After a weekend full of allergies and voice exhaustion, I had nothing but a raspy, squeaky, hoarse voice to lead our church with today. I made a comment in one of the services that, “Even on my best day, I’m not be able to give an adequate sacrifice of worship to my Father.” I truly mean that. How do you …
This one isn’t even their fault. Located in Flippin, AR, this church sign never had a chance. One look at their website and they seem to be a real caring congregation. The name of their town is just simply funny to me.
Today was a busy and yet great day. I actually had the privilege to be ministering in one way or the other in 3 different ways today. Love seeing what God is doing in lives around me. North Side I didn’t get to be at North Side this morning, but I put a lot of Bible study, prayer, and preparation …
I’m a fan of gospel music. That is, music that focuses on the gospel. Regardless of the art form, I always appreciate any genre that explains the truths of God’s Word (Col. 3:16) and does so in an excellent manner (Ps. 33:3). A few years ago I was introduced to Reach Records’ KB who was performing at a Passion conference. …
If you weren’t aware, Fred Phelps has died. (CNN) — Fred Phelps — the founding pastor of a Kansas church known for its virulently anti-gay protests at public events, including military funerals — has died, the church said Thursday. The 84-year-old died of natural causes at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, according to church spokesman Steve Drain. Phelps founded Westboro Baptist Church of …
Special day. In our attempt to be faithful to 2 Peter and in our desire to protect the flock, we have been digging in deep concerning false teachers. We started our services today by singing “He Is Exalted” and “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” After this opening time, we huddled up in smaller groups for a special time …
Many folks are celebrating Lent currently leading up to Easter. Lent was created by the Catholic Church hundreds of years after Jesus as a way to deprive oneself of certain things to focus more on Jesus. While other folks outside of the Catholic Church celebrate it now, it is not a biblical command. Even though I don’t practice Lent, this …
Knowing the characteristics of false teachers helps us determine who to guard ourselves against. This was an incredible focus for us today as we discussed the truth about false teachers. On Spring Forward Sunday, the church was still eager to go deeper! We began our worship service by singing “Sing and Shout” and “Holy.” During our offering time, we watched …
I have heard mixed reviews over the weekend concerning the Son of God movie that was released. The work of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey has been anticipated by many following the History Channel’s The Bible series which was very successful. I have heard three camps of thought concerning the movie: “It’s the most incredible thing I have ever seen.” …
Our focus for today was 2 Peter 2:4-10 and we talked about a “feel-good” topic of the wrath of God. God is in opposition to everything that is in opposition to Him and His justice brings forth His wrath. [Tweet “God is in opposition to everything that is in opposition to Him.”] We got to begin our services with baptism …
The internet changes everything. In this age of information, we have access to more positive and negative resources than ever before. It definitely changes the Church culture in America. Where we once competed with the church down the street, we now compete with the church across the state or across the globe. Christians get into a public display of affection …
Powerful and sobering day at North Side. We focused on 2 Peter 2:1-3 concerning the topic of “False Prophets.” We are warned to beware of those among us who distort and twist the truth of God for their own advantage. To begin our time, we focused on the words of Psalm 100 before singing “Enter His Gates” and “Sing and …
“The Cornerstone” is the 3rd song from the “Stand Firm” project. The song started with 1 Peter 2:4-8 as we studied through 1 Peter. The Scripture 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, …
Friday night, Amanda and I were finishing up for the night when our house began to shake significantly. When any type of strange phenomena happens, Amanda repeatedly yells, “Trav? Trav? Trav!” This time was no different. With fear in her eyes, she began yelling my name and jumped out of her chair and said, “Trav, what is that?” The primary …
Over lunch today, I told Amanda: “I have never seen such a hunger for God in our congregation than what I am seeing right now.” It’s true. The people are rising up to be all that God has called them to be. Their worship is more sincere. Their intentionality is through the roof. The expectations are rising. It’s incredible to …
I had some friends fill out an ipersonic personality profile and I was intrigued. It was kinda scary how much it nailed me: Independent Thinkers Independent Thinkers are analytical and witty persons. They are normally self-confident and do not let themselves get worked up by conflicts and criticism. They are very much aware of their own strengths and have no …
This bad church sign reads: HARDEST JOB FOR A WOMAN: PRETEND TO BE DUMMER THAN A MAN Questions: What does this mean? What is this trying to mean? Who put this on the sign? Man or woman? Is this smart person aware they have a spelling mistake? Is this the hardest job for a woman? [Tweet “HARDEST JOB FOR A …
2nd week of our 2nd Peter series. Loving this study so far. The Peak band led us in worship today. They did such a fantastic job leading us. Their talent is great, but I love their heart even more! They began with “Our God” and “Always.” I loved hearing our church sing out – I feel like the church is …
We led the song “Holy” on Sunday from the “Stand Firm” project. This was the second song we worked on composing as a group and has been one of our church’s favorites to sing. The song is based off of 1 Peter 1:13-2:3. The Scripture 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on …
I can still remember the specific conversation in seminary. We were discussing the practice of ministry as it relates to a pastor’s schedule. How many hours should one spend in preparing sermons? How many hours should be utilized for pastoral care (hospital visits, counseling, etc.)? It was a rather interesting conversation. Some guys didn’t know what their schedule was or …
