. Anchor my heart in You. Amen.
Louie Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of Passion Conferences—a global movement of college-aged people living for the fame of Jesus Christ. A dynamic and effective communicator, Louie holds a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Atlanta.
Just the Right Time
By Louie Giglio
REFLECTION
A Savior had been promised to God’s people for centuries. They longed and prayed for rescue. And then on the right day, in the right place, at the right time, Jesus was born. While God rarely comes at our appointed time, He always comes at the right time.
All of us are waiting on something, often wondering if God has forgotten us. In your waiting, let the birth of Christ encourage you. Just because God hasn’t come through (as far as you can see), it doesn’t mean He has abandoned you. To Him a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. This very minute He’s working for His glory and for your good. Though circumstances say otherwise, God is going to come through, on schedule, fulfilling His long-appointed plans for you. Don’t give up before the time is right.
Take hope in the manger and know that you are loved and prized by the God who stepped down from heaven and arrived at the perfect time for you.
MEDITATION
Hark the Glad Sound
Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes,
The Savior promised long;
Let ev’ry heart prepare a throne,
And ev’ry voice a song.
He comes the pris’ners to release,
In Satan’s bondage held.
The gates of brass before Him burst,
The iron fetters yield.
He comes the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of His grace
To enrich the humble poor.
Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim,
And heav’ns eternal arches ring
With Thy beloved name.
Philip Doddridge, 1702–1751
PRAYER
Father, meet me in the waiting, the place where I long for what is not fully in view. Still my heart and give me the ability to know that You are near. I believe Your plans are good. I see it in the birth of Your only Son.
But sometimes I struggle to see beyond the haze that surrounds me. Renew my confidence as I lift my eyes to You. Be glorified in my life during this season of expectation. Amen.
Louie Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of Passion Conferences—a global movement of college-aged people living for the fame of Jesus Christ. A dynamic and effective communicator, Louie holds a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Atlanta.
The Story Behind “He Who is Mighty”
by in —Christmas, —Songwriting, —Sovereign Grace Music
He Who is Mighty is one of my favorite songs from our Christmas album, Prepare Him Room. Every time I’ve led it, which I’ve done both during and beyond the Christmas season, the response has been immediate and enthusiastic.
I asked Rebecca Elliott, one of the writers, to share a little of the story behind the song, which she co-wrote with Kate DeGraide.
For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (Luke 1:49)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2)
Mary, Jesus’ mother, has always been a hero of mine, and the Magnificat is one of my favorite details of the Christmas story. In the midst of all the amazing and terrifying things God was doing in her life, her response was to sing praise and declare God’s power and faithfulness! Her courage and obedience is convicting and inspiring, and I have frequently thought of her example when asking the Lord for the strength and humility to submit to His leading in my life.
I had also never heard a song based on the Magnificat that moved my heart in the same way that reading the passage did, so when Kate and I sat down to write a Christmas song, Luke 1:46-55 was my first suggestion for a text. In retrospect, it is clear to me how appropriate it was that we were drawing inspiration from Mary’s Song mere weeks after the births of my daughter and Kate’s son.
I am supremely grateful to have been able to work on this song with my dear friend Kate, who is a fantastic songwriter and editor. We have talked about how humbled and joyful we are to hear others sing this song in worship. It is my hope and prayer that the Lord continues to use it to edify and encourage the church, and inspire the same awe that Mary felt when she sang her song of praise and surrender to God.
Rebecca and Kate sing the song below. You can download all the sheet music at the Sovereign Grace Music website.
Parkway Worship Ministry 