True followers of Christ share a common faith. This faith is drastically different that what many professing Christians exhibit today. In this service, we examined what saving faith looks like. After celebrating baptisms in both of our services (which is always great to experience), we continued our worship time together with “Something About That Name” (in which Richenda sang her …
It has been so encouraging to hear the feedback from folks concerning the “Stand Firm” album we released on Sunday. We actually sold out of the first batch, that was a shocker! No worries, we do have some additional copies available now and you can also get your copy on iTunes. The first song on the project is called “Living …
I normally don’t enjoy email forwards, but every once in a while, you get something special. Oftentimes, I disregard the email if it reads anything like, “If you love Jesus, you will forward this to your 100 best friends, do a handstand, and rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time while whistling, ‘Amazing Grace.’” I think …
These 12 songs were written straight from the text of 1 Peter, walking systematically through the message of that book. The message is simple: as followers of Jesus, we can stand firm regardless of our circumstances. We can endure these fleeting trials. On the midst of trials, we can confidently sing: “O blessed be our God and Father, praise to Jesus Christ, …
What a fantastic day to celebrate as a church! To finish up the 1 Peter series, we read through the entire book as a church and worshiped at every turn. We did all 13 tracks from the “Stand Firm” album as Jeff read through the passages. We have introduced these songs along the way, but doing it completely through this …
I had this crazy idea to write a worship album from 1 Peter. It was going to be difficult to complete it in the timeframe, but the lofty goal was exciting to the crew. When I first mentioned the idea, they were all in and we got to work feverishly on it. We decided that we would introduce the songs …
“Declare Your Praise” is one of my favorite songs from the album due to the text and the unique arrangement of the track. It is track #4 on this 13-track project – which will be available this Sunday, Jan. 26th. We are worshiping through the entire book of 1 Peter on Sunday at both 9:30 and 11. The song’s text …
We stand best when we stand on the truth and we stand together. Today was the final sermon from 1 Peter. Spending six months in that book has been incredible – so much I am still processing. It couldn’t have been a more timely message series for our congregation. I got the privilege of praying over this service and planning …
“My Hope” is one of the songs off of the “Stand Firm” worship project singing through the Book of 1 Peter. This fun bluegrass tune uses banjo, harmonica, mandolin, cowbell, and about anything else we could find. We are releasing the live worship album on January 26th, until then though, you can watch the video above. The album will be …
This week’s church sign: “THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS WITHIN LEGALIZE MARIJUANA.” Well, at least we are clear concerning their stance on the issue. I wonder if they are implying that the usage of marijuana assists in experiencing the kingdom of heaven within? Interesting theory. I am sure you experience something. Regardless of whether you agree with their opinion or …
We led the song “Humble Yourselves” yesterday from the upcoming “Stand Firm” project. I had so many encouraging comments on the power and intensity of this song. One gentlemen said he was still trembling from it after the service and came up and said that song needs to be recorded. I was happy to be able to tell him it …
What a powerful day. Loved it all around. Our Scripture focus was 1 Peter 5:6-11. As Peter concludes his letter, he reminds us of several truths that encourage us to stand firm in times of trouble. We started the service with “Friend of God.” To know that God cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7) is still an overwhelming thought for …
On Sunday, we played the song “Shepherd the Flock” for the first time at North Side. John Kennerly sang it at our Epworth Night of Worship, but since he was out of town this weekend, they were stuck with me singing it ;). The song is based off of 1 Peter 5:1-5. The Scripture 1 Peter 5:1 So I exhort …
Such a great way to start 2014. Loved hearing the rowdy worshipers get after it at first during “How Great Thou Art” and “We Rejoice.” After that Lacy Little interviewed Stacie K. about her upcoming work in South Asia. Stacie was a part of North Side during her time at Lander. It was so great to hear how God used …
I almost retired from blogging. Almost. It was November. I was busy. Too busy. The last few months had been one big project stacked on another and I wasn’t out of the clear yet. I was teaching a lot. Counseling a lot. And we had event after event after event. And while I loved blogging, I didn’t have the time …
North Side Worship’s next release will be available onSunday, January 26, 2013. The latest album is entitled “Stand Firm” and is a collection of 13 songs written during our “Stand Firm” series at North Side as we have studied through the Book of 1 Peter. Recorded live at Epworth Camp on Nov. 9th, these collection of songs sing through the …
For the Christian, pain and rejoicing are not mutually exclusive. We can and should experience them both at the same time. As the last services of 2013, we were able to receive some wonderful encouragement through Scripture. 1 Peter 4:12-19 serve as a great look back over last year and a great perspective for the year to come. Suffering is coming …
The Christmas Eve service at North Side has become one of my favorite times of the year. While we have had many memorable moments worshiping together in that room, this year’s Christmas Eve service may have been one of the most special. I don’t think I have ever heard the volume from the congregation be as loud as it was …
I love celebrating Jesus with our church family. Today was a rainy Sunday before Christmas and yet the house was full of joy! Each Sunday this month we have started our services with some type of instrumental piece. Today, we started with a flute choir and they did fantastic. Led by Leah Wilson, we had five ladies who played, and …
Great day to celebrate the life in our church! We started the services out with a piano Christmas instrumental. Inspired by the Piano Guys, we wanted to come up with our own arrangement of Christmas carols but take the lid off the piano and get a bit creative. The biblical call is to “play skillfully on the strings” (Psalm 33:3) …
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